KEREMEOS, British Columbia, April 24, 2008 - Keremeos-area residents and visitors will have an opportunity to hear local musicians and music students from across British Columbia this summer, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament (Kelowna-Lake Country), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the K Mountain Music Invitational Society.
Funding of $4,000 will be used by the Society to host a series of concerts by local amateur and professional bands from May 22 to 25, 2008. The annual Music Under the 'K' Festival brings professional and emerging Canadian musicians together with local musicians, and music students from across British Columbia to perform for local audiences and to provide music clinics for students and community participants.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the K Mountain Music Invitational Society," said Minister Verner. "This organization celebrates Canada's rich and diverse cultural expression and provides opportunities for all Canadians to get involved in their communities and in celebrating Canadian arts and heritage."
"This new funding provides local citizens with opportunities to take part in local activities that celebrate Canadian arts and heritage," said Mr. Cannan. "The Government of Canada is proud to support local community organizations in their efforts to provide all Canadians with access to festivals that celebrate the diversity of cultural expression in Canada."
"K Mountain Music Invitational Society is very pleased with this support from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program," said Bonna Dawson, Coordinator. "This funding has allowed us to provide a professional musical experience to school and community groups from across Canada. For the past 10 years, we have been able to present a broad spectrum of musical genres, with both professional and semi-professional musicians from across the country."
Since 1999, the K Mountain Music Invitational Society has brought music and musical opportunities to Keremeos and the rural Similkameen area of the B.C. interior. The annual Music Under the 'K' Festival takes place at various outdoor venues and includes the participation of local schools. As part of the organization's outreach activities, professional music groups provide classes, workshops, and clinics.
The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
