Supernova Celebration marks return to form for titan Brookes Diamond Productions

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, but the entertainment industry has felt the crunch of no tours, shows, movies or productions for 18 months.

Nova Scotia company Brookes Diamond Productions has provided entertainment in the Maritimes for decades, but saw its income sources halted. That is set to change with the Supernova Celebration.

“Classified was on the prowl. He wanted to do a show at Scotiabank Centre, and wanted to do one with all his friends. It came to my attention and we thought it was a great idea. It was the beginning of a perfect storm,” said Brookes Diamond, President of Brookes Diamond Productions.

“We had to put it on hold as COVID-19 dragged on. It became apparent to me that I wasn't alone in feeling proud of how the province and people were handling the situation, compared to much of the rest of the world. It seemed fitting to celebrate the job the people and government were doing to battle the pandemic.”

This first post-pandemic return to Scotiabank Centre will be back in bold form with a major show that celebrates the work of Nova Scotians, and a live event that harkens back to the days before COVID.

The Nov. 20 event will take place at the Scotiabank Centre, and feature performances from Classified, The Trews, Matt Andersen, Ria Mae, JRDN, and an appearance from Ricky and Julian of the Trailer Park Boys, among others.

“The lineup is fantastic. As so often happens, we are lucky to have phenomenal Nova Scotian musicians. You can go through the list, and they're all amazing at what they do, and practically all of them know Classified in one way or another,” he said. “The lineup came together very quickly.”

Diamond says this can mark a change in the trajectory of the industry and help Nova Scotians involved in event planning get back on their feet.

“These are very different times, and we have to be respectful of the fact we are just emerging from this pandemic. We need to realize we must be on guard,” he said.

“We will make sure people are vaccinated, we are following guidelines appropriately and are set up. But this is a business where you have to love doing big, celebratory things. This event fits and we're so happy. The show will be outstanding, and it'll be a stunning thing.”

Audiences can expect a rocking, rollicking show to remember from Supernova Celebration.

“Everyone is teeth and eyes into this. It's wonderful to have a show coming. Anticipation is terrific, and I just know it's going to be great,” he said.

Blues guitarist Matt Andersen will be on-hand with his signature styling and incredible voice as well.

“This just seemed like an incredible event that I wanted to be a part of. I love performing in Halifax, and this is such a wonderful celebration. It's going to be amazing doing a show like this,” he said.

“It's been a really, really long break for all of us, and I'm excited to play in the Scotiabank Centre there for the first time.”

Though he grew up in New Brunswick, Andersen actually lives in Wolfville now. He originally moved to the province to be close to his manager.

“I found the music scene was just better here. I met a girl and I stuck around. I love it in the area,” he said. “I have seven acres here and lots of space, and the musicians and people and industry here are great.”

He says a show of this magnitude is a great step in the right direction.

“I'm really looking forward to it. People want to see a show, and these are amazing artists I myself know really well, in some cases,” he said.

“It will be a truly special night, and it'll be nice to mix things up. I'm really excited for the vibe of this one.”

Andersen himself has felt the effects of COVID-19 on tours and musical artists over the last while.

“I've had a few shows, but no tours. You do a couple amazing nights and then you end up off for a month. It's been really strange,” he said

“I'm looking forward to a hotel room for a few weeks, and the Christmas show after this, and it's going to be great. I have an amazing crew, and I missed this.”

Supernova Celebration will be November 20, 2021, and starts at 7 p.m. It will take place in the Scotiabank Centre, and Phase 5 restrictions apply.

More information can be found online.