FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, April 30, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and Member of Parliament (Fredericton), today announced funding for two music festivals: the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival and the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival.
"Our Government is pleased to support events like the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival and the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival," said Minister Moore. "Events like these enhance the quality of life and make an enormous contribution not only to local tourism, but also to the economy in general. People from across the region look forward to these festivals, and we are very proud to support them."
"These long-standing festivals are immensely popular events, attracting thousands of visitors to Fredericton and the surrounding area," said Minister Ashfield. "Congratulations to the volunteers and organizers for presenting musical events that appeal to so many."
"Support from the Government of Canada continues to mean a tremendous amount to our event. Not only is it vital and irreplaceable funding, but it represents a tremendous vote of confidence in our organization and in our community," said Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival Chair Brad Wasson. "We're extremely grateful to Ministers Moore and Ashfield for their ongoing support."
The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival will take place September 14 to 19, 2010. It will showcase some 350 professional and emerging artists from across Canada, the United States, and abroad. One of the largest specialized festivals of its kind in Atlantic Canada, it celebrates jazz, blues, and world music, from traditional and acoustic repertoires to funk, zydeco, and contemporary Canadian jazz composers. The festival also offers programming and educational events for young people.
The New Brunswick Summer Music Festival will take place August 16 to 28, 2010. It will present classical chamber music performances by 25 of Canada's best professional musicians and young emerging artists. Festival activities will also include workshops, lectures, and community outreach activities such as Mozart in the Park. It is the only professional classical music festival offered in the summer months in the Fredericton area.
The Government of Canada is providing $43,000 to the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival and $16,000 to the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
