Manitoba Artists Take Over Memphis

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Seven Manitoba acts are heading to Memphis, Tennessee to showcase for the folk and roots music industry at the International Folk Alliance Conference. Running February 17-21, the 22nd annual event is the premier professional development conference focused on folk, roots, multicultural, and world music in North America.

This year’s showcasing acts include some of Manitoba’s best up-and-coming as well as established artists, including: singer/songwriters James Keelaghan, Matt Epp, J.P. Hoe, JD Edwards, and Del Barber, as well as duos Last Ditch on the Left, and former Duhks singer Jessee Havey with JD Edwards. Each artist will have three performances during Manitoba Music’s nightly showcases, which includes a late-night songwriter’s jam. Keelaghan and Epp will also play official showcases during the conference.

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. Manitoba Music will also co-present the special Canadian Reception, with other music industry organizations including FACTOR, SOCAN, Folks & Roots Music Canada, and more.

Manitoba artists were able to access financial support for their showcasing at Folk Alliance through the Market Access Program, a program jointly-funded by Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music.

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. Manitoba acts have won four out of the last five roots and traditional Junos for groups, including: Chic Gamine, Nathan, The Duhks, and The Wailin’ Jennys. Winnipeg was recently chosen to host to the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Awards on November 20.

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