2023 Festival Schedule
- May 3
- May 4
- May 5
- May 6
- May 7
ECMA 35th Anniversary Kickoff Party
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
Join us for the official 2023 Opening Night Kickoff Party, featuring the ECMA Kitchen Party Kickoff hosted by the Kitchen Party King himself - Rankin MacInnis - with a crew of surprise guest artists to be announced!
Please note that this event is open to festival passholders only.
Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
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.
Friday 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
Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
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.
Friday Export Showcase B consists of showcases by:
- 1:45 - 2:05 - Mo Kenney
- 2:15 - 2:35 - Quote the Raven
- 2:45 - 3:05 - Les Fireflies
- 3:15 - 3:35 - Dave Sampson
- 3:45 - 4:05 - Christina Martin
- 4:15 - 4:35 - Villages
2023 ECMA Red Carpet Presented by Rogers
Scotiabank Centre1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2V9
The Rogers Red Carpet paves the way to the ECMA Award Show, offering attendees a chance to arrive in style alongside the best and brightest in East Coast Music.
Please note that this exclusive experience is open to invited guests only.
The 2023 East Coast Music Awards Presented by Rogers
Scotiabank Centre1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2V9
35 years; over 1,000 winners. Who will make history this year?
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.
The event will feature performances by:
Adam Baldwin (NS)
Aquakultre (NS)
City Natives (NB)
Deantha Edmunds (NL)
Dylan Menzie (PEI)
Fortunate Ones (NL)
Jah'Mila (NS)
Kellie Loder (NL)
Madison Violet (CB)
Natalie MacMaster (CB)
Neon Dreams (NS)
TD Connected Concerts: Late Night @ ECMA - Nova Scotia Ballroom
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
Celebrate with your favourite East Coast artists at this official ECMA afterparty!
Featuring showcases by:
- 10:45 - 11:15 - Daniel James McFadyen
- 11:25 - 11:55 - Kubasonics
- 12:05 - 12:35 - Jah'Mila
- 12:45 - 1:15 - Brad Reid
TD Connected Concerts: Late Night @ ECMA - Halifax Ballroom
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
Celebrate with your favourite East Coast artists at this official ECMA afterparty!
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
TD Connected Concerts: Late Night @ ECMA - Seahorse Stage
The Seahorse Tavern2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1
Celebrate with your favourite East Coast artists at this official ECMA afterparty!
Featuring showcases by:
- 10:45 - 11:15 - Caroline Savoie
- 11:25 - 11:55 - Lindsay Misiner and the 7th Mystic
- 12:05 - 12:35 - The Hypochondriacs
- 12:45 - 1:15 - Willie Stratton
Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
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.
Saturday Export Showcase A consists of showcases by:
- 2:30 - 2:50 - Jah'Mila
- 3:00 - 3:20 - The Town Heroes
- 3:30 - 3:50 - Hillsburn
- 4:00 - 4:20 - Les Moontunes
- 4:30 - 4:50 - City Natives
Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
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.
Friday Export Showcase B consists of showcases by:
- 2:45 - 3:05 - Jason Benoit
- 3:15 - 3:35 - Kellie Loder
- 3:45 - 4:05 - Caroline Savoie
- 4:15 - 4:35 - Fortunate Ones
- 4:45 - 5:05 - Rum Ragged
TD Connected Concerts: All-Ages Family Show
Halifax Central Library - Paul O'Regan Hall5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS, B3J 1E9
All ages are welcome at this showcase for the whole family!
Featuring showcases by:
- 6:00 - 6:30 - Roland Grant
- 6:40 - 7:10 - Rosemary Lawton
- 7:20 - 7:50 - Isabella Samson
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Robert Thomas and the Sessionmen
TD Connected Concerts: Country / Pop Stage
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
The ECMA Country/Pop Stage is bringing the best in classic country and country-inspired contemporary pop to the Nova Scotia Ballroom.
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Lawrence Maxwell
- 8:40 - 9:10 - Laurie LeBlanc
- 9:20 - 9:50 - Lisa Richard
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Mallory Johnson
- 10:40 - 11:10 - Jason Benoit
- 11:20 - 11:50 - Dave Sampson
TD Connected Concerts: Friday Night Electric Stage
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
Friday night's Electric Stage in the Halifax Ballroom brings you an electrifying lineup of some of the East Coast's most exciting electronic artists.
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Yvette Lorraine
- 8:40 - 9:10 - Zamani Folade
- 9:20 - 9:50 - Rachel Cousins
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Melodna
- 10:40 - 11:10 - JRDN
- 11:20 - 11:50 - Nicole Ariana
TD Connected Concerts: Breakout Stage
The Seahorse Tavern2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1
Join us at The Seahorse Tavern on Friday night, where the most promising emerging and developing artists from around Atlantic Canada take to the Breakout Stage to showcase what they're made of.
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 - 8:20 - XIA-3
- 8:30 - 8:50 - Maude Sonier
- 9:00 - 9:20 - Hearts of Kin
- 9:30 - 9:50 - Joce Reyome
- 10:00 - 10:20 - R.G. Schaller
- 10:30 - 10:50 - Ptarmageddon
- 11:00 - 11:20 - Skunk Motel
- 11:30 - 11:50 - Nadia Haddad
- 12:00 - 12:20 - The B.
- 12:30 - 12:50 - Stephen Hero
- 1:00 - 1:20 - Keke Beatz feat. Dali Van Gogh
- 1:30 - 1:50 - Shay Pitts
TD Connected Concerts: Indie Pop Stage
Casino Nova Scotia - Schooner Room1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3Y5
Join ECMA in the Schooner Room for a celebration of Atlantic Canada's brightest indie pop stars.
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Mear
- 8:40 - 9:10 - DeeDee Austin
- 9:20 - 9:50 - Villages
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Hillsburn
TD Connected Concerts: Friday at The Carleton
The Carleton1685 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2B5
Check out showcases by wordsmiths of some of the East Coast's most inspired songwriting, in an intimate listening room environment.
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Moira & Claire
- 8:40 - 9:10 - Les Fireflies
- 9:20 - 9:50 - The Bombadils
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Adrian House
- 10:40 - 11:10 - Shane Pendergast
- 11:20 - 11:50 - Youngtree & The Blooms
- 12:00 - 12:30 - Air Traffic Control
- 12:40 - 1:10 - Jordan Musycsyn
TD Connected Concerts: Songwriter Spotlight
Alderney Landing2 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4W1
Music and lyrics take centre stage at this exciting songwriters' showcase at Alderney Landing.
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Kristen Martell
- 8:40 - 9:10 - The Gilberts
- 9:20 - 9:50 - Braden Lam
- 10:00 - 10:30 - The Hypochondriacs
TD Connected Concerts: Hip-Hop Stage
Level8 Night Club1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2V9
Don't miss the ECMA nightlife vibes at this spotlight on the rap and hip-hop artists who are making a name for themselves on the East Coast.
Featuring showcases by:
- 9:00 - 9:30 - Albert Dalton
- 9:40 - 10:10 - JYAY x DECAY
- 10:20 - 10:50 - HARMZ
- 11:00 - 11:30 - City Natives
- 11:40 - 12:10 - Wolf Castle
- 12:20 - 12:50 - SHiFT FROM THA 902
TD Connected Concerts: Friday Night at The Marquee
The Marquee Ballroom2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1
Get close to the action at this late night spotlight on some of Atlantic Canada's finest rockers.
Featuring showcases by:
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Les Moontunes
- 10:40 - 11:10 - Logan Richard
- 11:20 - 11:50 - Andre Pettipas and The Giants
- 12:00 - 12:30 - Campbell & Johnston
- 12:40 - 1:40 - Les Hôtesses d'Hilaire
TD Connected Concerts: Alternative Stage
Gus' Pub and Grill2605 Agricola Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 4C7
Rock out with this eclectic mix of genre-deying East Coast artists, inspired by alt-rock, pop-punk, and emo sounds and influences.
Featuring showcases by:
- 10:00 - 10:30 - June Body
- 10:40 - 11:10 - Swimming
- 11:20 - 11:50 - No, It's Fine.
- 11:10 - 11:40 - Atay & JAX
Dairy Farmers of Canada ECMA Fan Fest
Argyle StreetDowntown Halifax
To help celebrate a monumental 35th anniversary in style, the East Coast Music Association, in partnership with Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, proudly announce the Dairy Farmers of Canada ECMA Fan Fest!
Happening on Saturday, May 6th from 12:00 - 3:00pm, this free, all-ages event will take over Argyle Street in downtown Halifax with live performances by fan-favourite East Coast artists, meet and greet opportunities, activities and games, and so much more for the entire family to enjoy.
Featuring performances by:
TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Blues Matinee
The Marquee Ballroom2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1
An ECMA tradition, stop in for an afternoon of East Coast blues at The Marquee Ballroom, presented by the East Coast Blues Society.
Featuring showcases by:
- 1:00 - 1:30 - Nick Earle
- 1:40 - 2:10 - Mark Riley
- 2:20 - 2:50 - Allen Snow
- 3:00 - 3:30 - Campbell & Johnston
TD Connected Concerts: Celtic Matinee
The Carleton1685 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2B5
Join us at The Carleton on Saturday for an afternoon of classic Celtic tunes inspired by the musical traditions of the East Coast.
Featuring showcases by:
TD Connected Concerts: Classical Showcase
Halifax Central Library - Paul O'Regan Hall5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS, B3J 1E9
Featuring showcases by:
- Atlantic String Machine
- Christina Raphaelle Haldane
- Deantha Edmunds
- India Gailey and Edward Enman
- Jennifer King
- SHHH! Ensemble
Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
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.
Saturday Export Showcase A consists of showcases by:
- 2:30 - 2:50 - Andrew Waite
- 3:00 - 3:20 - Reeny Smith
- 3:30 - 3:50 - Nick Earle
- 4:00 - 4:20 - One8tea
- 4:30 - 4:50 - Andre Pettipas and The Giants
Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
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.
Friday Export Showcase B consists of showcases by:
- 2:45 - 3:05 - Mallory Johnson
- 3:15 - 3:35 - Lawrence Maxwell
- 3:45 - 4:05 - Braden Lam
- 4:15 - 4:35 - La Patente
- 4:45 - 5:05 - Kubasonics
TD Connected Concerts: Folk Stage
Casino Nova Scotia - Schooner Room1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3Y5
- 7:00 - 7:30 - Émilie Landry
- 7:40 - 8:10 - Fiona MacGillivray
- 8:20 - 8:50 - Quote the Raven
- 9:00 - 10:00 - Fortunate Ones
TD Connected Concerts: Jazz Stage
Halifax Central Library - Paul O'Regan Hall5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS, B3J 1E9
- 7:00 - 7:30 - Behrooz Mihankah
- 7:40.- 8:10 - Florian Hoefner
- 8:20 - 8:50 - Ana Luisa Ramos
TD Connected Concerts: Pop Rock Stage
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Night Pop Stage
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5
- 8:20 - 8:50 - XIA-3
- 9:00 - 9:30 - Keeper E.
- 9:40 - 10:10 - Paragon Cause
- 10:20 - 10:50 - Ife Alaba
- 11:00 - 11:30 - Rich Aucoin
TD Connected Concerts: Rising Star Stage
The Seahorse Tavern2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1
- 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
TD Connected Concerts: Saturday at The Carleton
The Carleton1685 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2B5
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Blue Lobelia
- 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: Songwriter Spotlight
Alderney Landing2 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4W1
Music and lyrics take centre stage at this exciting songwriters' showcase at Alderney Landing.
Featuring showcases by:
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Christina Martin
- 8:40 - 9:10 - Dylan Menzie
- 9:20 - 9:50 - Cheval
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Rum Ragged
TD Connected Concerts: Black Vibes Stage
Casino Nova Scotia - 3Sixty Lounge1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3Y5
- 9:00 - 9:30 - Shay Pitts
- 9:40 - 10:10 - Black Vibes Surprise Winner
- 10:20 - 10:50 - Maggie Andrew
- 11:00 - 11:30 - Winnie Churchill
- 11:40 - 12:10 - Kierrah
- 12:20 - 12:50 - Psyc Tha Prince
TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Night at The Marquee
The Marquee Ballroom2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Nick Doneff
- 10:40 - 11:10 - Carolina East
- 11:20 - 11:50 - Andrew Waite
- 12:00 - 12:30 - Joce Reyome
- 12:40 - 1:40 - Adam Baldwin & The Jenny Wren
TD Connected Concerts: Loud Stage
Gus' Pub and Grill2605 Agricola Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 4C7
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Dali Van Gogh feat. Keke Beatz
- 10:40 - 11:10 - FM Berlin
- 11:20 - 11:50 - Electric Spoonful
- 12:00 - 12:30 - WinterheartH
- 12:40 - 1:10 - Skunk Motel
TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Night Electronic Stage
Level8 Night Club1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2V9
- 10:00 - Cartermusic
- 11:00 - Alex Byrne
- 12:00 - Corey LeRue
- 1:00 - PINEO & LOEB
East Coast Music Awards Part II
SOCAN Songwriters' Circle
Casino Nova Scotia - Schooner Room1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3Y5
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is excited to officially announce our grand finale for the 2023 East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference: The SOCAN Songwriters' Circle!
Taking place on Sunday, May 7th, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the beautiful Schooner Room at Casino Nova Scotia, this show is an annual tradition that closes the ECMA festival by highlighting a selection of East Coast songwriters whose music and lyrics have made an impact in the industry.
Follow along as hosts O'Sound (NS) and Fortunate Ones (NL) take you on a journey through storytelling and songs. Joining them on stage is a roster of some of Atlantic Canada's most prolific songwriters: Adam Baldwin (NS), Breagh Isabel (CB), Jason Benoit (NL), Joce Reyome (PEI), Lisa LeBlanc (NB), and Mo Kenney (NS).
Please note that this show is primarily a ticketed event, with a very limited number of seats available on a first-come, first-serve basis to VIP Pass holders. Access to the SOCAN Songwriters' Circle is not included with a standard Festival Pass or Weekend Warrior wristband.
Tickets are on sale now at $40 plus HST and fees; click here for more information or to purchase yours now.
