ECMA Events Coming Together For February

Jill Barber and David Myles roused a groggy gathering of industry folk on Tuesday morning with a performance to kick-off Halifax's official announcement of 2007 East Coast Music Awards activities."

I owe a lot to the East Coast Music Awards," said the doe-eyed Barber, fresh off the plane from her first European tour, which was made possible after a showcase performance at this year's ECMA event.

More than 50,000 music fans, 2,500 delegates and 400 artists will storm through the wintry streets of the historic port town from Feb. 15-18, eating, drinking and soaking in the musical festivities. It's estimated that the event will rake in $5 million for Halifax's economy.In addition to the nationally televised awards show, the ECMA weekend will be chock full of events, including FashionEASTa, a juxtaposition of music and fashion that will include a cocktail reception and a 50-minute performance produced by Stephen MacDonald and Slowcoaster's Steven MacGillivary.

"I am very excited to be a part of FashionEASTa, a creative new event to kick off the ECMA weekend in Halifax," said MacGillivary. "Music meets design in an evening that will stand Halifax on its ear, setting the tone for one of the most dynamic weekends in decades."

Halifax's dense population of watering holes will be filled to the brim with talent, as the festival will includes the songwriters' circle, roots room, rock showcases and Yahama's 72-hour jam.

Legendary music producer Bob Ezrin will roll into town for the conference portion of the event. The man behind landmark albums from Pink Floyd, KISS, Lou Reed, Nine Inch Nails and Peter Gabriel, among others, will present an insider's look at talent development and the music industry.

Nova Scotia premier Rodney MacDonald is stoked that the city is hosting the event. Aside from his political work, his resume boasts two ECMA nominations. MacDonald recorded 1996's Dancer's Delight and 1997's Traditionally Rockin' with his cousin, Glenn Graham. Tickets go on sale on Dec. 1 through the Ticket Atlantic box office at Halifax's Metro Centre. CBC Television will broadcast the awards show live at 8 p.m. on Feb. 18.