In just one week, BreakOut West will officially kick off its 20th annual event, celebrating and experiencing all that the western Canadian music industry has to offer! Taking place from September 28 – October 2 in Calgary, AB, BOW 2022 will play host to an packed lineup of festival performers, a conference of international industry insiders, and the reveal of this year’s Western Canadian Music Award winners.

Ahead of Sept. 28th, BOW will kick off the festivities early by celebrating the winners of the Western Canadian Music Artistic Awards on Friday, September 23, with a live broadcast revealing the 2022 recipients, as well as an official in-person watch party at Calgary’s Ship and Anchor. The broadcast will feature performances by Pop Artist of the Year nominee, Nuela Charles (AB), and The Garrys, who are up for BreakOut Artist of the Year. Attendees at the watch party will be treated to a special set by Edmonton producer and DJ, OBLYVN. Viewers worldwide can tune in to the broadcast at 6:00 p.m. MT here.

The winners of the 2022 Western Canadian Music Industry Awards will be revealed at the Industry Awards Brunch on Saturday, October 1 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. A list of 2022 WCMA nominees, in both the artistic and industry categories, can be found here. Full details on both awards events can be found below.

BreakOut West officially begins on Sept. 28th with the start of its four-day career development conference and international industry program. Offering immersive content, international market deep dives, one-on-one mentor meetings, workshops and more, the conference is a landmark event for both artists and industry alike looking to gain insight into the ever-changing musical landscape and make invaluable connections. BOW 2022 will continue to offer enriching online networking events, bringing attendees the opportunity to link with industry peers worldwide. Visit here to register.

Three nights of music festival showcases kick off on Thursday, September 29th and will see artists take to stages in venues throughout Calgary’s downtown core and in the Music Mile. Over 50 western Canadian acts are set to perform, as well as two eastern Canadian friends, and ten guests from overseas, including musicians from Wales, Sweden, Iceland, the Nordics and other countries from across Europe. A special mini festival – Kinderfest – will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Central Library, giving the youngest of concertgoers (and their parents!) a taste of the outstanding children’s music coming out of western Canada.

“Calgary is growing as a music city,” says Jeff Hessel, a VP with Tourism Calgary who is also on the Host Committee for BOW. “The city takes great pride in highlighting its local talent and supporting both emerging and more established artists. We’re excited to see them perform and to welcome international artists who are joining us as well.”

The full lineup of BOW festival performers can be found here and the three-night schedule can be viewed here. Festival wristbands are available for $15 each and can be purchased online or at the participating venues, while supplies last, beginning September 29th.

“With only seven days to go, I could not be more excited to welcome everyone to Calgary!” exclaims BreakOut West Executive Director, Robyn Stewart. “As we tune up our final plans and make out weekend venue-hopping schedules, I reflect on 20 incredible years of gathering together for BreakOut West. Pack your carry-ons and make your way to us for an incredible weekend of live music, conversation, learning and Calgary hospitality. See you soon!”

BREAKOUT WEST 2022 AT A GLANCE:
Dates: Wednesday, September 28 – Sunday, October 2
Host City: Calgary, Alberta
Host Hotel: Marriott Downtown
Access: Conference REGISTRATION | Festival WRISTBANDS
Conference: Wednesday, September 28 – Sunday, October 2 | SPEAKERS |SCHEDULE
Festival: Thursday, September 29 – Saturday, October 1 | LINEUP | SCHEDULE
BreakOut West Kinderfest: REGISTRATION
For more information: breakoutwest.ca

2022 WCMA Artistic Awards Watch Party:
Date: Friday, September 23, 2022
Location: The Ship and Anchor, 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Doors: 5:30 p.m.
Awards Presentation: 6:00 p.m.
Free entry
Live Broadcast: Facebook.com/breakoutwest

Industry Awards Brunch:
Date: Sunday, October 2, 2022
Location: TELUS Convention Centre
Doors: 10:00 a.m.
Awards Presentation: 10:30 a.m.
Ticketed event for registered attendees

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