Jazz Labs
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. Jazz Labs are part of the Halifax Jazz Festivals Music Education Program, which includes the Creative Music Workshop.
Have an idea for a Jazz Lab? We would love to hear it! Please contact info@halifaxjazzfestival.ca
Jazz Appreciation Month Jazz Lab
Ally Fiola Trio
Date: April 26th, 2025
Show Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Steeple Green Books & Cafe
Address: 26 East Petpeswick Rd, Musquodoboit Harbour
Admission: Free
Ally Fiola Trio presents New Standards
Ally Fiola is a Nova Scotian saxophonist, film composer, and bandleader. Drawing from “The New Standards” anthology alongside pianist Paulina Hernandez and bassist John Janigan-Mills, this trio presents music written by women jazz composers.
Mother’s Day Concert
Roxy & The Underground Soul Sound
Date: May 11th, 2025
Show Time: 2:00PM -3:00 PM
Location: Halifax Central Library, Paul O'regan Hall
Address: 5440 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax
Admission: Free
Since 2013, the band has been bringing their high-energy, feel-good sound to stages in Canada. With Roxy’s unmistakable, powerhouse vocals at the forefront—supported by tight horn lines, grooving rhythms, and a deep love for soul—they’ve built a sound that nods to the golden era of Motown, '90s R&B, and neo-soul, while staying grounded in classic soul roots.
They’ve performed across Nova Scotia to Ontario, appearing at well-known festivals like the Halifax Jazz Festival, Harvest Music Festival (NB), Stan Rogers Folk Festival, and Cloggeroo (PEI). Along the way, they’ve shared the stage with celebrated artists including Chaka Khan, Matthew Good, Steve Earle, Matt Minglewood, The Trews, and Joel Plaskett.
With every release, Roxy and the Underground Soul Sound continue to evolve and expand their sound—always with honesty, groove, and heart. As the legendary Allen Toussaint once said of Roxy: “She means what she’s singing.”
Roxy and the Underground Soul Sound is an award-winning six-piece soul-funk band based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The group features Roxy Mercier on vocals, Andrew Jackson on trombone, James Shaw on saxophones, Pat Healy on guitar, Luke Arsenault on bass, and Brendan Melchin on drums.
Jazz Labs are possible because of the support of funders and sponsors like: Canadian Heritage, the government of Nova Scotia, Municipality of Halifax and the Halifax Public Libraries.
RE-WATCH PAST JAZZ LABS
IBIKO PELLE
DRUMMING WORKSHOP
ARRANGING with JAMES SHAW
BEHIND THE BEAT with MATTY GALAXY
THE MISEDUCATION OF HIP-HOP
with DILSHAN WEERASINGHE