The sultry sounds of diva Holly Cole, the infectious bebop of Sheila Jordan, the soulful blues of Syl Johnson... It’s little wonder that music fans can’t wait for the Atlantic Jazz Festival.

Running from July 11 to 19, the festival brings dozens of musical acts to Halifax’s stages. “This festival has gained a reputation amongst musicians for being amongst the most fun places to play anywhere,” explains artistic director Adam Fine. “That’s why, although we are certainly not the biggest fish in the sea, we still get the pick of the litter.” The Festival Tent on the corner of Spring Garden Road and Queen Street is the centre of the action, hosting free afternoon matinees and the nightly Main Stage Series. Orquesta Tipica Imperial’s high-octane tango beats kick things off on July 11.

On July 13, the tent hosts one of the festival’s most anticipated concerts, as Halifax’s own Holly Cole takes the stage in front of her hometown crowd. In the July issue of Halifax Magazine, she shares her excitement. “Playing in Halifax, especially with my family and my friends there, really brings out the best in me,” she says. “Something magical always seems to happen when I tap into my roots.

Other highlights in the tent include Algeria’s Rachid Taha on July 15 and the fiery rhythms of Salsa Picante on July 18, before Afro Musica closes out the festival on July 19.

The Commons Room Series at the Holiday Inn Select on Robie Street attracts top-notch talent too, performing in a traditional cabaret setting. The series begins on July 12, while perennial festival favourite (and Juno-award winning pianist) Hilario Duran returns with his Cuban beats on July 14. Discover why vocalist Pyeng Threadgill is one of the jazz world’s fastest rising stars, when she wraps up the series on July 18.

The music continues into the wee hours of the morning in the Late Night series, with nightly shows from 11:30pm to 3am at Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill on George Street. The intimate venue hosts the Ted Quinlan Quartet on July 11 and 12, the Lalla Biali Trio on July 14 and Michael Occhipinti’s Sicilian Jazz Project on July 16. New this year, the intimate space at 1313 Hollis Street will also be hosting shows, as A Love Upstream performs with different guests nightly from July 13 to 17.

Take things in a more heavenly direction with the Cathedral Concert Series at the Cathedral Church of All Saints on College Street. Sanctuary & V16 open the ideal acoustic venue on July 13, while the Sheila Jordan & Cameron Brown Duo conclude the series on July 19.

Halifax native Holly Cole performs for her hometown crowd on July 13.

Image © Universal Music

GET YOUR TICKETS!

Advance tickets are available online or by phone at 1-888-311-9090. During the festival, you can also get tickets at the Festival Tent at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Queen Street. It’s open on July 11 from 6pm to 10pm and then from noon until 10pm daily. Tickets for individual concerts are also available at the door. Click here to learn more.