Panel with Slash and 700 shows highlight Canadian Music Week 2010

The city’s clubs and conference rooms are preparing for a spike in business starting Wednesday as Canadian Music Week rolls into town for its 28th year.

Featuring a panel discussion with former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash and hundreds of concerts over five days, the event also includes several awards shows, an expansive music industry conference and a two-day film festival.

Highlights of the music festival include the Constantines, Great Lake Swimmers, Joel Plaskett, k-os, Bedouin Soundclash and Alicia Keys.

The nearly 700 bands participating in the festival, as compared to about 500 last year, mean more of the city’s bars will be packed with CMW revellers for more days in row.

The increased numbers mean more shows on Wednesday and Sunday, two days with relatively few events in previous years. And with all-access wristbands available for purchase, many visit several venues each evening.

CMW’s film festival has also been expanded, and will encompass two days this year instead of last year’s single-day event. The seven music-related movies will be screened at the National Film Board on Friday and the Royal Cinema on Saturday.

Participants in the five available conference streams offered this week will cover the intricacies of digital media, working in radio, how to succeed as an executive, learning the business aspects of being a musician, digital marketing and songwriting.

The centerpiece of this year’s conference is the Spotlight on India series, which will try to help Canadian musicians and music-related industries tap into the massive market in that country.

www.cp24.com