There's going to be a homecoming in Springhill this summer. Anne Murray is returning to her home town to join a host of talented Canadian performers headlining Springhill Musicfest ‘99.

From July 30 to August 1, this inaugural event will showcase a diverse roster of highly acclaimed singers, songwriters and musicians from across Canada. The line-up includes such well known Nova Scotians as The Rankins, Bruce Guthro, Gordie Sampson, MacKeel, Scott MacMillan, and the Acadian group, Blou. In addition, the Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Community College, Cumberland Campus will develop and host music industry workshops.

"I'm pleased to be a part of the Springhill Musicfest, and very proud of the community for taking on the challenge of this ambitious event," said Springhill native, Anne Murray. "It's a great opportunity for everyone."

The festival will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Anne Murray Centre in Springhill and will culminate with a closing night concert with the internationally renowned singer on August 1.

"The musical talent that has been spawned in Nova Scotia makes us proud of our musical heritage, and The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency(ACOA), is equally proud to support such a high-quality event," said Senator Al Graham, on behalf of the Honourable Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "We're very pleased that MusicFest ‘99 will lead to substantial economic spinoffs for the Cumberland County area."

During the three-day event, festival organizers expect attendance by 15,000 visitors and residents who will generate economic spinoffs of nearly $1.5 million. The festival will also have the support of more than 300 volunteers from the Cumberland County region.

"Nova Scotia's immense musical talent is one of this province's greatest strengths," said Honourable Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "By supporting events like Springhill Musicfest, not only are we drawing tourists to spend time in our province, we're also using one of our natural resources to diversify our economy and help Nova Scotians prosper here in Nova Scotia."

The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification, co-managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism, is providing $55,000 to help stage the event. Other sponsors include the Town of Springhill, the Anne Murray Centre, Human Resources Development Canada, the Cumberland Regional Development Association, Irving Oil, EMI Canada, and Tim Horton's.

Advanced tickets for Springhill Musicfest ‘99 are now on sale at the festival office, 48 Main Street, Springhill. Information on tickets, accommodations and the event schedule is available locally by calling 597-2192, or toll free 1-887-363-3363.

For more information, contact:

• Adèle Poirier
  Economic Development and Tourism
  Phone: 902-424-5836
  E-mail: poiriead@gov.ns.ca
  
  
• Anne Cameron
  Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
  Phone: 902-426-9304
  
  
• Amy Melmock
  Springhill Musicfest ‘99
  Phone: 902-597-2192