The East Coast Music Awards will be returning to Halifax, Nova Scotia this year. In fact, it’s a big year for them: their 30th anniversary. A lot of people would jump on the chance to host the awards show. A lot. They could get just about any big East Coast name up there. This morning the Association made the surprise announcement that Jonathan Torrens will be holding down the podium, and we think they’re being serious.
The host of the East Coast Music Awards is a position that comes with some prestige. It is one of the biggest events across Canada, after all. It’s a spot that’s been filled by some remarkable talent in the past. Last year, it was Saint John comedian and ambassador James Mullinger. Just a few more examples include the likes of Still Standing host/Constable Jonny Harris and former Canada AM host and current MP Seamus O’Regan as well as artists such as Roch Voisine, Damnhait Doyle, George Canyon, Heather Rankin and Ashley MacIsaac.
It seemed to come as a bit of a shock this morning when a video narrated by Jonathan Torrens appeared on the ECMAs Facebook page with the announcement. With appearances from Classified, Tomato/Tomato, Ria Mae, Rose Cousins, Reeny Smith, Lennie Gallant, Caroline Savoie, The Town Heroes, The Once, David Myles, Rain Over St. Ambrose, Fortunate Ones, Jenn Grant, Heather Rankin and The Motorleague all making suggestions of who might host this year, no one seemed entirely convinced that Torrens would be the one to step into those particular shoes.
It’s not the first time Torrens has hosted a music award show though. In 2012 he returned to his native Prince Edward Island to host the Music PEI Award Gala. He’s also no stranger to the mic.
In the last year Torrens retired his character of J-Roc on The Trailer Park Boys after ten seasons on the show, saying that the timing was right to move on and there was little likelihood of forging any new ground in the role. He’s also appeared in Saltwater Film’s A Blessing From The Sea.
The East Coast Music Awards Show returns to Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, May 3rd at the Scotiabank Centre. More information about the lineup and performances for the 2018 East Coast Music Awards Show will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the 2018 East Coast Music Awards Show are on sale now for $40.00 (+ tax & fees).