Plaskett leads list of local nominees

Dartmouth resident Joel Plaskett leads the list of local musicians nominated for this years East Coast Music Awards, being held in Halifax from February 15 to 18.



Plaskett, a past multiple ECMA winner and Juno nominee, has been given the ECMA nod three times in 2007 for songwriter of the year, single of the year and DVD of the year.



Unabashedly proud and often overtly vocal about the merits of his hometown, says being acknowledged by his peers is something that still surprises him.



Its always a big relief to know people on the East Coast still like what Im doing. And its a huge honour to again be a part of the biggest cultural event east of Montreal, and to be able to help in whatever way I can to promote the great music that's coming from this part of the world."



The singer-songwriter is currently putting the finishing touches on his new release, due out in the coming months. He believes there's ample reason to celebrate 'Canadian Music, East Coast Style.'



Dartmouths music scene is very strong and growing quite quickly. There are more bands and fans around here now than there has ever been and the industry is starting to sit up and take notice," Plaskett says. "The ECMAs are huge in terms of creating opportunities for us to be seen and heard, not only across the Atlantic region, but right across the country and beyond.



The mid-winter music conference and festival takes place in various venues around HRM and will culminate with the ECMA Gala Awards Show to be broadcast live on CBC television from the Halifax Metro Centre on Sunday, February 18.



Dartmouths other favourite sons, the Trailer Park Boys, will be hosting the event again this year.



For more information on the 2007 ECMAs, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ecma.com.