Second Cup and the Songwriters Association of Canada Support Emerging Canadian Artists

TORONTO, Sept. 24 /CNW/ - The Second Cup Café Music Series returns this
fall to give coffee drinkers a grassroots musical experience and emerging
Canadian musicians the exposure they deserve. Now in its second year, the
Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.) has joined the initiative that will
see emerging artists as well as feature acts perform at Second Cup cafés
throughout the country. The program, developed by the Canadian-born and
Canadian-run organization, is Second Cup's way of supporting Canadian
singer-songwriters and bringing music lovers closer to classic rockers and
future stars.
The S.A.C., an association led by active professional and amateur
songwriters, is committed to the development and recognition of Canadian
songwriters. The partnership has led to the participation of a number of
talented Canadian musicians in the Café Music Series, including Jimmy Rankin,
Suzie McNeil, Colin James Duo, Melissa McClelland, Hayley Sales, Wil, Jill
Barber, Ima, Michael Kaeshammer, Pascale Picard and Amanda Martinez.
"In addition to being a Canadian singer-songwriter, I am a huge supporter
of Canadian music," said Jimmy Rankin, one of the program's feature artists.
"I like what Second Cup and the S.A.C. are doing to help promote Canadian
music through the Café Music Series. Emerging Canadian musicians have the
opportunity to show music lovers what they're made of, and established artists
can prove they can still bring down the coffee house."
Second Cup and the S.A.C. selected the local artists for the Second Cup
Café Music Series based on their ability to produce meaningful, provocative,
interesting and melodic music.
Karen Gold, vice president of marketing for Second Cup, said the musical
initiative is indicative of how much Second Cup cares about supporting
emerging and established Canadian singer-songwriters.
"Each artist participating in the Café Music Series benefits from
increased exposure and the opportunity to grow their fan base, and provides
our guests with an enhanced experience," said Gold. "Second Cup cafés provide
the perfect warm and cozy atmosphere to sit back, relax and connect with
talented Canadian musicians and close friends."
Second Cup is also supporting Canadian music on an ongoing basis by
building and sharing a database of Canadian singer-songwriters with its
franchisees. Second Cup franchisees nationwide will contact talented local
musicians that have entered their names into this database, and invite them to
perform for Second Cup guests and the media. Second Cup is encouraging
emerging Canadian singer-songwriters who would like to get involved with the
Second Cup Café Music Series to apply via e-mail to music@secondcup.com.
"Partnering with Second Cup on the Café Music Series initiative was a
natural fit," said Eddie Schwartz, acting president, Songwriter's Association
of Canada. "Our goals are aligned with many of Second Cup's goals for Canadian
music. For example, we both seek to promote Canadian singer-songwriters, and
to educate Canadians about Canadian songwriters - the people behind major hits
nationally as well as internationally."
The music begins on September 25, 2007 with the first concert in the
Second Cup Café Music Series taking place in Toronto. Some of Canada's most
acclaimed singer-songwriters will perform in 13 Second Cup locations in nine
cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Edmonton and Calgary. Canadian
pop icons and emerging stars will be bringing popular music back to the
intimate venue from which it emerged - the coffee house.

About Second Cup

Second Cup is Canada's largest specialty coffee franchisor and operates
more than 360 cafés across Canada. Serving specialty coffee, food, and unique
and stylish gift ideas, Second Cup invites Guests to make Second Cup their
Second Home. For more information, visit www.secondcup.com

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