Star-studded concert series comes to Barrie

Downtown Barrie will be rocking this summer with star-studded performances as part of the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series, a four-part celebration of live music at Meridian Place, presented by CTV Barrie, Pure Country 106, BOUNCE 104.1, and the Downtown Barrie BIA.

• Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series

The series features Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) award winner Dean Brody, the high-energy, eight-piece supergroup The 99s, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and multiple Juno award-winner Hawksley Workman, and multi-award-winning country music star Brett Kissel as headliners.

Dean Brody - June 14

Canadian country music singer-songwriter Dean Brody is best known for blending heartfelt storytelling with contemporary and traditional country sounds. The Jaffray, B.C. native first broke onto the music scene in the mid-2000s and gained widespread attention with his debut single, ‘Brothers.’

Over the years, he has become one of Canada’s most celebrated country music artists, earning two JUNO awards and 18 CCMAs, including Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. He’s best known for hits ‘Canadian Summer,’ ‘Canadian Girls,’ ‘Bring Down the House,’ and ‘Time.’

The 99s - July 26

The 99s specialize in delivering high-energy renditions of pop, rock, and R&B hits spanning the 70s through the 2000s. With a rotating lineup of talented local musicians, the group delivers lively performances to get crowds moving.

At the heart of this eight-piece band is Barrie native and lead vocalist Carleigh Aikins, whose soulful voice and strong stage presence help set the tone. The band first made waves during a residency at Toronto’s Drake Hotel in 2020.

Hawksley Workman - August 16

This multi-faceted Canadian artist, born in Huntsville, Ont., is renowned for his eclectic musical style and theatrical stage presence. Hawksley Workman has released over 15 solo albums since emerging in the late 90s, building a reputation for combining elements of rock, folk, pop, and cabaret.

The critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter has been known to record and produce much of his music himself. Hawksley Workman has collaborated with Canadian acts like Tegan and Sara, Serena Ryder, and is part of the alt-rock trio Mounties.

Brett Kissel - September 6

Brett Kissel will close out the series with his blend of traditional and modern country styles. The Alberta-born Kissel released his first album ‘Keepin’ It Country’ at 12, later becoming the youngest nominee in CCMA history.

His major breakthrough came in 2013 with the hit ‘It Started With a Song,’ leading to multiple CCMA and JUNO awards. Fans know Kissel for his chart-topping hits ‘Airwaves,’ ‘Drink About Me,’ ‘Anthem,’ and ‘Never Have I Ever.’

Homegrown Talent

The Local Opener Series will showcase emerging regional talent, including Elmvale’s powerhouse vocalist Dayna Reid, who says she’s excited to perform in front of a hometown crowd. Reid will be the opening act for Kissel.

“My little town of Elmvale has always supported me,” Reid said. “I would say it’s a very small town with a big heart, and just seeing familiar faces, but also connecting with new people and Brett’s fans, that just kind of makes it full circle for me.”

Submissions for the Local Opener Series open on May 8 and close on May 23. There are multiple categories: Youth Under 18, House Band, plus three opening spots for each event day.

“Events like the Troubadour Festival and Open Air Dunlop are what define our city’s spirit. They connect people, energize local businesses, and draw thousands to our beautiful waterfront and downtown core. These experiences help put Barrie on the map—not only as a great place to live, but as a vibrant destination to visit, celebrate, and be inspired,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.

CTV Barrie News Director Justin Rydell added, “The Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series promises to be a vibrant celebration of music and community, drawing fans from across Barrie and the surrounding region. A key part of our mission at CTV Barrie, BOUNCE 104.1, and Pure Country 106 is to inform and entertain audiences across this great community each and every day, and this concert series perfectly embodies that spirit.”

The events are free and open to all.