AMP Camp Kicks Off

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Gimli’s population is about to get a little bigger. Twenty Aboriginal artists from across Canada will converge on the town’s Misty Lake Lodge for the fourth installment of AMP Camp, which runs March 1-6, 2009.

Hosted by Manitoba Music’s Aboriginal Music Program (AMP), the week-long professional and artistic development residency project gives emerging and mid-career Aboriginal recording artists a chance to develop their understanding of the music industry along with their ability to succeed in it.

Past participants, including 2009 JUNO Award nominee Tracy Bone, have gone on complete acclaimed albums, receive multiple award nominations, win music awards, and make music their full-time job.

AMP Camp is made possible by a partnership between Manitoba Music’s Aboriginal Music Program and the Music Section of the Canada Council for the Arts. The project provides the participants with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the music industry along with their ability to succeed in it. Each day of the five-day retreat includes close to 12-hours of professional development workshops on business topics and creative development labs to help the artists develop their music.

The participants will benefit from the experience and expertise of a faculty of established artists and music industry professionals. This year's faculty includes JUNO nominated recording artist Kinnie Starr, Order of Canada recipient Heather Bishop, world renowned percussionist Sal Ferreras, world class dobro player Doug Cox, communications expert Heather Kelly, JUNO-winning songwriter Leela Gilday, NCI FM’s David McLeod, arts consultant Sam Baardman, and sound technician Matt Mayor.

The artists who will have been invited to AMP Camp 2009 are: Jared BigCanoe (ON), Jasmine Netsena (NT), Inez Jasper (BC), Eddy Robinson (ON), Randell Hill (ON), Jason Burnstick (BC), Shy-Anne Hovorka (ON), Marie-Josee Dandeneau (MB), John Wapioke (ON), Mary Mahler (MB), Madi Harper (MB), Evan Reeve (MB), Loretta Desjarlais (SK), Shawn Bernard (AB), Will Belcourt (AB), Melissa Knott (ON), Graeme Jones (ON), Angus Jourdain (ON), Sonia Eidse (MB).

The Aboriginal Music Program acknowledges the financial support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Culture, Heritage & Tourism, Manitoba Film & Music, NCI FM, and a contribution by Manitoba Music through the Manitoba Music and Motion Pictures Development Project.

For more information about AMP Camp and Manitoba Music’s Aboriginal Music Program please visit www.aboriginalmusic.ca.

For more information about the Canada Council for the Arts:
www.canadacouncil.ca.

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