The hallways of the Inside Connection, Saint John's indoor pedway system, connecting our downtown. The splendour of the Imperial Theatre. Tiny taverns tucked away on our side streets. From January 31 to February 3, 2002, the music of the East Coast will fill our city and heat up our normally frigid winter air. For the first time, Saint John will play host to the East Coast Music Association Awards Show and Conference. The event, scheduled to be the largest in the association's 14-year history, showcases the rich tradition of music found in our region. And we'll celebrate it, 24 hours a day for the duration.

Musicians from Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and industry professionals from around the world will descend on the city for four days of sharing, learning and performance. From traditional to techno and roots to rap, musicians representing 26 categories of music will showcase their talent. To top it off, the performances culminate with an awards show telecast nationwide. This event is a chance to celebrate our past, present and future through the music that is so central to the lives of East Coasters.Here's a quick glimpse of what you can expect during ECMA 2002, one of the largest musical events in Canada:

The Jam
This is music the way we know it. The Jam stage operates 24 hours a day for the duration of the event. In 2001, in Charlottetown, the ECMA Jam hosted over 170 musical acts. You never know what you'll hear (spoons? digitized fiddles? acappella?) and you never know who will show up.

Showcase/Concert Series
Children's selections, blues, bluegrass, jazz or classical. Whatever your taste, there's a concert or stage for you.

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Conferences
Musicians, industry professionals and the public (with tickets) can attend workshops and conferences on a number of topics of interest to the music industry.

Radio FreECMA
It's the event's own live music station, dedicated to a playlist of East Coast music, live performances and interviews. Stay tuned 24 hours a day during the event for updates, information and great music.

Soundwaves
We get the music out to the community. Schools, churches, libraries, hospitals and nursing homes partake in the action as the performers bring the music to them.
Throughout the city, musicians will set up in halls, restaurants, coffee shops - wherever there's a spot to entertain everyone who passes.
Don't miss the event! It's the perfect way to take the chill out of our East Coast winter!
For event, ticket or housing information contact:
ECMA 2002, PO Box 7002, Saint John, NB E2L 4S4
Office: (506) 672 2002
Toll-free: 1 877 664 ECMA (3262)
Web Site: www.ecma.ca

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