Big names coming for Halifax Jazz Fest, kicking off next week
Posted Jul 5, 2024 09:16:18 AM.
Last Updated Jul 5, 2024 10:53:38 AM.
The popular Halifax Jazz Festival is preparing to launch its 39th edition on July 9.
This year, legendary American singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris will be one of the main draws at the Halifax Jazz Festival, even if she is not exactly what many may think of as a jazz artist.
“Along with the ethos of jazz, we try to present something that is a little bit unexpected every night,” Andrew Jackson, the artistic director of the Halifax Jazz Festival, said.
Among those “unexpected” showcases over the course of the festival will include Los Angeles-based pop act Fitz & the Tantrums and Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike, who is also one half of the acclaimed hip hop duo, Run the Jewels.
Jackson told CityNews Halifax that of the 75 acts taking part in the festival, about 80 percent of them fall within the jazz genre however organizers are always trying to find ways to connect with the larger community and that means reaching music lovers of all types.
“If it is your first time, we do free daytime (shows) on the waterfront stage from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday,” he said. “So that’s a really great way to get your feet wet with the festival.”
Other highlights include the free Late Night Jam at the Local on Gottingen Street from July 10 to 13 as well as series events at The Carleton on Argyle Street and St. Matthew’s United Church on Barrington Street.
New this year, the Seahorse Tavern will host the Music Nova Scotia Summer Mashup on July 11. At this unique event, some of the province’s finest artists will jump on the stage to play their own songs and flipping it around to cover the music of other local artists.
“As well, our festival site is expanding a bit down on the waterfront,” adds Jackson. “That’s going to include a vendor’s market as well so we’re going to be expanding a bit there to include local vendors so again, just to build on our community-oriented festival.”
The Halifax Jazz Festival will run from July 9 to 14.
For the schedule and more information, visit the website.
