ECMAs wrap up

The ECMAs wrapped up last night with one final party to pass the blue guitar on to next year’s host city Halifax.

Five days of great music drew a lot of people to Saint John where they spent a lot of money. It’s estimated to ECMAs were worth about $3 million especially for hotels, bars and restaurants.

A new report, presented at the ECMAs, suggests that investing in Atlantic Canada’s music scene could mean profits for the region as a whole. The report calls for a comprehensive Atlantic music strategy. The report says the music industry here is hindered by a lack of infrastructure, stringent liquor laws and restrictions on live venues. The report recommends creating an Atlantic Canadian Music Fund to finance creativity in the region.