Excitement in the air as ECMAs kick off on P.E.I.
Volunteers, crew, and performers were busy Wednesday getting ready for the biggest day of the year for East Coast artists: the East Coast Music Awards.
There will be stages across the Charlottetown. It’s a weekend about music, but it’s also a chance for local artists to make important connections.
Artists like Nick Doneff, who will take the stage with local favorite Two Hours Traffic for the opening ceremony Wednesday evening.
“There are just so many peers and contemporary musicians around as well,” said Doneff, guitarist for the band. “It just brings everybody together, and for me that’s the most exciting part.”
Acts have a chance to show off their stuff for concert promoters and festival organizers from around the world.
“From Saskatoon to Cambridge in the UK,” said Rob Oakie, Music PEI’s executive director. “That’s a huge opportunity.”
The festivities are happening in Charlottetown and across the Island for the next five days, which could be a huge boon for the local scene.
“Great for the venues, they love to have full houses when the ECMA is here,” said Oakie. “There’s a lot of different shows going on, so a lot of the venues are being used.”
Many of the shows are ticketed, but there are some free events, including kids’ performances at the Charlottetown Library. Organizers say they hope to share the excitement with as many people as possible.
At the same time, it’s a weekend for the artists.
“To have the opportunity to get heard about, noticed, talked about in the media,” said Blanche Israël, CEO of the East Coast Music Association. “When you can say that you were nominated for an ECMA, or that you won an ECMA, it is a big deal.”
The awards are a place for up-and-comers to rub shoulders with the greats.
““I’m going to try and take in a little bit of the music because there’s just so much going on,” said Doneff. “There’s official shows, unofficial shows, and all kinds of stuff happening.”
Hardware will be handed out over the weekend and the 36th annual ECMAs will come to a close on Sunday with a songwriters circle.
For more Prince Edward Island news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.