Music News Digest, Nov. 8, 2019

By Kerry Doole

Sharon and Bram celebrate their first book, acclaimed best-seller, Sharon, Lois & Bram's Skinnamarink, and officially launch new album Sharon & Bram and Friends with a mini-concert followed by autograph signing at Indigo Bay & Bloor, Toronto,  Nov. 10 at 11:00 a.m.. Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) will also present the duo with Road Gold Certification for its 40th Anniversary performance tour.

– LyricFind’s merchandise service, LyricMerch, has announced its first marketplace partnership with eBay. LyricMerch is licensed to create a range of merchandise bearing lyrics from fan-favorite songs, all of which are now available on the marketplace. As part of the partnership, LyricFind and eBay will also collaborate to create targeted merch campaigns that are tailor-made for shoppers. The Toronto-based LyricMerch describes itself as "the only producer of fully licensed apparel and lifestyle items featuring top artists’ lyrics and on-trend designs." 

– Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams is taking a plunge into the Toronto condo development business by teaming up with two local firms to help design a dual-tower midtown condo project. During an announcement at Yonge-Dundas Square on Nov. 5, developers of the project said Williams, best known for his smash hit Happy, had a hand in all aspects of the design of the 750-unit project, dubbed Untitled and slated to be constructed in the Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue area. The Star

– Mariposa Folk Festival turns 60 next year, and the venerable folk fest has named John Prine as a headliner. Mariposa 2020 runs July 3-5 in Orillia, ON.

– MMF (Music Managers Forum) has announced its 2019/2020 Board of directors and has met the goal set by Across the Board to achieve gender parity by 2020. Meg Symsyk (president) and Jake Gold (vice-president) head the trade org. A list of Board directors here 

– Now in its eighth year, Toronto's Long Winter fest has announced details of this year's edition. It will kick off Nov. 22nd at Tranzac, with performances by Raf Reza, Pretty Matty, ZOE,  R.Flex and more. In addition to the T.O. season launch, for the first time, Long Winter presents a free showcase at M for Montreal in partnership with the City of Toronto, with performances by Sydanie, Tremayne, Charlie Noiir and Maky Lavender. That is at Bar Le Ritz in Montreal, Nov. 22.

– A SXSW 2020 discount is being offered to CIMA members. The event runs March 13-22 in Austin, Texas, and CIMA has announced special rates for companies and artist entrepreneurs who plan to attend one. Contact jenia@cimamusic.ca for more information.

– Vancouver’s Hunting has evolved from being a solo project for Bradley Ferguson to a trio, with the addition of vocalist Jessicka and Dustin Bentall. In support of the just released album Whatever You Need (out via Nevado Records), Hunting plays Toronto's Dakota Tavern on Nov. 13.

– The deadline for the next round of Music Nova Scotia grants for Tour and Showcase Support is Dec. 15. More info here

– Kingston-area indie label Wolfe Island Records will showcases its roster at a Toronto Hugh's Room Live show on Nov. 16. The event has been touring Europe for the last two years, to great response. The ensemble night will showcase solos, duets, and group harmonies from Stephen Stanley (Lowest of the Low), Hugh Christopher Brown and Kate Fenner (The Bourbons), and Suzanne Jarvie (recent winner of the Colleen Peterson Award for Songwriting), supported by guitarst Chris Bennett  and bassst Jason Mercer.