Halifamous HALIFAMOUS
Brett Matthews' Halifax

Halifavourites

Brett Matthews' Halifax

Brett Matthews·singer-songwriter & musician7 picksMay 2026
Brett Matthews has one of the most incredible voices on the East Coast. If you like City & Colour or Bon Iver, you'll love his genre-bending sound. He took down the ECMA for Country Release of the Year earlier this year and just released his debut album Tomorrow. We asked Brett to share his favourite spots around Halifax.
Ristorante A Mano
I first found this place during the 2024 JUNO weekend with some buds. I couldn't pronounce 75% of the menu, but the giant pasta shells stuffed with a mixed seafood purée was unbelievably good.

The service and atmosphere keeps me coming back.
Fine Dining Directions Website
The exterior alone is enough to want to see what's inside. I also filmed part of a music video for my song Tomorrow here, which became my favourite part of the whole project.

The owner and employees went over the top to help us get the shots we needed. Top notch!
The Carleton
The Carleton is hands down my favourite spot to perform in the city. And on the flip side, it's equally my favourite venue to take in a show. Great food and drinks paired with the intimate vibe is right up my alley.

The sound techs, staff and service is always above and beyond great. I love it all.

Rankin's Winter Warmers

Rankin and I went to the same high school. A great pal who has given me a number of stages to stand on over the years, but nothing impresses me more than the SOLD OUT - 3PM - had to be there show like his Winter Warmer's series.

The energy and undeniable talent on that stage is THE place to be on those Saturdays.
Community Event
Villages
The by's. I'm a bit biased with this one as the majority of the band are my first cousins. Growing up as neighbours, these fellas were a major part of my musical upbringing. They introduced me to some of my favourite listens like Buck 65 and Wintersleep.

Being from the Cape surrounded by Celtic / Traditional music, these guys represent Cape Breton through their storytelling like no other!
Live Music Spotify
Daniel James McFadyen
I can't praise Daniel (and his band's) music enough. I discovered "August, I'm Yours" a few years back and it was the first time in a long time I felt moved by a tune.

And then you meet the guy and he's an absolute sweetheart. He's everything you want your favourite artist to be, yanno?
Live Music Spotify
Good Dear Good
I've known Tim (lead singer / guitarist) for a number of years through mutual friends. An all around beauty and the group's sound is a real sweet treat to the pop-rock world.

Their song "The Storm" is a regular in my rotation if I'm kicking around the house or on the road.
Live Music Spotify

Liked Brett Matthews's picks?

Get the week's best events, guides, and music from the East Coast. Every Thursday.