What We Carry Forward
Luke does not remember his first time attending the TD Halifax Jazz Festival. He was two years old when his dad brought him. But once his memory began to form, the festival was already part of his life.
Where Belonging is Built
Erin’s connection to the TD Halifax Jazz Festival began early. In 1995, when she was just eleven years old, she volunteered for the first time after her band teacher suggested she move from attending free daytime shows to helping make the festival happen.
Growing Into the Community
Jeremie’s first experience at the TD Halifax Jazz Festival happened when he was young, attending a free daytime show. What stayed with him was not just the performance but the realization that he was hearing something entirely new.
A Place to Return To
When the Stadel family moved from Vancouver to Halifax, they assumed they were leaving something behind. Big festivals, big crowds, the kind of live music experiences that felt tied to larger cities.
Their first TD Halifax Jazz Festival experience changed that.
The First Time You Feel It
Dan didn’t grow up attending the Halifax Jazz Festival. His first time was in 2023, drawn in by a strong lineup and the simple promise of a good night out with friends.
The Teachers Who Make It Possible
When the Halifax Regional Arts Jazz Band performed at Halifax Jazz Festival’s Big Band Day, it wasn’t only the students who felt the excitement.
The Day the Dream Came Alive
When the Halifax Regional Arts Jazz Band took the stage at Halifax Jazz Festival’s Big Band Day, the sun was high, the crowd was buzzing, and families filled the seats, excited to watch their kids perform.
A Stage for the Next Generation
When Steven Hartlen talks about music, it’s with the conviction of someone who has seen first-hand how a single performance can change a young musician’s life.
Building HJF began nearly 40 years ago
Nearly forty years ago, the foundation of what would become the Halifax Jazz Festival was just beginning to form.
Our Projects & Priorities
Jazz East Rising focuses on developing, encouraging and building the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
Jazz Labs are FREE programs, suitable for all ages, offering a behind-the-scenes look at making music that includes artist talks, master classes, and interactive concerts. Jazz Labs are part of the Halifax Jazz Festivals Music Education Program.
JAZZ LABS
Over 60% of our festival programming is free for all to attend. This includes our day time shows on the main stage, and evening free concert, and various stages across HRM during the festival.
HJF also programs other concerts and events through the year, free to attendees.
FREE PROGRAMMING
An 8-day intensive program where the ensemble is the classroom and improvisation is more than a style, it’s a path for learning. Find out more about this program here.