Manitoba Artists Infiltrate Austin Music Fest

An impressive group of Manitoba musicians are getting a head start on the spring thaw this month with a trip to Texas. But it’s not all sunburns and barbeque for the 10 local acts making their way south; they’ll be showcasing and networking at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin. The prestigious festival will put some of Manitoba’s most exciting and innovative acts on stage in front of powerful international music industry professionals. 

Now in its 23rd year, SXSW -- which runs March 15-20 -- is one of the world’s biggest music festivals and conferences, featuring over 1300 acts from across the globe performing in every imaginable genre. Manitoba acts will have the opportunity to perform for some of the industry's top names as well as rabid audiences in several Austin venues. 

For the first time, Manitoba Music will host a showcase of top talent from the keystone province at SXSW on March 17 at The Parish Underground. The line-up features breakout soul/pop duo Imaginary Cities, indie pop/rock outfits The Liptonians, Royal Canoe, The Details, and Hope Atlantic, and hip-hop act The Lytics, This show is the latest in Manitoba Music’s series of successful market development events highlighting homegrown talent, including three recent industry showcases in Toronto. Other Manitoba acts hitting the stage at SXSW include acclaimed singer/songwriter Christine Fellows, indie pop/rockers Les Jupes and Boats, and noisecore act KEN Mode. Rock band Domenica will also be performing in Austin.   

For the 13th year, Manitoba Music and MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC join forces to present the hottest party at SXSW on March 18 at the Radisson Town Lake. The exclusive event brings influential industry players together with the Manitoba delegation to network and further develop crucial working relationships.  

Manitoba artists and industry professionals were able to access financial support for their showcases at SXSW through the Market Access Program, a program jointly funded by Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music. 

MANITOBA AT SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST

Manitoba Music Showcase @ The Parish Underground
Thursday, March 17
featuring...
8pm - The Details
9pm - The Liptonians
10pm - Imaginary Cities
11pm - Royal Canoe
12am - Hope Atlantic 
1am - The Lytics

Additional showcases by Manitoba acts at SXSW 2011...

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
3pm - Imaginary Cities @ Brush Square (Canadian Blast Showcase)

THURSDAY, MARCH 17
3:55pm - Imaginary Cities @ Paradise (FACTOR Showcase)
8pm - Christine Fellows @ Paradise
12am - Boats @ The Marq

SATURDAY, MARCH 19
8pm - Les Jupes @ Speakeasy Kabaret
12am - KEN Mode @ Valhalla

For more information about SXSW, please visit www.sxsw.com.