Friday, August 4th

Register for the conference!
FREE TO ATTEND

Allies & Accomplices Welcome

For registration questions contact:  registration@crescendofest.com

Join us on a transformative journey where we dive deep into the power of your mindset, decision-making skills, and relationship with time. This intimate workshop is crafted to create a safe space for personal growth, where we'll explore how your beliefs shape your decisions and uncover the keys to fostering a growth mindset. Through heartfelt discussions, interactive exercises, and practical techniques, you'll gain the tools and insights needed to make confident choices, overcome challenges, and seize control of your precious time. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and unlock the untapped potential within you." 

Presented by Michelle Allman-Esdaille

Founder and owner of The Hook & Company and The HOOK Synch Group, Michelle is recognized as an artist strategist, artist manager, consultant, industry speaker, mental health advocate and mindset coach specific to the creative space.   Most recently, she has taken on the position of Lead, Operations and Lead, Talent Acquisition at ADVANCE.  This aligns with her focus of partnering with companies and organizations to help fill the skill gaps through training and upskilling channels for the Black community.  Creating spaces that are built specifically for underrepresented artists that fall in the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and recognized as female community is her one of her passions.

Michelle is also a Reiki practitioner and author of a collaborative anthology book “You Have So Much Potential – Inspiring Generation Healing & Transformation” with 29 other doctors and practitioners.

https://www.thehookandco.com/

https://www.thehookandco.com/thsg

Creative Collaboration

Whether you are an artist, a songwriter, or a producer, our panel will speak to the possibilities for exporting your music through creative collaboration.  You will hear first hand how they have successfully expanded their networks and their careers through creative collaborations.  

The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A and roundtable session.

Panelists include: 

Vivian Barclay (Moderator)

Vivian is the Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music Canada, from Radio to management/event production companies to working her way up through the ranks in music publishing, Vivian has spent over 25 years in the music business.

At Warner Chappell, she works with a diverse roster of songwriters, including Jully Black, Patoranking, Brad Rempel (High Valley), Maurice Moore, Machel Montano, Producer Tom French, Begonia and is also responsible for the administration of the over 200-year-old company’s global catalogue, which includes Lizzo, Quincy Jones, Summer Walker, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Gamble & Huff, Radiohead, Stephen Sondheim, Chris Stapleton, Green Day, Michael Bublé, Murda Beatz and PARTYNEXTDOOR.

Vivian sits on the Boards of: Music Publishers Canada (Co- President) , SOCAN, ADVANCE -Canada’s Black Music Collective (founder), as well as Phemphat Entertainment Group, producers of the all-female Honey Jam Showcase, a non-profit organization which provides mentoring opportunities for artists. Most recently Vivian was named to Billboard 2023 International Power Players list.

My Best Friend Jacob

My Best Friend Jacob is a Nova Scotia born music producer. He has been a part of some of the biggest pop culture moments over the past several years. Jacob has worked with a wide array of celebrities and stars including Kanye West, the Weeknd, Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott helping them garner millions of YouTube views, placement on top Apple Music charts, and Award nominations.   He has contributed his creative works to notable brands such as Nike, Apple, Adidas, Air Jordan, Reebok Classics, Showtime and A24 films .  In 2020 he launched the hugely successful Sauceware, a cutting-edge plugin built specifically for rap producers.

Dereshean Jarret aka Mixed by OTR 

Born Dereshean Jarret, OTR is a Toronto-based audio engineer, DJ, and producer. His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him high recognition - his long list of credits includes Jhené Aiko, DVSN, COLORS Studios, Mercedes-Benz Canada, Reebok Canada, and many more.

OTR is quick to credit his heritage and childhood exposure to Jamaican culture as the introduction and initiation to his first love, DJ’ing. His experiences growing up among solo music artists then introduced him to the intricate world of music production. Inspired by what he witnessed, he dove into formal education and mentorship. Learning the ropes and polishing his skillset, he graduated from both Trebas Institute, and The Remix Project.  Years later, he continues to collaborate with his clients executing their visions and elevating their music to the highest level.

Javert "Jaye" Haynes

Javert "Jaye" Haynes is a gifted musician, respected vocal coach and music producer with over 20 years of professional experience.  His mastery of keys, bass guitar and drums and his skilled and unique style are in demand with artists across a variety of genres including Fred Hammond, Kurt Carr, Johnny Swim and North Preston’s own Reeny Smith.  He has worked with Grammy-nominated Gospel artist Todd Dulaney,  Nicole Mullen and Aubrey Ghent and is the bassist for Bobby Jones including B.E.T’s Bobby Jones Gospel and Bobby Jones Presents on The Word and Impact networks.  Haynes is a respected vocal coach who frequently conducts gospel workshops all over North America focussing on harmonizing and vocal techniques.  An engineer and producer, he has worked with other prominent producers that include Derrick Lee and Ay-Ron Lewis.

Jaye continues to strive for greatness in all that he does - always expanding his horizons and embracing valuable learning experiences.

Ricardo Chung

With an ear and a knack for spotting and developing talent, Ricardo Chung’s path into the music industry has been rich in experience thriving in the management realm. After graduating from the Remix Project’s Business Program. Ricardo got his first chance in the music industry scoring an internship with Raekwon’s independent label ICE H20 Records. From there, Ricardo started working for the company Last Gang Entertainment; managing the artist/producer Tre Mission. He then went on to form his own management company Ransom Management Group, managing acts like Sean Leon & Julian Thomas.  He then gained touring experience working as Baka Not Nice’s road manager on the “Assassination Vacation” Tour with Drake. Ricardo has now joined the Warner Chappell Music team as an A&R. He continues to be a key ally in the Canadian music industry.

Exporting:  The Bigger Picture will discuss how to export outside of Atlantic Canada.

Crescendo Fest Conference Mixer

Saturday, August 5th

INTERVIEW: MICHIE MEE

An intimate interview session with Canada’s Queen of Hip-Hop, interviewed by Shevy Price. 

In honour of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, the celebrity interview will feature Canada's first notable female MC, hip-hop pioneer Michie Mee.

Canada's first notable female MC, Michie Mee is a national hip-hop pioneer. She is known for her unique rap style of combining reggae and dancehall with hip-hop, a gifted technique that continues to influence many of the successful artists who have followed in her footsteps. The first Canadian hiphop artist to sign with a major American label, Michie has received the DJ Stylus Hall of Fame Award, the CUMC Lifetime Achievement Award, the Black Canadian Award for Best Female Rap Act, and most recently, made history when presented with the Toronto Arts Council’s Roy Thomson Hall Award.  But this trailblazer is not finished yet - not only does the Canadian rap icon’s latest album, Bahdgyal’s Revenge, herald her long-overdue return to music, but it also casts what is, arguably, the widest musical net of her career — incorporating Michie’s Jamaican roots, dancehall reggae, rock, and hip hop, ultimately creating a sound that is at once timeless and timely.   Active in her community, she sits on the Advisory Board of the Jamaican Music Conference and is a member of the Generation Hip Hop Global Board in Brazil and the Hip-Hop BLVD Advisory Board in NYC.   A diverse artist, Michi also has a long list of acting credits to her name that encompasses tv series, films and documentaries and has recently added author to her resume with a Penguin Random House book deal for her memoir.  With over three decades in the entertainment industry, the Juno and Gemini nominated rapper and actress is not only an inspiration for female musicians but for all artists.  

Shevy Price

When pursuing a career in music, Shevy quickly became one of the region’s most influential underground artists. She opened for well-known artists, landed international showcases and was the first female rapper to perform at the Canadian Country Music Awards .
Known for her exceptional talent and creativity on a number of fronts, Shevy is a prominent figure in the arts community. Beyond her artistic prowess, she is also an advocate, leveraging her platform to promote social causes and raise awareness on important issues.

Shevy multifaceted career as an artist, advocate, program developer, and manager exemplifies her commitment to creativity, social change, and effective leadership. Her contributions to the arts and her community continues to make a lasting impact. 

CRESCENDO FEST CONCERT
7:00PM - FREE ADMISSION

Grand Parade
1770 Barrington St. Halifax, NS

CRESCENDO FEST WRAP PARTY
11:00PM

The Loft Nightclub
5243 Prince St, Halifax, NS