FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, April 12, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Mike Allen, Member of Parliament (Tobique-Mactaquac), today announced funding of $21,000 for the 17th season of the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival to be held from September 11 to 16, 2007.
"Once again this year, the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival will provide the public with top-notch programming that highlights talented artists from Atlantic Canada and elsewhere in the world," said Minister Oda. "We are proud to support a Festival that showcases the talent of our artists and enlivens the cultural scene in the Fredericton area."
"This contribution enables the festival to pursue its role as a key music presenter in the province," said Mr. Allen. "This event not only contributes to the cultural development of the region, but it brings together music lovers and new audiences to celebrate jazz and blues. I congratulate the dedicated staff and volunteers who contribute to the success of this major event year after year."
"This support will enable us to continue to develop as a truly nationally recognized, destination-level festival," stated Mr. Kevin Cormier, Chair of the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. "It will also help us enhance our role as a premier presenter of music and culture to New Brunswickers. No less important, it will help us develop opportunities for homegrown New Brunswick talent."
The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival is the largest festival of its kind in Atlantic Canada. Since its inception in 1990, this fall event brings together world-class musicians and emerging Atlantic Canadian artists. The festival seeks to nurture interest and participation in the genres of jazz, blues and world music. It also offers public awareness activities for youth, including workshops and school concerts.
Canada's New Government has provided this financial assistance through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to give Canadians more access to direct experiences of the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Wendy Marr
Communications Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac
506 325-1340
Claudine Daigle
Director of Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506 851-3980
