How One Festival Moment Sparked a Lifetime in Music

For Andrew Jackson, Halifax Jazz Festival has never been just an event — it’s been part of his life’s soundtrack.

Long before he became the festival’s Artistic Director, Andrew was a young student in the Halifax All City Senior Jazz Band, horn in hand and nerves running high as he stepped onto the Halifax Jazz Festival stage for the first time.

Andrew Jackson practicing trombone in 2002.

“I had that same experience as this year's Artie Irwin Award winners,” Andrew recalls. “When I was growing up, with band director Dave Staples, we had the chance to play at the festival in Grade 9, and I was like, ‘WOW — this is amazing!’ It’s the kind of experience that stays with you.”

That moment lit a spark that changed his path. Before joining the jazz band, he admits, he nearly gave up music entirely.

“I was going to quit playing trombone when I was in Grade 7,” he explains. “It was before I joined the jazz band. My mom had invested in a trombone for me and said, ‘You have to keep giving this a try.’ Then I joined the jazz band and realized, Oh — I really like doing this! It was because of the music.”

Performer, Andrew Jackson, at HJF 2016

That early encouragement — from a teacher, a parent, and a stage that welcomed young players — set the course for a lifelong career in music. Today, Andrew’s own leadership ensures that the next generation of local artists has the same chance to shine.

“It’s so important that the festival connects and uplifts the local scene,” he says. “Every time we put a Halifax artist on one of our stages, whether school bands or emerging stars on the cusp of something big, we’re investing in the future of music here. Those early opportunities can change everything — they did for me.”

From student to performer, from performer to Artistic Director, Andrew’s story embodies what Halifax Jazz Festival stands for: creativity, community, and continuity. Your support keeps that cycle alive — helping young musicians find their voice, their stage, and their future.

Artistic Director, Andrew Jackson, with the HJF team

This is our final story in this chapter of our Building campaign. In the New Year we will continue to share our stories about building our community and the next generation.

💚  We hope you consider donating to HJF to help us continue our work!