LIVE ON AGRICOLA: AN OPEN MIC CRAWL EVENT!
March 15, 2026
Hosted by Ben Caplan
with special guest performances by Seamus Erskine, Laura Merrimen, and Jake Ballard!
Join us for a day of music, creativity, and community vibes at the Live on Agricola event, an exciting open mic crawl happening on March 15th, 2026. Hosted by Ben Caplan, this event will be spread across various locations along Agricola Street (more details below), bringing together talented artists and local community for a great time with live performances. Plus, you can catch performances by special guests Seamus Erskine, Laura Merrimen, and Jake Ballard!
EVENT SCHEDULE:
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Obsolete Records
2855 Agricola Street
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Kick off the event with us at Obsolete Records, where the vibrant musical atmosphere will set the tone for the day. Discover special performances from local musicians and sign up for your chance to shine on stage during the open mic session. Special performance by Seamus Erskine!
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Cafe Lara
2347 Agricola Street
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Continue the excitement at the cozy and welcoming Cafe Lara. Try your hand at performing during the open mic session, or simply enjoy the diverse talents on display. Special performance by Laura Merrimen!
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Agricola Street Brasserie
2540 Agricola Street
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Conclude your open mic crawl at Agricola Street Brasserie. Enjoy an evening filled with artistic expressions and grab a bite to eat while you soak in the sounds of emerging talents. Special performance by Jake Ballard!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-time participant, everyone is welcome to take the stage at the open mic sessions. To secure your spot, please sign up below:
RSVP
Planning to attend? We’d love to know! Please RSVP below to help us make this event as enjoyable as possible for everyone.
Meet the Host & Special Guest Performers
Learn more about the musicians!
 Ben CaplanBen Caplan is known for his larger-than-life presence, deep storytelling, and unmistakable voice, but for Live on Agricola, he is stepping in as host. Bringing the same warmth, wit, and magnetic energy that have earned him international acclaim, Caplan will guide audiences through the Live on Agricola Open Mic, introducing performers, sharing stories, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for artists and audiences alike. |  Seamus ErskineSeamus Erskine has been rockin’ the maritimes for years. Singer and guitarist in The Brood since 2014! Seamus has put out a solo record “Home Brew Vol. 1” in 2024. He also plays in Wharf Rats, a Grateful Dead tribute band, and The Broken Reeds, hosting the long-running Winter Warmers series in Halifax. Fun Fact:The Brood played regularly at the Open Mic House on Agricola St. back in the day, including Halloween Night 2014. |  Laura MerrimenLaura Merrimen is an old soul who wears her Americana drenched heart on her sleeve. Armed with an electrified 40’s Harmony Commander and a Fender Princeton Tweed copy her Dad built, she infuses a blend of rock n roll know-how, haunting harmonica and pairs it with catchy pop soul and blues melodies and what is produced is a smokey trip down memory lane. A veteran of the East Coast music scene, Merrimen - multi-instrumentalist, producer and dabbling engineer has released four independent albums. |
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 Jake BallardDartmouth’s Jake Ballard is a musical force known for fusing upbeat roots-rock, raw blues, and haunting psychedelic textures. His fingerpicked electric guitar and charged vocals cut through with intensity, creating soulful music that lingers long after the last note. With a blue-collar mentality and extensive catalog, Ballard can be found across the Maritimes, delivering intimate solo sets and full-band blowouts. He brings a magnetic presence to every stage, offering powerful performances. |
This event was created in partnership with Open Mic House Halifax
