2026 festival countdown

 FB: juliatynes01

IG: juliatynes

Halifax singer-songwriter Julia Tynes delivers a sweet and soulful blend of retro-inspired pop, with a voice that channels the elegance of Diana Ross and the energy of classic soul. A Music Nova Scotia Award nominee and ANSMA Award recipient, she took the stage for over 70 shows across Nova Scotia in 2025 alone, with past highlights including appearances at the Halifax Jazz Festival, performances for the Prime Minister of Canada, and sharing the stage with soul icon Liberty Silver. With thousands of national radio plays, her work blends nostalgia with a modern edge, and her performances are defined by a distinctive, recognizable vocal tone, an open heart, and a magnetic stage presence.

FB: alvarosounds

IG: alvarosounds

Alvaro, casually known as AL, is a singer-songwriter and performer whose music resonates from a fusion of diverse influences of the pop music genre. His artistry reflects the experiences of being born and raised in the Philippines and living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Drawing inspiration from the sub-genres of pop such as: rock, r&b, and more, Alvaro crafts melodies and lyrics as a canvas for intricate story-telling. Since his emergence into the local music scene, with the release of his debut record "ALone”, it has amassed up to 1.6k monthly listeners and over 20k streams on Spotify – with tracks featured on CBC Information Morning, East Coast DNA, East Coast Top 30, Music Nova Scotia, and more. He then continued to share his music by performing to various audiences including his sold out debut album release show, a sold out double billed performance feature at the Bus Stop Theatre, and at the Garrison Grounds for the Philippine Fiesta! 3 years in a row to an audience of over 4k attendees, the 2025 Nova Scotia Music Week as a showcasing artist, and singing the US and Canadian National Anthems for the Halifax Thunderbirds Lacrosse Game in March 2026. Though Alvaro’s musical journey has only just begun, his early milestones and achievements prove that he is set for the rest of the East Coast and the whole country to hear his sound. 

IG: warletmusic

Warlet is a singer, rapper and beatboxer from Brazil based in Nova Scotia. She mixes different genres such as Emo Rap, Hyperpop, R&B, Trap and Urban Latin on her music, while mixing her languages on her songs (English, Portuguese and Spanish). Her lyrics focus on deep, real life experiences from toxic relationships to her life as a woman on the spectrum.
Beyond music, Ryonna is a multifaceted creative with a passion for modelling, acting, and entrepreneurship. With a clear vision and drive, she continues to carve out her own lane while building a brand that reflects both her artistry and ambition.

She is set to release her second single “Aura,” on May 1st a track that encourages women to walk in confidence and embrace their power.

FB: aquakultremusic

IG: Aquakultre

Aquakultre is the artistic voice of Lance Sampson, a singer, rapper, composer, and storyteller  whose three albums and multi-media collaborations range from rap and folk to experimental jazz and neoclassical hip hop chamber work. His recent projects in documentary television, visual art, and music, all draw from his explorations of ancestry, history, and community as a Black Nova Scotian who traces his roots back to 1783, also the title of his latest critically acclaimed album. Lance is the recipient of Creative NS’s 2025 Black Artist Recognition Award and is currently Artist-in-Residence at the Black Cultural Centre in Cherry Brook, NS.