Point and Click to Cape Breton Music
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM-Point and Click to Cape Breton Music
Anyone with Internet access can now find, listen to and order Cape Breton music on the World Wide Web. Cape Breton Music Online is being launched today in Sydney as a comprehensive website dedicated to promoting the Island's music and culture.
"The website is designed to be a resource for musicians, fans and visitors. It aims to raise awareness, provide education and preserve Cape Breton music in all its varied forms," said Ralph Dillon, general manager of Cape Breton Music Online Inc.
"This project has grown from a dedicated on-line community of about 400 musicians, entertainers, historians, folklorists and fans who continue to share music and experiences with each other," said technical co-ordinator Iain MacLeod.
The new site, located at www.cbmusic.com, features the latest industry news, an interactive events calendar, a Real Audio compilation of music and a comprehensive directory of artists and industry professionals. On-line shopping is a key element of the site which allows visitors to sample artists' music and order CDs securely through various music vendors. Visitors also have access to an industry mailing list and links to other resources
"This project is using information technology in a creative, yet practical, way to enhance the gathering, organizing and marketing of Cape Breton Island music," said Senator Peggy Butts, speaking on behalf of Fred Mifflin, Minister responsible for Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Supporting community economic development initiatives like this one is important to the government of Canada."
Developed by Chatsubo, a Silicon Island-based web development firm in Sydney, Cape Breton Music Online takes advantage of the low-cost and instant automation of the Internet to promote the Island's booming music industry. The Internet also reaches international audiences, which helps Cape Breton artists export their music to global markets.
"Music, and Celtic music in particular, has become a major industry on Cape Breton Island and continues to encourage many people to visit here," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "By supporting initiatives like Cape Breton Music Online, we're building exports, attracting tourists and growing our economy."
Cape Breton Music Online Inc. is a not-for-profit organization devoted to the promotion, preservation and protection of Cape Breton music on the Internet.
The project received $48,566 this year through the Years of Music program of the Canada/Nova Scotia Cooperation Agreement on Economic Diversification. The agreement is managed federally by Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and provincially by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Enterprise Cape Breton contributed an additional $15,000. Financial assistance was also provided by Nova Scotia Culture Net and Human Resources Development Canada. The project's office administration and payroll services are provided through New Dawn Enterprises in Sydney.