Halifax Jazz Fest tuning up for big week

The TD Halifax Jazz Festival is hitting full swing tonight in the city, and Andrew Jackson couldn't be more excited.

Jackson – artistic director for the festival – says they have some incredible things in store for attendees this year.

“We have over 50 acts across multiple stages. There's international and national talent, as well as ticketed shows and free content,” he said. “We also have some of the best local performers in the region.”

Jackson spoke to CityNews as he watched staging go up onsite at the waterfront, and enthusiastically discussed everything they had coming.

“We have so many shows and so many venues. We will be on the TD Waterfront Main Stage, but in a different place this year. If you go to the old site and look left, we're on the other side of the Waterfront Warehouse. That's where we'll have the headliner and daytime programming,” he said.

“Then we're at Saint Matthew's Church again, have two shows at The Carleton, are at the Seahorse Tavern, the Hydrostone and the Halifax Public Library, among other spots.”

Not only will there be numerous shows, but Jackson says Accessibility Coordinator Andrew Taylor has made accessibility a priority along with the festival.

“We will have free shows, wheelchair accessible venues, and we try to make sure everyone can have a great time and enjoy the festival,” he said.

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, the festival is now able to bring in talent from all over, even with airport challenges now.

“We are hopeful and working our best to get people in for their shows. So far, so good. It's great to showcase so much talent here,” he said

“There are new bands and first-timers, and this is so exciting across the board. We just get to offer so much to people.”

With bands that have been on request for a long time, Jackson is excited about the lineup.

“We have five days of great music, including artists our attendees have wanted for a long time. Among them is Tank and the Bangas, who are a high-energy band. They fuse R&B, hip-hop and jazz,” he said.

“On Thursday, we have Half Moon Run, who we were planning for in 2020 before COVID. There's also Perfume Genius from L.A., who are paired with Weather Station. Finally, we also have Molly Johnson paired with Alex Cuba, who just won a Grammy.”

One incredible artist is local Reeny Smith, who will open for The Mellotones, celebrating 25 years.

“I'm super excited, and it's been a few years since I've been able to attend the Jazz Fest because of COVID. This is such a big festival and it's a hometown thing,” she said.

“I can't wait to get back on that stage and represent my family. I'm looking forward to it and expecting a good thing.”

She's excited to take the stage with The Mellotones and celebrate the Nova Scotia music veterans.

“They're favourites here, and over the years they've made their stamp on the city. We will share the stage for the first time here, and it's going to be really nice,” she said. “We both can show pride in our city, come together and celebrate. It will be amazing.”

Smith is thankful to be back on a stage performing for audiences that love her music.

“There's nothing more gratifying than making people happy with my music. I took it for granted before the pandemic, and now it's in perspective. It's humbling to be able to do what I love for a living.”

Jackson sees the fact the festival will be the same weekend as Halifax Pride as an advantageous thing.

“We're aware and it's a pretty exciting time for downtown Halifax. There will be plenty of activities, and all of them can synergize together to give people a lot to do,” he said.

“It will be nice to have people downtown. We want to support the recovery of small and local businesses that have struggled. We hope attendees enjoy everything this city has to offer over the next week.”

To learn more about the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, visit halifaxjazzfestival.ca.