Lucky local artists to open for The Road Hammers at Troubadour Summer Concert Series

The Jammers Waffle house, Kendra Gabrielle and Makinna Givens are the local artists set to open for Sam Polly & the Tomorrows and The Roadhammers on June 6.

It’s not long now before star-studded performances are set to take over Barrie’s downtown with soundwaves rippling across Kempenfelt Bay.

The first concert of the Troubadour Summer Concert Series is less than two weeks away and the Downtown Barrie BIA has revealed the local artists who will make way for the headliners.

Starting at 5 p.m., three local artists will set the stage for previously announced artists Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows. They will then make way for rock icons The Road Hammers, who are headlining the first Saturday of the series on Sat., June 6.

• Explore the series: Summer Concert Series

The Local Opener Showcase had its inaugural year in 2025 and quickly became a favourite for festival goers.

Here are the lucky local openers who are sure to dazzle the crowds.

The Jammers Waffle House

A three-piece indie rock band from Mississauga that’s gained traction across the globe, The Jammers Waffle House is known for high-energy and crowd-driven performances. They also have charting singles in the U.K. and have made several appearances on Rogers Hometown Hockey, a hockey festival that tours Canada and broadcasts live on television.

• WATCH: PURE COUNTRY 106’s Jason McCoy interviews Jammers Waffle House

Kendra Gabrielle

Classically trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Kendra Gabrielle is a country musician, hailing from Mississauga, who’s amassed hundreds of thousands of streams. Her single, ‘RED,’ has had airplay on more than 30 Canadian radio stations. Gabrielle’s music education has become the foundation for her signature sound where she combines her classical training with modern songwriting.

• WATCH: CTV’s Sarah Freemark interviews local artist Kendra Gabrielle

Makinna Givens

A country musician from northern Ontario, Makinna Givens is known for her honest songwriting and blurring of musical genres. She’s been recognized by the Country Music Association of Ontario and SiriusXM.

• WATCH: CTV’s Sarah Freemark interviews local artist Makinna Givens

The Troubadour Summer Concert Series prides itself on mixing national headliners with a spotlight on local musicians, giving artists from across central Ontario the opportunity to perform for festival-sized crowds.

“Last year showed us just how powerful this platform can be for local artists,” said Chas Hay, owner of HeyBear Productions. “The Local Opener Showcase is about creating real opportunities — giving artists the stage, the audience, and the experience that can help take their careers to the next level.”

Attracting thousands of people to the city every summer, the festival continues to build momentum having recently been recognized as one of Ontario’s top festivals.

The Troubadour Summer Concert Series is presented by Paul Sadlon Motors, CTV News Barrie, PURE COUNTRY 106, BOUNCE 104.1, Hey Bear Productions, Lemmon Entertainment, City of Barrie and Tourism Barrie.