The ECMA suspense begins

Nominees to be announced Monday in Halifax

Musicians from around Atlantic Canada including Cape Breton will be paying extra attention to their Twitter and social media accounts on Monday, waiting for the announcements of the 2018 East Coast Music Awards nominees.

“Typically there is no advance notice of nominations — similar to the Oscars or Grammys,” Trevor Murphy told the Cape Breton Post in an email. “They (the musicians) just find out the day it’s announced either via the press conference, the social media/web reveals, or through the ECMA newsletter.

“All a big surprise!”

The nominations will take place at the Halifax Public Library on Monday.

This year’s ECMAs take place in Halifax, May 2-6, marking 30 years since the event began in a small downtown Halifax bar.

Today, the event lasts five days and attracts hundreds of performers and industry people from across Atlantic Canada.

One of the highlights of every ECMA is the awards show and this one will take place Thursday, May 3 at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax. Hosted by Jonathan Torrens, performers will include Sloan, Measha Brueggergosman, Rose Cousins, The East Pointers, Port Cities, Quake Matthews, Kinley, Makayla Lynn, City Natives, Joel Plaskett, Universal Soul, Barra MacNeils, Les Hay Babies and The Once.

“We are tremendously excited to have such an eclectic group of artists helping us celebrate the 30th anniversary of the East Coast Music Awards,” said Andy McLean, executive director of the ECMAs. “Kicking off the week with a bang, the awards show presents an incredible opportunity for fans, musicians, and industry professionals to celebrate the legacy and the future of East Coast music together.”

The awards show will once again be available live on Bell Aliant Fibe TV1 and free of charge at ECMA.com. In addition, select showcases will also be available to stream live on ECMA TV throughout the festival.