OMAs team up with Convergence Festival for downtown Oshawa music and art showcase

The Convergence Art and Music Festival and the OMAs have joined forces, with the annual celebration of music in Oshawa and Durham Region holding its 2023 awards show September 24 at the historic Biltmore Theatre as part of the festival lineup.

The OMAs (known as the Oshawa Music Awards until last year’s re-branding) have been honouring the stars of the local music industry for six years, with past winners including Crown Lands, Dizzy, Shawn Mendes, Lyndsay Schoolcraft, Tania Joy, Hill Kourkatis and Greg Keelor, among many others.

The Convergence Festival, which will happen for the first time Sept. 22-24, will serve as a platform for artists, musicians, and music enthusiasts from across Ontario to gather in the heart of downtown Oshawa and “revel in the rich tapestry of sounds” that define the region’s music landscape.

“Oshawa Tourism is thrilled to welcome The OMAs to the Convergence Art and Music Festival. The OMAs share our vision to celebrate and support the exceptional music that flourishes within our community,” said Oshawa Tourism Director Krista Licsi, Director. “The Convergence festival line-up will reflect the diverse and evolving music landscape in Oshawa and Durham Region.”

Convergence will feature an eclectic lineup of musical performances, art installations, interactive booths and displays, a Nerd Alley, an International Street Food Alley, live professional wrestling and other ‘culture jamming’ events. With a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and creativity, the event promises to provide an immersive experience showcasing the depth of talent in Durham Region’s local arts and culture scene, noted Licsi.

The Strumbellas will headline the event, with musical performance from Cale Crowe, Haddix and others.

OMAs co-directors Julius Allan Rondilla (left), Tony Sutherland and Thao Nghiem with Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. Photo Mikki Simeunovich

The OMAs will add an extra layer of excitement and prestige to the festivities, providing a unique experience in celebrating the very best of Ontario’s music scene, said OMA co-director and co-founder Thao Nghiem.

“The OMAs is delighted to be a part of Convergence and to enhance the scope and reach of this region’s musical talent,” she enthused. “As a component of the Convergence, The OMAs act as a significant platform to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary artists who contribute to the musical landscape of our region.”

Awards will be presented in 11 categories at OMAs 2023, including Emerging Artist, Band of the Year and Song of the Year.

Music enthusiasts, media professionals, and music industry stakeholders should mark their calendars for the weekend music celebration in Oshawa. For more information on both events, visit www.convergenceoshawa.com.