4 Reasons To Hit The Halifax Jazz Fest

Lets start this post off by saying that this festival should be viewed for the simple reason that it’s a great representation of the amazing jazz musicians we have in the world.  From Ragtime to Bossa Nova to Hot Jazz, this festival has spent the past 29 years bringing in some of the world’s most dynamic jazz acts to any one of its multiple stages. To truly sit here and say that there are four acts that will define this year’s edition of the Halifax Jazz Festival would be a lie. The fact of the matter is that from top to bottom, this festival is the perfect representation of what a jazz festival should be, and is, all about.

My hopes with this piece is to help point out four acts that not only kick major brass, but will also leave the crowd pleading for more.  Without further ado, let us proceed. 

The first act up has got to be the one and only Sharon Jones  & The Dap-Kings. Bringing her energetic, dynamic brand of American funk and soul to the main stage on Wednesday, July 8th, Sharon Jones and co are bound to have the entire crowd up dancing from start to finish. With a band consisting of 10+ members, the sound will be immense, rambunctious and infectious all at once.  To sit back and provide a single song to listen to does not do this lovely woman justice.  Instead I offer a full hour and a half long show that is simply brilliant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh7YPJpA68Y

 

The second act which will more than likely surprise most of those in attendance is none other than Tune-Yards.  Bringing a pop-on-acid sensibility to the jazz scene, New England native Merrill Garbus relies heavy on sets that are comprised of endless loops and playful yet heavy themes. By combining a smooth techno drive with a lo-fi jazz feel, tUnE-yArDs (how they often portray the name in posters) have spent the past 9 years consistently touring and building a strong and loyal fan base.  They won’t be the most radio friendly act at this years event but they’re more than likely to be one of the most interesting.  

 

What is a jazz festival without some good ol’ fashioned horn representation.  The next act on the list is none other than Toronto’s own The Heavyweights Brass Band.  Loaded with musicians that are second to none, this group of six (and sometimes seven) simply use their instruments as extensions of  their very musical being.  Blending a mix of classical, big band sounds with a contemporary Cuban flavour, The Heavyweights can be found blowing the roof off at all major jazz festivals from East Coast to West.

 

Last but not least, the final act of this list (and my most anticipated group to see) has got to be Brooklyn’s best kept secret, Moon Hooch. Originally seen busking away in the subway stations of New York, this trio have spent the past four years dancing their way into the hearts and minds of all that have been lucky enough to witness.  Performing with only two saxophones and a drum kit, Moon Hooch have worked out ways to embed musical ear worms in the most minimal, least likely way.  At times it may appear that the Brooklyn natives fall off the rails but don’t let the brief chaos fool you into thinking that they’re anything other than impeccable and precise.

 

For all other artists and ticket purchases head on over to the official Halifax Jazz Festival site for more details.

 

About the author

Jeff

Jeff is one-fourth of the group that makes up HAFILAX. His usual ramblings can be read right here on the website. If reading isn't your thing, he also hosts the Basement Tapes podcast.

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