It’s November, and our stock of Vitamin D is already dwindling. The sun has almost completely abandoned the northern hemisphere, and if it weren’t for the lawn we’d already be festering in a monochromatic hellscape. Thankfully, the 13th annual In the Dead of Winter Festival is Halifax’s answer to the winter blues. This year, the songwriter-based festival will offer three action-packed days, featuring twenty-five acts, including headliners Waxahatchee, Terra Lightfoot, Simone Schmidt and Kaia Kater.
What began in 2006 with one small stage and eleven artists at the Khyber Club has now expanded its reach to some of Halifax’s most popular venues. Set to take place January 18-20, 2018, places like The Carleton, the Seahorse Tavern, The Marquee and Good Robot Brewing Company will be hosting artists from across Canada and the U.S.
From within Halifax itself, local artists Dance Movie, Leanne Hoffman, Stewart Legere and Owen Meany’s Batting Stance will be performing.
Dana Beeler, the executive director of this year’s In the Dead of Winter festival, says the line-up of headliners is sure to please audiences.
As for headlining American indie artist Waxahatchee, Beeler says, “I’ve really fallen in love with Waxahatchee, I think someone from the board mention her and I’ve been listening to her latest album on repeat for a couple months now. This show will be sweet and kind and badass all at the same time.”
She shows high enthusiasm for Kaia Kater, as well. “Kaia Kater is just so talented, her songwriting is dark and heart wrenching,” Beeler says. “This will be her first headlining spot in Nova Scotia, but she’s ready and I know our audience will love her.”
Beeler also sings the praises of Hamilton’s Terra Lightfoot, who will be the closer for this year’s event. “She’s a powerhouse. I think our audience will love her and her band, and it will be the perfect closing show.”
The schedule still has several performances to be announced, but the line-up does include Brooklyn Doran, Lydia Persaud, Stewart Legere, Fiver, Skye Wallace, Emily Rockarts, Dance Movie, Palehound, Owen Meany’s Batting Stack, Nick Ferrio, Dana Sipos, Leanne Hoffman, Camille Delean, Meaghan Blanchard, Kaia Kater, Corey Gulkin, Waxahatchee, Cassie Josephine and Gabrielle Minikin, Terra Lightfoot, and several combinations of the above.
For the complete line-up, tickets and showtimes please visit www.inthedeadofwinter.com