The Irish Descendants to headline ECMA 2025 Kickoff Party, presented by Atlantic Lottery at the JAG Soundhouse in St. John’s, May 7
Special guests are Mick Davis & Thin Love and With Violet
Tickets are on sale now!
(St. John’s, NL) - Setting the stage for ECMA 2025, May 7-11, the East Coast Music Association is thrilled to host a Kickoff Party, presented by Atlantic Lottery, featuring beloved Newfoundland Irish folk group, The Irish Descendants and Newfoundland rock groups Mick Davis & Thin Love and With Violet at the JAG Soundhouse in St. John’s on Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m.
“Atlantic Lottery is thrilled to be back as the presenting sponsor of the ECMA Kickoff Party again this year,” said Dallas McCready, Atlantic Lottery President and CEO. “We’re proud to play a role in supporting East Coast artists and celebrating the important cultural impacts they have across Atlantic Canada.”
Tickets for the ECMA 2025 Kickoff Party are on sale now at ECMA.com.
Celebrating 35 years this year, The Irish Descendants are Con O’Brien on lead vocals and guitar, Rowan Sherlock on mandolin, fiddle, piano and vocals, Jeff Kinsman on bass and vocals, and Madeline Carter on fiddle and vocals. From the rocky coastal outports of the Island of Newfoundland, The Irish Descendants have carved a prestigious reputation over the years guided by the leadership of Con O’Brien. They have toured throughout North America and beyond, sharing the music of their ancestral Irish home and that of their beloved Newfoundland and Labrador. With impeccable musicianship and vocal prowess, combined with amazing stories and wit, the group continually deliver vivid memories of who they are and where they come from to satisfied audiences wherever they hit a stage. The band’s discography includes 14 studio recordings, with two certified Canadian Gold Albums, a JUNO Award along, three East Coast Music Awards and they are currently nominated for a 2025 ECMA for Album of The Year. For more information on The Irish Descendants, visit: theirishdescendants.com
Featured on the show is Newfoundland’s Mick Davis & Thin Love, a band that delivers raw energy and infectious rock tunes that captivate audiences and local powerhouse alt-rock group, With Violet, who blend soaring melodies with electrifying performances.
“We can’t wait to kick things off with an incredible night of live music at the JAG Soundhouse,” says ECMA Board’s Chair Michelle Eagles. “This is just the beginning of an amazing week celebrating the best of East Coast music.”
For more information on the 2025 East Coast Music Awards, Festival, and Conference, taking place May 7-11, visit ECMA.com.
To volunteer at ECMA 2025, apply here: ECMA.com
ECMA would like to acknowledge the generous support of its sponsors and funding partners, including the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador, the City of St. John’s, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), FACTOR, MUSICACTION, TD, Rogers, Stingray, and the Government of Canada through theDepartment of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) of Canada’s private radio broadcasters.
About ECMA
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is a regional collaboration of people in the music industry of Atlantic Canada that fosters, develops, and celebrates East Coast music and its artists locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The ECMA annually produces the ECMAs, one of the top music industry events in Canada, which includes an Award Show, a Festival, an Industry Conference, and the Accelerator Program. For more information, visit: ECMA.com
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