Prince Edward Island pop-rock band English Words—the artists formerly known as Smothered in Hugs—is keeping its sound but changing its name image. “We’re not cute and cuddly,” says English Words lead singer Ryan Crane, of the name change. “The whole thing started years and years ago as a reference to a Guided by Voices song, […]
Holly Gordon
Posted inFood + Drink
Reigning men
For the next week, 5,000 sailors will spill into Halifax Harbour, just as the Queen makes her royal visit with Prince Philip. While you may not find them in the same place–no matter how high Elephant & Castle flies its Union Jack—it’d be in good taste to make a toast to Her Highness in a […]
Posted inArts + Music
Grimes, Silly Kissers, Duzheknew, DJ James Reid
When Claire Boucher—the face behind Grimes—tries to compare the music she enjoys to the music she produces, she laughs. “The kind of music I’m into is never the music that I’m producing,” she says. “When I first started playing, I was into country music. Hopefully those recordings are burned or destroyed.” It’s hard to imagine […]
Posted inArts + Music
The Lucy Grays, The Numbered Head, Wizard
Halifax rock group The Lucy Grays just released a self-titled EP this past May, and took a performing break after the release show to regenerate themselves. “Getting the EP together was a bit of a cluster-fuck!” writes Tom Bilodeau, bass player for The Lucy Grays. “It was recorded in two different basements and the NSCC […]
Posted inArts + Music
Brett Ryan’s salvation
Local soul man Brett Ryan is playing his first live gig since the release of his new CD, Salvation Radio, recorded both in Nashville and his own converted-church studio St. Cecilia, found on the shores of Purcells Cove. Salvation Radio is what Ryan lifted from the ash of the forest fire that destroyed his home […]
Posted inArts + Music
Grand Chief Membertou 400
Thousands of First Nations are travelling to Nova Scotia this weekend from as far as Quebec and the States for the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Henri Membertou. Events include a free concert with Buffy Sainte Marie on the Common Friday night, a traditional Mi’kmaq village, native dance, drum competitions, artisan demonstrations […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Book club
On the morning of June 10, the Spring Garden Road Library’s front sidewalk is awash in chalked colour. Shooting stars and flying books lead the way to the steps, and at the end of the mural is an invitation to that night’s public consultation in Dalhousie’s McInnes room—asking for ideas to form the soon-to-be Halifax […]
Posted inArts + Music
Community canvas
When Kate MacLennan defines community art, she says it’s all about the process. “It is art that is facilitated by an artist, but read by the community,” she says, clarifying that it’s art that’s displayed or performed in the community for which it was created. “The product is important so people can be proud of […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Cupcake camp: for adults
“CupcakeCamp is basically just bringing a city community together with the love of cupcakes!” says Johanna Gerrits, the organizer of this Sunday’s cupcake gathering. And who doesn’t love cupcakes? If you go to cupcakecamp.org, you’ll discover that the CupcakeCamp phenomenon is an international one, and Gerrits is simply getting the Halifax baking started. Email cupcakecamphalifax@gmail.com […]
Posted inFood + Drink
Hot summer nights
Patios are open, the sun is high in the sky well after work and our Hot Summer Guide is in your hands—all signs that point to summer, which means appropriate drinking is to be had. Blender drinks—and frozen concoctions—are a summer affair, and we’ve called up three spots that have yummy options for you, as […]
Posted inArts + Music
Tongan Death Grip with The Blameits, The Nymphets, Billy Ray Cyborg
PUNK Tongan Death Grip with The Blameits, The Nymphets, Billy Ray Cyborg The Nymphets, with regular members Johanna Heldebro and Jared and Benjamin Leon, are emerging from the forest to play their first show in Canada since a year-and-a-half ago. The punk band started in Montreal, but members Heldebro and Jared called New York home […]
Posted inArts + Music
Patchwork: The Caravan, Machina Analytica, DJs Steve MacDougall and Moldylox
Local hip-hop group The Caravan is buzzing from its vinyl release last Friday. “The show was a highlight of my music career, the place was electric,” writes guitar and keys player Mike Ritchie. “We sold 25 records, which is 15 more than I thought we would sell. What a great party!” And the party’s not […]