Music Runs Through It (MRTI) was established in 2012 to provide an easy way to let people know when and where the various live music events are taking place in the Capital city as well as providing a banner under which to promote and present shows. The past 11+ years have provided opportunities to partner with local businesses and to build an amazing community of music lovers.

As the music industry (locally and provincially) continues to thrive and grow, so must Music Runs Through It (MRTI). In my work with Krista Touesnard and Rob Pinnock at the Tipsy Muse Cafe (Cold Snap Music Series, ECMA Local Committee, co-presenting shows & more) we discovered a shared passion for the live music experience and our ability to do even more to support the community at large. As a result, we have decided to join forces and evolve the company and launch The MRTI Agency!

Along with the continued weekly listings of live music events to keep people informed, the Agency will provide management services to artists, the promotion and production of events, and consultation to businesses wanting to book live music for their events.

The strengths we each bring to the table make this an exciting venture as we move forward to make a greater impact in the city and beyond. Together, we will continue to let the music run through us and provide our support to a community we are so grateful to be a part of.

Meet Krista

It is fairly safe to say that Krista Touesnard’s entire life has been dedicated to music in one way or the other. From her earliest days in Cape Breton, performing on fiddle with her two older siblings as The Touesnard Sisters, to two seasons touring nationally as a featured performer with The Cape Breton Summertime Review, music has remained the constant passion of Krista’s life.

Krista’s post secondary school decisions included a move to Fredericton, New Brunswick, where a focus in music education would become her direction, all the while, still recording and performing as an in-demand Celtic musician. Meanwhile, her time in the classroom has been praised, recognized and resulted in a Music NB award as Educator of the Year in 2016. In 2022, she was honored to be asked by the education faculty at UNB to teach courses in Early Childhood Education.

In 2019, Krista and her partner Rob Pinnock, launched the Tipsy Muse Café. During its existence, ‘The Muse’ became a much beloved venue hosting over 500 events. Its deserved reputation as a ‘listening room’, turned it into a favorite for touring musicians to perform in. In a very short period of time its reputation grew, giving the café regional and national recognition. It was Krista’s time with The Muse, which informed her next move.

Fast forward 5 years, and given the joys of working with artists and helping to promote their work from a venue owner’s perspective, Krista joined up with local music promoter, blogger and friend Emma Chevarie, who was booking shows under the name of ‘Music Runs Through It. Together Krista, Rob and Emma have decided to put their heads together to rebrand Music Runs Through It to the MRTI Agency, which looks to expand it’s efforts in artist representation, and promotional opportunities.

“Between the three of us, we cover a lot of skills and believe we have plenty to offer to artists. Whether it means promoting a single gig, to taking a deeper dive into their careers, we feel that our input and guidance will be of benefit in a number of situations.”

Meet Emma

Passionate about the live music experience and about building community and connections through music.

Acting as both promoter and presenter, Emma Chevarie has been supporting folk, roots, and singer/songwriter shows in Fredericton for 20+ years. She founded Music Runs Through It in 2012 and has welcomed hundreds of artists from around the globe, ranging from established acts to developing artists. Emma also supports the East Coast music scene as a Live Music Columnist for CBC Information Morning in Fredericton, contributor to the Fredericton Tourism blog, and through all the Music Runs Through It online platforms.

Emma co-chaired the East Coast Music Awards 2022 event held in Fredericton, is recipient of the 2022 Fredericton Arts Achievement Award presented by the City of Fredericton and is currently co-chair of the JUNO music advisory committee (blues category). Emma also is a member of the board of directors for Fredericton Playhouse Inc. Expanding into artist management and venue support services, she joined forces with Krista Touesnard and Rob Pinnock in 2023 to establish The MRTI Agency.

Meet Rob

Veteran broadcaster, music promoter, freelance journalist/photographer, educator–these are the many hats that Rob wears, but it’s his never ending search for new sounds and finding fresh talent that amps his excitement.

As the Music Director at 105 FM The Fox for 16 years, Rob honed his instincts in terms of being able to ‘hear the hits’ and anticipating what was ready to take off. He rolled the dice and led the charge on a number of singles, often opening the door for support in other markets. Another factor that set him apart from most of his contemporaries, was his unwavering commitment to local and regional talent. It was his way of supporting the artists that he truly believed in.

That support of Maritime talent was further amplified in 2019 as Rob and his wife, Krista Touesnard opened the Tipsy Muse Café–a coffee shop by day, but on weekend evenings, a much-loved venue and a respected room to perform in.

“There is a very special energy that comes from live performance, and I have to admit, I like the small rooms the best. I’ve been to huge stadiums and massive concert sites, but for me the real thrills are found in those more intimate rooms. Those are the nights you really feel like you’re actually a part of something,” Rob explains.

The experience of putting on over 500 performances at The Muse, charged Rob’s interest to work with musicians more, in terms of helping them realize their visions. In this role, he has often found himself giving advice to both younger and seasoned musicians alike, and his core belief that ‘a good song will always be a good song’, has rarely failed him.

It is with this spirit in mind that Rob finds himself thrilled to continue working alongside Krista while joining up with the already well established, and respected, Emma Chevarie and her Music Runs Through It brand, to form the MRTI Agency.

‘We believe in the music, but there is a lot of work that still needs to be done. The three of us have teamed up a few times over the years, including last year’s Cold Snap Music Series. We like the dynamic that we have become. Together, with our combined skill sets, we cast a very wide net,” adds Rob.