Harrowsmith Fall 2019 | 127SMALLPONDSmelds her extraordinary knack
for nuance: the dreamy, award-
winning folk tune.
It is a willingness to bare so
much of herself—not all, mind
you—on record and onstage that
draws in fans from all over the
world, people far and wide who feel
like aliens themselves, looking to
connect with anyone or anything.
With a touring history in
Canada, the United States, Europe,
Australia and the U.K., the future
will find Kenney continuing to tour
as much as possible, expanding
her sonic reach here on Earth
and perhaps beyond, beamed up
somewhere deep in the cosmos
among other beings like her.
Your name?
Mo Kenney
Home (or adopted) town?
Dartmouth, N.S.
Years in residence?
Five.
Where do you live now?
Dartmouth!
Favourite hangouts?
There’s a really great spot called
Staggers, on Portland Street.
They have arcade games and
really fun karaoke. I go there
often when I’m home.
Favourite nature walk?
Shubie Park. Nice long trails and
swimspots! In the summer, there’s
a lock-side canteen called Lemon
Dogs—they have amazing tacos.
Best swimming hole?
I’m fortunate enough to have a lake
right in my backyard. Dartmouth
is aptly called the City of Lakes.
Maynard Lake Beach is my go-
to spot to swim. Lake Banook is
a great lake too. There are a few
different beaches to choose from.
Nicest road for a hike/bike/drive?
I got a motorcycle last year, and my
favourite local run is the Cow Bay
loop. It’s a little chilly some days
because it’s right by the ocean, but
it’s a beautiful drive.
Unofficial/suggested town
slogan?
A lot of people refer to Dartmouth
as “The Darkside.”
How has this place contributed to
your career?
My mentor/producer, Joel Plaskett,
is also based in Dartmouth. I
recorded my first album at the Old
Scotland Yard, a few blocks from
my first apartment in Dartmouth,
and recorded my last two albums in
the New Scotland Yard, on Portland
Street. All my bandmates are based
in Dartmouth as well, and we have a
rehearsal space here.
Why do you like living there?
I moved to downtown Dartmouth in
2013 and immediately fell in love. At
that time, there were a lot of neat
new businesses popping up in the
area. I feel really at home here, and
there is a real sense of community
that I hadn’t experienced anywhere
else. New places are popping up all
the time; it just keeps getting better
and better!
What else do you want people to
know about this place?
If you’re ever visiting Halifax, make
sure you hop on the ferry and pay a
visit to Dartmouth. H