7 performance observations from a music publicist

The 30th Anniversary of the TD Halifax Jazz Festival took place from July 12-17, 2016 and featured 6 nights of headlining music on the Halifax Waterfront.

On contract for publicity services, I was lucky enough to live every moment of this jaw dropping event and here are my observations on how to entertain thousands. ​

1) Ms Lauryn Hill - conduct, command and control
MLH does it all, in style. Neither rain, nor lightning nor thunder could stop her.  The way she controlled her band was mesmerizing. I think the below headline, "OBSERVE HOW A QUEEN DO IT" says it all - we all can learn from the Queen. ​

(Metronews):'#Observe how a queen do it:' #Lauryn Hill wows sold-out Halifax crowd.. https://t.co/sPdcDWlsyw pic.twitter.com/AfQ9wcjo1H

— Latestcanada.com (@latestcanada) July 13, 2016

2) METRIC - Control your image
Everything METRIC did was choreographed to create an experience and it worked flawlessly! From wardrobe to props to lighting, everything was perfect. Control your image, control your brand.  

Emily Haines of @Metric having fun at @HFXJazzFest last night#HJF30 #festival #fun pic.twitter.com/SbjM1BMgU8

— Lindsay Duncan (@LindsayInMotion) July 14, 2016

3) City and Colour - Lyrics matter, deliver them well.
Dallas Green is clever, even his stage name you have to think about (icymi: his first name is a CITY,  his last name is a COLOUR), so no surprise that his set was dominated by gorgeous songs delivered masterfully.
(And yes, it helps if the city you are in is featured in your song.)

.@cityandcolour with a shoutout to Nova Scotia! ❤️ #sydneytohalifax #hjf30 @HFXJazzFest pic.twitter.com/jUadiEKYYB

— Sonic Ent. Group (@SonicEntGroup) July 15, 2016

4) CHIC feat. Nile Rodgers - Involve and Invite.
Nile Rodgers and CHIC invited the audience up on stage for a “Disco Dance Party”  during their last song, Good Times. No more of a fitting tribute to Nile Rodgers musical legacy OR the show that night could be summed up better. Always show them a good time.

I LOVE MY JOB! I LOVE MY JOB! I LOVE MY JOB! I totally just danced on stage with Chic Ft. @nilerodgers! #HJF30 pic.twitter.com/snCU2TlXo8

— Jillian (@Swifty448) July 16, 2016

5) THUNDERCAT - Genius must.
A long time ago in South Hampton NY, a friend reminded me, "Talent can, genius must." Thundercat must. His show was insane, a definite discovery.

Thundercat's bass face. It has to be a gif. #hfxjazzfest #hjf30 #music #concert #gif #bassface

A video posted by Lindsay In Motion (@lindsayinmotion) on Jul 16, 2016 at 9:06pm PDT

6) Preservation Hall Jazz Band - Tradition rules.
This band goes back generations and it shows. Pres Hall scared the rain away and was the perfect ending act to an incredible week of music. 

@YourOuroboros the preservation hall is doing tutti mama! #HJF30 pic.twitter.com/bCwns2E1ty

— LauraMadonnaMurray (@LauraMadonnaM) July 18, 2016

7) Happy Accidents - embrace them.
While on stage during the CHIC Disco Dance Party, my camera flipped from regular video to slo-motion while I was panning the crowd. At first, I was bummed, I mean, how do you re-create that moment? (Um, you don't), but then, I watched again, and it was glorious. Enjoy the Good Times. 

Music Festival are summer staples. But to truly entertain, that takes a combination of many factors. These artists are doing it extremely well and Good Times were had by all.