With local music venues disappearing across Canada, Boston Pizza is stepping in this summer with Live & Local, a nationwide initiative bringing live music performances to Boston Pizza restaurants across the country.
Because every future headliner needs somewhere to start, BP said it is putting out an open call for artists across Canada. From bands and solo acts to acoustic performers and hidden local talent, anyone ready to shoot their shot can connect with their local BP and hit the stage.
The initiative is celebrated by Arkells, who know firsthand how important local stages can be for emerging artists. Arkells recently took over a BP in Sarnia, ON, hosting their fans to a one-of-a-kind surprise concert event. Before arena tours and festival headlining slots, lead singer Max Kerman performed at local venues, including getting his reps in at BP open mic nights while in University in Hamilton.
“As a young artist, you just need places to play,” said Kerman. “That’s where you learn how to connect with a crowd, build confidence, and really sharpen your craft. Those smaller stages are where artists grow, and every big act starts somewhere.”
BP said it is also hitting the road with the all-new Before They Get Big Tour, bringing rising Canadian artists to more than 40 cities nationwide. A BP-branded Ford F-150 will travel more than 14,000 kilometres across Canada, stopping at local restaurants to serve up live music alongside pizza, cocktails, and maybe even Canada’s next big headliner.
“Canadians want more access to live local music, but the spaces to perform are disappearing,” said James Kawalecki, VP Marketing, Boston Pizza International. “BP already has what great summer nights need: patios, communities that love live music, in places where local talent is eager. By turning those spaces into stages, we’re giving more artists a place to play and more Canadians the chance to discover talented local acts close to home.”
Running from May through Labour Day weekend, Live & Local transforms BP restaurants across Canada into the go-to spot to discover (or perform) live music all summer long. BP is also tapping into its partnership with Live Nation Canada to bring fans exclusive perks and chances to win tickets to some of summer’s hottest shows.
Artists looking to book a gig can visit localtalent.bostonpizza.com or contact their local BP for more information.
Fans can visit bostonpizza.com/live-summer-music for more information on Boston Pizza’s national live music program, or check their local BP restaurant page for nearby live music performances.
Boston Pizza is a premier casual dining brand in Canada. The first Boston Pizza restaurant opened in Edmonton in 1964.
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