Live Music Halifax

Paul St-Amand & Kenneth Pasher
2025-08-31 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | The Roastory, 12 Ella Lane, Bedford, B4B2J6
Singer & trumpeter Paul St-Amand teams up with guitarist Kenneth Pasher for a midday jazz set at The Roastory: where every cup has a rhythm. Bedford’s coolest new cafe is rooted in two timeless crafts: the art of specialty coffee and the soul of jazz and blues.

Mellotones
2025-08-30 21:30 - 23:30 | Shore Club, 241 Shore Club Road, Halifax
For over two decades, The Mellotones have been bringing their high-octane party to stages around the world. Lighting up dance floors wherever they go, the R&B Funk band is an 8-piece powerhouse.
Tickets at door

Fiona Clancey & Katie Rae
2025-08-30 20:00 - 23:00 | The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St, Halifax
Raised in a house where music was always playing, pop singer-songwriter Fiona Clancey hails from the heart of Dartmouth Nova Scotia, drawing inspiration from artists like John Pryne, Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzie, McAlpine, and the Avett Brothers, Fiona’s sound is dreamy with a side of maritime charm. With a degree in classical voice her strong vocal ability is evident through soaring melodies, a bright tone, and impressive control. Fiona’s music has the sensitivity to invite people in and the softness told them close. Take a seat, stay a while.
Katie Rae hails from Chester, NS and first hit the bill with her band Young Folk in the summer of 2024. Throughout her time as lead singer and lyricist, her passion for being heard and breaking through to audiences grew stronger. While she began singing covers of some of the best classic rock and folk tunes. – everything from Janis Joplin to Joni Mitchell – she’s been developing around songwriting skills along the way, using all those strong female voices as inspiration. With her unique spin and signature sound, Katie Rae always takes to the stage for a performance that promises to be as engaging as it is entertaining.

Rowdy Dow
2025-08-30 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Old Triangle, 5136 Prince Street, Halifax
Vince Burke-Raised on the fiddle and guitar in rural Cape Breton Island, it is not surprising that Vince grew up to be a performer. A seasoned entertainer Vince has performed with many bands and has more than twenty years experience as a lead singer, bass player and rhythm guitar player, performing rock, Celtic, country, and bluegrass.Vince has toured Ontario, the Maritimes and Denmark with popular bands such as Three Piece Suit, Miller’s Jug and Breton. On his contemporary rock side he was also a founding member of Hocus Pocus, awell known Cape Breton based rock group who went to second place in the battle of the bands and also had the unique distinction of “almost” opening for Trooper. For the past several years Vince has gained a loyal following as a member of The Crew performing at venues such as The Old Triangle, The Celtic Corner, Finbar’s and O’Carrol’s to name a few. A well respected songwriter he is often in demand for his Bass playing, strong vocals and harmonies and he has lent his talent to several recordings. Vince has a unique vocal style and range that lends itself to any type of music and his high energy performance always leaves the audience wanting more.
Mike Chapman-In great demand as a performer, musician and entertainer playing music is his lifelong passion. Mike hails from Pictou Nova Scotia and has played professionally all over the Maritimes and eastern Canada. Mike was a founding member of the bands Murdoch’s Chair & Clear Sailing, also a member of Potter’s Field & Scratch 45. Also Mike has always maintained a very entertaining solo show through out his musical career. Mike truly shines as a lead singer and his unique playing style truly compliments his vocal abilities. Mike gives every song he sings his own flavor, no matter what the style Mike can deliver a top notch musical and vocal preformance leaving the audience truly satisfied and asking where he will preforming next. His infectious sence of humor and positive approach to his music and people in general will have you forgetting about your worries, relaxing and enjoying the great songs Mike has to offer.

Paul St-Amand Quartet
2025-08-30 19:00 - 22:00 | Sou’Wester in the City, 27 Dellridge Lane, Bedford, B4A0H1
Intimate jazz set in the vibrant heart of Larry Uteck. Enjoy mouthwatering plates and signature cocktails while four of Halifax’s finest musicians bring the vibes. Featuring Paul St-Amand (voice & trumpet), Richard White (guitar), Gabriella Ciurcovich (bass), and Ibiko Pelle (drums).

Tuesday Night Band's Labour Day Picnic
2025-08-30 13:30 - 16:00 | Paul’s Hall, 12286 Peggy's Cove Rd., Halifax
Halifax’s own Tuesday Night Band is still in the full swing of summer, so we hope you’ll join us for a free outdoor performance at Paul’s Hall. Bring a chair, blanket or whatever and enjoy a quality jazz experience!

Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin’ Daddys
2025-08-29 21:30 - 2025-08-30 01:00 | Bearlys House of Blues, 1579 Grafton St, Halifax
Come join in for some Good Rockin’ fun and some horn-powered Blues!

The Mellotones
2025-08-29 20:30 - 23:30 | Pacifico, 5171 George St
For over two decades, The Mellotones have been bringing their high-octane party to stages around the world. Lighting up dance floors wherever they go, the R&B Funk band is an 8-piece powerhouse.

Sam Hudson
2025-08-29 20:00 - 23:55 | The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St, Halifax
With special guests Magic Carpet, Rad News Bears & Stonehouse
Sam Hudson is an indie-alternative singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, DIY producer and music teacher based in Toronto. Originally from Kent County, New Brunswick, Sam’s music reflects his journey through spiritual awakening and is characterized by his touch on the piano (Chris Martin of Coldplay), introspective lyrics (Elliott Smith) and hooky melodies (The Beatles).
Sam’s upcoming debut EP, Pop Goes the Human is a poignant and honest reflection on truth, madness and what it means to be human.
“I found myself in a place I dubbed No Man’s Land — disassociated from people, my art and myself. Pop Goes the Human tells the story of my journey through and ultimately out of that dark, confusing and profound chapter of my life.”
Sam was a top finalist in CBC Music’s Searchlight Competition and was nominated for Video of the Year by Music New Brunswick. Sam’s songs have been featured on the CBC and college radio stations. No stranger to the road, Sam continues to perform extensively with an East Coast full band tour this summer.
When not in the studio, writing or performing, Sam can be found drinking coffee, alchemizing lead to gold and/or discovering new things to laugh at – often all at the same time.

Clara Shandler, the sidewalk cellist
2025-08-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Open Book Coffee, 3660 Strawberry Hill St.
Vancouver-based composer/cellist Clara Shandler is on a cross-Canada tour to raise funds for the Georgia Strait Alliance supporting orca whales.
She performs under the moniker Sidewalk Cellist. She’s performed on three continents, her music has been featured in films and has been performed by small ensembles and orchestras, she’s collaborated with dancers, poets and theatre productions to create memorable experiences, and has released her fourth full-length album in September 2024.
She is a dedicated educator, committed to making music lessons fun by tailoring lessons to fit each individual student. She currently teaches cello, piano, and composition at the East Vancouver Community Music School and online through Music Arts School in Cambodia.
Clara identifies as bi-sexual/pan-sexual. She is a staunch advocate for human rights, environmental protection, and reconciliation.

Jazz Night with the Zingers
2025-08-28 20:00 - 23:00 | Driftwood, 2103 Gottingen St, Halifax
Every Thursday The Zimgars (Trevor Wenzell, Matt Myer, Rheo Rochon & Dustin Smith) serve up sweet grooves, tasty licks, and more funky good times than you knew you needed.

Theo Macintosh
2025-08-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Old Triangle, 5136 Prince Street, Halifax
Born and raised in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Theo has spent years lending his talent to various groups as a guitarist, pianist, and vocalist. After studying music at St. Francis Xavier University, Theo became a founding member of Abbey Road – Tribute To The Beatles. Over the years, Theo has performed throughout the Maritimes, sharing the stage with many acts including The Commitments, Alan White (Yes/Lennon), Honeymoon Suite, The Beach Boys and countless local musicians.
Theo combines his Cape Breton roots, jazz training, and gigging experience to provide a tasteful, entertaining, and memorable performance

Holly Arsenault & Tom Easely
2025-08-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Wooden Monkey, Alderney Landing
The piano has been Holly Arsenault’s favourite toy since the ripe old age of 4 when she came upon the tired old upright at her grandmother’s house in Cape Breton. In the years since, she has traveled the globe as a pit musician, music director, sideman, soloist and leader of her own trio . These days, Holly lives and plays in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with forays into the wider world as opportunities and adventures beckon.
Over the past 30 years she has earned acclaim as a leader, soloist and sideperson. She has performed with Symphony Nova Scotia, The Daniel Matto Quintet, Karen Myatt, and has many shows to her credit as a pit musician at Neptune Theatre. Her original compositions have been lauded nationally and abroad, and have been featured in Global/ABC TV’s Rookie Blue; her work in musical theatre has been recognized with Dora and Merritt awards. She is the producer and host of Holly Arsenault Presents, a series showcasing some of her favourite vocalists from her extensive work as an accompanist, and is currently in collaboration with playwright Bruce Graham on a musical about Charles Tupper and the founding fathers of Confederation
Bassist, composer, and educator Tom Easley has earned a reputation as one of Eastern Canada’s finest jazz bassists. Two-time East Coast Music Award Winner, Maple Blues Winner and multiple award nominee, Tom co-lead the music group Hot Toddy for a decade; co-producing seven CDs and performing at major jazz and blues festivals all across Canada, Europe and the United States. Tom is also a member of the award winning group Nine Steps featuring Bill Stevenson and Geoff Arsenault.
Over the past 25 years Tom has performed with a number of internationally recognized artists including Mike Murley, Juan Martin, Ed Thigpen, Jeff Hamilton, John Abercrombie, Hal Galper, Mike Stern, Peter Erskine, Adam Rogers, Lage Lund, Tierney Sutton, David Liebman, Phil Dwyer, Lorne Lofsky, Matt Wilson, Cyril Aimee, Andy Laverne, Chad Wackerman, Randy Brecker and Los Lobos.

Live Jazz with the Matt MacLennan Trio
2025-08-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Obladee wine bar, 1600 Barrington St, Halifax
Matt MacLennan is a bassist and bandleader, bringing a mix of velvety ballads, smooth bossa novas, and breezy swing to Obladee!
You can expect balanced and inviting sets with an easy and conversational style that fills the room without crowding it. Lean in and listen, or simply let the sound and textures carry you away.
A warm welcome to Matt and his band – we just know you’ll love them!
Please reserve your spot as seating is limited.

Cello & Piano Concert
2025-08-27 18:00 | Halifax Public Gardens, Spring Garden Rd. &, Summer St, Halifax
Soul Strings Music presents Anna Shabalina on cello and Joseph Dowell on Piano.
Anna Shabalina is a cellist with classical training. She has travelled extensively and lived in different places before settling in Canada. Anna’s vast experience includes playing and recording with musicians from all over the world.
Anna began learning music at the age of 9 with cello and piano. After a few years in public music school, Anna entered the Kazan Conservatoire Music College. At the same time, she learned the guitar and started to learn vocal techniques with tutors. She then continued her musical education at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music (Moscow) as a cellist. While studying, Anna took part in various festivals, competitions and master classes with world-known musicians such as Arto Noras, Gustav Rivinius, Natalia Shakhovskaya, and others. She played many concerts with all kinds of chamber groups and as an invited artist for small Moscow orchestras. At the same time, she began her teaching career.Later, Anna lived in India for a few years, where she took part in many music concerts, festivals and “jams” as a cellist and singer. During that time, Anna also recorded a cello and musical saw parts for a few albums of Goan and international musicians.She moved to Canada in 2019 to explore new opportunities. Since she came to Canada, Anna has taken part in the Small World Music Emergence Cohort Program to learn more about the music industry in Canada, and she performed on small and bigger stages in Toronto including Art Starts To and DNA Project events as a solo musician and with classical chamber ensembles, such as Trio Teneramente and Untitled Ensemble, and pop bands.During and between lockdowns in Toronto, Anna collaborated with a Russian-Canadian pianist from Kazakhstan Milana Bunakova. They arranged and played tango and famous classical music together and managed to play a few small in-person and online concerts.Later on, Anna moved to the East Coast to go on her life and musical journey.

Joseph Dowell is a solo and Collaborative Pianist with over 25 years experience
He has been studying and playing piano in Halifax for most of his life. He is classically trained and followed the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) requirements to the ARCT level with honors. In 2011, Joseph received his piano performance degree at Dalhousie University. He received the Tietje Zonneveld scholarship in his third year and the following year received the William Tritt scholarship to participate in the Scotia Festival of Music’s Young Artists Program. After his undergrad he completed an additional year of advanced applied study and focused on piano pedagogy and collaborative piano.
Joseph has performed many solo piano works over the years including Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto with the Dalhousie orchestra, Haydn’s Seven Last Words of Christ in concert, and many works by celebrated piano composers such as Bach, Scarlatti, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and more. In November 2023 he premiered his first contemporary piano piece written by composer James Rolfe. His favourites are romantic composers Liszt, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. Joseph is the resident pianist for Saint Mary’s University events and plays many solo pieces there. He also performs regularly at Christ Church Dartmouth as he is the pianist and organist there.

Rose Nadira
2025-08-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Halifax Public Gardens, Spring Garden Rd. &, Summer St, Halifax
Rose Nadira, Canadian singer-songwriter celebrates the highs and the lows of the human condition with her eclectic style of vocals, piano, rhythm and harmony.
Rose Nadira’s music spans across multiple genres, most notably adult contemporary, pop and rock. She has a unique sound which is attributed to her versatile vocal abilities. When you hear her voice, you recognize it as Rose Nadira.
Her relatable lyrics and music create songs that display her unwavering passion, compassion, humor and humility.
Rose Nadira has a captivating live performance style full of energy and passion. Her live performances are widely adaptable to several formats, venues and audiences of all ages with a special interest in supporting various community and humanitarian efforts. Performances such as the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, A Blue Butterfly Evening in Support of Thyroid Cancer Care, Summer Concert Series at the Halifax Public Gardens, Halifax Region Children’s Aid Foundation, various entertainment venues and more.

John McLaren
2025-08-27 07:00 - 22:00 | Staggers, 26 Portland St., Dartmouth
Introducing John McLaren, an award-winning violinist who has made a remarkable transition into the realm of guitar, captivating audiences with his distinctive sound and innovative approach. Known for his unique style that incorporates percussive elements and altered tunings, John’s guitar playing is a masterful blend of traditional and modern fingerpicking techniques, beautifully showcased in his original compositions.
With a rich musical background that combines Cape Breton fiddle and classical violin, John has amassed hundreds of thousands of views online and delivered captivating live performances across North America. His ever-expanding catalogue of recorded instrumental music firmly establishes him as a formidable force in the instrumental genre.
John’s debut single, “The Pathless Path,” was featured on the globally renowned Candyrat Records YouTube channel, setting a high standard for instrumental guitar music. His most recent album, “John McLaren Part II,” has received enthusiastic responses from audiences around the world, even earning accolades from talk show hosts like those at Atlantic Axess, who featured the full album on CFTA 107.9 FM. Esteemed two-time Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Raul Midon has praised John’s guitar work as “Awesome!” and “Cool!”—a testament to his exceptional talent.
With the release of his new single, “Turning Away from Sin,” produced by the legendary guitarist Antoine Dufour, on May 31st, 2025, and with a third album currently in the works, John McLaren continues to push the boundaries of his artistry. Stay tuned to see what exciting new sounds and surprises this talented musician has in store—he’s an artist you won’t want to miss!

Vance Joy, Fortunate Ones
2025-08-26 19:30 - 22:30 | Scotiabank Centre, 1800 Argyle St
🎶 Get Ready for Vance Joy Live at Scotiabank Centre on Tuesday, August 26, 2025! 🎶
This is not just a concert—it’s a moment you’ll talk about for years. Vance Joy is set to light up Scotiabank Centre with their unforgettable sound on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. With fan-favorite hits like Riptide, Mess Is Mine and Georgia and 3.1M+ devoted followers, this is the kind of show that leaves you speechless.
With multiple shows on their tour, this event promises to be a high-energy, emotional rollercoaster where Vance Joy brings their signature style to life. Get ready to dance, sing, and possibly experience a music-induced euphoria (seriously, bring tissues).

Jazz Night
2025-08-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Ragazzi Restobar, 5187 Salter St, Halifax
Jazz Night with Ken MacKay
A native of Truro NS, Ken first started teaching in the Public School system in 1976 and has been active as an educator as a Clinician, Adjudicator and Soloist throughout his career. Ken retired from Astral Drive Junior High where he has been Director of Bands for over 20 years. Ken is Past-President of the Atlantic Federation of Musicians and is currently on the board of NS Honour Jazz and co-leader of the NSHJ Funk Unit.
Ken’s list of his professional credits is impressive. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Regis Philbin, Natalie Cole, jazz great Ernie Watts, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd, daughter of the blues Shirley King, Rosemary Clooney, the Temptations, and Lionel Ritchie are just a few of the artists Ken has shared the stage with. He currently performs with The Back Alley Big Band, Asia NuGruv and The Aviators.

Dave MacIsaac
2025-08-25 19:00 - 22:00 | Old Triangle, 5136 Prince Street, Halifax
Dave MacIsaac is a Canadian musician from Nova Scotia who plays the fiddle and guitar, specialising in the Celtic music style.
Awards

1996: East Coast Music Awards – winner: Male Artist of the Year; Instrumental Artist of the Year; Celtic Recording of the Year (Nimble Fingers)[2]
2017: Honorary Doctorate from Cape Breton University.

Sing this Summer!
2025-08-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Fort Needham Park, 3340 Union St
Lyra (formerly Spíra) is Choirs for Change’s casual, drop-in, summer singing event. Join us from 6–8pm at Fort Needham Memorial Park on June 30, July 28, August 25, and September 8 to spend your summer evenings singing outside!​
What you can expect: fun music, easy arrangements, and a supportive and fun atmosphere. Music and lyrics will be provided and you’ll be singing in three-part harmony before you know it.
Lyra is open to everyone. No singing experience is necessary! Attendance will be $10 or pay-what-you-can.

Angelina McCaughan & Jack Yee
2025-08-25 08:00 - 17:00 | aFrite Kitchen & Bar, 1360 Water St.
Jazz standards and other tunes

Sunday night blues jam
2025-08-24 20:00 - 23:00 | Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs, 1579 Grafton St, Halifax
Local blues musicians try out their stuff at the traditional blues jam run by Andrew Gillis and his back up band.

Glenn Gordon
2025-08-24 20:00 | Old Triangle, 5136 Prince Street, Halifax
Originally from New Glasgow and residing now in Cole Harbour, Glenn has been performing & sharing his passion for music for a multitude of years as a solo as well as fronting a number of bands, notably having been a founding member of the Halifax Celtic rock band MacKeel. With a set list of varying music styles, he aims to ensure a good time for everyone!

Sam Mallais
2025-08-24 19:30 - 21:30 | The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St, Halifax
Sam Mallais is a young, authentic Acadian with impressive musical maturity and a unique sensitivity to his composition. He made a lasting impression by becoming a semi-finalist at the prestigious Concours International de la Chanson de Granby, a platform that showcases emerging musical talent from around the world. Sam’s show is an immersive musical experience aimed at a wide audience, including families and festival-goers of all ages. With his latest album, Tu m’dirais quoi?, Sam offers a vibrant return to the blues and psychedelic rock sounds of the 70s, all performed with contagious energy and rare authenticity. Mallais and his band build a bridge between generations. Younger audiences discover new and catchy sounds, while older audiences rediscover familiar melodies.

The November Project feat. Ted Simmons
2025-08-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Driftwood, 2103 Gottingen St, Halifax
The November Project is a true story based on over 300 love letters my grandfather wrote to my grandmother during World War II. I will read an abridged version of the love letters and Ted Simmons will sing songs of love and longing that echo the sentiments of the love letters.

Jazz @ the Lion's Head
2025-08-24 17:00 - 21:30 | Lion’s Head Tavern, 3085 Robie St, Halifax
• Charlie Cooley, drums • Ali Enriquez, violin/vocals • Jeff Goodspeed, sax/flute • Augusto Enriquez, vocals/guitar • Larry Bjornson, bass
Players subject to change. Interesting guests each week.

Halifax Rättvik Trio
2025-08-24 14:30 - 17:00 | St. George’s Round Church, 2222 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS, B3K4J7, Canada
Musique Royale announces five performances by the Halifax Rättvik Trio part of its 40th anniversary Summer Festival. Featuring Jennifer Publicover (flutes); Peter Rousu (guitar, bass), and Stefan Ekedahl (cello, spelpipor, bagpipes), the trio is a trans-Atlantic collaboration and exploration of the folk genres of Sweden and Canada, including diversions to geographical points in between! Performing music from their new album Havet, concerts will include lots of polskas and Swedish tunes of various types, with original compositions of Peter’s, and tunes Quebec and the Maritimes. Maritimers who enjoy Celtic-type genres will find this a delightful and fresh new soundscape to explore!
Part of Musique Royale’s 40th Summer Festival, the Halifax Rättvik Trio’s tour invites audiences to discover Nova Scotia’s historic venues with performances in Johnstown, Antigonish, Parrsboro, Bell Island and Halifax.

Brooklyn Blackmore and Friends
2025-08-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Sullivan’s Pond, Chrichton Ave & Ochterloney St, Dartmouth NS
Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission’s free concert series
Brooklyn Blackmore’s debut CD Get A Little Crazy was was nominated for “Country Recording of the Year” at the 2021 ECMA’s, as well as “Country Recording of the Year” and “New Artist Recording of the Year” at the 2021 NSMW Awards. She started playing fiddle in Three Fathom Harbour in rural NS at the age of three after watching Natalie MacMaster on TV. She graduated from NSCC’s Music Arts program in 2018. Her sound is influenced by old school style of Sevie Nicks and modern artists like Miley Cyrus. She was named Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year at the North American Country Music Association Awards and was the winner of the Global Country Star Search.
