Halifax Pop Explosion

HPX is the Halifax Pop Explosion, an annual festival that presents over 150 artists, comedians and speakers, in more than 15 venues across the city. HPX has a long-standing tradition of presenting the best in new and innovative music from across Canada and the world. HPX bolsters the music presentation with a Music Conference, comedy shows, a Zine Fair as well as other partnered events and parties.

The first Halifax Pop Explosion was held in September 1993 and was the brainchild of Halifax music impresario Peter Rowan and legendary Halifax promoter Greg Clark. Greg bowed out after the first year to focus on the Birdland Cabaret, and the festival continued to grow with the assistance of artist manager Angie Fenwick, and later with the help of Shelly McPhail. This internationally acclaimed festival drew accolades in Halifax, Canada and around the world.

Circumstances dictated that the festival be relaunched in 1996 as Halifax On Music. The festival operated for a further four years, improving on the concept, and drawing further national and international interest. The festival became a pivotal event on the east coast and a centerpiece and celebration for the music community in Halifax and the Maritimes. Operated by Angie Fenwick, Cinnamon Toast and Murderecords kingpin Colin MacKenzie, fellow Murderecords employee Marc Brown and No Records founder Waye Mason, the Festival ran successfully for the remainder of the 90’s. However, the volunteer based, no profit, no sleep, unsung glory model put a lot of stress on the principle organizers, and in 2000 no festival was held.

The Halifax Pop Explosion was re­launched in 2001 under the original name by Waye Mason as a not-­for-­profit Association. While a cast of hundreds supports the presentation of the festival every year, mentions need to be made of the standout support of past volunteers and/or Board members Melissa Buote, Sara Spike, Steve Lutwick, Ben Pearlman, Chris Parsons and Kasia Weiczorek. With much love, the festival was able to re-­establish itself as one of Canada’s most important music, digital and cultural events. An East Coast party not to be missed.