Dylan Googoo received the opportunity of a lifetime on Monday morning at We’koqma’q School in Waycobah. The 17-year-old kicked off the concert portion of the ECMA 2010 One Big Opportunity Soundwaves program with a lively, 10-minute set, in front of 300 fellow students, followed by well-known Mabou musician Aaron MacDonald’s headlining performance.
Googoo was one of 11 finalists chosen for the program, and cracked open the Soundwaves schedule with his hip-hop stylings, earning a roar of applause from classmates and teachers alike.
“I’ve been playing for four years, and this is great exposure for my music,” said Googoo, who is hoping to make his way to the circuit’s final show on March 3rd at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, where the winners will be chosen. “I wasn’t nervous at all being up on stage, but it was nice to have everyone cheering for me. It’s a really good feeling, it’s hard to explain exactly how it feels to be up on stage.”
Dylan declares his hip-hop idols are heavy hitters such as Eminem, Jay-Z and East Coast Music Award nominee Classified. These artists offer a stark contrast to MacDonald’s deep-rooted guitar licks and eclectic sound, but the headliner said when it comes to music, there’s plenty of room for everyone on stage.
“This was such a great opportunity for Dylan,” MacDonald said. “I had the opportunity to meet Dylan and saw his passion for music. I’ve heard great things about what he can do, and he showed that today – he sounded awesome. For me, it was really exciting just being out there in front of the students, playing for this age group. It was a special show.”
The finalists’ performances are video recorded and will be evaluated by a jury of music industry professionals. The top youth bands/artists selected by the jury will compete for the grand prize on Wednesday, March 3 at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, with winners chosen in each of the three categories. The following evening at the Savoy Theatre, the three winners will have the opportunity to open for headlining acts J.P. Cormier, Tom Fun Orchestra and Christina Martin whose musical styles will represent the Soundwaves genres of instrumental, band, and singer/songwriter. This Soundwaves Finale will be a special evening, helping jump-start budding careers while also featuring the best in East Coast music.
One Big Opportunity now moves on to Strathspey Place in Mabou on February 18th, when finalists Unholy Aggressors open for James Eddy and Crawdaddy. Below is the remaining schedule:
Friday, February 19 – Thomson Jr. High – Carmen Townsend – Brittany Coombs
Monday, February 22 – Rankin School – Dawn & Margie Beaton – Maggie Beaton
Tuesday, February 23 – Riverside Elementary – Pink Thunder – Danielle Bueno, Dakota Rideout
Wednesday, February 24 – Savoy Theater Glace Bay – Carleton Stone – Ill Fella, Tanglewood, Bring Your Guns
Thursday February 25 – Étoile de l’Acadie – Bette & Wallet – Blue Lights
Friday, February 26 – Memorial High School – Alert the Medic – The Company
Monday, March 1 – Sherwood Park – James Eddy and Crawdaddy
Tuesday, March 2 – Holy Angels – The Keats
Wednesday, March 3 (day) – Membertou Trade & Convention Centre – Tim Chaisson and Morning Fold
Wednesday, March 3 (evening) – Soundwaves Final Competition
Thursday, March 4 – Savoy Theatre – Soundwaves Finale
The East Coast Music Awards, Festival & Conference is an annual event organized by the East Coast Music Association, whose mandate it is to foster, promote and celebrate East Coast music locally and globally. It showcases new artists and provides a great networking and education experience for the music industry. It also offers music fans and community members the chance to see the best live Atlantic Canadian music in local venues.
Gala awards tickets are on sale at the Centre 200 box office, or online through www.reservatech.net or www.ticketpro.ca. Can’t be there in person? No problem. Simply log on to www.bellaliant.net/ecma the night of the gala, as Bell Aliant Brings ECMA Live to the World. This multi-camera, high definition shoot will take viewers on stage and through the audience for both the pre show and the gala awards show in its entirety. It’s easy to access, the next best thing to being there, and absolutely free!
The East Coast Music Association would like to acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters.
Grant says
Jimmy must not have heard of Google?
Jim Fay says
Well, so much print about great music should INCLUDE SOME MUSIC ! !