Because you can’t have a party anywhere in Saint John these days without inviting James Mullinger along, the East Coast Music Association have acknowledged the inevitable and appointed the comedian as their master of ceremonies for the five day event.
Mullinger requires little to no introduction at this point, at least not within the city of Saint John. Two years ago the former Londoner might have just been some come-from-away that talked a little funny, but these days he’s about as synonymous with Saint John as Alpine beer. In the last few months alone he’s sold out his comedy show at Harbour Station, filmed a documentary about his new home for CBC, and had a film released about his early career, all while producing a television show, a podcast, regularly performing, and still being available on any given street corner. An ongoing investigation has yet to conclusively prove the existence of an identical twin.
“Hosting the Awards Show is truly a career highlight for me, and I cannot wait to be back on stage at Harbour Station almost a year to the day since my last show there,” says Mullinger in today’s press release. “It is well documented how much I love Atlantic Canadian music so to be celebrating their amazing achievements and appearing on stage with them is simply the greatest honour. This is going to be a very big, very special night with a lot of surprises. I could not be more excited that the ECMAs are taking place in my favourite city and new home of Saint John.”
Mullinger isn’t lying. He showed up at today’s big announcement toting vinyl from Saint John’s favourite bluegrass and ambidexterity advocation duo Tomato/Tomato.
“As many Saint Johners already know, James Mullinger is a tremendously funny and talented comedian, and we know he’s going to bring something really special to next year’s Awards Show,” says Andy McLean, ECMA Executive Director. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since the ECMAs have been in Saint John! The city’s response has already been incredibly warm and welcoming, and we can’t wait to bring Atlantic Canada’s biggest musical celebration to town.”
The 29th ECMAs, as usual, will be highlighting and celebrating music from around the Maritimes, as well as bringing some excitement to Saint John’s uptown core April 26th-30th, featuring performances in nearly every available venue. Tickets for the 2017 East Coast Music Awards Show and the evening’s lineup will be available on Monday, October 3. Mullinger is expected to announce his campaign for mayor sometime later this decade.
For more information visit www.ECMA.com.