Friday – Canada Day – July 1st, 2022
The Spoons
40 Years of Spoons
Formed in 1980, an intrepid young band from Burlington Ontario would soon make Spoons a different kind of household word. They would help define the sound of pop and New Wave in the 80’s, with hits like Nova Heart, Romantic Traffic, Old Emotions and Tell No Lies.
Their album Arias & Symphonies would go on to be named one of the 20 Most Influential Albums of The 80’s by The Chart Magazine and their song Nova Heart was included in Bob Mersereau’s book The Top 100 Canadian Singles of All Time. Not bad for a bunch of kids from Burlington, Ontario.
Recently the Spoons celebrated their 40th anniversary with the release of two very special albums. Repeatable is a collection of all the hits and fan favourites from 1980-2020, available on CD and double vinyl. But the album Echoes, a collection of their songs re-recorded by artists from around the world (from England and Australia to the USA and Canada) is one of their proudest achievements. Whether stripped down or pushed to the limit, artists like Gowan, Alan Frew, When In Rome and Strange Advance cover Spoons songs in their own, undeniably personal and, sometimes very unexpected, way.
The retro 80s movement shows no signs of slowing down. Not one bit. And as far as Sandy, Gord and a lot of fans are concerned, that is a very good thing indeed.
Saturday – July 2nd, 2022
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, and raised in the Tropic of Canada, Lawrence Gowan enjoyed a lengthy and successful solo career with four Platinum and three Gold albums and one Gold single to his credit, prior to joining Styx in 1999 as keyboardist and one of their three lead vocalists.
At age 19, Gowan achieved an ARCT in classical piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
As a solo artist, he released six studio albums in the ’80s and ’90s, leading to a Best Of… greatest hits record in 1997. Gowan’s second album, Strange Animal (1985), was recorded at Tittenhurst Park in England, then the home of Ringo Starr and former home to John Lennon, who recorded his highly influential Imagine album (1971) in the same home studio. Strange Animal went triple platinum in Canada, and the video for “A Criminal Mind” (a song he continues to perform solo and also with Styx) won the Juno Award for Best Video of 1985.
Gowan albums have featured guest appearances from Jon Anderson of Yes, Alex Lifeson of Rush, Jerry Marotta and David Rhodes of Peter Gabriel, Tony Levin of Peter Gabriel and King Crimson, Robert Fripp of King Crimson, and John Sebastian of The Lovin’ Spoonful. In 1998, Gowan was invited to play his original piece “Healing Waters” with the BBC Orchestra at the opening of Princess Diana’s Memorial at her home in Althorp, England. Four of Gowan’s songs have been certified with SOCAN (ASCAP) Classic Awards, each having surpassed 100,000 spins on Canadian radio. In 2011 he was awarded a star on the Walk of Fame from his hometown of Scarborough, Toronto Canada.
As a member of Styx, Gowan has recorded four studio albums, three live DVDs/Blu-rays and toured the world over, playing more than 1,600 shows with the band. He continues to abide in the hope that the Gods of Rock will smile upon him for many years to come.
Wednesday – July 6th, 2022
With the 2003 release of his debut double platinum album We Were Born In A Flame, it was clear right from the get-go that Sam Roberts was destined for Canadian rock music stardom.
Six studio albums and 15 Juno Award nominations later, the Montreal-raised singer-songwriter has more than lived up to that promise.
As Sam Roberts, he released two subsequent albums – Chemical City in 2006 and Love At The End Of The World in 2008 – and, as Sam Roberts Band, brought forth the studio albums Collider, Lo-Fantasy, TerraForm and, in 2020, All Of Us.
Commercial success has been fully realized with several chart-placing singles, an impressive list including Where Have All The Good People Gone?, Brother Down, Don’t Walk Away Eileen, Bridge To Nowhere, Them Kids, The Gate, Without A Map and I Feel You.
Roberts didn’t return empty handed from his trips to the Juno Awards. At the 2004 ceremony, his arms cradled four of the coveted statues – Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Artist of the Year for We Were Born In A Flame, and Video of the Year for Bridge To Nowhere. Then, in 2009, Roberts again won Artist of the Year and Rock Album of the Year for Love At The End Of The World.
A much-coveted live performer, Roberts was among Canadian artists showcased at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. On Canada Day in 2011, he performed before the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Ottawa.
Roberts’ Peterborough Musicfest appearance follows his storm-shortened August 29, 2021 headlining of the festival’s free drive-in concert at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Disappointed that Mother Nature intervened to cut his performance short, he promised to return to Peterborough in 2022 and headline on the Fred Anderson Stage.
Saturday – July 9th, 2022
Proving there’s strength in numbers since forming in 1997 in Vancouver, indie rock band The New Pornographers’ remarkable success remains a testament to the musical magic that is inevitably conjured when the very talented come together as one entity.
With eight studio albums to its credit – the latest being In The Morse Code Of Brake Lights – The New Pornographers’ winning formula of combining multi vocalists with power pop elements has consistently won the band critical acclaim.
The New Pornographers’ name was chosen by Carl Newman, who has since revealed he came up with it after watching a Japanese film called The Pornographers. Three years later, the band released its debut album Mass Romantic – the first of four albums placed in the top 40 on The Village Voice’s Pazz and Jop year-end poll of hundreds of music reviewers. From 2000 to 2006, either a band’s album, or a solo album released by one of the band’s members, ranked in the top 40 on that list each year.
But the accolades didn’t stop there. In 2007, Blender magazine ranked Mass Romantic the 24th best indie album of all time. And, in 2009, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the band’s second studio album Electric Version at number 79 in its listing of the 100 Best Albums of the Decade.
All of The New Pornographers’ original members were prominent on the Vancouver music scene prior to forming the band. Notable among them is singer Neko Case whose exceptional career as a solo artist saw her release seven albums and receive a Grammy Award nomination in 2014 for Best Alternative Music Album for 2013’s The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You – likely the long song title in the history of music, modern or otherwise.
Alongside Case, the current band configuration features original members John Collins (bass), Dan Bejar (vocals/guitar) and Newman (vocals/guitar). Also in the mix are Todd Fancey (lead guitar), Kathryn Calder (vocals/keyboards/guitar) and Joe Seiders (drums/vocals). Touring with the band as a backing vocalist and percussionist since coming into the fold in 2021 is Nora O’Connor.
Released in 2019, In The Morse Code Of Brake Lights has spawned three singles to date, the first being Falling Down The Stairs Of Your Smile followed by The Surprise Knock and One Kind Of Solomon. Earlier charting singles in Canada include Your Hands Together (2010), Brill Bruisers (2014) and High Ticket Attractions (2017).
Wednesday – July 13th, 2022
All Revved Up (Ultimate Meat Loaf Tribute Band)
It indeed takes a very special performer to come even remotely close to capturing the vocally operatic sound and body-draining emotion that defined a live performance by the late Michael Lee Aday – a.k.a. Meat Loaf.
Since 2013, John Saxon Doboe has brought the Grammy Award-winning bigger-than-life rock singer back to exhilarating life for fans of his music across North America as the central figure of All Revved Up: A Tribute to Meat Loaf.
Backed by a seven-piece band based out of Long Island, New York, Doboe, and joined by his longtime partner Jim Giarraputo, flawlessly delivers Meat Loaf’s high-energy signature songs – a long and impressive list that includes Bat Out Of Hell, Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, and I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), which brought Meat Loaf a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo.
Beyond the talents of Doboe et al, audiences are treated to costume changes, choreography and even comedy as All Revved Up takes them on an epic rock and roll-infused journey as it pays tribute to Meat Loaf’s extensive music catalogue produced and performed from 1977 to 2016.
An actor originally – he appeared in the stage and film versions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Meat Loaf exploded onto the charts in 1977 with his debut album Bat Out Of Hell. It sold some 43 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best selling albums of all time, still selling some 200,000 copies annually.
While Meat Leaf continued to record with considerable success over the ensuing years, he returned to his roots, appearing in a number of feature films and television shows up until 2017. In January 2022, he died at age 74 in Nashville, Tennessee but his over-the-top stage presence and powerful singing voice remain a clear memory for legions of fans around the globe – a nostalgic-soaked tie to our musical past that has been strengthened by All Revved Up.
Saturday – July 16th, 2022
Dwayne Gretzky are Canada’s reigning champs of nostalgia and a can’t miss live music experience; a curated nostalgia trip that captures the unique joy of turning a radio dial and being surprised by the familiar. A 10+ piece juggernaut that brings to life the greatest songs of all time, this talented group of Toronto musicians ignites audiences with their charm, fidelity and theatrical flair. Celebrating classic pop and rock, from Fleetwood Mac to Fatboy Slim, Dwayne Gretzky has delivered electrifying renditions of over 700 songs.
Since the band’s inception in 2011, Dwayne Gretzky has developed a fervent fan base across Ontario and parts of Canada on the strength of their live show – performing classic songs with faithful precision in packed venues and major festivals, and playing alongside the Rolling Stones, and being offered other major opportunities that belie the tag “cover band” .
When a pandemic shut down in-real-life gatherings globally, it was expected that the joy felt at a Dwayne Gretzky show would be shelved until further notice. Nobody could have guessed that an 18+ month hiatus on live events would prove to be a catalyst for growth for a group whose bread and butter is packing venues.
However, it’s been the COVID lockdowns that have launched Dwayne Gretzky beyond the “local legend” status they’ve held for years thanks to the success of two epic live streams. For the first time, the Dwayne Gretzky experience was felt by people beyond a festival or music venue, as the band brought the party into people’s living rooms. Over 180,000 unique visitors caught Dwayne Gretzky from home over 2 marquee livestream events.
Dwayne Gretzky’s audience is now more widespread and thirsty than ever before. As we return to “normal”, Dwayne Gretzky continues to shatter conventions and bring people together in a celebration of the songs we all forgot we loved.
Wednesday – July 20th, 2022
The LAST WALTZ (A Musical Celebration of THE BAND)
A legendary concert event wholly deserves a re-creation of epic proportions.
So it is that since 2011, with Juno Award-winning producer Lance Anderson at the helm as musical director, The Last Waltz – A Musical Celebration of The Band Live has enthralled audiences across Canada with its stunning tribute to The Band’s final live performance on November 25, 1976 at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.
Having first headlined at Peterborough Musicfest in 2016, The Last Waltz – A Musical Celebration of The Band Live returns to Del Crary Park on Wednesday, July 20.
Besides a generous selection of The Band’s classic songs, the free admission 8 p.m. concert will also feature a very special tribute to the late Ronnie Hawkins featuring The Weber Brothers, who were members of The Hawks, joined by special guests. Hawkins was among a number of artists who joined The Band onstage for their final performance 48 years ago, performing his signature hit Who Do You Love? in rousing support of the musicians that backed him from 1958 to 1963.
Joined by special guests Chuck Jackson, Johnny Max, Matt Weidinger and Quisha Wint, Anderson (piano/vocals) will lead a stellar nine-member band featuring Levon Helm’s godson Jerome Levon Avis (drums/vocals). Also in the mix are Terry Blersh (guitar), Wayne Deadder (bass) and Rob Gusevs (organ), and a stellar horn section comprised of David Dunlop (trumpet), Simon Wallis (baritone sax), Gord Meyers (trombone) and Chris Murphy (tenor sax).
Anderson et al will perform a number of The Band’s timeless fan favourites, including The Weight, The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down, Up On Cripple Week, Life Is A Carnival, The Shape I’m In, Rag Mama Rag and Ophelia, along with songs that were performed by The Band’s special guests all those years ago.
Formed in Toronto in 1967, The Band – Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson and Richard Manuel – revealed itself as something very special with its critically acclaimed debut album Music From Big Pink. The Band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. The Last Waltz film, directed by Martin Scorsese, remains celebrated as one of the greatest concert documentaries ever made.
Saturday – July 23rd, 2022
Making a name for herself since the release of her EP The Best Thing in July 2020, SACHA is one of Canada’s fastest rising country stars. Becoming an iHeartRadio’s “Future Star” following the success of her latest single with the Reklaws, “What the Truck” (10million+ global streams), SACHA has since been named as a member of CMT’s Next Women Of Country 2021 class and earned her first GOLD single alongside The Reklaws with their viral hit track “What The Truck,” which was the the fastest-ever Canadian country song to go GOLD in the streaming era (under 16 weeks). She recently performed the track alongside The Reklaws to close out the national broadcast of the 2021 CCMA Awards.
Featured in major television, print and online press including CMT, Music Row Magazine, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone Country, Billboard and The Boot, SACHA has also appeared on A-list editorial playlists (U.S. and Canadian) on Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. A Country Music Awards of Ontario Rising Star nominee (2021), SACHA was the winner of The Next Country Music Star (2016) and has had three of her music videos appear on CMT (“Cheers,” “Standards” and “What The Truck”). She’ll be heading out on the road across the US in 2022 with Maddie and Tae on the CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour.
Born and raised in Toronto, country artist Owen Barney has been strumming the guitar since he was just 7 years old, influenced by country heavy-hitters Eric Church, Steve Earle, and Jason Aldean. He has played shows around Toronto from the age of 14, and has spent the last few years honing his skills as a performer. “Barney’s maturity and natural talent as a performer allows him to be a storyteller so young in his career,” says Front Porch Music, while Canadian Beats commends Owen’s ability to “fuse soulful song writing and easy breezy vocals.”
2020 was a landmark year for this rising star, with over 7.5 million global streams and a chart topping summer smash “Thank Her For That”. Timing couldn’t be better for the release of his brand new EP No Road Too Long featuring his latest single “Pour Me,” a lighthearted song that reflects on dealing with hard times. This release follows a big month for Owen; being named the Amazon Breakthrough Artist of the Month, hitting over 350K views on his music video for “Thank Her For That”, topping the Shazam charts, and a partnership with iconic Canadian brand Roots. Check out the first ever Roots Muskoka Cottage Country Concert (socially distanced) here. The momentum continues, and will be followed by some exciting surprises!
Wednesday – July 27th, 2022
When it comes to staying power, few Canadian bands can match the 40-years plus run of West Coast born alt-rock outfit 54-40.
Formed in 1980 by high school pals Neil Osborne and Brad Merritt – the band’s first gig was played in Coquitlam on the night John Lennon was murdered – 54-40 was subsequently featured heavily on the Canadian rock charts from the mid 1980s to the late 1990s on the strength of hit songs such as I Go Blind, She-La, Ocean Pearl, Luv You All and Since When.
Three albums – Dear Dear (1992), Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret (1994) and Trusted By Millions (1996) were certified platinum while 1998’s Since When earned gold status.
Nominated for eight Juno Awards, 54-40 was among the top 50 selling Canadian artists from 1996 to 2016.
Since releasing its debut album Set The Fire in 1984, 54-40 has released 13 studio albums, the latest being 2018’s Keep On Walking. In 2021, the band added Embassy Supreme to a very long list of single releases over close to four decades.
With Osborne (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Merritt (bass) still leading the charge, they’ll return to Peterborough Musicfest with band mates Dave Genn (lead guitar), David Osborne (organ/saxophone), and Matt Johnson (drums) who has been in the fold since 1986.
Saturday – July 30th, 2022
The Bowie Lives (David Bowie Tribute)
“5 Stars! Unbelievable!” says Richard Crouse, Host of CTV PopLife. “By far, the best & coolest Bowie Tribute I’ve seen!”
says Sam Grosso, Cadillac Productions, Toronto Ontario. They’re talking about the “The Bowie Lives” Canada’s most sensational Bowie Spectacular! Michael Bell is an award-winning vocalist who channels the sound and styles of David Bowie, and with the help of an all-star band, theatre and costumes, captures the imagination of fans young and old.
Michael’s first theatrical production “ChangesAllBowie” toured the “A circuit” in the late ’80s. He hung up his “Ziggy” in the early ’90s and never imagined professionally performing Bowie again! After David’s untimely death on January 10, 2016, his calling returned, as did the industry interest. Contacting long-time musical director Michael Beauclerc, they began auditioning players to fill out a band capable of performing some of Rock’s most challenging material. The Bowie Lives bring all the hits to the stage, from Space Oddity to Lazarus, and everything in between.
The Bowie Lives, pre-show includes the Bowie Bazaar; collectibles bought and sold, Bowie make-up and costume props to help you get your “Bowie On”, photo opportunities and more! Come in costume dressed as your favourite David!
Michael is also the subject of an upcoming documentary film “Being David Bowie” slated for release in 2022.
Wednesday – August 3rd, 2022
When asked to choose between music and a relationship, there’s only ever been one answer for JJ Wilde. Music has permeated every part of her life since childhood, and it’s something she’s held closely; an unwavering connection she’s fought to foster.
The result is a meteoric rise over the past 18 months, putting her squarely on the radar of rock fans around the world, breaking records and helping to break the glass ceiling for women in rock. Her debut single “The Rush” saw global radio airplay, hitting #1 on OUI-FM in France, and spending an unprecedented 10 weeks at #1 on Canada’s three rock radio charts surpassing artists like Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters. That momentum helped propel her to a SOCAN Rock Award, 2021 Indie Award and the 2021 JUNO Award for Rock Album of the Year for her debut album, Ruthless. It was the first time in 25 years that a woman took home that award, the last being Alanis Morrisette in 1996 for Jagged Little Pill.
In May 2021, JJ dropped her EP project WILDE, which featured #1 rock radio hits “Best Boy” and “Mercy”, alongside her new single “Off The Rails” which hit #2 on the Alternative chart in Canada. Featured prominently on Spotify’s billboards at Times Square in New York and Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto alongside significant global editorial support across the board, her profile continues to grow.
BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders described JJ as “a voice that commands the stage …. an undeniable rock star in the making.” She will put that to the test this Fall supporting The Record Company on their US tour before returning for her first tour of Canada supporting The Glorious Sons throughout the early months of 2022.
Canadian pop-rock singer and songwriter Suzie McNeil remains undeniable proof that a powerful voice will always have a stage.
Since her appearance as a contestant and fourth-place finisher on Rock Star: INXS in 2005, the Mississauga native has enjoyed a successful and diversified career both as a solo artist and in collaboration with a number of others, including INXS, Clay Aiken, Foreigner and Steven Tyler.
In the studio, she has recorded three albums – her 2007 debut album Broken & Beautiful, featuring charting singles Hung Up and Believe, earning her a Juno Award nomination in 2008 for Best New Artist of the Year. Subsequent albums Rock-n-Roller (2008) and Dear Love (2012) followed, the former spawning her top chart hit Supergirl, and the latter bringing McNeil more commercial success in the form of singles Drama Queen and Merry Go Round.
In addition to her Juno Award nomination, McNeil won a 2008 Independent Music Award as Favourite Pop Artist, and in the same year, was shortlisted for two Canadian Radio Music Awards.
Diversity has been the name of the game for McNeil, her varied musical pursuits including her multi-instrumental talents as a member of her own Nashville-based country-rock band, forays into the Broadway level musical theatre realm, and commercial jingle recording work.
Not one to stand still, McNeil has ventured into a number of new musical waters over her career, ranging from singing backing vocals for Pink on her North American tour to entertaining troops in Afghanistan to performing at the 2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies.
Fresh from performing in Las Vegas with Aerosmith during its residency at the Park MGM, McNeil now fronts The Chain Reaction, a nine-piece soul and R&B band that features new arrangements of many of her chart singles as well as new takes on classic hits.
Saturday – August 6th, 2022
With over 210 million global streams, JUNO Award-nominated, Valley put together alternative pop with the care, adventurousness, and personal touch of a handmade burned CD. Cycling through moods like your favourite throwback Pinterest board, the Toronto quartet—Rob Laska, Michael “Mickey” Brandolino, Alex Dimauro, and Karah James—amplify sticky hooks through eloquent songcraft that’s cognizant of what came before, yet ready for the future. In 2016, Valley formed by accident when a local studio double booked them. During high school, Mike and Karah played in one band, while Rob and Alex played in another. They introduced themselves with self-written, self-produced releases, including the EP This Room Is White [2016] and full-length debut MAYBE [2019]. They joined Lennon Stella and The Band CAMINO on sold out tours across North America and even picked up a 2020 JUNO Award nomination in the category of “Breakthrough Group of the Year.” Following 2020’s sucks to see you doing better EP, the single “Like 1999” exploded. Its genesis traces back to a TikTok post of an unfinished version. After Valley completed the tune in under 48 hours, it went on to inspire hundreds of thousands of creates and eclipse 20 million streams while breaking boarders, appearing on viral charts in the U.S., Philippines, Korea, Japan and more. After amassing over 100 million streams and earning acclaim from the likes of Atwood Magazine and American Songwriter, the group transmit this signature style through their latest EP Last Birthday for Universal Music Canada and new label partner Capitol Records. Valley are back on the road this year, playing their first American festivals this past summer at Wonderbus Festival and Bottle Rock Festival and are currently supporting COIN for a 17-day US tour.
When her first single “Alone Again” (ft. P. Reign) became a massive global hit, getting Certified Double Platinum in Canada and selling over a million copies around the world — Alyssa Reid knew she had found her path. Fast forward to 2022 and Reid has played on stages around the world, been nominated for JUNO Awards & MMVA’s & has had hit after hit crossing genres and pop music boundaries as a singer/songwriter. Her latest album, “ASHS” with over 10 million streams so far, is a testament to her artistic growth and evolution. And Reid’s latest single, “Roses” is currently Top 20 at Canadian Pop Radio and climbing. Stay tuned for the next chapter from this iconic artist.
Wednesday – August 10th, 2022
Formed in 2008, multi-award winning internationally renowned alternative rock band The Strumbellas have built their career on crafting exceptional songs, easily connecting with fans through their honest and relatable lyricism and versatile sound. The two-time JUNO Award winners have spent much of their time on the road, delivering standout performances at such notable festivals as Bonnaroo, Governor’s Ball, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and more.
Their 2016 studio album Hope gained international attention with single ‘Spirits’ topping the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, earning them the JUNO Award for ‘Single of the Year’ and a coveted performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. ‘Spirits’ has since been certified 3x Platinum in Canada and Italy, Platinum in Germany, and Gold in Belgium, France and the United States. Their 2019 release Rattlesnake and lead single ‘Salvation’ garnered another TV performance opportunity, this time on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and the track went on to win the band a 2020 SOCAN ‘Rock Music’ Award.
Now, with four full length albums under their belt, an iHeartRadio Music Award, three Canadian Radio Music Awards and two Canadian Independent Music Awards, The Strumbellas recently reconfigured from six to seven members, adding frontman Jimmy Chauveau to the mix after original lead Simon Ward opted to pull back from the rigorous touring schedule that’s become routine for the group. The latest iteration of The Strumbellas look to the future of the band, working towards the next chapter of their career; ever evolving, adapting and growing. The Strumbellas are Jimmy Chauveau (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Jeremy Drury (percussion), Jon Hembrey (guitar), Darryl James (bass), Isabel Ritchie (strings), David Ritter (keys), and Simon Ward (songwriter).
Saturday – August 13th, 2022
CHICAGO TRANSIT – A TRIBUTE TO CHICAGO-ROCK
There are a lot of bands doing a tribute to the band Chicago, but back in the early 90’s, when Powerhouse decided to put together their Chicago Transit tribute act, they were the first in the world to do so. And they remain today as the longest running Chicago tribute band and the only one to carry four lead vocalists, just as the band Chicago does.
The bands’ 5 singers, 4 of which are lead singers, the 3-piece horn section and the 5 piece rhythm section, made this show a natural for the band – even getting credit from the band Chicago themselves, back in the 90’s.
In twenty-five years, the band, based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada has performed their show at Festivals, Theatres, Casinos and various other venues from as far east as the Gatineau Hills in Quebec to the USA Midwest – including Chicago, Illinois, itself.
The band, with its three piece horn section, five piece rhythm section and four lead vocalists is able to cover all the Chicago material from the early horn- dominant classics like ‘Make Me Smile’, ’25 or 6 to 4’ and ‘Saturday in the Park’ to the later, softer, keyboard-oriented ballads like ‘If You Leave Me Now’.
Wednesday – August 17th, 2022
Hotel California (Eagles Tribute)
When The Eagles stopped to catch their breath a few decades ago, having sold over 100 million records, collected six Grammy’s, and enjoyed six #1 albums, Hotel California began a pioneering journey through their history-making music that has taken them around the globe and thrilled hundreds of thousands of Eagles fans. It’s been a journey they could never have imagined back in 1986, but their dedication, unique musical gifts, and an obsessive commitment to doing this legendary music true justice in performance, set them apart from the many Eagles bands that came after them. Hotel California toured relentlessly from the 80’s straight through to today, setting the standard for world-class tribute productions as they went, and sharing stages with the likes of The Doobie Bros., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gretchen Wilson, REO Speedwagon, and many more. From Japan to Dubai, Toronto to Texas, Hotel California has boldly taken the tribute band where none had gone before them, and changed an industry’s collective mind about how good a “tribute” band could really be.
Today Hotel California continues to tour internationally, and their stage show has evolved into one of the most impressive and popular productions on the North American soft-seat and festival circuits. Featuring original members within their strongest lineup to date, the band is enjoying what they do today more than ever – and it sure sounds like it! It won’t take you long to hear why legions of Eagles fans come back to see them time after time, and the top venues & festivals have them back again and again. The easy-going warmth that comes from the band onstage exemplifies the Southern California sound of the 1970’s. The experience of a Hotel California show isn’t just about the band – it’s about celebrating the music and the memories, and the band gets the audiences involved and on their feet! Close your eyes and you’re right back there…
For any band to continually exceed such high expectations this deep into their career, and remain at the top of their field for as long as Hotel California have, is a truly remarkable accomplishment. That’s why when top talent buyers need the proven, absolute highest quality Eagles show in the world, they book the original Hotel California year after year.
Saturday – August 20th, 2022
Singer/songwriter Elyse Saunders, is a 4 x CMAOntario nominated country recording artist that hails from Peterborough, Ontario but is making waves throughout Canada & beyond. Elyse attributes her drive for country music to her early ties in Nashville, Tennessee and is an artist that regularly captivates crowds with her powerhouse vocals and engaging live show with over 350 performances at star studded stages like CMAOntario awards, Canadian Music Week, Boots & Hearts Music Festival and Sunfest Country Music Festival alongside Terri Clark and Jason Aldean. With the release of her brand new EP, Elyse Saunders’ music has accumulated over 2.5 millions streams and can be heard on radio’s airwaves. Her most recent single “Genes,” has been making impressive gains with radio broadcasting in the US & Australia after winning the generous support of CBC’s “Toyota Searchlight” Song Contest. A song about celebrating people for who they are, the music video for “Genes” continues to reach hundreds of thousands in viewership with a featured placement on CMT Nashville and regular rotation on CMT Australia. Find the music video at Elyse Saunders’ YouTube page www.youtube.com/elysesaunders. With a lot more on the way for this talented artist, Elyse Saunders is most certainly an artist for you to follow as she continues to make an impact with her music!
