The TD Halifax Jazz Festival isn’t beating around the bush when it comes to their 2020 lineup. Right out of the gate, trickle though it may be, Halifax Jazz Festival are naming names for the 34th annual festival, and impressive names they are. It’s a promising start, and there’s still a long road of (presumably exciting) announcements between now and the July festival.
At the top of the list so far is Grammy award winner and this year’s Juno host Alessia Cara, who will be performing Thursday, July 9th. This 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Brampton, Ontario, has been nominated for six (SIX!) 2020 Juno awards: Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Pop Album of the Year and the Juno Fan Choice Award.
From Montreal, Quebec, Half Moon Run are a percussion-heavy indie rock band who lean heavily into vocal harmonies. Nominated for the 2020 Adult Alternative Album of the Year Juno award, these classically trained multiinstrumentalists are known for their live performances.
Joining Half Moon Run for their Halifax Jazz Festival performance will be the very special guest, and superstar in his own right, Andy Shauf. The Toronto-based musician crafts short stories in the form of songs, filling his tracks with layers, depth, emotions and character through his ability to weave a narrative through a melody.
Bringing big-time percussion into the mix, Snarky Puppy drummer Larnell Lewis will also be performing at this year’s festival with his band. The Toronto native is known as being currently one of the most in-demand drummers on the music scene. He’s performed on two JUNO Award-winning albums, including Clear Day by jazz singer Emilie-Claire Barlow and Root Structure by jazz bassist Mike Downes.
The 34th Halifax Jazz Festival takes place from July 7–12, 2020. Alessia Cara performs Thursday, July 9 at the Waterfront TD Main Stage at 7:30pm doors. Tickets are $52.50. Half Moon Run and special guest Andy Shauf perform Saturday, July 11, at the Waterfront TD Main Stage. Advance tickets are $45 while day-of-show tickets are $50. The Larnell Lewis Band performs Thursday, July 9 at St. Matthew’s United Church. Tickets are $30 or $20 for the (limited) student tickets.
Tickets and Halifax Jazz Festival passes go on sale today, Saturday, February 8, at 10 a.m. Visit halifaxjazzfestival.ca for information and ticket sales.