Mayworks Kjipuktuk-Halifax

The Sankofa Singer/Songwriter Circle
2018-05-03 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Halifax) | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
“Sankofa” teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. That is, we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward. Whatever we have lost, forgotten, forgone or been stripped of, can be reclaimed, revived, preserved and perpetuated.

The Sankofa teaches us that we must go back to recognize what was before us while moving forward in the future. As part of this looking back, a stellar roster of African Nova Scotian singer/songwriters will be paying tribute to the internationally known a capella group Four the Moment. Each of them will also showcase their new works and stories of inspiration and growth.
Singer/Songwriter circles give the audience a glimpse into the inspirations of these talented artists. Each creative process is unique, exciting and special.
Our MC for the night will be Folami Jones.
Featured Singer/Songwriters:

Cyndi Cain

Pat Watson

Kwento

Zamani

The Artists:
Cyndi Cain
She’s got the kind of voice that’s capable of giving you goose bumps on the most sweltering of summer nights. The Halifax-based soul singer has shared the stage with Michael Buble, Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Sharon Jones Naturally 7, Charles Bradley and in 2010 was selected to perform for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Cyndi’s release Essentially Cyndi earned her an East Coast Music Award nomination, as did her follow up, 2013’s Soul Food, a more old school sounding record that’s filled with passionate songs of both beautiful joy and pain. Arguably the east coast powerhouse of soul, Cain’s taken home the Galaxie Rising Star Award, the African Nova Scotia Music Award for Best R&B Artist and this year and has been named ANSMA’s Artist of the Year.
Pat Watson
Classic jazz, silky smooth with a gospel touch, that’s the music in Patricia Watson. The purity of Pat’s voice, combined with her style and grace won her the Rising Star Award for 2009 from the African Nova Scotia Music Association. She has been singing most of her life and became serious about her music when she retired in 2009. In addition to singing with her band and the A Capella Women’s Choir, Pat has directed gospel music workshops for The Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival and
various churches in Nova Scotia. She has also conducted jazz and gospel workshops for The Harmony Bazaar Women’s Festival of Women and Song and various fund raising events. Patricia has performed for different churches in Nova Scotia, Vancouver, Arizona, California and New Mexico as a guest soloist, speaker and workshop facilitator.
Kwento
Originally from the Preston Township, Kwento is a product of self discovery and reclaiming her African roots. She wishes for her presence to tell a story that validates and offers comfort to the silenced. Formerly known as Kirsten Olivia, Kwento is not your typical R&B singer – her unique sound can be described as a cross between Neo soul and Experimental R&B; bringing genres together in a fusion that’s familiar yet stretching creative boundaries. Her performances are full of emotional honesty and empowered femininity and her vocals leave audiences speaking of her effortlessness. She boasts an impressive list of stages she has performed on, from Harlem New York’s Carribbean Music Festival, Halifax’s Jazz and Tall Ships Festivals, Nova Scotia Music Week, East Coast Music Week, and The African Nova Scotian Music Awards stage, where she won the award for Best Emerging artist. Her musical exploits have seen her become an ECMA Nominee for Best R&B Recording and The Coast’s Best R&B Silver winner.
Zamani
At just 17 years old, Zamani’s music is described as captivating, satiny-soulful and refreshingly pure! Greatly inspired by the R&B, pop, Jazz and soul divas of this era, Zamani, skillfully arranges, produces, writes, sings and performs original musical works. After a featured performance at Halifax’s popular “For the Love of God Concert in 2015 and a debut jazz performance at the prestigious Halifax TD International Jazz Festival – which won the praise of vocalist Sharon Jones – Zamani was invited to give a featured performance at the 18 th Annual African Nova Scotian Music Awards which launched her into the African Nova Scotian music scene. Zamani was recently named co-recipient of the 2018 ANSMA Portia White Youth Award; She is a recipient of the 2018 Jongleur Productions Performance Award and a nominee of the Jongleur Youth Arts Scholarship. She is currently working on an EP of original compositions to be released in 2018.
Four the Moment

Four the Moment‘s career spanned several decades and began as a direct action response against the Ku Klux Klan planning to establish a base in Halifax. They have an incredible story that we Nova Scotians should never forget. Their songs spoke to the African Nova Scotian experience and the fight for justice, freedom and equality for all.

The Sankofa Singer/Songwriter Circle is presented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees

Hip Hop vs. Capitalism
2018-05-12 20:00 - 23:30 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
This festival mic drop closes our 2018 program through a night of beats and rhymes that speak truth to capitalist power.

Test Their Logik
Using hip-hop to inspire political action and to deliver potent messages of social and environmental justice, TEST THEIR LOGIK has developed a following amongst activists and hip-hop heads alike. For 9 years they’ve toured this planet, supporting social movements and freedom fighters at the frontlines of struggles against the tyranny and violence of the powerful, as well as rocking parties, festivals, and stages on every continent. Their most recent album “BE” was well-received on campus radio across Canada, staying in the top 10 on the hip-hop charts Nationally for 10 weeks straight and hitting #1 at various stations across North America. They are currently working on their third full-length Album “See”.
testtheirlogik.bandcamp.com

Lee Reed
Kanadian HipHop’s oldest and grumpiest radical left loudmouth, and a respected veteran of the nation’s indie music scene. For over 20 years he’s been stomping stages and studios, spewing his unique brand of fiery, anti-capitalist rant-hop. From mouthpiece for the legendary punk-hop greats Warsawpack, and throughout his solo work that followed, Reed’s musical legacy remains committed to the fight for a better world. Voicing anti-oppressive politics through HipHop, and soundtracking and signal-boosting the efforts of communities and organizers struggling on the frontline for social and environmental justice. His latest album, 2015’s anti-colonial/anti-state anthem “The Butcher The Banker The Bitumen Tanker” spent 14 weeks on the national campus & community radio Top-10 charts, ending the year as Kanada’s #6 HipHop album. Hide your bankers. Hide your cops.
leereed.bandcamp.com

DJ Fadzwa
Zimbabwe born and raised, Halifax praised. DJ Fadzwa is known for spinning killer afrobeat sets with visuals to match. Fadza recently won Bronze for best DJ at The Coast: Best of Halifax 2017 Awards. Bringing the sounds of the African Diaspora and more, be prepared to party.
www.facebook.com/kunyangwe18

Ray Reaves
Raised in poverty stricken parts of Atlanta, and Washington D.C., Ray uses his experiences witnessing police brutality, violent crime, and struggle in his communities to craft songs on these issues with a mix of melody and raw emotion.
rayreaves.bandcamp.com/

El Jones
El Jones is a poet, professor and one of the most influential activists living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She’s the former Poet Laureate of Halifax, the current Nancy’s Chair in Women’s studies and the co-host of the Black Power Hour on CKDU-FM, an educational program which provides information on Black history and culture aimed at incarcerated people

Party Brass
Party Brass is a RHYMETHiNK project featuring MC’s Testament (of Test Their Logik) and Lee Reed. No ballads. No slow jams. Just pure party-rocking soundtrack for peeps resisting the shytstem. Emma Goldman is famously quoted as saying “If I can’t dance to it, it’s not my revolution”. In that spirit, Party Brass is looking to take revolution to the dance floor the way Emma woulda’ wanted. Beats and rhymes for radical minds.

Hip Hop vs. Capitalism is presented by the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union

The NS Federation of Labour presents Si Khan
2018-05-18 18:00 - 20:00 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
An Evening with Si Kahn
International Songwriter | Activist | Organizer
Si Kahn has worked for over 45 years in both the USA and Canada as a civil rights, labour and community organizer and musician.
Stay for a reception at 8:00pm where you can meet Si!
The theatre will fill up fast and there are no tickets to this event, come early and let’s fill the place!

NS Federation of Labour | 902.454.6735
info@nslabour.ca

Presented in partnership with the Mayworks Halifax Festival

Songs of Resilience: Bringing Voice to Protest Music
2019-05-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Nova Scotia
May 4th, 7:00pm @ St-Andrew’s United Church | May 9th, 8:00pm @ Halifax Convention Centre
Celebrating song as a tool for social change movements with Polaris Choir
Featuring chants, protest songs, contemporary choral works, and a choir-created arrangement, listeners will be transported throughout the past hundred years and invited to reflect on social movements that have impacted the Nova Scotia region.
Polaris is Choirs for Change’s high-intensity adult community choir led by Jack Bennet, Sanford Hare, and Emma Norton.
*A special second performance of this event will take part during the NSGEU Convention at the Halifax Convention Centre. The performance will be free for attending NSGEU delegates and open to the general public through the purchase of $15 tickets.
Presented by

With support from

Songs of Resilience: Bringing Voice to Protest Music (NSGEU Convention)
2019-05-09 20:00 - 21:30 | Nova Scotia

Strange Froots & Zamani
2019-05-31 16:00 - 17:30 | Nova Scotia
A Friday afternoon celebration of chill grooves and deep rhythms. Strange Froots are a trio of soul warriors from Montreal, Canada featuring MCs Naïka Champaïgne, SageS, and Mags. Seamlessly blending traditions from their manifold perspectives of the Black diaspora (Haiti, Ghana, Jamaica and Senegal), the Froots’ music displays a disarming form of directness that allows them to communicate complex ideas with effortless allure.

Joining them is local vocalist / songwriter / producer Zamani, a young force combining the vibes of India Arie, Solange, Mariah Carey and more. At 18 years young, Zamani’s smooth presence, deft production work and striking vocals showcase a preternatural gift for music. Look out world!
Plus, a special performance from neighbourhood teens curated by Paint Cha A Pitcha Productions. There’ll be free snacks and craft supplies on hand for all to enjoy.
*Rain Location at The Bus Stop Theatre (2203 Gottingen St)

Presented in partnership with

Hip Hop Vs. Capitalism Vol. 2
2019-06-01 20:00 - 23:30 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
Back for a second year in a row, Hip-hop Vs. Capitalism will be part of Mayworks’ festival mic-drop. Kicking off with a community cypher entitled “Hip-Hop vs. the System”, followed by a feature set by acclaimed anti-capitalist hip-hop veterans Test Their Logik.
Hip-Hop Vs. The System | A Community Cypher
Calling all rappers and emcees in the HRM.
Join the collective rap-battle vs. the forces that control, oppress, and exploit us all. Bring your best bars and spit truth to power about cops, jails, bosses, banks, corporate power, racism, poverty, the 1%, politicians, colonization, sexism, war, climate change, etc.
We’ve been battling each other too long, it’s time we unite and battle the system!
Test Their Logik
Using hip-hop to inspire political action and to deliver potent messages of social and environmental justice, TEST THEIR LOGIK has developed a following among activists and hip-hop heads alike. For over a decade they’ve toured this planet, supporting social movements and freedom fighters at the front lines of struggles against the tyranny and violence of the powerful, as well as rocking parties, festivals, and stages on every continent. Their most recent album “BE” was well-received on campus radio across Canada, staying in the the top 10 on the hip-hop charts Nationally for 10 weeks straight and hitting #1 at various stations across North America. They are currently working on their third full-length Album “See”.
Hosted by DJ 5Rivers & DJ Tranzish(ə)n

DJ 5Rivers has a deep rooted love for music, dance and community. They are passionate about issues of environmental justice, social justice, gender equity all while focusing on the intersections of gender, race and class.

DJ Tranzish(ə)n was born and raised in K’jipuktuk as a Maroon descendent. She loves every aspect of music while showing and celebrating her Jamaican roots. DJ TranˈziSH(ə)n brings you through the soundtracks of her daily life. Playing you hot hiphop, R&B, Reggae and dancehall tunes from the 90’s to present.

Presented in partnership with

Dance to A New Dawn
2019-06-01 23:59 - 2019-06-02 05:30 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
Night of June 1st to 2nd – midnight to dawn
*Dry Event*

5 Epic DJ’s will take us all on a journey through space, time, and sound as we celebrate revolutionary arts and culture and dance the night away as a community. Complementing the music will be stunning and politicized murals, graphics, and video-streams creating a visually transformed Bus Stop that merges the vibes of a music festival with a political movement in the most enticing way. There is nowhere better to spend the first 6 hours of your Sunday June 2nd than here with us.

DJ Cee.Reality
Cee.Reality is a Toronto-based Producer, Emcee, and DJ best known for his work as part of the anarchist hip hop duo Test Their Logik. He’s has been rocking stages as a live act all over the world for over a decade. In recent years Cee has been turning his attention to rocking the stage behind the decks and mastering his craft on the 1s and 2s. Employing an arsenal of his own beats and heavy, dark bass filled tracks that range from hip hop, trap and dubstep, cee.reality will get the energy up and the dance floor bumping.
https://soundcloud.com/ceereality

KittyBass
KittyBass is one of the East Coast dance music scene’s most versatile DJs, effortlessly switching between styles such as grime, bassline house, U.K. garage, R&B, and dubstep. She has continued to gain serious momentum over the course of the last year, playing Valhalla Sound Circus in Montreal, Future Forest, and opening for heavy hitters such as Sleevless records’ Stylust Beats, The Librarian, Aaron Jackson, Chuurch, and many more.
https://soundcloud.com/djkittybass

Wobble Wallah
Eastern Canada’s official delegate of trans-continental bass music. The Wobble Wallah is a full power performer; weaving together fire arts, hand drumming, and live mixing, his shows are a borderless exploration into the roots of the human experience. His impeccable taste for sounds both tribal and psychedelic is embroidered by his on-stage energy, and his relentless onslaught of bold, beautiful, brilliant music.
https://soundcloud.com/wobble-wallah

DJ Fadzwa
Zimbabwe born and raised, Halifax praised. DJ Fadzwa is known for spinning killer afrobeat sets with visuals to match. Fadza recently won Bronze for best DJ at The Coast: Best of Halifax 2017 Awards. Bringing the sounds of the African Diaspora and more, be prepared to party.
https://www.facebook.com/fadzwahfx/

ANANDRA
Following the flow, cultivating an elemental temple for body, mind & soul. Anandra is new to DJ’ing, but no stranger to improvising, exploring, and producing within the audio realm. Here to serve.
https://soundcloud.com/anandraa/postvapourintrusions

AQUAKULTRE: BGM LIVE
2021-09-03 19:00 - 22:00 | The Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 3B1, Canada
Bleeding Gums Murphy: Live Album Concert

>>> BUY TICKETS <<<

Featuring Aquakultre & DJ Uncle Fester
With orchestration by Erin Costelo
Opening act featuring Kxng Wooz with Superfluid
The legendary Halifax-based DJ Uncle Fester teams up with the renowned Halifax-based rapper/singer/song-writer and Polaris Prize-nominated artist Aquakultre. Together, they blend Hip-Hop, Jazz, Soul and Rhythm and Blues. The entire record will be brought to you live!
Accompanied By:
Andrew Jackson
Matt Myer
Jackson Fairfax-Perry
Jeremy Costello
Ross Burns
Tim Crofts
Lakita Wiggins
Rachael Delano
Donny Milwaukee
Special Guests:
Chudi Harris
Ghettosocks
Shevy Price
Corey Writes
Ambition
Tachichi
Andre Fenton
DJ Okay TK
Sound Technician: Tynan Dunfield
Media Team: Griffin O’toole & Audrey Chan
Public Health
Public Health Guidelines will be strictly enforced to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. Please respect the venue’s instructions for masking, distancing and travel. Stay home if you do not feel well! The concert will be recorded and the video released at a later date.

Presented by

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HOW WE WON
2021-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | The Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 3B1, Canada
A 25th Anniversary Tribute Concert Honouring the Community’s Collective Action in Saving Our Canada Employment Centre

>> Click Here for Required Registration

PUBLIC HEALTH: Health care restrictions will be lifted by this date, however we strongly encourage everyone to wear masks, wash hands regularly and keep distant from those outside your group of friends. If you feel unwell, please stay home.

Finally, on September 17,we’re thrilled to present How We Won.
Join us at The Derby Showbar to hear an incredible story of collective action through the weaving of witness telling, music, and spoken word poetry in tribute to community power. On March 27th, 1996, a collection of activists from the community as well as local union members, joined together in a 133 day protest by occupying the offices of the Canada Employment Centre located at 2089 Gottingen Street in North end Halifax. This remarkable act of worker and community resistance still holds the record as Canada’s longest occupation of a Federal Government office in the history of Canada.

Credit: Lynn Jones African Canadian and Diaspora Heritage Collection

Featuring:
Dr. Lynn Jones & Carolann Wright
Both will share memories of their involvement in the landmark occupation

The evening will also feature stellar performances by
Corey Adams | Keonte Beals | Linda Carvery | El Jones | MAJE

Presented by

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May Day @ Radstorm
2022-05-01 14:00 - 23:00 | Radstorm, 2177 Gottingen Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Looking for more to do on May Day?
Check out this Fundraising event presented by
Radstorm & the Halifax Anarchist Book Fair
Sunday, May 1
Doors – 2 PM | Screening – 3 PM | Music – 5 PM
All ages/Dry space
$10 or Pay What You Can
Radstorm, 2177 Gottingen
Masks required
Musicians:
Jah’mila
(roots reggae/reggae soul)
https://jahmila.bandcamp.com/
Test@
(anarchist hip-hop/rap)
https://testtheirlogik.bandcamp.com/
Dang.
(dark ambient/experimental /electronic/field recordings)
https://dangk.bandcamp.com/
Panties
(post-soviet immigrant harsh pedal noise)
https://inyourpanties.bandcamp.com/
Burdened
(punk rock/doom metal)
https://www.instagram.com/burdenedband/
Snarler
(fastcore/hardcore punk/powerviolence/grindcore)
https://snarler.bandcamp.com/
Documentaries:
Transmissions Part One
(33 minutes)
By: Submedia
“Part one of a four part mini-series focusing on the various dimensions of intergenerational relationships among anarchists. Part one is a collection of anarchist stories focusing on origin stories from the 60’s through the early 00’s, while the second part focuses on relationships.”
Celebrating Seven Years of Self Governance in Cherán, Michoacán
(23 minutes)
“Cherán has been practicing a traditional form of self government for 11 years. On April 15th, 2018 the Indigenous Purépecha municipality Cherán Michoacán celebrated the 7 year anniversary of their uprising against what they all call today: The Narco Government.”
We Are Now: The Story of an Armed No-Cop Zone in Atlanta
(22 minutes)
By: Crimethinc
“On the night of June 12, 2020, Atlanta police officers murdered Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man, at a Wendy’s in south Atlanta, Georgia. This took place immediately following the high point of the countrywide uprising in which people responded to the murders of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and countless other Black people around the United States. In response, a new wave of protest and revolt broke out across Atlanta, in which the Wendy’s burned to the ground. Armed Black demonstrators occupied the site of the Wendy’s, mourning for Rayshard Brooks and seeking to create spaces of Black empowerment.”

ONLINE - All In: DJ Uncle Fester x Superfluid Collective + Friends
2022-05-18 - 2022-05-20 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
Online Stream (May 18th-20th) (CC)
>>BUY TICKETS
This two part show will blow your socks off! DJ Uncle Fester brings together some of Halifax’ hottest MCs and the amazing Superfluid Collective for a night of great performances and a live off-the-floor recording session of new music.
Part I: DJ Uncle Fester & Friends
Featuring General Khan & Ambeez, Ghettosocks, and Aquakultre

Part II: DJ Uncle Fester x Superfluid Collective

Superfluid Collective will be DJ Uncle Fester’s live band for a night of new music recorded off-the-floor for a future collaborative album to be released later this year. Be here on the ground level for something special!

DJ Uncle Fester
16 year Vet of the Halifax Hip-Hop scene DJ Uncle Fester is always creating. A founding member of the Backburner crew, Fes has worked on many award winning albums and with artists from all across North America. Recording, Engineering, Producing, DJing, Beat Making and touring with The Extremities are all ways in which Fes has spread his sound across the map. With all this work already put in and no signs of slowing down, look for many upcoming projects to come.
IG: @fester902
Web: http://www.djunclefester.com/
Bandcamp: https://djunclefester.bandcamp.com/
More Music on: http://blackbuffalorecords.ca/
Superfluid Collective
A blend of fusion and urban influences, Superfluid is a quasi-collective, multi-dimensional, poly-genre force of kinetic energy that spins velveteen lyrics across smooth grooves, silk Rhodes, and soulful guitars. On spaceship earth, energy is neither created nor destroyed, it simply changes form. This is true for individuals that make up Superfluid Collective. Ranging from Bengali, Iranian, Pubjabi M’ikMa’ki, English, Irish and Canadian backgrounds, the group has come together through a shared thirst for Olands and basement jams. The group’s experience of immigration is paralleled by their vagabond work ethic, moving between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for shows. A quintessential festival band, Superfluid is best experienced live.
Shuvanjan Karmaker – Founder/Bass
Paige Bailey – Piano
Serkan Suer – Drums
Seth Voliere – Guitar
James Shaw – Saxophone
Mathew Marshall – Trombone
Matt Myers – Trumpet
Web: https://www.superfluidmusic.com/

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The Halifax Workers' Action Centre's 2nd Annual Open Mic Night
2023-10-07 18:00 - 21:00 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
Join us for a night of fun, music, and solidarity at the Halifax Workers’ Action Centre’s Open Mic Night Fundraiser!

>> Get tickets HERE
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This in-person event will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3B5.
Enjoy labour-minded performances by local artists, prizes, and a silent auction – all for a good cause!
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The Halifax Workers’ Action Centre is a non-for-profit, dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of workers in our community.
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So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and come on down to support the Halifax Workers’ Action Centre!
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Tickets are on a sliding scale of $25-$50
All funds raised will directly support workers in their fight against workplace injustice.

Accessibility notes:
For information about venue accessibily, including an accessibility video tour (with captions of the Lobby and Theatre), a floor plan, and information on parking and Halifax transit information, please visit: https://busstoptheatre.coop/accessibility/
You can also email info@busstoptheatre.coop or call 888-639-1169 ext. 2.
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If you wish to speak to a Halifax WAC organizer about event accessibility, or have any other questions, please email us at halifaxwac@gmail.com or call 902 221 0755 ext. 2

Hip Hop: The Next Gen
2024-05-04 21:00 - 23:30 | The Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 3B1, Canada
Calling all rap lovers old school and new!
Next Gen is about renewing Hip Hop‘s legacy by respecting the past and making space for the future. Can legacies evolve? Are legacies shared? Can you bop to boom bap and trap back to back? Join us on May 4th at the Seahorse to find out.
Presented by General Khan and Feat. Special Guest DJ OKAY TK
Hip Hop: The Next Gen is a musical experience that focuses on the next generation of rap legacies.
Chieffy | J u í c e | BASYL | LXVNDR | Yohvn Blvck

Left to right: BASYL, Chieffy, J u í c e, General Khan, LXVNDR, Yohvn Blvvk, OKAY TK

General Khan
General Khan is a local artist and community organizer, born and raised in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia). General Khan’s art style is influenced by her lived experiences with oppression such as white supremacy, colonialism, displacement, racism, Islamophobia, ableism, and more.
General Khan is also a local community organizer. She is known for her overwhelming passion and commitment to dismantling systems of oppression. At most actions, you’ll find her on the megaphone chanting. Those closest to her know her for her big smile and an even bigger heart.
To learn more about General Khan, follow her @iamgeneralkhan

Okay TK
OKAY TK is a DJ based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. TK has won multiple awards and DJ competitions over the years. Continues to perform on the national stages. His performances are about connecting with the listener through his song selection, technical ability, and stage presence.
@heyokaytk

Chieffy
Cheiffy is an Afro – Indigenous Hip Hop artist hailing from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, whose music explores the topics of race, poverty, mental health, and spiritual growth. Sonically his music lives in the traditions of hip hop blues and rock and roll his music is a unique blend of boom bap, trap, and abstract hip hop. Cheiffy is known for a laid back delivery allowing his lyrics to sink in and be digested by the listener, while also having an ear for melody and a taste for hooks.
@chieffybear

J u í c e
J u í c e brings a unique blend of raw lyricism and infectious beats to the forefront of Canadian music. Hailing from Halifax, his music reflects personal experiences and societal observations. With a magnetic stage presence and unwavering dedication, J u í c e is leaving an indelible mark on the hip hop landscape, captivating audiences far beyond the streets of Halifax.
@Schwalen_

BASYL
For BASYL, music is more than just a career; it serves as a profound avenue for self-expression. Hailing from the heart of the Middle East, BASYL; a Palestinian rapper crafts a unique style that blends the melodic vibes of R&B with meticulously crafted lyrics and an infectious, rhythmic flow. BASYL delves into themes such as freedom of speech, oppression, personal growth, and love through his music. His latest single, “As Of Late,” offers a tantalizing glimpse of his forthcoming EP, “Love Bombers,” currently in the works.
@baselsabri

LXVDR
LXVNDR is an east-coast Hip Hop artist based out of Halifax. Her flow bounces around from hardcore, to lofi and even R & B! In the recent past she has been nominated for multiple music ns awards and ECMA’s.
Her music has been spun on DJ Premier’s radio station “Live From HeadqCourtez” 3 weeks in a row, with recent cameos in Maestro Fresh Wes’ TV series as well as appearing in Classified and Masta Ace’s “Sure Enough” music video !
Recognized by Chuck D as “the Canadian Queen of Hip Hop” she is very focused on advancing her musical career! Truly never knowing exactly what you’re going to get with LXVNDR, the only thing that can be guaranteed is : A VIBE!
@missslxv

Yohvn Blvck
“As the blistering Antiguan heat cools with the sunset, a teenage Edwin Yohance Hull is setting up mics and PAs on the docks. His birthplace is home to anything but a thriving rap scene. He, and the same fifteen faces, are the scene. Darkness overtakes the Caribbean oasis, and another Rap Night is underway. He performs to a small audience of supportive rap groups–people who helped him get his start. The moment is fleeting, as conversations about Hull and his family moving to Canada are becoming much more serious. He would have to leave the rap community he helped build behind, or at least for now. On the plane to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2013, Hull is unknowingly being launched into a new phase of his identity. He will become known as Yohvn Blvck, and usher in a new era of Canadian rap.”
@yohvnblvck

Resting Space
2024-05-05 13:00 - 16:00 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
A Workshop by Becoming Old Growth
What is your relationship with rest? Our personal experiences with burnout led us to global rest movements and the anti-capitalist rest manifesto of “Nap Bishop” Tricia Hersey. What changes when we recognize exhaustion as a collective issue rather than a personal one? In this three-hour workshop, we invite participants into a guided, communal resting space. Through gentle, unstructured opportunities to listen, write, draw, move, and make sound—or simply rest—the artists will guide participants to reflect on these questions, emphasizing the role of rest as a natural and necessary balance to labour.
Participants will be invited to share their ideas and experiences with the artists following the workshop session. Cushions and blankets will be available and you are welcome to bring your own comfort items to use during the workshop.
Registration Details
Please register in advance via this registration form:
>>REGISTER HERE
Age:
Workshop geared for adults and mature youth. No arts experience required.
Accessibility:
Please indicate accessibility needs in the registration form by Monday, April 29th.
Note:
We will try to accommodate accessibility requests, however we cannot guarantee as all requests can be met. We will email you if we cannot fulfill your request.
Childcare:
On site childcare available upon request, please fill out child care info in the registration form above and submit by Monday, April 29th.

About Becoming Old Growth:
Becoming Old Growth is a multidisciplinary, participatory trio that uses sound, listening, movement and poetry to encourage a deeper inhabitation of place, awakening our selves and senses to the future already enfolded within past and present. BOG’s kinetic name, inspired by a provocative article by Dan Longboat and Joe Sheridan, reflects our shared desires to learn, evolve, and deepen our understandings, as non-Indigenous residents of Mi’kma’ki, of “the relationship between where one is and what one thinks”. In their article, Longboat and Sheridan write that “Old growth minds…build an ecology of mind that stands in the middle of the temporal arc to see future and past synchronically in equal bending horizons.” Contemplating the rhythms and cycles of the living earth through our work, the histories of this place and its possible futures, we take the first steps along a path to Becoming Old Growth—shifting away from disconnection and placelessness towards “recovering the necessary relationship between healthy ecologies of land and human minds.”

Left: Susanne Chui (Photo credit: Béatrice Schuler-Mojon)
Centre: Erin Donovan (Photo credit: Courtney Mac Photography)
Right: Basma Kavanagh (Photo credit: James Arthur MacLean)
Social Media Tags:
@BOG_collective
@chui.susanne
@hearhereproductions
@basma.kavanagh

Our Legacy: Many Voices, Many Stories
2024-05-10 19:00 - 21:00 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
An evening of stories, songs and celebration!
Our Legacy: Many Voices, Many Stories is a tribute and celebration of Black families, stories and songs. The Black family has been through 400 years of existence in Nova Scotia and continues to be the backbone of African Nova Scotian communities. We stand on their shoulders and despite the racism, segregation and discrimination our families continue to stand strong and determined.
We are because of them!
>>Register Here for FREE Childcare
Join Shelley Fashan and her curated lineup of guests as they share their voices and stories spanning generations.

Shelley has a lengthy history of community involvement, activism and volunteerism. She has served on the East Coast Music Association, the Nova Scotia Arts Council, which was responsible for creating the Portia White Prize. the Lieutenant Governor Masterworks Award and a founding member of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir and the African Nova Scotian Music Association. She currently sits on the boards of the Charles Taylor Theatre and Media Arts Association, the Eastern Shore Cooperator and The Descendants of African Americans Living in Nova Scotia, the Akoma Property Commitee and the Advisory Council of the Road to Economic Prosperity.
Shelley is a cultural producer who has produced several Singer/Songwriter Circles of local artists, including a tribute to African Nova Scotian Roots Artists, “Four The Moment” and most recently in May 2019, she produced a most successful evening called “ Sistas In the Struggle Black Feminist Panel and the How We Won Tribute and showcase in honour of the longest running occupation and protest in Canada on Gottingen Street.

Florence Mae West

Florence Mae West is a direct descendant of Africville. She is the daughter of Frederick West, the son of Former Africville Resident Lena May West. Many considered her Nanny to be “The Spirit of Africville” because of her legacy of Old Negro Spirituals she shared each Sunday at Seaview Baptist Church, many of which Florence learned at her feet as a child during family Spiritual times in the living room. Florence grew up watching her Nanny, and her daughters “The West Sisters” share this rich legacy of Old Negro Spirituals in many venues. Today, Florence is grateful to God to be able to carry on this legacy.

Linda Carvery

Former President of the award-winning Nova Scotia Mass Choir, Linda embarked on a solo career, recording her first CD Yesterday/Today.
Linda has expanded her musical horizons by performing in the Neptune Theatre productions of the musicals Gospel at Colonus and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She also performed in Eastern Front Theatre’s production of Whylah Falls which staged a series of performances at the National Arts Centre.
Linda has created and performed in one-woman shows. First came Make That Gospel, Double Double for Halifax Fringe Festival, followed by Soulful Sunday Sounds of Africville.
Recently Watch Over Me was mounted by Mulgrave Road Theatre. As well, Linda was the vocalist in George Elliott Clarke’s production 5 Poets Breaking Into Song.

The Fraser Family
Raised in the Baptist Faith in the Black Community of North Preston the Fraser Family has been singing gospel for over 4 generations. The family first started singing Country style Gospel music with their parents Cyril and Rosella Fraser as part of the family singing tradition that exists within the Preston area and throughout Black communities in Nova Scotia. The Fraser family has kept the tradition alive as they are invited to Churches, Community concerts, and festivals within Metro area.

The Thomas Family

Dr. Carolyn G. Thomas is a Multi-generational, Lifelong resident of East Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada. Carolyn is a Mother of 4 and Grandmother to 2 grandchildren. She is internationally recognized as an acclaimed, historian, lecturer, Civil Rights Advocate/Activist, and author of the Underground Railroad to Nova Scotia. Carolyn was a founding member of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission who dedicated 2 and a half decades to making Nova Scotia a more diverse and inclusive province. Her life’s work has centered around championing the cause for justice, economic and community development throughout her church, community and beyond.
Trynda Thomas is a multi-generational, Black Nova Scotian from East Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is the youngest daughter of the late Deacon Matthew Thomas and Dr. Carolyn G. Thomas, and the proud mother of daughter, Wilhelmina. Trynda is an alumnus of Dalhousie University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree. She also studied at Dalhousie School of Law – believing in Justice and equality for all. Trynda loves to sing and has performed on many ova Scotia stages, across Canada and internationally. She has worked in the field of HR for over 20 years both nationally and internationally. She is the Founder of Talent Scouts International, a professional staffing agency and HR Consultancy.
Tamara Thomas is a multi-generational, Black Nova Scotian from East Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is the middle daughter of the late Deacon Matthew Thomas and Dr. Carolyn G. Thomas. Tamara is passionate about helping families and bringing out the best in people and serves as a Parenting Journey Professional. She is very active in her church and community having served on many boards and committees at large. Tamara sings lead in her church choir, is a Member of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir and has traveled nationally and internationally sharing her gift of song.

WIKI w/Lord Unknown + DJ Uncle Fester • Tachichi • BASYL• Hatfield
2025-05-02 21:00 - 23:59 | The Marquee Ballroom, 2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 3B1, Canada
Come hear the beats and bars of some of the best hip hop artists on the East Coast – from both sides of the border!
New York hip hop fixture Wiki is coming to light up the Marquee Ballroom with Lord Unknown. They’ll be joined by local legends DJ Uncle Fester and Tachichi, as well as rising stars BASYL and Hatfield.

Wiki
Wiki (Patrick Morales) is a critically acclaimed, independent rapper from New York City. He has released many celebrated projects, including albums produced by Tony Seltzer (14K Figaro in 2023), The Alchemist (Faith is a Rock with MIKE in 2023), Subjxct5 (Cold Cuts in 2022), Navy Blue (Half God in 2021) and NAH (Telephonebooth in 2021), as well as tracks with Ghostface Killah, Earl Sweatshirt, Princess Nokia, Skepta, and Madlib. Wiki is a staple of the New York underground, where he rose to prominence as the frontman of Ratking. The trio’s groundbreaking 2014 LP So It Goes remains a landmark in experimental hip hop. One of this generation’s best lyricists and storytellers, Wiki brings his talents to Atlantic Canada for the first time when he performs with Lord Unknown at the Marquee Ballroom in Halifax on May 2nd, 2025.
Praise for Wiki’s 2023 album Faith is a Rock with MIKE and The Alchemist
“Faith Is a Rock is one of the most flat-out beautiful rap albums I’ve heard” – Alex Hudson (Exclaim!)
“Blending emotional transparency with nuance and a knack for descriptive writing, the LP finds profound human truths in mundanities . . . It’s as frank as it is poetic, with everyone involved being able to find delicate beauty amid existential fear” – Peter A. Berry (Stereogum)
“MIKE and Wiki have a lot to say. Their knack for lucid self-awareness and radical honesty is only matched by their sharp social commentary . . . Here, two worthy champions sit on a throne crafted from their own excellence” – Matthew Ritchie (Pitchfork)
Praise for Wiki’s 2021 album Half God with Navy Blue
“The New York rapper’s latest is one of his greatest. A wise and angry Wiki reveals what it’s like to come of age in the city: the way it shapes, hardens, prematurely ages you . . . Wiki has always wielded his considerable talent to paint cityscapes with words, but with Elsesser’s production, they become transportive” – Matthew Ismael Ruiz (Best New Music – Pitchfork)
“Half God is just a beautiful record . . . Wiki and Navy Blue’s New York sounds like the most glorious place on earth. I hope both of them stay in that place, literal or metaphorical, and I hope they make more music like this, together or apart” – Tom Breihan (Stereogum)
Lord Unknown

Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, producer Lord Unknown has built a reputation for his eclectic and innovative sound. His impressive catalog boasts collaborations with prominent artists such as Rich the Kid, Jay Critch, Wiki, and DJ Lucas, papo2oo4 x Subjxct 5, Starker x Yl, and Lunchbox among many others. In 2018, Lord Unknown launched his acclaimed “Lord Knows” series, which has since grown to include four installments. This collection showcases his versatility, featuring remixes, beats, and unreleased tracks that blend different eras and styles into something fresh and exciting. Lord Unknown’s approach to collaboration is characterized by a deep sense of creative synergy, as he pushes boundaries with fellow rappers and producers. His unique sound has captivated audiences and established him as a hidden force in the music scene.

DJ Uncle Fester
A veteran and OG of the Canadian hip hop scene, DJ Uncle Fester is always creating. A founding member of the Backburner Crew, Fes has worked on many award winning albums and with artists from all across North America. Recording, engineering, producing, beat making, touring and DJing for various MCs in Canada (Ghostface and Raekwon), as well as various bands, are all ways in which Fes has spread his sound across the map. From working with Ali Shaheed Muhammad (ATCQ) on the award winning Extremities (w Fresh Kils) project, which blended live band recordings and musicians with a traditional hip hop approach, all the way to arranging and mixing tracks on Chan Hays album “Here” featuring Conway, Roc Marciano, Benny The Butcher, El Camino, Pharoah Monch, etc. With underground heavyweights AP The Overlord, John Creasy, Roshin, Justo the MC and more, Fes continues to push his craft forward. With all this work already put in and no signs of slowing down, look for many projects to come.
Tachichi

Tachichi is a Halifax hiphop legend whose resume is as superb and as big as his talent, with his fingers in everything from writing to production to video directing. Tachichi has released around 15 albums to date and played hundreds of live shows across Canada and the U.S. While much of his previous catalogue over the last 20 years has been alongside Canadian producer and DJ Moves, Tachichi has multiple solo LPs and has released music with just about every influential and celebrated hip hop artist from the land of the maple leaf, including Buck 65, Classified, Quake Matthews, Ghettosocks, Skratch Bastid, Snak the Rapper, and countless others. He is a ferocious emcee who puts the art and bars above all else with a flow like lava.

BASYL

For BASYL, music is more than just a career; it serves as a profound avenue for self-expression. Hailing from the heart of the Middle East, BASYL, a Palestinian rapper, crafts a unique style that blends the melodic vibes of R&B with meticulously crafted lyrics and an infectious, rhythmic flow. BASYL delves into themes such as freedom of speech, oppression, personal growth, and love through his music.

Hatfield

Hatfield, formerly known as “Khaki Ka$h” and “Just Q” is a Canadian rapper/singer-songwriter from Weymouth, Nova Scotia. Influenced by artists like Earl Sweatshirt, LUCKI, Sufjan Stevens, Ruby Waters, Aldean Alliston, Nirvana and so many more, Hatfield started rapping and playing instruments in his prepubescents, honing his skills for decades and dedicating himself to his craft. From early golden era boom bap hip hop records, to modern day auto tuned vibes and everything in between. Hatfield’s versatility knows no bounds, a true artist led by his passion and determination to express himself at all costs.

Stephen Hero + El Tata y Los Taqueros
2026-05-01 21:00 - 23:30 | The Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 3B1, Canada
Also featuring Ambeez, General Khan & Gearl
Get down with the working class on May Day at the Seahorse!
$10 in advance and $15 at the door
Doors at 9:00 PM

If cost is a barrier, please reach out to info@mayworkskjipuktukhalifax.ca and we will accommodate you.

Stephen Hero + El Tata y Los Taqueros

STEPHEN HERO makes raw, working class hip hop from Canada’s east coast. His style is influenced by alt-rap legends like Kool Keith and MF DOOM, with a strong penchant for the relaxed and joyous experimentation of groups like De La Soul and Beastie Boys, but with a contemporary, often dark feel. Hero takes the ruling class to task unapologetically as he builds his varied and powerful catalogue.
EL TATA Y LOS TAQUEROS could be best described as a melting pot of influences, with deeply international roots thanks to the various nationalities of its core members: Gabriel Ibarra, Chaly Benz, Teijiri Emore, and Daniel Salas. Together they mix the influences of their countries from the Philippines to Honduras, into a Latin fusion of hip hop, funk, and other rhythms, resulting in a style rich in versatile musicality that really makes them stand out.

AMBEEZ is a hip-hop producer known for raw drums, soulful samples, and a feel-driven approach to beatmaking. A mainstay on the Canadian hip-hop scene, he’s built a reputation for flipping obscure sounds into hard-hitting, cohesive tracks. His style blends gritty boom-bap with subtle experimentation and off-grid rhythms, textured chops, and a strong sense of swing. Focused on mood and authenticity, his beats are crafted to feel lived-in and replayable. With accolades and a growing catalog, ambeez continues to refine his sound while carving out his own lane. Most recent release: Computer Sciences, Vol 1

GENERAL KHAN is a local community organizer and artist, born and raised in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia). General Khan has been breaking barriers in the local rap scene since the release of her first album Wrath of Khan in 2021 and EP ON GOD in 2023. For Khan, Poetry and rhyming is an expression that is tied to her cultural practice as an Afghan Pashtun and Muslim. Her art style is influenced by her lived experiences facing white supremacy, colonialism, islamophobia and ableism. Her next album Afghan Variety is set to release summer 2026.

GEARL is an Indigenous Hip‑Hop artist from Eskasoni, Nova Scotia. He shares lived experiences of Indigenous life in the Maritimes and promotes Mi’kmaq language and culture. Years of steady work have earned him momentum, multiple nominations and awards. This year he’s nominated for Indigenous Artist of the Year and Hip Hop/Rap Recording of the Year at the ECMAs. Gearl delivers powerful performances, tackles difficult topics, adapts across genres, improvises songwriting, and weaves personal experience into dense, impactful concepts. @gearljij

Photos of Stephen Hero + El Tata y Los Toqueros by Mckenzie Power

Be Eternal
2026-05-02 20:30 - 21:30 | The Bus Stop Theatre Coop, 2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS, Canada
With Jackson Fairfax-Perry, Andrew Jackson, Lance Sampson, Shuvanjan Karmakar and Joshua Awe
ONE TICKET FOR TWO INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCES!
$10 in advance and $15 at the door.
**Ticket includes admission to AND SO WE DANCE**

If cost is a barrier, please reach out to info@mayworkskjipuktukhalifax.ca and we will accommodate you.

Childcare available on site for free. Please register in advance.

Taking its name from the final line of Common’s acclaimed 2005 album, Be Eternal explores black male mortality, particularly of musicians, and the normalization of this in modern society. Led by local saxophonist Jackson Fairfax-Perry, this ensemble brings together 5 local improvising musicians with roots connecting to the African diaspora. Exploring both spontaneous and written compositions, Be Eternal asks how can we move past this mindset that black men die young? That this is just how it is? How can we honour the artists who came before us, while also giving flowers to the ones who are still with us? This music is raw and mournful, but it is also filled with joy and hope, brimming with the power of our ancestors. This is a celebration of our black musical lineage.
Personnel:
Jackson Fairfax-Perry – Saxophones
Andrew Jackson – Trombone
Lance Sampson – Voice
Shuvanjan Karmakar – Bass
Joshua Awe – Drums

JACKON FAIRFAX-PERRY is an award-winning African Nova Scotian composer, sound designer, musician, and musical director based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A graduate of Dalhousie University (Bachelor of Music in Composition, 2014), Jackson has built a multidisciplinary career that bridges contemporary composition, popular music, improvisation, and theatrical sound design. For the decade following his graduation, he recorded and toured nationally and internationally with Hillsburn, an award-winning indie-pop band. Since 2023, Jackson has collaborated closely with Lance Sampson, AKA Aquakultre. As musical director for Sampson’s live performances, he has co-written, arranged, and performed on several of Aquakultre’s recordings, most notably on the critically acclaimed album 1783. As a saxophonist and keyboardist, Jackson is an active member of Halifax’s jazz and creative music scene performing regularly with several ensembles including Many Worlds, as well as his own group TYNES plus III. Jackson also collaborates frequently with theatre and dance artists, having contributed music and sound design to numerous local and national productions. Jackson is the most recent recipient of the Paul Cram Creation Award, and is in the process of writing his first composition for orchestra, to be premiered by Symphony Nova Scotia at Open Waters Festival in January, 2027.

ANDREW JACKSON is a Juno award winning trombonist and composer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His versatility and unique sound have made him one of Eastern Canada’s first-call players. Jackson keeps a busy playing schedule with many of the premiere artists in the region, spanning a variety of styles, and was selected as a member of the National Canadian Jazz Orchestra. Andrew is a multiple time Music Nova Scotia award winner, including accolades such as “Musician of the Year” and “Jazz Recording of The Year” amongst others. Since 2017 Andrew has been the musical curator for the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, which has won multiple “Event of The Year” Awards under his tenure.

LANCE SAMPSON better known as AQUAKULTRE is an uncommonly versatile singer, rapper, composer and storyteller from Halifax, NS. Since winning the 2018 CBC Searchlight competition, Aquakultre has released two Polaris-nominated albums and a multitude of genre-diverse, multi-media collaborations, establishing him as a significant musical and cultural presence. The live show is a warm-hearted party where all are welcomed by Aquakultre’s big voice and bigger stage presence. Through all his works, via poetic lyrics and straight-up jams, Aquakultre is on a mission to share his love for his unique and beautiful corner of the culture.

SHUVANJAN KARMAKAR is a bassist. Their practice synthesizes curatorial methodology, environmental listening, and diasporic microcosms. Their curatorial tenure, marked by collaborations with award-winning artists across disciplines, explored engagement with form, temporality, and audience perception. This experience established a foundation in spatial dramaturgy, critical framing, and orchestrating sensory experiences. These principles translate into their musical practice, where they treat sound as an experiential field rather than a linear construct. Shuvanjan’s artistic labor navigates the dialectic between the intrinsic desire to create and the external pressures that necessitate production, allowing this tension to shape both methodology and output. Their exploration of non-equal-tempered systems, encompassing microtonality, just intonation, and other alternative tuning paradigms, serves as both a technical and conceptual extension of this inquiry. Challenging hegemonic sonic structures and repositioning the bass as a site of critical experimentation.

JOSHUA AWE is an instinctive drummer who enjoys playing a wide range of musical genres. He often plays with jazz musicians in Halifax, however, Joshua has recently been performing with musicians in the folk and oldtime scenes where he usually plays djembe and percussion. Joshua has his roots in Nigeria where he started playing in the church. This is where he learned that music can be used for a spiritual transcendence. His resume includes an extensive list of public and private gigs including the Halifax Jazz Festival, Every Seeker and Deep Roots Festival.

Event photo and Jackson Fairfax-Perry headshot by Jamie Kronick
Lance Sampson headshot by Mo Phùng

Music of Liberation
2026-05-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Joseph Strug Concert Hall, 1385 Seymour Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3M6, Canada
With John Kameel Farah
Presented in partnership with Upstream Music Association

All proceeds will be donated to the Sameer Project in Palestine
$10 in advance and $15 at the door

If cost is a barrier, please reach out to info@mayworkskjipuktukhalifax.ca and we will accommodate you.

In this extraordinary concert, Palestinian-Canadian pianist and composer John Kameel Farah embraces elements of Baroque and Near-Eastern music, improvisation and electronic music to create what he calls “Arabic-Baroque-Cyberpunk.” Surrounding the piano with synthesizers, he combines a vivid and playful imagination with virtuosic musicianship. Accompanied by projections of his intricate ink drawings, the performance sounds through the lens of Palestinian struggle, identity and heritage, drawing connections across histories and liberation movements.

“In performance, Farah ranges all over his instruments while setting up textures and countertextures, moving deftly from acoustic to electronic episodes, and testing and deploying his materials with a mixture of scientific care and wild abandon. Improvisation is a key working method, both at his various keyboards and in the execution of electronic beats and processes that are equally at the core of his approach.
“Frenetic and contemplative in turn, Farah’s music is underpinned by a deep emotional and spiritual reservoir which, when framed through his exceptional musicality and virtuosic instrumental command, packs his highly original music with considerable and undeniable clout.”
-Scott Thompson, Guelph Jazz Festival

JOHN KAMEEL FARAH is one of Canada’s most creative and imaginative composers. He is a Palestinian-Canadian pianist whose music embraces Baroque and Arabic Music, experimental improvisation and electronics. He studied at the University of Toronto, where he received the Glenn Gould Composition Award twice and afterwards had private lessons with Terry Riley in California, and later at the Arabic Music Retreat in Hartford. He has been a member of the Canadian Electronic Ensemble since 2010, and was a guest-performer with Tangerine Dream in Toronto in 2023.
THE SAMEER PROJECT is a Palestinian-led mutual aid group supporting people in Gaza during the genocide. It is a donations based initiative, led by Palestinians in the diaspora, who are working to supply aid to displaced families in Gaza. Fiscal host: Social Change Nest.
