Music Nova Sctia announces International Buyers Program for Yarmouth event

Music Nova Scotia with support from the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, has announced the International Buyers Program as part of Nova Scotia Music Week in Yarmouth, Nov. 5 – 8. The program will bring in music buyers representing festivals, agencies and prominent clubs from the UK, Germany and the United States.

Kevin Lyman, creator of the Warped Tour, Taste of Chaos Tour, Mayhem Tour, Down from the Mountain Tour and partner at Sideonedummy Records will be at Nova Scotia Music Week to select a band to perform on four dates of the Vans Warped Tour 2010. Lyman is also creating a country tour based around the Warped model and has opened a full time office in Nashville to help facilitate and plan, the yet to be named tour, in 2010.

Other major buyers confirmed to date include “The Great Escape” festival and the Barfly chain of seven live music venues, both from the UK. Organizers of the event say many more major buyers will be announced in the coming months.

In addition, the festival and conference will host the Bringin’ It Home presenters for the second year in a row, with 24 domestic buyers from across the province scheduled to attend events. “This is exciting news for our organization and our members,” comments Scott Long, executive director for Music Nova Scotia. “We’ve been working hard to build relationships with influential, international industry leaders and we’re looking forward to bringing everyone together in Yarmouth for Nova Scotia Music Week.”

Brian Doherty, president of Music Nova Scotia, travelled to the UK and Germany in March with Scott Long and Jonny Stevens, education and event coordinator, on an export development trade mission. “Our time spent overseas provided us with a great return on our investment. In these uncertain economic times, Music Nova Scotia has proven to be resilient, committed and determined to see growth in the music industry, which means great things for our artists.”

Emerging, export-ready and exporting artists attending Nova Scotia Music Week will have the chance to network, pitch or showcase to these international and domestic buyers, creating opportunities for Nova Scotian talent of all genres to reach new markets.

Music Nova Scotia has also announced the host hotels for the festival and conference, the Rodd Grand Yarmouth and the Rodd Colony Harbour Inn. The Rodd Grand Yarmouth will host the conference and Late Night Stage. Guests who purchase a delegate pass for Nova Scotia Music Week receive a reduced room rate of $90 a night. Delegate passes will be on sale in the coming months.

Artists can apply for showcasing opportunities online at www.musicnovascotia.ca/nsmw. The deadline to apply is July 10. Festival wristbands, and tickets to the Gala Awards Show on Sunday, Nov. 8, are on sale now and available for purchase at www.ticketpro.ca.