Toronto's most popular clubs and music halls throw open their doors to industry insiders and the general public to create an electrifying musicfest of discovery. The talented unsigned bands are music to the ears of A&R reps on the lookout for next year's stars. Whether it's the next "big thing" or one of today's hottest concert hitmakers, you'll find what you're looking for at the Festival.

Past years' headliners and featured artists have included:
Three Days Grace, Fefe Dobson, Ian Thornley, DOA, Esthero, Bif Naked, Daniel Lanois, Pat DiNizio, The Zoobombs, controller.controller, Ben Lee, Xavier Rudd, Circle Jerks, The Full Nine, Boy, High Holy Days, IRS, Jeff Healey, Mudvayne, Rascalz, Tegan & Sara, Sloan, The Headstones, Kim Stockwood, Jacksoul, Soul Decision, The Rankin Family, Colin James, Alannah Myles, Gordon Lightfoot, Big Sugar, Great Big Sea, Train, Natalie MacMaster, Semisonic, Tom Cochrane, Blue Rodeo, Alanis Morissette, Barenaked Ladies, Fat Boy Slim, Tal Bachman, 54-40, Jellystone, Choclair, The Pretenders, Jewel, Kc & JoJo, McMaster & James, Starsailor, Eagle Eye Cherry, Shawn Mullins, and the Ennis Sisters.

APPLICATIONS

Showcase applications for the 2006 Canadian Music Week Festival are now being accepted. Please click on "Showcase Application" under the Festival menu for further details on how to submit your package.

Only a select few get a chance to perform but anyone who submits their Showcase Application before August 31st gets a chance to win a Gibson SG Standard Guitar with Case. All entrants will receive a free year's subscription to Canadian Musician magazine. Applications submitted before August 31st qualify for the first round of voting. Bands/artists accepted in the first round will be notified of their acceptance to the Festival by the end of September. Submission deadline for final round of voting - October 31, 2005. Final notices of acceptance - December 2005. Don't wait... Get your application in now!

All applicant artists/band members whether chosen or not to perform at the Festival will receive complimentary delegate passes to TUNEUP 2006 Conference courtesy of Rogers Media. All artists must pre-register for the TUNEUP Conference by Friday, January 20, 2006. Registration details will be supplied in December 2005 with notification of your acceptance to the Festival.

THE 15TH ANNUAL CMW FESTIVAL COMPONENTS

The CMW Official Breakthrough Showcase Series
Up to 150 artists will be selected to play in CMW's Official Breakthrough Showcase Series in selected downtown Toronto venues. Artists participating in the "Official Breakthrough Showcase Series" are eligible to apply for FACTOR funding under the "Domestic or International Showcase Support" program. Artists and venues to be announced in late December 2005.

The CMW Fringe Festival
Third Party organized shows are welcome to participate in CMW's Fringe Festival. These shows are sanctioned Canadian Music Week events but fall outside the "Official Breakthrough Showcase Series". Artists participating in the "Fringe Festival" are not eligible to apply for FACTOR funding. Artists and venues to be announced in late December 2005.

WRISTBANDS

CMW Festival Wristbands will be available in early January 2006 and can be purchased here on the Canadian Music Week web site at www.cmw.net/registration.htm.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Music Fund for this project.