News release

ECMA 2003--Ten Days and Counting

Tourism and Culture (Aug. 1999 - Dec. 2003)

There are only 10 days to go before Halifax is transformed into a city of stages when the annual East Coast Music Awards and conference gets under way.

Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald kicked off the countdown at Province House in Halifax today, Feb. 3, and invited all Nova Scotians to take part in the event from Feb. 13 to 16.

"The East Coast Music Awards is celebrating 15 years of music," said Mr. MacDonald. "This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, and the Province of Nova Scotia is proud to play a part as a platinum sponsor."

The event will feature 14 different live stages, a concert series and the gala awards show, which will be broadcast nationally on CBC Television on Feb. 16 and on CBC Radio Two.

The $1.4-million event is expected to generate up to $6 million in revenue for the province. "This event brings music, and about 2,000 delegates into the downtown core for the conference alone," said event chair Andree Gracie. "Pub and restaurant owners, hotels, and a host of other businesses benefit from our presence, and we're delighted to be back in Halifax, where it all began 15 years ago."

Tickets for the ECMA 2003 events are available at Halifax Metro Centre box office, 902-451-1221 and all participating Metro Centre ticket outlets. Information and a schedule of events is available on the Web site at: www.ecma.ca .