Folk Unlocked: Folk Alliance International Launches Virtual Conference

Two artists from Manitoba will be taking the virtual stage at this month’s Folk Unlocked event, February 22-25. Presented by Folk Alliance International, Folk Unlocked is the online edition of the annual conference, bringing together artists, festival buyers, agents, media, and more from the folk and roots world.

Manitoba Music is joining forces with BreakOut West, SaskMusic, Alberta Music, and Music BC to present a pre-recorded digital showcase on February 22 at 3:30PM CST via the Folk Unlocked platform for conference participants.

Manitoba-based singer/songwriters Ila Barker and Kelly Bado will perform along with fellow Western Canadian artists Amelie Patterson and Mariel Buckley from Alberta, Jeffrey Straker and Last Birds from Saskatchewan, and The Crescent Sky and Tonye Aganaba from British Columbia. Click here for showcase details

Portage la Prairie's Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival will also present a showcase at Folk Unlocked on February 25. Streaming live via the festival's Facebook and YouTube, the showcase will feature 16 local acts including Lucien Spence, Chris Messytone, Ed and Rhea Goertzen, Fireball Paul Shepherd, Manon, and more. 

Bringing Manitoba music to new markets and intensifying business activity in existing markets is a key component of Manitoba Music's trade and business development activities. Current travel and activity restrictions due to COVID-19 make this work critical to supporting the industry and preparing for economic recovery.

Manitoba Music's market development initiatives are funded by FACTOR through the financial support of the Government of Canada and Canada's private radio broadcasters, and Manitoba Film & Music. The BreakOut West showcase at Folk Unlocked is also supported by the Gov. of Alberta, Gov. of Saskatchewan, Creative BC, and Creative Saskatchewan.