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2026-2027 Board Election Nominees:

Music Nova Scotia is holding the annual election for its Board of Directors. Voting is open now and closes Monday, June 22, 2026, at 11:59PM. All Music Nova Scotia members in good standing are eligible and encouraged to vote for their board. There are four (4) incumbents re-offering, five (5) open seats, with five (5) total seats to fill.
Please learn more about the nominees below. Music Nova Scotia Members may submit a ballot here:
2026 music nova scotia Board elections Ballot

Natasha Chestnut

incumbent

Natasha is the Executive Director for The Restaurant Association of Nova Scoti (RANS) and The Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia (CBANS). She has worked in non-profit for 20 years and loves supporting industry and communities. A crucial part of her work is advocating for better business conditions and fostering partnerships between industry, government and community partners.

Natasha sits on the board of directors for Veith House and is also a trained post-partum doula (part-time) where she supports new parents in their post-partum journey. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading a good book, enjoying a good concert, camping, and hiking with her German Shepherd. 

Meagan Davidson

incumbent

Meagan Davidson is the co-founder of Tiny Kingdom Music, an award-winning independent Canadian record label and artist management company. Founded by Savannah Wellman and Meagan Davidson in 2017, the expansion into a label in 2020 saw Tiny Kingdom added to a very short list of female-owned labels in Canada. Their drive and compassion is called upon by a variety of clients to assist with talent curation, grant writing, and consultation services for export programming. In addition to Tiny Kingdom Music, Meagan also works with VOX Management Agency, supporting talent bookings and artist development across the East Coast. Meagan is passionate about fostering a strong and sustainable music industry and is deeply involved in shaping the broader Canadian music landscape. She is Vice-Chair of Music Nova Scotia, where she helps guide the organization’s efforts to support the local music community. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Canadian Independent Music Association, contributing to the development and advocacy of Canada’s independent music sector. 

Ebow Dawson

Ebow Dawson is a Ghanaian Halifax-based music manager, creative consultant, and founder of Bergz Music. A graduate of the NSCC Music Business program and a member of the 2025 BDRB F.A.M.E. cohort, he works across artist development, live production, and community-based music programming.

Ebow manages emerging artists Quoia States and Kvng Nova, supporting their growth through strategic planning, release development, branding, and long-term career support. Alongside his management work, he contributes to the African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA), where he supports studio operations, mentorship initiatives, and the planning and execution of live music events and cultural programming.

His work is rooted in advancing equity, representation, and sustainable opportunities within Nova Scotia’s music industry. Ebow is particularly committed to supporting African Nova Scotian, African diaspora, and Black artists while helping strengthen inclusive industry spaces and pathways for emerging professionals.

With experience spanning artist management, event production, programming, and community engagement, Ebow brings a collaborative and solutions-oriented perspective focused on accessibility, growth, and long-term industry development.

Chris Gosse

Incumbent

Chris is the Senior Manager, Sport Events at Discover Halifax, where he leads the attraction and support of major sporting events for the Halifax Regional Municipality. With more than fifteen years of experience in the events industry, he specializes in event attraction, bid development, stakeholder engagement, and destination strategies that generate economic and regional impact.

At Discover Halifax, Chris works closely with event organizers, industry partners, and government stakeholders to identify and secure hosting opportunities for the region. He has played a key role in successful bids and support efforts for major events including the 2024 JUNO Awards, the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials, and Canada Sail GP.

In addition to serving on the board of Music Nova Scotia as Treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee, Chris is also a board member of Event Atlantic and was a member of the Host Organizing Committee for the 2024 JUNO Awards. His previous experience includes roles with Events East Group, the Atlantic International Film Festival, the Harvest Music Festival, and both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

Chris is passionate about supporting the growth and sustainability of Nova Scotia’s music and live events sector through collaboration, advocacy, and industry development.

Nicolas Jean

Nicolas Jean is a bilingual artist, cultural leader, and media executive based in Nova Scotia. Performing under the stage name Le Maudit Français, he is a singer-songwriter whose work blends elements of French chanson with contemporary influences such as electronic, cinematic, and alternative music. His artistic approach, often described as “neo-chanson”, explores identity, language, and emotional intensity, moving between intimate storytelling and powerful live performances. He has participated in artistic residencies, mentorship programs, and was a finalist at the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet.

Alongside his artistic career, Nicolas serves as Chief Executive Officer of Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse, the only French-language newspaper in the province. In this role, he leads organizational strategy, editorial innovation, and community engagement in a minority-language context. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its digital reach, strengthened partnerships, and developed new revenue streams to support independent journalism.

Deeply committed to cultural vitality, Nicolas works at the intersection of arts, media, and community development. His dual perspective as both artist and executive informs his desire to support a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking music ecosystem in Nova Scotia.

Siobhan martin

Incumbent

Siobhan Martin is a musician, composer, and instructor from Dartmouth. She is an in-demand, versatile, and commanding pianist working as a full-time freelance musician. A founding member of The Brood, Siobhan’s current roster includes supporting Mat Hughes, Mo Kenney, Nicole Ariana, Leanne Hoffman, and Rankin and the Broken Reeds, in the Grateful Dead tribute band Wharf Rats, and with the 1980s party outfit Maximum Overdrive. She’s played with artists as disparate as David Myles, Zamani, and Pillow Fite and on albums from Mo Kenney, Eric Stephen Martin, and Callum Gaudet. Her work also appears on songs by Beauts, Leanne Hoffman, Owen Meany’s Batting Stance, and Loveland. Siobhan was awarded 2025’s Musician of the Year at the Music Nova Scotia awards.

When not on the road, Siobhan teaches piano and composes scores for feature films.  Siobhan has scored for the feature film Compulsus, and her work on the acclaimed feature film Lakeview was awarded Best Original Score at the Atlantic International Film Festival in 2024. She currently teaches part-time for the Music Arts program at NSCC and piano/voice at Bedford Long & McQuade.

When not playing shows, she’s attending them as an ardent fan and loyal supporter. Her business experience with The Brood and Wharf Rats—booking, advancing, grantwriting—and time as Volunteer and Box Office Coordinator with Nova Scotia Music Week make her a vital asset to artists at all levels, able to connect art and administration to help them navigate the industry. Siobhan currently serves as a board member of Music Nova Scotia.

“With over 800 artists and musicians as members for Music Nova Scotia, it is incredibly important for the board to continue to have voices that represent the best interest of artists/musicians. I feel very grateful to have worked and continue to work with many artists/musicians as a musician and board member and have very honest conversations of the struggles that exist for them, as well as having experienced them myself. Supporting artists/musicians is always my top priority.”

Adam McLellan

Adam McLellan (AKA Snug) is an accomplished musician who’s passionate about growing the various scenes and communities that he’s a part of. Since moving to Halifax in 2007, he’s remained active in the music scene in numerous ways: as a performer, DJ, event organizer, mentor, and teacher. He’s also remained an active member of MNS over the years: taking part in showcases, jurying award nominations, and sharing his experience and perspective as a member—in particular, with respect to ensuring electronic music is reasonably represented both from an award and a showcasing perspective.

His solo work and projects have been nominated for both MNS and ECMA awards and have landed regular festival and showcases bookings. He’s released music on several labels–both local and international–and currently runs an independent electronic music label (Snug Sound Recordings). Additionally, he composes music and does sound design for video games, which gives him great insight into this side of the business. Adam was also involved with the Interactive Society of Nova Scotia for several years, initially as a board member, then Vice President, and ultimately President for a year.

Andre Pettipas

Andre Pettipas is a Nova Scotia–based artist, educator, and community advocate whose work bridges the gap between rural creativity and provincial‑level industry development. Best known as the frontman of Andre Pettipas and The Giants and the co‑founder of Alt Ctrl, Andre has built a career rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and accessible music programming. His leadership extends beyond the stage into community‑driven initiatives that support emerging artists, youth, and underserved creative communities across Pictou and Antigonish Counties.

Since 2022, Andre has played a key role in expanding rural arts infrastructure through projects such as Giantstock, free songwriting workshops, and partnerships with organizations including Creative Pictou County and the Pictou‑Antigonish Regional Library. His work focuses on reducing barriers to participation, creating inclusive spaces for learning, and ensuring that artists outside major centres have access to the same opportunities as those in urban hubs.

Andre is committed to strengthening Music Nova Scotia’s connection to rural communities, advocating for transparent communication, and supporting initiatives that elevate diverse voices. With experience as a touring artist, festival organizer, and community educator, he brings a grounded, people‑first perspective to the board and is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative music ecosystem.

Micah Smith

Micah Smith is an award-winning artist, music industry professional, and community leader from Nova Scotia who is passionate about creating opportunities for African Nova Scotian and Black artists. With a career rooted in both music and advocacy, Micah has become a respected voice in the Canadian music industry through her leadership, creativity, and commitment to community.

As an artist, Micah has shared the stage and collaborated with acclaimed artists including Michael Bublé, Matt Andersen, Joel Plaskett, Reeny Smith, Lisa Fischer, Jully Black, and Anderson .Paak. Her experience as both an artist and industry professional gives her a unique understanding of the challenges artists face and the support they need to succeed.

Micah is the founder and executive director of Crescendo Fest, the first Black-owned and operated music festival of its kind in Nova Scotia, focused on celebrating Black music, culture, and excellence. She also served as a JUNOfest Producer for the 2024 Juno Awards of 2024 and currently serves on the board of ADVANCE Canada. Micah is a two-time recipient of the Music Nova Scotia Artistic Development Award and continues to use her platform to inspire, connect, and create lasting impact within the music industry and her community.

Darcy Walsh

Darcy Walsh is a Nova Scotia–based media creator, interviewer, and industry advocate committed to strengthening the province’s music ecosystem through visibility, equity, and community‑driven support. As co‑founder of East Coast DNA and operator of CanCon Artist Services, Darcy has documented and amplified the stories of hundreds of artists from rural and urban communities, ensuring that diverse voices and emerging talent are represented in the broader cultural conversation.

Darcy’s work focuses on reducing barriers for artists by improving access to information, mentorship, and professional development. Through podcasting, videography, photography, and event hosting, he has built platforms that highlight underrepresented artists, celebrate regional diversity, and promote transparent, community‑first industry practices.

With experience across media, live events, and artist services, Darcy understands the challenges facing musicians today — from navigating funding systems to building sustainable careers in smaller markets. He is committed to advocating for clearer communication between Music Nova Scotia and its membership, stronger support for rural and equity‑seeking communities, and initiatives that help artists thrive at every stage of their careers.

Darcy believes in a collaborative, inclusive, and forward‑thinking music industry and is dedicated to representing the membership with integrity, accountability, and purpose.

2026 Music Nova Scotia Board Elections Ballot

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