Emerging Musicians Program

The Emerging Musicians Program is a new (2018) initiative replacing the Street Performers Program by capitalizing on the successful track record of the program launching musical careers.

In partnership with the Downtown Barrie Business Association and Ontario Musicians Cooperative, Inc. this program supports downtown revitalization efforts by creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere in the City's core while harnessing the downtown community as a platform to incubate and showcase emerging musicians.

Program Details

Each year auditions take place through a jury process with musicians being issued annual permits to perform downtown during scheduled shifts from June to September. Committed artists receive gratuities from the public, paid gig and training opportunities and increased marketing support. Marketing and promotion to support the artists and program includes:

• Musician profiles on website with links to social media
• Digital signage/ads in City of Barrie facilities & downtown Barrie
• Custom light-weight A-frame signage for each musician to display
• Opportunity to perform at City of Barrie and BIA events
• Musician profiles shared via City of Barrie social media
• Musician performance locations & schedule shared on signage in downtown Barrie
• Opportunity to have a song included on Barrie’s Emerging Musicians compilation record

Auditions

Wednesday, May 16  3–8 p.m. 
Five Points Theatre presented by Pratt Homes & Pratt Development
1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie L4M 1A1
The general public are welcome to attend as spectators and are encouraged to cheer on their favourite musicians.

The audition booking process has now closed.

Auditions will be a maximum of 10 minutes in duration. Artists will be expected to perform one to three songs at the jurors’ discretion. Musicians will be evaluated on entertainment value, presentation, audience appeal, and quality of performance.

Following auditions, jurors will select the top Emerging Musicians to receive permits. On Wednesday, May 23 at 4:30 p.m. the Emerging Musicians will meet with Creative Economy staff at City Hall to determine the schedule for the season and go over program details.

You must be able to attend the live auditions and follow-up meeting to be considered for the program.

Schedule

The 2018 Emerging Musicians can be found performing at various locations in the downtown core from June to September at the following times:

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