Forum series aimed at boosting Oshawa and Durham Region’s rep as one big music city

Oshawa and Durham Region is one big music city, with the rich music history of the area and the legendary performers and iconic venues all across Durham being celebrated next month with a series of events to crowd-source ideas to build the scene into something even bigger.

The public is invited to events at the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa, Second Wedge Brewing in Uxbridge and St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts and Culture in Ajax to give music fans a chance to have their say on creating future programs, projects, and initiatives to support Durham’s music industry, and maybe create a few good jobs in the music and arts communities in the process.

“The music created by our local musicians in Durham Region showcases the diversity and richness of our community,” said Durham Region Chair John Henry. “The Durham Music Industry Forum is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a movement that supports and elevates local talent. By coming together, we can ensure Durham’s music scene thrives, creates opportunities, and enriches our community for years to come.”

The forum is the idea of Invest Durham, Durham Region’s Economic Development division, in collaboration with the three venues, with an aim to support and enable growth in the local music industry.

“The Durham Music Industry Forum is an important initiative to build on the collective talent and creativity within our region,” noted the Region’s Economic Development Director, Simon Gill. “Invest Durham is committed to building a stronger, more vibrant music ecosystem that not only entertains but also drives economic and cultural growth in Durham Region.”

The Region’s music scene has a strong foundation, supported by festivals and events such as Oshawa’s Convergence Music and Arts Festival, the Ontario Philharmonic, Uxbridge’s Springtide Festival and Oshawa Music Week and many local acts have achieved national and international success.

Artists like Pickering’s Shawn Mendes, Oshawa’s Daniel Caesar and Oshawa-born Lennon Stella, as well as Juno award winning acts Dizzy (Oshawa), Meghan Patrick (Bowmanville), and Protest the Hero (Oshawa) all emerged from the region. The music scene is further supported by post-secondary programs like Durham College’s Music Business Management program and initiatives such as the Oshawa Music Awards and the School Alliance of Student Songwriters program.

“A thriving music economy fosters artistic growth, creates jobs, and attracts talent and tourism,” Gill added. “This forum offers an opportunity for networking, discussions and feedback to guide the growth of the music industry in Durham.”

The events will feature roundtable discussions and Q & A sessions, networking opportunities, motivational speakers and entertainment. The keynote speaker will be Bob Egan, a veteran musician, six-time Juno Award winner and Canadian Hall of Fame inductee, who will share his experience and offer inspiration for new opportunities in the region.

“Super excited to be apart of and a host venue for these upcoming Durham Region Music Industry Forums,” enthused Biltmore Theatre General Manager Jacob Hamayda. “We need musicians/artists, production folk – live and studio – talent buyers and music industry-adjacent folk in our community to attend.”

“It’s a great opportunity to network with like-minded people and contribute to building out much needed data to build a stronger music industry in our communities.”

The events will be held on three Wednesdays on November 6,13 and 27.

• Wednesday, November 6, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Biltmore Theatre, 39 King Street East, Oshawa.
• Wednesday, November 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts and Culture, 78 Church Street South, Ajax.
• Wednesday, November 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Second Wedge Brewing Co., 14 Victoria Street, Uxbridge.

For more information about the events and to register, visit Eventbrite: bit.ly/durham-music-industry-forum.

Springtide Festival co-founder and performer Tania Joy dancing to The Pairs. Photo Glenn Hendry