Quake Matthews’ Hali Picks + This Weekend's Hottest Events 🎶

Hey Hali!
This week, we’re excited to introduce Halifavourites, a new bi-weekly segment celebrating the talented locals shaping our city. From their favourite spots to the people and things they love about Halifax, Halifavourites gives you a glimpse into their world and what makes our city special.
To kick things off, Halifax hip-hop legend Quake Matthews shares his top picks—from the best pizza in Fairview to rising local artists you need to hear.
And don’t miss the rest of the newsletter for a ton of event listings to plan your weekend ahead!
Let’s dive in.

With 8 albums in 15 years, Quake Matthews is one of Halifax’s most prolific musicians. He’s worked with locals like Classified and Ria Mae and legends like B-Real (Cypress Hill) and Freeway. Fans include Drake and Scarface, and his range is unmatched—check out the soulful Try with Sonreal and the B-Real Remix, where Cypress Hill’s own jumped on Quake’s tribute track.
PS: Quake has a brand-new single dropping Friday (tomorrow!) at midnight called Gel Nails. It’s a country track—something completely new for him—that shows just how versatile the man is. Pre-save it here!
Here are Quake’s top Halifax picks, in his own words:
Places I Love
Green Valley Market
“As a person with Lebanese roots who has never had a chance to visit the Middle East, this Syrian market brings me a little closer to what that experience may be like.”
Go-to order: 1KG of beef kebabs (lasts 3 meals).
Martin’s Kitchen
“After working on my short game at Indian Lake, I like to head into Martin’s for a post-round meal and drink. I love the atmosphere, and the food is amazing.”
Go-to order: Any of the pastas.
Ken’s Seafood / Pizza
“This is my go-to place for pizza. It reminds me of my childhood growing up in Fairview—the cheese is piled high, the sauce stands out, and the crust is crispy outside but doughy inside.”
Pro tip: Get your pizza well done.
Local Artists I’m Into
Kye Clayton
“When I first heard Kye Clayton a few years ago, I was super impressed. He’s reminiscent of lyricists from the golden age and also produces his own beats.”
Instagram | Spotify
Basyl
“Palestinian artist Basyl continues to impress me with his growth. His unique flows and melodies always represent where he’s from, which is something I resonate with.”
Instagram | Spotify
Events I’m Excited About
“There’s an event Rebel Entertainment is bringing to the Maritimes this May long weekend that I’m not allowed to reveal yet, but trust me—remember this. It’s going to be crazy.”
Corner Store Favourite
Joe’s Kwik Way
“This place was like my second home growing up in Fairview. I love Joe and admire his hard work and warm heart. Check him out on TikTok and pay him a visit.”
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Learn More

Thursday, Jan 23
Halifax RV Show - Jan 23-26
Mooseheads vs. Titan D'acadie-Bathurst - 7pm
Paint Nite @ Bulwark Cider + Taproom - 7pm
Banff Film Festival Halifax @ Spatz Theatre - 7pm
Dominique Fils-Aimé @ St. Matthews United Church - 8pm
Haliwood Trio @ The Split Crow - 7-10:30pm
Friday, Jan 24
Mooseheads vs. Sagueneens De Chicoutimi - 7pm
Curling & Darts Night @ Halifax Curling Club - 7pm
Art Battle Halifax @ The Marquee - 7:30pm
Dal vs. UNB (Mens Basketball) - 8pm
Shawn Taylor @ The Split Crow - 8-11:30pm
The Mellotones @ Pacifico - 8:30-11:30pm
Renaissance: A Beyonce-Themed Night w/ Makayla Couture @ The Seahorse - 9pm
DJ Swee’s Lunar New Year ‘25 Disco Party @ Stillwell Brewing (Kempt Rd) - 9pm
Saturday, Jan 25
South End Vintage Market - 11am-5pm
2 Crows 8th Birthday Party w/ Coda Ramen Pop-up (12pm ) and live music (8:30 pm)
Rankins Winter Warmer @ The Marquee - 3-6pm
Haliwood Duo @ The Split Crow - 3-6pm
Dal vs. UNB (Mens Basketball) - 4pm
UCW Wrestling Blizzard Bash @ Spryfield Lions Rink - 7pm
Brownie-Fest @ Gus’ Pub - 7pm
Intro to Brush Calligraphy @ Suda Table - 5-8pm
aRENYE Listening Party @ Rooms Coffee | Listen - 8pm
G-Street Band @ Pacifico - 8:30-11:30pm
The Right Swipes (super fun rock cover band) @ The Carleton - 9pm
Funky Exploration @ The Local - 9pm-1am
Sunday, Jan 26
Mooseheads vs. Saint John Sea Dogs - 3pm
Darkside Dippers - 11am @ Lions Beach Park
Sunday Funday w/ Jacob Strang (Free pool & cheap drinks) @ The Local - 9pm
Legendary Sunday Night Blues Jam @ Bearlys - 8pm
Monday, Jan 27
Trivia Night @ The Local - 7pm
Tuesday, Jan 28
Halifax Drink & Draw @ Maxwell’s Plum - 7-9pm
Garret Mason @ Bearlys - 8:30pm
Wednesday, Jan 29
RGD Trivia Night @ Gahan House - 7pm
Gin & Jazz @ The Local - 7:30pm
Best of Both Worlds: Open Mic + Karaoke @ Economy Shoe Shop - 8pm
Music Bingo @ Stardust (Theme: GLEE)
That’s it for this week!
Got an event we should know about? Hit reply and let us know!
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