It's moments like these that remind us exactly WHY we do what we do. ๐
Last Saturday, D-Rock Entertainment presented the inaugural D-Rock Youth Sessions at Daniel's Alehouse & Eatery โ an all-ages event designed to give Cape Breton's rising young stars a professional stage to share their music with the community. And what an afternoon it was.
But here's the thing about real talent โ it doesn't stay hidden for long. ๐ฅ
๐จ EXCITING NEWS!! ๐จ
As a direct result of the D-Rock Youth Sessions, the incredibly talented Amy Smith has been invited by the one and only Adam Baldwin to perform an opening set at a very special event this Saturday in Membertou โ a celebration of the film Little Lorraine, featuring a remarkable lineup including:
๐ต Adam Baldwin ๐ต Uncle Hector Baldwin ๐ต The Men of the Deep
And opening the show... Amy Smith. ๐๐๐
This is EXACTLY the kind of door that opens when we create opportunities for our youth. One performance. One room full of the right people. And suddenly, a young artist from Cape Breton is sharing the stage with legends.
This is the power of community. This is the power of events like the D-Rock Youth Sessions.
A huge thank you to Adam Baldwin for recognizing Amy's incredible talent and extending this generous invitation. This is what the East Coast music community is all about โ lifting each other up and opening doors for the next generation. ๐
And a massive congratulations to Amy Smith โ go show them what Music Island is made of! Your father (Jay Smith) would be extremely proud๐ธโจ
To Debbie Mullins and D-Rock Entertainment โ this is your impact. This is what happens when you believe in young artists and give them a stage. ๐
This is what CBMIC is here to support. This is why it matters.
๐๏ธ Don't miss Amy Smith and the full lineup this Saturday in Membertou celebrating the film Little Lorraine.
Follow D-Rock Entertainment for details on D-Rock Youth Sessions Vol. 2 โ coming soon! ๐
Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative (CBMIC) โ proudly supporting the artists, events, and opportunities that keep Music Island alive and thriving.
๐๏ธ Don't miss Amy Smith and the full lineup this Saturday in Membertou, celebrating the film Little Lorraine.leLorraine #cbmic #CapeBreton #MusicIsland #EastCoastMusic #RisingStars #CommunityFirst #LiveMusic #Membertou #YouthArtists #DRockEntertainment
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FYI
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We are excited to announce the relaunch of the Scotiabank Arena & Coca-Cola Coliseum Departure Bursary Program, which will support 15 aspiring music industry professionals during the Departure Festival + Conference from May 4โ10.
โWith the relaunch of this bursary program, weโre proud to support the next generation of professionals by creating meaningful access to mentorship, education, and industry connections at a pivotal moment in their careers.โ โKevin Barton, Executive Director, Departure Festival + Conference
Intended for post-secondary students pursuing careers in the music industry, the program includes a Conference Pass, meetings with a diverse cross-section of members in the music community to expand your networks and accelerate your career paths and a chance to connect directly with MLSE representatives at an exclusive industry meet-and-greet, including one-on-one meetings in the Departure Mentors Lounge.
Applications are now open until April 19, and successful applicants will be determined on April 27.
APPLY: departureto.com/bursary/
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๐ฃ NSMW 2026: DEADLINE EXTENSION + YOUR INPUT MATTERS! ๐ฃ
This year, weโve seen lower than usual submission numbers for the Music & Industry Awards. While thatโs not what we hoped for, itโs a valuable signal and important opportunity.
The Music Nova Scotia Awards have always been about celebrating our music community. If the current format isnโt connecting the way it once did, we want to work together to evolve it.
To give everyone more time to participate, weโre extending the deadline for BOTH award nominations and showcase applications to Sunday, April 19 at 11:59pm AT.
You can access eligibility details and apply at nsmw.ca/apply. These awards only reflect the community when the community shows up. Your voice truly matters in shaping who and what gets recognized.
Looking ahead, 2027 marks the 30th anniversary of Nova Scotia Music Week. Over the next year, weโll be reviewing and reimagining key elements of the event, including the awards, to ensure they reflect the needs and values of todayโs industry.
Following NSMW 2026, weโll be sharing a survey to gather your feedback on the awards and the event as a whole. We want to hear whatโs working, whatโs not, and what you want to see next. If you have questions or need support with your application, reach out anytime before the deadline to info@musicnovascotia.ca!
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Show Announcement! Cape Bretoners; this May 29th I'm at back 'The Frolic n Folk' in Iona, Nova Scotia, for a solo show at what I believe is the best listening room on Cape Breton Island. Bringing along a special guest Dane Pedersen, and his new album Travelling Alone, let me say tickets are going quick for this one. We've sold half of them already, so get yours now and reserve your table at the link below! โค The Iona Heights Inn
ionaheightsinn.com/eventing/mike-mckenna-jr-w-dane-pedersen/
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WIN A NEW RIDE & SUPPORT CAPE BRETON MUSIC! ๐ถ
Cape Bretonโs music is the heartbeat of our island, and now you can help keep it thumpingโwhile getting a chance to win big! The Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame is officially launching our online raffle.
Whether youโre eyeing that 2025 Nissan Kicks or the Generac Generator, every ticket helps CBMIC invest in the artists who create the soundtrack to our lives.
Your impact: Funds go directly toward artist mentorship, professional development, and preserving our rich musical legacy.
๐ GET YOUR TICKETS: Visit
Cbmic.ca
When our artists rise, Cape Breton rises with them. Letโs keep the music strong for generations to come!
#MusicIsland #CBMIC #CapeBretonMusic #WinACar #SupportLocalArtists #cbmic #MusicIsland
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โค๏ธ๐๏ธ BIG NEWS, CAPE BRETON! ๐๏ธโค๏ธ
13 incredible arts & culture organizations have teamed up (yes, 13 ๐คฏ) to launch something pretty specialโฆ
โจ Home of Our Hearts Lottery โจ
(Tirage : Chez nous, au cลur de nos arts)
In the face of budget cuts, weโre choosing collaboration over competition โ because our arts scene isnโt just importantโฆ itโs the heartbeat of this island โค๏ธ
๐ 50/50 draws every two weeks
๐๏ธ Tickets are live now
๐ฅ Proceeds support all 13 organizations
When you buy a ticket, youโre not just taking a chance to win โ youโre helping keep craft, art, music, theatre, language, and culture alive right here in Unamaโki Cape Breton.
Ready to support AND maybe win a little something? ๐
Grab your ticket ๐ www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/cbccd
Don't forget to follow Home of Our Hearts Lottery - Triage: Chez nous, au coeur de nos arts for updates!
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