By John Moore, Columnist
Recently, Halifax had the great honor of hosting the annual Juno Awards. It was wonderful to see Canadian superstar Anne Murray take the stage in a surprise appearance. She stole the show as brief as it was as only our beloved Anne can do. It was also inspiring to see so many young artists being awarded. It was especially nice to see indigenous and hip-hop artists performing great music throughout the night and being honored as well.
My love for east coast music began while I was growing up in a small town Quebec in the 50s and 60s. There was the infamous Don Messer’s Jubilee hosted by the late Don Tremaine. Who could forget Marg Osburn and Charlie Chamberlain. Then there was the iconic Frank’s Band Stand hosted by the late Frank Cameron. These were nationally televised treasures and brought Canada together in many ways. Later, there was Singalong Jubilee in which Anne Murray and the Mackinnon sisters Catherine and Patricia, to name a few, all got their start. East Coast music was in full force.
I began work in Halifax in the early seventies. Being young and single, much of my spare time was spent in the many wonderful bars and nightclubs the city had to offer. The beer was great, but the music was even better. I particularly enjoyed going to the Arrow’s Club located on Brunswick Street. The music was amazing and provided by live bands. I remember one night seeing James Brown’s little brother. We were all in a circle and he was in the center singing his heart out and crying just like his brother did. Kleenex was being handed out to those who needed it. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau went here one night, and we were all on our best behavior, well maybe for a while. On another occasion I was in the Cameo restaurant located on Spring Garden Road doing business with the owner. In the little bar that was attached was Dutchie Mason rehearsing. He was going through a tough time and was then known as the Janitor of the Blues. He fortunately recovered and went on to become known as the Prime Minister of the Blues a few years later.
In 1986 I belonged to a group who had the opportunity to buy into a pub as minority shareholders. The pub was called Diamond Dick’s and succeeded the Bonnie Piper which was in the Maritime Centre. The week we were due to open a directive went out to the employees of Maritime Tel & Tel saying anyone caught drinking during working hours would be fired. Basically, there went our noon hour crowd and therefore our bread and butter. We opened in Nov 1986 and closed in June 1987. During this time, we had live music and dancing featuring groups such as the Aviators and Buddy and the Squires. We also initiated a Maritime Folk music night to which local musicians could come and showcase their talents. I would like to think in some small way our pub contributed to the east coast music revolution that was starting to unfold.
Our successor, which was Pub Flamingo, picked up where we left off and ended up contributing mightily to the ever-evolving east coast music scene. On April 10,1989 the first Maritime Music Awards took place at this pub which was the predecessor to the East Music Awards which of course are now known as ECMA. By some strange coincidence I happened to be channel surfing and came across Rita MacNeil singing on what looked like to be the stage of our old pub. This was being televised on East Link and I couldn’t believe my eyes. In this first Maritime Music Awards there were only 7 categories. Sarah McLachlin I might add was also one of the performers and was nominated for 3 awards. She didn’t win. What a tough crowd! Rita MacNeil, Haywire, John Gracie, and Matt Minglewood were winners. Over the years Sarah went on to win as did many other east coast music legends such as the Rankins and including the late amazing Myles Goodwyn, leader of April Wine and the late wonderful Bruce Guthro. The ECMA’s take place in Charlottetown this year from May 1st to the 5th. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who organized and started the first East Coast Music Awards.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention two east coast music champions. Bill Roach who hosts the Weekend Morning show on CBC. It’s great listening, entertaining and very informative. The other is Robert Purcell who lives in our community and hosts the most popular internet radio show called Atlantic Embrace. It has over 100,000 listeners and reaches 120 countries. Google bridgeradiope.com. In closing, I ‘d like to pay homage to one of the greatest east coast rock bands Canada ever had, Pepper Tree, who once lived in Fairview. Wherever you are, you’re not forgotten! Happy April.
