Manitoba Music to Showcase at Virtual Thriving Roots Conference 

Indigenous Music West and Manitoba Music Export Spotlight Three Artists for Online Iteration of AmericanaFest

With music festivals and conferences pivoting online, Manitoba Music is finding new ways to shine a spotlight on stellar artists making waves in the national and international scene. Through the Indigenous Music West and Manitoba Music Export programs, Manitoba Music is presenting a special video showcase at the Thriving Roots Virtual Community Conference, the online iteration of the popular Nashville-based AmericanaFest.

Filmed in downtown Winnipeg at the Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club, the showcase features JUNO-winning soul/folk powerhouse Celeigh Cardinal, JUNO-nominated singer/songwriter Don Amero, and folktronica act Paul Bergman. Hosted by radio host, producer, filmmaker, and author Adeline Bird, the show will air on September 16 during the festival and then be available online for music fans after the conference.

The showcase is an opportunity for the artists to perform for and connect with influential music industry professionals, publishers, and songwriters within the Nashville brand of americana, country, blues, and roots in an online conference setting. It was made possible by the support of FACTOR and the Government of Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, and Manitoba Film and Music.

COVID restrictions may have necessitated changes to the way the music industry does business, but it hasn’t stopped the critical focus on career development and access to markets. The Thriving Roots event is one of several online pivots for Manitoba Music, including several professional development opportunities through MusicWorks, the MB Live online concert series, and upcoming export activities through Indigenous Music West and the Francophone Music Program.