Blog Articles


Downtown Barrie Announces Local Opener Showcase Lineup for September 6 Troubadour Festival Featuring Brett Kissel

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Barrie, ON – The music keeps rolling in Downtown Barrie as the Troubadour Festival – Outdoor Music Series returns to Meridian Place on Saturday, September 6, delivering another night of unforgettable performances in the heart of the city.

This summer, Downtown Barrie welcomed thousands to Meridian Place for the Troubadour Festival’s spectacular lineup: from Dean Brody’s electrifying June kickoff, to the singalong energy of The 99s, and the eclectic artistry of Hawksley Workman in August. The night kicks off with the final Local Opener Showcase, highlighting the region’s emerging talent in a celebration of live music, community, and creativity, and we are excited to announce a special guest!

Event Schedule – Saturday, September 6

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:

  • Johnny Anderson: Johnny Anderson is a singer-songwriter from Barrie, Ontario. He grew up playing hockey and baseball until he picked up a guitar and taught himself how to play! He’s never looked back. From open mics, to gigs, to shows, Johnny has opened for big acts such as; Tebey, Alan Doyle, Blue Rodeo and more! Johnny plays upbeat Country (rock/pop) with some classic rock splashed in. Country fans and non Country fans will both become Johnny Anderson fans after a show.

  • Cam Galloway: Cam Galloway is quickly becoming a rising star in the world of Canadian country music, thanks to his dynamic performances and infectious energy. Hailing from Muskoka, ON, Cam has captured the hearts of fans with his distinctive voice and a knack for creating catchy, memorable tunes. His sound showcases his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with vibrant melodies, establishing him as a fresh new voice in the genre. His shows are known for their high-energy atmosphere and his undeniable charisma. The summer of 2024 marked a major milestone in Cam’s career as he took to the stage at the renowned Boots and Hearts Music Festival. With his debut year setting a solid foundation, Cam is already looking ahead. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, He remains dedicated to delivering music that speaks to the heart and energizes the soul.

Special Guest – Local Opener Showcase! Dayna Reid 

  • Dayna Reid: Hailing from Elmvale, Ontario, brings powerhouse vocals, inimitable lyricism, and a fearless stage presence—and she’s quickly becoming one of Canada’s most exciting rising country talents. Since releasing her debut EP Back To The Trailer on Open Road Recordings, Dayna has captivated audiences nationwide. Her debut single, “She’s Me,” broke into the Top 40 radio charts and earned her titles including iHeartRadio’s Future Star and Stingray Radio’s Trending Track. In 2023, Dayna gained national attention as a Top-8 finalist in the SiriusXM Top of the Country contest, and she continued to turn heads by opening for top-tier artists such as Tim Hicks and Hunter Brothers. With the fall 2024 release of her debut full-length album She’s Me, featuring hit singles like “The Way You Lie” and “This House,” Dayna’s streaming numbers rose past 2 million, alongside features on editorial playlists—and her music video graced the cover of Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country platform. Her spirited live performances have made her a standout at major festivals like Calgary Stampede, Boots & Hearts, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, and more in Summer 2024. Dayna’s work has earned her nominations at the CMAOntario Awards, including Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2024) and Female Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2025). Most recently, her vibrant new single “Better Than Blue” dropped in Spring 2025 and is poised to make waves on country radio this summer.

8:30 PM – Headliner: Brett Kissel

Brett Kissel, known for his charismatic personality, dynamic stage presence, and unique music style, Brett Kissel has soared to the top of the Canadian country music charts as one of Canada’s most celebrated and beloved entertainers. With 23x CCMA awards, 3x JUNO awards, 2x Gold-certified albums, 11x Gold singles, 5x Platinum singles and an impressive track record of 19x Top-10 radio hits, including 4x #1 singles, his talent and popularity are undeniable. Kissel has toured with Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks and collaborated with Grammy winners Charley Pride, Dave Mustaine, Nelly, 98°, and TikTok sensation Cooper Alan. Following a year-long, four-album rollout of The Compass Project, which was accompanied by an extensive cross-Canada tour, Brett Kissel steps into an elevated new chapter of music with an inspiring, unrelenting collection of new music.

This will be a weekend to remember! Capping off an amazing summer in Downtown Barrie!

Stay Connected! Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to stay in the loop on all the exciting happenings in Downtown Barrie!  Sign up here!