Showcase PEI gives musicians shot at international gigs

P.E.I. musicians are getting a chance to show off their talents to music industry officials from across North America this week.

Representatives of music festivals, venues and production companies have gathered on the Island to hear performers at Showcase PEI.

The event has grown from 15 buyers from across Canada in 2008 to 40 buyers this year from several countries, and the buyers say they're liking what they are hearing.

"I don't know what's in the water in the Maritimes but I've never seen such just blessed gifts," said Lisa Schwartz, director of the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

"Each performer that I've seen in showcases at other conferences have blown me away more than the one before."

About two dozen Island entertainers are performing this year and there are also opportunities for one-on-one meetings.

The showcase is organized by Music P.E.I. as a way to increase exposure for its members and generate bookings. Since the start of the program, Showcase PEI has created close to $2 million in work for Island artists, and has helped Islanders land gigs at some of the premier festivals and venues around the world.