Halifax fans chase White Stripes around town

Halifax fans of the White Stripes ran around the city trying to locate where the duo would play their free show, and in the end the band chose a downtown pool hall.

The Detroit duo have been playing impromptu sets in eclectic locations during their cross-Canada tour, which will take them to every province and territory.

About 150 people squeezed into the Locas Bar and Billiardsto hear Jack and Meg Whitelaunch into a rendition of their 1998 single, Let's Just Shake Hands.

"It's so amazing to be here, it feels wonderful," said Kathryn Johnson, 19, after the blistering six-songset.

Earlier on, hundreds of fans followed the pair up Citadel Hill, believing the band would do a set at the old fortress.

Both musicians, clad in tartan kilts, were piped into the fort by the 78th Highlanders Pipes and Drums.Fans were disappointed when the rockers fired off a cannon and left without performing.

The White Stripes have played a string of free shows in every city they have visited on their tour. Their venues have ranged from a park in Whitehorse to a bowling alley in Saskatoon, as well asa bus in Winnipeg, a YMCA in Toronto and, most recently, the back of a boat in Charlottetown's harbour.

Their arrival in Nova Scotia has been much anticipated owing to Jack White's connection to Cape Breton.White is a distant cousin of fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, who is set to open the band's Saturday night show in Glace Bay.

Jack White's mother was on hand to enjoy the concert in the bar.

"We love meeting new relatives," said Teresa Gillis, revealing she was in town to meet the family.

The White Stripes' Canadian tour ends July 16 in St. John's.