The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) presents Canadian Blast at South by Southwest 2013 in Austin, Texas, as CIMA plays host to music professionals from around the world. This year marks the 8th anniversary of the Canadian Blast BBQ at Brush Square Park, the buzzing Canada Stand at the Austin Convention Centre and the return of Canada House at its new location, Friends Bar at 6th and Brazos. Each event offers SXSW delegates opportunities to see and hear the best up-and-coming Canadian talent and connect with Canada’s music industry professionals.
“Canadian Blast is going to be very special this year in Austin,” says Stuart Johnston, President of CIMA. “Each year we return to SXSW, the positive response grows and grows. As usual, Canadian Blast initiatives in Austin are a huge asset to our artist and industry membership as well as our partners and supporters. It’s an unbeatable place for artists to shine and industry members to forge valuable relationships and business deals and I expect this to be the best year yet.”
CIMA’s SXSW 2013 festivities kick off with the 8th annual Canadian Blast BBQ & Showcase on Wednesday, March 14, 2pm to 6pm, at Brush Square Park right across from the Hilton and Austin Convention Centre. The BBQ is a SXSW tradition featuring warm Canadian hospitality alongside the best emerging independent artists in the country. This year’s BBQ performers include Hannah Georgas, Paper Lions, Hey Ocean!, Rah Rah, Daniel Romano and The Trews. The event is open to all Platinum and Music badge holders.
The music, networking and fun continue at Canada House at its new location at Friends Bar starting Thursday, March 14 through Saturday March 16, from noon to 6pm daily. Situated right in the middle of all the action at 208 E. 6th Street (@ Brazos Street), Canada House features bands from all corners of Canada. This year’s performers include:
THURSDAY
MARCH 14
12pm Bumstead Records Showcase
Tim Chaisson
Two Hours Traffic
Poor Young Things
The Trews
3pm Manitoba Showcase
Boats
Chic Gamine
Royal Canoe
Imaginary Cities
FRIDAY
MARCH 15
12pm Nova Scotia Showcase
Jenn Grant
In-Flight Safety
Ben Caplan
Dusted
Tom Fun Orchestra
3pm OMDC presents The ONTARIO Showcase
Whitehorse
The Wilderness of Manitoba
Poor Young Things
The Darcys
SATURDAY
MARCH 16
12pm CIMA Indie Spotlight
Teenage Kicks
Folly and the Hunter
Wildlife
Wilderness of Manitoba
Martha Johnson (of Martha and the Muffins)
3pm BC Showcase
Christopher Smith
Bend Sinister
Fine Times
The Belle Game
Humans
Canada Stand at the SXSW Trade Show is the place for filmmakers, developers, producers and other industry professionals to connect with Canadian artists and companies to develop new relationships and forge new partnerships. Canada Stand will be open daily at the Austin Convention Centre (Stand #1007,1009/1106,1108) from Sunday, March 10 through Wednesday, March 13.
For more information, visit www.canadianblast.com/sxsw2013 or twitter.com/candianblast.
