'Children are our future' or 'Take me to where the free wine is'

Maggie here.

Tonight Patrick and I are supporting ‘the future of East Coast music’ by attending the 2008 Soundwaves Competition at the Musiplex, 15 Cityview Ave., on the Northside, kicking off the official ECMA events. Neither of us have been to that particular venue, but it sounds like a big deal, boasting over 12,000 square feet of products, services… and fun!

Somewhere in that 12,000 square feet, four high school-aged bands from around the province, narrowed down from nine that have opened shows for established East Coast artists, will vie for a grand prize including the opportunity to showcase at Music NB’s annual conference.

I’m not sure which acts made it, but check out the band names from the semi-final nine:

Hilary Ball (Fredericton)
Posted (Miramichi Valley)
In the AM (Saint John)
Dazed2839 (Minto)
Fifth Member (Fredericton)
Carpe Diem (Rexton)
Mastoid Process (Woodstock)
Vegetarian Haggis (Fredericton)
Leo Hayes Jazz Band (Fredericton)

“Mastoid Process.”

I could just die.

The original nine opened shows for established artists like Isaac & Blewett, Steve Waylon, Ryan Leblanc & Kendra Gale and Vetch.

Admission is free at the Musiplex tonight, but you can hear all about it from me on CBC Radio, 99.5 FM in Fredericton tomorrow morning around 8 a.m.

And speaking of free things, there’s all kinds of that going on this weekend, starting tomorrow, when stuff actually get underway.

Because it’s the way my mind works, the first thing I'll mention is the event promising “free food and wine” on Facebook: the Kyle Cunjak ECMA Photography opening at City Hall. Kyle, known for his promotional work with the Forward Music Group, is also nominated for Photographer of the Year.

Also, huge: the members forum at Giraffecycle.com is screaming at me, things like “ALL SHOWS ARE FREE!!! NO COVER!!” at the Capital Bar Complex this weekend. This means, starting Thursday, free hour-long performances at the Capital and Wilser’s Room (the bar formerly known as the Taproom) by such artists as Julie Doiron, Old Man Luedecke and Share. Seriously, look: http://www.giraffecycle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=413649#413649

Of course, there are shows at the Capital Bar Complex every weekend. How often can you see a free show at the Fredericton’s tiny Backstreet Records location? Not often, I’m guessing.

I gather the event is actually being held on the huge set of stairs leading up to the store; we’ll have to get more info on that.

And if you have any info on free or interesting things you think people should see this weekend, reach us at ecma2008@gmail.com.