Live Music Halifax

RCC Organists
2026-04-26 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | St Matthews United Church, 1479 Barrington St, Halifax, NS B3J 1Z2
Royal Canadian College of Organists
Join us for a Celebration of St Matthew’s Musical Legacy at St. Matthew’s United Church on Barrington Street. This informal concert will feature organ playing from RCCO Halifax Centre organists and heritage moments shared by the church archivist and other St Matthew’s folks. St Matthew’s will be amalgamating with Fort Massey United Church and St. Andrew’s United – Halifax, NS in July. So, let’s get together and celebrate this space and its musical heritage!

Second Chances Spring Concert
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Rosaria Student Centre, MSVU
Please join the Second Chances bands for an afternoon of musical entertainment. This season our theme is TV music, so you’re bound to hear some familiar tunes!
We will be performing in the Multipurpose Room in the Rosaria Student Centre on Mount Saint Vincent University Campus.
Second Chances is an adult music education program for those who have the desire to learn how to play a musical instrument and perform in a concert band, jazz band, choir, small ensemble or string group

John Chiasson Trio
2026-04-26 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-19 11:00 - 14:00 | Milestones, MicMac Mall, 21 Micmac Blvd, Dartmouth
Fretless 5 String Bass and Vocal – John Chiasson
Piano – Dave Staples
Percussion – Charlie Cooley

James Shaw with Brian Shankar-Adler
2026-04-25 19:30 - 21:00 | All Nations Christian Reformed Church, 2535 Robie St, Halifax
James Shaw and Brian Shankar Adler share some of their original compositions plus jazz fro the repertoire.
Featuring

James Shaw, tenor sax
Brian Shankar Adler, percussion
Peter Bull, bass
Holly Arsenault, piano
Andrew Jackson, trombone
Matt Myer, trumpet

Isidore Quartet
2026-04-25 19:30
The Isidore String Quartet—winners of an Avery Fisher Career Grant and of the 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition—presents a program that explores reverence, innovation, and legacy through the lens of Johannes Brahms. Often viewed as an academic traditionalist and tortured perfectionist, German composer Brahms drew deep inspiration from the compositional mastery of Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. In this program, his radiant “Geistliches Lied” and richly textured “Quartet in B-Flat Major” are paired with Beethoven’s “Quartet Op. 18, No. 6”, a work that balances classical clarity with expressive breadth. A choral arrangement by a Bach work further underscores the lineage of musical thought that Brahms so admired. With precision and warmth, violinists Adrian Steele and Phoenix Avalon, violist Devin Moore, and cellist Joshua McClendon invite audience members into a conversation across generations—one marked by polyphonic brilliance, structural integrity, and emotional depth. Formed at The Juilliard School, the quartet has brought its prize-winning and adventurous spirit to major stages around the world. Season Sponsor: Nice Moves / Red Door Realty.
This performance is made possible with the generous support of Kazue Semba.
Tickets $30-$42

Art of Rhythm Workshop & Concert
2026-04-25 10:30 - 21:30 | All Nations Christian Reformed Church, 2535 Robie St, Halifax
Do you ever lose the beat? Do you wish that you could play or read rhythms with more precision, or that you had a more disciplined rhythmic practice? If yes, join us in The Art of Rhythm!
In this intensive workshop, we will play, clap, vocalize, listen, analyze works and develop techniques to strengthen our internal sense of time. We will explore rhythms from various traditions including: jazz, world music and beyond while focusing on basic rhythms, syncopations, swing, polyrhythms and more.
Space is limited. Make payment by e-transfer to cawien@yorku.ca to register.
Brian Shankar Adler is an interdisciplinary percussionist and composer. Described as “a polyrhythmic force… New York City gritty yet still somehow capable of evoking the delicacy of a summer breeze” (JazzTimes), Adler pursues a vision that intertwines technical precision with human connection. Adler has performed in caves, forests, and adjacent glacial ice fields as well as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and The Stone. He has been recorded on over fifty albums, including his most recent release: once like a spark (duo with Jane Ira Bloom). A Lifetime Arts/National Guild grant winner, Brian Shankar Adler is said to have “revolutionized the accessibility of rhythmic pedagogy.” He published Embodied Rhythm designed for students of any instrument to develop rhythmic vocabulary. Adler is currently on faculties at Bowdoin and Bates College.

The Mellotones
2026-04-24 20:30 - 23:30, 2026-04-17 20:30 - 23:30 | Pacifico, 5171 George St
The Mellotones have been bringing their high-octane party to stages around the world for over two decades. Lighting up dance floors wherever they go, the R&B Funk band is an 8-piece powerhouse. From weddings to festivals to late-night clubs and corporate events, their energetic show provides the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.
Combining powerful vocals, dynamic horns, and a groovy rhythm section with a catalogue that dives deep into the history of soul, funk, disco, and R&B music, The Mellotones recall an era dominated by the classics of Motown, Stax, and Chess Records.
Drawing on a wealth of experience as road-tested backup musicians, and as seasoned session players for ECMA and JUNO Award winning artists, The Mellotones are a hard-working collective of some of the region’s best performers.
​Over their long career the band has garnered a devoted fan base. They’ve also had the opportunity to perform with such artists as David Foster, Dan Akroyd, The Free Nationals, Nathan East, and even Dennis Rodman. The Mellotones served as a backing band for renowned blues guitarist Matt Andersen for a 2018 national tour that was documented on the record Matt Andersen and The Mellotones Live at Olympic Hall.
Ideal for any event, The Mellotones are a sure fire party hit guaranteed to deliver a night of exceptional entertainment for the young and young at heart.

Caito Macdonald Trio
2026-04-24 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, 1662 Barrington St., Halifax
Caito Macdonald is a percussionist and composer from Dartmouth, NS. Caito’s musical style is rooted in the jazz tradition, and he performs at various jazz gigs around Halifax. Caito’s trio plays every Friday at the Barrington Steakhouse, and he can also be heard in the local rock/fusion band ‘Under the Bus’.

Big Easy Fridays!
2026-04-24 17:30 - 19:30 | Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs, 1579 Grafton St, Halifax
Sounds of New Orleans with Mike Cowie & John Alphonse
More events all week on Bearly’s website

Brian Shankar Adler
2026-04-24 17:30 - 18:30 | All Nations Christian Reformed Church, 2535 Robie St, Halifax
Listening Hour
Percussionist and composter Brian Shankar Adler presents an intimate listening session featuring his own works and the music that inspires him. From Hindustani tradition and jazz to South American and environmental sounds, Brian will discuss the influences behind his creative journey. Followed by a brief Q/A

Cowie, Tucker, Lindsay-Botten
2026-04-23 18:00 - 21:00
Mike Cowie, trumpet
Ben Tucker, drums
Barrett Lindsay-Botten, guitar

Jazz Night @ The Local
2026-04-22 19:30 - 23:00 | The Local, 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax
Jazz night with Silvio Pupo, keys, Ronald Hynes, bass and Damien Moynihan, percussion.

Jazz Spotlight
2026-04-22 19:30 - 22:00 | Gus’ Pub & Grill, 2605 Agricola St
1 year anniversary awards show

Cameron Milligan Ensemble
Leo ox & B.E.T.
Brendon Melchin and the Forward Band

Luke Welch
2026-04-22 19:30 | The Music Room, 6181 Lady Hammond Road
Two years since his last visit to Halifax, pianist and podcaster Luke Welch returns to the Music Room with an eclectic and entertaining program, including music by Scarlatti, Chopin, and African-Canadian composer Nathaniel Dett, whose works are showcased on Luke’s new CD.
ON THE PROGRAM
Domenico Scarlatti: Three Sonatas
Frederic Chopin: Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39
R. Nathaniel Dett: Magnolia; Inspiration Waltzes; In the Bottoms
Luke Welch, piano
Tickets

Live jazz with Matt Maclennan trio
2026-04-22 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.

Please reserve your spot as seating is limited.

Garrett Mason
2026-04-21 20:30 - 23:00 | Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs, 1579 Grafton St, Halifax
Garrett Mason is a true bluesman at heart. He was raised in Truro, Nova Scotia by his mother Pam, and father, veteran Canadian Bluesman Dutch Mason. His quest to become a blues musician started at a very early age; being surrounded by music blues music, Garrett’s favorite tapes at 3 years old were Canned Heat and Buddy Rich. What really sealed the deal for Garrett to become a blues guitarist came after watching a video of Stevie Ray Vaughn “Live At the El Mocambo” – he was hooked.
His dad, Dutch Mason, stopped playing guitar before Garrett was born due to crippling arthritis in his hands. Although he was not able to teach his son to play, he has certainly been able to teach Garrett the structure of the Blues and to influence him about the resulting sound. Surrounded by his father’s peers, Garrett has had the benefit of hearing and learning from a wide variety of musical talent. The late Rick Jeffery was a great inspiration to Garrett; they would talk and play for hours together. Rick once said “Garrett is the only guitar player I know that can play Albert Collins’ style down to a T”. The combination of his father’s advice, Jeffery’s guidance and his own natural talents provide that special brew for Garrett to become the musical influence he is destined to be.
Garrett would be the first to tell you that riding the coat tails of others won’t take you very far in this business, but striving to be truly original is the secret to longevity and lasting success. Garrett launched his debut CD I’m Just a Man at the 2004 Harvest Jazz and Blues festival in Fredericton, New Brunswick to a sold out crowd.
This debut CD features Garrett’s talent for strong original songs, a voice that is reminiscent of a veteran performer and his extraordinary aptitude for playing electric guitar. Garrett’s original talent was awarded in 2005 when he received a Juno for Best Blues Album. Garrett Mason is poised to be one of the brightest stars to emerge from the East Coast Blues scene in years.
Garrett’s band released their sophomore album Love and Sound in July 2008 which was nominated for a Juno Award. The album won Blues Artist/Group Recording of the Year at the 2009 Music Nova Scotia and Industry Awards.

Leo Cox Trio
2026-04-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Economy Shoe Shop, 1663 Argyle St
Halifax’s Leo Cox Trio brings groove-driven modern jazz to Tuesday nights at The Economy Shoe Shop. No cover. Sit-ins welcome.
Tuesday Night Jazz at The Economy Shoe Shop features the Leo Cox Trio, with Leo Cox on bass, Ben Tucker on guitar, and Dante Kierstead on drums. Held every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this weekly modern jazz residency offers evolving sets, original music, and spontaneous sit-ins in an intimate downtown Halifax setting. With no cover charge, it is an easy way to experience groove-driven jazz and connect with Halifax’s vibrant jazz community.

Jazz Night
2026-04-21 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.

Morgan Davis
2026-04-20 19:30 - 22:30 | Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs, 1579 Grafton St, Halifax
Morgan Davis is a Canadian blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He was born and spent his childhood in Detroit, Michigan, before relocating to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2001. His song “Why’d You Lie” was a hit for Colin James and featured on James’ 1988 debut album.

Sunday night blues jam
2026-04-19 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.

Sunday Open Mic
2026-04-19 20:00 - 22:00 | The Local, 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax
Local jazz musician Bethany Fulde hosts a come-one, come-all open mic at the Local every Sunday.

Jazz @ the Lion's Head!
2026-04-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Lion’s Head Tavern, 3085 Robie St, Halifax
Jazz is back at the Lion’s Head!
Mainstay jazz crew l-r Geordie Haley, Jeff Goodspeed, David Burton and Jamie Gatti. Players subject to change. Interesting guests each week.

All Saints Cathedral Choir
2026-04-19 16:00 - 17:30 | Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Cathedral Ln, Halifax
The ‘Sundays at Four’ Music Series returns to the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax September 28 at 4 p.m! Join us for a new season of inspiring choral music, offered freely to the public every Sunday afternoon. Sunday’s service is a Choral Evensong for the Eve of St Michael and All Angels, sung by the Capella Regalis Men, Boys, & Girls Choir, directed by Nick Halley, with organist Paul Halley.

Schedule

Stories Behind the Music: Transition to Modern Times
2026-04-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Hillside Church, 12 Flamingo Drive
A fascinating journey to modern times: from iconic masterpieces to hidden gems. Music by Dvorak, Debussy, Piazzolla, and more!

The Grand Finale of the Series
There is a human life behind every piece of art.
Stories Behind the Music is a listening and concert series I created to explore classical music as a living story—shaped by real people, their friendships, and the world they lived in.
Last year, we explored the Baroque and Romantic periods. This winter, we focused on the Classical era. Now, we arrive at our final chapter for the season: The Transition to the Modern Period.
What to Expect
This is not a formal lecture, nor is it a traditional concert. It is something in between: a thoughtful and social way to experience music.
For this final concert, Soul Strings Ensemble appears as a Piano Trio. We will perform a “huge” program of music that bridges the gap between the old world and the new. You will hear masterpieces by Dvořák, Rachmaninov, Skryabin, Debussy, Piazzolla, Villa-Lobos, and more.
Even with so much music and many stories, the whole event (including the talk and intermission) will be no longer than 2 hours.
The Performers:

Hartmut Richter — Violin
Joseph Dowell — Piano
Anna Shabalina — Cello & Stories

Admission is free. No prior musical knowledge is required. After the music, please stay for a relaxed social time with light refreshments and snacks to talk and connect.
With Gratitude
This project would not be possible without the ongoing support of the United Church of Canada Foundation and the Hillside United Church team. Thank you for generously providing the space, volunteers, refreshments, and your care.
Special thanks as well to the Royal Bank of Canada for their generous donation, which allows this program to remain free and accessible to everyone.
Please reserve your spot to ensure a guaranteed seat, and we can plan refreshments accordingly.

Music & Dance Fundraiser
2026-04-18 19:30 - 22:00 | Halifax Dance, 1505 Barrington St
Rooted Dance Projects invites you to our fundraising event: Order Up!
A night filled with improvised music and dance, in which the audience gets to order the line up of performers. You’ll place your order with our order master for which musicians and dancers you would like to see perform together. The artists will then create a short improvised piece together right there on the spot…and the fun continues throughout the night!
All ages event!
The night will also include a silent auction and cash bar! ARTIST LINE UP –
DANCERS: Kathleen Doherty, Nathaniel Dooks, Dorian Fournier, Michèle King, Mina McGill, Stephanie Mitro, Georgia Skinner, Chris Van Green
MUSICIANS: Josh Awe, Gabriella Ciurcovich, Jackson Fairfax-Perry, Ellen Gibling, Mackenzie Greenwell, Andrew Jackson, Lucas James, Sam Wilson

Jazz Joyride
2026-04-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Chester PLayhouse, 2 Pleasant St, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Buckle up for JoyRide, a duo that is a fast-paced, multi-instrumental thrill-ride of jazz, ragtime, Latin, klezmer, Celtic, bebop, blues and more!
Colin Maier (oboe, saw, vocals, from Quartetto Gelato) & Mark Camilleri (pianist and music director for The Tenors) are JoyRide. Their mastery and versatility in a smorgasbord of styles has Colin switching gears between oboe, voice, pennywhistle and even the musical saw in a high-energy romp that shows off their taste for fun.
From “Minnie the Moocher”, to “Air on a Blue String” (a nod to JS Bach), to Chick Corea’s “Spain” and Piazzolla’s heartrending “Tanti Anni Prima”, they pepper their show with hilarious anecdotes and have a blast playing “Stump the Chump” where Mark creates a new song on the spot from random notes provided by members of the audience.
“Ridiculous, virtuosic, outside-the-box fun … It takes a lot of nerve to make music as amusing as JoyRide’s” (New York Music Daily).
“The audience was enthralled and dizzy with these supermen of music!” Eden Mills Community Club.
Whether you’re a jazz fan, a classical fan, or a true musical adventurer, you’re guaranteed to enjoy these two virtuosos taking the wheel. Hit the gas to catch Joyride!

Tickets

Coffeehouse Concert Series
2026-04-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Open Book Coffee, 3660 Strawberry Hill St.
An intimate night of stories and songs, this concert will bring together talented artists to share the heart behind their music. Stripped down to voice and guitar, weaving melodies with the inspiration and the moments that shaped them. Honest, warm and rooted in the spirit of community that we strive to cultivate here at Open Book Coffee.
