The Simon Hotel Front Stage Program began in 2017 to encourage and promote young songwriters in Cape Breton Island. Since then, over a dozen artists have taken part with many going on to showcase at ECMA, Nova Scotia Music Week, and perform at festivals, theatres, and clubs across Canada.
2017
- Shift from tha 902
- Bailey Shibinette
- Mitchell Bailey
- Jordan Francis
2018
- Cameron Hollohan
- Curtis Matheson
- Breagh Kelly
- Sarah Ellen Morrison
- Rudy and the Pace Family Orchestra
2019
- Kadima
- Sarah Ellen Morrison
- Good Dear Good
- Breagh Kelly
2022
- Isabella Samson
- Ava Vallis
- Lilianne Cormier
- Riley Prince-Gorman
- Breagh Kelly
2023 Applications
Applications are now being accepted for The Simon Hotel Front Stage Program. This program is a career development program that will consist of an artist bootcamp, video session, and performance at Makin’ Waves presented by Sydney Credit Union. Each artist will receive $500 upon completion of the program.
This program is for you if:
- You are 25 years old or younger as of June 1, 2023
- Were born, were raised (at least 5 years), or have lived in Cape Breton for the last 2 years
- You write and perform your own material
- Are available to participate in career development program in June 2023
- Are available to perform at Makin’ Waves at 6PM on July 6, 13, 20, 27, and August 3
- Have not showcased at ECMA, Music NS, or participated in the Front Stage program in previous years
Applications are open to all genres and styles of music. We are not always able to accommodate full sized bands as part of the program due to technical capabilities. We welcome applications from artists of all genres, ethnicities, and social backgrounds, and encourage applicants to self identify if they are part of a marginalized population.