SiriusXM Canada announced the top 16 finalists in its coast-to-coast Music Town search, which began May 26. Voting is now open for the 16 communities competing at their chance to host headlining Canadian artists Arkells, Dallas Smith, Walk off the Earth, or 2Frères in their own backyard.
After receiving enthusiastic submissions from over 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.
“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 and featured artists are:
EASTERN CANADA (Arkells)
Corner Brook, NL
The most northern city in Atlantic Canada, the music-loving community of Corner Brook is a beautiful playground for sporting and outdoor enthusiasts. Throughout the pandemic, residents helped keep spirits up by sharing and creating music on social media.
Gander, NL
Known for its friendliness and hospitality, and made famous by the musical Come from Away, Gander became a safe place to land when all North American airspace was closed on 9/11.
Miramichi, NB
Situated between beautiful rivers and valleys on the east coast of New Brunswick, Miramichi residents know how to come together as a community to celebrate. The town is home to one of the country’s biggest cultural festivals, Canada’s Irish Festival.
Summerside, PE
This picturesque city by the sea has a big heart and loves to bring people together. Summerside attracts people to its community with its authentic Island experience and celebration of diverse cultural traditions.
QUEBEC (2Frères)
Blanc-Sablon
Named after the fine white sand of its eponymous bay, the lively yet tiny community of Blanc-Sablon serves as the gateway to the eastern end of Lower North Shore.
Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Located on the Richelieu River, Mont-Saint-Hilaire is an artists’ haven that sits in the mountainous Montérégie region of southern Quebec.
Rivière-du-Loup
Situated on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, Riviere-du-Loup charms with the salt tang of its sea air, its remarkable history, inviting nature, one-of-a-kind attractions, and colourful local festivals.
Sept-Îles
Nestled between land and sea, the stunning beauty and history of Sept-Îles has inspired local musicians for generations.
ONTARIO (Walk off the Earth)
Belleville
Located on the north shore of the Bay of Quinte, the beautiful community of Belleville is an underrated cultural destination in Southern Ontario. As a friendly community committed to supporting arts and culture, it would be huge thrill for Belleville to host its own big-name concert.
Orangeville
Located near Lake Ontario in Dufferin County, Orangeville has a thriving arts scene and an enormous love of music. Residents celebrate music at Orangeville’s own Jazz and Blues Festival, and the community loves to gather for a good time.
Timmins
Known as the “City with a Heart of Gold” Timmins is surrounded by untamed wilderness, rivers, and lakes, offering unlimited outdoor adventures. This small northern city also boasts a large Francophone community with more than 50 per cent of residents bilingual in French and English.
Uxbridge
Situated in the Oak Ridges Moraine, Uxbridge is a beautiful community currently rebuilding after a devastating tornado that struck the region earlier this spring. The town quickly rallied together to help friends, neighbours, and business owners, opening up their homes and offering support to those displaced by the tornado.
WESTERN CANADA (Dallas Smith)
Estevan, SK
Located in southeastern Saskatchewan close to the Souris River, Estevan is known as the sunshine capital of Canada, but recent plant closures have been challenging for the community. A local concert would help give the people of Estevan a bit of lightness and joy in this difficult time.
Lloydminster, SK/AB
Straddling Alberta and Saskatchewan, Lloydminster is Canada’s only border town with unparalleled community spirit. The past few years have been especially challenging due to the impact of the pandemic, but residents’ spirit and determination to help each other has not diminished.
Nanaimo, BC
Like the dessert bar after which it was named, this Vancouver Island port town offers much joy and sweetness to its residents, who enjoy a wonderful environment to live, work, and play. The city has a huge love of live music and a vibrant local music scene.
Sylvan Lake, AB
Located in central Alberta, Sylvan Lake is named after the 15 kilometre-long fresh-water lake that the town sits beside. This tight-knit community loves music and a good party, boasting a vibrant arts and cultural scene in support of local artists and musicians.
Time for Canada to Vote
Music fans across Canada are invited to cast their vote for their top town in each region from June 22, 2022, until July 11, 2022, at musictown.siriusxm.ca. 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.
