TD HALIFAX JAZZ FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 2019 AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH FREE SHOWS IN FEBRUARY

[JAN 10, 2019 - HALIFAX] From rhythm and grooves, to contemporary blues and Jamaican reggae, Nova Scotia has a rich heritage of African-Nova Scotian music. TD Halifax Jazz Festival celebrates this musical legacy, presenting free Jazz Labs shows that draw inspiration from the unique experience of the African-Nova Scotian community. Presented during the month of February - African Heritage Month - these shows include Nova Scotian artists Dr. Henry Bishop,  Chudi Harris, and Jah'Mila.

Dr. Henry Bishop will be at Alderney Gate Library in Dartmouth Feb 2nd. Chudi Harris w/ Guests performs at Halifax North Public Library Feb 14th and Feb 24th Jah'Mila, with guitarist Adrian Dunn, performs at Alter Egos Cafe.  Times vary from evening to afternoon in locations in and around Halifax, giving music lovers every chance to enjoy these special shows.

TD Jazz Labs are FREE and suitable for all ages, offering a behind the scenes look at making music that includes artist talks, master classes, and interactive concerts. TD Jazz Labs are part of Halifax Jazz Festivals Music Education Program, which includes the Creative Music Workshop.

Dr. Henry Bishop - Saturday, Feb 2, 11:30am @ Alderney Gate Public Library (60 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS) FREE, open to all ages.

The TD Halifax Jazz Festival celebration of African Heritage Month begins with African Drumming Jazz Labs as Dr. Henry Bishop performs Saturday, February 2nd  at the Alderney Gate Public Library. Learn rhythms and grooves with Artist, Musician, Educator, and Humanitarian, Dr. Henry Bishop. Since 2015, Dr. Bishop has lead a unique African Drumming youth program at West Hants Middle School. Perfect for children, this fun-filled workshop is designed so that everyone will learn to play percussion instruments together.

Chudi Harris - Thursday, Feb 14, 7:30pm @ Halifax North Public Library (2285 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS) FREE, open to all ages.

Chudi Harris w/Guests, will perform at the Halifax North Public Library as part of TD Halifax Jazz Festival Jazz Labs celebration of African Heritage Month. 'Contemporary Blues' captures the genre bend of artist-producer Chudi Harris - from synth laced R&B, to alternative, to soulful and bluesy rock. With three records and five single releases to his name,  Harris has taken his distinct sound and unique live performance experience around Atlantic and Central Canada. Highlights of his young career include opening for Rich Aucoin, Born Ruffians, Weaves and Lowell, feature performances and publicity from Exclaim! Magazine, CBC, CTV, Red Bull Radio, The Chronicle Herald and The Coast.

This will be the 3rd Annual African Heritage Month concert Halifax Jazz Festival has presented at the Halifax North Public Library. Halifax North Memorial Library is a space of historical importance within the African Nova Scotian community, acting as a cultural hub for the North End Community, housing a unique collection of Black literature as well as the sculpture “The North Is Freedom” which features Gottingen St oral history engraved as poetry, recipes, and memories watched over by rooftop figures cast from local youth.

Jah'Mila w/ guitarist Adrian Dunn - Sunday, Feb 24 at 1pm @ Alter Egos Cafe (2193 Gottingen St, Halifax) FREE, open to all ages.

Closing out the TD Halifax Jazz Festival February Jazz Labs African Heritage Month shows is Jah’Mila with guitarist Adrian Dunn. Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, but now calling Halifax home, Jah’Mila is wrapped in the very roots of the Jamaican Reggae family tree. She is a sure musical prodigy in the making, with infectious music that is lyrically creative, tastefully arranged, masterfully delivered and positively inspiring.

TD Jazz Labs are part of  Halifax Jazz Festivals Music Education Program. Beyond sharing the relevance of jazz in today’s world, these Jazz Labs provides opportunities for artistic development and music education for all ages. Halifax Jazz Festivals music education mission includes TD Jazz Labs, the Creative Music Workshop and Splash! Bang! Boom! On Theodore Tugboat, Jazz Up Your Spring, Jazz Appreciation Month (in April) and these February shows celebrating African Heritage Month.

Donate to TD Halifax Jazz Labs Music Education Program here → http://www.halifaxjazzfestival.ca/donate/

AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH JAZZ LABS SCHEDULE:

February 2, Dr. Henry Bishop @ 11:30am
Alderney Gate Public Library (60 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS)
Free, all ages welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/Dr.henryvbishop/

February 14, Chudi Harris w/ Guests @ 7:30pm
Halifax North Public Library (2285 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS)
Free, all ages welcome.
https://chudiharris.com/

February 24, Jah'Mila w/ guitarist Adrian Dunn @ 1pm
Alter Egos Cafe (2193 Gottingen St, Halifax)
Free, all ages welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/JahmilaMusic/
http://www.jahmila.bandcamp.com

The Halifax Jazz Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of TD as well as Halifax Public Libraries and Canadian Heritage.

ABOUT THE HALIFAX JAZZ FESTIVAL:
Since 1987, Halifax Jazz Festival, presented by the non-profit organization Jazz East Rising Association, has organized a diverse range of musical, educational and charitable activities, including the annual TD Halifax Jazz Festival, the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada. The 33rd event will take place July 9-14, 2019. Follow Halifax Jazz Festival on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram @HFXJazzFest.

For more information visit www.halifaxjazzfestival.ca

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly Sinclair, TD Halifax Jazz Festival
(902) 350-3968
kimberly@spincount.com

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