Uxbridge up against Timmins, Orangeville and Belleville for SiriusXM ‘Music Town’ crown

Uxbridge residents have rallied behind their neighbours as the community rebuilds after a devastating F2 tornado swept through the town last month and now they hope SiriusXM voters rally behind their quest in a nationwide contest to be named Music Town.

SiriusXM Canada narrowed the search to 16 towns across the country, with an “epic” music experience up for grabs to the four regional winners. Earning one of the coveted spots is Uxbridge, which received some passionate nominations from locals showing off their hometown pride and a love of music.

Uxbridge will be competing against Belleville, Orangeville, and Timmins in the Ontario region to win a concert from JUNO-winning Burlington indie pop band Walk off the Earth.

After receiving enthusiastic submissions from more than 400 unique communities across the country, SiriusXM Canada narrowed down the entries to 16 finalist communities, across four different regions – Eastern Canada, Quebec, Ontario and Western Canada – based on heartfelt stories describing what makes each community special.

“Within minutes of this storm, the community came together. People were out helping wherever they could. I think after this event the people of Uxbridge deserve some music and happiness brought to our town. This is why Uxbridge, Ontario deserves this nomination.”

“Uxbridge was recently hit by a tornado causing lots of damage. We lost churches, heritage buildings/ trains and power for up to 8 days in some parts of town. We lost our brewery, Second Wedge, who has always been a pillar in our local music community. Our community has come together to get through the aftermath of the storm and could really use this!”

“The stories we received for SiriusXM Music Town are a testament to the true passion and pride Canadians have for their local communities and their love for live music,” said Paul Cunningham, SVP, Sales & Marketing, SiriusXM Canada. “Music Town is more than just a concert, it’s part of our ongoing mission to give Canadians greater access to local artists and deliver memorable moments you can only experience with SiriusXM.”

The shortlisted Music Town communities are Belleville, Orangeville, Timmins and Uxbridge in Ontario, who will compete for a concert from Walk Off the Earth; Corner Brook, Gander, Miramichi and Summerside in Eastern Canada, with a show by the Arkells for the winners; Blanc-Sablon, Mont-Saint Hilaire, Riviere-du-Loup and Sept-Iles in Quebec (2Freres); and Estevan, Lloydminster, Nanaimo and Sylvan Lake in Western Canada (Dallas Smith).

Music fans across Canada are invited to cast their vote for their top town in each region. Voting opened Thursday and will go to July 11. Residents of the final 16 can increase the odds of their town winning by taking to social media using #SXMMusicTown to encourage additional votes and rally behind their community. On July 14, one town in each region will be declared a SiriusXM Music Town based on nomination stories and the total number of votes and rally points earned during the voting period.

“We’re energized by the incredible hometown stories and the country’s passion for live music,” said Sarah Blackwood, Walk off the Earth.  “We can’t wait to hit the road with SiriusXM and celebrate with our fans!”

Visit musictown.siriusxm.ca to learn more about the 16 finalist communities, cast your vote and see full contest rules and regulations. Canadians can also join the Music Town conversation by using #SXMMusicTown and following @siriusxmcanada.

WAY too scared of heights to do this again! Check out our performance of 'Love You Right' on the top of the @TourCNTower!! pic.twitter.com/EZdjRSQFFU

— Walk off the Earth (@WalkOffTheEarth) June 22, 2022