Catching Up With the Carleton

This week we wanted to take the opportunity to highlight one of our favourite places to hang out in the city. As you might have heard, Halifax is often celebrated for its nightlife. There’s really something for everyone in the city, from dance clubs to Irish pubs and everything in between. If you find yourself looking for a classic Halifax establishment with top notch musical talent, an inviting atmosphere and an exceptional menu look no further than the Carleton.

Located on Argyle street, the Carleton is the spot for after work drinks or nightly entertainment. Local celebrities, including Matt Mays and Joel Plaskett, frequent the venue so don’t be surprised if the house band has some familiar faces. It also doesn’t hurt that the space has won Music Nova Scotia’s Venue of the Year award from 2009 – 2012, and the East Coast Music Award in for best venue in 2012.

Depending on the night of the week, the Carleton has something for everyone. Saturday nights feature a more rock show appeal with the house band the Carletones taking the stage by force. On other nights of the week you can expect a mix of acoustic artists and rockers from here or away. No matter the night, you can rest assured that there will be music worth listening to as the Carleton takes their talent seriously. Holding just over 100 people, you know that regardless of the show you attend you’ll be part of an intimate music experience. The management of the venue has been known to say if there isn’t talent worth booking, you’ll at least have a great place to eat a (fantastic) meal.

Aside from everything we’ve mentioned above, what makes the Carleton so special? Well, the building was the first stone house in the city – it’s actually the oldest residential building in Halifax. Built in 1759, it’s been known as the Carleton Hotel or the Carleton House for over a century. It was originally the home of Sir Richard Bulkeley, the first governor of Halifax. The Carleton as we know it has been in operation since May 2008.

So if you’re looking for something a little different from your typical bar scene, or you find yourself craving a real musical event – visit the Carleton. You won’t be disappointed.

Incoming Traffic!

Since we’re big fans of live music, sometimes we play favourites. And this week, we’re thrilled that we get to feature a favourite band and favourite venue all in one post!

Our beloved Two Hours Traffic will be rocking the Seahorse Tavern this Saturday night! The band is about to embark on a North American tour to promote their latest album, Foolish Blood. And true to their roots, they are kicking it off in Atlantic Canada. Needless to say, we’ll be getting in on the action.

The doors open at 9pm and tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 (a silly price for such a huge band). Tickets are available in advance and we would recommend getting yours while you still can.

While you’re certainly in for quite the show this Saturday, you can also expect a to leave the Seahorse with every intention of returning. Why? The venue is chill and they bring in quality entertainment that spans all levels of interest. From singer-songwriter, to retro-themed DJs, to some serious metal – you name it, they have it. They also have an infamous (and cheap) house beer called “Horsepower” which Propellor Brewing Company produces exclusively for the venue. They also make a mean Caesar – not exclusive like the beer, but still pretty good.

All in all, you’re well positioned for a great night out this weekend. To keep yourself in the loop on all Seahorse happenings, check out their website.

Get Ready to Rock with East Coast Music Week

Thanks to our awesome venues and people, Halifax gets to play host to some pretty great events. This March it’s no different, as we celebrate the East Coast Music Week from March 6 – 10, which is capped off by the East Coast Music Awards on Sunday, March 10th. With enough events to keep any music lover on the go from Wednesday – Sunday, here’s a just a sampling of what locals and visitors alike can expect. For a complete rundown, visit the official website.  

Wednesday
Soundwaves Program presented by FlyHalifax.com 
8:00 – 10:30PM: Spatz Theatre 
Performers include: Soundwaves Battle of the Bands winner, Acres and Acres, Bonnie Ste-Croix, Norma MacDonald, Saint John String Quartet, Stephanie Mainville 

Thursday
Songwriters at the Company House 
8:00 – 11:59PM 
Performers include: Mo Kenney, Gabrielle Papillon, Breagh MacKinnon, Fleur Mainville, Les Hay Babies, Matthew Hornell

Friday
Rising Star Showcase present by Slaight Music 
8:00 – 11:59PM: Schooner Room, Casino Nova Scotia
Performers include: Acres and Acres, Coyote, Dylan Guthro, Les Hay Babies, The Playdates, Long Distance Runners, Pilot to Bombardier, Sprag Session, Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys

This performance will also feature the presentation of the Rising Star Recording of the Year award.

Saturday
Francophone Stage
8:00 – 11:00PM: Compass Room, Casino Nova Scotia
Performers include: Kevin McIntyre, La Viree, Dominque Dupuis, Radio Radio, Ten Strings and a Goat Skin, Monique Poirier, Pascal Lejeune

This performance will also feature the presentation of the Francophone Recording of the Year  

Sunday
Socan Songwriters’ Circle, presented by 96.5 Kool FM
1:00 – 3:30PM: Schooner Room, Casino Nova Scotia
Performers include: Lennie Gallant, Dave Gunning. Irish Mythen, Ian Sherwood, Kim Stockwood, David Myles, Tim Chaisson, J.P. Cormier 

This performance will also feature the presentation of the Songwriter of the Year award. 

When it comes to the actual award portion of the week, Halifax is well represented amongst the nominees, with Dartmouth native Matt Mays up for five awards. Two current Haligonians, Rich Aucoin and Rose Cousins are nominated for four awards a piece. All of these nods are a true testament to the musical talent you can find around our city – and they are just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to nominated Haligonians. 

East Coast Music Week brings a variety of performers from around Atlantic Canada to Halifax, infusing our already vibrant music scene with a fresh breath of life. These two bloggers will be out in full force during the week, and we can’t wait to meet you out and about at all of the great venues this city has to offer. 

See you then!, 

mg & jb

Valen-tunes

Well, it’s Valentine’s Day – the day of all things loving and affectionate. As we combed the Halifax entertainment scene to give you a recommendation of how to spend your Thursday evening, we decided to keep the romance-train going and suggest one of our true loves: live music.

And not just any live music. We suggest putting a romantic spin on a tried a true favourite: the Mellotones live at the Seahorse Tavern.

This isn’t the first time we’ve covered this enduring favourite as they are a top pick for any Thursday night – especially one that you’d like to remember fondly. What better way to wrap up this year’s Valentine’s (or the anti-Valentine’s) Day then by grooving to the lively, jazzy tunes of the Mellotones.

Described by one fan as “reliably fantastic”, the talented members of this nine-piece ensemble will keep you dancing well into the wee hours of the morning with amazing renditions of classic dance songs, a four-piece horn section, and an infectiously energetic vibe.

To provide you with a little sneak preview, we’ve sourced this sketchy iPhone video from the interwebs. You can find longer, more official videos on YouTube as well but, we’ll warn you, it doesn’t quite the live experience justice. Try it. You’ll see.

If you’re looking for something a little more on the quiet side for you and your Valentine’s evening, try out Obladee for live jazz with the Martin Davidson Trio or Bearly’s House of Blues for Groove Hounds.

As always, here are your best bets for the weekend:

Friday
Why not continue with the Seahorse-love and take in the Bob Marley tribute show featuring Compassion HiFi Soundsystem with special guest, Andru Branch. Cover is $10 or $8 with a non-perishable food donation to Feed Nova Scotia.

Saturday
Looking to “change” up your Saturday afternoon routine? Bid the Canadian penny a proper farewell by dropping some coins at Argyle Fine Art and see them become art with Renee Gruszecki from COIN COIN Designs. Next stop? The Metro Centre to see our Halifax Mooseheads take on the Moncton Wildcats at 7 p.m.

It’s Cool to be Smart

It’s a weeknight, you want to head out with your friends, but you’re looking for something a little different. Sound familiar? Sure, you’ve been having a great time at the bar, but wouldn’t it be even better if you could do something that is social AND helps out your brain cells? That’s why you need trivia night! With trivia, you get out with your friends, maybe have a couple drinks – and the next day when your parents/co-workers/coffee friends ask you what you were up to the night before you can smugly say ‘getting smarter, what about you?’ 

It seems like Tuesday and Wednesday are the big trivia nights in Halifax, so here’s a couple options to give your brain a workout: 

Tuesday: 
Getting your head in gear with trivia at Pogue Fado, running from 9:30 – 11:30.

Wednesday: 
Starting at the top of Spring Garden, Rockbottom Brewery is a favourite running from 10pm – 12am.
A little further down Spring Garden Road you can check out trivia at Rogues Roost from 10pm – 12am.  
Don’t live in the South End? Finbars Irish Pub in Bedford’s Sunnyside Mall has trivia starting at 7:30pm. 

Now it’s time for your best bets: 

Friday, January 25: Check out some live music at Bearly’s House of Blues and Ribs with Andrew Gillis and The Sho’ Nuffs. This might be hot enough to help you shake the current cold weather. 

Saturday, January 26: Add some spice to your weekend and head down to the Cunard Centre for the Everything to do with Sex Show. Entertainment, exhibits and seminars will both  excite and educate. 

Sunday, January 27: Wind down from your weekend with some theatre – Neptune is running The Importance of Being Earnest from now ’til February 17th. 

Thanks for tuning in, everyone. We’ll be back next week!, 
mg&jb

We’ll Be Right Back!

Hi there,

You might have noticed that we took a little holiday vacation. Have no fear – we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled Halifax awesomeness in no time flat!

See you soon,
mg & jb

Get Your Elf On!

Now that the parade has passed, it seems as though we are officially in the holiday season. The air is becoming increasingly crisper, Santa’s are showing up in malls, and we’re all looking for the ultimate alternative to a gift card. It’s also time for another great show at Neptune Theatre. This year they’re ringing in the holiday season with a big time favourite of ours: Elf! This musical rendition of one of the best Christmas movies is sure to be a hit. And if the crowds that showed up for the usual ‘Pay What You Can’ showing are any indication, Elf: The Musical is a must see event – people did start lining up at around noon, afterall.

Running from November 20^th to January 6^th, you’ve got plenty of time to catch Elf – but be sure to get your tickets soon, you don’t want to miss out!

Here are a couple of other options for your weekend:
Friday, November 23: We’ve got another awesome shopping deal to help you get set for the holidays. Who needs Black Friday when you’ve got red white & local? Check out all of the stores in the Uncommon Group and snatch up some great deals for yourself! … or others too, I guess. For more details, don’t forget to check out Twitter (@uncommongroup)

Saturday, November 24: Don’t miss the chance to catch your Halifax Rainmen as they take on the Windsor Express. Game starts at 7pm.

Sunday, November 25: Celebrate being one month out from Christmas (ps: it’s only one month from Christmas!) on Sunday, by heading down to  Lawrencetown Beach and joining the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club at 10AM for a 11km or 5km scenic walk. Explore somewhere new, and experience our beautiful natural surroundings.

see you next week,
mg & jb