Crescendo Fest 2024

Crescendo Fest: An annual music festival in Halifax, NS celebrating Black Music, Excellence and Culture!

Our goal in Year 2 is to breakeven. Your support will ensure free concert admission for the public, free conference registration for delegates and fair payment to the artists for their performances.

Crescendo Fest is a vibrant celebration of Black musical talent in Atlantic Canada, where music serves as a powerful force for unity and empowerment. Over two dynamic days, the festival combines educational initiatives with electrifying live performances, offering a platform for emerging and established artists alike. It's a testament to the rich heritage of Black music and its ability to inspire and uplift communities far and wide.

For African Nova Scotian and Black artists, Crescendo Fest holds profound significance beyond mere performance—it's a validation of identity and resilience in the face of adversity. Through music, artists challenge stereotypes, redefine narratives, and reclaim their voice, shaping the cultural landscape and inspiring change. This festival not only celebrates their contributions but also advocates for greater inclusivity and representation within the broader music industry.

Crescendo Fest beckons audiences to listen, learn, and celebrate the transformative power of Black music. It's an invitation to embrace diversity, amplify marginalized voices, and honor a legacy that continues to resonate across generations and borders.

In 2023 we successfully launched the event with a one and a half day conference and a large public concert in Halifax’s Grand Parade that provided space for Black businesses to showcase and promote their products and services. This year we look forward to restructuring our conference to include songwriting and production sessions with leading industry professionals as well as the Crescendo Fest Showcase on August 2nd. This showcase is designed to give up and coming artists an opportunity to showcase in a space where the industry and community can come together to celebrate them and their music.

About our Founder

Micah Smith is a dynamic force in both the music industry and community empowerment. Her impressive musical collaborations, including work with artists like Reeny Smith, Joel Plaskett, Matt Andersen, and Michael Bublé, have contributed to her thriving career. Notably, she has graced the stage as an opener for acclaimed performers such as Lisa Fischer, Jully Black, and Anderson Paak, showcasing her immense talent and versatility.

Recognizing Micah's dedication to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, Music Nova Scotia invited her to join their team. This strategic move aims to strengthen ties between the organization and the African Nova Scotian/Black Community, acknowledging Micah's pivotal role in amplifying voices and fostering connections within this vibrant community.

Micah's commitment extends beyond music into community service and church leadership. With over a decade of service, she plays a pivotal role as Secretary, overseeing administration, organizing impactful events, and leading fundraising programs and international collaborations. Micah is deeply invested in the growth of individuals, evident through her dedication to continuous learning, mentorship, and collaborations with national and international festivals and organizations like ADVANCE Canada’s Black Music Business Collective and Women in Music Canada. Her involvement as a JUNOfest Producer for the 2024 JUNO awards further underscores her dedication to advancing the music industry.

Undeterred by challenges, Micah launched the inaugural Crescendo Fest in August 2023, a testament to her visionary leadership and commitment to celebrating Black Music, Excellence, and Culture.

Micah Smith exemplifies a visionary force dedicated to realizing impactful goals in both music and community empowerment.