Become a Solo or Duet Sponsor & attend the
2009 Hamilton Music Awards and Festivities

HAMILTON, CANADA (June 17, 2009): September Seventh Entertainment Limited announced today that the 2009 ArcelorMittal Dofasco Hamilton Music Awards, Festival and Conference is now accepting festival applications as well as nomination submissions for the Hamilton Music Awards and Hamilton Music Industry Awards. Festival applications, award nomination submission procedures and nomination forms are available at www.hamiltonmusicawards.com.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. EST September 18, 2009.

In 2008, there were 141 nominations in 32 categories for the televised Hamilton Music Awards and 129 nominations in 27 categories for the Industry Awards. Last year’s festival featured over 80 musical acts over three days in venues throughout downtown Hamilton.

September Seventh Entertainment Limited is also very pleased to announce a major partnership with Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology that will see this year’s event take place December 3-6, at Mohawk College, Fennell Campus, in Hamilton.

President of September Seventh Entertainment Limited, Jean-Paul Gauthier, today said, “Mohawk College has some of the best music and communications media programs in Canada which contribute greatly to Hamilton’s music industry. Gauthier added, “This combined with the intimate 1039-seat McIntyre Theatre, studios and classroom facilities make Mohawk College an excellent host venue for this years’ conference, main stage performances and the Hamilton Music Awards ceremony on December 6.

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology President Rob MacIsaac said, “Mohawk College and the Hamilton Music Awards each play a unique role in developing and nurturing Hamilton’s music industry.” MacIsaac continued, “This is an exciting partnership that will result in excellent entertainment, education and networking opportunities for Mohawk students.”

Secondary School Consultant for the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, Klass Walma, said, “Both teachers and students from our board have derived tremendous benefit from the opportunity to interact with music industry professionals at the Hamilton Music Awards Conference.” Walma continued, “Our schools look forward to this event every year.”

Commenting on the announcement ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s Vice President Human Resources and General Administration Graham Browne said, "ArcelorMittal Dofasco and its employees are pleased to take the lead role as Title Sponsor of the 2009 Hamilton Music Awards.”

“The Hamilton Music Awards, Festival and Conference is an unprecedented event for Hamilton which succeeds at promoting Hamilton’s music industry internationally and provides local artists with excellent opportunities for career advancement,” said Browne.

For more information please contact:

Jean-Paul Gauthier
September Seventh Entertainment Limited
(905) 383-4005
jpg@hamiltonmusicawards.com

Opening Reception and Registration (Thursday December 3, 2009):

The opening reception brings together all of the HMA participants including artists, panellists, sponsors, event organizers, dignitaries, event suppliers, industry and media to kick off the event. This opening reception is a highlight of the weekend and a first point of contact for locals and those from out of town.

Festival (Friday December 4, 2009 & Saturday December 5, 2009):

The 2009 Festival will take place over two nights and features approximately 80 musical acts of various genres in clubs and theatres throughout downtown Hamilton. The festival attracts music fans and people from all walks of the music industry. Main stage performances will take place at the McIntyre Theatre (Mohawk College). There is free admission to several venues.

The festival is open to local, national and international performers. Past performers include Brian Melo, Steve Strongman, John Ellison, Teenage Head Daniel Lanois, Finger Eleven, Sarah Harmer, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Ian Thomas, Lee Harvey Osmond, Garnet Rogers, jacksoul and hundreds of others.

Festival Application Form

Conference (Friday December 4, 2009):

Think Globally Act Locally is the theme of the 2009 Hamilton Music Awards Conference. This year’s panel discussion series will achieve two things. First, it will serve to highlight current career opportunities and trends in the music industry. Secondly, the series will serve to bring together representatives from Hamilton’s music industry and local government to ignite ideas for local and international fully integrated marketing strategies to the mutual benefit of one another. Think Globally Act Locally will also feature a keynote address, technical clinics, workshops and Q&A periods.

Think Globally Act Locally is geared towards artists, students, industry, civic employees, politicians, marketing professionals and those interested in starting or furthering their career in the music industry. Past participating schools and institutions include: University of Toronto, Halton School Board, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, Mohawk College, McMaster University, Harris Institute and McMaster University.

Past speakers include: Bob Mersereau (Author, Top 100 Canadian Albums/CBC), Jake Gold (Canadian Idol, Management Trust), Derrick Ross (S.L. Feldman and Assoc), Ross Reynolds (Universal Music), Daniel Lanois (Producer/Artist), Graham Rockingham (Journalist), Emmanuel Patterson (HOB/Live Nation), Paul Sanderson (Sanderson Entertainment Law) and many, many more.

Industry Awards (Saturday December 5, 2009):

The Industry Awards recognize the achievements of those behind the scenes in the Hamilton music industry. There were 129 nominees in 27 categories at last year’s show. Every year the Industry Awards bring together record labels, managers, radio stations, producers, engineers, booking agents, talent buyers and venue managers.

Industry Awards Nomination Form

2009 Nomination Submission Procedures

Control Form

Hamilton Music Awards and Gala Reception (Sunday December 6, 2009):

The 2009 Hamilton Music Awards will be held at the McIntyre Theatre at Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology. The annual Awards ceremony is hosted by local and national celebrities and features musical performances, award presentations, tributes to lifetime achievers, special guest presenters and pre-produced video segments. Last year’s show was completely sold out! The Awards ceremony is the highlight of the 4-day long event.

Past Award show performers include: Derek Miller, John Ellison, Shawn Brush, Brian Melo, Daniel Lanois, Garth Hudson (The Band), Jackie Washington, Tomi Swick, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Teenage Head, Saint Alvia, Simply Saucer and more. Past presenters include Eugene Levy (American Pie, SCTV), Patrick McKenna (Red Green, Traders), Stuart McLean (The Vinyl Café), Bob Mersereau (Author: The Top 100 Canadian Albums) and many more. In 2005, super group U2 sent a video tribute from a sold-out concert in Atlanta, Georgia to Daniel Lanois, who produced some of U2’s biggest albums.

Hamilton Music Awards Nomination Form

2009 Nomination Submission Procedures

Control Form

The Hamilton Music Awards After Party (Sunday December 6, 2009):

The Awards After-Party is the celebration after the celebration and brings together fans, artists and industry. The After Party has been a hit for the past two years and features performances by local acts and special guests.