SongRise Returns

Peace Country Conference Rekindles Music & Community

When the lights dim and a guitar strums its first chord, magic happens. SongRise—a regional songwriting and music industry conference—exists to help local musicians and songwriters develop, cultivate and release this magic into the world.

This year’s SongRise Music Conference, held October 3-4 at the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex in Grimshaw, was their second year back in the Peace Region after an extended break.

This year brought musicians together from across the Peace Region and beyond for a weekend of creativity, mentorship and performance. By all accounts, the energy was phenomenal—new songs were written, friendships formed and the region’s musical spirit shone brightly.

The initial idea was sparked in 2008, when organizer Sherry Crawford and her then-business partner Dana Blayone noticed few people from the Peace Region were attending Alberta’s larger industry events.

“We thought, ‘why not create our own mini-conference here at home?’” said Crawford. “Musicians here deserve the same opportunities without having to travel hundreds of kilometres.”

The two reached out to award-winning country singer-songwriter Duane Steele, who grew up in Hines Creek.

With his support, plus backing from SOCAN and Alberta Music, the first SongRise Music Conference drew a dozen participants in Peace River.

“It was long overdue for the Peace Country,” said Steele. “If something like this had existed when I was a kid, it would have been life-changing.”

The event quickly grew—hosting up to nearly 50 participants. Mentors from across Canada—and even from Nashville—took notice. Some approached the organizers to be involved. In 2014, SongRise rebranded and moved to Red Deer, but resource challenges eventually forced an eight-year hiatus.

“It always felt like there was something unfinished,” said Crawford. “SongRise brought people together in such a powerful way, and I knew it needed to come back.”

Now operating as a non-profit under Community Futures Peace Country, SongRise is once again part of the region’s creative fabric.

The model remains simple but effective: industry sessions on Friday and songwriting groups on Saturday with a public concert later in the evening where each group performs their brand-new song.

“We give participants a title to work with, and by Saturday evening they’re on stage performing it,” said Steele. “The smiles at the end of the night say it all.”

“The process is always inspiring,” said Crawford. “When you put creative people in a room together, something special happens. The songs that come out of those sessions are proof.”

SongRise has helped launch and strengthen artists across all levels. Grande Prairie’s Tenille Townes attended SongRise as a teenager and has since gone on to national success. Local names like Scott Randall, George Brothers and Joel Lavoie also credit SongRise for part of their growth.

“It’s about giving people confidence,” said Crawford. “You watch them realize they can actually do this—that they belong in music.”

Steele agrees that this environment makes it possible.

“From the very first hour, you can see people relax,” said Steele. “It’s a safe space to try new things, to make mistakes and to discover what you’re capable of.”

High-profile mentors have added credibility to the conference including Wide Mouth Mason’s Earl Pereira and the late Ralph Murphy of Nashville’s ASCAP. Murphy, initially doubtful that groups could co-write and perform songs in a single day, left the event astonished.

“Every year, I learn something new from the participants,” said Steele. “It’s as rewarding for us as it is for them. It’s why I keep coming back.”

Sponsors have been essential to SongRise’s revival, with support from the Town of Grimshaw, the MD of Peace, the MD of Greenview and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

“Their backing proves that music is part of our cultural infrastructure, not just an afterthought,” said Crawford.

Crawford also extends a sincere thank you to the many participants, volunteers and community supporters who made this year’s conference possible.

In 2026, SongRise is set to be held in Peace River, and the plan is to rotate locations across several northern communities.

“Every year, the songs, the friendships and the good vibes remind us why this matters,” said Steele. “We’ve built something lasting for the Peace Country.”

For more information about SongRise, visit songrise.ca or follow the conference on Facebook.

By Laura Hanna | Photography by Lori Day and submitted