New Brunswick picks up 2 East Coast Music Awards

New Brunswick musicians won two trophies at the East Coast Music Awards gala in Sydney, N.S.,Thursday night.

JoeyRobinHach, originally ofNigadooand now living inShediac, took home theECMAfor Francophone Album of the Year, for his debut release,Repaverl'me.

"I was trembling, trying to keep it together," was his description of walking up to the stage once his name was called.

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Breakthrough week

It's a big breakthrough week for the singer-songwriter.

Previously he had won three Music NB awards, but this was his firstECMAnomination, and he's also playing his first showcase at East Coast Music Week.

Hachalso had some nice news for his hometown ofNigadoo, a village northwest of Bathurst.

"I'm going to be moving back up there soon,"he said.

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Third year in a row

Hip-hop group City Natives, based inHalifax, took home Aboriginal Artist of the Year, the third year in a row they've won the Aboriginal award.

"Three-peat," shouted band member Shelby Sappier as he came backstage.

"Sometimes hard work doesn't get recognized so I'd like to thank the East Coast Music Association for recognizing us for three years in a row," said Blake Francis ofEel Ground, N.B.

First Nations dancers and drummers

The group also includes two members fromTobiqueFirst Nation, N.B.,and one fromEskasoni, N.S.

It was the first time the group had appeared on the gala broadcast, and wanted to do something special for it.

"We wanted to includeMi'kmaqandMaliseetculture in the performancebecause that's what we have in the band," Sappier said.

"We brought dancers fromTobiqueand drummers from here in Membertou."

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More awards to come

Not all the awards were handed out Thursday night. Several more will be presented throughout the rest of the music convention, at various showcases in theatres, ballroooms and bars in Sydney.

Several more New Brunswick performers are in the running, such as The Backyard Devils in the country categoryand the Saint John String Quartet in classical.

The awards week wraps up Sunday.