The third annual New Brunswick Musicians Emerge Festival was a favorable time at Charlotte Street Arts Centre. Both Friday and Saturday night were jam packed with music, comedy, beer and casual dancing.
Close up by the stage was reminiscent of an all ages punk show. Kids hopped around, but behind sat lines of chairs occupied by a wide age range. Whether they were sitting or standing, Fredericton’s music supporters were entertained non-stop. Between sets, Fredericton’s United Comedy Collective got the place howling with their stand-up routines.
Festival goers were able to enjoy eight different bands from all over the province including: Adam Mowery,The Waking Night, Pastel Skeleton, Celestial Sunrise, Goofetroope, David R. Elliott, Shorty Tubbs and Betty Time.
These musicians got wild with everything from indie rock to lo-fi power pop, garage noise to dance tracks and even some alternative country. However, this Charlotte Street venue wasn’t a free-for-all, 70 acts applied to be a part of this humble festival.
“We were happy because we did a lot of work to get the word out across the province, were a part of Music N.B. so they really helped us get the word out there especially with the francophone community,” said Lisa Anne Ross, the event’s organizer. “It gave us the opportunity to choose from some incredible submissions.”
Ross and her committee managed to whittle the group down to eight bands. “In the end it came down how can we put together the best evening possible and what bands are going to work well together.”
Ross’ goal for this year’s festival was to create a sense of community among N.B.’s music makers. Last year’s event doled out an audience choice award to only one band.
“We thought this didn’t really bring musicians together, it’s putting them against each other,” she said. “So, we decided to eliminate that one prize and give everyone a prize and it’s not a box of soap, it’s actually things musicians can use.”
The festival is aimed to support local emerging musicians. It’s an opportunity to not only perform for new audiences, but to network and have some professional development experiences. Musicians were also able to take part in workshops and experimental jams with each other.
Judging by how festival participants flocked to the stage to sing along to each others songs, Ross had achieved her community-driven goal. The event also proved the music scene in N.B. is forever expanding and supported by many.
“I was so pleased that people were so supportive, that means a lot. I find Fredericton has a very supportive arts community and that’s fantastic to see,” said Ross.
