Music New Brunswick Artist Showcase
Sponsored by Music NB
Tuesday, April 7 | Cocktails 6:00 pm · Music 7:00 pm
The Haven Music Hall (201 Union St)
Join us for an evening of outstanding East Coast music at this Music New Brunswick–presented showcase. Featuring performances by Zack Ingles, Catherine Kennedy, and Kylie Fox, this relaxed night out is the perfect way to ease into the week, connect with colleagues, and experience the depth of talent coming out of New Brunswick.
No pass required—just let them know you’re attending Contact East.
Registration
Wednesday, April 8 – 9:00 am – 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Thursday, April 9 – 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Friday, April 10 – 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Delta Saint John – Mezzanine Level
Pick up your conference pass and info at the Contact East Registration Desk, located on the Mezzanine level at the Delta Saint John.
Note: Showcase Artist passes are to be picked up at the Imperial Theatre backstage entrance, all other passes (including Pitch Artists and Managers/Agents) will be at Delta Saint John.
Keynote Address with CBC’s Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Sponsored by:
Wednesday, April 8 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Stone Church, 87 Carleton Street
We officially launch Contact East with a keynote from author, cultural commentator, and CBC radio host Elamin Abdelmahmoud. Known for his sharp insight, warmth, and ability to connect big ideas with everyday experience, Elamin brings curiosity, humour, and humanity to every room he’s in. After the keynote, APA Board President Raeesa Lalani will join Elamin for a fireside chat-style, conversational question-and-answer session. Kick off the conference with a shared moment of reflection, inspiration, and conversation.
Elamin Abdelmahmoud is the host of CBC’s daily arts, entertainment, and pop culture show Commotion. He is an award-winning culture writer who has written for the New York Times, BuzzFeed News, the Globe and Mail, and others. Elamin is the author of the No. 1 best-selling memoir Son of Elsewhere, a New York Times notable book and a Globe and Mail 100 book. Please don’t ask him about his second book yet.
First Timer’s Orientation
(PRESENTERS ONLY PLEASE) Wednesday, April 8 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Delta Manchester Room
New to Contact East? This welcoming orientation is designed to help first-time presenter delegates hit the ground running. Learn practical tips for navigating the conference, making meaningful connections, and getting the most out of showcases, meetings, and networking opportunities.
Showcase #1
Wednesday, April 8 – 2:30pm-4:30pm
Imperial Theatre
- Natasha Blackwood
- Tanya Davis – Mass for Shut-Outs
- Little Misty
- Sophie Lukacs
Welcome 17h30 à 19h30 & APA Award
Wednesday, April 8 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Saint John City Market
Join us for the official Contact East opening reception at the historic Saint John City Market. Enjoy a festive cocktail hour with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, delicious bites from local vendors, and a high-energy performance by hip-hop artist Wolf Castle. The evening also includes the presentation of the APA Achievement Award.
Wolf Castle is a Mi’kmaq rapper, producer, and singer from Pabineau First Nation, New Brunswick – an unlikely place for a rap career to come to fruition but everything about Wolf Castle defies the odds. Growing up on the reserve with a supportive family of artists, movie directors and musicians, going for a career in the arts seemed like the natural choice. Heralded as “The Maritimes’ most promising young MC” by Complex and “one of this country’s most promising young rappers” by CBC Music, his music carries an energy and wisdom beyond his years covering topics about love, loss, celebration, and perseverance.Showcase #2
Wednesday, April 8 – 8:00pm-10:00pm
Imperial Theatre
- Inn Echo
- Tyler Hache
- Durham County Poets
- Daniel James McFadyen
- Logan Richard
End of Day Wind Downs
Wednesday, April 8 & Thursday, April 9
10:00 pm – 12:00 am | Imperial Theatre Bar
After a long day of conferencing, relax and unwind at the Imperial Theatre Bar. We know that Contact East can be a little hectic, so take this time to enjoy a beverage and a salty snack, chat with friends (or make new ones!), and look forward to another exciting day of programming ahead.
Slow Networking & Indigenous History Walk
Thursday, April 9 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Day two begins with two parallel opportunities for connection and reflection.
Slow Networking invites delegates to connect in a more relational, less transactional way. Choose a table activity—such as a recipe exchange, pet talk, friendship bracelet making, board games, puzzles, or colouring—and enjoy easy conversation while building genuine connections.
At the same time, the Indigenous History Walk offers a guided experience exploring the overlooked Indigenous history of the Saint John area. Learn about Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq presence along the Beautiful River – Wolastoq, walk historic portage routes and archaeological sites, and hear teachings passed down through generations about stewardship, resilience, and respect for the land.
Groups will rotate between the two experiences.
Accessibility Info:
From the Delta Hotel to Tour Starting Point: Down hill with cement sidewalk edged with brick, cross the street at St. Patrick (crosswalk with Lights), walk along the gathering place (same surface), then along boardwalk in front of Hilton (wooden) – approximately 700m.
APA will provide a shuttle for the second tour, beginning at 10:00am. We encourage people for whom this increases the accessibility of the event to sign up for this tour (Tour B).
The Tour Route: There is a ramp, or 5/6 stairs down to Harbour Passage. Then it is event cement (some cracks but nothing hazardous) for the remainder. The tour will circle back to starting point. There are 2 bench areas along the route. Washrooms are closed at this time of year. The pace of the tour will be adjusted to accommodate the group. From the top of stairs, the whole walk is approx 1.4 KMs.
Climate Change Adaptation Lunch & Learn
Sponsored by:
Thursday, April 9 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Delta Ballroom
CAPACOA has launched the Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP), a new national initiative focused on strengthening the ability of performing arts organizations to adapt to the realities of a changing climate. The program looks beyond mitigation to address resilience, preparedness, and long-term sustainability across the performing arts sector.
Developed in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts, the CCAP is currently in its initial research phase. This Lunch & Learn offers an overview of the project, its scope, and its early direction, highlighting how climate change is impacting the performing arts across Canada’s diverse bioregions and why this work matters for the future of the sector.
Affinity Group Meetings
Thursday, April 9 | 1:15 – 2:15 pm
Delta Trinity Room & McAvity Room
Affinity Groups create a dedicated space for people working in similar roles or genres to connect, share knowledge, and problem-solve together. Separate gatherings are available for presenters, agents, managers, and artists—supporting honest conversation and peer learning across the sector.
Showcase #3
Thursday, April 9 – 2:45pm-4:45pm
Imperial Theatre
- Tocani
- Rube & Rake
- Zuppa
- Jing Xia
- Corpuscule Danse
Hot Topic Dine Arounds
(FOR PRESENTERS) Thursday, April 9 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Local Restaurants across downtown Saint John
Hot Topic Dine-Arounds are informal dinners for presenters at local restaurants that offer a hosted opportunity for topical networking, stimulating conversation, and peer learning. Each table focuses on a specific topic, guided by a host who helps spark discussion and keep things flowing. Diners cover their own meals. Nine spots are available at each table. Sign up pre-conference online or onsite at registration.
Showcase #4
Artist Pitches
Friday, April 10 – 9:25am-10:30am
Saint John Theatre Company – BMO Studio
- BABES, BABES, BABES! Burlesque & Drag Show
- Cause & Effect Circus
- Mocean Dance – PLAY
- Quartetto Gelato
- Roseneath Theatre
- Chimera Dance Theatre Project
- Association for Opera in Canada
- Axis Theatre Company
- Burnstick
- La Sporée/Sarah Bronsard
HR Question Salad
Friday, April 9 | 10:45 – 11:45 am
Saint John Theatre Company
HR Question Salad for Presenters is a peer-led, supportive space to talk through human-resources challenges in the presenting sector. This is not a legal advice session—rather, a thoughtful forum for sharing experiences, asking questions, and learning from colleagues who’ve been there.
Global Philanthropic Lunch & Learn
Sponsored by:
Friday, April 9 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Delta Ballroom
Lieff Salonius is based in New Brunswick, and helps arts and culture organizations in Atlantic Canada turn their visions into real, lasting support. With over 20 years of experience and more than $32 million raised for groups across Canada, she’s known for connecting big ideas with the right partners to make them happen. Lieff’s work covers everything from major fundraising, endowments and sponsorships to helping organizations grow their audiences, whether grassroots groups or national institutions. She brings a creative, optimistic, and research-driven approach to projects, believing that even in tough times, culture has the power to bring people together and build stronger, more welcoming communities. She is a Senior Consultant with Global Philanthropic Canada.
Showcase #5
Wednesday, Friday, April 10 – 1:30pm-3:30pm
Imperial Theatre
- Tina Leon
- Aquakultre
- Pony Girl
- Justin Fancy
- Abigail Lapell
Contact Room & One-to-Ones
Friday, April 10 | 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Delta Ballroom
Time to get down to business. Back after many years, the Contact Room returns as a cornerstone of Contact East, offering a focused networking opportunity designed specifically for meaningful industry conversations. Connect directly with artists, agents, managers, and presenters to discuss bookings, availability, touring plans, markets, and upcoming seasons.
With dedicated time and space to talk shop, these meetings are ideal for building new relationships and strengthening existing ones—making them one of the most valuable and productive parts of Contact East.
Members-Only Block Booking Meeting
Friday, April 10 | 6:10 pm – 7:00 pm
Delta McAvity Room
Held immediately following the Contact Room, this members-only session offers a focused space for presenters to explore block-booking opportunities and shared touring strategies.
Closing Celebration
Signature mocktail sponsored by:
Friday, April 10 | 7:30 – 11:00 pm
Woodchucks – 125 Prince William Street
Shindig, soiree, get-together, bash—whatever you want to call it, there’s nothing quite like a party! Join us on Friday night for a closing celebration at Woodchucks featuring axe throwing, karaoke, a live DJ, dancing, plenty of food, and a cash bar. Cap off the conference as we bid farewell to another great year of showcases, learning, and gathering with industry friends new and old.
Farewell Breakfast
Saturday, April 11 | 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Delta Saint John – Trinity Room
One last chance to connect before heading home. Share a final meal, exchange goodbyes, and reflect on a full and energizing week at Contact East.
