Packed venues a highlight of Nova Scotia Music Week in Yarmouth

Another successful Nova Scotia Music Week in Yarmouth.

The event brought packed venues throughout the town, at places like the Red Knight, the Rodd Grand Hotel, Haley’s Lounge, 341 Main (the former Art Gallery,) Th’Yarc and more.

Showcases were held Thursday through Saturday, late-night stages were at the Grand Hotel ballroom.

Industry Awards presented Sunday

Music Week wrapped up with the Industry Awards Brunch at the Grand Hotel.

The late George d’Eon was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year award, he helped run the shuttle service for the event.

His son Tim d’Eon, guitarist in the band Wintersleep, accepted the award.

“My Dad loved when Music Week was in Yarmouth. He loved showing Yarmouth to people from away, he’d always take people for a ride to the Cape Forchu lighthouse. I’m sure he’s looking down on this with a big smile,” said Tim d’Eon.

Entertainer of the Year went to Terra Spencer, Mo Kenney won Songwriter and Music Video of the Year.

The winner of the Prix de l’Acadie award was Mahone Bay’s Kristen Martell.

Traditionally an English artist, she says she grew up in northern New Brunswick, and wanted to rediscover the language.

“This project was very meaningful for me. It was really transformational, my children are going to French school and I’m speaking more French,” said Martell during her acceptance speech.

This was Yarmouth’s sixth time hosting the awards in the last 16 years.

The town last hosted in 2023.

*with files from Candice Phibbs.

Volunteers help Music Week succeed

Dozens of volunteers were essential in planning the festival.

A free shuttle service was also provided for festival-goers to get where they needed to go.

Neil MacKenzie with Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism says they had a lot of fun.

“Volunteers always show up for this, and made it happen. It was a wonderful weekend to celebrate Music Week in Nova Scotia and on Yarmouth and Acadian Shores,” said MacKenzie.

He adds it created a great circuit, with all the venues having unique performances.

MacKenzie said performances at the former art gallery showed what is possible in that space.

When asked if the event will come back, MacKenzie says they’re always working with rights holders and building on partnerships.