CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Register for the conference!
FREE TO ATTEND

Allies & Accomplices Welcome
For registration questions contact: 
info@crescendofest.com

2 Pm

Thursday, July 31

Saint Thomas Baptist Church 35 Simmonds
North Preston, NS

Friday August 1

11 am

Stage at Saint Andrews 6036 Coburg Rd
Halifax, NS

Industry Workshops:

Not your typical panels. We’re creating space for real dialogue—led by Black artists, respected industry professionals, and community leaders who understand the weight we carry and the work that still needs to be done.

These workshops and roundtables center the lived experiences of Black folks in music, and dig into the hard conversations that often get avoided—but shouldn’t. We’re talking about:

11:00 am Being Black in the Music Industry: “How Are You Really Feeling?”
A check-in, a truth-telling space, and a moment of shared healing.

11:40 AM Organizations pulling back on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments
Organizations are pulling back—so where does that leave our communities?

12:20 PM Cultural Appropriation: When Inspiration crosses the Line
When Inspiration meets Exploitation

1:00 PM The African Nova Scotian Identity
Who we are, where we come from, and why it still matters—especially now.

At the heart of these discussions is a commitment to honest dialogue, transformative learning, and accountability—within the music industry and beyond. We’re not just talking for the sake of talking. We’re collecting data, documenting insights, and sharing what’s said so the impact doesn’t end when the session does.

Because our voices matter. Our experiences matter. And the industry needs to hear them—loud and clear.

The Playback Session & Mixer

Step into a space where creativity meets collaboration. The Playback Sessions invite producers, songwriters, and artists to join forces in an inspiring feedback exchange. Whether you're showcasing your latest beat or unveiling a new lyrical idea, these sessions offer a supportive environment to share your work and receive valuable, constructive critique from peers and industry professionals. More than just feedback, this is about building real connections within a vibrant community of creators who are just as passionate about music as you are.

2pm

Saturday August 2

Crescendo Fest Creative Sessions: Where Collaboration Meets Creativity

This isn’t just a session—it’s a creative reset.

We’re bringing together Crescendo Fest performers, alumni, and a hand-picked group of artists for an inspiring day of collaboration, connection, and straight-up creativity. The goal? Get out of your comfort zone, work with someone new, and stretch your artistry in ways you didn’t expect.

We’re all talented, but when we step into a room with different voices and fresh energy, something powerful happens. The lyrics get sharper. The beats hit harder. The songs go deeper. That’s the magic of collaboration.

The day kicks off with breakout groups based on your discipline—writing, producing, jamming instrumentally—and ends with a group feedback exchange where we share what we’ve created and pour into each other’s work. No egos, just growth.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, switch it up, and co-create something real, this session is for you.

CRESCENDO FEST CONCERT
7:00PM - FREE ADMISSION

Ferry Terminal Park
88 Alderney Drive, Dart, NS

11 aM

ANSMA 100 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth

Industry Workshops:

This hands-on workshop is designed to inspire and equip African Nova Scotian and Black youth and Allies who are curious about what happens behind the scenes in music. Led by professional sound engineer Bruce Burton, this session will break down the basics of live sound, mixing etc. 

Whether you're an aspiring producer, performer wanting to understand your sound, or just someone who loves the craft—this workshop is for you.

No experience needed. Curiosity welcome.
Come ready to learn, ask questions, and take the first step into the world of audio engineering.