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FREE CONCERT! Dean Brody kicks off the Summer this Saturday!
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Barrie, ON – Get ready, Barrie—this Saturday marks the electric launch of the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series with none other than Canadian country superstar Dean Brody taking the stage at Meridian Place! Set against the stunning backdrop of Kempenfelt Bay, this one-of-a-kind waterfront concert promises a night of unforgettable music, community energy, and summer magic.
A complimentary shuttle service will run from the Tiffin Street waterfront parking lot, making it easier than ever to park and enjoy the show. The shuttle will make six convenient stops between the Allandale GO Station and Downtown Barrie, perfect for those driving in or arriving by train.
This is just the beginning of a summer packed with top-tier talent and local flair—don’t miss your chance to be part of the kickoff!
Headlining Performer – DEAN BRODY – 8:30pm
Since his debut single “Brothers” hit the US Top-40 back in 2008, Dean has become one of the most beloved Canadian country artists of his generation. A passionate storyteller and unmatched lyricist, Dean has risen and continues to remain at the top of the Canadian country landscape with an impressive 34 Top-10 singles (including 8 #1s), 18 CCMA Awards, 2 JUNOs, more than 425+ million global streams and numerous gold and platinum certified singles (including 1 triple platinum and 3 double platinum). He currently holds the title of the most consumed Canadian country artist since 2020.
No country artist has ever owned the Canadian stage like Dean in recent years, consistently selling out arenas across the country, headlining Canada’s biggest music festivals and becoming the only Canadian country artist to hold a 7-year residency at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage. While a consistently celebrated entertainer, Dean also dedicates a large part of his life to philanthropic efforts through his charity, The Dean Brody Foundation. Learn more at https://www.deanbrody.com/
Troubadour Festival “Local Opener Showcase” – 6:00pm
Launched this year, the Local Opener Showcase offers a unique opportunity for local artists to open for Troubadour Festival’s main stage headliners. Handpicked by a local jury, these emerging artists will perform live at Meridian Place, gaining major exposure in front of a high-energy, waterfront crowd of thousands.
- – LANCE DOBINSON – Lance is a Canadian country artist known for his heartfelt originals including But It Ain’t That Easy and Long Road, the latter featured on SiriusXM’s CBC Country. He has shared the stage with Aaron Pritchett and Jamie Warren, earning recognition for his authentic sound and strong vocals. This summer, Lance joins the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series as a Local Opener for Dean Brody, bringing his passion and energy to the Meridian Place stage in Downtown Barrie.
- – REBEKAH HAWKER – Rebekah is a country-folk singer-songwriter whose music explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. A Mariposa Folk Festival Emerging Artist winner, she has opened for acts like Jim Cuddy and The Good Lovelies, and performed at Massey Hall. Her latest EP, Quit My Habit, blends 90s country bangers with tender ballads, earning airplay on CBC and SiriusXM. Rooted in rural Ontario, Hawker delivers emotionally rich performances that balance heartfelt storytelling with disarming humour.
- – CAM BROWN – Cam Brown, born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, blends country with Pop/R&B influences to create a modern, fresh sound. Inspired by artists like Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake, he performs throughout Simcoe County and the GTA. In 2025, he launched his original music journey with “Pretty Lime Margarita,” which hit #1 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown. With more releases on the way, Cam is set to reach even wider audiences with his unique style.
LOCAL PARTNERS
The Downtown Barrie BIA thanks its sponsors, volunteers, local partners, and participating businesses for helping make these events possible. Including:
- – Bell Media’s CTV Barrie, BOUNCE Radio 104.1 and PURE COUNTRY 106
- – Meridian Credit Union
- – City of Barrie
- – Tourism Barrie
- – Inside The Music
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