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 Showcase PEI
The “Big Little” Music Conference with Heart - September 2013

Showcase PEI artist collage

Music PEI will host our sixth annual Showcase PEI on September 23–24, 2013. In 2008, Music PEI held the initial buyers conference in Charlottetown and invited 15 buyers from across Canada, the US and Japan. It has since grown to include over 30 delegates each year. In 2012, we even had delegates from six different countries!

In 2011, Music PEI hosted our first ever Artist Exchange Program featuring Dennis Ellsworth and John Smith (UK). We followed that up in 2012 with the 2nd Annual Artist exchange featuring Catherine MacLellan and Sam Carter.

Quick Facts:
  • Music Prince Edward Island (Music PEI) is the music industry association for the province of Prince Edward Island.
  • Past and current membership of over 1000 artists or related companies.
  • Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest province in Canada and is located on the eastern coast of the country.
  • The Music PEI is devoted to advancing careers of Island musicians and is actively seeking ways to promote, foster and develop artists and the music industry on PEI.
  • PEI is home to one of Canada’s greatest cultural exports, Anne of Green Gables.

Last year the showcase performances took place in multiple venues including The Guild, Marc’s Studio, Trailside Café and Harmony House Theatre. These showcases offer very limited tickets to the general public which results in a relaxed and controlled environment for the delegates without having to put up with the large crowds normally associated with today’s music conferences.

» See photos from Showcase PEI 2012 performances and events here

Our event is focused all around delegate care and making this a pleasurable experience for our guests. Feedback from delegates has been glowing such as this from US agent Ari Nisman (Degy Entertainment):
“I've been invited to speak, panel, lecture, and ‘do whatever’ for more companies and organizations than I can count over the last 13 years…and I don't remember having a red carpet as wide as yours! From the pick-up at the airport to the meals, hotel check-in, tours, and beyond, this was what I consider 100% first class service. I really felt like PEI was a second home for the 3 days we were up there. Amazing care!”
Showcases take place in both the afternoon and the evening on a Monday and Tuesday. Each year approximately 20 PEI artists are showcased and it is a diverse collection of styles and genres. Everything from pop, rock, alternative, roots, folk, Celtic, world, jazz and more are presented. There is world class music here being created on PEI by a committed group of emerging artists.

UK Agent Mark Ringwood (Roots Around the World) had this to say:
“Music PEI proved that this Province punches well above its weight. Where once the European music focus was on Cape Breton, and Newfoundland, the artists showcased at Music PEI showed a range of genres, originality, and professionalism which made the trip a voyage of discovery.”
Showcase PEI 2013 takes place from September 23–24, 2013. If you are interested in attending and would like to learn more please contact Rob Oakie, roboakie@musicpei.com or 902-894-6734. Subsidised travel for buyers may be available.

Here are a few other comments from delegates:

  • Mike Hill, the Director of the world renowned Mariposa Folk Festival in Ontario had this to say “10 out of 10 – I couldn’t have been treated better! In fact, I’ve never been treated so well in any professional capacity. Don’t really know how it could have been better.”
  • Neil Pearson, Shrewsbury Festival, UK: “I cannot begin to express the amount of gratitude I have for you and your staff. Through the years of travel and conferences I have yet to encounter a warmer or more hospitable environment than Showcase PEI. I will be singing your praises for years to come, no doubt. The artists were fantastic, the new connections (and friends) were endless… and the meals were delicious!”
  • Jennifer Pickering, the Artistic Director of the LEAF festival in North Carolina said “I usually have lots of ideas of how to improve but truly you all exceeded all my expectations. It was the most effective conference I have attended.”