Now in it’s 30th year, Slacker Canadian Music Week (CMW) is recognized as one of the premier music conferences and festivals in North America. Known for its world class and expert keynote speakers, CMW has established itself as one of the largest and single longest running entertainment and networking events, attracting delegates from around the world. With seminars, keynotes/celebrity interviews, international match-making, mentoring sessions, networking & Canada’s largest new music festival - 900+ artists, 40+ countries, 60 venues and 5 days - it is the official meeting ground for those leading and shaping our industries. For artists, it is a chance to learn and network with pros from all sectors of the industry who are at your disposal with the tools and knowledge to build your career in music.
During the week more than 4500 musicians and 100,000 music fans are drawn to Toronto annually to participate in Canada’s largest new music festival. With more than 900 performances taking place in 60 venues throughout downtown Toronto, Canadian Music Week offers an array of entertainment from some of Canada’s hottest acts, emerging artists, and headline talent from all over the world. During the last three decades Slacker Canadian Music Week has earned acclaim for introducing such artists as Arcade Fire, Mother Mother, Bombay Bicycle Club, AWOL Nation, Alexisonfire, Three Days Grace, Metric, Crystal Castles, The Ting Tings, Down With Webster and hundreds more as well as featuring premier performances from Janelle Monae, J Mascis, Fefe Dobson, Bedouin Soundclash, K-OS, Jeff Martin, Steel Panther, and 100 Monkeys among others.
An annual highlight of the festival is The Indie Awards. The principal closing event for Slacker Canadian Music Week, the Indies features appearances and performances by some of Canada’s – and the world’s – most talented emerging artists fused with the presentation of awards to the past year’s fan favourites. This is one of the select shows that is open to all ages, attracts fans of hard-core rockers and hot alternative to hip-hop and folk rock, and is simulcast live on XM Satellite Radio, reaching audiences throughout North America.
As part of the entertainment lineup, Slacker Canadian Music Week also showcases an eclectic mix of music-oriented films, special screenings, documentaries and movie premieres along with special appearances and Q&As with some of the films’ stars, directors and more. 2012 will also see the launch of the Canadian International Comedy Fest. Featuring five days of the best stand-up, comedy fans will be tickled and amused by performances from some of Canada’s emerging funnymen (and women!) and headline talent from comedy hot spots worldwide.
