The COVID-19 pandemic decimated the gig economy, impacting all aspects and individuals who derive a living from live music experiences.

Professional musicians who rely on performance income are among the most vulnerable cohorts. The Province of Alberta recognizes the urgent need to support artists through these challenging times, and also the importance that home-grown talent has in connecting Albertans through music.

In 2020, Alberta Music, National Music Centre (NMC), CKUA Radio Network, and Stagehand collaborated on the Alberta Spotlight series, a weekly digital concert initiative that showcased over 75 acts from across the province, providing free concerts for people watching from home and support to artists during the pandemic. 

Thank you to everyone who engaged with the Alberta Spotlight series by tuning in or performing. Please revisit past performances here – it is a diverse collection which will continue to highlight the vibrant musical talent of Alberta.