Downtown Barrie BIA unveils music lineup for Open Air Dunlop

PRESS RELEASE
CENTRAL BARRIE BIA
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Get ready for an electrifying summer of music as the Downtown Barrie BIA, in collaboration with Hey Bear Productions, unveils the much-anticipated Open Air Dunlop live music schedule for next season.

This year we are delighted to present five themed and exciting outdoor Dunlops, each featuring exciting live music performances right in the heart of Meridian Place.

With over 50 acts lined up so far, including Grammy nominated and Juno award winning artists alongside talented local artists, Meridian Place has truly become a musical paradise. With its natural open-air acoustics and stunning waterfront backdrop, it’s no wonder bands from all over are eager to take the stage in downtown Barrie.

Here’s the Dunlop outdoor live music schedule for 2024:

Daniel Romano’s Outfit: Dunlop Outdoor Air Show — Friday, June 14th

Daniel Romano’s Outfit is a Canadian indie rock band shrouded in mystery known for their high intensity live shows. The band, which has earned a reputation as a powerhouse supergroup, is led by Daniel Romano and consists of Carson McHone, Julianna Riolino, Roddy Rosetti and Ian Ski Romano.

The Outfit has made appearances at many major music festivals including Bonnaroo, Azkena Rock Fest, End of the Road, Roskilde Festival among others.

“The Outfit’s live writing is nothing short of explosive, leaving audiences in a state of awe and wonder.” (Paste magazine)

Elliott BROOD: Dunlop Canada Outdoor Day – Monday July 1st

From the mountains of Utah to the trenches of Vimy Ridge, Elliott BROOD’s songs have traveled the blood and glory of history in equal measure for nearly a decade. With the buzz of their early albums, Elliott BROOD carved their niche out of history and memory. As difficult and harrowing as the past can be, for Elliott BROOD, it is also a generous companion, offering the gift of appreciation for times of peace and grace.

With porter, Elliott BROOD’s seventh album, the trio deals with the past in more personal terms. The title, which speaks of loyalty and longevity, sets the tone for an album that explores the strength of conviction and how that strength is tested, time and time again, over time. Thoughts of dignity and dedication, as well as their emotional flipsides, inform a collection that sees the band exploring those battlefields much closer to home.

From the Polaris Music Prize shortlist, the liberating album Mountain meadows at the Juno Awards Days in Yearsthe well-traveled trio of Mark Sasso, Casey Laforet and Stephen Pitkin have created a body of work that is at once meticulous and boisterous, substantial and entertaining.

Terra Lightfoot: Dunlop Butter Tart and More Festival – Saturday 13th July

Healing power is further proof of Lightfoot’s ability to do just that. To describe her musical evolution over ten years as amazing is something of an understatement. Along the way, Lightfoot’s marathon tours landed in eight countries on four continents (including support slots for Bruce Cockburn, Blue Rodeo, Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Posies, The Sheepdogs and Willie Nelson).

She also conceived, created, curated, produced and co-titled The Longest Road Show, an all-female touring magazine. In October 2020, Lightfoot released Consider speed, recorded by Grammy-winning producer Jay Newland at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis. In early 2022, Lightfoot launched her own label, Midnight Choir, with a cover of Leadbelly. where did you sleep last night and fan-favorite original composition Sleepycovered by Sarah Blackwood of Walk Off the Earth.

Lightfoot herself has received her share of flowers – a pair of Juno nominations, a long list of Polaris nominations, the lead single Paradise, which soundtracked CBC’s first Wrap on the 2018 Winter Olympics.

From The Hip (The Tragically Hip cover): Dunlop Outdoor Car Show – Saturday 27th July

Celebrating the Tragically Hip’s 40th anniversary, From The Hip will perform the greatest hits of the Tragically Hip’s long career.

Five guys just looking for a place to hang out and making stops along the way. Having the guts and wherewithal to play The Hip while remembering the real band, live and raw, with will and determination. Oh, and grace, too. Killer Whale Tank and Double suicide (iykyk) interpretations have made their way into shows when the weight drops. It’s a beautiful thing, really. With a front man who honors Gord Downie, not in imitation but inspiration, not to mention a virtuoso guitarist, they’ve been known to rock and roll and then rock again. Sorry, huh.

“That’s how we’ve been watching them since we were kids. How else are we supposed to do it?” We play music From The Hip. Take him?

OMBIIGIZI: Dunlop outdoor eats in the streets — Saturday, August 24

OMBIIGIZI — pronounced om-BEE-ga-ZAY, meaning it’s noisy — is a collaboration between Zoon (Daniel Monkman) and Status/Non Status (Adam Sturgeon), Anishnaabe artists who explore their cultural history through sound. Their music together is a meditation on family, a holistic celebration and cleansing, with a strong sense of unity and loving support. An amalgam of their indigenous heritage and personal musical architecture, Daniel and Adam enhance their lyrics with their families’ stories, revealing truths and finding common ground amidst their differences.

The self-titled debut album Sewn back togetherit is a fusion of individuality—a reflection of Adam and Daniel’s commitment to each other as collaborators and distinct members of the community.

Chas Hay of Hey Bear Productions exclaims: “Meridian Place’s natural acoustics and scenic setting make it a dream venue for artists. We got great reviews from artists who raved about the sound quality and atmosphere. No wonder downtown Barrie is becoming a hotspot for live music.”

But it’s not just about the music – live performances are a powerful force that boosts tourism, fosters community connections and boosts the local economy. Chris Gerrard, owner of The Queens Hotel and BIA board member, enthuses: “Live music brings people together like nothing else. With over 50 bands and performers taking the stage at Meridian Place, our community has been treated to unforgettable experiences, attracting visitors and energizing downtown. And we’re just getting started.”

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