Call for Proposals for Sound Symposium XVI

The Business for the Arts Awards – Nominations are now Open – Due April 15th

• The Edmund C. Bovey Award is given to an individual business professional who has demonstrated exemplary leadership support of the arts. The winner of the Bovey Award receives a unique work of art and $20,000 to donate to the arts organizations(s) of his or her choice.

• The Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Awards are comprised of four awards recognizing companies that have shown an outstanding commitment to the arts in Canada. Awards include: Best Entrepreneurial Partnership, Most Effective Corporate Program, Most Innovative Marketing Sponsorship and Small Business Partnership.

• The Arnold Edinborough Award recognizes an individual young professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and volunteerism in the arts. The Arnold Edinborough Award winner receives a unique work of art and $5,000 to donate to the arts organization(s) of his or her choice.

Business for the Arts is partnering with the Globe and Mail and CTV/Bravo to help you recognize the businesses and volunteers who have helped your cultural organization to thrive and flourish. Nominations are now open for the Business for the Arts awards, recognizing Canada’s great business leaders in the arts. Winning arts-business partnerships will be profiled through our national media partnerships, (including a series of ads in the Globe and Mail and a 30min segment on Bravo’s Arts & Minds), and on-stage at our annual awards gala in the Fall, which attracts 400+ of Canada’s arts and business leaders. This is a fabulous opportunity to thank your private sector partners on a grand scale for all they do for your organization.

There is certainly an individual in your midst who has donated tremendous amounts of time, talent and treasure who is deserving of the Bovey Award, and the $20,000 prize that comes with it to donate to the arts organization of their choice; or an under 40 star volunteer who would be eligible for the Arnold Edinborough Award, and the complementing $5,000 award prize, again to be donated to the arts organization of their choice. There is also likely a small business and national corporation who has done wonders for your organization as a sponsor, both in-kind and/or monetarily. This is your chance to tell these stories of private philanthropy and contribution from the private sector. And our chance as a sector to help inspire others to follow suit!

To learn more about our awards program and nomination process,

please visit businessforthearts.org OR contact Kaija Corlazzoli, Gala Producer at (416) 871-4275 or k_corlazzoli@businessforthearts.org

Newfoundland Multi-Instrumentalist Rozalind MacPhail Launches Painted Houses Project

St. John’s, Friday March 18 – At The Ship Inn on Thursday April 7th at 9pm, Newfoundland-based composer/multi-instrumentalist Rozalind MacPhail will be launching the much anticipated Painted Houses project.

In partnership with the prestigious Dawson City International Short Film Festival, Painted Houses brings together thirteen Newfoundland films with composer Rozalind MacPhail’s flute-friendly soundscapes. Painted Houses dares to do in a few minutes what other films take 2 hours to accomplish, highlighting St. John’s life in a way that evokes fond memories for those who live in and love the place.

Over the month of January 2011, Rozalind invited emerging and established local filmmakers in St. John’s to create 13 experimental short films in which she composed and recorded the music. Subsequently, this collaborative effort was then submitted to the local RPM Challenge. Featured filmmakers include Ruth Lawrence, Roger Maunder, Ed Tanasychuck, Brad Gover, Darrell Power (Great Big Sea), Colleen Power, Shannon Cymbaly and more.

For a sampling of the project, please view the video below;

Small Painted Houses by Elsa Morena

Dreams in Black & White by Roger Maunder

Where There is Love by Darrell Power

Rozalind MacPhail will be showcasing the Painted Houses project as a live performance of music and film at the 11th annual Dawson City Short Film Festival in the Yukon on April 21st. She has been appointed composer-in-residence for the Dawson City International Short Film Festival’s 1-Minute Film Challenge which she co-founded in 2009.

Join Rozalind and friends on April 7th to show your support of this groundbreaking innovative and artistic endeavour. All proceeds from the launch are in support of Painted Houses. Doors at 9pm. $10 at the door.

ACI Reacts to 2011 Budget and Speech From the Throne

The Association of Cultural Industries (ACI) is excited and heartened by the inclusion of significant promises of cultural development in today’s the Speech from the Throne.

ACI Executive Director George Murray says, “This is the first time in three years the word “culture” has even appeared in the Throne Speech, much less found itself in the budget’s agenda, so I’m very heartened to hear not only mention of our sector’s efforts, growth, and economic contribution, but also that development for and investment in the sector is back on the government’s list of priorities.”

The 2006-2009 cultural policy document Creative Newfoundland and Labrador, resulted in enormous growth and development in the culture sector. But with two consecutive budgets failing to address and take advantage of this growth, much momentum has been lost. “The Creative Newfoundland document was never meant to be an end point, but rather a beginning from which to grow,” says Murray. “It laid the groundwork for future investment and development, and that future is now. Thankfully, this government will once again be able to take advantage of the lucrative economic benefits of investing in the cultural industries.”

“We know from national research that every dollar invested in the culture sector yields nearly $7 in return,” continues Murray. “In our province, this is further compounded by the very lucrative cultural tourism industry and the less tangible advantages of recruitment and retention of skilled labour. So it seems a ‘no-brainer’ to keep investment in the sector near the top of any government’s agenda.”

For more information or comment, please contact ACI Executive Director George Murray at 709.738.4333

ACI is a pan-provincial, pan-cultural not-for-profit organization serving as a sector council, unified voice, advocate, and research body working on behalf of professional artists and arts organizations in Newfoundland Labrador. ACI is continually working to provide a nexus for communications between artists and arts organizations, all levels of government, and the public.

Views expressed in this press release are those of ACI and not necessarily those of Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues

WJB Requires Executive Director: One Year Full-Time Contract, Maternity Leave Replacement

Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues is seeking an energetic individual to fulfill the role of Executive Director for a one year contract to ensure the effective execution of the 10th Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival in July as well as the organization’s year of programming, marketing, fundraising objectives and the efficient functioning of the organization itself. The successful applicant must be first and foremost an effective communicator and will have proven abilities through a number of years’ experience in not for profit arts administration or a related field (preferably with experience in large arts events) in the following key areas of accountability: financial management, corporate administration, government and corporate sponsor relations, fundraising and festival operations. He or she must be able to work well with others, and possess a sincere interest in music and the arts community in St. John’s.

For the full job description click here

Open Audition Call – Stephenville Theatre Festival Summer Season

( 6 week contract )

When: Saturday, March 26th, 2pm – 5pm

Where: MAX Arts, Athletics and Wellness – Studio 4

LeMarchant Road Studio

Casting:

2 Females ages 16 – 18

2 Males ages 16 – 18

4 females ages 18 – 40

4 males ages 18 – 40

Please come with:

One Rock Song and/or Country Song prepared to be sung with a pianist. Please bring music.

One Monologe

Also casting:

1 female 50+ – Please prepare One Comedic and one Dramatic Monologue

Headshot and Resume required.

East Coast Music Week Request for Digital Art

The 2011 East Coast Music Week has made some changes to its Awards Gala program; this has lead to the development of the Satellite Awards Party. The ECMA intends to make this a key event for all attendees in Charlottetown.

Nifty Events on behalf of the East Coast Music Association would like to ask for your assistance in putting together a multi-media presentation that will be displayed as part of the Satellite Awards Party. They are looking for digital art from the music industry in Atlantic Canada; this can be in the form of posters, photos and album artwork. For the purposes of this presentation, they are not looking for videos or live action work.

Interested individuals or groups can send an e-mail outlining the general details of submission to sap@thatsnifty.ca

FTP information and a simple outline will be supplied subsequently so you can upload digital work.

International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Announces 2010 Finalists & Semi-Finalists

JUDGES PETER GABRIEL, TOM WAITS, RIHANNA, KINGS OF LEON, TRAIN, BEN HARPER, McCOY TYNER, WYNONNA, KEANE, AND MORE TO SELECT WINNERS

March 11, 2011….ISC is proud to announce the 2010 finalists and semi-finalists. This year, ISC received well over 15,000 entries from 115 countries throughout the world, representing all genres of contemporary music. The ISC listening committee narrowed these entries down to 323 finalists in 22 categories. These finalists hail from 33 countries from all corners of the world, from Uruguay to Armenia, from Moldova to Hungary, from Zaire to the Ukraine, and everywhere in between. Reflecting the international scope of the competition, over 58% of all finalists and semi-finalists come from outside the USA. Winners will be selected from the group of finalists by ISC judges Peter Gabriel, Tom Waits, Rihanna, Ben Harper, Kings of Leon, Jeff Beck, McCoy Tyner, and many more.

Winners will be announced in late April, 2011. Prizes include over $150,000 in cash, merchandise, and services – including a Grand Prize of $25,000 cash and $20,000 in additional prizes.

Go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners to see the complete list.

The ISC finalists’ songs are currently posted on the ISC website as part of the 2010 People’s Voice – an online voting contest that allows the public to listen to and vote for their favorite ISC finalist. The winner of the People’s Voice is selected solely by public vote and is in addition to, and completely separate from, the regular winners who will be selected by the prestigious ISC judging panel. To listen to the finalists’ songs and to cast your vote (you be the judge!), visit: http://www.sonicbids.com/voting/Default.aspx?p=372

ISC 2010 was the most competitive of any year in terms of quality of entries. ISC received so many wonderful songs that reflected creativity, diversity, and excellent songwriting craftsmanship, and as a result, it was the most difficult year to select the finalists. “Selecting both the finalists and the semi-finalists was a challenging and daunting task,” says Founder and Director Candace Avery. “The competition was so extreme this year, making the status of being selected a finalist or semi-finalist an honor that is elevated and even more prestigious than in past years.” Accordingly, there is a record number of finalists and semi-finalists. Congratulations to all these deserving songwriters!

Kasey Chambers, an award-winning, internationally renowned Australian Country/Americana artist, leads the pack this year with seven songs being selected finalists in various categories. This is the first time any artist has ever received so many finalist nods in ISC, and this achievement recognizes the excellence of her songwriting ability. Kasey’s glittering career has culminated in multiple ARIA, APRA, and CMAA awards as well as multiple top-selling albums, establishing her as one of the most respected and successful Aussie artists.

The Parlotones (with six entries achieving finalist status), are one of South Africa’s most popular and successful groups. Known for their electrifying live performances, they also hold the distinction of having the biggest selling rock album of the last decade in South Africa, having achieved double Platinum status and garnering seven radio singles off this one album alone. They are currently on tour in the USA.

The complete list of ISC judges includes:

Recording Artists: Peter Gabriel; Rihanna; Kings of Leon; Tom Waits; Ben Harper; Jeff Beck; Kelly Clarkson; Timbaland; Keane; McCoy Tyner; Ben Folds; Train; Robbie Williams; Joe Nichols; Michael W. Smith; John Scofield; Jerry Lee Lewis; Regina Spektor; Alejandro Sanz; Jeremy Camp; Terence Blanchard; Ray Wylie Hubbard; Montel Jordan; John Mayall; Craig Morgan; Jazmine Sullivan; DJ Tiësto; James Cotton; Sandra Bernhard; Robert Earl Keen; Baaba Maal; Wynonna; John Digweed; K’Naan; Adele; Black Francis (The Pixies); Robert Smith (The Cure); Chris Hillman (The Byrds); Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Toots Hibbert (Toots & The Maytals); Matt Thiessen (Relient K); Chayanne; and Dan Zanes

Industry Executives: Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records); Amanda Ghost (President, Epic Records); Rick Krim (Exec. VP, Talent & Music Programming, VH1); Brian Malouf (VP A&R, Walt Disney Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America, Sony/BMG); Ric Arboit (President, Nettwerk Music Group); Daniel Glass (Founder/CEO, Glassnote Entertainment Group); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Dr. Demento (Radio Host, The Dr. Demento Show); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Dan Storper (President, Putamayo World Music Records and Putumayo Kids); Lisa Ramsey Perkins (Sr. Director, A&R Sony Nashville); Kim Buie (VP A&R, Lost Highway); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People); and Tommy Morris (Talent Coordinator, The Comedy Store)

ISC sponsors include: Martin Guitar, Berklee College Of Music, Disc Makers, D’Addario, Shure, Westone, Thayers, Onlinegigs, ASCAP, SongU.com, Grooveshark, TuneCore, Aspen Brownie Works, The Music Business Registry, Independent Mastering, Indie Venue Bible, Tanager, George Stein, Esq., Celebrity Access, Sonicbids, Taxi, music Submit, and Alphabet Arm Design

ISC is now accepting entries for 2011. For more information and an entry form, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com.

For more information, contact Candace Avery, Founder/Director at 615.251.4441.

International Songwriting Competition

1307 Eastland Avenue

Nashville, TN 37206

ph: 615.251.4441

fx: 615.251.4442

www.songwritingcompetition.com

ECMA Announces Performers for Music Awards Gala. George Canyon to Host

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) announced the artists who take to the stage as part of the Bell Aliant ECMA 2011 Music Awards Gala presented by RBC Royal Bank. Country music superstar George Canyon will host the event which is taking place Sunday, April 17th at 8pm in the Homburg Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

The gala show will take the audience through a glimpse of traditional Island flavour with Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, Haunted Hearts and Meaghan Blanchard. Rockers The Trews, Slowcoaster, and Carmen Townsend will heat up the Homburg stage, while Ashley MacIsaac, Richard Wood, Colin Grant, Cynthia MacLeod, and Kathleen Gorey-McSorley will get toes tapping with an all-star Fiddlefest.

Amelia Curran, Dave Gunning, David Myles, Ghettosocks, Matt Andersen, Hey Rosetta!, Marko Simmonds & Artists for Haiti, and Chelsea Nesbitt will also be making special gala appearances.

There will also be a special tribute to 2011 Lifetime Achievement award winners Haywire.

ECMA Executive Director Su Hutchinson says the gala will incorporate non-traditional musical collaborations highlighting this region’s unique culture. “The 2011 gala is programmed to embrace the collective output of some of this year’s award nominees and performers. This is a celebration that people will not want to miss.”

Eight awards will be handed out at the awards gala: Bell Aliant Entertainer of the Year, Group Recording of the Year, FACTOR Recording of the Year, Francophone Recording of the Year, Rising Star Recording of the Year, SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, Bell Aliant Fan’s Choice Video of the Year and Vibe Creative Group Single of the Year.

Tickets for the Bell Aliant 2011 ECMA Music Awards Gala presented by RBC Royal Bank are available at the Confederation Centre of the Arts box office.

The ECMA Satellite Awards Party will take place on Sunday, April 17th at the Delta Prince Edward and run simultaneously with the awards gala. There will be a special performance by 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Haywire as well as performances by Tom Fun Orchestra and Chris Kirby & The Marquee. Additional performers will be announced at a later date. Tickets are available via ticketpro.ca.

East Coast Music Week 2011 will take place in Charlottetown, PEI, from April 13-17. The event is part of the ECMA’s mandate to foster, promote and develop East Coast music.

The East Coast Music Association would like to acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

Dancing Under The Stars Gala Ball featuring the Jazz East Big Band, April 9th

Director – Bill Brennan

Vocalist – Katie Hopkins

Special Guest Vocalist – Peter Halley

Royal Canadian Legion, Pleasantville

Saturday, April 9th, 2011

7:00pm cocktails

7:30pm dinner

$45

Limited tickets available (in advance only) by calling the

Judy Knee Dance Studio

579-3233

Deadline to purchase April 7th

An event not to be missed!

EVERYONE WELCOME!