It’s a cold night towards the end of January, as they all are. Let’s say it’s January 23. The air bites as if it had an intention to deter you. As if it were claiming the outdoors for itself and beginning a winter-long dynasty. Nearly a month into the semester, there’s already rust forming in the cogs of the work week. That uninterrupted feeling of listlessness. It’s a January 23 just like last year’s, and the year before that’s.
But the flickering light through the Bus Stop Theatre’s frosted glass is like a signal flare. Through the front door, there’s a steady hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses. In the back, someone is singing a song to a silent, swaying crowd of winter warriors.
“In the Dead of Winter is an alternative, low-key festival,” says Dana Beeler, who’s worked three years as volunteer coordinator for the North End music festival. “It’s like a warmth to help fight the winter blues. We’re offering some folk-pop and that new synth-folk that seems to be happening right now. It’s definitely a listener’s festival.”
The festival was founded nine years ago by Heather Gibson (alongside many eager volunteers) as a locally-minded alternative to some of the larger festivals in Halifax. And, uniquely, it takes place at the end of January – not exactly a typical setting for a music festival.
In the Dead of Winter (IDOW) has always relied on volunteer support to stay afloat each year, but 2015 marks the first year that IDOW has established a five member board. Having become a registered non-profit association, IDOW has now been able to set up the infrastructure needed to support itself.
“I think that with more brains behind it, it’ll really help to make the festival better each year,” says Beeler.
Nearly 30 artists from all around Atlantic Canada and the United States are arriving to play at Gottingen Street’s Bus Stop Theatre and The Company House. Alter Ego’s café is also hosting through the weekend, and Owen Pallett will be playing at the Olympic Hall on Thursday Jan 22.
Noted Grawood veteran Willie Stratton will be bringing his Boarding Party to the Bus Stop Theatre on Friday Jan 23. While the band’s rowdy folk-rock is a far stray away from many of IDOW’s more mellow acts, Stratton promises that “it’ll be a great way to stomp your feet and warm your cold heads.”
In addition to the nightly sets, IDOW has also arranged for a festival brunch at the Company House on Saturday Jan 24. Through the early afternoon, the Company House, Bus Stop Theatre and Alter-Egos will all be hosting all-ages matinees, something that Beeler was especially excited to note.
“We want the festival to be something for everybody, rather than just being for the older crowd,” she says.
Tickets for each show are available at IDOW’s webpage, and will also be available at each venue’s door.
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