At CBMIC, we have always felt that our music and culture is more than just our social identity. It is valuable infrastructure for our island. It is economic development, community health, and a key driver of tourism. That is why the recent provincial cuts to arts and culture are not just a threat to stages and spotlights, but a direct assault on the tourism engine and economic heartbeat of this island.
Music in Cape Breton isn't just about summer concerts and open mics. It's our livelihood. It means jobs, thriving small businesses, and young artists actually being able to build a life here instead of having to pack up and move away.
Study after study have told us that tourists don't just drive here for the scenery. They come for a lively pub session. They come for Celtic Colours. They come for an authentic feeling they literally can't find anywhere else in the world. And behind every one of those experiences is a massive, hardworking ecosystem of musicians, sound techs, venue owners, promoters, and educators.
Arts funding isn't a handout; it's an investment that multiplies. It fills hotel rooms, packs restaurants, keeps event crews working, and puts Cape Breton on the map globally.
Slashing this funding doesn't just hurt artists. It kneecaps our tourism industry, stalls our economic growth, and sends a terrible message to the next generation of creators.
Cape Breton’s story has always been told in song. If the province is serious about growing tourism and building a resilient local economy, they need to invest in the very thing that makes this island world-class.
Now is the time to double down on our arts and culture—not tear it down.
#MUSICISLAND #SUPPORTTHEARTS #CAPEBRETON #CBMIC
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CAPE BRETON — THIS IS OUR MOMENT!
The 2026 East Coast Music Awards are coming to Sydney this May, and CBMIC is calling on our members, artists, industry partners, and the entire community to help us show Atlantic Canada how Cape Breton shows up.
This isn’t just another event — this is one of the biggest music celebrations in the region.
What’s Coming to Sydney:
• ~250 artists & performers
• 100+ live performance sets
• 30+ stages across multiple venues in downtown Sydney
• The 38th Annual Awards Gala (Presented by Rogers)
May 21, 2026 | Centre 200
• Showcases, pop-ups, partnered stages & industry conference sessions
• Nominees spanning blues, country, folk, electronic, dance, classical & more
• 26 nominations connected to Cape Breton within the Nova Scotia total
This is a national spotlight. This is industry. This is tourism.
This is Cape Breton hosting the East Coast.
And we want to build the largest volunteer team ever — 350 strong.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of ECMA — from front-of-house hospitality to backstage support, you help create the welcoming, high-energy experience the awards are known for.
✨ Be part of the action
✨ Meet artists & industry professionals
✨ Support 250+ performers
✨ Represent Cape Breton on a major stage
✨ Help us reach 350 volunteers
And yes — there are perks:
Volunteer Perks Include:
• Refreshments at Volunteer Services
• Official branded & dated ECMA t-shirt
• Access to showcases (based on hours worked)
• Volunteer Awards
• Volunteer appreciation party with prizes & entertainment
This is our chance to come together as a music community and make Sydney 2026 unforgettable.
Contact ECMA Volunteer Manager, Heather MacLeod, volunteers@ecma.com
👉 Apply now: bit.ly/4rkIJBA
Let’s show Atlantic Canada how Cape Breton does it.
#ECMA2026 #CapeBreton #CBMIC #Volunteer #SydneyNS #EastCoastMusic #MusicIsland
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Cape Breton’s Music Community Comes Together for Abbey Mullendore
Our dear friend and rock n’ roll powerhouse, Abbey Mullendore, recently underwent successful brain surgery after being diagnosed with a tumor. While the surgery went well, she now faces a long road to recovery and will be focusing on healing and rest for the foreseeable future.
Abbey earns her living performing on the road with Classic Albums Live and as a gourmet mushroom grower serving communities across Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. Both roles are physically demanding, and recovery means pressing pause on the work she loves.
To help ease the financial burden during this time, a group of local musicians and friends are coming together to host a special night of live music in support of Abbey.
Join us and be part of a musical community rallying around one of our own.
All proceeds from the event will go directly toward helping Abbey focus on healing without the added stress of lost income.
🗓️ Sunday, March 1st
📍 Daniel’s Alehouse & Eatery – Sydney, NS
⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Pay What You Can (Recommended $10 Donation)
🎤 Performances by:
Em Dingwall & Jenifer Dingwall
Russ Matthews
Claverhouse
Peter MacInnis
Aaron MacDonald
The Backpack
Keigan MacLennan & Keira Loane
Hearts of Kin
Sonnie D Greening
Brian Doyle
If you’re unable to attend but would still like to support Abbey’s recovery, you can donate directly here:
👉 www.gofundme.com/f/support-songbird-abbey-mullendores-recovery
Let’s fill the room — and her heart — with music, love, and support. We’d love to see you there.
#SupportLocal #CapeBretonMusic #CommunityStrong #CBMIC #MusicIsland
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❤️ Cape Breton Music Community — Let’s Rally for Steve MacIntyre ❤️
The Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative (CBMIC) is sending love and strength to our friend and colleague Steve MacIntyre, who is currently recovering after recently suffering a heart attack.
Steve has given so much to our music community — as a Cape Breton artist, co-producer of Robyn’s Nest events, and Artistic Director of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. His passion for live music, artists, and community building has touched countless lives across the island and beyond.
Now it’s our turn to show up for him.
🎶 Fundraising Event for Steve MacIntyre
📅 Tuesday, March 10th
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Daniel’s Alehouse & Eatery
An incredible lineup of artists is coming together in support:
Brandon Bates | Jacob Noonan | Colin Gillis | Jordan Musycsyn | Brian Cathcart | RG Schaller | Elyse Aeryn | Robbie Simms | Garrett Taylor | Russ Matthews | Hearts of Kin | Steve Luxton
This is what our Cape Breton music community does best — we rally, we lift each other up, and we stand together.
If you’re able, please attend, donate, share this post, or contribute in any way you can. Every gesture of support matters.
EMT Donations to: stevendmacintyre@gmail.com
Let’s pack the room and show Steve the strength of the community he has helped build.
#SupportLocalMusic #CapeBretonStrong #CBMIC
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There is still time today to register for this course. Start date is February 17th, at 9am. You can register at the link below.
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