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Daniel James McFadyen's Halifax

Daniel James McFadyen's Halifax

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Daniel James McFadyen·musician & indie-folk artist & festival organizer9 picks

A Halifamous guide Published Updated

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.
Latest albumBack to the Country (Deluxe Edition)2026ListenNew singleTell Arizona2026ListenNext showSat, Nov 21Light House Arts Centre, HalifaxDetails

Cafe

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.
Directions

Bar

Jellies

Closed

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.
Directions

Casual Bite

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).
Directions Website

Casual Bite

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).
Directions Website

Live Music

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.
Spotify Instagram

More Lizard Hips on Halifamous

Artist pageShows, music, links

Favourite Craft Beer

Exile on North Street

at Unfiltered Brewing

Top-tier beer. Strong, tasty, no nonsense. I used to live across the street from Unfiltered in Halifax… dangerous.
Directions Website

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