With the East Coast Music Awards quickly approaching, organizers say they’re not just ready to show Cape Breton a good time; they’re looking to provide a big boost to the local economy.
More than 250 performers, 200 showcases, plus galas and the awards show will descend on Sydney from May 20-24, when the ECMAs roll into town.
ECMA executive director Bob Hallett says every flight and hotel room will be booked, and Sydney’s restaurants will be jammed, with ECMA’s own budget exceeding $1.5 million.
He says that means local businesses will benefit greatly.
“Plus, the people in the community become part of something,” Hallett adds. “One of the great things about the ECMAs in any city in Atlantic Canada is that it takes over and, for a little while, we remember that music is one of the things that is really, really special about Atlantic Canada.”
With no shortage of great venues and solid infrastructure, Hallett says Sydney is well-positioned to host this year’s awards festival and conference.
“Another thing in its favour is that we’ve moved it a little bit later,” says Hallett, noting the event is two weeks later than in 2025. “That means the weather is nicer; you’re not going to try to get people out in a snowsuit. It’s going to be spring in Cape Breton Island, and I’m looking forward to it.”
With this year’s ECMAs now less than four months away, Hallett says organizers are well-prepared, and planning is on schedule.
Hallet himself is new to the role of executive director. A founding member of folk rock band Great Big Sea, he took on the title in August, just months after several artists boycotted last year’s awards show amid controversy over the firing of its previous CEO.
“I’m sure there was a box in an office full to the brim with projects labelled, ‘leave this for the new guy,’ so definitely there was a learning curve,” laughs Hallet, who also served on the ECMA’s board of directors from 2013 to 2015.
“At the same time, I had worked with the ECMAs on many projects over the years, and I’d been involved on various levels as an artist, as a producer (so) probably more so than most people, I knew what I was getting into.”
The nominations for the 2026 East Coast Music Awards will be announced Wed. at 11 a.m. and will be available to stream live on the ECMA website.
