Morrisburg Ontario —  An investment by the Government of Canada funding in St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage Performances will help stimulate the arts and culture in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry and provide musical development opportunities for local artists. This was announced at the beginning of the April 27th performance by local Member of Parliament Guy Lauzon on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Thanks to this funding, the Stage will be able to carry out its Music and Workshop Series project. St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage Performances is a specialized series presenter based in the village community of Morrisburg, Ontario. The presenter’s programming focuses on acoustic guitar artists and singer songwriters performing in a variety of genres, including folk, fingerstyle, jazz, blues, roots and indie rock. The Stage usually presents nine to ten performances and two to three instrumental workshops per season. All activities take place at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre (172 seats). Projected expected attendance is 1,000 per year. This is a multi-year recommendation for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.

“This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is proud to invest in organizations like  that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today.”

“The Stage is a great opportunity for local residents and guests to experience how fortunate we are to have such a vibrant art and culture sector in our community,” said MP Lauzon. “It also provides a chance for new and emerging artist to hone their skills and gain important professional development opportunities.”

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $20,000 through the programming component of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund  of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This fund gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.