Photo Credit: Nick Harding
The Blues in Wasaga Beach
Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues returns for another unforgettable year, promising to bring the heart and soul of blues music to Wasaga Beach. As one of Ontario’s most anticipated music events, the festival has become a latesummer tradition, drawing music lovers, families, and visitors from across the region to celebrate the rich legacy of blues in a vibrant setting.
A Weekend of Music and Community
This year’s festival is set to take place over three days, transforming Stonebridge Town Centre Park into a lively hub of sound, rhythm, and community spirit. From Friday evening through Sunday night, attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of acclaimed blues artists, local talent, and special guest performers. The festival’s two open-air main stages, provide the perfect backdrop for soulful performances and dancing under the stars.
Stellar
Lineup
The 2025 edition boasts an impressive roster of musicians, featuring both Canadian and international blues legends alongside rising stars. Festival lovers can expect electrifying sets from guitar virtuosos, powerhouse vocalists, and dynamic bands, each bringing their unique style to the stage. Whether you’re a longtime blues aficionado or a newcomer eager to discover the genre, the lineup promises something for everyone. Our big surprise for Friday night will showcase music from the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, a little spice to start our weekend!
Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond the music, Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues is committed to offering a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The festival grounds will feature food trucks, artisan vendors, and liquid lounge.
A hallmark of the festival is its dedication to supporting the local community. Join us on Saturday at noon to see a youth band, Junior Jam perform, one that has been proudly mentored by Shane Cloutier. The event also provides a platform for regional businesses and artisans, strengthening the economic and cultural fabric of Wasaga Beach.
Plan Your Visit
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as the festival is known to draw large crowds. Free parking is available onsite. For those traveling from out of town, Wasaga Beach offers a range of accommodations, from camping and bed and breakfasts to cozy cottages and local motels, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. For more information, go to: WasagaWelcomes.com/stay
Join the Celebration
Whether you’re coming for the music, the atmosphere, or the chance to connect with fellow blues fans, Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and get ready to experience the magic of blues by the beach this summer.
We are a non-profit organization, and we depend on community every year to deliver an amazing festival experience. Thank you to our sponsors, partners and volunteers!
Photo Credit: Bryan Davies
Title Sponsor
Government
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Thank You to
The generous support of our sponsors, supporters, volunteers and fans make Stonebridge Wasaga B each Blues possible . T hank you.
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Society for the Arts
Artistic Director
Gabor has made music his priority for the last 40 years.
He started playing in bands in 1968 and spent the summer of 1969 playing in the house band at the Dardanella in Wasaga Beach.
Went on to play with dozens of great local bands including: Bloodstone, Justin Paige, Lenny Solomon, Grant Smith, Sweet Blindness, Wayne Buttery & the Groove Project and dozens more.
As well as being in the musician world, Gabor also was the founder and president of PA+. This company, a provider of world class audio equipment, quickly became the preferred supplier for Toronto’s top live venues including Massey Hall, Roy Thompson Hall, The Sony Centre & Harbourfront.
PA+ had house sound systems in: The Jarvis House, Lee’s Palace, The Diamond Club, Rock N’ Roll Heaven, RPM & The Warehouse.
In 2015 Gabor settled in Wasaga Beach and was asked to take on the position of Production Manager for the Festival. After the passing of Wayne Buttery, Gabor also took on the role of Artistic Director.
OLG proudly supports festivals and events across Ontario.
Together, we’ve been creating wins for our players and communities for 50 years.
OLG est fière de soutenir des festivals et des événements partout en Ontario.
Ensemble, nous faisons gagner nos joueurs et nos collectivités depuis 50 ans.
Formed in Ormstown, Quebec, Durham County Poets are a band in the truest sense of the word and have seen their popularity and reputation grow with each passing year. Each band member writes and arranges material, bringing a unique flavour to the overall mix. The result is blues, folk, soul, gospel and R&B all woven together creating an authentic yet contemporary sound!
They have been nominated for several Maple Blues Awards, a Canadian Folk Music Award, Male Vocalist of the Year, and a Juno Award nomination for their 2019 release of Hand me down Blues. Their latest release, Out of the Woods, released in May 2022, is garnering much attention with top 40, top 20 and top 10 best album of the year list for 2022.
Saturday, September 13 @ 9:25pm
Soul Stew is Toronto’s legendary Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Jazz Funk ensemble. A fixture of the Toronto music scene, Soul Stew is made up of some of the finest musicians in Canada.
Formed in 1990 by Toronto first call studio musicians as a house band at the Bamboo, Soul Stew became the band synonymous with the College Street music scene with their 10 year long residency at the College Street Bar.
The musicians in Soul Stew have collectively and individually performed and recorded with The Boss Brass, Gorillaz, Bruce Cockburn, Paul Butterfield, The Parachute Club, Jane Bunnett, Holly Cole, Marc Jordan, Gino Vanelli, Tito Puente, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Aretha Franklin and Nelly Furtado, to name just a few. Soul Stew plays a mixture of Blues, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Funk, a bit of reggae and a lot of Soul, recalling the classic sounds of the legendary recording bands (a la the Funk Brothers from the movie Standing in the Shadows of Motown) of Stax, Motown, The Philly Sound, The Meters, Muscle Shoals, and the Hi Rhythm section of Memphis.
Michael Dunston - Lead Vocals, Percussion
David Gray - Guitar, Background Vocals
Matt Horner - Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Background Vocals
John Johnson - Tenor, Alto & Baritone Sax
Mark Kelso - Drums, Background Vocals
Roberto Occhipinti - Bass, Background Vocals
Sunday, September 14 @ 6:55pm
They’re hot, sizzling, fun and funky. In the great tradition of Motown, show stopping Ottawa 12-piece The Commotions, consisting of three lead vocalists and five horn players, create Motown inspired songs with a nod to Tower of Power, Chicago and the Supremes, all the way up to current pop chart-toppers Bruno Mars and Michael Buble.
Assembled and conceived by musical director and tenor saxophonist Brian Asselin, a one-time member of Detroit legends The Funk Brothers, the Commotion’s third album, appropriately titled Volume 3 (out Oct. 20), is the one destined to expand their career across Canada and beyond.
From the groovy lead track and first single “Feel The Commotion” to happy sitcom-sound of “Love In The Fast Lane,” rockin’ funk of “Backseat Love” and impassioned duet “Where Does The Love Go?” -plus a re-recording of their 2020 signature song, “New Suit” -the snazzy ensemble is a blast from the past with a look to dance floor’ s future.
“The first single is one of our funkier tunes, inspired by Jamiroquai, which brought the funk and jazz elements to pop music in the 90s,” says Brian. “The whole vibe is set in a club setting. It’s a party track, a dancing track supposed to get you up and moving. The whole record starts with this epic introduction to the rhythm section, the strings and the horns.”
The lineup – comprised entirely of jazz musicians – still includes original members Rebecca, David, Brian and his twin brother Jeffon drums, and bassist Ken Seeley, but it’s not easy keeping a 12-piece group together. “It’s really difficult even to get a rehearsal in.,” he laughs. “I book them a month and a half in advance.” Rounding out the lineup are trumpet players Ed Lister and Eric Littlewood; tenor saxophonist Mike Lett, baritone saxophonist Caelan Roberge Toll and keyboardist Deniz Lim-Sersan.
Their most recent album, Volume III, came out on Oct. 20, 2023. They are currently working on our Volume IV album .
Sunday, September 14 @ 5:40pm
“ROSIE’S SMOKEHOUSE DELUXE”, are a powerhouse Roots Rock band hailing from the shores of Ontario Canada’s Southern Georgian Bay. They proudly call Wasaga Beach their home. The band is led by founding member, lead vocalist & bass guitarist David G. Rose, ,(aka: Rosie). With the release of their debut album “Welcome To The Smokehouse”, the band burst onto the music scene garnering rave reviews both at home and around the globe. Rosie has assembled an unbelievably stellar lineup of seasoned veterans to help bring “Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe” to life. Their live show is an incredibly dynamic and powerful must see experience, pure fire from the drop of the beat.
The current lineup includes David G. Rose aka:Rosie - Bass Guitarist/Lead Vocalist, Tony Moretta - Lead Guitarist/Backing Vocals, Gabor Szepesi - Keyboards and Steven K Henry - Drums/Backing Vocals
“Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe” is released and distributed through MoMojo Records/Nola Blue Inc.
As he enters his third decade as one of Canada’s most celebrated blues artists, Shawn Kellerman continues to find new ways to play the music that has fuelled his creativity since his early teens. He’s taken another major step forward on his latest album, Kell’s Kitchen, a 14-track collection that highlights all of his influences, with his incendiary riffing tying it all together.
From the album’s opening blast of “SKB,” “Drivin” and “Show Me What You Got,” it’s clear that Kellerman isn’t taking any prisoners. All three songs grew out of a writing trip to Texas that produced a batch of material incorporating everything from southern gospel rhythms to Jeff Beck/Jimi Hendrix-indebted funk, setting Kellerman on a path toward his most dynamic set to date.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Shawn Kellerman album without contributions from the many friends he’s made over the years. On “We Are Blues Men,” his former employer, two-time Grammy winner Bobby Rush, makes a notable appearance, while Jason Ricci—hailed as “one of the ten greatest blues harmonica players of all time”—
shows off his skills on the slow-burning “You’re Gonna Learn From This One,” as well as two others.
Kellerman says, “I love collaborating, and I definitely wanted other people involved on a bunch of songs. On the other hand, I wanted to push myself to write as well. Lots of things were in my mind while putting this album together, from the different grooves I wanted, to lyrics drawn from things that have happened in my life, some of them serious and some funny.”
Anyone who has ever seen Shawn Kellerman on stage can certainly attest to him being a force of nature with a guitar. Still, as he’s matured, Kellerman has evolved into a well-rounded player with an understanding that the blues can be interpreted in countless ways. Kell’s Kitchen is unquestionably Shawn Kellerman’s best album to date, and arguably the best any Canadian blues artist has made in recent memory.
Saturday, September 13 @ 6:55pm
A Unique Voice in Indie Folk
Shane Cloutier’s music combines a strong emotional voice with guitar work infused with heavy metal influences, creating an uncommon sound that sets him apart from other indie folk musicians.
This year, he is working on his original band with a much more blues-rock direction. They’re excited to bring their talent to the stage at this year’s festival, promising a new dynamic to their performances. He has recently signed a recording contract and has received endorsements from Ibanez, Laney Amplification, Fret-King, and Carl Martin.
Collaborations and Projects
Shane Cloutier has teamed up with renowned musicians, including award-winning blues drummer Tom Bona and legendary guitarist Frank Marino of Mahogany Rush. Currently, he is crafting new material, highlighted by his upcoming fourth solo album. Fans are already getting a taste of what’s to come, as his team shares sneak peeks of
the album’s supporting video, promising an exciting visual and musical experience.
Personal Journey and Inspiration
Shane’s music is deeply personal, reflecting his experiences with loss and resilience. His wife’s passing significantly influenced his early work, particularly In Light, which became a therapeutic outlet for him. This personal journey has allowed him to create music that resonates with listeners on a profound level.
As Shane continues to write and perform, he looks forward to sharing new music and connecting with audiences at upcoming festivals and shows. His versatility as a musician, teacher, and entrepreneur, recently opening a prestigious musical boutique in Stayner, Ontario, underscores his dedication to his craft and community. With his unique sound and compelling story, Shane Cloutier remains an exciting figure in the Canadian music scene.
Sunday, September 14 @ 4:25pm
Billboard Top 10 Blues Artist, 2020 IBC Winner, and JUNO Nominee, Canadian singer/guitarist JW-Jones is known for his high-energy shows!
After winning “Best Guitarist” at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Jones started working on his 12th release ‘Everything Now’ [May 26, 2023], an alloriginal project with special guest Jimmie Vaughan, and production by Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar).
“Songs! It’s all about the songs!” said the JUNOnominated Jones, whose searing axemanship has been praised in recent years by legendary blues artists Buddy Guy and Chuck Leavell (The Rolling Stones). “While there are plenty of burning lead guitar solos, I wanted to open up and get more personal than ever with the lyrics.
From the true story ‘Papa’s in the Pen’ to ‘When You Left’ that I sang with tears rolling down my cheeks about my mother’s passing, these are stories that I feel like I can finally share through my music.”
The frequent resident of Billboard’s Top 10 Blues charts and roots radio favourite continues to accelerate his career momentum to new heights, whether it’s as a personally requested sit-in with the likes of 8-time Grammy winner Buddy Guy, opening for blues-rock icon George Thorogood, or entertaining thrilled audiences in 23 countries and four continents.
Sunday, September 14 @ 3:20pm
12 - 14, 2025
This phenomenal and expressive vocalist proves that you can live out your dreams through inspiring others. Quisha Wint is an accomplished songstress/performer/arranger/ songwriter who unleashed her debut CD entitled “The Journey” in April 2012.
Quisha was born to sing and entertain. She grew up in a Jamaican/Canadian home listening to Reggae, Motown, Gospel, R&B, then expanded to jazz when she entered the well-known jazz program at Humber College in the mid ’90s. From there she embarked upon her dream of performing with well-known musicians, which took her to exciting overseas hotel engagements. Since then, Quisha has sung in many parts of Asia, Europe, North America, and Caribbean, leaving her audiences applauding and wanting more of this dynamic performer.
This beautiful and talented artist is a breath of fresh air in an industry over-saturated with pop culture. Quisha’s voice is mesmerizing and captures the soulful sounds of the legendary artists (Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin) who’ve paved the way before her.
While Canadian fans have received her debut CD with high acclaim, the world will soon follow suit because Quisha Wint is worth the wait!
Saturday, September 13 @ 5:40pm
ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Trust our experienced team to keep your wheels in top shape.
2025 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday, September 12
Lisa Hutchinson 5:20 pm Page 27
Pukka Orchestra 6:40pm Page 34
The Zep Show 8:00pm Page 31
Blushing Brides 9:20pm Page 22
Saturday, September 13
Junior Jam 12:05pm Page 37
Ronnie Douglas 12:40pm Page 24
Gail Gunnis + the Dirty Roosters 1:55pm Page 35
Delta Fuse 3:10pm Page 30
Angelica Jones 4:25pm Page 25
Quisha Wint 5:40pm Page 20
Shawn Kellerman 6:55pm Page 17
Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe 8:10pm Page 16 Durham County Poets 9:25pm Page 11
Sunday, September 14
Lowdown Dirty Mojos 12:05pm Page 33
Glenn Marais + the Mojo Train 1:10pm Page 29
Cheryl Lescom + the Tucson Choir Boys 2:15pm Page 23
JW Jones 3:20pm Page 19
Shane Cloutier Band 4:25pm Page 18
The Commotions 5:40pm Page 15
Soul Stew 6:55pm Page 13
Schedule is subject to change without notice. E.&O.E..
Originally fronting a covers band called Jade that performed material from the Stones, Bowie, Dylan, Springsteen and J Geils, Montreal’s Maurice Raymond was approached by Kingston, ON native Paul Martin in late ’78 one night after he caught one of their shows. He agreed to join him in his own band Consillium, and along with guitarist James ‘Doc’ Green, they went to Kingston with Martin and recruited Martin Van Dijk on bass, drummer Rico Berthiaume and Andre Lasalie on keyboards.
Martin’s one time high school teacher Gord Nichol was now working for Pro-Motion Management. He agreed to take them on and the band started touring the Ontario club scene. Their popularity quickly grew, and seeing as how tribute acts in large part didn’t exist much back then, and the Stones were always a huge draw in Quebec, they naturally did well there as well. It wasn’t long before the band began augmenting their shows with some of their own original material.
The band often played to crowds over 10,000 and were soon the hottest unsigned act around. They changed their name for a New Year’s Eve show in Ottawa in ’79, and before long developed a strong following in the eastern US. They eventually settled on a five year deal with RCA Records and went into Toronto’s Sounds Interchange Studios. Their ’81 debut UNVEILED and produced the single “What You Talkin’ About,” eerily reminiscent of the band they idolized as teens and began their career covering. “Run & Hide” was released as a single twice, once with “Lonely Boy” as a 12”, then with “Got To Like Yourself” as a 45. Also on the album was a remake of the CCR classic “Fortunate Son.”
Late that same year the band decided to try to distance themselves from their Stones-like persona and focus
more on their own material. But they returned home after a tour that had gone so poorly they were deep in debt and squabbling about musical direction and the band soon drifted apart.
Raymond, Martin and Van Dijk reformed the band in ’84 with original road manager Richard Diamond filling the vacant guitar spot, ex-Goddo drummer Doug Inglis and Mike Mozak on sax. Along with occasional keyboardist Cam Butler & Sasha Tukastch, formerly of Platinum Blonde, they again made their mark playing live shows across eastern Canada and in the US, playing upwards of 200 shows per year and with a few casualties over the next six years.
The band sort of went in and out of dissolution over the next couple of years. But in ’95, with Raymond and Martin together again and shortening their name to The Brides, reformed with drummer Tukatsch, Leahy, Glen Olive on bass and Dylan Heming on keyboards. They scored a deal with Strawberry Records and recruited Mike Barlow to go to Phase One with them and produce some tracks. A self-titled album was released with “Feel Like A Man” as the single. The band hit the dusty trails once again, doing a combination of original tunes from both eras, as well as their bread and butter, Stones covers.
The Blushing Brides name came back to the forefront in the early 00’s, when Raymond took the band back to its roots, billing themselves as, “The Original Tribute To The Music of the Rolling Stones.”
With over 5000 shows over these last 44 years The Brides continue to perform across the U.S. & Canada. Friday, September 12 @ 9:20pm
+ the Tucson Choir Boys
Cheryl Lescom started her professional singing career in 1975 with several of her own bands before becoming a back up singer for Ronnie Hawkins and touring with Long John Baldry.
Cheryl also sang on many national jingles in the 1980’s.
She has toured and performed with Canada’s best; Jeff Healey, Matt Minglewood, Dutch Mason, the Downchild Blues Band, Jack DeKyzer,Mel Brown, Paul James, Lance Anderson shows , Billy Durst, the Toronto Women’s Blues Review and toured with the Detroit Women. Every summer she is the MC for the main stage of the Kitchener Blues Festival.
The awards she has received include The Advertising Music Producers – Best Female Vocal Performance 1984, The Kitchener Blues Festival – Mel Brown Award 2006 and th Kitchener Waterloo Arts Award for Music 2009.
Cheryl has been nominated for The Maple Blues Award .
As the late, great Long John Baldry once said, “Cheryl Lescom has one of the best and biggest voices in Canada..I’ve had many great singers with me over the years and Cheryl is by far one of my favourites!”
To date, Cheryl has released 7 CD’s, including 4 which are mostly original music she writes with the Tucson Choir Boys.
Sunday, September 14 @ 2:15pm
“Maple Blues Awards Nominees” & 2 X Canadian Aboriginal Award Recipients, The Ronnie Douglas Band has been performing on Festival and Club Stages for the past 30 years. Their twin guitar driven music combines elements of blues, funk and soul, and has been featured on National Radio and Television programs Saturday Night Blues and Rez Bluez. The band is making a return to this years Wasaga Beach Blues Festival, and includes Guitarists and Vocalists Ronnie Douglas and Rick Greensides, Drummer Dave Hewitt and Bassist Timmy Kehoe.”
Saturday, September 13 @ 12:40pm
Angelica Jones has arrived—new name, same unstoppable energy. Formerly known as the Angelina Hunter Trio, this powerhouse band delivers the raw, electrifying sound fans know and love, now with a fresh identity. From gritty guitar riffs to soulful vocals, Angelica Jones is here to redefine blues for a new generation, all while staying true to the heart of their music.
Angelica Jones has the power to shrink a venue or blow it up with her voice alone. Totally unique, when she begins to sing, she sounds like no one else. She can tell a sweet story with her voice or bewitch you with its intensity. It’s a powerful instrument on its own. The Trio is rounded out by Sandy Hunter on drums and Adam Bell on bass. The band is on an upward trajectory since their nomination for Best New Group at the 2024 Maple Blues Awards where Angelica was one of the few selected featured artists performing at the gala.
Saturday, September 13 @ 4:25pm
September 12 - 14, 2025
Captivating audiences with her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Lisa Hutchinson owns the stage as a fiery, soulful blues singer whose live performance emits energy akin to that of Janis Joplin. As an artist who expresses the full range and texture of her instrument, Lisa’s voice defies simple description as she reaches deep into the well of her soul.
Friday, September 12 @5:20pm
+the Mojo Train
Glenn Marais on guitar and vocals, bassist Manny De Grandis-leader of the Maples, The Toronto Blues Society House Band, keyboardist Jesse Karwat, keyboardist for Canadian Rock Legends, I Mother Earth, and renowned drummer Jeff Saulnier. Known for their love of playing and jamming, Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train have a knack for taking songs in new and exciting directions. The band are released their latest record, Red, Hot and Blue in 2024 and recently made it to the semi-finals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.
Sunday, September 14 @ 1:10pm
Presented by
Delta Fuse is a Psych-Blues Rock band from Ireland. Their sound has been described as Brothel Blues soaked in 60’s Psychedelia. Delta Fuse take influence from the sounds of John Lee Hookers’ hard groove and the farout hypnotic beat of Junior Kimbrough with their own modern twist.
They have released 2 studio albums with a third being released this year. Their first album earned a spot at number 13 on the UK Independent Blues Broadcasters Association. The band were also nominated for the UK blues Emerging Act Of The Year 2023.
Delta Fuse have toured extensively throughout, Ireland, The UK and Mainland Europe. They are an extremely energetic and fresh band, not to be missed!
Saturday, September 13 @ 3:10pm
Led Zeppelin was formed in 1968 in London, England and on that day, quite simply, Rock was born! Many critics consider Led Zeppelin to be one of the most successful, innovative, and influential rock groups in history. This is evident today by their ever-growing fan base. They are one of the bestselling music artists in the history of audio recording; and Rolling Stone magazine described them as “the heaviest band of all time”, “the biggest band of the Seventies”, and “unquestionably one of the most enduring bands in rock history”. The band’s blues explosions frequently gave way to heavy folk, mystical psychedelic rock and orchestral detours–a testament to the U.K. group’s versatility and willingness to push sonic boundaries. Led Zeppelin were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
The ZeP SHoW is a visual and audio spectacle that time travels you back to the age when Rock was born. The ZeP SHoW is dedicated to thrilling audiences in Theatres and Festival stages across North America capturing the look, attitude and most importantly, sound of the greatest rock band in history. These four – full time, professional musicians have devoted their lives to preforming live rock and the affinity they share with each other and the
music they love, is as apparent as it is authentic. Masterful musicianship, spot-on vocals and striking visuals make The ZeP SHoW an extremely convincing and authentic rendition of Led Zeppelin from the late ’60’s into the early ’70’s.
“It’s not at all an easy task to re-create the incredible energy, genre-breaking sound and stage presence that skyrocketed Led Zeppelin to stardom in the late ’60’s. My band mates and I have a very deep connection with this music and at every show, we pay homage with soaring vocals and heavy, intricate rock riffs”, shares singer Al Langlade, “it’s a unique synergy, the combination of this group of musicians performing these songs that make it such a convincing tribute”. With Lead Vocals by Al Langlade, Sean O’Grady on Drums, Daz Atkinson on Guitar, and Michael Swec on Bass and Keyboards, it really wouldn’t sound or feel the same with anybody else playing these roles.
Friday, September 12 @ 8:00pm
MAPLE BLUES AWARD WINNERS
The Blues and the South… Well let me tell you something. We’re from the south… Southern Ontario. You may chuckle about that but Southern Ontario has a long rich history when it comes to Blues, R&B and Roots. Ronnie Hawkins and Levon Helm both moved here from the southern US and found success. Since then many Artists & Bands from here have developed their skills and have prospered. Here’s a short but powerful list – The Band, King Biscuit Boy, Crowbar, Downchild, Paul James, Harrison Kennedy & Jack de Keyzer.
LOWDOWN DIRTY MOJOS play their own brand of uniquely original 60’s influenced R’n’B and Blues through the skillful songwriting of Paul Wootton and Stephen Foster.
The Mojos have been busy playing live shows at clubs and festivals including, Hamilton’s It’s Your Festival, Dundas Cactus Festival, London Ribfest, The Ancaster Fair & Grand River Arts Festival. In 2024 Lowdown Dirty Mojos
expanded live shows into the Niagara, Kitchener and Brantford/Simcoe markets.
2025 will be another promising year for the band. Just starting to work on their 4th album it will be available on CD and all digital platforms. Look out for it. We’ll certainly be on the road promoting it.
Sunday, September 14 @ 12:05pm
Bringing musicians and audiences together
Providing Booking Services for select artists in Southern and Central ON
The Pukka Orchestra (a Hindu term meaning “first rate”, “genuine”) was formed in Toronto during 1979 and released an independent single “Rubber Girl” in 1981.
They signed to Solid Gold Records shortly after with their self-titled debut in 1984 and featured the radio hit “Listen To The Radio” which was written by Tom Robinson and Peter Gabriel under its original title “Atmospherics”. Two other well received singles followed, “Might As Well Be On Mars” and “Cherry Beach Express” (a song about 52 police division in Toronto).
Featuring Roots & Blues
Rockin’ Rhthym ‘n’ Blues
Powerhouse Roots Rock
The Pukka Orchestra have a new album released in 2024 consisting of updated and enhanced songs from their limited release album “Palace Of Memory” and the EP “Dear Harry” entitled “Chaos Is Come Again” which has garnered great reviews by all who have heard it.
Original founders Neil Chapman and Tony Duggan-Smith are currently playing the festival circuit billed as “Songs Of The Pukka Orchestra” with a Pukka band of characters.
Friday, September 12 @6:40pm
+ the Dirty Roosters
Nominated as one of the top six blues bands in the 2020 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search! Gail Gunnis with her powerful, soulful, passionate phrasing, along with her band – The Dirty Roosters, captivate crowds and are a must see experience for any age! Brought together for their love of blues, this band is influenced by many great artists such as, John Lee Hooker, Etta James, Ray Charles, Freddie King, Aretha Franklin and many more!
Saturday, September 13 @1:55pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Ticket Refunds
All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
Pets
The Festival is not pet friendly. Please leave your dogs at home. Only service dogs are permitted.
Are chairs available?
We suggest that you should bring your own lawn chairs.
What if it rains?
The live music will go on, rain or shine unless conditions are considered hazardous. Covered areas are available on a first come, first served basis.
What should I wear?
It is an outdoor, evening event so dress appropriately for the weather.
Can I bring a cooler?
Coolers and/or picnics are permitted, however, bylaws do not allow outside liquids to be brought into the festival grounds. Bags are subject to search and liquids will be emptied. Beer, wine, alcohol coolers, pop and water will be available for sale in the licensed area of the festival. Food will be available in the Vendor’s Villages and at the various licensed restaurants throughout the Stonebridge Town Centre. A Quench Buggy will be located near the information booth, where you can refill your water bottle for free!
Do they take credit cards in the festival area?
Cash only at the festival. An ATM Machine is available on site.
Children
Children are welcome. Entry to the festival is free for children 12 and under.
How late do the shows go?
Approximately 11pm. Friday and Saturday, 8pm on Sunday.
Security/Policing
For your safety, there is security presence in the festival area.
Lost & Found
The lost and found is located at the information booth.
First Aid
The First Aid is located in the Vendor’s Village.
Wheelchair Access + Provisions
The festival area is located on grass and it may be difficult for maneuvering a wheelchair. A Handicapped Porta Potty is available. No wheelchairs or walking assisted equipment is available at the Festival.
Smoking
“NO SMOKING” signage will be posted in key areas throughout the Festival grounds, and periodic stage announcements will be made regarding the smoking restrictions. Patrons must not smoke or vape within the festival grounds.
If the Wasaga Beach Blues festival personnel observe a patron smoking or vaping within the festival grounds, that patron will be politely asked by Festival security to cease smoking or vaping. Our aim is to “educate” not “eject”, but if noncompliance persists, security personnel, or if necessary, OPP will be asked to intervene. A smoking area is setup outside the festival grounds.
Eyes of Violet is a young and dynamic jazz fusion band from Collingwood, Ontario. Inspired and nurtured by the Collingwood Collegiate music program, rising bassist and composer Sophia Moore founded this band with the hopes of showing the younger generation the beauty and variety of jazz and all of its descendants. This emerging ensemble brings a fresh voice to the genre, blending traditional jazz elements with funk, soul, and contemporary fusion. The band features an all-youth lineup of standout musicians: Sophia Moore on bass, Max Ochocinski on guitar, Ben Zadok on drums, and Claire Cunsolo on vocals. Together, they represent a new wave of jazz artists—young, bold, and passionate— redefining what young music can sound like in the 21st century.
Saturday, September 13 @12:05pm
A Big Thank You!
We are proud to celebrate our 13th year, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors whose generous support makes Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues possible. Our success is a direct result of your commitment, as well as the enthusiasm of our festival guests. With over 4,000 fans joining us from across the country, we truly cherish the memories we create together each year. Thank you for being an essential part of our festival community.
Our Artistic Director, Gabor Szepesi – this could not have happened without you!
Thank you to each of our incredible performers who come together during this festival to create outstanding music. This year, our Friday night featured the Blushing Brides and The ZeP SHoW, two dynamic retro cover bands that set the stage with unforgettable performances. We hope you’ve enjoyed these exciting additions, along with some of the other fine changes we’ve introduced this year.
Harold Bickerstaff – thank you for being the voice of our festival and, once again, delivering an outstanding performance for us this year.
Our valued sponsors, as listed on the official festival website, are the foundation of our success. Our Major Partners include Stonebridge Town Centre, the Governments of Ontario, Canada, County of Simcoe, and the Town of Wasaga Beach. Our Platinum Sponsors are LiUna Local 183, Royal Lepage Locations North, OLG, and our Gold level sponsors are Collingwood Hyundai, Wasaga Beach Brewing Co., Escarpment Blues Society, Sheridan Seating, and Arnott Construction Ltd., as well as our Silver level sponsors. Check our website for the complete list of sponsors at wasagabeachblues.com. We are grateful for the support of our Community & Supporting Sponsors, including the Wasaga Business and Tourism Association and local businesses throughout Wasaga Beach. In return for their support, let’s support them by buying local.
We also thank all other local partners whose ongoing commitment and support help us deliver an unforgettable festival experience.
A special thank you goes out to our incredible volunteers, whose dedication and hard work make every aspect of the festival possible. It truly takes a village, and our community rises to the occasion year after year!
We look forward to celebrating with you all again next year! Reserve the date for September 18-20, 2026
The Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Team
