Press Releases

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April 6th, 2010

Burlington ON (April 6, 2010).  Burlington's Sound of Music Festival is pleased to announce our first release of Festival performers. Get your cowboy boots and country hats ready we are excited this year to be showcasing George Canyon and Tara Oram.

George Canyon, https://store.georgecanyon.com/ a country neo-traditionalist, with a voice that can soar with emotion or linger in a heavy bottom-end that feels like a kick in the chest from a faith healer.

When you see Mr. Canyon, with piercing eyes that hang above his square jaw, the star appeal becomes even more obvious, his achievements – the string of hits, a shelf-full of Junos and Canadian Country Music Awards, not to mention his rocket-ride to fame on Nashville Star 2 in 2004, and the subsequent blockbuster albums One Good Friend, and Somebody Wrote Love.

He is also well known for his support of Canada's Armed Forces. This year the Festival will be honouring our local troops and as part of our fanfare George Canyon will be meeting with 20 troops at the Festival.

Canyon sings about things that are bigger than him. As he says, “In country music, sincerity is everything," which might be why the likeable 39 year-old from Nova Scotia is a rapidly ascending star on both sides of the border.

Tara Oram, http://taraoram.com star of CMT television show The Tara Diaries she humbly tells viewers "I finished sixth on Canadian Idol and then, nothing happened."

Tara's journey hasn't been one of overnight reality TV stardom, though.

All of Tara's hard work is finally paying off. Her efforts on Idol and The Tara Diaries have led to the exciting next chapter in her adventure, the release of her free, fun and uplifting debut album Chasing The Sun on Open Road Recordings. Each song has Tara's touch on it and overall, the album is diverse and fresh, very melodic and loaded with potential singles.

Tara's first single "Fly Girl" celebrates her small town roots, all wrapped up in the positive message of shooting for your dreams."
Brad James just confirmed as the opening act for our country segment, Belleville ON native and one of the fastest rising newcomers in the country music scene.

The Festival is also pleased to announce Metroland West contest winner, We Are Bravest http://www.myspace.com/wearebravest will be performing at the Festival. This is the second year for this contest; again, we are thrilled to offer the performance spot to the grand prize winner. Congratulations!

June 17th to 20th will mark Burlington's Sound of Music Festival's 31st year of creating "Four Fabulous Days of Free Music and Fun" along our beautiful picturesque waterfront, Spencer Smith Park, and throughout downtown Burlington.  Through the generosity and support of sponsors and the dedication of over 500 volunteers, the Festival continues to be a free event for music lovers of all ages, welcoming close to 190,000 visitors annually.

For more information on last year's talent and performance schedules or current Festival information visit soundofmusic.ca or call the Festival Hotline 905-333-6364.

**Save the Date, Media Launch and Annual Fundraiser April 23, 2010. More information to follow**-30-

Presenting Sponsor Tim Hortons

Feature Sponsors  ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Burlington Hyundai, Cogeco, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Nickelbrook, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Performing Arts Burlington, S. B. Prime At The Hotel Raymond, TD Canada Trust Music

Support Sponsors Canadian Heritage, City of Burlington, Employment Ontario, Ontario Yours to Discover, SOCAN Foundation, Tourism Ontario, TD Friends of the Environment

Burlington's Sound of Music Festival

Kimberly Calderbank-Allington, Sponsorship & PR Manager
Phone 905-634-6258 or Email sponsorship@soundofmusic.ca

Dave Miller, Executive Director
Phone 905-634-6309 or Email executivedirector@soundofmusic.ca

Gerry Murphy, President
Email president@soundofmusic.ca

Rick Rossini, Communications Director
Phone 905-635-7660 or Email rossini@rossinimagic.com