It's official — Charlottetown will host the East Coast Music Awards in 2014.
The East Coast Music Association says Eastlink East Coast Music Week 2014 is scheduled to run April 2-6.
The event returns to Charlottetown earlier than anticipated to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference in 2014. Charlottetown most recently hosted East Coast Music Week in 2011.
The ECMA's annual music week usually follows a regular regional rotation in Atlantic Canada. From time to time, the schedule may be interrupted and the prospect of sharing in the P.E.I. 2014 celebrations made this a desirable opportunity.
"The East Coast Music Association is delighted to return to Charlottetown for 2014," said Scott Burke, ECMA executive director. "We have recognized the importance of the 2014 celebrations, not only to our region but also to our nation, and are thrilled to bring Eastlink East Coast Music Week to join the fun."
"The ECMAs and P.E.I. 2014 are a perfect fit," said P.E.I.'s Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Henderson. "In 2014 we will be showcasing our Island talent and culture as we celebrate P.E.I.'s role in the building of Canada and we are inviting all Canadians to joins us."
Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee says the city is ecstatic to be hosting the event.
"Music and culture play an important role within our community and the city will come alive with all of the featured venues and events,'' Lee said. "2014 is going to be an exciting year for the City of Charlottetown. We're proud to be celebrating 150 years as the birthplace of Confederation, and we're pleased that this cultural event will be included in our 2014 celebration calendar."
The ECMAs in Charlottetown follow the 25th anniversary of Music Week, celebrated in Halifax, March 6-10, with 350 musicians performing at 48 events over five days.
In 2014, Canadians will mark the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Confederation. P.E.I. 2014 Inc. is facilitating the planning, promotion and implementation of the Sesquicentennial. Activities will honour the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future.
