Until this morning, March seemed like a really long time from now. That's when we (as in, we the people of Halifax) will play host to the 25th annual East Coast Music Week, and the corresponding East Coast Music Awards. Next March will come in like a lion, with five days of live shows, mega-mingling, keynote speaking, delegate wining and dining and award giving. Today, the East Coast Music Association released the list of showcasing artists for the event, that is, after we were treated to performances from Rhapsody Quintet, the hilarious Ria Mae and Quake "I'm trying really hard not to say fuck" Matthews. It was the first of a series of announcements that'll keep the anticipation buzzing into the winter.
With the exception of the Rising Star and Breakout stages, which will be announced later in the month, here's who you'll see in bright lights during ECMW25:
Bluebird North Showcase: Charlie A'Court, Chris Kirby, Dave Carroll, John Gracie, Kim Wempe and Mo Kenney
Country Stage: Crowdis Bridge, Francelle Maria, Melanie Morgan, Mike Biggar, Paul Lamb, The Divorcees, The Heavy Horses, The Modern Grass, The Secrets, Tonya Kennedy and Tradition
Electronic Stage: English Words, Scientists of Sound, The Wax and TWRP
Export Buyers Showcase: Ben Caplan, Carmen Townsend, Christina Martin, David Myles, Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews, Jenn Grant, Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac, Mo Kenney, Radio Radio, Rose Cousins, The BackYard Devils, The Divorcees and Tim Chaisson
Pop/Rock Stage: Coyote, In-Flight Safety, Jenn Grant, Molly Thomason, Paper Lions, Repartee, Ria Mae, SoHo Ghetto and The Tom Fun Orchestra
Rap/Hip-Hop Stage: Cam Smith, Quake Matthews, The Caravan and Three Sheet
Rock Stage: Carmen Townsend, Gloryhound, The Long Distance Runners, The Meds, The Motorleague, The Stanfields, The Town Heroes and Young River
Roots Room: Ben Caplan, Carmel Mikol, Dennis Ellsworth, Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews, Ennis, Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac and The Dardanelles
Songwriters' Circle: Dave Gunning, David Myles, Ian Sherwood, Irish Mythen, J.P. Cormier, Kim Stockwood, Lennie Gallant and Tim Chaisson
Soundwaves Program: Acres and Acres, Andrea England, Bonnie Ste-Croix, Christina Martin, Gypsophilia, Les Hay Babies, Norma MacDonald, Saint John String Quartet and Stephanie Mainville
For wristbands and to keep tabs on ECMA goins on, check out ecma.com or give them a follow @eastcoastmusic.
