Laura Rae had a lot to balance during the pandemic lockdowns. Her father’s emphysema left her without a bubble outside of her household. Most of her family remained miles away in Ontario. Since then, the bilingual singer-songwriter has etched her feelings on a newly released track that’s both emotionally complex and subtly technical. Titled “Lightspeed”, […]
Arts + Music
Live theatre, art exhibits, comedy, literary, spoken word – The Coast guide to Halifax and Dartmouth, NS . The downtown, local arts scene – plays, writers, actors, artists and performers. Painting, sculpture, photography, stand-up, stage.
Mat Elliott delivers soothing soundscapes and sincere heartbreak in ‘South Endings’ EP
Lush psychedelic soundscapes. Funky melodies. Lyrics describing heartbreak and healing. Mat Elliott’s newest EP has it all. The Truro native has found inspiration across the musical spectrum for his debut record, from Tom Mirsch to Still Woozy. And yet, South Endings is truly all his own as the singer-songwriter reminiscences of a past relationship […]
New art show—’The Icehouse Architect’—envisions individual and collective responsibility in mitigating climate change
As you enter the Blue Building Gallery for Krista Leigh-Davis’ new show—The Icehouse Architect—the space feels cold but beautiful, just like you’d imagine the north to be. Crisp, white and sparkling. There is an undeniable sense of magic to it that sparks wonder and mystery. The gallery itself becomes a speculative future where remnants of […]
Mexican novelist sets romance in Halifax—with major connections to the city’s history
Looking for a time-travelling romance set in Halifax during the ‘90s? Mexico-based author Rocío Castillo has you covered. Castillo’s latest book, Forward Rewind, follows a woman named Elaine Connors in the year 2021. After renting an office in Halifax, she discovers a secret door allowing her to travel to the past—1991, to be specific—where she […]
Tourist uses video game relic to capture Halifax in pixelated perfection
A Winnipeg-based artist has captured Halifax in a whole new light—all thanks to a toy from 1998. David Bosc, also known as pegcitypixels on Instagram, recently uploaded several photos onto social media of his most recent trip to Halifax, including shots of the nearby Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, the Halifax Citadel, and even a view of […]
New group art show A Matter of Time aims to showcase emerging artists, expand the art market
The artist will create ground-breaking work. The galleries will hear about the innovative emerging artist and will come in droves, bestowing their unique selling proposition upon them. The artist will choose its perfect match, display the work and the show will sell out on opening night. That’s the dream, right? Unfortunately, supply and demand is […]
Animated short film Salted shows how love and loss can live together in survivors of sexual assault
Him? No! He can’t be a pedophile! He’s always been so kind! How many times have we heard some version of that statement? We are desperate to put sexual abusers squarely into one box or another. Good or bad. Abusive or nice. Pedophile or polite. It feels like some sort of self-preservation tactic; a way […]
Jenn Grant, Morgan Toney win big at 2024 East Coast Music Awards
After an album to remember, Jenn Grant just had a weekend for the books as well. The Lake Echo-based singer-songwriter is coming home to Nova Scotia with a pair of 2024 East Coast Music Awards, for “Song of the Year” (“Judy”) and “Songwriter of the Year.” She won both over the weekend in Charlottetown at […]
Mother Mother announce Halifax show in 2025
Twenty years on from their origins in Heriot Bay, BC, indie rockers Mother Mother are still packing a punch. Back in February, the five-member band fronted by siblings Ryan and Molly Guldemond dropped their ninth album, Grief Chapter—and to mark the occasion, they’re embarking on a worldwide tour that stops in Halifax next March. On […]
Everything you need to know about Mayworks Festival’s 2024 lineup
Halifax’s longest-running workers’ movement festival is back for its 16th year. Starting Wednesday, May 1, the Mayworks Festival will bring visual artists, poets, emcees, actors, quilters and labour organizers together for a 12-day lineup of shows, workshops and exhibits that promises a little bit of everything—and a whole lot to reflect on. The annual festival […]
Enfield’s Classified steps back into the booth for Luke’s View
It’s a sunny day in Enfield, and life is good. Luke Boyd—better known as rapper Classified—is hours away from premiering his newest album, the 11-track Luke’s View, and he’s taking a moment to soak it all in. It’s a rare occasion for the 46-year-old, even in a career that has afforded plenty. Nearly 30 years […]
Old Man Luedecke is back off the scallop boat—and sounding as new as ever
Old Man Luedecke was feeling his age. It was the long days of COVID-19 isolation, and as the opportunity for live shows dwindled—let alone international tours and festivals—the Chester, NS, singer-songwriter wasn’t sure he wanted to get back on the road. Ditto for the studio, which had been a constant for the JUNO-winning banjo artist […]

