Two Canadian music events have gone virtual. Here’s how they’re managing that.

It’ll be a while before we’re comfortable mingling with strangers in close quarters again, so the old ways have to be modified for times of pandemic. Here are how two Canadian music events are making the switch from reality to virtual.

Sound of Music Festival (Burlington, Ontario)

One of the great summer traditions in southern Ontario is the big Sound of Music Festival at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington. The annual June event has been canceled for obvious reasons. However, organizers have new plans. From the press release:

“The Sound of Music Festival and Live On The Lake will be absent from the downtown Burlington landscape in 2020, however, new virtual events will keep the music playing all year long under the name SOM @ Home.

“This year the festival cannot be hosted in Spencer Smith Park as attendees have come to enjoy over the last several decades, yet the live music experience is coming in the form of an online concert series, artist summit, and music education sessions. ‘While forced by circumstances related to the pandemic, the changes we have made to the organization have resulted in innovations that we’re excited to incorporate for years to come,’ said Executive Director Myles D. Rusak. ‘The programming is dynamic and engaging and will help propel us into a new era of alternative ways to connect with our audience.’

“The SOM @ Home program is being created to have sustained life even when circumstances normalize and society begins to return to business as we have known it.

“A return to the festival is already in the works for 2021, with the return of Live On The Lake from what was planned for this year. Tickets previously purchased are being honoured for next year’s date. Canada’s largest free music festival will continue in 2021 with nine days of interactive events and multiple live stages.

“The full details of the SOM @ Home program and a video message from the Executive Director are available on the newly focused website, www.soundofmusic.ca.”

Canadian Music Expo (Toronto)

As previously announced, Toronto’s Music Expo has moved online for its next event on Saturday, May 30, running from 11 am to 2 pm EDT. From their press release.

It’s our annual Canadian Music Expo that you’ve come to love, just online! Presented by GeneralMayhem.ca.

All new with cool features, interactive with musicians, new releases, networking options and much more. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to support musicians in Canada with partial proceeds going to the Unison Benevolent Fund who help musicians in times of hardship, illness or economic difficulties!

We have some incredible appearances by musicians from across Canada and around the world including:

• Gord Deppe from the Spoons talking a walk through the history of the band hosted by Michael Williams
• A trip through Alan Cross’ Weird Vinyl Library
• Special appearances by:
• August Knight
• Darren Flower
• Mauve
• and many more!

WANT COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS TO ATTEND? Go here. You can also check out the platform here.

The Music Expo is supporting musicians across Canada by giving them a platform for them to perform their music, talk about how their background, show a video or speak on a topic that they’d like to share with music fans or other musicians. All at NO COST!

For more information and what information we need please click here.
For information email [email protected].

WANT TO SPEAK AT THE EVENT?

Do you have an interesting topic you’d like to share on our virtual stage with musicians and/or music fans who will be at the event?

We want to hear from you!

For more information about speaking opportunities – again, at no cost to you – please visit this site.
https://www.musicexpo.ca/forpresenters

For information email [email protected].

WANT TO SPONSOR OR EXHIBIT?

Want to promote a product or service for attendees? Want a virtual table at the event where you can promote what you have? Normally $50 per table, the Music Expo is waiving all costs for a virtual table in the Expo for a limited time only.

Check out this link for more information:
Want to be involved, volunteer, get more information or otherwise connect with us? Email [email protected].