Liverpool welcomes Contact East 2007

This bi-annual event runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 and is designed to bring together live touring artists with the presenters and buyers who book shows in theatres, performance spaces, festivals, and events across North America and around the world.

Plays for the theatre, storytelling, live music, and performance art will be on display at venues around Liverpool with the majority of the showcases taking place at Nova Scotia’s historic Astor Theatre.

“With over 45 showcasing artists and 300 delegates, Liverpool will be alive with music, dance and theatrical performances. The proceedings are not just a cultural investment in the region but an economic one on the South Shore,” said Contact East Co-Chair Chris Ball.

Event organizers anticipate over $250,000 in economic spin-offs for the local business community over the four days of the event.

“The Astor Theatre has been a venue of cultural and artistic expression for over 100 years, and in part, it was this legacy that brought Contact East 2007 to Queens County. It is the smallest community to ever host this event, which is both humbling and gratifying for the organizers and the community,” said Ball.

Kicking off the 32nd Contact East event on Sept. 30 are the Young Audience and Rock showcases. Both of these showcases are excellent opportunities for South Shore residents to see up and coming theatrical and musical performers.

Sunday Sept. 30 2 p.m. – Astor Theatre

Young Audience Showcase

Theatre du Gros Mecano

The Duffle Bag Theatre

L’Aubergine

Maritime Marionettes

Sunday Sept. 30 – 4 p.m. – Marlin’s

Alternative Tunes Showcase presented by CKBW and Marlin’s

Zuma

Air Traffic Control

Faded Blue

Aria and NuGruv

Carmen Townsend

Sunday Sept. 30 – 8 p.m. - Astor Theatre

Showcase # 1

Kevin Ramessar

Mary Barry

Gypsophilia

Dance Party of

Newfoundland

Dust Poets

Monday Oct. 1 - 2:30 p.m. – Zion United Church

Slightly Unplugged Showcase

Alexander Sevastien

- Debut Atlantic

Hong Xu

- Honens winner

Duane Andrews

Sébastien Lépine

Arturo Nieto

Montreal Guitar Trio

Monday Oct. 1 - 7 p.m. - Astor Theatre

Showcase # 2

God’s Middle Name

In Good Company

Catherine MacLellan

Thom Swift

Chris Colepaugh & The

Cosmic Crew

Tuesday, Oct. 2 - 11:30 a.m. - Astor Theatre

Theatre Showcase

Andy Jones

– An Evening With

Uncle Val

Tuesday, Oct. 2 – 2 p.m. - Astor Theatre

Showcase # 3

Dini Petty

Cantabile

Tim Chaisson Band

Darrell Grant

Wicked Altogether

Mocean Dance

Tuesday, Oct. 2 -7:30 p.m. - Astor Theatre

Showcase # 4 presented by CAPACOA

Sarah Joy Stoker

Old Man Leudecke

Ross Neilson

Steve Poltz

Taxi Chain

Wednesday, Oct. 3 – 2 p.m. - Astor Theatre

Showcase # 5

Genticorum

Three Pianos

K'Ryne

BLOU

Jessica Rhaye

Chuck & Albert

Wednesday, Oct. 3 - 7:00 p.m. - Astor Theatre

Showcase # 6 presented by SOCAN

Motus O Dance

Theatre

Rose Cousins

The Divorcees

David Myles

Jill Barber

Tom Fun Family Orchestra

All showcases are open to the general public. For tickets contact the Astor Theatre Box Office at 902-354-5250 or online at www.astortheatre.ns.ca. Tickets for Young Audience and Alternative Showcases are $5. All other showcases are $10.

Besides generating over a $500,000 in touring contracts for artists, Contact East 2007 is more than just entertaining showcases. The four-day event also offers professional development for artists and presenters as well. Panelists will address topics important to presenters and artists such as how to access funding, export readiness, digital technology and the role of new media, tour marketing, and learning how to enhance pitching techniques.

For more information on Contact East 2007 and tickets sales, visit: www.contacteast.ca.