All posts by Karen

That’s a Wrap!

A huge shout out to all the talented artists who graced The Carleton stage in celebration of our 10th anniversary.  You were freakin’ awesome and we thousands (yup) of long-time and brand-new fans thank you for the music.

Special commemorative “tour” tshirts are still available at the joint for only $15.  They are snappy and will identify you as someone who (a) was there for this historic celebration and/or (b) is an active supporter of live music in our lovely city.

Is The Carleton open? You betcha!

 

For Immediate Release  Monday, February 12, 2018

After an extensive month-long renovation, Halifax’s multi award-winning live music venue and restaurant The Carleton has re-opened its doors!

Executive Chef Michael Dolente introduces superb new menu offering refined and casual local fare

(Halifax, NS) – After an extensive month-long renovation, Halifax’s multi award-winning live music and restaurant, The Carleton is poised to offer an unforgettable social dining and live entertainment experience and has officially re-opened its doors.

“The Carleton team is thrilled to welcome guests to our refreshed digs!” said owner, Karen Spaulding. “From grey wood flooring to rich indigo walls, quartz bar to brass finishes, cozy seating to intriguing light fixtures, we have kept your comfort and enjoyment top of mind. Our private dining room has been fully upgraded to host personal and corporate events and on a practical note, long time patrons will appreciate the private modern washroom facilities.”

An exciting complement to the refreshed space is the introduction of a superb new menu by The Carleton’s new Executive Chef, Michael Dolente. “We invite you to discover Chef Michael’s winter menu, including new favorites such as calamari, scallop crudo, and a divine panna cotta,” added Spaulding.

Chef Dolente, who recently moved back to Halifax to take on the role at The Carleton, started his career in Nova Scotia and grew up working in kitchens such as The Cellar,   The Henry House and the Delta Halifax Hotel, where he completed his apprenticeship and earned his Red Seal. In 2012, he moved to Toronto to expand his knowledge base and experience and became Sous Chef at the Thompson Hotel. From there he opened The Shangri-La Hotel kitchen and refined his culinary and managerial skills as Banquet Chef, specializing in fine dining, European and Asian cuisines. Dolente appeared on the Food Network’s “Chopped Canada” and competed in the Hawksworth Young Chef Competition, where he earned first place in the Toronto heat.

“I am very excited and humbled to be back in my home town doing what I love in one of Halifax’s most historic buildings,” said Dolente. “We are working hard to bring a refined yet very approachable menu offering to our valued diners.”

With Chef Dolente at the helm in the kitchen, The Carleton looks forward to participating in several local food festivals and experiences, including the Savour Food and Wine Festival (Feb. 22), Burger Week (March 22-28) and Delish (April 28).

The re-opening of The Carleton offers an exciting line up of live music experiences, including this Wednesday’s SOLD-OUT Valentine’s Day Concert (Feb. 14), featuringAriana Nasr’s Edith Piaf Show.

As the 2018 entertainment program takes shape and the venue nears its 10th Anniversary celebrations in May, The Carleton promises a stellar array of local, national and international talent for all musical tastes.

Upcoming shows include: Quiet Parade EP Release Show (Feb. 16, 7pm), Son Latino(Feb. 16, 10pm), The Tom Rich Band (Feb. 22), Jon Bryant (Music Heals Fundraiser March 3), The March Hare (March 4), Alfie (March 9), Craig Cardiff (March 14 & 15),Liam Corcoran & Tyler Messick (March 23), Lynn Miles & Lynne Hanson (May 16),Harry Manx (May 23), Irish Mythen (May 24) Madison Violet (July 26), Fred EaglesmithTif Ginn (August 11) and more.

The venue will also host comedy performances, including James Mullinger (Feb. 17) andGreg Proops – The Smartest Man in the World Podcast Taping as part of the Halifax Comedy Festival (April 26).

For a full events list, visit: TheCarleton.ca.

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Our Hours

Tues – Wed 4 PM – 11 PM
Thurs 4 PM – 1 AM
Fri – Sat 4 PM – 2 AM
Sun – Mon closed UNLESS there’s a scheduled show

About The Carleton

The Carleton is housed in a building in Halifax, NS that was built in 1760 and was the home of Richard Bulkeley. Apart from two churches, Bulkeley’s home is the oldest building in Halifax, NS. It was reported to have been made from the ruins of Fortress Louisbourg. Since 1786 his residence has been known as ‘The Carleton’. As one of Halifax’s premier live music venues for the past 10 years, The Carleton has earned numerous awards and accolades including three East Coast Music Awards and eight Music Nova Scotia Awards for Venue of the Year, and most recently the 2017 Canada Live Music Award for Best Small Venue in the Country.

For more information on The Carleton, visit: TheCarleton.ca.

Follow The Carleton socially:
Facebook: Facebook.com/TheCarletonHalifax
Twitter: @CarletonHalifax
Instagram: @CarletonHalifax

Media Contact:

Wendy Phillips, Phillips Public Relations Ltd.
(902) 492-0960 / wendy@pprl.ca

 

We’re almost 10 – time to refresh!

For Immediate Release

Monday, December 18, 2017

Under new ownership, Halifax’s multi award-winning live music venue and restaurant, The Carleton is set to undergo an extensive renovation

The venue will temporarily close in two phases beginning on December 22 and reopening on February 8, 2018

(Halifax, NS) – Under the new ownership of Halifax-based business person Karen Spaulding, Halifax’s multi award-winning live music and food venue, The Carleton has just announced its plan to temporarily close on Friday, Dec. 22 to undergo an extensive renovation in two phases. It will open for shows as part of the In The Dead of Winter Festival, Jan. 18-20 then close again and officially reopen on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018.

A life-long fan of good music and good food, Nova Scotian-born and raised Spaulding, who is also President of local software company, Metaworks Inc., purchased The Carleton earlier this year believing it was a natural fit and would be a true labour of love.

“It has been a whirlwind and a joy to move from long-time patron to owner of the Carleton. Since April, we have welcomed outstanding new and established artists to our stage, introduced Executive Chef Michael Dolente’s refined casual local fare, and listened to and learned from regular and prospective customers,” said Spaulding. “To offer an even more comfortable and welcoming space, we are embarking on a substantial facelift, modernizing the bar and facilities while paying homage to the building’s 250-year history- from Governor Bulkeley’s mansion to the Jury Room!”

“2018 marks our 10th year in business and we’re very much looking forward to celebrating that fact by continuing to bring the best talent we can get to our award-winning venue and to the fine music lovers of Halifax”, said Mike Campbell, Programming Director for The Carleton. “We also promise to continue to provide a stage for up-and-coming artists because everyone – like Steve Poltz, July Talk, The Strumbellas and many others we’ve hosted in the past – need to start somewhere.”

With the refresh, The Carleton also aims to provide an unforgettable social dining experience and an ideal option for downtown professionals and for people enjoying festivities around the city.

“We are excited to be part of downtown’s rejuvenation with Argyle’s stunning new streetscape and the Halifax Convention Centre’s impressive conference lineup. In the Spring, we plan to extend operating hours to include weekday lunch and weekend brunch plus add a year-round patio. Please join us next year at the Carleton for the best in food, drink, and entertainment!” added Spaulding.

About The Carleton

The Carleton is housed in a building in Halifax, NS that was built in 1760 and was the home of Richard Bulkeley. Apart from two churches, Bulkeley’s home is the oldest building in Halifax, NS. It was reported to have been made from the ruins of Fortress Louisbourg. Since 1786 his residence has been known as ‘The Carleton’.

As one of Halifax’s premier live music venues for the past 10 years, The Carleton has earned numerous awards and accolades including three East Coast Music Awards and eight Music Nova Scotia Awards for Venue of the Year, and most recently the 2017 Canada Live Music Award for Best Small Venue in the Country.

For more information on The Carleton, visit: TheCarleton.ca.

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For interview opportunities, contact:

Wendy Phillips, Phillips Public Relations Ltd.
(902) 492-0960 / wendy@pprl.ca