Vancouver to Host Country Music Week 2009

The Canadian Country Music Association announced today that Vancouver, British Columbia will play host to Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards in 2009; which marks the first time the events will take place on the West Coast since 1987.

Today’s announcement was made in Vancouver by the Chair of the CCMA Board of Directors Heather Ostertag, who presented Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sports and the Arts, with a special award to commemorate Vancouver’s successful bid for Canada’s biggest week in country music. Also on hand for the announcement were honourary Co-Chairs of the Vancouver Host Committee, Lisa Brokop and Steve Darling.

“We are thrilled to be coming to Vancouver in 2009,” said Ostertag. “The support we have received so far, not only from the Bid Committee but also from the Province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver has been incredible. Vancouver is a beautiful city and we are excited to be bringing Canada’s top country artists to the fans.”

Lynn Robertson, Co-Chair of the Vancouver Bid Committee said, “We were delighted to hear that our bid submission was successful and we look forward to working with the CCMA to put together a memorable event for both the music industry and fans alike.”

“Our goal as a Host Committee is to make this the most enjoyable, most profitable and most attended event the CCMA has ever seen, said Co-Chair of the Bid Committee, Mark Jiles. “Having Country Music Week in Vancouver will not only benefit the music industry but also the community with the legacy fund we will set in place for disadvantaged youth.”

Country Music Week 2009 in Vancouver will be held September 11-14 with the CCMA Awards to be held September 14. Before heading to the West Coast, the CCMA will celebrate Country Music Week on the Prairies. For more details about Country Music Week 2008, September 5-8 in Winnipeg stay tuned to http://www.ccma.org.