Contact East '98 announced a sensational line-up of Atlantic Canadian talent today for its fall showcase. Contact East '98 is the industry crossroad for performing arts in Atlantic Canada. The 1998 Conference and Trade Show is scheduled for September 24-26 in Wolfville, NS.
Prince Edward Island will be well represented at Contact East '98. The lineup includes favourite entertainers such as acclaimed humorist Nils Ling, former host of CBC's Mainstreet and co-author of Maritime Star; Este Mundo, an instrumental group which plays a mixture of ballads, dance rhythms and original compositions in its own specialized fusion of Spanish, flamenco, classical and Latin style jazz and Acadilac, the lively Evangéline region group which performs regularly at the annual Festival Acadien in Abram-Village.
This tremendous event encompasses music, dance and theatre. It brings the behind-the-scenes business of "showbiz" to centre stage, directly to the people who book entertainment for the Atlantic region.
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 even jump-start careers.
"Contact East '98 is an ideal location to showcase some of PEI's finest performers," says Chester Gillan, Minister of Education responsible for culture. "I wish them luck as they join other rising stars from the East Coast performing arts industry." Contact East has an outstanding line-up for the 1998 showcases. Nova Scotia's delegation includes Liz Rigney, Symphony Nova Scotia, Johnnie Favourite, The Novelty Salesman and Grand Dúrangement (Daniel LeBlanc). Glamour Puss, The Quigley Ensemble and An Acoustic Sin will represent New Brunswick. Newfoundland's performers include The Catch, Fine Crowd, Duo Concertano and Jeff White. National performers include Street Nix (Saskatchewan), Motos O (Toronto), Randy Glynn Dance (Toronto), and Joelle Rabu (B.C.).
Contact East '98 is hosted at the Festival Theatre, home of the Atlantic Theatre Festival. To the great pleasure of local audiences, the doors are open to the public.