When Leanne Hoffman first participated in the Halifax Jazz Festival, she wasn’t on stage — she was a participant in the Creative Music Workshop, quietly absorbing the music around her. Years later, she found herself standing under the bright lights of the TD Main Stage, microphone in hand, opening for one of the festival’s international headliners.

“My very first Jazz Fest experience was through the Creative Music Workshop,” she recalls. “I had never experienced anything like it before and at the time I wasn’t playing shows. I remember being pretty intimidated by the whole thing but also feeling excited to be a part of it.”

That spark grew into something much bigger. Performing with her own project at HJF this past summer marked a milestone — one that felt earned, well-timed, and supported.

“Performing at Jazz Fest feels like a privilege,” Leanne says. “It’s rare for a festival of this size to feature local talent the way HJF does. This was a personal and professional milestone — not only because of who I opened for, but because it felt like the right moment. The Jazz Fest team really takes the time to know local artists and where they are in their careers.”

That care and connection — before, during, and after the festival — left a lasting impression on Leanne.

“Having the chance to perform on such a large stage to a large audience of art-lovers really forced me to push my own boundaries,” she adds. “As a band, we worked so hard to make the show the best it could be, and I think we all need those chances to raise the bar.”

That kind of opportunity is what sets HJF apart — and this year, the broader music community noticed. At Nova Scotia Music Week, a provincial conference that celebrates the music industry, Halifax Jazz Festival was recognized with the Artistic Development Award and Live Sector Award.

Being honored for the work the team puts into developing and presenting local artists is deeply meaningful — it reflects the very heart of what the festival does day in and day out: creating opportunity, investing in homegrown talent, and helping local musicians grow their careers right here in Halifax.

Executive Director, Tenille Goodspeed, accepts Artistic Development Award at NSMW

Fellow Haligonian, CMW alumni, multi award winning and juno nominated artist, Rich Aucoin agrees:

“The festival really makes it a point to elevate local artists and give them support slots for major international headliners. These opportunities go a long way in helping artists build their fanbase and reputation. When the Executive Director asked the room at Nova Scotia Music Week who had performed at Jazz Fest, so many hands went up — you could see how important and pivotal it’s been for the local scene.”

“We are so lucky to have a festival that honors creative bravery, and gives a platform for such a wide variety of artistic expression,” Leanne says. “There’s a relationship of trust between the HJF team and the city, and that is special and rare! We need more festivals like this one.”

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From the Crowd to the Main Stage: Career Stepping Stones

“My very first Jazz Fest experience was through the Creative Music Workshop,” she recalls. “I had never experienced anything like it before and at the time I wasn’t playing shows. I remember being pretty intimidated by the whole thing but also feeling excited to be a part of it.”

“Having the chance to perform on such a large stage to a large audience of art-lovers really forced me to push my own boundaries,” she adds. “As a band, we worked so hard to make the show the best it could be, and I think we all need those chances to raise the bar.”

“We are so lucky to have a festival that honors creative bravery, and gives a platform for such a wide variety of artistic expression,” Leanne says. “There’s a relationship of trust between the HJF team and the city, and that is special and rare! We need more festivals like this one.”

The Teachers Who Make It Possible