News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) -- New Brunswick Aboriginal musical talent will be centre stage during the 2008 East Coast Music Awards.

Ed Doherty, Minister responsible for the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, announced that the Province will be a partner and supporter of the Aboriginal Partnered Showcase, which will be part of the East Coast Music Awards show to be held in Fredericton, Feb. 7-10.

Doherty said the Aboriginal showcase will be a true reflection of the many cultures which make New Brunswick such a special place.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come to the Aboriginal Partnered Showcase and listen to some of Atlantic Canada's premier Aboriginal musicians," Doherty said. "We are confident that this will be the best ECMAs ever, and it's a great pleasure to be part of it."

The Aboriginal Partnered Showcase features Aboriginal musicians playing a variety of music from contemporary rock, blues and folk to country and hip hop. Artists will include DNA and Catalyst, Razor Red, Ashley Bernard and Gary Sappier Experience.

Gary Sappier and Bernadine Perley, co-producers of the Aboriginal Partnered Showcase, said they are delighted to have such great talent take the stage at such a high-profile event, and grateful also for the government's contribution of $5,000 to the event.

"To be part of the ECMAs is a great honour," Sappier said. "Getting a coveted spot at this well-regarded and respected cultural event is wonderful for our Aboriginal musicians and we thank the organizers for the opportunity, and the province for helping us with their generous support."

Perley added that organizing the event has been a team effort all the way and she was proud of the work accomplished leading up to the big show.

"It has been a challenge, but very rewarding for us to work together with the gifted artists from Atlantic Canada and we have created special memories that will last a lifetime," Perley said. "We are very proud of the program that we have put together and we believe the audience and host city of Fredericton will be very impressed."

The 20th anniversary East Coast Music Awards' Aboriginal Partnered Stage will be held Feb. 8, 2008 at Fredericton=s Musicplex located on Cityview Avenue. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at the Playhouse Box Office or at the door at a cost of $15.

"I invite all New Brunswickers to be a part of New Brunswick's ECMAs and the Aboriginal Partnered Showcase," Doherty added. "Be where music, history and culture come together."