Well, it's almost time again for the annual blast in Atlantic Canada known as the East Coast Music Awards.

Once again the festival will feature a Songwriter's Circle, and a Roots Room. There will be literally thousands of people around, either hoping to be the next Rankin Family or AShley MacIsaac. Stop in at the ECMA web-site. It'll keep you up to date about the weekend's doings. Some of the music will be broadcast, and hopefully streamed on internet.

One special feature which has been going on for about 8 years now is the 72 hour jam. This isn't really a jam, but a 72 hour continuous showcase. In previous years it has been broadcast on the local community's cable system.

The actual award show is split into two. One will be done in house, usually industry awards. The second half of the awards will be the part broadcast on one of CBC's highest rated shows. This happens on the last night, Sunday Feb 16th.