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The Coast | News, events, restaurants, concerts and Burger Week for Halifax, Nova Scotia
Home of the Best of Halifax Reader's Choice Awards, the award-winning independent newspaper covers the Halifax news, politics, events, concerts, movies, restaurants, and nightlife scene.
The first rule of Jessica Babin’s wine club is that there are no rules. You don’t have to be an expert, or have any intention of being an expert, drink with her. Bar Kismet’s WSET-certified wine director runs Mermaids and Merlot based on a simple piece of advice she got from a teacher—life is complicated,…
Nocturnal Cities forum at Nova Scotia Music Week Saturday, November 3 Elm/Oak Ballroom, Holiday Inn Truro, 437 Prince Street $55 (forum only, included w/NSMW delegate pass, $100) nsmw.ca This year’s annual Nova Scotia Music Week—starting tonight in Truro—has a theme of “building stronger communities” and part of that is the brand-new Nocturnal Cities forum. It…
Most people keep their kinks, fetishes, and fantasies private. Understandably! It’s socially taboo to be loud and proud about one’s sexual appetite. If I fantasized about finding the perfect coconut cream pie I might visit different restaurants, write reviews or write a blog. I’d enlist the support of my peers asking if they’d ever had…
This year’s record-breaking warm, dry summer gave grape-growers and winemakers a sweet taste of what climate change has in store for Nova Scotia. That heat came just after a freeze in early June—late in the season for a frost so severe—offered another, bitter, glimpse at what climate change will look like in our vineyards. “There…
Festival of Wines Grand Tastings Saturday 28-29, 1-4 & 7-10 pm Cunard Centre, 961 Marginal Road $65, ticketatlantic.com For the first time, the Festival of Wines will expand its focus beyond one country, this year featuring wine made all over North America. At the fest’s four grand tastings this weekend, more than 350 wines will…
In these turbulent political times, inspirational stories are more important than ever. Here’s one about how people power is fuelling a surprising comeback. It starts with a quiet disappearance that gradually builds to a historic wave of orange. And it may offer a balm for the seemingly endless barrage of negative news. Folks in Eastern…
Do any of you have ethical concerns about how insular and self-serving your industry is? Are you seriously that myopic? Who do you work for?!?!—community member
My friend and I were in a tight spot when the footrest on her wheelchair broke, making it unsafe for us to move and try to take the city bus home. We tried fixing it. We called various cabs with no luck. We were at the end of our rope when you came along. Within…
To the young scooter driver leaving the mall yesterday: Where did you learn to drive that bike? You’re going to get yourself injured or killed—passing the cars waiting at the light, by driving up the yellow line, almost getting squeezed into the median as you turned because you were where you shouldn’t be, and then…
If you love her She’ll be your Queen What’s it mean when you’re doubtful? There are other worlds than these… She said—Just a guy
I stopped smoking in 2009. I don’t particularly enjoy the smell of cigarettes. I am completely ashamed and embarrassed of the city’s planned smoking ban.—Big brother is here
Merci beaucoup for saving me from the throes of another retail shift with your compliment. You completely turned my day around and I couldn’t stop smiling just thinking about it.—J
To the customers who called out the old man that was cursing at my co-worker, thank you. Thank you so, so much. I’ve been in fast food for over 10 years (yeah, it’s sad, I know) and today was only the second time in all those years that customers took a stand for us minimum-wage…
I recently took a stroll down Argyle street/giant sidewalk. I remember when the workers were laying the paving stones last summer and how beautiful it was shaping up. Not anymore! It now looks like a chewing gum and motor oil wasteland. I get the oil drips, but for fuck’s sake people, can you at least…
I didn’t know if you wanted my bagel or to say hello. Either way I’m grateful. I was thinking about how much I missed my previous one, but you dried my eyes and made my day. Hopefully I’ll see you around the hydrostone again for more ear scratches.—From a heart broken dog mom
It’s great to have employers post available jobs on Indeed, Career Beacon, and so on. But please, I beg of you, take the job down once it’s filled! I can’t tell you how many jobs are still showing up, even though they have been filled for days, weeks, even a month! I could be using…
This crunchy newspaper probably isn’t going to land on your counter anyway, but I just gotta get this out. Not talking about it is killing me. Not talking to you is just dandy, ’cause the arguments destroyed our love. But we’re family. We have a kid together. I have come to realize that I deserted…
New legislation introduced on Friday will expand the powers of Events East to operate the Halifax Convention Centre with far less oversight from the city and province. The Crown Corporation, which manages the Argyle Street enterprise, will see its spending limit without prior written government approval increase from $250,000 to $500,000. The proposed changes to the…
It’s been a depressing week for Nova Scotia’s freedom of information. First, premier Stephen McNeil said his 2013 campaign promise to “expand the powers and mandate” of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner was a “mistake.” Days later it came to light that the premier’s office had blocked privacy commissioner Catherine Tully in her…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for arts and culture happenings, that is. Look ahead and plan an awesome autumn with this week’s Fall Arts Guide, and know that the fun starts now with events like the Atlantic Flamenco Fest’s opening weekend, the debut of Indian dance company Attakkalari Dance in Halifax, and AQUA…
G7 leaders will be meeting in Halifax from September 19 to 21 to discuss climate change, and coastal and marine sustainability. It is an obvious case of political theatre, given that our federal minister of Environment and Climate Change invited British Petroleum (BP) to begin exploratory drilling for oil off the coast of Nova Scotia…
It’s not the most contentious of HRM’s new cannabis bylaws, but it still has its critics. Halifax regional council voted unanimously in favour of land-use amendments for cannabis production facilities and dispensaries in HRM following a public hearing Tuesday. The bylaw amendments are the third of a set of policy changes in anticipation of legalization…
Halifax Regional Municipality has nearly doubled the amount of money it spends on consultants, according to an analysis of the approved 2018-19 budget, but whether the city is getting what it pays for is harder to determine. Council earmarked $2.08 million for consulting fees this year, compared to the $956,600 it spent last year. It’s…
Karla Nicholson would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Quinpool family fun day. “It was one of the busiest Quinfests we’ve ever had. The weather was incredible, and everyone had a fun time. We would like to thank the band, Swampdonkeys for doing such a fantastic job.” It’s a unique opportunity to give…
In 2012, North Carolina’s Coastal Resources Commission warned that sea levels there could rise by a metre over the next century. The warning was based in part on U.S. Geological Survey findings that “sea level rise along the portion of the East Coast between North Carolina and Massachusetts is accelerating at three to four times…
Q I am newly divorced and have started a relationship with a man I’ve known and deeply cared about for decades. The sex is amazing—from start to finish, I feel better than I ever did even in the best moments with my ex. And in the most intense moments? He makes me see stars. He…
Jeremy Webb just crossed a year at the helm of Neptune Theatre: He received the nationally coveted job last August, helping to walk George Pothitos out—while also handing Eastern Front Theatre to Sam Rosenthal—and settling in on his own in January. “I’ve been in this community for 20 years—I moved here in ’98, I’ve worked…
SEPTEMBER Flamenco Night with Virginia Castro Duràn While The Atlantic Flamenco Festival gives you a host of chances to fall for the Spanish stepping style, featuring Virginia Castro Durán, famed Spanish flamenco dancer, bringing her signature mix of stomping feet and coiling wrists to Halifax. The Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen Street, Thu Sep 27, 8pm,…
September Las Vegas to Nashville Superstars Show It’s a hat tip to Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, ABBA and over 20 more throwback acts as this crew of talented tribute performers take the stage. Spatz Theatre, 1855 Trollope Street, $35, Sep 27, 7:30pm Birdie Whyte & Caribou Run w/Nik Field & Ken Viota For her latest…
14 Bells Fine Art Gallery Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm, 5523 Young Street PHANTASMAGORIA Abstract works blooming with colour by Monika Wright. Nov 17-Dec 1 Anna Leonowens Gallery Tue-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 12pm-4pm, Granville Square, 1891 Granville Street Travelling Textiles Visting Japanese artist Nobuko Hiroi arrives at the Anna Leonowens Gallery with this, an exhibit…
September fLAMENCO EN ROUGE: CAMINO FLAMENCO A multimedia production combining flamenco dance with live music, textile art and projected paintings. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 1675 Lower Water Street, Fri Sep 28, 7:30pm, $20 October SHAY KUEBLER RADICAL SYSTEM ART PERFORMS TELEMETRY Vancouver-based Shay Kuebler brings a mix of swing, tap and contemporary dance to…
Chasing Champions October 25-27, 8pm (Oct 27 2pm mat) Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney Street $30 ($10 students) ticketpro.ca The bar at the Lord Nelson is abuzz on a Friday afternoon caught between summer’s fading grasp and the Atlantic International Film Festival’s opening weekend frenzy. Jacob Sampson sits in a booth up top, away from the…
On & Off the Wall To September 30 Chase Exhibition Gallery Nova Scotia Archives, 6016 University Avenue Discover two hidden gems with On & Off the Wall: Peer Gallery Contemporary Art and Chase Gallery. Pondering what artist and Peer Gallery member Bob Hainstock calls “problems-opportunities,” this show from Lunenburg’s Peer Gallery—in conjunction with its 17th anniversary—explores…
Songs of the City October 5, 6:30pm Spatz Theatre, 1855 Trollope Street $20 tickethalifax.com Inspired by similar events in other cities, the United Way is presenting Songs of the City—a event pairing local musicians with community members who’ve benefited from the United Way’s work in the area. It’s an evening that’s set to showcase both…
James G. Davis and Turner G. Davis Selections from Five Decades To October 10 Studio 21, 5431 Doyle Street Studio 21 christened its new location at 5431 Doyle Street last Friday with the opening of Selections from Five Decades, showing the work father and son artists James G. Davis (1931-2016) and Turner G. Davis. While…
Emily Lawrence, Scratch & Sniff Menu To October 7 The Craig Gallery, 2 Ochterloney Street Emily Lawrence is at work mapping the familiar footpath between our olfactory glands and our memory vaults. She perches on one of several petite stools inside The Craig Gallery, surrounded by the photographs of her new exhibition, Scratch & Sniff…
Fem Fest Saturday, September 22, 7:30pm The Bus Stop Theatre, 2203 Gottingen Street $20 eventbrite.ca April marked the 100th anniversary of Nova Scotia women getting the vote—or at least most of them. “African Nova Scotians as well were given the right, but they had to be Commonwealth citizens and own property,” notes Kathy France. France…
Avondale Sky Winery 80 Avondale Cross Road Newport Landing When Justin Floyd was tasked with designing the menu at Avondale Sky Winery’s patio restaurant, he settled on a simple concept. “I wanted to make food that I would eat while drinking wine, on a deck, on a sunny day, in a beautiful place,” he said,…
This is Nowhere September 26-30 reserve free tickets at thisisnowhere.ca “What would somebody in 1968 have hoped the city of 2018 might look like? What were the blind spots? What were the things that the people of 1968 weren’t thinking about when imagining cities of the future?” Those are the questions that Zuppa Theatre’s co-artistic…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22) Virgo businessperson Warren Buffet is among the top five wealthiest people on the planet. In an average year, his company Berkshire Hathaway adds $36 billion to its already swollen coffers. But in 2017, thanks to the revision of the US tax code by president Trump and his buddies, Buffet…
With over 125 shows annually, Anna Leonowens Gallery has plenty on its plate. But for its 50th anniversary, the Anna lets us know just how ambitious it really is. The Anna hosts exhibitions by NSCAD students almost weekly, as well as visiting artists and alumni. The small but mighty team that runs these shows and…
Word to the wise On Instagram, Scott Jones (@scjns) made a very good edit to the text on last week’s cover, which featured Scott Jones. He’s absolutely right that we should have called him a “documentary subject and hate crime survivor” rather than a victim. We botched that one, and we’re sorry. Rocky’s road I…
Attakkalari Dance Company: Bhinna Vinyasa September 20-21, 2018, 8pm Sir James Dunn Theatre, 6101 University Avenue $20-$30 liveartdance.ca/booking In a rapidly changing world, migration has become an increasingly important subject in the work of artists around the globe. It’s a topic whose representation has stakes for politics, sure, but also for identity, how we see…
