Government of Canada Supports Salmon Arm Folk Music Society

SALMON ARM, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 14, 2009) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament (Okanagan-Shuswap), today announced funding for the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society.

Funding will support the 2009 Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, taking place from August 14 to 16. The Festival features more than 50 professional Canadian and international acts appearing on seven various stages. The event also includes free public performances and workshops in the community. This year, there are two special outreach activities: a youth documentary project, in partnership with students from the local school board, and a documentary project involving local Aboriginal organizations.

"The Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival entertains an ever-growing audience of local residents and visitors with diverse musical performances," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to support this festival, which contributes to the community's cultural and economic vitality."

"Congratulations to the staff and volunteers of the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society for putting together another edition of the Roots and Blues Festival," said Mr. Mayes. "This festival has put the Shuswap on the map as a place where the performing arts are alive and well. I am delighted that our Government is supporting this event, which is an asset to Interior B.C. communities."

"The Salmon Arm Folk Music Society is deeply appreciative of funding from the Government of Canada," said Hugo Rampen, Executive Director of the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society. "Not only is this funding relied upon for the presentation of arts and culture, but it is a key factor for the Roots and Blues Festival being one of the primary sources of economic stimulus in an Interior-BC community."

Founded in 1979, the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society has grown to be the largest presenter of roots, blues, folk, and world music in British Columbia's Interior region through its annual Roots and Blues Festival and annual concert series. The organization has been staging the Roots and Blues Festival since 1992.

The Government of Canada has provided $65,000 in funding through the Arts Presentation Canada (http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/pac-apc/index-eng.cfm) program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.