The East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference (ECMA) celebrate their 35th anniversary with a five-day, non-stop musical event showcasing and recognizing the best of East Coast artists and music starting today, Wednesday, May 3, to Sunday, May 7, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Several incredible showcases are taking place during the week, and only choosing five was an almost impossible feat, but be sure to check the website to make your own schedule!
Today, we want to tell you about our top five recommendations for showcases that we think you will enjoy from May 3 to 7th in Halifax, other than the main event, which is, of course, the East Coast Music Awards, taking place on May 4, which celebrate the biggest night in East Coast music at the 35th East Coast Music Awards Presented by Rogers on Thursday, May 4 at the Scotiabank Centre. Hosted by This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ Trent McClellan, this anniversary event will be sure to have you laughing, cheering, and dancing while celebrating the immeasurable impact of Atlantic Canada’s music scene. Get more information here.
CANADIAN MUSIC. EAST COAST STYLE. – EXPORT SHOWCASE A
May 4, 2023, at 1:30 pm
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel – Nova Scotia Ballroom
ECMA is excited to present the 35th-anniversary celebration of the East Coast Music Awards and the 21st edition of the ECMA International Export Buyers Program in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from May 3 – 7, 2023.
Thursday Export Showcase A consists of showcases by:
- 1:30 – 1:50 – Adam Baldwin
- 2:00 – 2:20 – Silver Wolf Band
- 2:30 – 2:50 – Wolf Castle
- 3:00 – 3:20 – Baie
- 3:30 – 3:50 – JRDN
- 4:00 – 4:20 – Zamani Folade
NOTE: Door tickets are $25 to access both Export Showcases A and B.
TD CONNECTED CONCERTS: INDIGENOUS STAGE
May 4, 2023, at 10:45 pm
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel – Halifax Ballroom
Following the ECMA Award Show, don’t miss this celebration of Indigenous talent on the East Coast, with performances from some of the most exciting Indigenous artists on the scene today.
Featuring showcases by:
- 10:45 – 11:15 – City Natives
- 11:25 – 11:55 – DeeDee Austin
- 12:05 – 12:35 – Jason Benoit
- 12:45 – 1:15 – Wolf Castle
NOTE: Door tickets are $25 to access both ballroom stages at the Marriott Harbourfront, OR $10 when showing your Award Show ticket
TD CONNECTED CONCERTS: COUNTRY / POP STAGE
May 5, 2023, at 9:00 pm
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel – Nova Scotia Ballroom
The ECMA Country/Pop Stage is bringing the best in classic and contemporary country and country-inspired pop to the Nova Scotia Ballroom.
Featuring showcases by:
- 9:00 – 9:30 – Lawrence Maxwell
- 9:40 – 10:10 – Laurie LeBlanc
- 10:20 – 10:50 – Lisa Richard
- 11:00 – 11:30 – Mallory Johnson
- 11:40 – 12:10 – Jason Benoit
- 12:20 – 1:15 – Dave Sampson
NOTE: Door tickets are $25 to access both ballroom stages at the Marriott Harbourfront.
TD CONNECTED CONCERTS: SATURDAY AT THE CARLETON
May 6, 2023. at 8:00 pm
The Carleton
Check out showcases by the lyricists and composers behind some of the East Coast’s most inspired songwriting in an intimate listening room environment.
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 – 8:30 – Kelly McMichael
- 8:40 – 9:10 – La Patente
- 9:20 – 9:50 – Laura Rae
- 10:00 – 10:30 – Madeleine Roger
- 10:40 – 11:10 – Terra Spencer
- 11:20 – 11:50 – Adyn Townes
- 12:00 – 12:30 – Baie
- 12:40 – 1:10 – Sleepy Kicks
TD CONNECTED CONCERTS: RISING STAR STAGE
May 6, 2023, at 8:00 pm
The Seahorse Tavern
Join us at The Seahorse Tavern on Saturday night to see some of the East Coast’s most exciting up-and-comers as they share their craft on the ECMA stage. These folks are the ones to watch!
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 – 8:20 – Ife Alaba
- 8:30 – 8:50 – Vince the Messenger
- 9:00 – 9:20 – Moira & Claire
- 9:30 – 9:50 – The Gilberts
- 10:00 – 10:20 – King Sway
- 10:30 – 10:50 – Daniel James McFadyen
- 11:00 – 11:20 – qwinn
- 11:30 – 11:50 – DeeDee Austin
- 12:00 – 12:20 – Isabella Samson
- 12:30 – 12:50 – Dali Van Gogh feat. Keke Beatz