Memphis Bound

Nine Manitoba acts are heading to Memphis, Tennessee next week to showcase to the folk and roots music industry at the International Folk Alliance Conference. The annual event, now in its 21st year, is the premier professional development conference focused on folk, roots, multicultural and world music in North America and runs February 18 through 22, 2009.

Showcasing acts include some of Manitoba’s best up-and-coming as well as established artists, including Juno Award-winning outfit The Duhks and Western Canadian Music Award-winning singer/songwriter Romi Mayes. Singer/songwriters Alana Levandoski, Lindsay Jane, Matt Epp, J.P. Hoe, and Kerri Woelke will also showcase throughout the event, as will duo Jacob & Lily and band Jackpine.

Manitoba has built a reputation for its strong roots scene, dominating folk and roots categories at the Juno Awards and touring to sold-out halls throughout North American, Europe, Australia, and beyond. This year’s Juno nominations feature three Manitoba acts: Folk Alliance veterans Twilight Hotel and The Duhks, and new group Chic Gamine.

The showcases at this year’s conference offer artists the chance to perform for audiences that include folk festival buyers, agents, record labels, management, media, and more. Every year, Manitoba Music provides the framework for these artists to gain further exposure to the movers and shakers in the folk and roots community through networking opportunities at the Manitoba booth in the massive tradeshow hall.