Responding to COVID-19, Canyon Entertainment Group Launches Star Pow-R to Support Local Businesses with Online Concerts
As COVID-19 reshaped the world, Canyon Entertainment Group responded swiftly with an inspiring initiative: the launch of StarPow-R.com — an innovative online concert series created to support local businesses and artists in Canada, the United States, and other English-speaking countries.
The pandemic affected not only public health but also the core of many communities. Live entertainment came to a halt, and many small businesses struggled to stay open. Concerts, festivals, and public events were cancelled, cutting off income for musicians and independent retailers alike. In response, Star Pow-R emerged to support local businesses and artists through a creative and community-focused solution.
A Digital Stage for Local Talent
Star Pow-R transforms the traditional street festival experience into a digital concert series. Over 100 online concerts are planned, featuring a diverse mix of artists across genres, all streamed to an engaged audience from the comfort of their homes. This provides artists a platform to perform, gain exposure, and receive payment — a critical lifeline during industry shutdowns.
“We created Star Pow-R as a way to support local businesses and artists simultaneously, using music as a bridge to connect people during a time of separation,” explains Dawn Van Dam, founder of Canyon Entertainment Group. “While physical events were cancelled, the community spirit doesn’t have to be.”
A Digital Stage for Virtual Music Events
Star Pow-R transforms traditional festivals into an exciting virtual music event. Over 100 online concerts are planned, featuring diverse and emerging talent across multiple genres. These events are streamed to online audiences, giving musicians a new stage to perform, gain exposure, and receive payment — a crucial way of supporting independent artists during this uncertain time.
“We created Star Pow-R to support local businesses and artists through a shared digital experience,” says Dawn Van Dam, founder of Canyon Entertainment Group. “It’s more than entertainment — it’s economic recovery through creativity.”
A Creative Response to Pandemic Challenges
As COVID-19 brought live events and in-person shopping to a halt, both the music and retail industries suffered. Recognizing the urgent need for connection and recovery, Toronto-based Canyon Entertainment Group launched StarPow-R.com—an online concert series built to support local businesses and artists across North America.
Helping Small Businesses Stay Visible
Star Pow-R also gives small and medium-sized businesses a platform to promote their products and services. Through business directories, sponsorships, and virtual shoutouts during concerts, these companies gain visibility. Audiences are encouraged to buy local, discover new vendors, and help stimulate their local economies. This directly supports local businesses and artists while reviving the community’s spirit.
By participating in the concert series, small businesses adapt to changing consumer behavior and strengthen their customer connections. Helping small businesses recover is a key goal of the campaign.
Paying Artists, Promoting Businesses
Performing artists are paid for their time, giving them financial support and exposure to new audiences. At the same time, local businesses gain visibility through concert promotion, website features, and community engagement.
This dual benefit makes Star Pow-R a powerful way to support local businesses and artists together, using music as the driving force.
Community and Front-Line Support
In addition to concerts, Star Pow-R supports front-line workers. Donations raised through the platform go toward purchasing meals from local restaurants, further contributing to local business recovery and community wellness.
Who Can Participate?
Any small business, independent artist, sponsor, or local festival organizer can apply to join. Whether you’re looking for promotion or want to contribute, Star Pow-R offers opportunities to get involved and be part of rebuilding local communities.
A Look at Past and Future Concerts
Star Pow-R officially launched on May 28 with a Teen Dream Pop concert featuring artists like Azym, Girl Pow-R, and Melissa Kadas. A second event followed with Pop/R&B artists including Durreyl and Mauve. These concerts reached wide audiences and successfully highlighted local businesses in the Greater Toronto Area.
More concerts are on the way, and the call for participation remains open.
Why Star Pow-R Matters
Star Pow-R is more than a concert series. It’s a community-driven platform helping to support local businesses and artists through innovation, unity, and creativity. At a time when both sectors face uncertainty, Star Pow-R offers a positive path forward
Giving Back to Front-line Workers
In addition to music and business promotion, Star Pow-R directs donations to purchase meals from local restaurants for front-line workers. This model provides a triple benefit — helping restaurants, supporting healthcare heroes, and creating goodwill in the community.
“Together, we are building a strong community for all of us,” says Van Dam. “By bringing together artists, local businesses, sponsors, and festivals, we’re creating an ecosystem that supports local businesses and artists while rebuilding the economy one step at a time.”
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