CIMA returned to Kansas City, Missouri from February 15-19, for the 2017 edition of Folk Alliance International, the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry. The event draws over 2500 artists and industry professionals each year and spans a wide variety of genres like blues, traditional, bluegrass, roots and world, to name a few.
Working in partnership with the pan-Canadian initiative, CIMA held a networking brunch on Friday morning at Benton’s where 40 artist representatives and 43 industry delegates met for a speed dating style event.
The Canadian Blast showcase took place at Benton’s at the Westin Crown Center on the evening of Saturday, February 18 where music industry professionals and artists gathered on the top floor of the hotel to enjoy an evening of great Canadian music.
The showcase kicked off with Ontario based artist AHI who immediately set the tone for the rest of the evening with his indie soul sound. Next up was Alberta based singer-songwriter Maria Dunn who captivated the audience with her unique storytelling through her music. Ontario’s own Digging Roots had the crowd on their feet almost instantly with their blend of folk-rock, pop and hip-hop influences while Manitoba’s JP Hoe, who wears his soul on his sleeve with his lyrics, had the room silenced by his commanding vocals. Up next was Ontario artist Alysha Brilla who introduced her unique style and sound to a jam-packed room. The evening wrapped up with Toronto based gypsy-party-punk band Lemon Bucket Orkestra, whose performance is one that’s so original, you’ll never experience anything like it again.
CIMA also supported MusicOntario through three nights of showcases at the Westin Crown Center in Room 640, which featured 25 artists from Ontario performing from 10:45PM-2:30AM in front of a standing room only crowd.
CIMA gratefully acknowledges and thanks our generous sponsors and partners: Canadian Music Week (CMW), Corus Entertainment, the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), the Government of Canada (through the Canada Music Fund), Harvard Broadcasting, Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), the Radio Starmaker Fund) and Stingray Music.