In an effort to recognize global reforestation needs, Vancouver-based Prestige Guitars is launching a reforestation initiative where a tree will be planted for every guitar manufactured.

“By launching our own reforestation initiative, we hope to do our part for the environment, and also persuade and motivate other companies in our industry to follow suit,” says Michael Kurkdjian, President of Prestige Guitars. “Although trees play an integral part in manufacturing a guitar, it’s frightening to imagine the state of our environment and our industry in the near future if we don’t start taking action now.”

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C.F. Martin & Co. has begun utilizing Forest Stewardship Council  (FSCR) certified recycled sitka spruce in an instrument it will unveil at the 2012 NAMM Trade Show in Anaheim, CA.

The wood, which is reclaimed from dismantled Canadian bridges where it had been used in construction, will be used on the tops of the new GPCPA4 Sapele, one of the cutaway guitars in the company’s Performing Artist series. (more…)

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has launched Unsigned Only, a new international music competition. Designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major record label, Unsigned Only’s goal is to find an artist, band, singer, or solo artist, a newcomer or veteran, that needs to be discovered. Unsigned Only is looking for the total package. Judging criteria includes vocals, performance, songwriting, and originality. (more…)

Musicians looking for an affordable benefits package including drug, health, and dental care coverage can now apply for The Arts & Entertainment Plan.

Fully launched on November 1, the plan, which is being offered exclusively to artists, provides a package that covers drug, health, and dental care. “The Actra Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) is based on the belief that artists require and deserve health, dental, and prescription drug coverage as much as anyone else,” says AFBS President and CEO Robert M. Underwood, “AFBS has been providing insurance to Canadian writers and performers for over 35 years, and is the only financial institution in Canada that is dedicated exclusively to the Canadian artistic community.” (more…)

In the Soil is now accepting applications for its fourth annual multidisciplinary arts festival set to take over downtown St. Catharines from April 27- 29, 2012. Artists of all levels of experience with a connection to Niagara are invited to apply. This year, In the Soil will feature over 75 music, theatre, dance, film, media, and interdisciplinary works over the 3-day festival.

The application deadline is December 2, 2011. (more…)