For months during the pandemic, as arts venues across Atlantic Canada were shuttered, the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party became a popular outlet for musicians in Nova Scotia and beyond. With over 270,000 members of the Facebook group, professional and amateur musical acts alike shared their music with an eager online audience.
While the virtual music forum is still going strong, eased pandemic restrictions have re-opened most venues. As a result, the online showcase is moving into the real world to celebrate, partnering with Halifax’s Light House Arts Centre for a series of live kitchen parties this summer.
Featuring 20 winners from the Outta Lockdown Showdown virtual video contest, the winning acts will be joined by four of Nova Scotia’s favourite party bands at the newly opened Light House Arts Centre in the former World Trade & Convention Centre on Argyle Street.
Keeping to its roots, the concerts will also be live-streamed on the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party Facebook page.
Audiences of both the live and virtual shows will have an opportunity to vote for their favourite performer, with the top performer from each live show winning the chance to film a video in the Studio at Light House.
In recognition of the mental hardships faced during the isolation and lockdowns of the pandemic, proceeds from the Kitchen Party series will benefit the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
The Ultimate Live Kitchen Party series takes place at the Light House Arts Centre (1800 Argyle St, Halifax) on June 23, July 21, August 18 and September 15. Visit lighthouseartscentre.ca for the complete line-up and tickets.