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In September 2011, Music PEI will host our fourth annual Showcase PEI, the “Big Little” music conference with a heart. In 2008, Music PEI held the initial buyers conference in Charlottetown and invited 15 buyers from across Canada, the US and Japan. In 2009, 20 buyers were invited and reps from the UK. In 2010 it grew to 30 delegates from across Canada, the US and the UK. Past delegates have included major festival artistic directors, venue programmers, promoters, agents, labels and media. Since 2008 we have successfully recruited most of the major folk festivals across Canada including Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa and Mariposa.
- Music Prince Edward Island (Music PEI) is the music industry association for the province of Prince Edward Island.
- Past and current membership of over 1000 artists or related companies.
- Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest province in Canada and is located on the eastern coast of the country.
- The Music PEI is devoted to advancing careers of Island musicians and is actively seeking ways to promote, foster and develop artists and the music industry on PEI.
- PEI is home to one of Canada’s greatest cultural exports, Anne of Green Gables.
» Download the Showcase PEI 2011 Conference Guide
» See Showcase PEI 2011's list of Showcasing Artists
Last year the showcase performances took place in the intimate setting of The Guild, a 100 seat cabaret style theatre in the heart of picturesque Charlottetown. These showcases offer very limited tickets to the general public which results in a relaxed and controlled environment for the delegates without having to put up with the large crowds normally associated with today’s music conferences.
» See photos from Showcase PEI 2010 performances and events here
Our event is focused all around delegate care and making this a pleasurable experience for our guests. Feedback from delegates has been glowing such as this from US agent Ari Nisman (Degy Entertainment):
“I've been invited to speak, panel, lecture, and ‘do whatever’ for more companies and organizations than I can count over the last 13 years…and I don't remember having a red carpet as wide as yours! From the pick-up at the airport to the meals, hotel check-in, tours, and beyond, this was what I consider 100% first class service. I really felt like PEI was a second home for the 3 days we were up there. Amazing care!”
Showcases take place in both the afternoon and the evening on a Monday and Tuesday. Each year approximately 20 PEI artists are showcased and it is a diverse collection of styles and genres. Everything from pop, rock, alternative, roots, folk, Celtic, world, jazz and more are presented. There is world class music here being created on PEI by a committed group of emerging artists.
UK Agent Mark Ringwood (Roots Around the World) had this to say:
“Music PEI proved that this Province punches well above its weight. Where once the European music focus was on Cape Breton, and Newfoundland, the artists showcased at Music PEI showed a range of genres, originality, and professionalism which made the trip a voyage of discovery.”
Showcase PEI 2010 takes place from September 27th to the 28th. If you are interested in attending and would like to learn more please contact Rob Oakie, roboakie@musicpei.com or 902-894-6734. Subsidised travel for buyers may be available.
Here are a few other comments from delegates:
- Mike Hill, the Director of the world renowned Mariposa Folk Festival in Ontario had this to say “10 out of 10 – I couldn’t have been treated better! In fact, I’ve never been treated so well in any professional capacity. Don’t really know how it could have been better.”
- UK festival organizer Neil Pearson says “the artists from the island have much to offer across a broad range of genres, and it’s obvious that the arts are a major cultural export of the island and with the support of Music PEI many of the artists should receive deserved international acclaim.” & “Showcase PEI is a world class event presented in an intimate and friendly manner, and every artist was an ambassador the island and Canada in general.”
- Jennifer Pickering, the Artistic Director of the LEAF festival in North Carolina said “I usually have lots of ideas of how to improve but truly you all exceeded all my expectations. It was the most effective conference I have attended.”
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