Alderman takes in South by Southwest

Joe Ceci says Calgary has 'building blocks for a really big festival'
Published March 19, 2009  by Jeremy Klaszus in News

A Calgary alderman plans to take in plenty of shows at an Austin music festival this month, but he’ll also be looking at what Calgary can learn from the Texas city.

Ald. Joe Ceci is headed to South by Southwest, one of North America’s largest music festivals. “The City of Austin really gets behind what they call Live From the Plaza,” says Ceci. “Singer-songwriters get to perform on the plaza in front of city hall there. I’m going to go down and see that.”

Ceci says Calgary could eventually host a similar North by Northwest festival. “I think we’ve got all the building blocks for a really big festival here.”

Ceci is paying for the trip from his own pocket. “Joe money,” as he puts it.


Comments: 5

John Manzo wrote:

Joe, we already have one. It's called "Sled Island." Check it out.

on Mar 19th, 2009 at 8:45am Report Abuse

fang wrote:

Yeah, I've heard Sled Island rocks. I need to attend the next one.

on Mar 19th, 2009 at 12:09pm Report Abuse

Peter Hemminger wrote:

Actually, Ceci's registered at SXSW under the Sled Island banner -- Zack from Sled Island is the one who suggested he come down. I know the quote sounds odd, but I think when he says "really big festival" he means "really big festival" -- Sled Island's brought in some pretty rad bands so far and is impressive for a fest that's only been around for two years, but compared to the scale of SXSW, it's not even in the same world.

on Mar 20th, 2009 at 10:36am Report Abuse

officematt wrote:

Toronto has the North by Northeast Festival and it is quite good....if the Calgary music scene could get its act together, this could be a good thing.

on Mar 22nd, 2009 at 11:18am Report Abuse

Zakary Pashak wrote:

Not only did I suggest he come down I also got him 2 full passes for it. Sled money. In fairness to him he has never been to Sled Island so he doesn't know the scope. I would love to have Sled Island grow into something like sxsw- but we're going to need some people on council to maybe come out and have a bit of awareness/interest in home grown festivals too. These comments were pretty disappointing for us for sure but I trust that with time people in the city will come around. They are starting to. Mr.Ceci making the effort to go to sxsw was a good thing I think. Lets hope he takes the time to check out Sled Island too!

on Mar 24th, 2009 at 9pm Report Abuse


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