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2023 Festival Schedule

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May 3
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 7

Presented by Atlantic Lottery

ECMA 35th Anniversary Kickoff Party

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 3rd | 9:00pm

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.

Presented by ECMA, Music/Musique NB, MusicNL, Music Nova Scotia, CBMIC, Music PEI

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 4th | 1:30pm

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

Presented by ECMA, Music/Musique NB, MusicNL, Music Nova Scotia, CBMIC, Music PEI

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 4th | 1:45pm

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 Centre

1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2V9

May 4th | 5:30pm

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.

Presented by Rogers Communications

The 2023 East Coast Music Awards Presented by Rogers

Scotiabank Centre

1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2V9

May 4th | 8:00pm

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)
Les Hôtesses d'Hilaire (NB)
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 Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 4th | 10:45pm

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 Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 4th | 10:45pm

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 Tavern

2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1

May 4th | 10:45pm

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

Presented by ECMA, Music/Musique NB, MusicNL, Music Nova Scotia, CBMIC, Music PEI

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 5th | 2:30pm

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

Presented by ECMA, Music/Musique NB, MusicNL, Music Nova Scotia, CBMIC, Music PEI

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 5th | 2:45pm

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 Hall

5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS, B3J 1E9

May 5th | 6:00pm

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

Presented by the East Coast Country Music Association

TD Connected Concerts: Country / Pop Stage

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 5th | 8:00pm

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 Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 5th | 8:00pm

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

Presented by Songwriters Association of Canada

TD Connected Concerts: Breakout Stage

The Seahorse Tavern

2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1

May 5th | 8:00pm

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 Room

1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3Y5

May 5th | 8:00pm

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

Presented by Halifax Stanfield International Airport

TD Connected Concerts: Friday at The Carleton

The Carleton

1685 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2B5

May 5th | 8:00pm

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 Landing

2 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4W1

May 5th | 8:00pm

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 Club

1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2V9

May 5th | 9:00pm

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 Ballroom

2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1

May 5th | 10:00pm

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 Grill

2605 Agricola Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 4C7

May 5th | 10:00pm

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

Presented by Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island

Dairy Farmers of Canada ECMA Fan Fest

Argyle Street

Downtown Halifax

May 6th | 12:00pm

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:

DeeDee Austin
JRDN
Kellie Loder
Neon Dreams

Presented by the East Coast Blues Society

TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Blues Matinee

The Marquee Ballroom

2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1

May 6th | 1:00pm

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 Carleton

1685 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2B5

May 6th | 1:00pm - 12:00am

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:

Les Fireflies
Brad Reid
Rachel Davis & Darren McMullin Trio
The Gilberts

Presented by Canadian Music Centre and Debut Atlantic

TD Connected Concerts: Classical Showcase

Halifax Central Library - Paul O'Regan Hall

5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS, B3J 1E9

May 6th | 2:00pm

Featuring showcases by:

Atlantic String Machine
Christina Raphaelle Haldane
Deantha Edmunds
India Gailey and Edward Enman
Jennifer King
SHHH! Ensemble

Presented by ECMA, Music/Musique NB, MusicNL, Music Nova Scotia, CBMIC, Music PEI

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 6th | 2:30pm

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

Presented by ECMA, Music/Musique NB, MusicNL, Music Nova Scotia, CBMIC, Music PEI

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 6th | 2:45pm

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 Room

1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3Y5

May 6th | 7:00pm

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 Hall

5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS, B3J 1E9

May 6th | 7:00pm

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 Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 6th | 8:00pm

TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Night Pop Stage

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom

1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

May 6th | 8:20pm

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 Tavern

2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1

May 6th | 8:00pm

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 Carleton

1685 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2B5

May 6th | 8:00pm

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 Landing

2 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4W1

May 6th | 8:00pm

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

Presented by ANSMA

TD Connected Concerts: Black Vibes Stage

Casino Nova Scotia - 3Sixty Lounge

1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3Y5

May 6th | 9:00pm

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 Ballroom

2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B1

May 6th | 10:00pm

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 Grill

2605 Agricola Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 4C7

May 6th | 10:00pm

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 Club

1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2V9

May 6th | 10:00pm

10:00 - Cartermusic
11:00 - Alex Byrne
12:00 - Corey LeRue
1:00 - PINEO & LOEB

Presented by Downtown Halifax Business Commission

East Coast Music Awards Part II

May 7th | 11:00am

Presented by SOCAN

SOCAN Songwriters' Circle

Casino Nova Scotia - Schooner Room

1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3Y5

May 7th | 2:00pm

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.

2023 Festival Schedule

ECMA 35th Anniversary Kickoff Party

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B

2023 ECMA Red Carpet Presented by Rogers

The 2023 East Coast Music Awards Presented by Rogers

TD Connected Concerts: Late Night @ ECMA - Nova Scotia Ballroom

TD Connected Concerts: Late Night @ ECMA - Halifax Ballroom

TD Connected Concerts: Late Night @ ECMA - Seahorse Stage

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B

TD Connected Concerts: All-Ages Family Show

TD Connected Concerts: Country / Pop Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Friday Night Electric Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Breakout Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Indie Pop Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Friday at The Carleton

TD Connected Concerts: Songwriter Spotlight

TD Connected Concerts: Hip-Hop Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Friday Night at The Marquee

TD Connected Concerts: Alternative Stage

Dairy Farmers of Canada ECMA Fan Fest

TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Blues Matinee

TD Connected Concerts: Celtic Matinee

TD Connected Concerts: Classical Showcase

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase A

Canadian Music. East Coast Style. - Export Showcase B

TD Connected Concerts: Folk Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Jazz Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Pop Rock Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Night Pop Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Rising Star Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Saturday at The Carleton

TD Connected Concerts: Songwriter Spotlight

TD Connected Concerts: Black Vibes Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Night at The Marquee

TD Connected Concerts: Loud Stage

TD Connected Concerts: Saturday Night Electronic Stage

East Coast Music Awards Part II

SOCAN Songwriters' Circle

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