It’s been a while since we’ve been able to gather in person, and we were thrilled to join friends and colleagues on March 10 for the West Anthem Mixer! The CKUA Radio events space provided the ideal location to celebrate not only Alberta, but Canada’s music industry during an exciting week in Edmonton leading up to the JUNO Awards.

Andrew Mosker, West Anthem Steering Committee Chair, welcomed guests and gave updates on the music cities movement in Alberta and the economic impact a growing music industry can bring to our province. He welcomed Marc Carnes, CEO of CKUA, Canada’s largest independent, professional, donor-supported radio station, who noted the influence CKUA makes to our province and beyond, through music, arts & culture. Councilor Karen Principe, representing Ward tastawiyiniwak, brought greetings from the Mayor’s office.

CKUA tour guides, Peggy and Roger, who volunteered their time, were on site to take folks for a peek behind-the-scenes of a working radio station and music library/archive. A stop on the top floor terrace provided breathtaking views of the river valley and folk fest hill, and we were enlightened about musical artifacts from wax cylinders to Edison discs! Adding to the musical learnings was a pop-up exhibit curated by the National Music Centre and Alberta Music. It included portraits of renowned Alberta artists, as well as KD Lang’s JUNO that she modified with a little paint to make it her own (see image below). Kate Stevens, host of The Upload on CKUA, was the DJ for the event and curated an impressive playlist that featured Alberta talent.

Special thanks to Bent Stick Brewing who hosted a craft beer bar and to caterer Rigoletto’s, who provided Italian bites and poured local libations from Strathcona Spirits and Token Bitters mocktails.

We want to thank our presenting sponsor Dept.9 Studios for making this event a success. Dept.9 Studios is a boutique full service production facility located in the heart of Edmonton, Alberta. They develop and produce feature films, television, web series, and more, while creating opportunities for local and Canadian talent.

Special thank yous to all of our sponsors; Explore Edmonton, ATB Branch for Arts and Culture, The Edmonton Downtown Business Association and Dept.9 Studios for making this event possible! Their continued commitment to the importance of celebrating Alberta’s rich music history, community, talent and partners is so appreciated!

On behalf of the West Anthem Committee,
Andrew Mosker, Puneeta McBryan, Adam Fox, Carly Klassen, Jeff Hessell, Graham Lessard, Allison Pfeifer, Greg Curtis, and Kaley Beisiegel

Photo credit: Mollie Laura Photography