The TD Halifax Jazz Festival remains one of Halifax’s main draws for bigger names. Between it and Halifax Pop Explosion, it’s our only summer city festival that has the ability to draw artists like headliner Anderson Paak. This type of festival draws in every walk of life for their love of music, rather than their love of music festivals, which means they have to deliver when it comes to artists.
Going into its 31st year, this shouldn’t be a problem for the iconic Jazz Fest. The Main Stage on the Halifax Waterfront starts Wednesday, June 12, and goes through Sunday, June 16. Jo Mersa Marley, the grandson of Bob Marley, opens up the headliner stage on Wednesday, followed by Canadian icons Blue Rodeo on Friday, and Grammy Nominee Anderson Paak & the Free Nationals on Saturday.
Despite the big names coming in they haven’t snubbed on Halifax locals, who stand up well against any world class talent. The Mellotones and Gypsophilia will co-headline the main stage on Sunday night. This is sure to be a powerful and emotional show, as it concludes Gypsophilia’s career and the Mellotones celebrate 20 years.
The Jazz Fest has added a new stage this year called the Carleton Groove Stage. From what we know about the Carleton, and its already standing ability to deliver the best of the best when it comes to the Halifax music scene, this stage is sure to be a game changer for the festival this year. It will offer late night shows Wednesday through Sunday, and feature local favourites such as The Brood, Roxy and the Underground Soul Sound, and Fredericton blues musician Keith Hallett.
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
Blue Rodeo
Jo Mersa Marley
Jesse Royal
Andy Shauf
Dr. Lonnie Smith
Gypsophilia
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque
Keith Hallett
Kirsten Olivia
Reeny Smith
Roxy & The Underground Soul Sound
Talea
The Brood
Jerry Granelli
The Halifax Jazz Festival will also include performances from The Zim Gars, The Mellotones, Joe Sealy’s Africville Stories and more.
The festival activities kick off on Tuesday with The Creative Music Workshop Series. BADABOOM is on Tuesday, STRINGS on Wednesday, I LOVE HORNS on Thursday, and WHERE DANCE AND MUSIC MEET on Friday. The series ends on Sunday with a free show at the Halifax Central Library at 2 pm.