CIMA presents the Canadian Blast at SXSW 2012

Discover new music and connect with Canadian music business professionals at the Canadian Blast BBQ, Canada House and Canada Stand

TORONTO, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) proudly presents Canadian Blast at South by Southwest 2012 in Austin, Texas as CIMA plays host to music professionals from around the world.  This year marks the 7^th anniversary of the Canadian Blast BBQ at Brush Square Park and the return of Canada House at Trinity Hall and Canada Stand at the Austin Convention Centre.  Each event offers SXSW delegates opportunities to see and hear the best up-and-coming Canadian talent and connect with the country's music industry professionals.  A record 135+ Canadian bands are officially showcasing this year, making Canada one of the most well-represented international presences in Austin.

"I'm very excited about this year's event in Austin," says Stuart Johnston, President of CIMA.  "CIMA's Canadian Blast initiatives at SXSW have been a huge asset to our membership, and to the great Canadian artists and bands that they represent.  Every year, valuable relationships and business deals are forged as a result of the consistent effort of the artists and our partners.  I fully expect this year to be the best yet." 

CIMA's SXSW 2012 festivities kick off with the 7th annual CANADIAN BLAST BBQ & SHOWCASE sponsored by SiriusXM Canada on Wednesday, March 14, 3pm to 7pm, at Brush Square Park right across from the Hilton and Austin Convention Centre.  The BBQ is a SXSW tradition featuring warm Canadian hospitality alongside the best emerging independent artists in the country.  The entire event will be broadcast live by SiriusXM Canada on Sirius Channels 152 (Radio3) and 161 (Bande á Part) and rebroadcast that evening at 9pm (EST) on XM Channel 151 (The Verge) and Sirius Channel 151 (Iceberg).  This year's BBQ performances includes Library Voices, Whitehorse, Said the Whale (w/ surprise guest!), Zeus, Rich Aucoin and The Sheepdogs.  The event is open to all Platinum and Music badge holders.

The giant Canadian flag flies high as the music, networking and fun continue at CANADA HOUSE starting Thursday, March 15 through Saturday March 17, from noon to 6pm.  Located at the beautiful Trinity Hall (Old School Bar & Grill) overlooking the action at the corner of 6^th and Trinity, Canada House features performances that will be talked about for years to come.  This year's performances include:

CANADA STAND at the newly revamped SXSW Trade Show is the hub for exploration of new Canadian business ventures. Representatives from all over Canada will be available to meet and discuss music, film and interactive business opportunities.  This year, Canada Stand's highlighted activities include the SXSW Block Party and Country Connections, giving SXSW delegates targeted networking opportunities with Canadian industry representatives.  You can also pick up a handy Canadian Blast music schedule highlighting all showcasing Canadian bands.  Canada Stand will be open daily at the Austin Convention Centre (Stand #1207,1209/1306,1308) from Monday, March 12 through Thursday, March 15.

ABOUT CANADIAN BLAST at SXSW
Canadian Blast, an initiative of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), includes a range of performances, business services and events around the globe providing access to the trendsetting, vibrant and internationally focused Canadian music industry.

Canadian Blast at SXSW 2012 is the result of the efforts of many individuals and companies, including CIMA's partners and sponsors: SiriusXM Canada; Radio Starmaker Fund; Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN); Harvard Broadcasting; Audio-Video Licensing Agency, Inc. (AVLA); Government of Canada (Department of Canadian Heritage/Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada-GOA); Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC); Astral Radio; Slacker Canadian Music Week (CMW); and Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR).

ABOUT CIMA
The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is the national trade association representing the English-language, Canadian-owned sector of the independent music industry. CIMA works proactively to assist the independent sector to expand business opportunities and partnerships in the international marketplace by providing strategic support for Canadian companies at trade missions, key international trade shows and conferences around the world.

SOURCE Canadian Independent Music Association