SENSORY-ACCESSIBLE CONCERTS • FREE
Vocalist Dee Hernandez and Guitarist Camilo Villamizar-Báez
We open the sixth season of Sensory-Accessible Concerts with Cuban-Canadian vocalist Dee Hernandez and Colombian-Canadian guitarist Camilo Villamizar-Báez, co-presented as part of the 2026 Prismatic Arts Festival. Blending Afro-Cuban jazz, soul, R&B, Latin rhythms, and warm acoustic guitar, this free concert invites audiences to settle in, listen at their own pace, and enjoy live music in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Sunday, October 4, 2026 • 2:00pm
Paul O'Regan Hall • Halifax Central Library
Accessible Venue
Ticket Availability: Excellent
Co-presented with Prismatic Arts Festival and Halifax Public Libraries
Season Sponsor: NICE MOVES / Red Door Realty
Program Information
We open the sixth season of Sensory-Accessible Concerts with Cuban-Canadian vocalist Dee Hernandez and Colombian-Canadian guitarist Camilo Villamizar-Báez, co-presented as part of the 2026 Prismatic Arts Festival. Together, they blend Afro-Cuban jazz, soul, R&B, Latin rhythms, and warm acoustic guitar in a concert shaped by groove, culture, improvisation, and personal storytelling. Hernandez brings a bold, resonant voice and expressive stage presence, while Villamizar-Báez adds rhythmic colour, warmth, and sensitivity on guitar. Their music creates an inviting atmosphere that is both vibrant and relaxed, offering audiences a chance to experience rich musical traditions in an accessible, welcoming setting. Audience members are invited to settle in, listen at their own pace, move as needed, and enjoy live music in a comfortable, supportive environment. Registration will open at a later date.
Our Partners
The Sensory-Accessible Concerts series is made possible through the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the J&W Murphy Foundation, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Harrison McCain Foundation, the Craig Foundation, the Unity for Autism Foundation, the Isabel Bader Charitable Trust, the Windsor Foundation, the Cecilia Concerts Season Sponsor Nice Moves / Red Door Realty, and our presenting partner Halifax Public Libraries. We are also grateful for the gifts from the many individual donors who continue to support this important initiative.
Artist Biography
Dee Hernandez, vocals
Dee Hernandez is a Cuban-Canadian Afro-Cuban Jazz vocalist, singer, songwriter, and performer whose music radiates with the heartbeat of her heritage and the soul of contemporary artistry. Based in Atlantic Canada, she blends Afro-Cuban jazz, soul, R&B, and modern fusion into a sound that is unmistakably her own.
Born and raised in the rural heart of Havana, Dee’s journey from Cuba to Canada is a story of courage, resilience, and boundless creativity. At just 16 years old, she defected during an East Coast tour, finding not just a new home but a new voice — one that bridges cultures, generations, and musical traditions. Her music tells stories of love, transformation, and spiritual depth, delivered with a magnetic voice often described as bright, bold, and resonant like a trumpet, with a metallic edge.
Dee moves effortlessly between velvety jazz tones, sultry soul, infectious grooves, and Afro-Latin rhythms — always leaving space for improvisation, a hallmark of her artistry that makes every performance unique and alive.
Dee’s sound is a fluid fusion of past and present, where Afro-Cuban rhythms meet classic jazz phrasing, vintage soul grooves, and contemporary pop sensibilities. Her music brings the timeless spirit of Cuban tradition into dialogue with modern expression from around the world
Celebrated for her electrifying live performances, Dee has been a multiple-year nominee at the East Coast Music Awards (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026) and a multi-award nominee at the Music New Brunswick Awards across several categories recognizing her work in Global/World Music, R&B/Soul, and Jazz-influenced recordings. This consistent recognition highlights her as one of Atlantic Canada’s most distinctive and evolving voices.
Her songs have been featured in major screen projects, including the TIFF-featured film Do I Know You from Somewhere and the Bell TV series Home on the Bay (Spring 2026), further expanding her reach beyond the stage.
A recent artistic milestone in Dee’s journey is her Ella Fitzgerald Tribute project. This work is more than homage — it reflects Dee’s deep relationship with jazz tradition, vocal storytelling, and improvisation.
Through celebrating Ella’s legacy, Dee draws a clear line between classic jazz phrasing and her own Afro-Cuban and soul-infused approach, showing how these traditions live and breathe inside her original music.
The tribute has become an extension of her artistic identity, connecting history, culture, and contemporary expression.
Dee has lit up stages across Canada at Canadian Music Week, Contact East, Come Together Conference, and many other showcases and festivals. Her performances blend infectious rhythm, masterful vocals, and heartfelt storytelling, creating shows that are both intimate and explosive — true celebrations of culture, resilience, and the power of music.
In September 2026, Dee will release her debut LP, a project that comes full circle, tracing her evolution from the moment she arrived in Canada to the artist she is today. The album reflects her journey of resilience, love, and cultural preservation through her distinct fusion of Cuban roots and modern soul.
With every note she sings, Dee Hernandez invites listeners on a journey of connection, spirit, and undeniable groove.
Location
Paul O'Regan Hall (Halifax Central Library)
5440 Spring Garden Road • Halifax, Nova Scotia • B3J 1E9
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for this event?
This is a free event, and advance registration is highly recommended. Registration can be completed online on this page. Registering helps us track audience numbers and make sure we have enough space for everyone. It also allows us to send you a reminder before the event.
How will I receive my registration confirmation?
After registering, you should receive a confirmation email at the email address used during registration. Please keep this confirmation handy on your phone or bring a printed copy with you when you arrive. If you do not receive your confirmation, please check your spam or junk folder, as registration emails are sometimes blocked or filtered by email providers. You may also wish to search your inbox for “Cecilia Concerts” or your event confirmation. If you still cannot find your confirmation, please contact the Cecilia Concerts office before the event and we’ll be happy to help. Rest assured, if you registered online, your name will also be on our guest list at the door.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open 30 minutes before the event begins. We recommend arriving a little early so you have time to check in, find a seat, and get settled before the event starts.
Can I arrive late?
Latecomers are not a problem and can enter quietly after the event has begun.
What is the seating like?
Paul O’Regan Hall has unassigned theatre-style seating and these concerts also have seating on the stage floor. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you require companion seating or have an accessibility-related seating need, please let us know when you arrive.
Are children welcome?
Yes, children are very welcome and are an important part of our Sensory-Accessible Concerts audience. Families are invited to settle in, move as needed, and enjoy the concert in the way that feels most comfortable. You may wish to choose seats close to an exit in case a quick exit is needed during the concert.
Is there a chill space available?
Yes. A comfortable chill space will be available for anyone who needs a break from the concert environment.
Are headphones available?
Yes. Noise-reducing headphones are available for audience members who would like to use them.
Can I move around during the concert?
Yes. Audience members are welcome to move, stretch, change seats, or step out and return as needed.
How long is the event?
Sensory-Accessible Concerts are usually about one hour long and do not include an intermission.
What accessibility features are available?
Paul O’Regan Hall is wheelchair accessible and includes accessible washrooms, a ramp, and elevator access. Companion seating is available if required. If you have a specific accessibility question before attending, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Can I use my phone during the event?
Please silence your phone before the event begins. We ask that phones and bright screens not be used during the performance, screening, or presentation, as they can be distracting to artists, speakers, and audience members.
Can I take photos or videos?
Photos are welcome before or after the event. Unless otherwise announced, photography, audio recording, and video recording are not permitted during the event.
Is the venue scent-sensitive?
To help make the event comfortable for everyone, we ask guests to avoid wearing strong scents or fragrances when possible.
Is there parking or public transit nearby?
Yes. Paid underground parking is available at Halifax Central Library, along with nearby street parking. There is on-site parking for 50 bicycles. The venue is also located on major downtown Halifax Transit routes.
What happens if there is a storm?
If a storm may affect the event, registered attendees are encouraged to call the Cecilia Concerts office at 902-423-0143 for a recorded event update. Updates will also be posted on the Cecilia Concerts website and social media channels.
What happens if the event is changed, postponed, or cancelled?
Events are subject to change, postponement, or cancellation. If the event is changed, postponed, or cancelled, registered attendees will be contacted as soon as possible with updated information.