2006-07-17
Author: 800 CHAB News


The Western Canadian Music Alliance announced today that Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan will be the Host City of the 2007 Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMAs), Conference and Festival.

"The decision to award the 2007 event to Moose Jaw was the result of over a year of hard work and a very compelling submission by its province-wide team of supporters," Western Canadian Music Alliance Vice-President Kevin Walters said, who was in Moose Jaw for today's announcement.

The Western Canadian Music Alliance marks each October with a four day conference and festival culminating in the Western Canadian Music Awards. One of the largest music events held in Canada each year, the Western Canadian Music Awards, Conference and Festival are rotated through the Yukon Territory and western provinces, with 2007 being Saskatchewan's host year. This will be Moose Jaw's first time hosting the event, which takes place from October 18th to 21st, 2007.

"Music has long been a part of Saskatchewan's cultural mosaic," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "From Juno-nominated entertainers, to legends in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and Western Canadian Music Award Winners - Saskatchewan has contributed generously to this wonderful art form.  Saskatchewan has so much to show the world in terms of our hospitality as hosts, our abilities as entertainers and our proficiency in the technical aspects of the business of music. We are proud to showcase that incredible value to the rest of the country and the world in 2007."

"Our citizens have demonstrated this city's ability to excel in the areas of cultural development, tourism and economic diversification," Moose Jaw Mayor Al Schwinghamer said. "We know how to make the rest of the country feel welcome and a part of this vibrant community. Now as we get set to host the 2007 Western Canadian Music Awards, Moose Javians will roll out the welcome mat and put on an event to be remembered."

"SaskTel is very proud to support the Western Canadian Music Awards in Moose Jaw in 2007," SaskTel president and Chief Executive Officer Robert Watson said. "What better place to celebrate the best in music from western Canada than one of Saskatchewan's most vibrant and welcoming communities?"

"This showcase of some of western Canada's most talented singers, songwriters, musicians and technicians will bring significant economic benefits to the province, in particular Moose Jaw," WCMAs Host Committee co-chair Wayne Gamble said.

"We are pleased to welcome the Western Canadian Music Awards to Moose Jaw, and look forward to contributing to a cultural legacy for our city and the province," WCMAs Host Committee co-chair Gary Hyland said.