2026 Festival Musician Line-Up

Based out of Waterloo ON Canada, this 20th-century folk mixed with contemporary country, rock & jazz band has something for everyone. Folklore Junction's live shows combine original songs with crowd favourite sing along "cover songs". Good organic music, performed by seasoned musicians with decades of experience. Debut album “Not This time” was released on Sept 05 2025. 

 Eric Jackson & Willow River craft songs that feel like autumn—warm, textured, and timeless. Blending alternative country, bluegrass, and touches of folk/Americana, their music is rooted in harmony-rich storytelling and a deep connection to the land they call home. Based in Ontario’s Waterloo Region, the band draws its name from the original (pre-colonial) name of the Grand River: Willow River—a tribute to the area’s Indigenous heritage and Eric’s own Métis identity. 

Elliott and the Audio Kings is a Canadian blues and roots band based in Waterloo, Ontario, led by musician Mike Elliott. Formed in 2015, the group is known for a "rough and rowdy" sound that blends garage rock, 1960s-era R&B, and rockabilly. The group has gained recognition in the blues community, reaching the semi-finals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis (2019) and receiving a Maple Blues Award nomination that same year.   

 Joe Dunn is a singer songwriter from New Hamburg ON. Joe was a founding member of King Roller, who have released 2 albums; the self-titled, ‘King Roller’ and ‘2022’.  

Steve Breen has been writing and recording original material for many years with his band, The Exceptional Gentlemen; releasing ‘State of Grace’ (2005), ‘Your Famous Disguise’ (2016), and ‘Lies and Deceit’ (2019). Steve has also been releasing a steady stream of singles with Return to Echo, over the last couple years. 

Steve and Joe deliver their favourite tunes from their favourite artists when they perform as a duo.

The Flying Dutchmen (Ray & Martijn) are a dynamic acoustic duo bringing a fresh twist to classic hits. They seamlessly blend folk, pop, rock, and country genres. Enjoy your favourite tunes in a stripped-down, acoustic style that's engaging and unforgettable. 

 Mark Pancer ("Panzerotti") and Ruth Shushan ("Sunshine") are a folk music duo that love to sing songs and introduce children to the folk tradition by showing them a variety of instruments - guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bodhran (Irish drum) and others.