ECMC 2018 took place over 4 days in and around downtown Norflok, VA. With more than 10 stages and 90+ live performances in unique venues, the East Coast Music Conference offered more, and more diverse, musical experiences than almost any other conference.  ECMC will hosted music of almost every type in traditional venues and completely unique spots, whether a rooftop or one of America’s most innovative libraries.

“We’ve loved Norfolk for years. We’re gonna be back soon one way or another!…. The Plot was exceptional to perform at. We really liked the Pour House as well…. The location of the venues and the conference itself were picturesque and they were our favorite part, aside from the overwhelming hospitality…. This seems like it’s gonna get better year by year and it’s off to an incredible start.“ ~ The Foxfires, West Nyack, NY

At the heart of the East Coast Music Conference is The Slover Library. The Slover is acclaimed not just as a library but as a public space, for its architecture, and as an example of forward thinking in the technological age. Reader’s Digest named it The Most Impressive Library in Virginia and The Dallas Morning News named it a Library Worth Travelling For.

“Marriott rooftop was my favorite venue. Favorite to visit was the one in the library” ~ Destiny Claymore, Boston, MA

“We had a great time at the @ecmusiccon in #Norfolk. We met some amazing bands, hung at some petty cool places downtown and drank some really GOOOOOD beer at @beardedbirdbrewing. Thank you for having us😎🎶🤘
☆☆☆“ ~ Jahnel Daliya, Stafford, VA

ECMC is proud to call the City of Norfolk home. Norfolk is a must play, must visit city for any musician or music fan. Norfolk’s history of setting trends in American music can be traced back to at least the earliest days of recorded music. It was the home of leading jazz artists during the Jazz Age. In the 1950s it was home to Gene Vincent & the Bluecaps and one of the birthplaces of rockabilly.  In the 1960s The Norfolk Sound became one of the most imitated sounds in music history. Today the region is known as the hometown of such popular and influential artists as Missy Elliot, Timbaland, DRAM, Kishi Bashi, and Pharrell Williams.

“#Norfolk it’s been real! You’ve been a great host!” ~ Michael Smith/Carlton Smith Music, Baltimore, MD

“Four cheers to Norfolk, VA and already missing #ECMC” ~ Banchi, Allentown, PA

Norfolk is one of the most acclaimed and progressive cities in the U.S. on numerous fronts and is only getting better with each passing year. Norfolk’s public art and museums are among the best in the nation. The theatre, symphony, and opera are all nationally acclaimed, and the Virginia International Tattoo and Virginia Arts Festival enjoy worldwide reputations. Among Norfolk’s other distinctions are being selected to participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities initiative, being named in the 50 Best Places to Visit, a Top 5 Favorite City, and one of the Friendliest Cities in America by Travel & Leisure. Granby Street, one of the hubs of ECMC activity, was named one of the 8 Amazing American Streets You’ve Never Heard Of by the New York Post. Norfolk is also a mecca for tech and entrepreneurship in the southeast and has been named a Magnet for Millennials.

“The only thing hotter than last weekend’s Virginia sun was being able to play outdoors to all the new faces in Norfolk! Check out at @intheflesh83 laying down the groove and killing it on stage! Thanks again to @ecmusiccon for making our time in Norfolk unforgettable” ~ The Poynt, Queens, NY 

The toughest part about attending ECMC 20118 was deciding which panels, which speakers, which shows, and which sights to check out. For 2019 it’s going to be even tougher!