NSCC music festival kicks off in April

Halifax’s student-led music festival returns to the neighbourhood in April — with many performers who live and work in the Dartmouth South community.

Each year, NOVAFest brings fresh energy to the city’s music scene, showcasing local and emerging artists. The month-long festival serves as a work term for second-year students in the NSCC Music Arts program at the Ivany Campus.

“It’s a hands-on introduction to the local music industry, giving us experience in everything from booking to performing to marketing,” said Cameron Corey, a second-year percussion major at NSCC and NOVAFest’s venue manager for Woodside Tavern shows.

Beyond education, NOVAFest plays a crucial role in helping to enliven and diversify Halifax’s music scene. It helps new and underrepresented artists connect with key industry personnel, creating opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. “NOVAFest introduces the local scene to new artists, and new artists to the local scene,” Corey said. “It’s a catalyst for the evolution of arts and culture in our province.”

This is particularly important for students who would benefit from new community, social, and industry connections.

By creating a space for students to collaborate, learn and gain exposure, the festival is becoming an important part of the local music scene, helping with a constant flow of fresh talent that keeps Halifax’s music culture innovative and evolving. “Every year we grow, and this time we’re bringing themed shows and fresh approaches to the live music experience,” Corey added.

This year, NOVAFest runs from April 16 to May 23, with local performances at the Woodside Tavern. Other festival venues include The Basement of the Shoe, Montes, The Rox, and Maxwell’s Plum.