Contact East '98 Announces Fall Showcases

Contact East '98, an industry crossroads for performing arts in Atlantic Canada, will put showbiz's behind-the-scenes happenings front and centre Sept. 24-26 in Wolfville.

The conference and trade show, encompassing music, dance and theatre, brings the acts to the people who book entertainment. The doors are open to the public as well.

"Contact East is the best-kept secret in the Maritimes," said Pamela Kinsman, executive director of the Performing Arts Society of Nova Scotia, host of this year's event. "For years, it has been strictly an industry affair. Well, not anymore. Contact East is about the brightest stars in this region. Our new logo says it and so does our lineup of talent."

At Contact East, artists, theatre managers, promoters and others involved in the performing arts have the opportunity to see what's new and happening in this region and from across Canada. They exchange business cards, book talent and jump-start careers.

But it's not all business. It's also great entertainment for local audiences as well as delegates. This year the event is hosted at the beautiful Festival Theatre, home of the Atlantic Theatre Festival.

But long before the footlights, a great deal of preparation takes place, much of it focusing on the selection of showcase performers representing each of the four Atlantic provinces as well as other regions.

"Selection of performers for Contact East is no easy task," explained Marcel McKeough, head of performing arts for the Department of Education and Culture and chairman of the selection committee. "We received more than 100 submissions from this region alone and an additional 100 from across Canada.

"Interest in showcasing at Contact East is at an all-time high. Selection is done as a juried process with representatives from each province."

Contact East's lineup for the 1998 showcases includes:

• from Nova Scotia, Liz Rigney, Symphony Nova Scotia, Johnnie Favourite, The Novelty Salesman and Grand Derangement (Daniel LeBlanc);
• from New Brunswick, Glamour Puss Blues Band, The Quigley Ensemble and An Acoustic Sin;
• from Prince Edward Island, Acadilac, Este Mundo and Nils Ling;
• from Newfoundland, The Catch, Fine Crowd, Duo Concertano and Jeff White;
• and nationally, Street Nix (Saskatchewan), Motos O (Physical theatre) (Toronto), Randy Glynn Dance (Toronto) and Joelle Rabu (British Columbia).

Other special guests appearing at the conference include CBC commentator and futurist Evan Soloman and song-writer/humourist Nancy White.

"It's an honour to host Contact East '98," said Robbie Harrison, Minister of Education and Culture. "Nova Scotia has the cultural heritage to bring new recognition to this exciting regional event. The performing arts industry is a major contributor to the economy of Atlantic Canada and is also an important export. East Coast talent has put us on the cultural map and we're proud to be part of Contact East '98."