Major music happenings have occupied my thoughts lately. Richard Branson strode into town awhile back on a crazy horse-drawn carriage to kick up a big fuss about the Virgin Festival coming to Calgary this June (right around the time of Sled Island and followed by the Calgary Folk Music Festival). Michael Green, Blake Brooker and the rest of the team at One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre announced January's sizzling High Performance Rodeo line-up - there are some fantastic music events including a new arrangement of Tubular Bells, presented in collaboration with Alberta Ballet and Honens.`And of course, the 2008 JUNO Awards are coming to Calgary this April!

I've been getting some needling lately at Calgary Arts Development for being the slack blogger on the team. In my defense, I want to point out that it's been a wee bit busy due to the fact that we'll be hosting a music event of our own tomorrow. We'll be traveling to Toronto with four exceptional Calgary talents in tow for Music Lives Here, a live music showcase event featuring Calgary artists Lindsay Ell, The Dudes, Woodpigeon and Five Star Affair. The artists will perform live on stage at the Rivoli for industry, media and Toronto music fans.

These artists have all done an impressive job of wowing local audiences. I can't say how exciting it is to be jumping on a plane with them tomorrow morning (early!) show off Calgary's music scene to Toronto. I know they're going to knock everyone's socks off with the energy and fresh sounds that make the local music scene such a treat to experience here at home. It's time to start shining the spotlight on our local talent, especially with all the high profile music activity ramping up in Calgary these days. If you're a fan of our local talent, please spread the word about the Music Lives Here showcase to your Toronto friends!

Special thanks to all the artists for participating in the Toronto showcase event, and kudos to the partners who made it all possible - Travel Alberta, the Mayor's Office, Hyatt Regency Calgary, X92.9 and Calgary Economic Development.