The Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation along with the Small Business Centre believes Windsor-Essex has a hidden gem — the area's music scene.
On Friday, the groups introduced the Windsor-Essex Music Advisory Council.
Economic Development Co-ordinator Adam Castle says the council will focus on local artists, venues and music programs at post-secondary institutions. He says the goal is to boost the local music industry.
Castle says the council will serve as an advocate and a promoter.
"There's some amazing things going on in our city but they're happening in silos and so we really want to make sure everyone's getting the information, everyone's communicating so that way we can really make those bigger and leverage them," says Castle.
The Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation and the Small Business Centre launch the Windsor-Essex Music Advisory Council in March 2017
He feels the local music scene has a lot to offer.
"It's vibrant, it's dynamic and it's got a lot of great mix between both genres but also veterans that have really had great careers and up and coming acts that are just about to hit sort of the rise," says Castle, adding council will look to help musicians take the next step. "There's all kinds of opportunity and also training our local talent making sure they see they're music as a business," says Castle.
The council consists of 15 members.
Last September, the local development corporation and SBC participated in a music strategy report. The report highlighted the region's current artist community, geographic locations plus events and venues. Click here for more.