The East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference (ECMA) is a five-day, non-stop musical celebration showcasing and recognizing the best of East Coast artists and music.
This year, ECMA celebrates a major milestone with the 35th anniversary of the festival, bringing with it the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the past, present, and future of music in Atlantic Canada.
Don't miss out on all the excitement as the ECMA comes back to Downtown Halifax from May 3 - 7.
Stay up to date by following @eastcoastmusicassoc on Instagram.
For more information, visit ecma.com.
Here are some Highlights of the 2023 East Coast Music Awards
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2023 Festival Schedule
The 2023 East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference (ECMA) is five jampacked days of music and fun.
From the 35th Anniversary Kickoff Party to family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone at the East Coast Music Awards.
Check out the full schedule here.
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2023 East Coast Music Awards Show
Celebrate the biggest night in East Coast music at the 35th East Coast Music Awards presented by Rogers on Thursday, May 4 at 8 pm 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.
Tickets are on sale now and are $50 per person. Buy tickets here.
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ECMA Family Fun-Fest Presented by Downtown Halifax
The ECMA Family Fun-Fest presented by Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) is taking place on the south block of Argyle Street (Blowers to Sackville streets) on Saturday, May 6, from 12 noon - 3 pm.
This FREE event will feature family-friendly programming including a face painter, games from GLOW Parties, Discovery Centre’s Discovery on Demand, demos by Halifax Circus, and so much more.
There will also be a chalk artist in Grafton Park (corner of Grafton Street and Spring Garden Road).
Learn more here.
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ECMA Partner Stages
This year, Downtown Halifax has 13 official ECMA Partner Stages that will be programming live music from May 3 - 7.
Here is a list of confirmed Partner Stages in Downtown Halifax:
- Argyle Fine Art
- Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
- Brown Hound Public House
- East of Grafton Tavern
- Gahan House Nova Centre
- Halifax Brewery Farmers Market
- Kyo Kitchen & Bar
- Pickford & Black
- Queen's Marque
- Ragazzi Resto Bar
- Split Crow Pub
- The Loose Cannon
- The Pint Public House
Click here for information about the venues and their shows.
See all the official 2023 Partner Stages here.
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Official ECMA Venues
In addition to the partner stages, ECMA events and shows are held at a number of official venues. The official venues in Downtown Halifax include:
- Casino Nova Scotia 1985 Upper Water Street
- Grand Parade 1770 Barrington Street
- Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel 1919 Upper Water Street
- Level8 Night Club 1800 Argyle Street (above the Light House Arts Centre)
- Scotiabank Centre 1800 Argyle Street
- The Carleton1685 Argyle Street
- Casino Nova Scotia 1985 Upper Water Street
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2023 Industry Conference
The ECMA Music & Industry Conference ‘Connect. Mentor. Inspire.’ is the premiere destination for all Atlantic Canadian artists and industry professionals. It is a place for artists and members to connect with international guest delegates and educators, offer mentorship and be mentored by peers and industry experts, and ultimately elevate their careers.
Taking place at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, the 2023 the conference will shine a spotlight on success stories from Atlantic Canadian musicians, songwriters and industry leaders and continue to offer mentorship and business development opportunities across all genres and roles including topics such as sync licensing, publishing, songwriting, and touring. Mentorship programs for managers, breakout artists, emerging and established artists as well as industry professionals across a variety of roles and genres will continue to be a foundational element. Networking and business development is another key pillar of the program and as such artists and industry will continue to be able to connect and do business.
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Dairy Farmers of Canada ECMA Fan Fest
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, and coinciding with the ECMA Family Fun-Fest, this FREE, all-ages event will take over the north block of Argyle Street (between Prince and Sackville streets) 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:
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Tickets & Passes
Tickets and passes for the 2023 East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference (ECMA) are on sale now.
A pass is the best, and most affordable, way to experience the ECMAs. With hundreds of musicians playing at multiple venues and events in five days, passes allow you to hop from venue to venue to take in as much live music as possible. Experience showcases from your favourite East Coast musicians, and discover new artists to love.
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Become an ECMA Volunteer
The East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference would not be possible without the tremendous help of volunteers.
Whether it's selling tickets to an artist showcase, stage managing at one of our venues, or transporting artists and delegates around town, there are an abundance of opportunities to choose from.
If you have any questions about the event, our volunteer roles, or how you can get involved please do not hesitate to reach out to Eric Daponte, Volunteer Manager at volunteers@ecma.com.
For more information about what's happening Downtown for the ECMA, click here.
Don't miss the ECMA Family Fun-Fest! Taking place on May 6 from 12 noon - 3:00 p.m. on Argyle Street.
Find the full schedule of events for the 2023 ECMA here.
