SweetWater Music Festival Artistic Director Edwin Huizinga has selected eight talented acts for the 2020 SweetWater Next Wave Virtual Showcase running from July 23 to August 7 online.

The Showcase, now in its second year, provides a stage for aspiring, emerging musicians from Grey Bruce (where the Festival is based in Ontario) and beyond. Due to COVID-19 and physical distancing guidelines, SweetWater decided this spring to transform the live concert into a virtual music showcase. This online edition launched with a special performance preview last Thursday.

This year’s Next Wave line up includes four pianists (Olivia Adams, James Perrone, Adams & Busch, Anna Perrone), two vocalists (Cydney Morris, Georgia Rutter), one tubist (Daniel Taylor), and a clarinetist (Emily Weaver).

Huizinga admitted he found it "incredibly uplifting during these trying times" to listen to these performances.

"It is such an important time for us to find ways to inspire our youth to keep creating and playing music. During the lockdown I know that practicing and playing music has been incredibly important for myself, and many of my colleagues."

Along with a link on the SweetWater web site (sweetwatermusicfestival.ca) which includes a profile for each performer, there performance will also be posted. Each musician receives special performance spotlight day. Their performances will not only be posted on the SweetWater web site but also be posted on SweetWater’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube).

Huizinga will meet with the performers during an online get together in August to talk about music, life in the performing arts, and more. SweetWater will also be providing mentoring opportunities for the selected performers over the coming months.

A special thanks to the Community Foundation Grey Bruce and The Leflar Foundation for supporting this important initiative for aspiring, emerging musicians.

source: media release, SweetWater Music Festival