 |
|
 |
|
|
When week-long events start off with a sold-out show, it is hopefully an indication of how the rest of the week will pan out. This was certainly the case during last month's Metro Credit Union Music PEI Week 2013. The week saw several sold-out shows, including the two new signature events introduced this year.
The first new event that kicked off the week was Nudie's House of Rock in partnership with CBC, which was greatly received by those in attendance. The Mack in Charlottetown was jam-packed as four of the Island's top bands took the stage and rocked the night away. Hosted by Nudie, the sold out rock show featured performances and interviews by Coyote, The Meds, Paper Lions and Two Hours Traffic. There was a sense of camaraderie on stage as the musicians played together, a sense that is felt throughout the Island's music community.
The second new event and sold out show, the Country Jubilee presented by Cavendish Beach Music Festival with media sponsor CFCY, was held in Summerside at the Harbourfront Theatre.
Hosted by CFCY radio personality Kris MacDonald, the jubilee saw performances by Country Recording of the Year artist Eddy Quinn along with Johnny Oliver, Lester MacPherson, Meaghan Blanchard and Nudie. Each artist brought something new to the stage and impressed fans of all ages.
Along with the two new events the week had many other highlights.
The S.A.C. Songwriters Concert in Georgetown Presented by AIRS and media sponsor the Eastern Graphic featured the nominees for the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year category performing at the King's Playhouse. Hosted by The Trews frontman Colin MacDonald, the event showcased the strong songwriting abilities of Island artists. Dennis Ellsworth walked away with the award for Songwriter of the Year, his second that week.
Ellsworth led the pack of award winners, claiming a total of three during Metro Credit Union Music PEI Week, including Roots Contemporary Recording of the Year and Album of the Year along with Songwriter.
While musical performances were a large focus of the week, there was also another element that went over extremely well. Music PEI Interactive presented by Ticketpro offered four days of workshops, special guest speakers and a tradeshow. Coordinated by Shannon Pratt, it was considered the best Metro Credit Union Music PEI Week conference to date.The panels focused on everything from funding to music supervision to songwriting and everything in between. Workshops were well attended and feedback from delegates and musicians alike has been nothing but praise. A partnership between Music PEI, The Atlantic Presenters and Culture PEI created a two day Festival Best Practices workshop which brought all types of festival across PEI and the Maritimes together and was highly successful.
Friday Night Live once again took place in 9 venues across PEI from Charlottetown to Alberton and showcased 24 artists representing many styles of music.
Capping off one of the best Metro Credit Union Music PEI Weeks the Island has seen was the 12th annual Music PEI Awards Gala presented by Ticketpro. Hosted by Canadian radio personality Grant Lawrence, the night was filled with awards, musical performances and bit of comedy relief. It was enthusiastically received by the capacity audience at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Music PEI would like to thank and congratulate all of the sponsors, volunteers, music fans and artists who made this event possible. We have a great community on PEI and Metro Credit Union Music PEI Week is an example of the wonderful support.
|
|
|
