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Cori Brewster named as Honorary Chair of 2009 Canmore artsPeak Arts Festival

Canmore’s premier arts festival is pleased to announced that Banff-born singersongwriter
Cori Brewster – whose family’s roots in the Rocky Mountains reach back 123
years – has been named the Honorary Chair of the 2009 festival.

Festival Chair Sondy Syzmanis said Cori fills the role of Honorary Chair perfectly as she is
someone local who has achieved a level of recognition both within and beyond the
Bow Valley.

“Cori has been a frequent performer throughout the area including two performances
at past artsPeak Festivals and last Summer at the Canmore Folk Festival. She has also
toured overseas and with 3 CD’s already on the shelves and another to be released in
a few months time, her reputation grows daily,” says Sondy. “But,more importantly, Cori
is an artist who speaks with a clear voice, someone who is completely connected to
her RockyMountain roots and traditions. Cori is equally able to take us on flights of
fancy or allow us to glimpse deep into her soul with striking lyrics and melodies.”
Finally, Cori also provides us with a fine example of what can be achieved through
dedication to one’s art while at the same time balancing the demands of parenting.
For us, Cori is the complete package and we are delighted that she has accepted our
Honorary Chair for 2009 and we are thrilled that she will be presenting a special concert
featuring works from her new release!”

“It’s a great honour,” Cori says of being chosen as the 2009 Honorary Chair. “I really, it
sounds a bit cliche but it really is. I think all artists strive to be recognized by their peers.
When you’re nominated within your own arts community, it is a great thing because
your peers recognize that you’re working hard and trying to achieve something.”
Brewster, who returned to the Bow Valley eight years ago, choosing to live in Canmore,
said she sees her role as the honorary chair as an opportunity to draw on her family’s
multi-generational approach of promotion.

“I’ve performed at artsPeak so I know it’s a great festival, now I’m looking at it to be
really informed about all of the things that are going on and making sure, if I’m needed
at events t help promote. I think because my family has been involved in tourism all of
more my life, I look at things as a way of promoting. I think that is important. and now more
than ever artists need to look at those things.

As part of artSong – four nights of livemusic June 18 to 21 – Cori will take to the stage on
June 19 showcase her latest album, Buffalo Street, which is filled with songs inspired by
the history of the Canadian Rockies. artSong will also featuremusical acts at the
festival’s newest partners Communitea Cafe and Zona’s Bistro, while openMic, easily
the most popular event at the 2008 festival will once more give local bands, established
and emerging, a venue and an audience.

“Quite simply, it is the most popular musical event we have done in years. The town has
an abundance of talent when it comes to musicians. Just like Canmore Idol, we’re
providing an opportunity for local musicians to showcase their talents,” says Proctor.
New activities for 2009 include artHunt, an arts-based scavenger hunt, artWell, which
combines health, wellness and art.

As artsPeak draws closer,many exciting opportunities for volunteers, and high profile
positions for sponsors still remain. Festival coordinator Ric Proctor invites everyone to
channel their inner artist and take advantage of all that artsPeak 2009 has to offer.