LMT CONNECTION
THE SOUL MOTIVATORS
GARNETTA CROMWELL & DAGROOVMASTERS
JOHN FINLEY
JEFF ROGERS
THE MIKE MCCARTHY BAND
QUEEN PEPPER
MURRAY KINSLEY + WICKED GRIN
PAUL REDDICK
MR. MD & THE AURAL EXCITERS
MARS
RICK ROBICHAUD
STEVE MARRINER
FOG BLUES & BRASS BAND
ERIN MCCALLUM
SANDRA BOUZA
VOODOO PAWN SHOP
JUNIOR JAM
THE SMOKE WAGON BLUES BAND
Welcome to the 12th Anniversary of Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues!
Last year we were excited to see so many new people join our faithful fans at the festival, especially the young kids –making it a family affair! We are looking forward to seeing a large crowd again this year; rain or shine.
Once again, the festival will present a high quality of musicians, curated by our very talented Artistic Director Gabor Szepesi. Ensuring that we have a diverse and entertaining musical lineup for fans to enjoy all weekend long is essential to our success!
Leading up to the Main Event please join us at The Beacon with live music by “THE FREAKIN’ BAND” on Wednesday, Sept 11 from 7:00 – 10:00 and get warmed up for the festival weekend ahead. The Smoke Wagon Blues Band will kick things off on Friday night at 7pm. Music all day Saturday, and then, on Sunday night after LMT Connection gets you in the mood, feel free to move over to Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill for The Wrap-Up Party with live music by “CATFISH GUMBO” from 7:00 – 10:00.
This year, you will find 2 Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues branded pianos; one located on the west side of Wasaga Beach, at the Real Canadian Superstore and the second one located at the Arena. We’re thankful to have the support of the Real Canadian Superstore and would like to thank the Town of Wasaga Beach for their ongoing support. We’re so excited to share with you – the Festival Experience at the VIP tent!
The Blues pianos will transition to become part of the VIP pavilion for the festival this year where local experiential artist, Cathy Lane will provide her magical touch. Enjoy the full Blues experience; soft blue lights and a piano-man tone, with tastings and a fully loaded bar. Have your personal experience in a ‘meet and greet’ with the stars of the Blues weekend! You’ll have an opportunity to purchase band merchandise, and just outside the doors of the VIP tent, you can take a selfie with our back-lit background, just like the stars – and then share it with your friends on social media!
Last year we introduced biodegradable cups to our Bar and this year we will continue to work towards being environmentally conscientious, by adding a Quench Buggy. Yes! That’s right you can refill your water bottles. If you forget yours or just want a new one, we are offering high quality/low price water bottles at the Merchandise Tent. We hope that you enjoy this year’s amazing line-up. With three days and a variety of musical styles; Stonebridge Town Centre will be Rocking!
Title Sponsor
Government
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Media Sponsors
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.
Kathy Mulgrew - Chair
Dawn Braid
Carol Gburski
Gabor Szepesi
Norm DiPietro
Kurt Lehmann
Bob Woodburn
Yvette Gauthier
Cathy Lane
Laurie McNeill
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nick Harding
Eric Sutton
Bryan Davies
OLG proudly supports festivals and events across Ontario, like Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues!
It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping Ontarians Bring Home the Win.
Veteran soul group LMT Connection has been turning music fans into full-blown funkateers for more than 33 years, playing over 6,500 shows, helmed by a front man on the cusp of his 76th birthday. True masters of their craft, they’ve toured internationally and released seven self-produced albums independently, without the support of a record company.
Born in Atlanta and raised in Detroit, singer/guitarist Leroy Emmanuel was not only an active member of Motown’s thriving music community at its height, supporting the likes of Marvin Gaye, Bohannon, and Bettye Lavette, but an influential artist in his own right, earning a significant cult following with his group The Fabulous Counts (Westbound Records). Not long after a serendipitous relocation to Niagara Falls, Canada, Emmanuel founded LMT Connection with drummer Mark Rogers and bassist John Irvine. The year was 1989 and the newly formed trio hit the ground running.
Right from the start, they adhered to a philosophy of playing every show with stadium concert intensity, regardless of attendance. This mantra manifested many opportunities for the band along the way, sharing the
stage with Al Green, Tower of Power, jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, and blues legend BB King on his 80th birthday tour. In time, their original music found its way into the hands of producers, promoters and distributors in Europe, which opened new doors overseas, and connected LMT with the world-renowned Chops Horns.
The New Jersey-based horn section already had an impressive resume of their own; they had just come off the road with Alicia Keys and were known for having played with The Police, The Rolling Stones, and George Clinton’s Parliament- Funkadelic, to name a few. In 2005, they joined LMT Connection for a month-long tour of Europe, adding keyboardist Joel Parisien to the mix, and doubling the original line-up to a now expanded six-piece.
For LMT Connection, funk is truly the final frontier; the expedition progresses unabated, and the borders continue to be explored and re-drawn.
Sunday, September 15 @ 6:55pm
sponsored by
A sonic fusion of the past and the future, The Soul Motivators are here to make you move. Masters of the stage, this Toronto band weaves timeless grooves of classic RnB, soul, funk, psychedelic jams and hip-hop breaks. They’ve shared bills with legends like Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Lee Fields and Bernie Worrell. They’ve ignited crowds at TEDx, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, PanAm Games, Calgary Folk Fest, FEQ, Sunfest, Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival and NXNE.
In 2015, debut album ‘FREE TO BELIEVE’ was released on Do Right! Music to national and international acclaim. With 2017’s ‘Dirt on The Floor’ EP, they dug into the crates for a selection of deep funk and rare grooves, solidifying their reputation as purveyors of authenticity. Sold-out tour dates became the norm, as they brought their high-octane live show to the masses.
Fast forward to 2020, and sophomore album ‘DO THE DAMN THING’ dropped, with airplay on BBC and CBC Radio, and acclaim from magazines Exclaim, Mojo and Uncut. It was also the first recording to feature Shahi
Teruko as songwriter and frontwoman, whose relentless fire and electrifying performances have been shaking audiences ever since she joined the band in 2015. Following their tenth anniversary, The Motivators unleashed their third album, ‘DO IT TOGETHER’ in 2023. Hits like Raise A Glass, Power! and It Is What It Is were heard across the country as they undertook their biggest tour to date with club, theatre and festival bookings across Canada.
The heartbeat of The Soul Motivators is Shahi Teruko on vocals, James Robinson on keys, Marc Shapiro on bass, Voltaire Ramos on guitar, and Doug Melville on drums. This line-up is augmented with a rotating cast of veteran players on horns and percussion, giving each performance a seal of quality.
This is not just music; this is a movement. Let yourself be Motivated!
Saturday, September 14 @ 9:25pm
Wednesday Sept.11
The Beacon
7:00 to 10:00 pm
FREAKIN BAND
Sunday Sept. 15
Chuck’s Roadhouse
7:00 to 10:00pm
CATFISH GUMBO
GARNETTA CROMWELL is a classic soulful Blues artist that delivers a high-energy show. Her band, Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters is a reflection of Canada’s multicultural society. Their upbeat music brings pure joy to all listeners.
Garnetta has graced the stage with Juno and Maple Blues Award recipient, Mr. Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne and Blue Rodeo and many more notable blues artists. Since starting her band in March 2022, Garnetta has won the Toronto Blues Society’s (TBS) Talent Search (July 2022), competed at the IBC January, 2023, performed at the Tim Horton’s 24th Annual Southside Shuffle (September 2022), 35th Annual Women Blues Revue held at Massey Hall, on November 25, 2022, been invited back to the 36th Annual Women’s Blues Revue, on November 17, 2023, TD Toronto Jazz Festival (July 2023) and Union Summer Blues Monday (July 2023).
Garnetta has just finished her well received Western Canadian “Time To Shine” tour, in August. She performed at the Calgary International Blues Festival, Nanaimo BluesFest, Salmon Arms, Roots & Blues Festival and Bear Creek Folk Festival.
On a personal note, my white sneakers represent my extensive athletic background! -Garnetta Cromwell Sunday, September 15 @ 5:40pm
Vocalist John Finley, has a career spanning 6 decades as a hit songwriter and a dynamic performer of r&b, jazz, blues, gospel and popular music in Los Angeles and his native Toronto. This summer he’ll release an album entitled “John Finley, Soul Singer”, produced by Lou Pomanti, highlighting his roots expressed in the genres John so joyfully reveres.
“Let Me Serenade You”, John Finley sings and writes. His extraordinary soulful style has been a testament to his musical life and career.
By age 20, John had become a potent soul singer in Toronto’s Jon & Lee & the Checkmates, pouring out his searing personal pains and joys with gospel fervor. His performances caught the eye of hit producer, Paul Rothchild, who recruited John for an idea that would become ELEKTRA’s hit recording group, Rhinoceros. Working with other emerging young artists encouraged John’s innate songwriting talent and afforded him the opportunity to meet and work with many accomplished
gospel, soul, rock and blues acts.
After the millennium, John returned with increased frequency to his native Toronto, reconnecting with the revived Checkmates, a reunion of Rhinoceros and many greats of the Toronto Sound who’d been a part of his musical life in Canada. He’s performed at major venues such as Massey Hall & the Kitchener Blues Festival, on Canada’s premier jazz station, JAZZFM91, at LUMINATO and was featured in Bravo Canada’s 60’s music documentary, “Yonge Street (Rock & Roll Stories)”.
Over the past 5 years, Jaymz Bee of JAZZFM91 has become a central figure in John’s reborn Canadian career. Jaymz along with partner Lorenzo DiGianfelice, with their newly formed Vesuvius Music have taken John into the studio with award winning producer, Lou Pomanti to record “John Finley, Soul Singer”.
And now, the show goes on!
Saturday, September 14 @ 8:10pm
Singer/songwriter Jeff Rogers’ unmistakably soulful voice often evokes weighty comparisons to the past – whether that’s Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles or even Otis Redding…. however, his tone, range, phrasing, and sincerity, all make him unmistakably contemporary – and totally original.
Born in Bathurst, N.B. and raised in Ottawa, his parents discovered their son’s musical potential early on and encouraged him to develop it further by providing him with his first piano and music lessons. Since then, Jeff has taken up saxophone, guitar, and developed his unique vocal style to accompany his superb piano playing.
Jeff has toured internationally and is in demand session player. He has also been a member of renowned country/ rock band The Cooper Brothers for over a decade. “I’ve been writing with Dick Cooper for years now,” says Jeff. “…and it’s always fun to just hang out and bounce around ideas. I’m very lucky to have him as a friend, band mate, and co-writer.”
The culmination of this musical collaboration is Jeff ‘s
highly anticipated new solo album Dream Job – released in Canada on October 27, 2023, and might be the boldest statement to date of Jeff’s vocal talent, his musical ability and his song writing gifts. “Muscle Shoals was groovy. The mojo in that place is undeniable. It’s a privilege to get to make music with veteran musicians, especially those with the portfolios such as Kelvin and Clayton possess…” Jeff says. “Class acts, who just walk in and do what they do like it’s no big deal. Very inspiring.
”The album features special guest appearances by Grammy Award winner, Colin Linden, Juno Award winning singer, Kellylee Evans and is co-produced by Dick Cooper of The Cooper Brothers. Jeff is super eager for everyone to hear it. “I can’t wait to get out there and play it!
Stay tuned. The story is just getting started.
Sunday, September 15 @ 4:25pm
The Mike McCarthy Band is a Canadian musical ensemble celebrated for its dynamic fusion of alternative country, southern rock, and Canadiana influences. Led by the versatile singer-songwriter Mike McCarthy, the band delivers a captivating blend of heartfelt lyrics, gritty guitar riffs, and soulful melodies that resonate with audiences far and wide. Erica Prinn-McCarthy adds
harmonies that infuse their sound with additional depth and richness, seamlessly blending with Mike McCarthy’s lead vocals to create captivating melodies that linger in the hearts of listeners. With a hard-driving yet melodic sound that’s irresistible to the ear and to dancing feet, the band defies categorization while remaining accessible to all who appreciate authentic, heartfelt music. The Mike McCarthy Band continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, inspiring and captivating audiences wherever they go. Saturday, September 14 @ 6:55pm
Like many other great jazz/R&B artists, this Torontobased powerhouse cut her teeth on the church pews. Queen Pepper has a commanding presence and pours her heart out with every note. Melding Soul, R&B, and gospel with her foundation and education in jazz. Queen Pepper has graced many festival stages, including the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, TD Beaches Festival, Jazz on the Mountain, TD Markham Jazz Festival, and others. She has also sung with the Toronto Mass Choir, accompanied by the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Queen Pepper has opened for Canadian icons Holly Cole, David Clayton Thomas, Lou Pomanti and John Finley. While still in school studying jazz, Queen Pepper recorded a duo album with Juno nominated Adrean Farrugia. Since then, she has recorded original jazz featuring Lorne Lofsky, Vito Rezza, Eric Boucher, and Keiran Overs, and a full length album called “True Stories Vol. 1”. Her Music has been played on radio stations around the globe, including Toronto’s own Jazz FM, and CBC.
Queen Pepper is a weekly feature at one of Toronto’s premier jazz rooms, the Reservoir Lounge, downtown Toronto, one of the last clubs of its kind. Her voice is
also a familiar household sound, voice overs and earworm jingles that often get stuck in people’s heads!
Queen Pepper released her debut album of original music, in the fall of 2019. The album, “True Stories, Vol. 1” features world class musicians. Queen Pepper is constantly writing and creating. She feels a calling to bring joy into the world, and make it a better place with her art and music.
Sunday, September 15 @ 3:20pm
Reviewers have described this Maple Blues Awardwinning band as stripped-down, hellaciously rockin’ new blues with the distinctive voice and guitar-work of Murray Kinsley, awesome harmonica, and a rhythm section that swings with reckless, casual precision (Laura Greenberg on bass and Dave Tettmar on drums).
Based in Ottawa, Canada, the band has delivered it’s innovative, original blues to venues and festivals across Canada, the US, England and Germany with great success and accolades.
Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin won the Maple Blues Award for “Best New Group” in 2014 and Laura Greenberg is a two time Maple Blues Awards Bassist of the Year while Dave Tettmar is a two time British Blues Music Award winner. The act was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, January 2019.
Wicked Grin’s latest album “Murder Creek” has earned widespread industry acclaim and was a semi-finalist for the 2019 International Blues Challenge Best Self-Produced CD Award.
To the journey!
Saturday, September 14 @ 5:40pm
Friday, September 13, 2024
Smoke Wagon Blues Band 7:05 - 8:15pm Main Stage 1
Sandra Bouza 8:20 - 9:30pm Main Stage 2
Steve Marriner 9:35 - 10:45pm Main Stage 1
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Junior Jam 12:05 - 12:35pm Main Stage 1
Erin McCallum 12:40 - 1:50pm Main Stage 2
Voodoo Pawn Shop 1:55 - 3:05pm Main Stage 1
MARS 3:10 - 4:20pm Main Stage 2
Mr. MD + the Aural Exciters 4:25 - 5:35pm Main Stage 1
Murray Kinsley + Wicked Grin 5:40 - 6:50pm Main Stage 2
The Mike McCarthy Band 6:55 - 8:05pm Main Stage 1
John Finley 8:10 - 9:20pm Main Stage 2
Soul Motivators 9:25 - 10.35pm Main Stage 1
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Rick Robichaud 12:05 - 1:05pm Main Stage 1
Fog Blues + Brass Band 1:10 - 2:10pm Main Stage 2
Paul Reddick 2:15 - 3:15pm Main Stage 1
Queen Pepper 3:20 - 4:20pm Main Stage 2
Jeff Rogers 4:25 - 5:35pm Main Stage 1
Garnetta Cromwell + DaGroovMasters 5:40 - 6:50pm Main Stage 2
LMT Connection 6:55 - 8:05pm Main Stage 1
Good Night! See you next Year!
Schedule is subject to change without notice. E.&O.E..
15,
Singer, songwriter and harmonica player Paul Reddick has been performing his critically acclaimed original songs on stages across Canada, the USA and Europe for over 30 years.
He has recorded and written with Colin Linden, Tom Wilson (Lee Harvey Osmond) and MonkeyJunk among others, and recorded 10 albums of his own. His most recent recording, Ride the One (on Stony Plain Records), received the 2016 Juno Award for Best Blues Album.
Often referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Blues, he has been exploring and pushing the boundaries of the blues art form his entire career. His dedication, “Blues is a beautiful landscape”, led him to create the annual Cobalt Prize for Contemporary Blues Composition in 2014 which encourages the growth and vitality of blues music.
Renowned for his intense and hypnotic performances, Paul Reddick has developed a loyal following amongst both his fans and musical peers and continues to be one of the most compelling performers on the Canadian music scene.
Sunday, September 15 @ 2:15pm
Mr MD and the Aural Exciters is a band that grew out of a group of professional musicians who were regular contributors to a large number of studio albums recorded at Mission Studios over the years.
Each musician brings a wealth of stylistic and musical chops to our collective performances both in the studio and on stages in support of the resulting album tours. Many of the albums created with this talented group of players have gone on to critical acclaim and awards were presented in a variety of musical genres and forums. We joke that there are a combined 400 years of experience shared by the members of the band.
Our love of blues, Soul and R & B is featured in our stage performances with the Aural Exciters.
The Roster includes:
Dan Bedard – Bass and Vocals – Award winning composer and producer
Marc Savard – Guitar and Vocals – Professional Musician and Music educator
Sean Perras – Drums – Composer, Stage Musical
producer, percussionist and recordist
JY Begin – Saxes and Flute – Jazz musician and Music educator
Don Reed – Violin – World Champion Fiddler at Shelbourne and international recording artist
Shawn Pitzel – B3 and Keyboards – Retired Studio owner and recording artist
Saturday, September 14 @ 4:25pm
FOG Blues & Brass Band Recording artists FOG Blues & Brass Band from Kitchener Ontario, Canada, have seen success with their debut CD Into The Fog! (2019) Every track tasted air time on live radio locally and abroad. 2024 Maple Blues Awards Nomination for Horn Player of the Year (Dan Jancar) In 2022, FOG released a Christmas song “Here Comes Santa Claus”and in January 2023 released a single “Why Get Up” The latest CD “Twelve Bar Prescription” was released May 2023. FOG were semi finalists at the International Blues Challenge 2020 held in Memphis TN.
Comprised of well- seasoned musicians, FOG is a powerhouse live! Hitting the stage as a 7-piece band, they always thrill their audience with an energetic live performance! FOG’s classic Blues consists of an R&B / Rockin’ sound with a twist of infused purposeful horn lines and harmonies. Fronted by a commanding lead vocalist supported by strong soloists, FOG’s live show is not to be missed!
Sunday, September 15 @ 1:10pm
Mars is a multi-faceted music artist. His skill set includes songwriting, arranging, producing, recording, editing, mixing, mastering, live performance, live sound and teaching. Although Mars has been performing in front of live audiences consistently with some of the best musicians in Toronto and surrounding areas for over 25 years, he is also the owner of a fully equipped recording studio with industry standard digital and analog equipment located in Bolton, Ontario.
Over the years, his discography has grown to include a wide variety of musical styles, including rock, reggae, folk, blues, pop, hip hop, and rap. His talents also filter to projects in film and television. Mars has gained a highly respectful reputation amongst the professional music community due to his immense experience in the business now reaching over 40 years. Owning this longevity in the business is characterized by his ability to adapt to the
ever-changing platforms of the music industry. Mars has been involved by ways of writing, co-writing, recording, producing, engineering, mixing and mastering projects.
Saturday, September 14 @3:10pm
Robichaud – Lead Guitar and vocals.
Rick picked up a guitar about 43 years ago and has never put it down. Rick loves to perform, has, can and will play just about anywhere at any time. Great stage presence and personality compliment incredible playing. Every show is fun and rockin’.
Al Pipher. AKA VLP – Harmonica and vocals.
Al was introduced to the harmonica by his Grandma Pipher at age 6. By 12, Al was playing along to the radio and started playing with local bands in his hometown. Over the years Alan has shared the stage with some very talented musicians across Canada and the US. or, (in Florida, Iowa, New Hampshire ,Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario).
Gary Rami Sharma – Bass and vocals.
Born in Guyana December 1962 and migrated to Canada in 1974 and started playing six string in 1975 and bass guitar in 1977. Played along side with Canadian recording artists Alan Frew (Glass Tiger), Greg Godovitz (Goddo),
Toney Springer (Wild T and the Spirit), Gary Lalonde and Pete Nunn (Honeymoon Suite) to name a few.
Mike Pulkinghorn – Drums and vocals.
Mike was raised on country and western music, performing And getting paid with his uncle’s band at a local restaurants starting at the age of 12. Mike has performed on stages around the world and recorded sessions in some of the best studios on the planet! He has worked with various tribute, original artists and many cover bands! “My Family and My Music is My Life!”
Sunday, September 15 @12:05pm
That Steve Marriner has accomplished as much as he has in the past decade, remains a story that continues to impress on a variety of fronts and for a variety of reasons. Simply put, it is nothing short of astounding that this Ottawa-raised, Toronto-based musician has driven, guided and participated in so many impressive and acclaimed recording and live performance projects. The multi-instrumentalist, song writing singer sits at, or near the top of the list, as “Canada’s hardest working person in show biz.”
MonkeyJunk, has been a fan and critics favorite since the trio first roared down the track some 13 years ago. The blues-basted trio with whom he sings, writes, and plays ferocious harp, has released six albums. The group has won an impressive number of Juno Awards, and Maple Blues Awards in numerous categories. There’s nothing to suggest that train isn’t going to keep rolling down the track for some time to come. Friday,
Established in 2015, this Uxbridge based 4-piece mature troupe delivers a true blues/rock experience with their unique selection of material. Toes will be ‘tappin’.
Paul Murray / Drums & Backing Vocals
As the founding member of VOODOO Pawn Shop, Paul holds down the bottom on drums while delivering beats and rhythms with back up vocals. He works collectively with the band to develop the sound VPS carries.
Rafael Minassian/ Bass & Backing Vocals
Originally from Mexico City, Rafael is a multiinstrumentalist. He plays a variety of styles besides blues, including pop and rock in Spanish and English, cumbia and norteñas. With VOODOO Pawn Shop, he rumbles the bass lines & sings back up vocals.
Ted Wright / Lead Vocals, Slide Guitar & Harmonica
Along with his rich blues voice, and adept slide guitar playing, Ted also sounds off blues harmonica rounding out the tone for VOODOO Pawn Shop.
Wolf Endlicher / Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
After playing in various blues/rock and country bands since the 80’s, Wolf has settled in with his blues guitar stylings and brings a new energy to VOODOO Pawn Shop.
Saturday, September 14 @1:55pm
Sandra Bouza is an award winning Independent Soul Blues artist with decades of live performance experience. She cut her teeth performing in Toronto and Vancouver clubs and then spent three years honing her craft overseas in Europe and North and West Africa.
Upon returning to Canada she invested in her songwriting career and immediately received recognition winning the 2019 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search and representing Toronto at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Her EP ‘Three Years’ received significant radio play in Canada, and her following FACTOR funded album ‘Falling Away From Me” received Canadian radio play and rave reviews in Europe.
This past year was full of night notes, performing at Massey Hall as part of the Women’s Blues Revue and being nominated for her first Maple Blues Award. Her latest album, ‘A Sound in the Dark’ is available now.
Friday, September 13 @8:20pm
Erin McCallum’s distinct voice has been delivering her brand of Blues on stages and studio recordings exclusively for over 20 years. With 5 all-original albums, an international songwriting award, 2 Maple Blues Award (Female Vocalist & Artist/Group of the Year) nominations, commercial radio airplay in 63 countries – and more – McCallum has captivated audiences and industry professionals alike with her music and authentic onstage delivery. True to the long-standing tagline, “Big Voice. Big Sound.”, McCallum’s musical offerings are backed up on stage with some of the most notable players in Canadian Blues today.
Saturday, September 14 @12:40pm
The Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Junior Jam provides local kids with an opportunity to perform with professionals in front of an audience. All the while developing and building their musical skills in a fun, friendly and accessible way. Blues music is roots music, and the youth are our roots. What better way to pass the torch than to have experienced artists guiding our youth in a live stage environment.
Saturday, September 13 @12:05pm
13 - 15,
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.
Do they take credit cards in the festival area?
Cash only at the festival, except at the Merchandise booth, where credit cards are accepted. ATM Machines are available at the TD Canada Trust in the Stonebridge Town Centre.
How late do the shows go?
Approximately 11pm. 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
First aid is located at the Information booth.
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 in any of the licensed areas.
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.
The Smoke Wagon Blues Band can’t wait to continue performing our award-winning sound for audiences in 2022. This past season the band released their eight album “The Ballad of Albert Johnson” to great fan fair winning two 2021 Maple Blues Awards (Canadian Blues Awards) for “Album/recording of the year, New artist of the year and a 2021 Independent Blues Award for “Best Modern Roots Song” Please have a look at our website below for videos, music, past performances and media. Introduce yourself, to the award winning “Smoke Wagon Blues Band” treat yourself and your audience to one of the hottest blues acts in Canada next season.
Featuring whiskey-stained soul vocals, funky blues harmonica, slick R&B/roots guitar, swinging piano work, soulful organ, riveting saxophone, with a racy, taut rhythm section, The Smoke Wagon Blues Band has been performing on festival stages for two decades. Formed in 1996, the band became crowd favorites in Hamilton, Ontario’s famous Hess Village. Eight independent releases, international radio play, and a large local fan base propelled the band to venues across the continent.
The group’s last three albums were award winning international hits reaching the top of the roots and blues charts and garnering 5-star reviews in blues magazines and blogs around the globe. The bands live performances have become the talk of the town at festivals across the province including the 2016 IBC’s in Memphis Tennessee where they became fan favorites during a three-night stand at Club 152 on Beale St. The bands past performances include: The Kitchener Blues Festival, Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle, Toronto TD Jazz Festival, Hamilton Blues with a Feeling Festival, Burlington Sound of music festival, West Coast Blues Festival, Sarnia Jazz & Blues in The Village Festival, Orangeville Jazz & Blues Festival, Kingston Limestone Blues Festival, Crossroads Blues Festival, and many more.
Friday, September 13 @7:05pm
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Oil changes & Tires
Starting & Charging Batteries
Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Alignments and More!
Our car repair services are here to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Trust our experienced team to keep your wheels in top shape.
Over the past 12 years, Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues has become a fan-favourite music festival. We are so excited to showcase the music we love and introduce new gems to our fans and supporters.
Our thanks go out to the Stonebridge Town Centre, OLG, Royal LePage Locations North, Wasaga Beach, Liuna Local 183, Town of Wasaga Beach, County of Simcoe, Government of Canada, and all the Businesses who support the festival through sponsorship and promotion of the festival to your customers! Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated!
To our Artistic Director, Gabor Szepesi: Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to quality!
To the almost 4,000 fans who attended the 11th annual festival in 2023, traveling from all over Ontario, Quebec, and the USA...even from Winnipeg! You danced, you sang, all of it through the rain....and some sun. You are the reason that, we, the committee, continue to deliver this festival. Thank you for coming out year after year!
Thank you to the Performers: You are what this festival is all about, Great Music and Entertainment! Thank you for doing what you do!
See you all next year, September 12, 13, and 14, 2025 for our Thirteenth Annual Festival!
With gratitude and respect,
