Country star Brett Kissel closes out 2025 Troubadour Festival finale on a high note

The Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series in downtown Barrie officially came to a close on Saturday night as featured artist and headliner Brett Kissel rocked the crowd.

Thousands of spectators did not mind the rain as Kissel invited guests on stage, including Pure Country 106 and Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall, on stage for their own rendition of Life is a Highway.

The summer concert series presented by CTV, Pure Country, Bounce 104.5, and Barrie BIA once again featured an emerging artist showcase from around the region, including Barrie native Johnny Anderson.

“It was a blast. I always love performing. I don’t usually play solo; I like to have my band behind me to back me up,” said Anderson. “But it was a blast; the crowd was incredible, everybody was up singing, dancing and it was a fun time.”

Bracebridge’s own Cam Galloway is taking the stage shortly after singing the night away with some classics.

He offered advice to those who one day want to pursue music.

“Consistency is key; if you can only get in 30 minutes every day, I think that’s better than three hours one day,” said Galloway.

Former iHeartRadio Canada future star Dayna Reid pumped up the crowd before Kissel.

Born and raised in Elmvale, Reid said there is nothing better than performing close to home.

“I think the rest of the world just fades away, and that’s like my favorite thing about being on stage is that nothing else is going through my head except for being in that very moment,” said Reid. “And there’s not a lot of times in life where you are just present in the moment, so this is my favorite part about being an artist.”

The Downtown BIA is calling the summer concert series a huge success.

“Obviously community feedback is so important, and downtown business feedback, but also artist feedback,” said executive director of the Downtown BIA Craig Stevens. “All the performers here have had a fantastic time, and, you know, they’ve taken in the Barrie hospitality, and I think that means a lot.”