Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series ready to take over Barrie’s downtown

CTV’s Sarah Freemark announced the headliners for this summer’s concert series including The Road Hammers, The Watchmen and Bahamas.

After Dean Brody, Hawksley Workman, The 99s and Brett Kissell attracted more than 15,000 people to Meridian Place in downtown Barrie, The Troubadour Summer Concert Series presented by Paul Sadlon Motors returns and the lineup does not disappoint.

Dozens of people gathered at Donaleigh’s Irish Public House for the headliner announcement on Monday.

CTV Barrie’s Sarah Freemark announced the upcoming headliners for the summer series.

Pure Country 106’s own Jason McCoy and The Road Hammers kick things off on June 6.

“Last year, I got to jam with our good friend Brett Kissel, and the whole festival’s just off the hook, so it’s a big treat to play in our hometown,” said McCoy. “Great treat to play Troubadour.”

Adding to the list of headliners this year are Winnipeg-based group The Watchmen and Bahamas, whose lead singer grew up in Barrie.

Shannon Ella, host of Pure Country’s afternoon show said to learn the name.

“I have become such a fan of Bahamas. I saw them a couple of years ago and just their vibe, if you’ve never seen them before, they’re so cool and I feel like they are kind of like this sneaky hit band,” said Ella. “You might go to the festival and you might not have heard a song of theirs, and then you leave being like the biggest fan ever.”

This summer will grow on the momentum from the Troubadour Festival being named a top 100 festival in Ontario.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall said last year’s concerts used the waterfront like it was intended.

“It’s what everyone’s been asking for, in the sense that we have this gorgeous downtown, a beautiful waterfront, we have the venue in Meridian Place,” said Nuttall. “And just bringing that together and having people come together and community and listen to some amazing local artists.”

The Local Opener Showcase once again returns and will feature local musicians hyping up the crowds making way for the headliners and get the feeling of being treated like rock stars themselves.

Dozens of performers took the stage last year, most calling it a career highlight.

This year, performers will once again be in front of judges to see who moves onto the big stage.

Local artist and opener for the showcase Hollie Mann, Pure Country 106 host Stan Musial and Bounce 104.1’s Steph Siedell will all have their ears open listening to what Simcoe County has to offer.

“Looking for passion,” said Mann. “And people that have some other acts lined up so they can add this to their roster that will look good on their cv or their resume, people that are trying to build their career.”

If you are a local artist or band looking to perform this summer, you can click here and connect with the Downtown Barrie BIA to submit your application.