Music
Halifax Pop Explosion: Day 4 Highlights and Day 5 Best Bets
by Nicole Villeneuve
October 23, 2010
By Nicole Villeneuve
Photo by Claire Richardson/AUX
The rain left and the wind came in strong on day four, but we’re glad to have the sun while it lasts to warm the chilled Atlantic Coast air.
Today was the second-last day of the festival, which also marked the beginning of the Music Matters conference. Its focus this year is on re-establishing and fostering connections between the people who are using modern tools to reshape the industry, and the fans.
Some of the biggest ticket shows happened last night, including a stunning performance at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium from Basia Bulat and Symphony Nova Scotia led by Owen Pallett (and a gracious reception from Bulat herself, signing albums in the lobby for an hour after the fact), and a night with the Hold Steady at the Paragon. Buzz around the city was palpable for this one, and it filled up fast and early. It’s also possible that was the regular Friday night excitement in this city, what with its giant student population and of course its second most bars per capita in Canada distinction. We think Craig Finn would approve.
Tonight marks the end of the Pop Explosion. Here are some suggestions for how to spend your final hours:
Ghostkeeper (The Paragon Theatre, 10pm, $18)
Get creepy with some wonderfully twisted folk from Calgary’s Ghostkeeper. Weird and catchy, rich and subtle, make seeing them live part of your journey to unraveling the indie rock, old-world folk, and experimental layers of their intimiate little world.
Handsome Furs (St. Matthew’s Church, 9pm, $18)
A guaranteed great show, but unfortunately, likely also a guaranteed sold-out show. Get there early for your pick of the pew (suggested: front row of the balcony) at St. Matthew’s Church, a venue sure to soak up every bit of the husband/wife’s monster-sized punk-y synth jams.
Rockets Red Glare (The Seahorse Tavern, 12:00, $15)
They’re back! After a long break, Toronto’s math-y post-rock trio has returned to the stage. Renowned for their huge live performances, they started playing live again this year, so they’re bound to be warmed up and ready to deliver tonight at the Seahorse.
