Hilary Beaumont

Back in 2002 when composer and self-described band-boss Mike Smith began dreaming of an instrumental jazz group, he was fascinated by nature films featuring the mighty muskox. Attracted to the idea of a band as a “giant hairy and stinking mass,” Smith named a few pieces after the beast. When the band formed in 2006, the name “Muskox” surfaced and stuck. Five years later the six-piece band (on tour now as a quintet) is scheduled to play the Out Like a LION Festival Saturday, March 26. Though Muskox has changed members and instruments many times over the years, the

Climb the steps of his Halifax home to the third floor and find yourself in Jamie Townsend’s cozy attic bedroom. Primary red and blue colourblocks the walls and slanted ceiling. Scuffed album covers depicting lush coasts and young love hinder sunlight from entering the window. Stuffed monkeys perch on the speakers that bookend Townsend’s desk. On the blue carpet sits a beige futon in sofa mode, an antique globe — which spins to yield song names — and two chairs facing each other. One chair squeaks as Townsend leans back. Ben Dalton sits facing him, tapping a bongo. A couple