Local Folk and Roots Acts Head to Niagara Falls for 25th Annual OCFF Conference

Posted on

Let the honeymoon with Manitoba’s renowned folk and roots scene continue! Next week, 13 Manitoba acts are travelling to Niagara Falls to showcase at the 25th annual Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF) conference, which runs October 14-16.

Manitoba Music has organized market development and showcasing opportunities for the Manitoba acts to present themselves both on stage and off to some of this country’s most influential members of the national folk, traditional, and roots music scene, as well as invited international delegates. The annual conference features four days of performances, workshops, special events, and panel discussions. OCFF is an important experience for more than 700 attendees, including artistic directors, presenters, and provincial, national, and international industry organizations.

Manitoba Music will once again host its annual “Manitoba Music presents...” showcases on October 14 and 15. Artists will also have the chance to take part in a trade show, networking with top festival and talent buyers, recording labels, managers, and more.

This year’s performers include some of Manitoba’s top touring acts and hottest up-and-coming performers from the local roots and folk scene, including Oh My Darling, Don Amero, Les Surveillantes, The Magnificent 7s, Crooked Brothers, The F-Holes, Demetra, Woody Holler, Jenny Berkel, Cara Luft, JP Hoe, Mark Reeves, Ridley Bent, and Justin Lacroix.

OCFF is the largest folk and roots music organization in Canada, representing over 1,200 members in its capacity as a recognized arts service organization.

Many of the Manitoba delegation received travel assistance from the Market Access Program, a funding program, jointly funded by Manitoba Music and MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC with the purpose of supporting Manitoba artists and music industry professionals in professional development, and attending and enhancing their presence at professionally organized music industry conferences and showcases. The Market Access Program is made possible by the generous support of the Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba through the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement.

In recent years, Manitoba Music has presented successful showcases at South by Southwest, Reeperbahn, Musexpo, North by Northeast, International Folk Alliance, Canadian Music Week, and more. The OCFF showcases are an initiative of Manitoba Music’s Market Development Program, which is funded by the Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba through the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement, and by FACTOR with the support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters.

Read more news