ECMA 2023 | Day 1 Recap
WRITTEN BY: Katie GordoN & Photos by: Mitchell Jodrey // THE BOOM AT NOON The East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) festival and conference kicked off on May 3, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The five-day event celebrates the best in East Coast music, and this year marks its 35th anniversary. The festival has grown significantly since its inception, which started as a one-day event at the Flamingo Café and Lounge.
This year's festival has over 500 musicians, 40 shows, and 25+ venues, making it one of the largest music events in the region. The first day of the festival started with a Cultural Circle, which featured an opening blessing at Grand Parade. The Cultural Circle was a beautiful way to honour and celebrate the Indigenous cultures of the region. The event featured lit teepees, a sacred fire, an on-site firekeeper, and Elder. If you missed the Cultural Circle on Wednesday, don't worry; it will take place again each day until Saturday.
Following the Cultural Circle was the first ever All-Star Charity Basketball game. This event was free to attend and was open to all ages. Donations were accepted at the door in support of Hot Cocoa Boys, a social enterprise operated out of Hope Blooms who are looking to build a music studio. The game was a fun way to bring the community together and support a worthy cause.
The day wrapped up with the 35th Anniversary Kickoff Party, an East Coast Kitchen Party, led by Rankin MacInnis. Rankin was backed by an incredible band and special guests, Campbell and Johnson. Dave Sampson, Shanii, and Shay Pitts. The East Coast Kitchen Party was a lively celebration of East Coast music and culture, and it was a fitting way to kick off the festival.
If you haven’t purchased tickets, there are still Weekend Warrior wristbands available and individual tickets for the award show and songwriters circle.
