Stage Mondays Presents (Music) - Nomi's Pics

Naomi Weisman is a Canadian, Australian and mother of three, who loves to ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.

Last week I visited my friend Shelagh Young Howard who recently moved from Toronto to Halifax, Nova Scotia. We have known one another for over twenty years, and have buoyed each other up through the ups and downs of life. 

One of the things that we enjoy doing together is seeing live music. So when she asked me what I’d like to do during my visit, I said ramble (of course), and see some local artists play.

Shelagh discovered that there is one Monday per month that is dedicated to highlighting women and marginalized people to showcase their musical talent, just a couple of blocks from her house in a charming old church. The evening is called The Stage Mondays Presents if you ever make it to Halifax and want to go. Thankfully, I happened to visit on that very Monday!

The main event that night was a woman named Heather Kelday. Originally from Ontario, Heather moved out to Nova Scotia after university and has been pursuing a music career for the last twenty years while working full-time and raising a family. With such a rich and full life, it is not surprising that she has stories to tell in her music and some funny anecdotes to relay to the audience in between each song.

Her voice is smooth and pitch-perfect. She is a multi-instrumentalist who encourages the audience to join in and participate. Heather played songs from several different albums written during different junctures in her life. Each was charming, toe-tapping, and melodic, leaving you wanting more. 

I particularly like her banjo playing, although she kept having to tune it. I don’t know if that is the nature of the beast or if there was something wrong with it.

Heather Kelday made the evening special with her creativity and talent. I would like to see her again. She seems like someone I could be friends with.

I give Heather Kelday a big thumbs up! Give her a listen and let me know what you think in the comments.