Music and culture filled the Pit on April 7 as Oshawa Music Week kicked off with live performances, student-led events and a celebration of local talent.
The first event of the week, held at Durham College, was the World Music Festival. Featured artists included Nana Blue, JRosé, Gusto Flame, Dougal Bichan, Dess Jour, Tetè, Janest Isabell, Rav3n and Lyubov Kay.
The week-long festival, organized by Durham College’s Music Business students, features more than 30 performances across Oshawa involving multiple genres, including rock, hip hop, country, R&B and more.
The event also includes workshops, panels and a music business conference, giving students hands-on experience in the industry.
For many students involved the event offers an opportunity to bridge classroom learning with real world application.
“It gives emerging artists a chance to showcase their talent and gives us hands-on experience in what we might do in the music industry,” said Music Business student Caitlin Chapman.
Chapman added the festival also highlights the diversity of Durham Region while creating opportunities for local artists who may not have access to larger platforms such as Toronto.
Other students echoed the importance of representation and community impact.
“It showcases local talent and brings awareness to how diverse Durham College is,” said Jade Stcroix, also in the Music Business program.
Stcroix said the World Music Festival not only supported artists but also introduced students across campus to different genres and cultures they may not typically experience.
For performers, the festival provided a unique and meaningful environment to connect with audiences. The crowd size ranged from about 15 to 40 people over the course of Monday afternoon.
Dougal Bichen, a longtime musician who performed at the event, said the size of the crowd is less important than the connection created during a performance.
“It’s just as valuable to play for a smaller crowd,” he said. “What’s important is the response you get from the audience.”
Bichen added that more intimate settings can create stronger energy and interaction between performers and listeners.
Oshawa Music Week has been running for more than 26 years, supporting emerging artists and strengthening the local music scene across Durham Region.