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Daniel James McFadyen's Halifax

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Daniel James McFadyen's Halifax

Daniel James McFadyen·musician & indie-folk artist & festival organizer9 picksMay 2026
Fresh off a triple win at the 2024 Music Nova Scotia Awards and an ECMA nomination for his hit "Hot Sun", indie-folk artist Daniel James McFadyen has gone from Valley pubs to selling out Toronto's Great Hall and Halifax's Marquee Ballroom. A proud product of the Annapolis Valley, he gives back as the founder of Wolfville's Ridge Fest, a showcase for the region's best up-and-coming talent. His new single "Back To The Country" drops this Friday — and his picks below make it very clear the Valley never left him.
Narrow Espresso
Personally, I think it's the best espresso you can get in the city. Anywhere using North Mountain beans (shoutout Berwick) tends to knock it out of the park.

I also love that you can barely move in there, and that your seat might be about half a foot from the bathroom, cozy in the truest sense.
Cafe Directions
Jellies
My buddy Mat Hughes introduced me to my new favourite bar: Jellies. He had his album release after-party there — I went to bed early, but I'm sure good times were had by all. Great people, good music, and a cool vibe.
Bar Directions
The Brown Hound
The Hound Burger with a Guinness is my go-to. It's one of those meals that's always better than you remember it being. Solid cozy pub with solid vibes (if you can find a seat).
Casual Bite Directions Website
Kings Arms Commons
Their BBQ chicken nachos on wontons are elite. Plus, they're super supportive of local music and have some of the nicest staff around.

Also my Tuesday night trivia spot, highly recommend (shout out Graham).
Casual Bite Directions Website
Callum Gaudet
Callum Gaudet
Callum's one of my favourites, haunting Americana vibes done right. I had him and his band play Ridgefest, a little festival I run in the Valley, and he absolutely killed it.
Live Music Spotify
Lizard Hips
Lizard Hips
One of my new favourite bands in the Valley. They're a psych-rock group that's brand new but super tight. They just released their first single and have a full record on the way this year. Definitely worth checking out.
Live Music Spotify
The Public Service
The Public Service
"Home in Me" might be one of my all-time favourite songs. Such good people. Their music has that homegrown, feel-good thing that's hard to beat. Big love for them.
Live Music Spotify

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