Also this week: Lineups are announced for Harvest Music Festival, Dawson City Music Festival and other new and established summer events, Agneya wins a breakthrough jazz artist award, plus a benefit concert for Venezuelan earthquake victims.
The brand-new Meridian Prize terms itself ''an annual, stand alone award recognizing an album of exceptional artistic achievement from Western and Northern Canada.'' Its inaugural 10 nominees were announced on July 7, and the list includes now-established regional stars alongside new and emerging artists. The 2026 recipient will be awarded on Oct. 3 at BreakOut West in Victoria, B.C., receiving a $5,000 honourarium.
2026 Meridian Prize Nominees
Begonia – Fantasy Life Cassia Hardy – In Relation Emma Goldman – all you are is we Fontine – Good Buddy Foxwarren – 2 Home Front – Watch It Die Jack J – Desert Blue Jairus Sharif – Basis of Unity Living Hour – Internal Drone Infinity William Prince – Further From The Country
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Similar in nature to the Polaris Prize but specifically for Western and Northern Canada, the Meridian Prize "celebrates works of clarity, depth, originality and integrity, honouring albums that stand as complete creative statements and mark a defining moment in an artist's practice" and is selected by an independent jury of festival and radio programmers, independent record store staff, culture critics and curators.
Michael Dawson, executive director of the Meridian Prize, states: “It’s a great privilege to steward this project forward. My sincere hope is that the prize, in partnership with BreakOut West, will serve as a platform for people to discover seminal albums and draw inspiration from the stories behind them. The eligible region spans 6,827,019 square kilometers. That is a vast and diverse landscape whose artists make a profound impact.” More info here.
Festivals News
Now in its 48th year, the annual Dawson City Music Festival is set to return to the Yukon from July 17 to 19. The Canadian-focused lineup of 25 acts includes Dan Mangan, Georgia Harmer, Daniel Romano's Outfit, Celeigh Cardinal, Jane Siberry, Field Guide, Steven Lambke (The Constantines), Carson Mchone, Joey O'Neil and DijahSB. More info here.
– Another festival with impressive longevity, Fredericton's Harvest Music Festival turns 36 this year, running on multiple stages throughout the downtown area, Sept. 15-20. The eclectic lineup includes some big-name imports (Graham Nash, Drive-By Truckers, Joan Osborne), major Canadian stars (Barenaked Ladies, Sloan, The Beaches, The Sadies, Strumbellas) and such blues and roots-rock favourites as Matt Andersen, Blue Moon Marquee, Bywater Call, Terra Lightfoot and Angelique Francis. More info here.
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– Rockstalgia Music Festival is a new two-day Ontario rock event, set for July 11 and 12 at the Orono Fairgrounds in Orono, Ontario. Spanning '70s, '80s and '90s rock across two stages and 24 bands, the festival is anchored by Canadian blues-rock headliner Wide Mouth Mason, with tribute bands dominating the rest of the fest. That lineup includes Supernauts, Led By Zeppelin, DESTROYER Canada, Practically Petty, Fleetwood Nicks, Pearl Jamming, From The Hip and The AC/DC Show Canada. Tickets available here.
– The Innu Nikamu Festival, presented by Hydro-Québec in collaboration with Aluminerie Alouette and SiriusXM, has announced the full lineup for its 42nd edition, running July 31 to Aug. 2 at its usual venue in Mani-utenam. Aside from big-name headliner The Offspring, the lineup features Indigenous and Innu artists, including Éric Lapointe, Scott-Pien Picard, Innu Auassat, Matiu, Éric Leblanc, Bozo St-Onge and Kashkun. More info here.
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Awards News
– 14 Hamilton Arts Awards recipients have been announced and they will be honoured at at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on July 9. Receiving this year’s lifetime achievement award (and $2,500) is Jude Johnson, who started out her career as a child actor and model for Canadian magazines, commercials and TV. She’s also been a singer-songwriter for over 50 years, performing original jazz, folk and children’s songs at festivals, schools and concert halls.
Other music-related winners include Justin Dobbin (co-founder of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios) and Miss Tania Lou (educator, speaker, author and recording artist), each given a creator award.
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– Toronto-based Indo-Canadian percussionist and composer Agneya has won the Toronto Arts Foundation’s 2026 Breakthrough Jazz Artist Award, with the news announced last week during the Toronto Jazz Festival. Supported by Michael Bourgeois and Marilyn Legge, the award is presented to an outstanding jazz artist based in Toronto with two to seven years experience in the field as a solo artist. It comes with a $10,000 cash prize to help further the artist’s career.
Agneya has been an in-demand percussionist for over a decade working with internationally acclaimed artists such as Mike Downes, Larnell Lewis, Justin Gray and more. He released his self-titled debut album earlier this year. The other finalists, Julian Anderson-Bowes (acoustic & electric bassist) and Jon Catanus (drummer), each received a $2,000 cash prize.
Industry News
– The recent devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have prompted some leading Toronto-based jazz and Latin artists to join forces in a benefit concert. Set for Sunday afternoon (July 12) at Lula Lounge, To Venezuela, With Love features performances by Eliana Cuevas, Jeremy Ledbetter Trio, Gaiterosos, Tambor y Cuerdas, Luis Anselmi & Nick Mustapha, Amanda Martinez, Luis Deniz, Solidaridad Tango and Michael Occhipinti.
Organizers suggest that instead of purchasing a ticket, guests can make a donation of $35 or more per person to the Humanitarian Coalition’s earthquake relief campaign. The donation receipt serves as an admission ticket and will be matched by the Government of Canada.
– Canadian Heritage (PCH) and Global Affairs Canada's Trade Commissioner Service are accepting applications to participate in the Creative Industries Trade Mission to China. This trade mission, led by Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, aims to help Canada's creative industries maximize their export potential and stand out in the global marketplace. The mission takes place in Shanghai, Oct. 11-14.
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The deadline to apply is July 19. A webinar will be held on July 10, where the Canadian Heritage team will walk you through the application process. Learn more and apply here.
Artists News
– Last month, Ontario rockers Elephants and Stars released a new album, Philistine Vulgarity. Despite the lofty title, band founder and frontman Manfred Sittmann (ex-Soap Opera) declares that "I loathe pretentious music or anything too precious. These songs are just honest rock songs played with feeling and will never be mistaken for high art and I couldn't be happier about it.'' Of note: The album was produced by Ron Hawkins, frontman of indie rock icons The Lowest Of The Low. Here is the third single.
