Summer concert series returns to downtown Barrie with some hometown high notes

After Dean Brody took over Meridian Place last month, the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series is set to return to downtown Barrie with another emerging artist showcase headlined by The 99s.

The emerging artist showcase will feature three bands including Goofus, Sydney Riley, and Dorene.

David Bechard, guitarist for Goofus, is excited to open the showcase and pumped the crowd.

“We range from very soft, melodic songs to high energy, loud, heavier songs or heavier rock songs,” said Bechard. “So, there’s going to be a bit of diversity in our set, but I think, honestly with that said, there’s something there for everyone.”

• Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series

As a band, this is Goofus’ first outdoor festival and are excited for the challenge.

“Just to get that exposure within the community is incredible because I find so much of our fan base is coming from that smaller music community or that local community,” said Goofus drummer James Reich. “We get to see each other play live and everything, it’s just it’s incredible, so the fact that we get to support it and be a part of it this weekend is incredible.”

Sydney Riley will also be featured in the showcase and is looking forward to performing for the crowd.

“We don’t get to perform in public a lot for our hometown like this, so it’s going to be really fun to engage with the community in that sort of way and represent what local music has to offer,” said Riley, adding the downtown location is the ultimate outdoor venue.

“Meridian Place is honestly one of the best live venues that we get to play in, so it’s the perfect location,” said Riley. “It’s the middle of downtown, if you’re going to get dinner beforehand, you can just walk on by, and you’ll be able to see us.”

Riley said the band’s music offers something for everyone.

“We try to be as engaging as possible, so it’s going to be lots of big bangers and just lots of excitement,” said Riley. “Not very much sad songs.”

Punk rock band Dorene will also take the stage and is ready for the big moment. “[The audience] can expect some loud guitars and loud drums. A bit of pop, a bit of blues, a bit of rock,” said drummer Gray Laine.

“A fair bit of original, some classic Canadian covers as well, keep people happy and mix of that,” added guitarist Vincent Eagan, who also sings in the band.

Headlining this week’s festival is The 99s, with vocalist Carleigh Aikins, a Barrie native.

“That’s the place where I kind of cut my teeth performing, right on that strip on Dunlop at all the venues and bars,” said Aikins. “So, you know, it’s always feels like a full circle moment to get to come home and have a good time with friends and family.”

The 99s bring a throwback vibe where the audience can sing along and enjoy the nostalgia of older music.

“Saturday will feel like going to the town square and putting a coin in the jukebox and you kind of don’t know what you’re going to get,” said Aikins. “But that’s kind of the joy of it, like a radio dial. It’s a nostalgic kind of trip down memory lane and It’s always fun to watch the crowd experience these songs that maybe they forgot they loved or that they have a core memory with.”

Open Air Dunlop will once again close Dunlop Street Saturday at 10 a.m. with Classics in the Park on display along downtown leading up to the emerging showcase.

CTV News Barrie, Pure Country and Bounce 104.1 are proud sponsors of Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series.