The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) has unveiled the initial lineup for the 2021 East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference.
Taking place from May 5-9, 2021 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, this year’s event includes showcase performances from (alphabetically): Abigale, Adam Baxter, Ana & Eric, Anna Ludlow, Apryl Aileen, Atay & Jax, Beòlach, Braden Lam, Brandon Howard Roy, Brooklyn Blackmore, Burry, Campbell & Johnston’s Black Market Band, Charlie A’Court & Witchitaw, Còig, Colette Deveaux, Cory Gallant, Dan Doiron, Good Dear Good, Hauler, Hillsburn, Inn Echo, Izra Fitch, Jimmy Rankin, Jody Upshaw, Jordan Musycsyn, Justin Fancy, Kestrels, Kim Harris, Kylie Fox, Lawrence Maxwell, Leanne Hoffman, Like A Motorcycle, Mitchell Bailey, Moira Bren, Nick Earle & the Reckless Hearts, Norma MacDonald, Owen O’Sound Lee, Pallmer, Pretty Archie, Quiet Parade, Quote the Raven, Rachel Beck, Rachel Cousins, Rich Aucoin, Roland Grant, Rose Cousins, Rosemary Lawton, Roxy & The Underground Soul Sound, Rube & Rake, Rum Ragged, Sarah Hagen, Silver Wolf Band, Sorrey, The Heavy Horses, Tortoise the Hare and the Millionaire, Ventus Machina, Villages, Weak Size Fish, and more to be announced.
The ECMA has also announced that Jimmy Rankin will join the list of artists performing at the 2021 East Coast Music Awards Show presented by Dairy Farmers of Canada, slated for Thursday, May 6 at Centre 200 in Sydney. As previously announced, that list includes Beòlach, Catherine MacLellan, Classified, Hauler, Keonté Beals, Les Hay Babies, Like A Motorcycle, Rich Aucoin, Rose Cousins, Rube & Rake, Silver Wolf Band, Sorrey, Wolf Castle, and Zamani, while Jay Malone and Justine Williamson will co-host the event.
Organizers noted that additional artists and shows will be added to the lineup in the coming weeks, and that some shows may change as the event approaches.
“Our host community is very excited to have us back in Sydney for the 33rd ECMAs, where live music is recognized to be a vital part of the community. We continue to work closely with government departments and industry stakeholders to deliver an event that celebrates the importance of live music, while ensuring the safety of all involved,” said ECMA CEO, AndyMcLean.
The 2021 ECMA Festival will feature four ticketed events: The 2021 East Coast Music Awards Show, ECMA Friday at Centre 200, ECMA Saturday at Centre 200, and the 2021 ECMA Songwriters’ Circle. Tickets for all but the Songwriters’ Circle are on sale now, via Ticketmaster. All other Festival events will be free, subject to capacity and contact tracing requirements. The 2021 ECMA Industry Conference will be entirely free and online, thanks to the generous support of TD.
“We’re focused on community engagement and removing as many barriers to participation as possible, in an effort to encourage folks to gather safely with us in Sydney,” McLean said. “It’s certainly an ambitious plan to deliver a hybrid version of the ECMAs, but we are encouraged by the daily words of support received from our members and across all areas of the music industry. By working together and adhering to the guidelines established by public health officials, we will continue to shine a light on the world class talent the East Coast has to offer.”
