Official album release and opening night as part of the Empowering Women in the Music Industry conference presented by Axé Worldfest!

Winner of the 2023 Capital Music Awards for Album of the Year (The Spaces in Between) and Winner of the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards for Indigenous Songwriter of the Year, Amanda Rheaume’s (she/her) rootsy, guitar-driven ballads introduce crucial dimensions to the world of Heartland Rock. In a genre characterized by anthems of underdogs, assumptions, and unfair advantages, Rheaume’s sound and story crucially and radically expand geographic and cultural boundaries to make space for new perspectives on resistance and resilience. A Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and an active and proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Rheaume’s music is indeed from the heart and the land.

And opening for Amanda Rheaume is Mimi O’Bonsawin!

Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario and is mixed French Canadian & Abénaki, a member of Odanak First-Nation. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s music embraces the beauty of Land. The ethereal quality of her music whisks you away with uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instruments. The layers of percussion and surprising harmonies make you feel the music rather than just hear it.

Fresh off a Spring tour in France, which included Festivals and Sold Out Concerts, Mimi performs as a duo with her husband Ryan Schurman on drums making it an intimate yet uplifting experience for the audience. They recently invited Anthony King on lead guitar adding layers of atmosphere and energy to their full band sound which they featured during Sold out Concert at the National Arts Center's Fourth Stage.

About the conference:

Axé WorldFest was founded on the principles of positivity, life force, and collaboration. The fifth-annual conference takes these concepts to heart with the motivating themes of Rise, Connect, Create – EWIMI5. It encourages people to reach their potential, work with others, and build something beautiful that makes industries stronger and more equitable.

This three-day conference brings together industry leaders and emerging talent to forge connections and spark new project ideas. Through panels, workshops, speed meetings, mentorship, showcases, networking events, and after-parties, the conference amplifies the voices and experiences of women and lifts all genders. The conference takes place in venues around the National Capital Region, providing economic opportunities to cultural workers and local businesses.

The National Arts Centre has been the presenting partner since 2022, supporting the celebration and advancement of women in the music industry.

There are no program notes for this event.