Where: Truro, N.S.
When: Nov. 6-9
What it is: Nova Scotia Music Week is a triple-headed creature featuring a festival with shows all over the host town, a conference with experts from all around the world covering all aspects of the music industry and an award show recognizing the accomplishments of members of the Nova Scotia music community. It has more of a conference/networking/party feel than something like Halifax Pop Explosion or SappyFest. This year the event takes place in the hub of Nova Scotia, Truro.
Eats: We checked in with Nicole Ariana, a Nova Scotia musician who knows a thing or two about Truro, to see where she recommends people eat. For Thai food, she recommends Sahla Thai on Prince Street. A life altering place for her is Saloni Tapis Grill where she once worked when it was a different restaurant with the same owner. “I didn’t like vegetables before him.” Vegetables are important, more than French fries, even if French Fries are delicious. (Keep an eye on the website for a Q&A with Nicole Ariana tomorrow)
What to wear: There was snow on the ground this week. Plan accordingly.
Headliners: Blue Rodeo, Ben Caplan, Matt Minglewood & Sam Moon, Matt Mays, The Stanfields
Mix Pick: Kuato – Post-rock always sounds better late at night, so Champions Bar and Grill is the place to be Saturday at 1:15 a.m. One of the darkest moments in Nova Scotian history occurred from 1755-1764 when the Acadians were kicked out by the British as part of the Expulsion of the Acadians, also known as the Great Upheaval. Kuato’s debut album from this year, The Great Upheaval, features songs lyrics influenced by these events. (Correction: We’ve seen Kuato, an instrumental band, multiple times and have never heard them sing a lyric.)
Mix Tips: One of the best independent record labels in the country is Noyes Records, based in Truro. They’ll have a pop-up record shop on the Esplanade in Truro this week. Artists who have released music through Noyes include Ash, Cold Warps, Dog Day, Kestrels and more.
Also keep your eyes open for the late night shows. Last year, Sleepless Nights spontaneously combusted/re-united for a one-off reunion show and it was incredible. Strange and fascinating things happen in the booze-filled early hours of the morning.
Photo of Kuato: Supplied/Pigeon Row