THE CHATEAU LACOMBE PRESENTS:

TALK CITY MUSIC CONFERENCE

Last summer, Purple City worked with community partners & experts to offer FREE educational, networking & skill-building programming. The workshops were such a success that, we are launching a full-fledged free-access music conference at Purple City 2025 festival edition called TALK CITY. Read on to learn more about all panel sessions and the incredible speakers we have in store for you!

FEATURING KEYNOTE SPEAKER: JOE KEITHLEY

PANELS & SPECIAL EVENTS ARE FREE & OPEN TO ALL BY REGISTRATION.
PURPLE CITY PASSES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND.

Talk City has been made possible through the generous support of Chateau Lacombe Hotel, West Anthem Music Cities, FACTOR Canada, Alberta Culture Days, Alberta Music, Women in Music Canada & the Government of Alberta & the Freemasons Hall of Edmonton.

SATURDAY

PANELS

  • Grants & Funding

    Saturday, September 6th 2025
    12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    River Valley Room, Chateau Lacombe Hotel

    Learn directly from grant administrators and industry pros who’ve secured funding for festivals, events, and artists, including insights from Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Alberta Music, Edmonton Arts Council, and Music Calgary.

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    MODERATOR
    Aimée Hill
    Management Team, Six Shooter Records | Band Member, Captain Tractor

    SPEAKERS
    Colleen Krueger
    LandlockedMGMT | Music Calgary
    Kami Van Halst
    Interim Executive Director, Alberta Music | Artist | Leader of the Sinners Caberet
    Jason Flammia
    Arts Development Consultant - Music
    Alberta Foundation for the Arts
    Misha Marie Nelson
    Manager, Arts Development & Investment, Edmonton Arts Council

  • Meet the Festivals

    Saturday, September 6th 2025
    2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    River Valley Room, Chateau Lacombe Hotel

    Get the inside scoop from festival producers and talent buyers on what goes into putting on a festival, what they look for in applications, what makes submissions stand out, and how artists can better navigate the process.

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    MODERATOR
    Kerry Clarke
    Artistic and Marketing Director, Calgary Folk Fest, Festival Hall & Block Heater

    SPEAKERS
    Guy Keltner
    Founder, Freakout Fest | Frontman, Acid Tongue
    Hemen Tor-Agbidye
    Festival Manager, Sled Island Music & Arts Festival | Board Member, Music Calgary | Hip Hop Artist, The Blue
    Nathan Walker
    Director, Treefort Music Fest & Duck Club Entertainment

  • Hype & Headlines

    Saturday, September 6th 2025
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    River Valley Room, Chateau Lacombe Hotel


    Discover strategies for working with media and press to share your story, expand your audience, and build lasting relationships. Panelists also explore today’s press realities, from DIY pitching to local and national outlets.

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    MODERATOR
    Arlo Maverick
    Rap Music Advisory Chair, The Junos | Award Winning Hip-Hop MC | Artist & Mentor

    SPEAKERS
    Paul Brooks
    CEO & Director of Publicity, Take Aim Media
    Shannon Johnston
    Live Music Photographer, me_onlylouder | Photography Lead, REVERIE Magazine
    Taleen Kali
    Founder, Dum Dum Zine & Records | Artist

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Women in Music Conversation Circle

    Saturday, September 6th
    5:00 PM -6:00 PM
    Library, Freemasons Hall Main Floor

    Join Women in Music Canada – Alberta Chapter for an open, welcoming conversation circle at Purple City Music Festival. This casual gathering is a space for women and gender-diverse folks in the music community to connect, share experiences, and discuss the opportunities and challenges of working in the industry. Whether you’re an artist, behind-the-scenes professional, or just starting out, come meet peers, exchange ideas, and build your network. Light refreshments provided.

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    MEET YOUR HOSTS

    Amanda Gregoire
    Owner, All Good Promotion & Marketing
    Women in Music Canada
    Non-Profit Music Industry Association

  • Alberta Music Industry Mixer

    Saturday, September 6th
    6:00 PM -7:00 PM
    Black Lodge Lounge, Freemasons Hall Basement

    We are thrilled to be partnering with Alberta Music to host the official Industry Mixer at Purple City Music Festival. Step into the low-lit charm of our Black Lodge Lounge for an evening of conversation, connection, and community. This free gathering welcomes artists, industry professionals, and music workers of all kinds to share experiences, make new contacts, and talk shop about the scene. First-come-first-serve drink tickets will be available, plus a draw for festival swag before the hour wraps.

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    MEET YOUR HOSTS

    Nick Bussiere
    Program Manager, Alberta Music | Founder, Halftime Management
    Kami Van Halst
    Interim Executive Director, Alberta Music | Leader of the Sinners Cabaret | Artist
    Alberta Music
    Non-Profit Music Industry Association

SUNDAY

PANELS

  • Regional & International Booking & Tours

    Sunday, September 7th
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    River Valley Room, Chateau Lacombe Hotel


    Dig into everything from booking local shows and working with venues, promoters, and talent buyers to planning tours across provinces and abroad while tackling the realities of travel and live performance in 2025.

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    MODERATOR
    Craig Martell
    Founder/Talent Buyer, Double Lunch Productions

    SPEAKERS
    Mattie Cuvilier
    Promoter, Clean Up Your Act Productions | Artist, Vibes & Chairman
    Rachel Andrushuk
    Agency Coordinator, Paquin Artists Agency
    Zach Herbert
    Director of Talent/Partner, Modo Live

  • Representation & Equity in the Music Industry

    Sunday, September 7th
    2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    River Valley Room, Chateau Lacombe Hotel


    Join us for this important, candid discussion on how diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, identities and genres are shaping today's artistry and music communities, and what these shifts mean for the future of the industry.

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    MODERATOR
    Vish Khanna
    Host/Producer, Kreative Kontrol

    SPEAKERS
    Elissa Wells
    Get Us Together: Local Music's Virtual Assistant | Co-Founder of Hi-Light Festival
    Jeff Cancade
    Artist, Devours
    Marek Tyler
    First Nations Liaison | Artist | Activist, Radio Host | Educator | Entrepreneur
    Raven Clark
    Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, Community Activist, UNIITY

  • KEYNOTE | Punk Ethos: Past, Present & Future

    Sunday, September 7th
    4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    River Valley Room, Chateau Lacombe Hotel


    MODERATED BY D.O.A.’S JOEY SHITHEAD KEITHLEY
    From basement shows to global stages, punk legends, DIY architects, and the next generation dig into how punk has changed over time, what it means now, and why it matters.

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    MODERATOR
    Joey Shithead Keithley
    Singer, Guitarist & Founder of D.O.A. | Life Long Activist

    SPEAKERS
    Carlin Black Rabbit
    Director, Moments Fest | Drummer, No More Moments & Iron Tusk | Siksika Nation Council Member
    G. Hayes-McCloskey
    Owner, Angry Tooth Records | Vocalist, BÖNDBREAKR | Music Business Accelerator Graduate
    Mati Sykes
    Promoter, Project 23 | Vocalist, Blistering

PANELISTS & HOSTS

  • Aimée Hill

    Edmonton, AB
    Management Team, Six Shooter Records | Band Member, Captain Tractor
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    Aimée Hill has spent over three decades in Canada’s music industry as a performer, publicist, arts and culture columnist, and consultant. She has chaired the Alberta Music board, spoken at conferences as a panelist and moderator, juried for major arts funding bodies, and co-founded the Interstellar Rodeo festival. Aimée led Edmonton’s successful bid to host the JUNOS and co-chaired the 2023 Host Committee.

    Now part of the management team at Six Shooter Records, she continues to champion the Canadian music industry through creative leadership, community building, and industry advocacy.

  • Amanda Gregoire

    Edmonton, AB
    Owner, All good Promotion & Marketing | Lead, Women in Music Canada - Edmonton Chapter
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    Based in Edmonton, Amanda is a seasoned music industry professional with over 15 years of experience. Through her brand, All Good Promotion & Marketing, she has provided event management and marketing solutions for leading companies such as AEG, Goldenvoice, Modo Live, Starlite Room, ConcertWorks, MacEwan Hall, Feldman, and Trixstar.

    Her work spans grassroots club shows highlighting emerging talent to large-scale festivals and national tours with world-class artists. Known for connecting audiences with live experiences, Amanda uses data-driven marketing, strategic partnerships, and deep industry expertise to boost ticket sales and event visibility.

    A respected voice in the Canadian music industry, she has served on the Alberta Music Board of Directors and contributed as an industry juror for FACTOR, Harvard Broadcasting, and the JUNO Awards. Her collaborative approach and consistent results have earned her a reputation as a trusted partner among promoters, venues, and artists.

  • Arlo Maverick

    Edmonton, AB
    Rap Music Advisory Chair, The Junos | Award Winning Hip-Hop MC | Artist Mentor
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    Arlo Maverick is an Edmonton-based Award winning and critically-acclaimed Hip-Hop Artist; a successful Grant Writer with grants from organizations like Canada Council, FACTOR, and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts; a NAIT Marketing graduate who has created promotional campaigns that have resulted in Juno nominations and a Community Leader who has been celebrated through things like being a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee recipient.  

    For 11 years Arlo hosted a radio show on CJSR called the Urban Hang Suite giving urban music artists a platform to grow their fan base.  While this is probably his most notable contribution, Arlo has been a freelance music journalist, a mentor to many aspiring artists and sat on many boards to advocate on behalf of artists, including music industry association Alberta Music, the Edmonton Music Awards and the Junos Rap Music Advisory Committee for which he is currently its Chair.

  • Carlin Black Rabbit (Sikoha’tsista)

    Calgary & Siksika Nation, AB
    Director, Moments Fest | Drummer, No More Moments & Iron Tusk | Siksika Nation Council
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    From the Blackfoot Territory, Carlin Black Rabbit has been active in the music industry for the past 20 years, primarily based out of Calgary. Working in different capacities as a music, festival organizer, production, booking, and tour managing. Plays drums in No More Moments and Iron Tusk, and runs Moments Fest in Siksika Nation. Black Rabbit is an elected council member on his home tribe, Siksika Nation (elected at 24, serving 3 consecutive terms). Black Rabbit has spent the last couple years as an Indigenous advisor/knowledge keeper building impactful and meaningful relationships with music and art organizations through Treaty 6/7. Currently, Black Rabbit is chairperson for Siksika Board of Education, also sits as a board member for Cousins Skateboarding and the Impact Society.

  • Colleen Krueger

    Calgary, AB
    LandlockedMGMT | Music Calgary
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    Colleen Krueger is a seasoned production manager, artistic director, and administrator with over 12 years in the music industry. She has led large-scale conferences, festivals, and multimedia projects, collaborating with international talent and industry leaders to deliver innovative, seamless events. As the driving force behind SoundOff Summit and artistic curator of East Town Get Down, Colleen blends artistic vision with sharp organizational skills to create experiences that resonate with audiences and stakeholders. Her expertise spans event management, creative direction, logistics, strategic planning, and funding development. Passionate about fostering creative communities, she champions the growth of artists and music organizations through impactful programming, resource development, and industry advocacy.

  • Craig Martell

    Edmonton, AB
    Founder/Talent Buyer, Double Lunch Productions
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    Craig Martell is a writer, music promoter, and art curator. He was born in Cape Breton and now lives in Edmonton, surrounded by his cute family and friends. His hair went gray when he was 16. His knees started to hurt when he was 25. He started playing DnD when he was 35. He quit smoking when he was 40.

  • Elissa Wells

    Edmonton, AB
    Owner, Get Us Together: Local Music's Virtual Assistant | Co-Founder of Hi-Light Festival
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    The idea of Get Us Together and Hi-Light Festival grew from my observation of how tough it is for bands and live music lovers to connect. Going to see live music is something that I have done my whole life, it was encouraged in my family and was often a basis for family outings. In my adult years live music was one of my favorite outlets and led me to meet the people who are now closest to me. 

    My skill or trade is in administration and I have been doing admin work since I was about 15 years old and to be very honest, I love it. Sitting down and creating a well functioning spreadsheet is one of my calming activities, and talking spreadsheets is even better. Get Us Together was born in 2020, being a natural organizer, passionate administrator and loving live music and wanting to help it grow back and thrive. In 2023, I co-founded Hi-Light Festival in 2023 and after 3 runs of overwhelming support, the message is clear: Edmonton loves its local arts and Hi-light has become an integral part of the arts community, carving out a unique space to amplify the immense talent in our own backyard.

  • G. Hayes-McCloskey

    Austin, TX
    Owner, Angry Tooth Records | Vocalist, BÖNDBREAKR | Music Business Accelerator Graduate
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    As the frontwoman for her band BÖNDBREAKR, Gerilyn "G." Hayes-McCloskey crafts powerful lyrics that focus on intersectional feminism, secular insights, and spiritual freedom. Her songwriting lens highlights the cultural and spiritual impact of African-American women and LGBTQ2S+ communities, whose contributions are often overlooked when not specifically curated or designed for the cis-het male gaze.

    G. is also the owner of Angry Tooth Records, an independent DIY label based in the heart of South Austin, Texas. Dedicated to artist development and music management, Angry Tooth Records has become a true champion for the Austin punk and metal community. She is also a proud graduate of the Music Business Accelerator (The A&R Foundation), a first-of-its-kind business education program designed to strengthen the music industry acumen of musicians.

  • Guy Keltner

    Los Angeles, CA
    Founder, Freakout Fest | Frontman, Acid Tongue
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    Guy is the founder of Freakout! Festival which has been running since 2013. The event has grown into a 4-day, multinational lineup of over 100 artists, featuring a range of psychedelic, punk, garage and darkwave bands from around the globe.

    In 2015, he began performing under the moniker Acid Tongue, creating a sound that blends glam, punk, soul, garage and psychedelia.

  • Hemen Tor-Agbidye

    Calgary, AB
    Festival Manager, Sled Island Music & Arts Festival | Board Member, Music Calgary | Hip Hop Artist, The Blue
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    Hemen Tor-Agbidye is the Festival Manager of Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, one of Canada’s most celebrated multi-venue arts events. Based in Calgary, Hemen oversees aspects of festival operations, artist relations, and programming logistics, helping bring together hundreds of performers and thousands of attendees each year. Blending his deep passion for music with strategic planning, he continues to work to foster a dynamic and inclusive festival experience.

    Beyond his work behind the scenes, Hemen is also an accomplished hip-hop artist performing under the name The Blue. His music—marked by sharp lyricism, storytelling, and authenticity—has earned him recognition across Western Canada, including performances across different festivals and a Rap Album of the Year nomination at the 2023 YYC Music Awards. Whether on stage or in the festival office, Hemen is committed to championing emerging talent, building community, and creating spaces where artists and audiences can connect meaningfully.

  • Jason Flammia

    Edmonton, AB
    Arts Development Consultant - Music, Alberta Foundation for the Arts
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    Jason has managed grant programs for musicians, major arts festivals and professional performing arts organizations for Alberta Foundation for the Arts over the last 10 years. He is the founder of UP+DT Music Festival which ran from 2012-2018 and Rain Shadow Productions Ltd, the non-profit that Purple City is built upon. In addition, Jason has worked in book publishing and as an independent music promoter, receiving grants as an artist and arts administrator from both the public and private sectors.

  • Jeff Cancade

    Vancouver, BC
    Artist, Devours
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    Devours is the DIY synthpop project of Vancouver-based musician Jeff Cancade.

    Across five acclaimed underground albums, including 2023's Polaris Prize-longlisted Homecoming Queen, Devours has written confessional and confrontational electronic music about masculinity, body image, gay politics, and inner-city queer existence. They have toured Canada and the US, received coverage from Vice, CBC, Exclaim, and the Globe and Mail, and have performed at festivals such as SXSW, Treefort Music Fest, Sled Island, JunoFest, Vancouver Jazz Fest, and more. Sports Car Era, their newest LP, was released in March of 2025.

  • Joey Shithead Keithley

    Burnaby, BC
    Singer, Guitarist and Founder of D.O.A. | Life Long Activist
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    Joe Keithley has been called one of Canada's leading rebels. He's got a reputation for delivering the straight goods with no BS, whether he's onstage leading the world-renowned punk band D.O.A. or playing his acoustic guitar at a protest or on a picket line. On stage playing solo, Joe's stage persona is magnetic and gripping. His show is an energetic combo of acoustic guitar, powerful vocals, and stories that speak about what's happening in our world today.

    Joe has a finely tuned sense of what's right and wrong, as he has been fighting injustice and standing up for people for decades. He draws a lot of his perspective from his 45 years of experience in D.O.A., as the band has played over 4,000 shows on five different continents in 50 countries.

    There's also a great deal of humour in Joe's approach, as he is not afraid to make fun of those who deserve to be needled, including himself. Fans and pundits alike have raved about his inspiring performances, as he belts out stirring and poignant lyrics that are rousing and controversial at the same time. In 2019, Joe and D.O.A. were the Polaris/Slaight Family Heritage Prize winners for their ground-breaking album Hardcore 81, beating out the likes of The Band, Sarah McLachlan, k.d. lang, and Buffy Sainte-Marie. In October 2022, Joe Keithley was re-elected for a second term as city councillor in Burnaby, B.C., Canada, which makes him one of the first punk rockers in North America to hold a key place in government. Joe ran on a campaign of fighting climate change, affordable housing, and helping vulnerable citizens.

    Joe has a new solo acoustic album out entitled STAND. It has a rootsy approach with pointed songs like “The Warrior Lives Again,” “Fentanyl Blues,” and “Lookin' For A World.” It also has its share of intrigue on “The Man with No Name,” “Men For All Ages,” and “Ginger Goodwin,” as well as Joe’s cover of Stompin’ Tom’s epic “19 Scarlett Roses.” Joe employed a great bunch of musicians to accompany him: the rhythm section of Darren Paris and Leon Power and great vocals from Alida “Kinnie” Starr, Frazey Ford, and Rebecca Jenkins. The talented Jesse Zubot (violin) and Chris Gestrin (keys) are featured as well.

    Many have compared Joe to a modern-day Woody Guthrie or Pete Seeger because he has spent a lifetime standing up for the average person through his music and through his actions. Joe has been an activist since he was 16 years old, and that's reflected in his songs. Keithley has taken on all manner of ill deeds like police brutality, sexism, and racism, to name a few. Since he was 16, he has stood up for the environment, First Nations, unions, and many other good and just causes by organizing and playing at well over 300 benefit concerts. On stage and off, Joe lives by his motto: TALK - ACTION = 0.

  • Kami Van Halst

    Edmonton, AB
    Interim Executive Director, Alberta Music | Leader of the Sinners Cabaret | Artist
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    Kami Van Halst is a versatile performer and music industry professional, combining a broad range of experience in both the business and creative aspects of the music world. With a rich background that includes two years as the Executive Director of Country Music Alberta, Kami has been a passionate advocate for Alberta's music community. Her career has spanned various roles, including marketing director at Shadow Vista Productions and performing with Classic Albums Live.

    A talented hard rock artist known for her theatrical flair, Kami is also a dedicated scholar, currently pursuing a master's degree in Technology and Communications at the University of Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Music from the University of Alberta and further honed her expertise in Music Business at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.

    As an artist Kami is often hailed as Canada’s Heavy Metal Lady Gaga. Whether on stage or in the studio, Kami remains unafraid to challenge the status quo, creating music that captivates and confronts. 

    At Alberta Music, Kami is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community, supporting Alberta's diverse music scene while ensuring that innovation and artistic expression thrive.

  • Kerry Clarke

    Calgary, AB
    Artistic and Marketing Director, Calgary Folk Fest, Festival Hall & Block Heater
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    Community radio was Kerry’s entry into the independent music world some 40 (!!) years ago. She’s Calgary Folk Music Festival’s long time artistic and marketing director, spent some time on the skins in an all-female lo-fi band, co-founded Rwanda’s KigaliUp festival, and produces/hosts weekly radio programs on CKUA and CJSW when she’s not traveling to conferences and festivals to see music from a vast range of genres.

  • Marek Tyler

    Edmonton, AB
    First Nations Liaison | Artist | Activist, Radio Host | Educator | Entrepreneur
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    Marek Tyler (nêhiyaw/Scottish) lives and works in amiskwacîy (Edmonton) on Treaty 6 territory. Marek is an educator, entrepreneur, project liaison, manager, facilitator, and touring musician.

    Marek earned a Masters of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University (MBA). He is a sessional instructor at Grant MacEwan University (Edmonton). He is known for his work with cultural, education, and entrepreneurial initiatives including, performing with nêhiyawak, The Witness Blanket – A National Monument to Residential School Survivors; project managing The Spirit Pole – North American Indigenous Games; and conducting Community-based research for the Indigenous non-profit sector.

    Currently, Marek is documenting his family’s cultural protocols in contemporary art. His latest project, ASKO was released through Dine Alone Records in the fall of 2024.

  • Mati Sykes

    Edmonton, AB
    Promoter, Project 23  | Vocalist, Blistering
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    Mati has been an all ages hardcore promoter for over two years at 17 working under the name Project 23. In early 2025, she started her band, Blistering and has been working passionately to support and build her community as much as possible.

  • Mattie Cuvilier

    Edmonton, AB
    Promoter, Clean Up Your Act Productions | Artist, Vibes & Chairman
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    Mattie Cuvilier is the founder and driving force behind Clean Up Your Act Productions, a grassroots initiative based in Edmonton that champions independent artistry and community-driven events. As a seasoned promoter, Mattie has carved out space for bold voices and fresh talent in Alberta’s creative scene. With a passion for culture and connection, CxUxYxA has operated independently since 2008.

  • Misha Marie Nelson

    Edmonton, AB
    Manager, Arts Development & Investment, Edmonton Arts Council
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    Over the last 20 years, Misha Marie has held many roles, from writing music reviews for extra money in university to teaching full-time performing arts for JH and HS students. As a current Manager of Arts Development & Investment for the Edmonton Arts Council, she works directly with individual artists and non-profit organizations to assist with clarifying granting processes and understanding public funding structures available for artistic projects. Misha Marie is also working on a passion project – Vocal Renegades – facilitating professional development and strengthening the network for choral musicians across Alberta. She continues to work as a guest clinician for concert and jazz bands, a private theory teacher, a side player on saxophone and vocals, an event planner, and more!

  • Nathan Walker

    Boise, ID
    Director, Treefort Music Fest/Duck Club Entertainment | Executive Director, Music Idaho
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    Nathan Walker joined forces with Treefort Music Fest and its parent company Duck Club Entertainment in 2012 and serves as Director of Outreach and Education. As a part of this role Nathan runs Duck Club Touring, a boutique booking agency and oversees the non-profit 501(c)3 arm of the festival, Treefort For Good. Nathan is also a co-founder and current Executive Director of Music Idaho, leading the organization’s music advocacy and education efforts as they seek to connect efforts across the State. Previously he ran an all ages venue for 10 years and an independent record label called Sunless Sea Records.

    After growing up in Central Oregon, Nathan Walker has lived the last 20 years in the Boise, ID area where he loves snowboarding, mountain biking, playing music and hanging with his family, dog Bowie, and his record collection.

  • Nick Brussiere

    Edmonton, AB
    Program Manager, Alberta Music | Founder, Halftime Management
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    Nick’s passion for business and music was ignited growing up working in the family business, Little O's, a dessert vendor that was a staple at many of Edmonton’s festivals. Taking over management of the business in 2012 and earning a diploma in Accounting and Strategic Measurement from MacEwan University helped Nick develop a strong understanding of the day-to-day management and internal workings of a small company. Unfortunately the family business was forced to shut down due to rising costs and the lack of festivals during the pandemic. This led Nick to found Halftime Management, a boutique artist management company. With a goal to develop more concrete administrative skills and gain a better understanding of the arts and culture industry Nick enrolled in the Arts and Cultural Management Program at MacEwan University. After graduating Nick has had the pleasure of sharing his experience with the community through various contract positions in the Arts and Cultural Industry.

  • Paul Brooks

    Calgary, AB
    CEO & Director of Publicity, Take Aim Media
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    Paul Brooks is a music publicist, strategist, and cultural worker with 20+ years in the music industry, spanning artist development, festival marketing, legacy programming, and media relations. He is the owner and director of Take Aim Media, a leading Canadian PR and marketing agency representing GRAMMY, JUNO, and Polaris Prize-winning artists, labels, and projects, including the legendary label Ninja Tune.

    Before founding Take Aim, Brooks led artist and performance programs at the National Music Centre, producing award-winning concerts, residencies, and storytelling projects. He began his career in Calgary’s underground—DJing on radio, booking shows, and managing foundational spaces like the Hifi Club.

    A passionate harm reduction advocate and longtime CJSW 90.9 FM host, Brooks is driven by a community-first, DIY ethos. He is committed to artist equity, cultural infrastructure, and helping underground music reach the platforms it deserves.

  • Rachel Andrushuk

    Winnipeg, MB
    Agency Coordinator, Paquin Artists Agency
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    Since 2022, Rachel Andrushuk has worked as an Agency Coordinator at Paquin Entertainment Group. Based out of Winnipeg, she works mostly with Western Canadian buyers and has helped book tours and secure festival spots for many artists on the Paquin roster. She’s worked with Serena Ryder, Crash Test Dummies, Fred Penner, Begonia, Tom Jackson, Wild Rivers, The Sadies, and many more.

    Prior to being at one of Canada’s largest music agencies, Rachel was Programs Manager at Creative Manitoba, where she organized workshops, panels, and developed courses on how to gain financial success and create a sustainable career as an artist. She's worked with Winnipeg punk label Transistor 66, Prairie Mix Music Management, and most recently joined the Rainbow Trout Music Festival as their Director of Sponsorship and Fundraising.

  • Raven Clark

    Philadelphia, PA
    Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, Community Activist, UNIITY
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    Philly artist UNIITY is the new, avant-garde punk redefining pop and alternative music. Defying the lines between industrial, electronic, and hardcore, her sound is a manifestation of her mission: a unification of independent LGBTQ+, POC women voices in alternative spaces.

    By seamlessly fusing genres misconceived to rarely coexist, UNIITY dismantles the constructs placed on both music and identity, forging space where punk and electronic noise merge. Her performances are as raw as her message, turning underground venues into electrified spaces of catharsis and connection. Having shared stages with acts like White Ring, Alice Longyu Gao, and Nascar Aloe, and earning support from NPR and Afropunk, UNIITY isn’t just reshaping alternative music—she’s uniting the scenes that fuel it.

  • Shannon Johnston

    Calgary, AB
    Live Music Photographer, me_onlylouder | Photography Lead, REVERIE Magazine
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    Shannon is a Calgary-based live music and event photographer, known for her raw, gritty style that reflects her background in photojournalism. As the Photography Lead at Reverie Magazine and lead photographer for many local festivals, Shannon has become a powerful visual storyteller in Canada’s music scene.

    Driven by a lifelong love of music, she captures emotionally charged moments that transport viewers straight into the energy and atmosphere of live performances—from grand festival stages to underground clubs. Her vibrant Instagram, @me_onlylouder, showcases her passion for documenting the soul of live music.

    Shannon’s work has been featured at major events such as SXSW, Sled Island, Terminus Festival, and Purple City Festival, and in notable publications including REVERIE Magazine, Exclaim!, and Range Magazine. Her dedication to authentic storytelling continues to inspire and resonate within the live music community.

  • Taleen Kali

    Los Angeles, CA
    Artist & Founder, Dum Dum Zine & Records
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    Taleen Kali is a musician, writer, and artist native to L.A. She is also the founder of Dum Dum Zine & Records (est. 2011) and produces the annual DUM DUM FEST. Check out her band's new single "Aepex" which is out now everywhere you listen to music, and catch them on tour in 2025. For more info, visit www.taleenkali.com

  • Vish Khanna

    Edmonton, AB
    Host/Producer, Kreative Kontrol
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    Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Vish Khanna is a print journalist, podcast host and producer, and broadcaster, who has played in several bands and toured North America. He hosts a renowned topical interview podcast called Kreative Kontrol, was an Assistant Editor at Exclaim! Magazine, where he oversaw the Comedy section, and he’s a co-organizer of the Long Winter arts series in Toronto, where he hosted a monthly talk show called Long Night with Vish Khanna. He served as the Content Director at CKUA, and was a Host and Producer at CBC Radio 3.

  • Zach Herbert

    Vancouver, BC
    Director of Talent/Partner, Modo Live
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    Current director of talent and partner for Modo Live Arts & Entertainment producing upwards of 1000 events a year across the country and internationally. Former buyer for Timbre Concerts, Levitation Vancouver, Desert Daze, The Electric Owl. Many shows have been booked and produced in over 15 years in the industry.

  • Alberta Music

    Alberta-Wide
    Non-Profit Music Industry Association
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    Alberta Music is a non-profit, member-based association dedicated to helping professionals in the music industry to succeed in their careers with the goals to build, connect and inspire a dynamic Alberta music industry. Working with over 750 members in all facets of the music industry, including artists, bands, studios, songwriters, venues, producers and more. Alberta Music serves all genres.

    Through our programs, we provide information, education, communication, advocacy, industry development, and networking opportunities to nurture, develop and promote the growth and sustainability of the Alberta music industry.

    LEARN MORE at www.albertamusic.org

  • Women in Music Canada

    Nation-Wide
    Non-Profit Music Industry Association
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    Women in Music Canada is a registered non-profit organization and one of the largest music industry associations in Canada. Through programming, community building, and online resources our goal is to strengthen the social-economic balance of the music industry.

    To learn more and become a member visit: womeninmusic.ca

Talk City is made possible through arts funding organizations. Their support allows us to continue to innovate, provide low-barrier programming offerings and highlight the incredible artists and music professionals in our community that work to enrich our economy and cultural life.

The Chateau Lacombe Hotel is Purple City’s official festival hotel and Talk City Title Sponsor. Experience Edmonton’s finest downtown hotel with over 300 rooms and suites and 14,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space located and River Valley views. Operated by Nova Hotels, a local family business with 14 hotels across Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories,  The Chateau Lacombe is a premiere destination for visitors and locals alike.

TALK CITY SPONSORS & FUNDERS