Harbour Nights Concert Series

2021 Performers

“PURE ENERGY AND ROOTSY BLUES SASS” – MusicOntario

Madison Galloway is an emerging voice in Canadian roots music. With her signature blend of folk, rock and blues, she takes the stage with guitar, harmonica, ukulele, and driving band, charming audiences with her catchy original tunes and soulful voice in a high-energy show! Born and raised in small town Fergus, Ontario, 20-year-old Madison Galloway infuses her music with rustic, earthy tones, reaching back to pay homage to the great artists of the past while forging a sound all her own; at times gritty and groovy, and others sweet and sunny!

Madison began pursuing her passion for music from a young age. Growing up in rural Ontario, she discovered a love of nature, community, and roots music, which continues to inspire her art today. At age 6, she began classical piano training, eventually advancing through conservatory programs and voraciously delving into the world of music theory and appreciation. However, it wasn’t until she picked up a guitar at age 12 that she discovered her true calling and began pouring out original songs. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing, current issues, and environmental concerns, she started to shape her signature sound and identity as an artist.   

Since, Madison has released a 5-song EP entitled "Who Knows Where" (2015), followed by her newly released debut full-length album "Moon & Mercury" (May 2019) co-produced by Ron Hawkins. She's built a reputation as a road warrior, touring relentlessly as a band, duo, and solo performer and played hundreds of shows, including notable performances at the Mariposa Folk Festival, Riverfest Elora, and RBC Bluesfest, making a name for herself as a must-see act. Madison has shared the stage with renowned artists such as 54-40, Ron Hawkins (Lowest of the Low), Tyler Shaw, and Colter Wall; and with her new full-length record "Moon & Mercury" out now, she’s just getting started!

Website

Tonight's event is sponsored by

Owen Sound’s Rob Elder caught the music bug as a kid on the family farm where classic country & western songs, the Beach Boys, and Bob Seeger were the soundtrack to barn chores. Back then, picking up a guitar was an easy way to wind down at the end of a long day. Turned to music, his farm boy’s work ethic led to quick growth and an early creative blossoming, his festival debut at the age of 20, and the release of two self produced albums shortly afterwards. 

Eventually, Rob moved to Toronto where he gigged every weekend and hosted an open mic for two and a half years. All that playing and networking exposed him to a world of musicians and sounds well beyond his parents record collection. Those influences fused into a style that playfully mixes blue-eyed soul, slick guitar, and crooning country rhythms and serves them with a voice that surfs from solid depths to groovy falsetto highs.

By his mid-twenties, Rob was chasing the Canadian dream. He got married, had two kids, and was advancing in a strait-laced career while gigging tirelessly in Toronto. There wasn’t much time for recording back then and Rob and his wife knew that they didn’t want to raise children in the city.  So, in 2012 they moved back to Grey County where a vibrant musical community welcomed them wholeheartedly. Rob put together a band, started mentoring younger musicians through the Georgian Bay Folk Society, and – as always – filled every available moment with music. Now with the release of 'Changer' 12 years after his sophomore record, Rob self-identifies as a re-emerging artist. But make no mistake, his musical growth has never faltered, and his roots have only dug deeper in the intervening years.

2018’s 'Changer' shows off how much Rob has grown and what he’s learned along the way. Where his first two albums ploughed popular themes of young love and heartbreak, Changer explores more mature themes of social unrest and inequality, solidarity, and the deep love that carries a relationship for decades.  Do not think that serious themes make the music less fun, though. With thoughtful lyrics and catchy melodies, Changer proves that Rob Elder still knows how to get audiences dancing – whether there’s a dance floor or not.

Website

roberledermusic@gmail.com

519-378-3597

Tonight's event is sponsored by    

Emily Gilbart is a singer/songwriter influenced by many different genres – a folk-fusion of storytelling combined with acoustic guitar and bluesy undertones. A believer in the healing power of music to connect diverse groups of people, she hopes to inspire others to shine and become their most authentic selves.

“Her voice sounds earthy and bluesy beyond her years with a hint of country in the music that brings a good mix of sensibilities with her diverse original songs.” -Chef Pam, Fan/Joy Restaurant & Bar “Somehow it seems Gilbart was born to translate her feelings in a unique and seasoned fashion. When the five tunes on this inaugural release ended, the soul and control in her voice made me want more.” -Scott Bruyea, In the Hills Magazine.

Website

Email: gilbartemily@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/emilygilbartmusic/

https://www.facebook.com/emilygilbartmusic/

Hailing from Southwestern Ontario, The Big Deal plays music spanning genres from Classic Rock to Country. Juanita's ability to rock out on tunes like Robert Palmer's "Bad Case of Loving You", then do a tender cover of Deana Carter's 'Strawberry Wine" offers a performance that is always entertaining.

This is a solid group of players, led by Kevin Dandeno, a gifted multi-instrumentalist, singer, arranger and a great band boss. 

Fred Ruegg on lead guitar is dynamite - channeling Van Halen one moment and Vince Gill the next, exhibiting a truly virtuosic range.

Jeff Mayne is as tasteful a drummer as you could ever hope for - which is not to say that he can't bring it when called upon. And, he sings. It's awesome.

Our newest member is keyboardist Tom Walter, who loves to play that ol' rock and roll and some country too - but with a sophistication resulting from his classical background. There's some boogie in that Bach!

Juanita Wilkins is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who has never been able to decide which genre of music she loves best, so she does it all. She has a big voice and she knows how to use it. 

Website

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Victoria Yeh has been seen from coast-to-coast-to-coast, as a solo artist, leader of Spirit Awakens, member of Paul DeLong's ONE WORD, Concertmaster of Toronto's Summerhill Orchestra and Artistic Director for the Travel by Sound series. When she's not lighting up the stage, Victoria is a mentor for the international Creative Strings Workshop Online and founder of the Meaford Singing Strings youth outreach program.

Website

Tonight's event is sponsored by 

MID LIFE CRISIS will provide a full, clean sound of originals and covers of songs from bands like ZZ Top, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, BTO, Steppenwolf, Oasis, Johnny Cash, The Doobie Brothers and Steve Miller Band … to name a few.

MID LIFE CRISIS is a local group that is comprised of seasoned, musical veterans. You may have seen them at The Salmon Spectacular, Ribfest, Wiarton Willie Festival, Harbourfest, Heartwood Concert Hall, etc.

Tonight's event is sponsored by 

Sunday, August 29 - Owen Riegling

Growing up in the small town of Mildmay ON, Owen spent most of his time playing hockey, and riding dirt bikes. He picked up a guitar for the first time when he was 11 years old, but didn't re-visit it until the age of 17. After discovering his passion for music Owen began spending most weeknights writing, and weekends performing at local pubs. 

Some of his biggest songwriting and musical influences are Eric Church, Jon Pardi, and Tyler Childers. 

At 21, Owen graduated from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology, for music production. This has enabled him to produce, and mix his own music. In 2019 he released “Smoke Man” and followed up shortly after with several singles, along with the release of his first EP “Empty Room” in 2020. 

Owen recently formed a trio with local musicians Brad Schlosser (Bass), and Rob Crowder (Drums). After a long year of waiting, Owen and his band are more excited than ever to play some shows! 

owenrieglingmusic@gmail.com

Tonight's event is sponsored by 

Joel Morelli was born and raised in Owen Sound and was launched into the local music scene at an early age. He soon developed a reputation as an unassuming character whose style reflected ease and openness. As a singer-songwriter, Joel combines a unique percussive style with fluidity and authenticity in his lyrics.

His earliest Summerfolk appearance was in 2000 and has more recently performed at the festival with Canadian blues legend, Bobby Dean Blackburn. Over the course of his career, Joel has expanded his repertoire to include elements of jazz, funk, blues, rock, and alternative folk.

For those who appreciate rhythmic acoustic guitar, Joel Morelli offers an infectious, memorable sound. 

https://www.uptownschoolofmusic.com/joel-morelli

Bob Robinson is sure to evoke emotions with his heartfelt music and authentic personality. He will draw you into the stories of his songs and maybe even bring out a few laughs.

With over a decade of performing soulful Country and Rock & Roll-on stages across Ontario, he knows how to create a toe tapping good time you will want to sing along with.

Armed with an acoustic guitar and his signature powerful vocals he is now sharing his original sound and songs. 

Thanks to Sponsorship from local businesses, Harbour Nights remains a free event to residents and tourists, and in return, offers exposure to diverse and engaged crowds for sponsors. For more information on sponsorship opportunities for Harbour Nights, see the sponsorship package attached below, or contact Jen Wright at jwright@owensound.ca

TD Harbour Nights Sponsorship Package