Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival - 2023 - Program

3 days of the blues

WASAGA BEACH BLUES

COUNTY POETS

2 offical stages

19 great bands

JORDAN JOHN

DURHAM

BEN RACINE BAND

The Blues in Wasaga Beach

Welcome to the 11th Anniversary of the Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues!

Last year’s “Welcome Back Festival” was enjoyed by many first-time patrons, as well as faithful locals and longtime repeat fans. We are excited to see a large, enthusiastic crowd again this year; rain or shine!

Once again composer, arranger, songwriter and multi -instrumentalist, Louis Lefaive, is back to lead the Junior Jam. The Creemore Brewing Company has joined our growing list of partners.

In the lead-up to the Main Event, there will be bands at the Beacon, Chuck’s Roadhouse and Boston Pizza. On September 7th the Beach Bar will be hosting a Pre-Festival Event. And on the following Friday night, the festival kicks into gear with Luke and the Apostles on the Main Stage at 7pm.

When you are enjoying a beverage this year, take a moment to appreciate the biodegradable cups we’re using as part of the festival’s goal of making the event more environmentally conscientious. If water is more your thing, bring your own refillable water bottle and refill it for free!

We hope you enjoy this year’s amazing line-up. With three days and a variety of musical styles to suit any taste; Stonebridge Town Centre will be ROCKING!

What’s Inside

Title

Platinum

Gold

Bronze

Media

our Sponsors

Supporters

The generous support of our sponsors, supporters, volunteers and fans make

Beach Blues possible. Thank you.

WHEN WE PLAY TOGETHER, WE WIN TOGETHER!

OLG is proud to support Ontario communities, helping to bring events like STONEBRIDGE WASAGA BEACH BLUES to life!

jordan john

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH 6:55-8:05PM MAIN STAGE 1

International lead vocal and multi-instrumental sensation Jordan John is a more powerful, polished and accomplished musician than many players twice his age. Adept on drums, keyboards, guitar and bass, he is a uniquely diverse & refined sonic embodiment of sheer talent & pure artistry.

Be it performing in front of 20,000 + as a lead singing, guitar wielding frontman opening for The Queen of Soul, Miss Aretha Franklin (at her personal request), jamming at age 16 on drums with the artist formally known as Prince, singing the American National anthem at the 2011 Toronto Honda Indy, performing as a featured lead vocalist and guitarist for 16x Grammy Award Winning Producer & Hitmaker David Foster or appearing as interim bassist for famed Canadian rock trio, Wide Mouth Mason, Jordan’s talent and energy excites and delights spectators as well as his industry peers and musical luminaries all over the globe.

Garnering praise from the who’s who of the music industry such as world renown producer David Foster, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Bob Ezrin, Steve Jordan, Keith Richards, Robbie Robertson, you may begin to register the proper amount of astonishment his musicality can command.

In addition to his work as a frontman in North America as well as overseas in Europe & Asia, Jordan’s diverse multi-instrumental ability has allowed him to perform and record at the highest level on drums, guitar, bass & B3 Hammond organ for the following Canadian, American & U.K. artists…Johnny Reid, Colin James, Jeff Healey, Burton Cummings, Wide Mouth Mason, Ronnie Spector, The Trailer Park Boys, Deborah Cox, Divine Brown, Lucky Peterson, Matt Schofield, Pinetop Perkins, Elise LeGrow to name but a few.

Bolstered by a world class band featuring legendary American Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame bassist Prakash John & some of Canada’s brightest young, up & coming musicians, Jordan’s refreshing interpretation of soulful classics and original repertoire are sure to captivate and amaze both avid & casual fans of music well into the next decade and beyond!

jordanjohn.com

Jordan John’s performance at Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues is sponsored by

durham county poets

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH 9:25-10:35PM MAIN STAGE 2

Durham County Poets are a “band” in the truest sense of the word!

It all started in a small café in Ormstown, Quebec. The band continued to percolate and spread onto the Canadian music scene, allowing them to tour across Canada and on into the United States. Each member writes and arranges, and brings something unique to the table. You’ll hear a variety of genres and a broad range of styles. Be it Blues, Soul, Folk, R&B or Gospel, it all weaves seamlessly together to create a truly authentic contemporary Canadiana sound.

The first album, Where the River Flows, was a local hit, receiving some radio airplay and attention And allowed them to express themselves and showcase their musicianship and abilities as songwriters. They remained focused and kept their strong sense of purpose. Now, with a manager on board – Heidi Fleming of FAMGroup – two more albums would follow: Chickaboodah Stew and Grimshaw Road.

Their fourth album, Hand Me Down Blues, would build on that success, remaining on Roots Music Report’s top 50 charts in Canada for more than 12 months. And was nominated for a JUNO Award for (Best Blues album of the year 2020)

Produced by Bill Garrett, OUT OF THE WOODS was released in May 2022 and has garnered much attention, with top 40, top 20, top 10 best album of the year lists for 2022. The band has kept busy over the past two years, writing and drawing inspiration from life as we now know it and allowing good and bad experiences to shape each heartfelt song. The band is back in the groove, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You’ll hear original, uplifting compositions from the Blues, R&B, Soul, and Gospel genres that reach deep down into the soul.

The band is back in the groove, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You’ll hear original, uplifting compositions from many genres.

Every song tells a story and touches the heart!

durhamcountypoets.com

707 RIVER ROAD W, WASAGA BEACH, ON

ben racine band

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH 5:40-6:50PM MAIN STAGE 2

Over the last few years, the Ben Racine Band has been one of Montreal’s most critically acclaimed blues acts. Ben, known for his exceptional vocal talent brings his soulful performances everywhere he goes.

His first record “One Of A Kind” was nominated at the Maple Blues Awards in 2013 and the recognition hasn’t stopped since.

The sound of the band originates from an incredibly tight rhythm section, screaming horns and a razor sharp telecaster guitar. A signature groove that lead them to backing-up several major blues artists like Kenny Blues Boss Wayne, Andria Simone, Shakura S’Aida, Curtis Salgado, Thornetta Davis and Dawn Tyler Watson.

With Dawn, they are featured on her 2 latest albums “Jawbreaker” and “Mad Love” and have been her official band for the last four years. It lead them to win the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis where Ben was crowned guitar player of the year winning the Albert King Award. “Mad Love” has won a Juno Award as well as a Maple Blues Award for Best Blues Album in 2020

To Celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2019, the band released a live album ( Live à Montréal ) which has been nominated best live album at the Independent Music Awards and at the Independent Blues Awards.

A must see for any blues fan that enjoy truly original songwriting infused with horn driven soul and the golden days of R&B.

benracineband.com

angelique francis

Angelique Francis is a versatile and exceptionally gifted musician. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, multigenre singer song writer and composer has wowed audiences across the globe with her electrifying performances, instrumental abilities and powerful textured vocals. She is known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including Blues, Soul, Folk, Jazz, Gospel and Rock. Angelique has shared the stage/opened for a large roster of well-known musicians such as Gary Clark Jr, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Keb’ Mo’, Jimmy Vivino, Beth Hart, Tom Cochrane, Burton Cummings, Sugar Ray and the list goes on. Her diversity, passion and love of music can be heard in all of her original compositions.

Born and raised in Ottawa Canada, Angelique is a naturally gifted musician, who first garnered attention as a young prodigy. She first took to the stage at age 7 and at 13 years old she made her American national television debut on the Oprah Network, for writing and composing an original theme song for the Gayle King show.

Angelique’s soulful Smoky vocals and instrumental techniques are reminiscent of a bygone era, but with a unique and modern sensibility. Within her vocal style, you can hear influences of legends like Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and many more. Her instrumental abilities call to mind Willie Dixon on the bass, Sister Rosetta Thorpe on guitar, Big Mama Thornton on the Harmonica and Aretha on the piano.

Over the past few years Angelique Francis has established herself as a bona fide star on the Canadian Blues, Soul, Jazz and Folk scene. In March of 2022 she released her most recent album “Long River”. The record weaves through a variety of styles from Blues to Soul and Classic R&B. The acclaimed album showcases Angelique’s signature powerhouse soulful vocals, commanding Bass/guitar hooks and infectious Blues infused melodies.

• The Angelique Francis Band has received a JUNO Award! (Canadian National Music Awards)2023 Blues Album of the Year, for “Long River”

• 2X Maple Blues Awards! - Canadian Blues Music Awards

• 2023 Bassist of the year, and New Artist/Group of the Year 4X Maple Blues Award Nominations including Female Vocalist of the Year, and Recording/Producer of the Year for “Long River”

• A Capital Music Award! - 2023 Group of the Year

• Canadian Folk Music Award Nomination! - 2023 Contemporary Singer of the Year

• Folk Music Ontario Award Nomination! - Performer of the Year

angeliquefrancis.net

soulstack featuring roly platt

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH 4:25-5:35PM MAIN STAGE 1

Fronted by vocalist Jon Knight, Soulstack is a band that can be rather hard to define. They describe what they do as everything from “Detroit-influenced, fuzz-tinged, rootsy rock and roll to Alabama soul.” To cover this range of musical styles, they combine southern harmony with tremolodenched guitar tones aided by a Hammond organ sound and driven by a New Orleans style rhythm section.

This Kitchener, Ontario based five-piece group consists of Jon Knight, guitar/vocals; Chris Latta, guitar; Mark Wessenger, vocals/ piano/ organ; Darryl Peterson, bass and Tom Bona, drums. Soulstack have produced three studio albums, Big Red (2012), Five Finger Discount (2013) and Soulstack (2015), as well as their Live & Acoustic DVD/Blue Ray release, also in 2015.

Soulstack has been nominated for a total of 8 Maple Blues Awards, winning 3 of these as Drummer of the Year.[Nominated as Electric Act, Vocalist 2x, Keyboard Player, and Drummer 4x]. Recently the band has been performing with a special guest musician, Michael Francis, a 5x Grammy Award Winning Sax Player from ‘Asleep at the Wheel’ fame.

On this performance they will be joined be Roly Platt, one of Canada’s leading harmonica players facebook.com/Soulstack

loco zydeco

Loco Zydeco is a 6 person, high energy, Canadian Zydeco band, based in Toronto, Ontario. Winning over enthusiastic crowds with an energetic blend of contemporary and traditional Zydeco, LZ has created a unique take on Louisiana’s most exciting musical export, in all it’s toe-tapping, hipshaking glory.

LZ’s first two albums, “Yeah, you right, eh!” (released independently in the fall of 2003,) and “This Great White North, Eh!” (released by flamingcheese records in the fall of 2006) have enjoyed

commercial, community and college radio play across North America. LZ’s third album, “Time To Turn The Key,” was released by flamingcheese records in October 2008, and has enjoyed both North American & European airplay. Their latest album, “Loco Zydeco” was released in November, 2016, by Squirrel Head Music. Please visit the Music page for samples from all four albums.

Since 2002, Loco Zydeco has energized audiences and made new fans at festivals across Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Electrifying performances have solidified LZ’s reputation as one of Canada’s most entertaining Zydeco bands, with shows often becoming a free for all of audience participation. Extra rubboards are always available for anyone adventurous enough to join the band on stage. locozydeco.ca

Lazarus J. Finn (Lazo) began his music career at 15 years of age with a band called Black Blood, whose very first album charted #2 and received extensive airplay in the Caribbean. Affectionately embraced year after year as the SunFest crowd’s favorite, Lazo has been nicknamed “Mr. SunFest.” Well-deserved Artistic Director “Alfredo Caxaj” recently touted, “Is it any wonder we’ve invited him back for the 20th year in a row?”

Lazo tours tirelessly throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. His list of international venues and festivals is

ever growing, such as Brazil’s Carnaval de Salvador, El Salvador, Argentina, and more. In 2010, he toured the United States and South America as a member of the worldrenowned Wailers. The group was Bob Marley’s original backup band, featuring Aston “Family-Man” Barrett on bass, and the legendary Keith Sterling on keys. The South American leg of the tour included African Reggae Star, Alpha Blondie.

Additionally, Lazo fronts for Craig Martin’s Classic Albums Live: Bob Marley - Legend. He performed at venues such as Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, and many theatres across the US and Canada. Craig recently commented to a fan, “Lazo has always been an exception to the rule- I can’t control him, and yet I can’t see me doing the show without him.”

Lazo has also performed at Exodus, the amazing tribute show for Bob Marley. His tribute show to the famous reggae artist is a must see.

david gogo

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 16TH 5:40-6:50PM MAIN STAGE 2

Veteran Canadian bluesman David Gogo released his 16th full-length album “Silver Cup” on October 8, 2021. This acoustic affair was recorded at his home with long time friend Steve Marriner producing and playing on the project. The COVID pandemic and subsequent shutdown of the live music scene gave Gogo time to reflect on his life, heritage and career. The new songs he has written reflect this.

The title track was inspired by an antique cup made in the 1800’s that was passed down to him from his 95 year old grandmother. The cup once belonged to his Great, Great, Great Uncle James McKay who was a Métis builder of Canada. McKay was originally a trapper and guide, but eventually was involved in the negotiations of Treaties 1 through 5 and held several positions with the newly formed Province of Manitoba, including dealings with Louis Riel.

David Gogo has six JUNO Award nominations, has been named Guitarist Of The Year three times at the Maple Blues Awards, was named Musician Of The Year at the West Coast Music Awards, won Blues Recording Of The Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards, and received the Great Canadian Blues Award for his lifetime contribution to the blues in Canada as voted by the listeners of CBC’s Saturday Night Blues.

When not touring, David Gogo lives on a Christmas Tree farm on Gogo Mountain, just outside of Nanaimo BC, Canada.

davidgogo.com

2023 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Friday, September 15, 2023

Luke & the Apostles 7:05 - 8:15pm Shuffle Demons 8:20 - 9:30pm KC Roberts + the Live Revolution

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Junior Jam - Drained

- 10:45pm

- 12:35pm

- 1:50pm The Tonewheels

Dylan Wickens Band

Boomerang

Jim Dan Dee

David Gogo

- 5:35pm

- 6:50pm

Loco Zydeco 6:55 - 8:05pm

Angelique Francis 8:10 - 9:20pm

Durham County Poets 9:25 - 10.35pm

Sunday, September 17, 2023

James Anthony Band featuring Danny B 12:05 - 1:05pm

ZED HEAD featuring Neil Chapman 1:10 - 2:10pm

Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe 2:15 - 3:15pm

Lazo 3:20 - 4:20pm

Soulstack featuring Roly Platt 4:25 - 5:35pm

Ben Racine Band 5:40 - 6:50pm

Jordan John 6:55 - 8:05pm

Schedule is subject to change without notice. E.&O.E..

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rosie’s smokehouse deluxe

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH 2:15-3:15PM MAIN STAGE

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Hard Driving, Electrifying, Rockin’ Blues. Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe is the dreamchild of Bassist/Vocalist David G. Rose, aka: Rosie. After over four decades of performing and recording throughout the US and Canada as a sideman, David has assembled an amazing lineup of seasoned veterans from the Canadian music scene to help him in making “Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe” become a reality. David has joined forces with Tony Moretta, Gabor Szepesi and Terry Martell to bring the Smokehouse to life. With the release of their debut EP, “Welcome to the Smokehouse”, the bass man himself steps into the spotlight with a brand new band and is really looking forward to the road ahead.

rosiessmokehousedeluxe.com

jim dan dee

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH 4:25-5:35PM MAIN STAGE 1

Jim Dan Dee, which takes its name from the expression “everything is just Jim Dandy,” is a foursome of survivors, thrivers, and prolific creatives. The 10 original tracks they chose to record for Real Blues were picked from a pile of sixty songs and span the full spectrum of dark to light subjects and emotions.

Authentic blues infused with a modern rock swagger is what will be found on the band’s upcoming second album Real Blues, which was released in May 2022 with a summer of shows. Real Blues follows the group’s self-titled first album released in 2018, and an EP, Five Stiff Shots, that introduced the band in 2015.

With Real Blues, the band also wanted to pay reverence to the 100-plus-year-old music genre that has been the foundation and framework of their own music.

“We hope the album can bring Blues fans great joy and remind them at least a little of the incredible giants whose shoulders we humbly sit on.”

“Real Blues has 11 stories, some relate to this viral prison we’ve lived in, and some are a beautiful distraction that harkens to better times in the past and a future that is opening up…fast.”

jimdandee.com

zed head featuring neil chapman

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH 1:10-2:10PM MAIN STAGE 2

ZED HEAD is the soulful, rockin’ funkin’ gitar and vocal’s of Neil (Big E) Chapman and John “FOGMAN” Burkitt on his ripping EB3 bass and vocals. The backbeat of Zed Head is powered by the inventive, powerful chops of highly regarded veteran drummer and vocalist Bruce “GROOVE” Morrison. “Virginian” Mike Matney aids on gitar, whether it be harmony or rocksteady rhythm helping give the band it’s full, dynamic sound. The icing on the cake that is ZED HEAD is supplied by the one and only “SMILIN’ BOB ADAMS” on the Mississippi Saxophone!

People from all over the planet are buzzing about ZED HEAD’s incredible live performances. ZED HEAD has headlined festivals and concerts in California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, North & South Carolina, Sweden, Finland and all across Canada.

Nominated by France’s Bands of Dixie for “Band of the Year,” they are in excellent company with conominated bands such as The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchett and Point Blank.

NEIL “BIG E” CHAPMAN - Neil Chapman is one of North Americas most inspiring gitarist’s and along with THE FOGMAN co writes and sings ZED HEAD tunage. In The BIG E’s words....”Rock hard or don’t rock at all”

zedhead.ca

boomerang

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH 3:10-4:20PM MAIN STAGE 2

Boomerang is a high energy, Soul + R&B band featuring multi talented and seasoned musicians from Ontario. The band specializes in performing at unique shows and events, featuring classic, dance inducing music for a variety of audiences.

Showcasing the triple threat MIB (Men in Black) horns, Boomerang puts on a soul stirring show like none other no roof is safe!

With plenty of musical pedigree, our band members have played with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger, Sly and the Family Stone, Shania Twain, Barenaked Ladies, Blood Sweat & Tears, Robbie Lane and the Disciples, the official Blues Brothers Revue, Terry Crawford, and Eugene Smith and the warm up band. Additionally they have performed in various rock ‘n’ roll shows across the US and Canada, including a recent gig at Carnegie Hall.

We always come to play and have fun!

boomerangband.ca

james anthony band featuring danny b

James Anthony grew up in Etobicoke, a suburb of Toronto. A natural musician at age 10, James played Ontario Place at 15 and turned pro at 17. He went on the road at 17 with Cougar TCB, one of the first Reggae bands in Canada led by Jay Douglas. in 1974, James Anthony joined Edward Bear and various Toronto bands. In 1978 he had one Album on RCA with Mondo Combo.

Anthony was inducted into Blues Hall Of Fame USA on September 22, 2013 in Detroit. James Anthony now resides in Burlington, Ontario and owns and operates Sound Investments Recording Studio. He is still active

Collingwood Office

284 Pretty River Parkway

Collingwood, ON L9Y 4J5

T 705.445.4444

TF 1.844.363.9311

Midland Office

233 Midland Avenue

Midland, ON L4R 3K1

T 705.526.9311

TF 1.844.363.9311

Muskoka Office

544 Greer Road

Utterson, ON

P0B 1M0

T 705.645.4108

TF 1.844.363.9311

in the blues, jazz and roots music community as a session musician, producer, and arranger. Anthony writes for and produces other artists, jingles and film scores and performs at blues festivals. James’ experience in the music industry is reminiscent of legendary players of the past.

And joining James Anthony on our festival is the legendary Danny B. Danny B is a veteran blues singer and harmonica player who has played worldwide with the likes of Big Mama Thornton, Lefty Diz and Big Moose Walker. Danny is the recipient of the prestigious Master of Blues from the American Blues Hall of Fame.

jamesanthony.ca

kc roberts & the live revolution

Toronto’s KC Roberts & the Live Revolution (KCLR) is a nine-piece original funk band fronted by the dynamic and distinctive guitar and vocals of founder KC Roberts. Entering its second decade, on bass is co-founder Matt Fullbrook, with drummer Austin Gembora rounding out the rhythm section. KCLR’s current live lineup is packed with Toronto’s jazz heavyweights including Jeremy Ledbetter and Matt Giffin on keyboards, Rob Christian on saxophone, Andrew McAnsh on trumpet, Christian Overton on trombone, Marito Marques on percussion and some of Canada’s finest vocalists on backing vocals.

Since forming in 2009, KCLR has developed an international reputation for its infectious funk, jazz, soul, rock, RnB and hip-hop influenced sound. Canadian music blog Ride the Tempo says “missing them on stage is one of the biggest disservices you can do to yourself if you are a music fan.” KCLR have performed at many of Canada’s great music festivals, including the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Waterloo Jazz Festival, and London Sunfest. In 2019, KCLR completed their first European tour in Berlin, Amsterdam, Austria and various festivals such as Kultursommer in Oldenburg, Germany, where they played to five thousand new fans. Their latest studio album “GRIT” was recorded throughout the pandemic. kcroberts.com

shuffle demons

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH 8:20-9:30PM MAIN STAGE 2

The Shuffle Demons are a high-energy Canadian band that blends virtuosic jazz and funk playing with eye-catching costumes and over the top stage antics to produce an incredible show. A hit at festivals all over the world, the Shuffle Demons are a crowd pleasing, full-on musical group that backs up wild stage antics with phenomenal playing by some of Canada’s most talented musicians.

The Shuffle Demons leaped onto the scene in 1984 with an electrifying musical fusion that drew from Sun Ra, Charles Mingus and RunDMC and have been going strong ever since.

The Shuffle Demons are excited to release their 10th album, “All In.” The album is the first full album with Matt Lagan on tenor sax and Mike Downes on bass as well as demons regulars Kelly Jefferson on sax, Stich Wynston on drums and Richard Underhill on sax. This dynamic new album “features virtuosic writing and combines it with the classic, unique Shuffle Demons sound.

shuffledemons.com

“The Tonewheels” featuring Matt Weidinger, Chris Latta and Mike Rajna are an organ trio based out of Kitchener, Ontario. Blending the styles of the classic Jimmy Smith/ Jack McDuff blues/jazz trios with beloved power trios such as Cream/Traffic, they have stumbled upon a unique sound that allows them to carry on the classic traditions of improvised music.

Matt Weidinger (organ/vocals) has been working as a full time musician since the age of 16. Matt has worked his way up to being one of the most sought after and well known entertainers in Ontario.

Referred to in print as an “unsung local guitar hero”, Chris Latta has quietly built a career as an “in demand sideman” supporting many of Southern Ontario’s premiere blues and rock bands over the past 2

Mike Rajna (drums/ vocals) has been playing for over 20 years. Mike plays in a wide variety of musical projects, in a multitude of genres, across Ontario.

facebook.com/ tonewheelsorgantrio

dylan wickens band

Acclaimed guitarist and songwriter, Dylan Wickens continues to be on the move. Having performed across Canada for years and at too many festivals to count, Wickens brings the fire. Every. Night.

Featuring Chris Latta on guitar (Soulstack, Douglas Watson) Mike Rajna on drums (Zoom with Shawn Kellerman, The Jackets, Matt Weidinger/The Tone Wheels) and Donovan McKinley on bass (multiple JUNO Award Nominee, Alysha Brilla).

From Wickens’ earlier days as a joint founder of award winning band Wickens-Knight, to his work with JUNO nominated Johnny Max Band, Paul DesLauriers, Kevin Breit, Shakura S’Aida to Dylan Wickens & The Grand Naturals, he has seen it all. Cross Canada tours, and opening for artists that include The Arkells, Matthew Good Band, Sonny Landreth, Jeff Healey and Taj Mahal.

facebook.com/dylanwickens/

luke & the apostles

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH 7:05-8:15PM MAIN STAGE 1

Luke and the Apostles, Toronto’s legendary blues rock band, have been part of the Canadian music scene since 1964. Fixtures at Yorkville Village’s clubs throughout the sixties, they recorded the single “Been Burnt”” for Elektra Records

McKenna and Gibson are currently performing with veteran drummer Dave Breckels and Jim Morgan on bass. Dave Breckels is a two-time Juno nominee as a member of recording bands Shooter, Brutus, Grant Smith and Justin Paige. Dave has been playing w many of the bands that helped form the Toronto and Canadian music scene since the early 70’s!

Jim Morgan, recording engineer/ bass player, toured with The Monkeys Canada tour in 1969. Keith Hampshire’s hit records and 12 years with Guido Basso band as well as many others! With 4 SOCAN awards and 1 Juno Award for International television scoring, Jim has enjoyed a 50+ year musical career. Now playing bass with Luke and the Apostles he and Dave Breckels are a force and are loving their seats in the band.

junior jam - drained

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Drained is an alternative rock band from Simcoe County, Ontario founded in 2023. They offer an edgy raw sound that emanates a love of classic garage band grunge. Influenced and inspired by an eclectic range of bands making use of the creative technique of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and the resounding energy of the Foo Fighters, and the unique melancholia of Tears for Fears.

Wesley Covey, bass guitarist and owner and operator of G and the FEW Records, founded the group alongside lead vocalist Clayton Nixon who began their collaboration through the Canadian Musicians Cooperative. With the addition of Rocco De Oliveria’s energetic drumming, and the innovative stylings of Jack Fitzgerald on lead guitar, the group has built a full multidimensional sound.

With over a decade of performance experience between them Drained creates a passionate, engaging live music experience that demonstrates their love and education to their craft. Moving towards a recorded debut album, Drained is committed to lighting up their area with a revamped, retro sound.

What We Do

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.

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 non-compliance persists, security personnel, or if necessary, OPP will be asked to intervene. A smoking area is setup outside the festival grounds.

Thank You

Over the last 11 years, Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues has become a fan favorite music festival. We have been thrilled to return with the music we love and to share it with our fans and supporters.

Our thanks go out to the Stonebridge Town Centre, OLG, Wasaga Beach Brewing Company, Creemore Brewing Company, Liuna Union, Stingray, Royal Lepage Locations North, The Town of Wasaga Beach, County of Simcoe, Government of Canada and all the businesses’ who support the festival both through sponsorship and through promotion of the festival to their customers! Your generosity and support is immensely appreciated!

To our Artistic Director, Gabor Szepesi: Thank you for all your hard work and your dedication to quality!

Thank you to Louis Lefaive for heading up the “Wasaga Beach Junior Jam”. Your commitment to helping our youth achieve their dreams is commendable!

To the over 3500 fans who attended the 10 th annual festival in 2022, travelling from all over Ontario, Quebec and the USA. You danced, you sang, all of it through both cold and hot conditions. You are the reason that we continue put on this festival. Thank you for coming year after year!

Thank you to the Performers: You are what the festival is about, GREAT MUSIC! Thank you!!!

See you all next year, September 13, 14 and 15, 2024, for our TWELFTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL!

With gratitude and respect,

The Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Team

Photo: Eric Sutton