Manitoba Music and APTN Launch Aboriginal Day Live Mentor Sessions

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Chuck Copenace

Manitoba Music and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) are joining forces this month to connect local Aboriginal artists and music entrepreneurs with key industry pros from across Canada and beyond. Running June 20-22 in Winnipeg through Manitoba Music's Aboriginal Music Program, the new project provides a unique opportunity to meet with and learn from a delegation of managers, presenters, and mentors during APTN’s annual Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration.

Delegates making their way to Winnipeg for two days of one-on-one meetings, include reps from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Six Shooter Records, MDM Recordings, Coalition Music, Arts Midwest, The Remix Project, and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. They’re also set to take in APTN's massive June 20 concert at The Forks – which features local acts Don Amero, Patti Kusturok, Federal Lights, and marijosée -- and head to Manitoba Music's Aboriginal artist showcase at the Pyramid Cabaret later that night.

Manitoba Music will kick things off at 9PM with eclectic sets from Inuit pop singer Kelly Fraser, country rock outfit The Mosquitoz, new wave punk outfit Rescued by Dragonflyz, powerhouse singer/songwriter William Prince, and Ojibway trumpet player Chuck Copenace.

This project is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at developing the export potential of Aboriginal artists from Manitoba and the rest of the country and facilitate the connection with key industry players. In February, Manitoba Music launched its inaugural Market Builder Residency for Aboriginal Artists and Industry, which brought seven export ready artists and four music entrepreneurs from across Canada to connect with industry leaders and exceptional creators in Toronto.   

Manitoba Music's Aboriginal Music Program was launched in 2004 to help First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people in Manitoba develop sustainable careers in music by connecting them with opportunities within Manitoba Music and beyond. Manitoba Music would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Province of Manitoba, Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Film & Music, and FACTOR through the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters.

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