Nova Scotia Buzz
The East Coast Music Awards Festival and Conference (ECMAs) kicks off Wednesday in Halifax celebrating their 35th anniversary. Over 400 volunteers are participating in this five-day non-stop musical event showcasing and recognizing the best of East Coast musicians and their craft.
Download the ECMA App to plan an awesome time.
The ECMA’s have come a long way since 1989. It started as a very small event and now is a city-wide celebration. In particular this year, not only are they celebrating their full return since the pandemic, but also having gender parity with 54% of artists and band members showcased being female.
Fans will be out in full force with Halifax as their backdrop celebrating the most ambitious ECMA festival yet. When Halifax last hosted, the festival put $6.5 million into the local economy.
Two impressive events kick off the ECMAs. The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and ECMAs invite you to visit The Wije’winen (Come With Us) Cultural Circle in Grand Parade. Events kick off on Wednesday, May 3 at noon. Lit teepees, a sacred fire and an on-site firekeeper and Elder will be present through festival weekend.
The kick-off party then moves to the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel’s Nova Scotia Ballroom at 8 p.m. with the 35th Anniversary Kickoff Party, presented by Atlantic Lottery. It’s a classic East Coast Kitchen Party led by Rankin MacInnis and more special guests.
FREE Family Friendly Events
Free events include the Dairy Farmers of Canada ECMA Fan Fest, an outdoor afternoon street party on Argyle Street (North Block) in Downtown Halifax. The family-friendly event will feature live performances by four East Coast fan-favourites: Kellie Loder, Neon Dreams, JRDN, and DeeDee Austin. It will include meet and greet opportunities, activities, games, and more.
The free ECMA Family Fun-Fest is taking place on the opposite end of Argyle Street (South Block) on Saturday, May 6 from 12 noon – 3 p.m. There will be face painting, fun food options with free samples courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, games from GLOW Parties, and more.
Awards, Red Carpet Showcases & More
On Thursday, May 4, the 35th Annual East Coast Music Awards and Red Carpet presented by Rogers takes place at the Scotiabank Centre. Red carpet arrivals begin at 5:30 p.m. and the awards kick off at 8 p.m. Performances by ECMA nominees Adam Baldwin, Aquakultre, City Natives, Deantha Edmunds, Dylan Menzie, Fortunate Ones, Les Hotesses d’Hilaire, Jah’Mila, Kellie Loder, Madison Violet, Natalie MacMaster, Neon Dreams and more.
35th Annual East Coast Music Award Show Tickets
The TD Connected Concerts festival showcase series takes place from Thursday, May 4 to Saturday, May 6 at venues throughout HRM. Venues hosting stages include, The Carleton, The Marquee Ballroom, The Seahorse Tavern, Gus’ Pub & Grill, Level 8 Night Club, Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax Central Library, Alderney Landing, and Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel.
Buy ECMA Weekend Warrior Wrist Bands
The SOCAN Songwriters’ Circle takes place in the Schooner Room at Casino Nova Scotia on Sunday, May 7 at 2 p.m. The esteemed lineup of songwriters consists of Fortunate Ones, Adam Baldwin, Joce Reyome, Breagh Isabel, O’Sound, Jason Benoit, Lisa LeBlanc, and Mo Kenney.
SOCAN Songwriters’ Circle Tickets
The EMCAs are about more than just celebrating music. Musicians make industry connections. The festival and conference allow special Atlantic Canadian collaborations to happen.
