It seems somehow fitting that some of the first shows at Halifax’s newest performing arts space will be a series of live kitchen parties. But what will make these musical performances particularly special is giving everyday Nova Scotian musicians a chance to showcase their talent at the monthly summer shows at the new Light House Arts Centre.
Located in the old World Trade & Convention Centre in downtown Halifax, the new performance and cultural hub is launching the Outta Lockdown Showdown! online contest. Until April 30, contestants can post videos on Facebook of their at-home musical performances tagged with #lighthousekitchenparty.
“With the kitchen party series, we are looking forward to welcoming the community into the new space to celebrate our resurgence from the pandemic through the power of live music,” says Meghan Scott, Light House Arts Centre’s manager of partnerships & stakeholder engagement.
Judging criteria includes cultural and musical genre diversity, talent and social media engagement, with five winners will be selected to perform live on the Light House Arts Centre stage at one of four live kitchen party shows set for June 23, July 21, August 18 and September 15. Performances from Nova Scotia bands will cap each performance.
In addition to performing at the live shows, each chosen act will also receive a video of their performance. The events will also be live-streamed on the popular Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party Facebook group, with proceeds going to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
The connection between music and mental health is unmistakable and continues to play a significant role in the concept of the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party. – Heather Thomson, administrator of the popular Facebook group.
Organizers will announce the winning line-ups on May 25, with tickets for each show on sale starting May 27. Visit lighthouseartscentre.ca for more information.