Show Thoughts & Shots // Alan Doyle @ Scotiabank Centre // 15.03.25

On St. Patty’s Day weekend in Halifax, one can safely say that many folks start up the hill and find themselves at the bottom a little bleary-eyed and the worse for wear. The afternoon was spent by this writer/photographer up the hill at the Marquee, shooting photos rather than tipping back a Guinness or two. Much like the previous year, after the Winter Warmer wrapped up, it was time to head down the hill to the biggest barn in town to catch Alan Doyle, the beloved singer-songwriter from Petty Harbour, Newfoundland.

Last year, Alan Doyle played this very room to his largest crowd to date as a solo artist, and once again, the room was jammed to the rafters with fans looking to revel in the classic solo Doyle tunes, as well as those gems from his time in Great Big Sea. It was a night loaded with boisterous songs and fantastic tales, transforming the Scotiabank Centre from a hockey arena to an intimate kitchen party. With the state of the world outside, the patrons inside needed that blast of jovial geniality that Doyle brings to the stage the moment he walks out. As always, Alan was joined by his talented Beautiful Beautiful Band, which features a cast of musicians including Kendel Carson, Corey Tetford and Todd Lumley. It never gets old seeing these folks plying their craft on the biggest stage in town.

On the bill for this Halifax stop were fellow Newfoundlanders the Fortunate Ones, who kicked off the proceedings with a set loaded with heart and charm. Their folk harmonies sparkled throughout the room and wowed the packed house. Then well known Canadian Country artist Tim Hicks hit the stage with his powerhouse band with a amped up set that definitely packed a rock n roll backbone to these modern country songs. It was a set that revved up the crowd for the evening’s headliner.

As it was St. Patty’s Day weekend, there were more than a few bleary-eyed folks in attendance, which made things interesting for the ushers, but all in all, they just wanted to get up and dance to the music. No better way to spend the weekend than taking in live music, especially when the headliner is Alan Doyle.