East Track Mind’s 10 ECMA Must-See Showcases

Find your top ten! 2022 ECMA Festival Schedule Available Now. SEE FULL SCHEDULE

By Heidi-Lyn O'Connor (East Track Mind)

I consider each year at the ECMAs to be my anniversary of falling in love with local music. East Track Mind has become my project to help others begin that same love affair that has kept me captivated for the last decade. Whether it’s photographing live shows, making discovery playlists for people just like you, or hosting a local radio show, you can find me everywhere on the pulse of our local music scene.

With so many amazing acts performing this year, I could have easily put more artists on this list! So, take my advice and attend showcases to hear some old favourites and you’ll be sure to discover some gems along the way.

Here are my 10 must-see shows (in no particular order) to help you get your ECMA weekend schedule started!

1. QUOTE THE RAVEN

Quote the Raven is coming all the way from Newfoundland to transport you to your happy place with their buttery voices and spine-tingling harmonies. They’ve earned 3 nominations this year including Album of the Year. If you’re looking for a feel-good, peaceful evening I recommend you get yourself to one of their performances!

• 2022 EAST COAST MUSIC AWARDS PRESENTED BY ROGERS Aitken University Centre on Thursday, May 5th at 8:00PM.
• CANADIAN MUSIC. EAST COAST STYLE. EXPORT 1 Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom B on Friday, May 6th at 2:30PM.
• TD CONNECTED CONCERTS: SATURDAY AT THE DELTA Ballroom A on Saturday, May 7th at 8:30PM.

FOR FANS OF:

Rose Cousins, Brandi Carlile, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

2. WOLF CASTLE

Wolf Castle has had a big year, winning Music New Brunswick’s Recording of the Year last fall. He’s also been busy collaborating with other prolific East Coast Artists such as Braden Lam and David Myles. If you don’t think Atlantic Canada has a quality Hip-Hop scene, head to these shows to take in a performance that’ll prove you wrong.

• POST-AWARDS SHOW 1 Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom A on Thursday, May 5th at 10:30PM.
• CANADIAN MUSIC. EAST COAST STYLE. EXPORT 2. Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom A on Friday, May 6th at 2:45PM.
• RAP/HIP HOP SHOWCASE The Cap (Wilser's Room) on Friday, May 6th at 9:00PM.

FOR FANS OF: Mac Miller, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Haviah Mighty

3. WILLIE STRATTON

Do you like your rock and roll with a side of country? Willie Stratton is the act for you! Be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor when you hear the raw power of his voice. Be forewarned: It might be your first Willie Stratton show, but it won’t be your last!

• TD CONNECTED CONCERTS: FRIDAY AT THE DELTA Delta Hotels Fredericton - Governor's Ballroom on Friday, May 6th at 7:30PM.

FOR FANS OF: Roy Orbison, Corb Lund, Jack White, Elvis

4. KELLY MCMICHAEL

I’d bet money that I’m not the only one adding Kelly McMichael to my “must-see” list. Formerly from RENDERS, she burst onto the scene with her self-titled project last Spring, which was quickly showered with nominations and awards. Her silky indie grooves will have you buying the album before she’s even finished the set.

• 2022 EAST COAST MUSIC AWARDS PRESENTED BY ROGERS Aitken University Centre on Thursday, May 5th at 8:00PM.
• TD CONNECTED CONCERTS: FRIDAY AT THE DELTA Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom B on Friday, May 6th, 8:15 PM.

FOR FANS OF: Liz Phair, Blondie, Sheryl Crow, Land of Talk

5. KILL CHICAGO

Kill Chicago are a seasoned East Coast rock staple who have long since proved their chops. This year’s ECMA week also lends them a hometown advantage in Fredericton. A live performance of their brand new album is the burst of energy you need after being cooped up for two years!

• TD CONNECTED CONCERTS: SATURDAY AT THE DELTA Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom A on Saturday, May 7th at 8:30PM.

FOR FANS OF: Attic Monkeys, Black Keys, Elvis Costello, The Clash

6. GORDIE MACKEEMAN AND HIS RHYTHM BOYS

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen them play in the last decade, but I never tire of watching Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys perform. Gordie is a verifiable wizard with a fiddle, and his show is full of antics and surprises that will have you laughing and dancing in your chairs. Dopamine included.

• POST-AWARDS SHOW 1 Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom A on Thursday, May 5th at 10:30PM.
• CANADIAN MUSIC. EAST COAST STYLE. EXPORT 1. Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom B on Friday, May 6th, at 2:30PM.
• CHILDREN’S SHOW Regent Mall on Saturday, May 7th at 2:00PM.

FOR FANS OF: Natalie MacMaster, Trampled by Turtles, Nickel Creek

Chloé Breault is delivering well-crafted, French pop songs with a funky edge. New Brunswick has long boasted top-notch Acadian artists that give us a name around the world. Chloé is well on her way to joining the legacy.

• 2022 EAST COAST MUSIC AWARDS PRESENTED BY ROGERS Aitken University Centre on Thursday, May 5th at 8:00PM.
• FRIDAY FOLK AT THE CSAC Charlotte Street Arts Centre on Friday, May 6th at 2:00PM.
• CANADIAN MUSIC. EAST COAST STYLE. EXPORT 2. Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom A Friday, May 6th at 2:45PM.
• SOCAN SONGWRITERS' CIRCLE The Fredericton Playhouse on Sunday, May 8th at 2:00PM.

FOR FANS OF: Lisa LeBlanc, Feist, Phoebe Bridgers, Neko Case

8. LOGAN RICHARD

One of our up-and-coming artists with great exportable promise is Logan Richard. He’s blues; he’s rock; he’s all the soul you could want in a show. During the last in-person ECMAs in Charlotteown in 2019, his name hovered in the air wherever you went. Anyone who had happened upon one of his shows left absolutely stunned having witnessed his guitar mastery and his stage presence.

• SATURDAY AT DOLAN’S PUB Dolan's Pub on Saturday, May 7th at 12:45PM
• RISING STAR SHOWCASE Grimross Brewing Co. Saturday, May 7th at 8:00PM.

FOR FANS OF: John Mayer, Bahamas, Theo Katzman, Colin James

9. ONE8TEA

Music NB history was made this fall as local rapper One8tea became the first Black artist to receive one of their awards. His song, “I Guess It’s Complicated” won song of the year and now he’s a couple ECMA nominations under his belt too. You can catch his performances served with a side of faith at the Awards Show and Rap/Hip Hop showcase.

• 2022 EAST COAST MUSIC AWARDS PRESENTED BY ROGERS Aitken University Centre on Thursday, May 5th at 8:00PM.
• RAP/HIP HOP SHOWCASE The Cap (Wilser's Room) on Friday, May 6th at 9:00PM.

FOR FANS OF: Jay-Z, KRS-One, Joell Ortiz

10. RICH AUCOIN

I know, I know. You already know this one, but I gotta say it. Get yourself to a Rich Aucoin show, will ya? We all know parachute day was the best gym day in elementary school, but being an adult doesn’t mean the fun is over. If you love confetti, interaction with the performer, and an electric good time, you know what to do. Rich will have you jumping, singing along, and probably sweating too. Bring an energy bar!

• CANADIAN MUSIC. EAST COAST STYLE. EXPORT 2. Delta Hotels Fredericton - Ballroom A on Saturday, May 7th at 2:45PM.
• POP SHOWCASE Klub Khrome (Downstairs) on Saturday, May 7th at 10:15PM.

FOR FANS OF: MGMT, Flaming Lips, Arcade Fire, Tame Impala

Interested in learning more about East Track Mind? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify or visit www.easttrackmind.com/.

(ECMA would like to thank Heidi for this contribution to our 2022 ECMA Blog. For more great insight into the local sound here on the East Coast check out Heidi's musing at East Track Mind).

Find your top ten! 2022 ECMA Festival Schedule Available Now. SEE FULL SCHEDULE