NEWS RELEASE
DESTINATION STRATFORD
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Destination Stratford received an overwhelming response in applications for their Winter Music Pop-up Funding Program with 19 submissions. Due to this response, the allotted amount of $5,000 was increased by Destination Stratford to a total of $10,000 in funding going directly to local businesses, organizations and musicians to create their own winter music experience.
The selection process was extremely competitive and 16 musical endeavours were chosen for funding contribution. Musical performances will take place from December until March 2025. The Stratford Winter Music Pop-Up Program was initiated last year to align with the Lights On Stratford Winter Festival of Lights, and is now expanding by encouraging, supporting and funding additional musical cultural events around the city. Successful applicants focused on winter season musical projects that align with Stratford’s cultural DNA, as outlined in the 2023 to 2028 City of Stratford Municipal Cultural Plan.
“Last year’s Music Pop-up Fund hit all the right notes by adding cultural energy throughout the city during Lights On Stratford,” said Zac Gribble, Executive Director of Destination Stratford. “We’re proud to be expanding the Fund this year to continue supporting our fantastic local musicians together with highlighting Stratford’s unique live-music venues to bring even more cultural opportunity and experiences to our community during the winter months.”
The successful 2024 Winter Music Pop-up applications selected for investment include:
- Bentley’s Bar Inn Restaurant: Illuminate Your Night Music Pop-Ups!
- Bluebird Restaurant: Sunday Sessions
- The Bruce Hotel: Live Piano Bar
- The Bunker: January Friday Night Sessions & Saturday Night Live
- The Common: New Year’s & January Live Music
- Foster’s Inn: New Band Performances
- INNERchamber: Chamber Music Events
- Matilda Gallery & Art Bar: Music and Art Series
- Mercer Kitchen + Beer Hall + Hotel: Live Music & Late-Night Food
- Montana’s BBQ & Bar: Live Music Series
- The Relic Lobby Bar: Speakeasy Jazz Performances
- SpringWorks PuppetWorks: March Presentation of Emilios
- The Starlight: Stratford’s Maac Music Records Winter Showcase
- Stratford Country Club: Glow & Throw Party and Sunday Social
- Stratford Perth Museum: Kroehler Trailers – A Community Builds a Musical
- Stratford Symphony Orchestra: New Celtic Celebrations Concert Matinee
The goals of the Winter Music Pop-up Fund include:
- Increasing the number of sustainable and high-quality cultural experiences during the winter season.
- Providing opportunities for local businesses and organizations to create their own winter music experiences.
- Lifting and supporting the local music scene to be vibrant year-round.
- Encouraging applicants to explore new ideas that are bold, creative and to think outside of the box!
For more Winter Music Pop-Up Fund details please visit: visitstratford.ca/winter-music
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