The History of #CandianContent Posts
Canada Day 2023 – This series of blog posts was initiated in 2015 with the intention to share some Canadian content ideas on Canada Day – including films, music, TV programs, books, games, and more.
While we know every day is a good day to consume and share #CanadianContent, Canada Day is another reason to celebrate it, be proud of it, and support the creation of more of it.
New Canadian Music Releases in 2023
It’s been a breakout year for a variety of Canadian performers still very into their careers including Elijah Woods, Devon Cole, Aysanabee, LAVI$H, Jules is Dead, Katherine Li, and many more.
The JUNOs which took place in Edmonton highlighted the many songs popular on streaming platforms to radio, around the world, from vocalists, producers and composers based here in Canada. The annual event moves locations to Halifax in 2024.
For recommendations to build your playlists, check out the recently announced Polaris Prize longlist, with albums from soon to be household names from JayWood to Zoon, alongside industry veterans.
New 2023 Canadian Film and Television Series
A breakout hit in Canada, and ideally soon in the US with a forthcoming release on The CW, “Sullivan’s Crossing” filmed in Nova Scotia included musician T. Thomason in the ensemble cast.
The Oscars constantly has Canadian content, and this year was no exception, including with Women Talking directed by Canada’s own Sarah Polley. Brendan Fraser was the first Canadian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for The Whale.
Canadian representation at the Prime Emmys included Sandra Oh, Norm MacDonald, and Seth Rogen.
For a full slate of fellow Canadians, check out the nominees of the Canadian Screen Awards. The Porter, Sort Of and Brother are among the many stand outs to check out.
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Canadian Books Released in 2023
Unfortunately, the vessel who provided endless interviews with Canadian writers and those far away, Shelagh Rogers recently retired from CBC and her popular radio show The Next Chapter. However, an archive of those interviews and book recommendations are still available online.
Whether you’re intrigued by the unique premise of Scotiabank Giller Prize-winner Sean Michaels’ “Do You Remember Being Born” set to release in September, or you’re drawn towards the poignant narrative of Michelle Porter’s “A Grandmother Begins the Story” published in May, or you’re reading the latest collection of preschool books from Super Simple Songs to your young child, there’s undoubtedly a Canadian book out there for every reader.
#CanadianContent – Video Games
Video games have always been a significant part of the Canadian cultural landscape, as this genre of entertainment continues to be a significant economic driver of the entertainment industry beyond the more traditional ways to ingest content on screens.
In 2023, we have seen some great additions including Montreal’s EA Motive “Dead Space,” a thrilling game that quickly gained traction amongst PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC players.
Out of Vancouver there was “Sons of the Forest” from Endnight. Also with a Vancouver connection was “Minecraft Legends” and out of Toronto came “Ravenlok” by Cococucumber.
Canada Day 2023 Concerts
We have returned to being able to celebrate Canada Day in person, with many other people, and here are some of the performances happening across our country.
- Ottawa (LeBreton Flats) – The daytime ceremony will feature Canadian artists such as Delhi 2 Dublin, Tyler Shaw, Josiane and Diyet. Later performances will feature Jann Arden, Aysanabee, Preston Pablo, Jojo Mason, Dax and Madison Violet.
- Toronto (Woodbine Park) – If you’re celebrating in the GTA, be sure to visit the Q107 Canada Weekend from June 30th to July 1st. Canada Day performances include, After the Gold Rush (Tribute to Neil Young), Monkey Wrench (Tribute to the Foo Fighters), Aeroforce (Tribute to Aerosmith) and more.
- Toronto (Harbourfront Centre) – Toronto Symphony Orchestra will kick off festival season with Broadway star Jewelle Blackman playing a free concert on Canada Day. Other performances include the Strumbellas, Crystal Shawanda, the Toronto All-Star Big Band and more.
- Winnipeg – The Forks – This year’s theme for Canada Day at The Forks is “Finding our North Star” and the celebration will conclude with a drone show pairing ancestral celestial teachings with cutting-edge drone technology which is new to Winnipeg. Performances include Darryl Buck, Onna Lou, Tommyphyll, HERA, Jade Turner and more.
- Vancouver (The Shipyards) – This year, in Vancouver, Canada Day will be celebrated live at the Waterfront at The Shipyards. The event will run from 11:30 pm to 4:30 pm with entertainment and a Beer Garden. This event will feature performances by local artists such as Melanie Dekker – with the Sensational Side-kick, Blazing Eraz, Randy Swallow, and Mostly Marley.
- Surrey (Cloverdale) – This free event allows you to experience Western Canada’s largest Canada Day event in the heart of Cloverdale. This event features performances by Broken Social Scene, Corwn Lands, Neon Dreams, JenZ, Kiera-Dawn Kolson, PIQSIQ. and more.
- Canada Place (Port of Vancouver) – The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority invites residents and visitors on July 1 for the second annual Canada Together which features a diverse lineup of entertainment and activities and the return of the annual citizenship ceremony welcoming new Canadians. This event will feature performances by Pat Chessell, Spakwus Slolem (Eagle Song Dancers), Adam Woodall Band, The Fugitives, Tegan & Sara and more.
- Halifax-Dartmouth (Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park) – If you’re in the Halifax-Dartmouth area, be sure to visit KANA’TA: Canada Day 2023 celebrations on Saturday, July 1, 2023. This Canada Day event offers a variety of new and refreshed cultural, musical, and family-friendly events to enjoy. Music for this event will feature performances by ANSMA House Band, Dubey Downey, Asia, Cory Adams, Cyndi Cain and JRDN (Jordan Croucher).
- Montreal (Old Port) – On July 1st, Montrealers can celebrate Canada Day in the Old Port of Montreal. Like a big neighbourhood block party, everyone is invited to come to the Quai de l’Horloge to have fun, and enjoy a piece of cake. DJs Lux and Klein will end the festivities with a musical performance to get everyone dancing to the beat.
If you’ve been waiting for a good time to start spending more of your entertainment bandwidth with content made in your Canadian neighbourhood and/or by other Canadians, it’s Canada Day. Enjoy!
More Canada Posts:
For Canada Day 2020’s Canadian content suggestions, click here.
For Canada Day 2019’s Canadian content suggestions, click here.
For Canada Day 2018’s Canadian content suggestions, click here.
For Canada Day 2017’s Canadian content suggestions, click here.
For Canada Day 2016’s Canadian content suggestions, click here.
For Canada Day 2015’s Canadian content suggestions, click here.
© 2023 Edwards Creative Law, LLP – Updated to June 30, 2023
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* This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Please contact Edwards Creative Law or another lawyer, if you wish to apply these concepts to your specific circumstances.
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