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By Holly Miyasaki
It’s been a weekend of music, networking and more music for one Kelowna resident. Karma Lacoff, a member of the Western Canadian Music Awards Bid Committee for Kelowna, has been at the WCMAs in Brandon, Man.
“I’ve been spending every evening going to the showcases,” says Lacoff, adding there’s been a wide range of audience members, from locals to agents to musicians. “I came to network on behalf of the host committee.”
Lacoff is just one member of the hosting committee, which recently received the news that the City of Kelowna has given them a $40,000 grant. The event will cost about $120,000 to put on, and Lacoff says she is hoping the group can fundraise the remainder of the money, possibly with help from the provincial government, which has begun pinching pennies when it comes to the arts.
“I’d really like to see them support this event,” she says. “There has been discussions because of the huge amounts of arts cuts that have come in the last while.”
The WCMAs are more than just an awards show. It’s also an opportunity for artists to showcase their work during workshops and a conference with music buyers, co-ordinators and producers expected.
The event will have a significant economic impact when more than 300 delegates from all of western Canada and the Yukon descend on the city for five days in a tourist shoulder season. Hosting the event will contribute to putting Kelowna on the map as a key music industry hub and tour stop, creating long term impacts.
entertainment@kelowna.com
250-575-0613
Photos from the Western Canadian Music Awards in Brandon, Man.:
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Loreena McKennitt is interviewed by veteran music industry figure Richard Flohil at the Western Canadian Music Awards Saturday in Brandon. McKennitt is to receive the Hall of Fame Award at tonight's gala. (Photo courtesy WCMA)
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Regina's Library Voices perform Saturday Night at the Western Canadian Music Awards festival in Brandon. (Photo courtesy WCMA)
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Winnipeg's Hot Live Guys perform Saturday Night at the Western Canadian Music Awards festival in Brandon. (Photo courtesy WCMA)
