Hey Halifax!

It’s another stacked weekend in the city.

🎤 Dave Merheje hits Yuk Yuk’s for two nights of razor-sharp, no-holds-barred comedy.

🎶 Lindsay Misiner’s new track “Solo” is one of the best soul/R&B songs to come out of Atlantic Canada in a minute.

🎸 Markapalooza takes over The Marquee Saturday afternoon — a benefit show to support a well-loved Haligonian who’s facing a tough road to recovery.

And if that’s not enough, Dave Sampson shares his favourite local haunts and music ahead of his big Marquee show on May 30.

Let’s get into it.

Dave Merheje Is On Fire — And He’s In Halifax This Weekend

Dave Merheje is one of the most original stand-up voices in the game — raw, fearless, and aggressively funny. You’ve seen him as Dr. Ahmed on the Emmy-nominated, Golden Globe-winning series Ramy, and maybe even way back on Mr. D. He’s dropped four killer specials (Netflix, Crave, the works), and took home a Juno for his album Good Friend Bad Grammar.

Lately, he’s been everywhere — starring alongside Daisy Ridley in Sometimes I Think About Dying and popping up in Kota the Friend x Big Sean’s new music video. Oh, and he was hitting stages with his long-time pal Matt Rife long before Rife’s meteoric rise to fame.

Catch him at Yuk Yuk’s Halifax this Friday & Saturday and thank us later.

Markapalooza – Saturday Matinée at The Marquee (3–6PM)

Markapalooza is a benefit show for Mark Millington, a true Haligonian legend who suffered a major stroke in February. You might remember him as “Crash” from his bartending days at the Thirsty Duck in the ’80s and ’90s — or just for his big smile and love of live music.

Now, he’s facing a long road to recovery, and this show is all about helping him get there.

Call it a Spring Warmer — an afternoon of good vibes and three amazing bands:

RASTA GUMBO • THE MELLOTONES • THE HOPPING PENGUINS

🎟️ $50 base + pay what you can — all proceeds go to Mark’s recovery fund.

Come out and help a great guy get back on his feet.

⭐️ Song of the Week

Every now and then a song comes along that stops us in our tracks — “Solo” by Halifax’s Lindsay Misiner is one of those. This is hands-down one of the best soul/R&B tracks to ever come out of Atlantic Canada. It’s powerful, polished, and packed with feeling.

After racking up over 150K Spotify streams with her last single “1 FOOT IN 1 FOOT OUT”, Lindsay’s back with a track that’s already making big moves — “Solo” just landed on some of Apple Music’s most influential editorial playlists. We’re hoping that helps a whole lot more people discover what we already know: Lindsay Misiner is the real deal.

We can’t wait to hear what’s next — this one has us very hyped for her upcoming record.

Want to advertise with Halifamous? Get in touch!

Purple Cow Internet is hooking up Halifamous subscribers with an exclusive sign-up deal.

Same networks as the big guys, but way better service — fast, friendly support by text and zero corporate nonsense. Plus, they’re a local small biz helping make this newsletter happen. If you’re thinking about switching providers, they’re a no-brainer. I’ve personally been with them for 5 years and couldn’t be happier!

Dave Sampson needs no introduction if you’ve spent any time around the East Coast music scene. While locals have been patiently waiting for his next album, Dave’s been busy making moves abroad, carving out a name for himself as a go-to songwriter in Nashville and beyond. He’s penned tracks for some major acts and continues to grow his rep on the global stage.

He’s the brains behind the legendary Big Shiny Tunes shows at The Marquee — one of the city’s top-selling events year after year, and the inspiration behind last week’s sold-out High School Mixtape show.

He’s back at The Marquee on May 30, sharing the stage with fellow Cape Bretoners Pretty Archie.

🎟️ Buy tickets to that show here.

This week, Dave shares his favourite local bars, eats, and musicians.

Favourite Bars

Jellies
“Walking into this place feels like a warm hug, it’s definitely my new late night haunt. Great vibe, music and staff.”

The Local
“My main squeeze. Odds are, if I’m out around town, I’ll be here catching a live show or hanging around the pool table.”

Local Music

Big Country at The Narrows
“Immaculate vibes. No mics, just a bunch of burly guys and long-time buds singing old country/bluegrass. NO PA, NO PROBLEM.”

Braden Lam
“People always say hard works beat talent. Braden is a rare example of having both and is on a fast track to being a household name in Canada. Check out his new album if you haven’t already. Big fan.”

Favourite Coffee Shop

Cafe Lara
“Located on Agricola, there’s a great bench in the window for people watching. Bonus points for being dog friendly.”

Favourite Eats

Westcliffe Diner
“Definitely the best greasy spoon in the city. I don’t think they’ve changed the menu or prices since 1989. The owners Bev and Tyler greet you with a smile and Newfoundland charm as soon as you walk in and you are immediately sucked into whatever lunch counter banter is happening.”

Thursday, 5/01

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS @ Scotiabank Centre - 7pm

Gravity – Songs of Sara Bareilles with Chelsi Madonna and Holly Arsenault @ The Carleton - 7:30pm

Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff @ Rebecca Cohn Auditorium - 7:30pm
Award-winning Canadian pianist Serhiy Salov joins the Symphony for Rachmaninoff's profoundly uplifting Piano Concerto No. 2.

Magic Night @ Trident Booksellers & Cafe - 7:30pm

Improv The Musical @ Roxbury Urban Dive Bar - 7:30pm
Join ‘Improv the Musical’ for their opening AND closing night of a brand new improvised musical inspired by YOU!

Classic Troubadours Live: The Songs of James, Joni, Jackson & Carole @ The Sanctuary Arts Centre - 7:30pm

Better Times Comedy @ Good Robot Brewing - 8pm

Basement Sessions: Road to Giantstock III @ Economy Shoe Shop - 8pm
Kasador, Andre Pettipas and The Giants, Fairgale

Robbie Vino @ Village Taphouse of West Bedford - 8pm
Get ready for a night of nonstop laughs at the Village Tap House of West Bedford!

Friday, 5/02

Crochet You Slay @ The Pink Piano Cafe & Lounge - 10am
Brand new to the world of yarn and hooks? We got you!

3rd Annual Abundance Thrift Fashion Show & Market @ NSCAD University - 5-9pm
Join us in celebrating three years of The Abundance Store with a thrift fashion show and market, hosted by local drag performer, Mya Foxx!

The Ennis Sisters @ Light House Arts Centre - 7:30pm

Alfie Zappacosta @ The Carleton - 8pm
The Carleton is delighted to welcome 2-time Juno Award winner and Canadian icon Alfie Zappacosta back to our stage.

Kylie Fox @ The Pink Piano Cafe & Lounge - 7pm
Presented By Songwriters From Here And Away

Let’s Get Weird with Tommy Green Jr @ Bus Stop Theatre - 7:30pm
Tommy Green Jr is back at Bus Stop Theatre with a brand new comedy and music show! Special guests, stunts, secrets to be revealed.

Callehan Goes Country @ Mill Cove Brew Pub - 8pm

Dave Merheje @ Yuk Yuk's Halifax Comedy Club - 8pm

Dan Hendricken @ Good Robot Brewing - 10pm
Comedy Album Recording

The East Enders @ Durty Nelly's Irish Pub - 10:30pm

Y2K W/ LOUKAS STILLDRUNK @ The Seahorse - 11pm

Saturday, 5/03

Halifax Crafters Spring Market @ Light House Arts Centre - 10am-5pm

The Final Roar! Dinosaur Explorer @ Discovery Centre - 10am-5pm
Dinosaur Explorer Ends May 4

International Astronomy Day @ Discovery Centre - 10am-5pm

FREE Family Series: Tap Dancing Through Time @ Halifax Central Library - 3pm

Markapalooza @ Marquee Ballroom - 3-6pm
RASTA GUMBO | THE MELLOTONES | THE HOPPING PENGUINS

Norc & Friends @ Stillwell Brewing Company - 6pm
with Oakdrive (PEI), Butcher (NB), Crossed Wires | 19+/All Ages (with Guardian)

Levity Lounge @ Listen - 7pm
Stand-up comedy is back at Listen with a stellar lineup of Halifax's best comedians, including: Sam Bartol, Sara Graham, Liam Godson, Sharon MacCormack, Kyle Carpenter and more!

Halifax Thunderbirds vs. Saskatchewan Rush @ Scotiabank Centre - 7:30pm

Alfie Zappacosta @ The Carleton - 8pm

Altération @ Breaking Circus - 8pm
Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax presents

The Magnetixx Band @ Monte's Showbar Grill - 8pm

Dave Merheje @ Yuk Yuk's Halifax Comedy Club - 8pm

House Concert featuring Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper & Sandy MacKay @ 30 First Ave - 8pm
The Ramshackle Parade bring their Maritime Appalachian Folk music and lush 3-part harmonies to the Patchwork living room.

WIKI with Lord Unknown, DJ Uncle Fester, Tachichi, BASYL, and Hatfield @ Marquee Ballroom - 9pm
Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax presents

SLURP: Taurus Season @ The Seahorse - 10pm
Nectar Collective

Dan Hendricken @ Good Robot Brewing - 10pm
Comedy Album Recording

Sauna Sounds: DJ Mommy & User 9 @ Rumours - 10pm

The East Enders @ Durty Nelly's Irish Pub - 10:30pm

Sunday, 5/04

Halifax Crafters Spring Market @ Light House Arts Centre - 10am

The Hobby Shop Collective Mother's Day Market @ Alexander Keith's Brewery - 10am

Razzmatazz For Kids @ The Carleton - 1pm

Awake And Still Drowning @ Bus Stop Theatre - 1pm-5pm
Take part in a 30 minute shared experience combining VR and an unsuspecting performance. The experience launches every 20 minutes. Presented by Mayworks Festival.

Puzzle Palooza: 500 piece Edition @ The Board Room Game Cafe - 1pm

Sensory-Accessible Concerts: Soprano Nicole Jordan @ Paul O'Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library - 2pm

Altération @ Breaking Circus - 4pm
Mayworks Festival

A Rare Whisky Tasting Experience No.7 @ Village Taphouse of West Bedford - 7pm
Prepare to embark on a journey into the world of the most elusive and sought-after single malt whiskies in Nova Scotia. Only 10 spots.

Monday, 5/05

Singles Mini Dates (ages 35-45) @ Freeman's Little New York - 7pm
Join us for our Curated Mini Dates, where new connections happen through private one-on-one introductions!

Tuesday, 5/06

2024 All Access Comedy Show Viewing @ Bus Stop Theatre - 3:30pm
Free viewing of the 2024 All Access Comedy Show. This recording includes screen in screen ASL interpretation.

Speed Dating - Ages 30 - 40 @ Economy Shoe Shop - 8pm
by Book of Love

Wednesday, 5/07

Opening Gala - Ha!ifax Comedy Fest @ Light House Arts Centre - 7:30pm

That’s it for this week!

Got an event we should know about? Hit reply and let us know!

P.S. Follow us on Instagram for more updates and giveaways!