Popular Cape Breton band Pretty Archie are finalists in Casino Nova Scotia’s $20,000 Artist in Residence program. The winner will be determined by votes and a live showcase, June 6.[/caption]Casino Nova Scotia is excited to announce the finalists for the Artist in Residence position. When jurors made the selection following interviews last week, Cape Breton’s Pretty Archie was among the six finalists who will move on to the performance round of the selection process on June 6, 2014.
The finalists, in alphabetical order, are Ambition, a hip hop act from Halifax; Jessie Brown & The Black Divine, a rock act from Halifax; Kim Harris, a pop / folk artist from Halifax; Pretty Archie, Americana / bluegrass / blues / country / folk / roots from Sydney; The Brood, an experimental / progressive / rock / jazz from Halifax; and TJ King, a country/rock act from Mount Uniacke.
“Each phase of the application process has been exciting and surprising. The excitement is definitely growing as we get closer to selecting an Artist in Residence,” states Helen MacMillan, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Casino Nova Scotia. “When we first started developing this program, our intention was to have a top five for the performance round. What we discovered as we started reviewing the applications and interviewing the artists is the incredible talent from around the province, and the diversity in genres. Following the interviews we had to include a sixth finalist.”
The Casino Nova Scotia Artist in Residence program will provide the selected musician or group with $20,000 in funding to assist with developing their career through recording, marketing, and live performance opportunities. Music Nova Scotia is working with Casino Nova Scotia to administer the program.
“Through the Artist in Residence program, Casino Nova Scotia is giving the selected candidate a life-changing opportunity that will nurture their artistry and help them develop the necessary business skills needed to survive in an industry that is competitive and always changing,” states Scott Long, Executive Director of Music Nova Scotia.
Music lovers and fans will have their chance to vote until June 6 during the online voting, which counts towards the selection of the finalist. Cast your vote here. And if you’re in Halifax on June 6 (and over 19 years of age), why not drop by Casino Nova Scotia for the finalists? Free admission.