Stratford is Alive with Music
Here in Stratford, music is as much a part of life as the swans on the Avon. We love all of it! From the sweet poetry of a Celtic songstress, operatic vocalists of the world stage and up-and-coming country, folk and rock artists, we want all the music we can get.
Our love for music shows with the number of artists coming from and visiting Stratford. Did you know the legendary Duke Ellington dedicated “Sweet Thunder” to Stratford? And one of Oscar Peterson’s career-making concerts was recorded here? Glenn Gould summered in and swooned over Stratford for many years, and Ben Heppner is a regular visitor.
In that classical vein, Louis Applebaum and John Boyden represented Stratford on the world’s classical and opera stages—as do Roger Honeywell, James Westman and Gary Relyea now.
In terms of contemporary music, Richard Manuel of The Band, and John Till—a key member of Janis Joplin’s band—were both born and raised in Stratford. Juno Award-Winning artist Ron Sexsmith, Loreena McKennitt, one of the world’s most eclectic and successful folk musicians, and Ali Matthews, an award-winning Christian artist, all currently live and create in Stratford.
The tradition continues with new artists, such as Dayna Manning, Emm Gryner and Graham Van Pelt. In fact, Juno winner Brian Dickinson credits his youth spent in Stratford as one of the reasons he’s enjoying a successful career as a jazz pianist.
Upcoming Music to Enjoy!
TUESDAY KARAOKE
Hosted by Gemstone Entertainment, karaoke sessions are your ticket to a night of music, laughter & unforgettable performances.
Tuesdays 8:00-11:00pm
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT
Show us your talent at the Open Mic Night at 8pm. All ages welcome. Wednesday & Thursdays 8:00-10:00pm
LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS
Join us for live music every Saturday this winter. Follow us on Instagram for artist details. No cover. Support local live music in Stratford and come on out for a great time! Saturdays 8:00pm
SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC SERIES
Join us for live music every Sunday afternoon. Support local live music. No cover! Sundays 6:00-8:00pm
SUNDAY KARAOKE NIGHT
Be the singer you’ve always dreamed of… but with a real microphone instead of a hairbrush… a real audience instead of a mirror. Sing your heart out at Gilly’s. Sundays 8:00pm-Midnight
KALEB HIKELE – SPECIAL MONDAY SHOW
Renowned for his work as The Sun Harmonic, a folk rocker & recording artist hailing from Canada. His performance showcases tracks from his 12th indie studio album, “My Mind Is Like a Radio.” May 13 8:00pm
FRIDAY NIGHT SESSIONS
Get lost in the vibrant atmosphere as we showcase three talented performers: Wild Waters, Rusty Shackleford & Jeremy McDonald.
May 17 8:00pm
BIJOU PRESENTS: MAY MUSIC NIGHTS
Live music Friday & Saturday at 8:15pm. Reservation encouraged, or come for drinks & a show. May 17: Jesse Webber, May 18: Steve Todd, May 24: Wild Waters, May 25: Dan Walsh, May 31: Timothy Wilford
ANDREW DAMEN
Come in for a morning coffee, but stay for some tunes from Stratford local – Andrew Damen! Sounds like a pretty good start to the day to us. May 18 11:00am
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
A fusion of country, blues & rock Led by singer-songwriter Barry James Payne, String Bone delivers a unique sound deeply rooted in Americana & Canadiana influences. May 18 8:00pm
MARKET SQUARE MUSIC
Stelle & Carter Trio May 24, Lauren Neilson/Kaitlyn Famme May 31, Cait & Pete from the Bookends Jun 7, Sing-a-long Dayna Manning Jun 14, Christin Dennis Jun 21, Ethan Maac/Maggie Foster Jun 28 6:30pm
FRIDAY NIGHT SESSIONS – SPRING SONGWRITER SERIES
Featuring a lineup of three incredibly talented songwriters: Neil Little, Sing Me A River & The MacQueens. May 24 8:00pm
MARTIN & JOSEPH
Thrilled to welcome the always awesome duo of Martin DeFreese & Joseph VanRooyen! Come for a coffee, but stick around for acoustic favourites from a couple of the nicest guys around. May 25 11:00am
THE BOOKENDS
These multi-instrumentalists explore the library of traditional gems & contemporary favourites from the Celtic world & draw on their diverse musical backgrounds. May 26 2:00-4:00pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). May 27 8:00-11:00pm
CALLIE MCCULLOUGH FT. SCOTT KIPFER & SPECIAL GUESTS
Callie McCullough has chased her unique muse for years making Contemporary Roots music that nods to the legends who came before her. May 30 8:00pm
FRIDAY NIGHT SESSIONS
Groove to the tunes of 3 incredible performers: Lucas Smith, SoupRat, and Martin & Joseph. Each artist brings a unique flavour to the stage, promising a diverse & dynamic musical experience. May 31 8:00pm
DAVE BATES LIVE
Thrilled to welcome back the always wonderful, Dave Bates to our musician’s corner! Come for the coffee & stay for the tunes! June 1 2:00pm
THE PRACTICALLY HIP
Come join us for an epic summer kick-off party with The Practically Hip & rock out to all your favorite Tragically Hip hits in person. June 1 6:30pm
AN EVENING WITH THE QUEENS
From jaw-dropping performances to killer costumes, this show is gonna be off the charts! Get ready to slay the night away. Grab those tickets, honey & let’s paint the town rainbow! June 1 9:00 pm
DOCK MUSIC WITH HANNAH THOMAS
Bring your chair to the Avon River along the shoreline by the Allman arena, grab a bench, or catch the show from a kayak or paddleboard. June 2 & 16, July 7 & 21 (weather permitting) 7:00-8:00pm
A TRIBUTE TO BROADWAY
Sing for the Joy of It Community Choir; Artistic Director Dan Van Winden; Accompanist Karen Rempel; award-winning Canadian Actor-Musician & Music Theatre Performer, Donna Garner. June 4 7:30pm
AN EVENING OF SUPPORTING VETERANS
This exclusive Gala Fundraising Dinner is not just an event, but a tribute to those who’ve served our country with bravery. Speaker Tim Taylor & music by Dayna Manning. June 15 6:00pm
ROTARY BREWS & FOOD FEST
Up to 12 Ontario craft beverage vendors & up to 9 food trucks in one location! We’ll have cider, wine & spirits vendors, too.
June 16 Noon-6:00pm
STRATFORD LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD
Outdoor family-friendly gathering for all with many mouth-watering different foods to choose from & live vibrant music. We are a licensed event. Music, food trucks, vendors, children’s activity area. June 21-23
SAM HORNBY
Sam, from London, ON, is well-known in the area for his distinctive very finger-picking styling on the guitar. The perfect music to go along with your morning coffee. June 22 11:00am
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). June 24 8:00-11:00pm
THE KIWANIS CLUB OF STRATFORD CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Rain or shine. Performer list online.
Sunday & Wednesday June 26 – September 1 7:00pm
CONCERTS AT THE CASTLE
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy unique music on the front lawn of Castle Kilbride. Admission by donation. Weather permitting.
June 27, July 4, 11, 18 & 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 7:00-8:00pm
DAN STACEY
Join us in the café for an afternoon of great coffee and traditional fiddle music with Stratford local, Dan Stacey. July 6 1:00pm
A TRIBUTE CONCERT TO GORDON LIGHTFOOT
Lightfoot live features John Stinson, a long-time Ontario musician as lead vocalist. Widely praised for his uncanny sonic resemblance & his attention to replicating Gord’s original studio recordings. July 7 7:00pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC OPENING NIGHT GALA
Michael Bridge, Yolanda Bruno and Mark Fewer in “Bring The Light”, featuring music by J.S. Bach, Benjamin Britten, Johnny Cash, Edith Piaf and more! July 18 7:30-9:00pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC – ALINE HOMZY AND FRIENDS
Award-winning violinist & composer born to a Québécois mom & an American dad with Eastern-European roots, Aline’s original music reflects her culturally-diverse background. July 19 9:00-10:30pm
GRAEME SHAW
Join us in the café for a morning intimate acoustic set with Stratford’s Graeme Shaw! July 20 11:00am
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: VESUVIUS ENSEMBLE
One of North America’s only music ensembles dedicated to the traditional music of Southern Italy. Group leader Francesco Pellegrino grew up singing & playing in Campania. July 20 7:30-9:00pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: ANGELA HEWITT
Bach: Partita No. 6 in E minor, Beethoven: Sonata in C-sharp minor, Op. 27/2 (“Moonlight”), Scarlatti: A selection of Sonatas, Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24 July 21 4:00-5:30pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: FREEPLAY DUO
Using voice & live looping techniques, FreePlay Duo sings you around the world without leaving your seat. NY jazz, UK pop, European classical, Indian ragas, Brazilian samba… July 27 7:30-9:00pm
OFRA HARNOY WITH MIKE HERRIOTT – A CLASSICAL AFTERNOON
Ofra Harnoy has established herself as one of the greatest cellists on the world’s concert stage. Canadian trumpeter, Mike Herriott, is in demand as a lead trumpeter, jazz improviser… July 28 4:00-5:30pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). July 29 8:00-11:00pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: VIVA MEXICO MARIACHI
Proudly the most successful & prestigious mariachi band in Toronto, performing a worldwide known, appreciated & praised Mexican tradition in the world: ‘Mariachi Music.’ August 1 7:30-9:00pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE – ALL-STARS
Jodi Proznick on bass (BC), Kelly Jefferson on sax (ON), Jim Doxas on drums (QC) and Florian Hoefner on piano (NL).
August 2 9:00-10:30pm
GREGORY OH: LESSONS IN FAILURE
Lessons in Failure embraces the taboos of classical music with delight & vulnerability – part recital, part tell-all confessional.
August 3 7:30-9:00pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: A WORLD TRANSFORMED
Echo Chamber is a performance series that intertwines live chamber music & dance in new choreographed works. “A new lens through which both music and dance can be experienced.” August 8 7:30-9:00pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: ALLISON AU QUARTET
JUNO-winning saxophonist Allison Au brings her quartet featuring Todd Pentney (piano), Jon Maharaj (bass) & Fabio Ragnellli (drums).
August 9 9:00-10:30pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: QUATTRO MANI
Susan Grace and Steven Beck form one of the most dynamic piano duos before today’s concert-going public.
August 10 7:30-9:00pm
STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC: THE BIG FINALE: ZOMBIE BLIZZARD
Concert arias composed by Aaron Davis & Margaret Atwood, sung by soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee. August 11 4:00-5:30pm
BRIAN GARDINER
Stop by for an afternoon coffee, but stick around for Cambridge local, Brian Gardiner! He’s a fantastic singer songwriter who performs acoustic based rock, folk, pop & country music. August 24 1:30pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). August 26 8:00-11:00pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). September 30 8:00-11:00pm
SYMPLY SKYNYRD & BOOTLEG CREEDENCE
Bootleg Creedence brings the sounds of the Bayou, presenting the timeless sounds of CCR & John Fogerty. Symply Skynyrd is an Ontario-based tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. October 5 8:30pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). October 28 8:00-11:00pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). November 25 8:00-11:00pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). December 30 8:00-11:00pm
Stratford’s Music Highlights & Contemporary Music Scene
Whatever time of year you visit Stratford, you will be treated to musical events and concerts from churches, heritage concert halls and in our parks and gardens. Check out some of our musical highlights below:
- The Stratford Concert Band has been a Stratford musical institution since 1907 and is recognized as one of Ontario’s best community orchestras.
- The Stratford Symphony Orchestra is a regional orchestra that offers classical music concerts to Stratford and surrounding communities. “A Life-Enriching Experience Through Live Music Performance.”
- The Stratford Concert Choir was formed almost 30 years ago and is around 90 voices strong. The Choir sings mainly from the classical repertoire and their concerts often include other musical forces, like the Stratford Concert Band, children’s choirs and many great soloists.
- The highlight of the year is Stratford Summer Music with musical artists of international stature filling our concert halls, parks and churches each summer.
- The celebration of savoury ribs and soulful blues takes place each June along the banks of the beautiful Avon River at the Stratford Live Music & Food.
- INNERchamber is a chamber music concert series in Stratford, with a vision for reshaping the typical concert-going experience.
- Spring brings out the blooms in our gardens but it is the start of our musical concert season starting with the Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts every spring.
- Start Stratford‘s arts and culture magazine offers profiles and features on the writers, performers and artists who make Stratford their creative home.
Stratford’s contemporary music scene is one of the most vibrant in Ontario. From alt-country to folk, indie-rock to dance, we are pleased to present a few of our local musical artists and links to sample their music:
- Dayna Manning daynamanning.com
- Justin Bieber justinbiebermusic.com
- Michael Bannerman upsideofmaybe.com
- Brad Canning bradcanningmusic.com
- Upside of Maybe upsideofmaybe.com
- Ron Sexsmith ronsexsmith.com
The place Justin Bieber calls home
Everybody knows it—Justin Bieber is from our town, and we’re proud to say it! Although he’s now an international musical sensation, he still comes back regularly to visit his good friends.
When Justin was growing up, there were a lot of places around Stratford where he hung out that now have special meaning for him. From the steps of the Avon Theatre, where he first started singing and earned enough to take his mom to Disney World, to the place he went on his first date—these locations are a part of Justin’s journey.
To let you take the same journey as Justin, we’ve created a map for you to tour Justin Bieber’s Stratford. The schools he went to, the ice cream parlour he visited after soccer games and even the skate park where he learned some tricks.
Download our Bieber-iffic Map of Stratford to start your tour.
Don’t miss the Justin Bieber Steps to Stardom Exhibit at the Stratford Perth Museum.
