Open mic highlights MIA talent
On Monday, November 5 the Globe and Mail issued an article entitled “Sought-after programs,” a list of the most competitive and reputable college programs in Canada. Although the newspaper warned that the list is not comprehensive, it was of particular interest that under the Music/Performing Arts section, Fanshawe's Music Industry Arts was at the top of the list.
Since its creation in the 1970s, the Music Industry Arts program has become one of the most acclaimed training grounds in the entire world for jobs in the music industry. Many of the program's alumni have went on to become successful music publishers, record label executives, producers, engineers and even recording artists.
All these accomplishments start somewhere, however, and Music Industry Arts does what it can to spur the growth of artists currently attending Fanshawe. Part of this initiative has been the implementation of Rock College Nights, a monthly display of music featuring MIA artists and bands at various locations, perhaps you've seen some posters around Fanshawe. It occurs on the last Thursday of every month, and it truly displays music at the most local level.
November's line-up is sure to be an eclectic one, including the country rock of Steve Demetrious, the acoustic songs of John Smirch, and The Sun Never Sets, an electronica/rock group fronted by Greg Ward.
Each artist has their own distinct sound, and for the $2 cover charge, you'll be sure to get your money's worth. I know that to you, the reader, these names might not be familiar, but in truth every artist, successful or not, starts out at this level. The mid-90s singer Jewel was discovered during an open mic at a coffee house. Five years ago, Alexisonfire could be seen playing in local venues that housed a few hundred at their max. Even The Tragically Hip continue to play small bars when they tour overseas.
I suppose the point that I'm trying to make is that there's a lot more to enjoying a show than knowing who the bands are; it provides a social environment, entertainment, and for those a little more business minded, networking opportunities. Who knows, you might even discover something that you really like.
Since its creation in the 1970s, the Music Industry Arts program has become one of the most acclaimed training grounds in the entire world for jobs in the music industry. Many of the program's alumni have went on to become successful music publishers, record label executives, producers, engineers and even recording artists.
All these accomplishments start somewhere, however, and Music Industry Arts does what it can to spur the growth of artists currently attending Fanshawe. Part of this initiative has been the implementation of Rock College Nights, a monthly display of music featuring MIA artists and bands at various locations, perhaps you've seen some posters around Fanshawe. It occurs on the last Thursday of every month, and it truly displays music at the most local level.
November's line-up is sure to be an eclectic one, including the country rock of Steve Demetrious, the acoustic songs of John Smirch, and The Sun Never Sets, an electronica/rock group fronted by Greg Ward.
Each artist has their own distinct sound, and for the $2 cover charge, you'll be sure to get your money's worth. I know that to you, the reader, these names might not be familiar, but in truth every artist, successful or not, starts out at this level. The mid-90s singer Jewel was discovered during an open mic at a coffee house. Five years ago, Alexisonfire could be seen playing in local venues that housed a few hundred at their max. Even The Tragically Hip continue to play small bars when they tour overseas.
I suppose the point that I'm trying to make is that there's a lot more to enjoying a show than knowing who the bands are; it provides a social environment, entertainment, and for those a little more business minded, networking opportunities. Who knows, you might even discover something that you really like.
