ECMAs will leave Islanders spoiled for choice this week
CBC
The East Coast Music Awards are underway Wednesday in Charlottetown, and that means a weekend filled with more music over five days than you could imagine taking advantage of.
There will be close to 50 events during the festival, in genres from loud to folk, children's to hip-hop, country to jazz.
Many shows are free. Ticketed events start at $20, and multiple-event passes are available.
The opening concert Wednesday carries an island theme, featuring P.E.I.'s Two Hours Traffic and The East Pointers, along with The Once from another Atlantic Canadian island, Newfoundland. That concert is at 7:30 p.m. at the Delta Prince Edward.
The East Pointers lead this year's nominations with seven, including album of the year and group recording of the year for Safe in Sound.
While pleased with the recognition, band member Jake Charron is trying to keep the honour in perspective.
"We also have the opportunity to lose the most awards this year," Charron said.
"If we can just get one I can sleep that night."
That main event is Thursday night. The awards ceremony is hosted by singer-songwriter Rose Cousins along with musician and CBC Music host Damhnait Doyle.
Doyle has vivid memories of her own first ECMA weekend, and how she was immediately hooked.
"I will never forget flying from St. John's, Newfoundland, on a plane with all of the musicians I loved and admired from my province going to whoop it up at the East Coast Music Awards," Doyle said.
"I religiously went for about 15 or 16 years."
The East Pointers will be back on the stage for the awards ceremony. Joining them will be Tara MacLean, Rum Ragged, Morgan Toney, Maggie Andrew, Tim Baker, KAYO, Jenn Grant, Émilie Landry, and Lennie Gallant.
Among the free events during the festival will be daily interviews and performances hosted by CBC P.E.I.'s Victoria Walton in the lobby of the Delta Prince Edward.
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