As Nova Scotia ramps up to host the 8th edition of Devour! The Food Film Fest in Wolfville Nova Scotia (October 23rd-28th), it’s announced some exciting news about a very special guest.

In addition to the already amazing lineup of notable speakers, including former White House chef Sam Kass, the latest personality to join the roster for 2018 is musician Questlove.

Although many know Questlove as a drummer and leader of the hip-hop band, The Roots (the house band at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), he is also an inspirational figure in the culinary world.

We’ve been longtime fans of The Roots,” says the Festival’s managing director, Lia Rinaldo, “and have loved watching the progression of Questlove into Quest Loves Food.”

Questlove’s bestselling book, Something to Food About, explores creativity in cooking with ten of America’s most innovative chefs. He has also been featured in New York Magazine, Food & Wine magazine, and Bon Appetit. Questlove is a celebrity ambassador for Food Bank For New York City, on the City Harvest Food Council, and serves as a board member of Edible Schoolyard NYC.  

How does a tiny town in the corner of Nova Scotia attract such a high-profile guest? Rinaldo gives credit to festival co-host, chef and comedian, Ali Hassan.

“In terms of getting this all rolling, much credit goes to our friend, Ali Hassan , who brought it up during an after-hours brainstorm at our Devour! Fox Harb’r satellite event in May this past year. He was a BIG fan, and between some MacGyver cheese plate action—and lots of libations—we arrived on this being the best idea.”

Questlove will join Hassan onstage for an intimate conversation about food issues, culinary creativity and his infamous Food Salons. Following the live interview, the New York Times best-selling author will meet festival-goers for a book signing.