Canadian City Guide #5 // Ruth Minnikin's Halifax (NS)

As part of our partnership with the Canadian Blast & The Local present Canada festival on June 30th, we have caught up with some of the artists involved to find out what their home towns are like. This time it’s the turn of ex-Guthrie and Heavy Blinker Ruth Minnikin.

Who are you and what city are you from?
Ruth Minnikin from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

What is the city known for (and is that fair?)
Halifax is known for having one of the deepest harbours in the world and the Halifax explosion of 1917 – The Halifax Explosion, the world’s largest man-made explosion before Hiroshima, occurred when a Belgian relief vessel and a French munitions carrier collided in Halifax Harbour during World War I.

If we were come to the city for the first time, what would be the first thing you would take us to see and why?
I’d say a nice trip to Dartmouth on the ferry. The ferry has been running for 250 years and only costs $2.25. You would see the harbor and the 2 bridges that span across it.

Best Place to grab a bite to eat?
If your looking for a nice sit down meal with all locally grown/organic food ‘Chives’ on Barrington St. is devine!

Good places to see a show?
The Company House is a great seated venue that has acoustic shows.

If I wanted to pick up a copy of your record, where would be the best place in the city to go?
Taz Records on Argyle St. has been around for decades and they have old/new, vinyl/cds. You could spend hours…

What would be your perfect day in the city?
Croissants from ‘Two if by Sea’ in Dartmouth for breakfast, a trip on the ferry to Halifax to walk the waterfront. Then for lunch ‘Bud the Spud’ (a chip wagon in front of the library on Spring Garden Rd), an afternoon swim at Long Lake, supper at ‘Chives’ and then out to see music in the evening.

Outside the city walls: best day trip outside of the city?
Peggy’s Cove on the south shore is great for seeing the ocean and enjoying the
scenery.

Local Legend: one person (or group of people) (musical or otherwise) who is held to be a legendary figure in the town (and why?)
‘Bubbles’ (Mike Smith – one time musician from the band Sandbox) is the star of the TV program ‘The Trailor Park Boys’. He now even has his own bar.

Favourite city story/myth:
Halifax is where the maiden voyage of Titanic really ended, with the most lasting legacy from the sinking located here. playing a key role during the tragedy’s aftermath and becoming the final resting place of many of her unclaimed victims.

We would like you to make us a playlist featuring bands from the city or area (past and present)
1. The Guthries- Trials and Tribulations
2. The Heavy Blinkers – Used to be a Design

3. Reels – Summer Fields
4. Ruth Minnikin – Songmill
5. Ruth Minnikin – Depend on This

Has living in the city had much of an affect on the music you create? If so, how?

Halifax is full of visual artists, musicians and venues to perform. There is always something happening in which talented folks are involved!!

What has been your most memorable live show? Have you got anything special planned for your UK dates?
In December in Halifax I released my newest album ‘Depend on This’ at a local art gallery, Argyle Fine Art. It was great to have a full band (horns/strings/singers) and also do a set with my old band ‘The Guthries’. Most of my UK dates i’ll be performing with my brother Gabriel Minnikin.

‘Canadian Blast and The Local Present CANADA’ is the inaugural Canada-only music festival in London. In association with The Line of Best Fit and sponsored by: Canadian Tourism Commission, VIA Rail, Sleeman Beer and CIBC.