Barrie, ON – We are excited to announce the first three Local Opener Showcase selectees for the upcoming Troubadour Festival Local Opener Showcase! The Troubadour Festival Local Openers Showcase will offer a career-shaping opportunity for local youth, solos, duos and house bands to perform as openers for each of the Troubadour Festival main stage headliners. Selected through a local jury process, these emerging artists will take the stage in front of thousands at Meridian Place, gaining invaluable exposure and the chance to perform in a true “rockstar” atmosphere.

Performing as local openers for Dean Brody are:

• LANCE DOBINSON – These past few years having written and recorded “But It Ain’t That Easy,” “No One Else,” “Long Road” and “That Was All Part Of Me,” have certainly been great experiences for Lance Dobinson. Not to mention, having the opportunity to have “Long Road” being featured on “Sirius XM’s CBC Country” just a few years back, was certainly a milestone for Lance.  Looking back from the year 2019, Lance had the privilege of singing with Country Music Artists, “Aaron Pritchett” and “Jamie Warren”, which certainly again, were milestones for Lance.  This summer, Lance is truly honoured to be one of the supporting acts for Dean Brody, at this year’s “Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series.” 
•  
• REBEKAH HAWKER – Country-folk singer-songwriter Rebekah Hawker infuses stories of loss—of family, lovers, youth—with wisdom and resilience. Having established an impressive career at lightning pace through her late twenties—opening for acclaimed acts like The Good Lovelies, Rum Ragged, and Jim Cuddy; winning Mariposa Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Showcase; and gracing world-class stages like Massey Hall—her latest EP Quit My Habit sees Hawker slowing down and reckoning with what really matters. Rooted in the rural stillness outside Barrie, Ontario, the EP features both powerful ballads and full-blown 90s country bangers. “I wanted to make songs my sisters and I could sing in the car together,” Hawker explains. Her open-hearted sound runs the gamut of country styles—from John Prine’s lore-spinning to Kacey Musgraves’s honeyed vocals to the vulnerable strength of Kathleen Edwards.Hawker’s music has been heard nationally on CBC and is currently in rotation on Sirius XM’s North Americana station. Known for her emotionally charged live sets—equal parts vulnerable and hilarious—she crafts songs meant to be belted with your friends or quietly felt alone. She finds herself at the intersection of country and folk, embracing the full spectrum the genres have to offer.
•  
• CAM BROWN – Born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, Cam Brown performs across local establishments, resorts, and private events throughout Simcoe County, York Region, and the GTA. Drawing inspiration from artists such as John Mayer, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Justin Timberlake, and Morgan Wallen, Cam fuses his passion for country music with his Pop/R&B background, creating a modern country edge with a sound that feels both fresh and unique. 2025 marks a major step forward as Cam shifts his focus to original music, starting with his debut single, “Pretty Lime Margarita,” which hit #1 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown (CICC). With more releases on the way and a growing presence on streaming platforms and radio, he’s fully leaning into the next phase of his career—bringing his unique sound to a wider audience.

• It doesn’t end here, submissions are open for the remaining three Troubadour Festival events. If you are interested, here’s what we are looking for!
•  
•  – Solo, Duo and Band Youth Performers (<18)
•  – House/Garage Bands (18+)
•  – Solos/Duos (18+)
•  
• Each event has three opening slots up for grabs.
•  
• Think you’ve got what it takes? Send us a demo track, your website or social media links, and any references to [email protected] with a Subject line: Local Openers Showcase: your band name.
•  
• Our expert jury will select the standout acts to join the spotlight.
•  
• Friday July 11 2025: Submission close for the July 26 2025 Troubadour Festival 
• Friday July 18 2025: Next Jury Selection Announcement
•  
• Performance Dates: 
•  
• Troubadour Festival – Summer Concert Series + Open Air Dunlop – Classics In The Park
  • Headliner: The 99s
  • Saturday, July 26, 2025
  •  
  • Troubadour Festival – Summer Concert Series + Open Air Dunlop – Eats on the Streets
  • Headliner: Hawksley Workman
  • Saturday, August 16, 2025
  •  
  • Troubadour Festival – Summer Concert Series Season Finale 
  • Headliner: Brett Kissel
  • Saturday, September 6, 2025
  •  
  • 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
  •  
  • If you are interested in participating as a local partner in this exciting summer event line up that will connect with over 350,000 people, contact us at [email protected]. 

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!