I hope that by now you’ve seen the news—we crowned Truro the live music capital of Nova Scotia. And by now, you’ve maybe realized it’s a bit tongue in cheek. We thought to ourselves, no one has the title, so why not just go for it? So, we bought a billboard (that goes live August 19) and decided we’d let everyone know about the amazing live music scene that’s growing in Truro. It’s a scene that grows out of an amazing history—the McCready Brothers, Dutch Mason, Jane Archibald, Don Ross, and so many others—into a new generation— Garrett Mason, Nicole Ariana, Shadow Folk, LeafGreen, and so many more.
While it may be a bit audacious to take the title, the more we thought about it, the more we realized that Truro is a hub of live music. We’ve hosted Nova Scotia Music Week more than any other community. Some weekends, there’s more than 20 shows across three days in a town that’s under 14 000 people. The Rath Eastlink Community Centre brings international talent to our community. The NS Stampede is quickly proving to be one of the next cornerstone festivals of Nova Scotia. Go out on a Friday night and you’re going to hear music across Truro.
But you know what? If someone else—Pictou, Halifax, Yarmouth, Sydney, or any other community—thinks the title belongs to them, we’re just excited to talk about live music. Performance binds communities. I’ve said it before, that arts and culture are the soul of a community brought to life. There’s something brewing in Truro and it’s a melody of a thriving music scene. It’s too easy to be subtle about what makes our community standout. So, we’re just going for it and shouting it loud… Truro is Nova Scotia’s Live Music Capital.
Throughout the month of August, we’re welcoming everyone to go onto our website where you can tell us what you love about live music in Truro. Is it your favourite Truro band or performer? Maybe it’s the Sunday concerts at First United or the music in Civic Square. It could be the dances at the Legion or the amazing shows across our restaurants and bars. It might even be performances at the Marigold. Whatever it is, we want to talk about live music. So, visit our website and tell us: what do you love about live music in Truro?
From the very bottom of my music loving heart, I can say, I absolutely love our town and it’s passion for live music. So maybe crowning ourselves the capital isn’t so audacious. I’ve lived in cities across North America with wild music scenes, I grew up in a music scene that sprouted some of that biggest acts today, and I’ve worked with musicians from all over the world. And if you gave me the choice to be involved in any music scene in the world, I can say with 100% certainty, I would still choose Truro.
At the end of the day, I know Maritimers love any reason to celebrate. So join with us and celebrate live music in Truro. Go to a show. Check out an act you’ve never seen. Buy tickets for someone you love. However you celebrate live music, remember: you’re doing it in Nova Scotia’s live music capital.
All my best,
Marshall Feit