The Canadian Blast BBQ kicked off 2006’s SXSW music festival in fine fashion! With sun shining and anticipation in the air, SXSW attendees arrived in Austin and were treated to an event that has become synonymous with the beginning of an always exciting week.

The BBQ attracted a strong contingent of Canadian delegates but also many “Canadian curious” attendees from all over the world. Brush Square Park was filled to capacity with people from many countries including the USA, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. 2006 was a banner year for Canadian music on the International stage and the Canadian artists that performed at the BBQ showed the true diversity of our country. Sets from The Trews, The High Dials, Magneta Lane, Pilate, Golden Dogs and Swollen Members attracted enough interest that at the high point of the BBQ there was a line up out the main gate and right up to the entrance of The Hilton Hotel.

As part of the Canadian Blast promotional initiative a street team canvassed Austin throughout the week distributing Gig Guides and CD samplers and putting up posters. By the end of the week many walls in Austin were awash in red posters. This was mimicked at the BBQ as the street team members greeted attendees and ensured that there were plenty of posters and gig guides for those who wished to check out the showcase information for their favourite Canadian performer. Events of this magnitude always take an army of many to coordinate and 2006’s BBQ was no exception. The event was spearheaded by The Canadian Consulate General of Los Angeles in conjunction with Creative Control. A strong support team included CIRPA, SOCAN, FACTOR, NXNE and Frontside Promotions Group.


2007’s event promises to be even more exciting. We look forward to seeing you on March 14th at Brush Square Park for another great Canadian Blast BBQ!