Halifax Urban Folk Festival brings music back to Halifax

It’s been an arduous journey, but The Carleton’s Mike Campbell is ready for live music again

HALIFAXTODAY \  Jordan Parker

It’s been an arduous journey, but The Carleton’s Mike Campbell is ready for live music again.

The music industry professional and programming director is prepping for the Halifax Urban Folk Festival, and artists will be bringing the heat and tunes to the city.

“We ping-ponged back and forth between ‘oh the pandemic is over’ and ‘uh oh, it’s not’ for a long time,” said Campbell.

“We are currently in a pocket where – even though it’s not our usual – we can still bring the festival forward. We’re pulling something off, and we’re happy to be able to provide this.”

Started in 2010 by Campbell, it began as a one-club gig, but has grown into a multi-day, multi-location who’s who of talent across the world.

This year, HUFF had to pull things back due to COVID-19, but Campbell still finds himself excited.

“It’s smaller than it normally is, and we’ve only brought talent in from the Maritimes. But the bright side about where we live is there’s no shortage of amazing artists,” he said.

“This isn’t a question of diminished standing in the talent department. We were able to focus on our own backyard, and it’s going to be an amazing time.”

He thinks they can still introduce people to some local artists they don’t know about, while still following important Public Health protocols.

“I see a huge appetite for live music right now, and we’ll be able to give people that this year,” he said.

One new component this year is headlining acts were able to choose their openers, and have a songwriting circle. On August 30, the night Reeny Smith plays, among those chosen are Jah’Mila, Mahalia Smith and Keonté Beals.

“This is always a good time, and I love the Songwriters Circles. They’re just so intimate,” says Beals. “It’s great to be out and playing live music again, especially when it’s stripped down.”

The returning performer says Songwriters Circles are just an entirely different way to perform, and one he enjoys.

“Most of the time you hear music with a full band and with production. But when you hear the stories and places where songs were written, and they’re done in an acoustic way, you can’t beat that,” he said.

Beals burst onto the scene in 2016 when he released “Man Down” from his self-titled EP, and says it’s strange to look back on the last five years.

“I’ve just been constantly moving, and I’ve seen growth in my songwriting. I’ve also gained the confidence to produce my own music and tracks,” he said.

“What I like most is I’m being myself, unapologetically so, and I’m moving on my own wave. If people want to come surf it with me, I’d love that.”

He began his company Keonté Beals Entertainment in July 2020, which saw him partner with CBC on the successful special, Keonté Beals: Christmas in North Preston.

“We partnered with CBC to produce stories, and everyone put so much into this first project. It all paid off,” he said.

“It was a personal look at my North Preston Christmas, and I got to showcase music, release a Christmas EP and be with my family. It was one of my best experiences.”

Beals is from North Preston, a rural community that is often cited in the media for crime. But the musician makes it his mission to show all the wonderful things about the area as well.

“Everywhere I go, I mention North Preston. I pay homage to where I’m from, and when I walk into a room, I ensure people see there’s more there than what’s talked about. Unfortunately so much of the negative is focused on, but that’s not all there is,” he said.

“I am a representative of my community, and I make sure I am painting my community in a good light.”

The East Coast Music Award winner is still riding a wave from his latest album, King, and is excited to showcase his music at HUFF.

“It’s definitely a blessing to be able to do this in-person. You can’t beat the energy from performing in front of people. I’m so grateful and happy to have this,” he said.

Other artists this year include Postdata, Matt Mays, Andrew Waite & The Firm, Blue In Toki and Dusted.

There will also be a series of free shows to check out at Brightwood Brewery, New Scotland Brewery and at Grand Parade.

“We’re getting a fair amount of buzz, and some of our shows sold out immediately. We have great venues, and it’ll be a number of awesome shows,” Campbell said.

He’s grateful to the city for their help and the sponsors and government, who provided their help to make this a reality. He hopes things will continue to shift back to normal.

“I have my fingers crossed for a great turnout. I’m thrilled live music is back, and we have a mix of free shows and paid ones for all,” he said.

“We just can’t wait to open up fully, and get back to where we were before this. This region is so invested in music, and this year is a great representation of the talent we have to offer.”

The Halifax Urban Folk Festival runs from August 29, 2021 to September 5, 2021. More information and tickets for the events can be found online.