Antigonish Jazz Fest 2026
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Five years of jazz in Antigonish: a kickoff on November 4, then three days of shows, buskers and late-night jams, November 5 to 7.
Coming up
Starts Wednesday, November 4.
Event links
Schedule
Wednesday, November 4
6:30 p.m.
Jazz Fest kickoff: 11th & Duke
Parkland Antigonish, 153 NS-337
11th & Duke, featuring Nathan Gerrior and Ryan Rockey, is a duo from Trenton, Nova Scotia that plays rock, soul and blues. The show opens the festival the evening before the main weekend.
6:30 to 6:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
Buskers
Corner of College Street & Main Street
Buskers play on the corner of College Street and Main Street. The festival names no performers.
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
APC Big Band
The Maples
A 24-piece big band with musicians from Antigonish, Pictou and Colchester Counties. This is its second Jazz Fest appearance.
2:00 to 2:50 p.m.
3:10 p.m.
Backhouse Brass
The Maples
A six-piece brass ensemble from Cape Breton.
3:10 to 4:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
Donald MacLennan
Main Street Cafe, 158 Main Street
A violinist, vocalist and composer from Dartmouth who grew up in Chimney Corner, Cape Breton.
5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
Bicoastal Collective
Royal Canadian Legion, 75 St. Ninian Street
A contemporary jazz group featuring Grammy-winning baritone saxophonist Aaron Lington.
8:30 to 9:45 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
Late Night Jam Session
Townhouse, 76 College Street
Late-night jam session at the Townhouse. The festival names no performers.
10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
Buskers
Corner of College Street & Main Street
Buskers play on the corner of College Street and Main Street. The festival names no performers.
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Dr. John Hugh Gillis Stage Band
Piper's Pub, 33 College Street
The stage band of Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School, with students in grades 9 to 12.
2:00 to 2:50 p.m.
3:10 p.m.
Sam Dickinson Band
Piper's Pub, 33 College Street
A band led by Toronto-born guitarist Sam Dickinson.
3:10 to 4:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
Carolyn Curry
Justamere Café & Bakery, 137 Church Street
An Antigonish vocalist, pianist and arranger.
5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
Morgan Toney
Justamere Café & Bakery, 137 Church Street
A Mi'kmaw fiddler and singer from Cape Breton. His album Heal The Divide won a JUNO.
8:30 to 9:45 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
Late Night Jam Session
Townhouse, 76 College Street
Late-night jam session at the Townhouse. The festival names no performers.
10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
Buskers
Corner of College Street & Main Street
Buskers play on the corner of College Street and Main Street. The festival names no performers.
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
John MacLeod Quartet
Half Cocked Brewing Company, 1290 NS-245
A quartet led by Truro bassist and band director John MacLeod, a StFX jazz graduate.
2:00 to 2:50 p.m.
3:10 p.m.
Rushka, Johnston & Michelli
Half Cocked Brewing Company, 1290 NS-245
A piano trio of Paul Rushka, Jeff Johnston and Anthony Michelli.
3:10 to 4:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
Forgalhorn
Coldstream Clear Distillery, 25 NS-4
A quartet from Prince Edward Island: Ken Fornetran, Maxwell Gallant, Devin Hornby and Ian Toms.
5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
Late Night Jam Session
Townhouse, 76 College Street
Late-night jam session at the Townhouse. The festival names no performers.
10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Festival Pass on Ticketpro
One pass for November 5 to 7, on Ticketpro. Tickets at the door unless sold out. Seats are first come, first served.