Canadian Musician - September/October 2020 | Page 14

CHANGES Facebook Launches Paid Online Events Feature in Canada On Aug. 14, 2020, Facebook launched a new paid online events feature aimed at helping creators, small businesses, educators, and media publishers in Canada and 19 other countries. With it, page owners can create an online event, set a price, promote the event, collect payment, and host the event on the social media platform. As well, Facebook also said that in order to support small businesses and creators during the pandemic, it will not collect any fees from paid online events for at least the next year. While announcing that, the social media giant criticized Apple for refusing to waive or reduce its 30% App Store tax. This means 30% of event revenue generated through Facebook’s iOS app will go to Apple instead of the event host. Google did agree to waive its fee on Android purchases in order to allow businesses and creators to keep all the revenue. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ formedia/solutions/online-events. Live Production Veteran Launches New Initiative to Support Techs in Need Anthony Crea, a veteran of the Canadian live events industry, has launched a new initiative called Techs in Need (T.I.N.) to support live event professionals currently out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. T.I.N. will be hosting an ongoing busking concert series and other events to raise funds that will then be distributed to applicants. Additionally, donations are being accepted via a crowdfunding campaign. For more information or to donate, visit: www.techsinneed.com. KoSA Drum Camp Decides to ‘Just Drum On’ for 25 th Annual Event Determined to still hold its 25 th anniversary drum camp despite the restrictions on group events, Montreal-based KoSA decided to “Just Drum On” – which was the theme of this year’s camp – online instead. Renowned artists and industry professionals delivered their sessions via Zoom from July 6-10 in a carefully-designed educational program. The week included presentations and lessons from artists like David Garibaldi, John Riley, Paul Picard, Jim Riley, Bill Bachman, and Mike Clark, as well as industry professionals like Canadian Musician publisher Jim Norris. For more information, contact KoSA: 800-541-8401, [email protected], www.kosamusic.com. MARK YOUR CALENDAR... BreakOut West Converting to 15-Day Virtual “Home Edition” BreakOut West is moving online for a 15-day “immersive online experience” that provides artists and industry with keynotes and panel discussions, mentorship meetings, networking mixers, wellness moments, and new music discovery. The annual showcase festival and conference was originally going to be held in Winnipeg in the fall. After artist and industry consultation, BreakOut West decided to emphasize networking and professional development for the 2020 Home Edition. From Sep. 25 th to 14 CANADIAN MUSICIAN Oct. 9 th , industry sessions will bring professionals together to discuss timely topics, from self-management strategies and balancing parenting and a music career, to international market deep dives and the future of music. Sessions will include breakout rooms where attendees can further engage in the conversation. Network mixers and mentorship conversations will give artists the opportunity to connect with industry professionals in both casual group settings and private oneon-one meetings. BreakOut West: Home Edition will also include regular community wellness sessions, including group yoga, the BreakOut West run club, and meditation. Attendees will also gain the opportunity to travel virtually to key international markets to learn strategies and insights for breaking out internationally. A juried selection of artists will be highlighted for industry delegates coming from different time zones, showcasing their work, videos, and music leading up to and during the online event. For more information and to register, go to www.breakoutwest.ca.