NSMW 2023 | DAY 3 RECAP

WRITTEN BY: KATIE GORDON // PHOTOS BY: MITCHELL JODREY // THE BOOM AT NOON 

Sleepy Kicks performing at NSMW.

Saturday was the third and final day of showcases at the 26th annual Nova Scotia Music Week (NSMW). There was no shortage of performances to choose from with 45 shows happening on seven stages.

moira and claire

Folk-pop sister duo Moira and Claire were the first band to take the stage at Th’YARC. Their charming performance left no doubt as to why they have earned not one but two Nova Scotia Music Award nominations for their 2022 album, "i'm not usually this forward but...," for Folk/Roots Recording of the Year and New Artist Recording of the Year.

BRADEN LAM

Three-time 2023 Nova Scotia Music Awards nominee Braden Lam graced the stage at Th’YARC, where he captivated the audience with his thoughtfully written and beautifully performed songs. Performing from his April 2022 EP, ‘Strange Paradise’ as well as his latest single, ‘To Be Human,’ Braden delivered a moving performance, leaving attendees wanting more. One of the showcase highlights was when Braden and his bandmates gathered around a mic to perform a song he wrote with his wife, ‘Linen Sheets.’

JADE BENNETT

Jade Bennett was next to perform at Th’YARC, where they played a range of songs, all of which put Jade’s incredible vocals on full display. The crowd cheered along throughout the performance as Jade continually (and effortlessly) hit the high notes.

PILLOW FITE

Pillow Fite, made up of Art Ross and Aaron Green, delighted the audience with their self-described “sad, lesbian music." Despite the melancholic undertone of their songs, their lively banter and charming onstage camaraderie keep the audience laughing and smiling by playfully saying they’re the "homoerotic Simon and Garfunkel" or the "older Moira and Claire" (who graced the same stage earlier in the evening). The band shared that this past year they traveled to seven different countries, thanks to opportunities like NSMW. In addition to showcasing, Pillow Fite is also nominated for the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year award.

JOE H. HENRY

Joe H. Henry took the stage at Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant and Brewery, where his remarkable blend of powerful, soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting left the crowd in awe. He started his performance with the unreleased "Wilder on the Mountain," a song written for his son, Wilder. Drawing from his debut EP, "Keep the Fire Burning," he continued to enchant the audience with his musical prowess. Closing the set with "All Hands," a song Joe wrote for the NS wildfire benefit concert at the Scotiabank Centre earlier this year. Joe is also nominated for a Nova Scotia Music Award, for Indigenous Artist of the Year.

Elyse Aeryn

Elyse Aeryn hit the stage at Haley's Lounge with an electrifying full-on rock performance that had the venue bursting at the seams as the audience danced and sang along to every word. Elyse's boundless energy, incredible vocals and magnetic stage presence drew everyone in. Her set featured songs from her debut full-length album, "Joy State of Mind," which was nominated for Country Recording of the Year.

AVERY DAKIN

Pop and R&B singer-songwriter Avery Dakin took the stage at Johnny Patch's Pub with a dreamy showcase highlighting her soulful vocals. In July, Avery unveiled her album, "Bloom," and in a fitting gesture, she distributed flowers to audience members throughout her set.

SLEEPY KICKS

Sleepy Kicks brought an electrifying energy to the ECMA Stage at the Rodd Grand Yarmouth, Their dynamic performance had the audience in sync with their every move as they leaped across the stage, prompting the crowd to headbang, dance and sing along. In August, the band unveiled their "Fizz" EP, releasing it in batches throughout the year. The EP has been nominated for two NS Music Awards, including New Artist Recording of the Year and Rock Recording of the Year. A standout moment during their set was when band member Mitch Currie ventured down from the stage and into the crowd, encouraging everyone to get low to the ground before springing up in tandem with the music's crescendo. The band issued a playful PSA, reminding the audience about the impending time change, humorously suggesting that their showcase would now extend to an hour. Considering their electrifying performance, there wouldn't have been any objections to that proposal.

That’s a wrap on the 2023 NSMW artist showcases. The stage has been set and we’re already looking forward to the showcases that will take place next fall at NSMW 2024.