Barrie, ON – The music keeps rolling in Downtown Barrie as the Troubadour Festival – Outdoor Music Series returns to Meridian Place on Saturday, August 16, delivering another night of unforgettable performances in the heart of the city.

Following an incredible evening with The 99s, the series continues with Juno Award-winning artist Hawksley Workman, known for his theatrical stage presence and genre-defying sound. The night kicks off with the Local Opener Showcase, highlighting the region’s emerging talent in a celebration of live music, community, and creativity.

Event Schedule – Saturday, August 16:

6:00 PM – Local Opener Showcase

The Local Opener Showcase brings three new performers to the Meridian Place stage, selected from dozens of talented submissions. These acts represent the vibrant and diverse musical spirit of Barrie and the surrounding area.

Local performers include:

•  – Tia Nova: Tia Nova is a standout powerhouse—an electrifying 17-year-old singer who brings a fresh vibe to the music scene. With her ability to blend genres and connect emotionally through songs, she captivates audiences everywhere. Tia uses music as a way to release emotion and relate to the personal experiences of others, making her performances feel both honest and impactful. As a passionate songwriter and performer, she’s making her mark and inviting everyone to join her on this exciting journey – https://www.tianovaofficial.com/
  
  
•  – Smokey & The Bones: Vigorous, Bustling and Buoyant; A songwriter for the ages, Smokey & the Bones is a modern rock group with a classic essence. With an eclectic and cycling crew of collective members, Smokey brings an exciting and authentic experience each and every show. Hailing from Barrie ON, the vision is to keep audiences and band members alike on their toes, forming a genuine connection and present experience for those willing to surrender to the music. Sounds like/Inspired by: J.J. Cale, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, The Strokes, Wilco, The Tragically Hip, Sam Fender, Gary Clark Jr., and many, many more…
  
  
•  – Ritch Mitchell: Ritch Mitchell is a pop-punk infused country artist returning to music after a 20 year hiatus. He gave up a rising career to care for his mother during her fight with cancer, later becoming a paramedic himself. Now, he’s back: wiser, louder and more honest than ever. Turning pain into purpose, Ritch Mitchell is making the music he was always meant to.
  
  

8:30 PM – Headliner: Hawksley Workman

Hawksley Workman is a JUNO Award-winning and Gold Record certified singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Since his ground-breaking self-produced indie debut For Him and The Girls (1999) through to chart-topping singles of 2020, Hawksley has careened between major label international smash hits to Canadiana soaked indie releases. Boasting a catalogue of 17 solo records, Hawksley’s genre defying style strings together folk, chart pop and irrepressible cabaret. His show-stopping vocals on songs about weather, love, heartbreak and tales of end-times have garnered him a league of devoted fans. 

Performing over a thousand shows worldwide, Hawksley has headlined prestigious venues like Massey Hall and The Olympia in Paris. For a uniquely Canadian artist Hawksley has built loyal fan bases in the UK, France, Norway and Australia launching many successful tours, demystifying and delighting fans while drawing on an enviable catalogue of mischievous favourites, glammy stompers and heartfelt hymns to small town Canada. 

“Downtown Barrie has always been a creative hub, and this showcase proves it,” said Richard Tremblay, Board Member for the Downtown Barrie BIA and owner of Seven Elements Wealth Management. “We’re thrilled to give these amazing artists the spotlight and to welcome a Canadian music icon like Hawksley Workman to the Troubadour stage.”

Stay tuned for more announcements as the Troubadour Festival Outdoor Music Series continues into September, featuring more great local talent and a final headlining performance from country star Brett Kissel on Saturday, September 6.

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