On this day 10 years ago Music Runs Through It came to life as a means of sharing all that Fredericton had to offer in the realm of live music! It’s a good opportunity to do a little reminiscing …

Magic happens when music is involved! We know this to be true and that is why it is so intrinsically connected to our memories – what we heard as kids takes us back there like time travel. Every big event in our life includes music – high school dances, graduations, weddings, funerals – you get the idea. Live music is exceptionally potent where artists are vulnerable and sharing of themselves and in turn invite us to do the same – to open up to the experience at hand.

The first live concert I remember attending was Haywire at the Aitken Centre and it certainly had an effect. However my time observing Jimmie Deliverance & Mountain Chicken made me understand the importance and transformative nature of the live music experience. Watching  my friends share the music that meant so much to them (southern rock) and to see how the audiences responded – letting go of their daily troubles to give themselves over to the music – was instrumental to me wanting to ensure everyone had a chance to experience that.

I was fortunate to work with Harvest Jazz & Blues as festival assistant and met people that helped shape my journey in the music industry : Phyllis, Sharon, Valerie, Pete, Linda, Shawn, Kerry and so many more! I’m forever grateful for the influence that experience had on my path.

Rose Cousins was the first show I presented on my own in 2006 and we did it at Doodle’s Cafe in the basement of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. There I experienced the intimacy of the singer songwriter and was drawn in by the stories told and the obvious vulnerability shared.  It was a sold out show with 60 people in attendance that night where we all laughed, cried and sang! We certainly felt connected as we parted ways at the end of the night.

I went on to present more shows but complained about people saying there was nothing happening for music in the city.  Music Runs Through It was officially born after a conversation with my friend Jamie in which he challenged me to step up and create a place for myself in the industry or to stop talking about it – tough love for which I’m grateful.

In these 10 years since it’s inception MRTI has: presented 100+ shows; made lifelong friends: partnered with amazing people; reported on live music for Fredericton Tourism; hit the air waves with CHSR and CBC Info Morning Fredericton to talk about live music; and developed a deep sense of connection to the community – musicians & music lovers alike!

Who remembers Ian Sherwood on a chair at Corked Wine Bar fighting a cold and with only half a voice standing with his guitar getting the crowd to sing along? Were you at Dolan’s Pub to see Steve Hill light up the room with his one man band? Did you experience the phenomenal Lockdown Trio at The Tipsy Muse Cafe? See Sherman Downey and his homey stage at Charlotte Street Arts Centre? Steve Poltz. Garrett Mason, Alfie Zappacosta and Rick Fines are examples of world class artists who want to return to perform in Fredericton because of this community. There are so many reasons to love this town!!

We were fortunate to gather at Dolan’s Pub on Thursday, March 10, 2022 to mark this milestone and I’m grateful to have had so many friends in the room to share the love and friends who brought us their gift of music! Les Chanterelles, The Hypochondriacs Unplugged and Marian took to the stage and provided the perfect vibe for the celebrations.

The music brought us together, the shared experience binds us!
May the music always run through us! 
love,
Emma

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