Standing inside the new expansion of the Dalhousie Arts Centre, Lori Ward (senior director of development at Dalhousie University) is in a hard hat, describing the sorts of acts that’ll play at the school’s new, 300-seat Joseph Strug Concert Hall. The acoustics are some of the best in North America, Ward explains, since the building […]
venues
Posted inArts + Music
The Light House Arts Centre’s lofty ambitions
Those in the art scene in Halifax have been raising the alarm about the city’s venue crisis for so long that their voices must, by now, be hoarse. After two of the north end’s three indie theatres died due to development in the last five years, and while the old Khyber building continues to sit […]
Posted inArts + Music
Strengthening live music in Halifax
James Boyle already sees Halifax as a “music city,” but he thinks a live music strategy could help “make it stronger.” “It’s the infrastructure that can change the city into a strong event city—or work towards corroding the reputation we have as an incredible place to visit,” says Boyle, executive director of the Halifax Pop […]
Posted inArts + Music
See you at the show: Live music needs us all
[IMAGE-1] Christmas Eve, 2008. A group message, Facebook. “I hope you’re having a wonderful and glorious and perhaps a little drunk holidays. MAD and I need your help, if you have time and energy after xmas. If you have painting, sanding, staining, cleaning, sewing, minor carpentry, or just have a flair for helping and smiling….we […]
Posted inArts + Music
Rebuilding The Pavilion
In the early 1990s, Halifax was living the “next Seattle” indie rock legend. Bands like Sloan, Thrush Hermit and jale were influencing kids who would soon embrace the possibility of professional careers in music. The popularity of rock and punk in Halifax made way for Cafe Ole, Condon MacLeod’s crammed music club on Barrington Street […]
Posted inArts + Music
Q & A: Jeremy Banks, the new director of Bus Stop Theatre
Last month, The Bus Stop Theatre announced the hiring of its new executive director, Jeremy Banks. After incorporating as a non-profit co-operative in 2013 and establishing a Board of Directors, Waque’s vision to transfer leadership was accomplished with Banks, a west-coast arts and culture administrator who moved to Halifax two years ago. We caught up with Banks […]
Posted inArts + Music
Where to Play: Michael’s
DOGKISSER.BLOGSPOT.COM Michael’s Bar and Grill Many of us know Michael’s (6100 Young St) as a karaoke spot where we can comfortably mutilate “I Wanna Come Over” and “Semi-Charmed Life” and then ooze home, redolent of tequila sunrises and vague embarrassment. Soon, you’ll be able to embarrass yourselves in front of actual live bands, as the […]
Posted inBest of Halifax
Best Effort to Keep it Real
Here’s a story about how even when things don’t quite work out, a lot of good can come of powerful intent. Lee-Anne Poole used to be the event coordinator for Halifax Pride and she worked for filmmaker Thom Fitzgerald as a festival producer and in administrative postions. In theatre she’s studied and taught at Neptune […]