The 35th annual East Coast Music Awards (ECMA), recognizing the best of East Coast artists and music, arrives in Halifax from May 3-7. While the awards are the big draw, the ECMAs will host various paid and free activities over the five days in May. Here are five we think you should not miss:
1Take in one of the TD Connected Concerts festival showcase series at venues throughout HRM. It features over 130 artists and is an excellent opportunity to explore Atlantic Canada’s vibrant and diverse music scene.
2Argyle Street is the place to be on May 6 as the Dairy Farmers of Canada host ECMA Fan Fest, a free, family-friendly outdoor afternoon street party with performances and an opportunity to meet the artists.
3In a first for the ECMAs, on May 3, musicians, industry professionals, basketball players, and other community members will compete in the ECMA All-Star Charity Basketball Game, a fundraiser for Hot Cocoa Boys.
4The 3rd annual ECMA Cup takes place at the Halifax Forum on May 6 with artists such as Classified, Heather Rankin, and Michael S. Ryan & Bruce Gillis of The Town Heroes lacing up to raise funds for Sound Minds.
5This year’s SOCAN Songwriters’ Circle takes place at Casino Nova Scotia’s Schooner Room on May 7, featuring artists such as Fortunate Ones, Adam Baldwin, Breagh Isabel, O’Sound, Jason Benoit, Lisa LeBlanc, and Mo Kenney.
The 35th annual East Coast Music Awards take place at venues across the HRM from May 3-7. Visit ecma.com for tickets and information.