Category Archives: art

Gussapolooza Reveals Full 2026 Lineup

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Gussapolooza Music & Arts Festival returns to the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown, Ontario on August 21–23, 2026 for its fifth annual edition. What started as a backyard gathering has grown, year after year, into one of Southern Ontario’s most distinctive independent music weekends — three days of live music, original art, and community built entirely from the ground up. 

Built by musicians, for musicians — and the community that keeps showing up for them. 48 acres of open grounds, three stages, and a lineup drawn entirely from the independent Canadian music scene. 

2026 Lineup 

Headlining Saturday night is Feral Minks — the Kitchener rock outfit who have been building serious momentum across the Canadian independent scene. Produced by Jay Emmons of The Glorious Sons, their breakout single “Matador” cracked the Top 25 on the Canadian Active Rock charts, and the band earned HTZ FM’s Rock Search title in 2024, joining a lineage that includes Finger 11, The Trews, and The Glorious Sons. Multi-year Gussapolooza alumni and the festival’s 2025 Band of the Year, the Feral Minks return to close out Saturday night and receive a gold vinyl award on stage. 

Also on the 2026 bill: Propter Hawk — the Toronto five-piece fronted by Malorie Jo Blake, whose horn-drenched rock and roll has earned features in the Toronto Star and placement on Sportsnet’s Hockey Night in Canada; Taming Sari, the bilingual Ontario-Atlantic rock outfit whose single “Crazy” hit 50,000 Spotify streams and 50,000 YouTube views within weeks of release; HARKNESS, Toronto’s psych-pop solo artist known for a commanding live presence and building a loyal following across Canada and beyond; Cabin Fever, the southwestern Ontario folk/roots trio whose single “Devil Is A Friend” was featured on Season 3 of “The Trades” on CraveTV, and whose music has landed on CBC’s Alt Country and Canadian Country playlists and drawn coverage from outlets in the UK and New Zealand. Returning to the Gussapolooza stage: The Manic Boys and Girls Club — the Toronto alt-pop/rock sibling duo whose EP was produced by Gavin Brown, the award-winning producer behind Billy Talent, Metric, and The Glorious Sons. 

The full 40+ artist lineup spans rock, country, folk, and alternative, and includes Tony Rust & the Mudhorses, The Thick, Feura, Suzi Kory, Dumb Crush, Kill/Death Radio!, Black Paint, Coco Rose, The Meringues, Joanna Bronson, The Connors Brothers, and many more. Full lineup and schedule at gussapolooza.com. 

About the Festival 

Gussapolooza is an all-ages, three-day independent music and arts festival rooted in community, creativity, and connection. Since 2022, it has created a gathering space where independent and emerging Canadian artists play to the families, music lovers, and loyal regulars who have made this weekend part of their summer. 

Programming spans three music stages — the Main Stage, Barn Stage, and Side Stage — alongside a dedicated Kids Zone, Health & Wellness Zone, Vendor Village, Creator’s Convention (an outdoor podcast and media activation space), and Artist Alley. 

New in 2026: WonderGround, an immersive art zone featuring large-scale installations. 

A Platform for Independent Canadian Music 

At a time when independent artists face shrinking venue circuits and consolidating festival rosters, Gussapolooza represents something built differently. The festival was started by a musician who wanted to create a stage worth playing — and has grown entirely on word of mouth, community investment, and a commitment to keeping the lineup independent. 

For many artists on the 2026 bill, Gussapolooza is one of their largest stages of the year — and the crowd that fills those grounds came specifically to find them. 

Festival at a Glance 

  • Dates: August 21–23, 2026
  • Location: Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds, Cookstown, Ontario
  • Format: All-ages, three-day outdoor music & arts festival with camping
  • Stages: Main Stage, Barn Stage, Side Stage
  • New in 2026: WonderGround — immersive art zone
  • Tickets: Available at gussapolooza.com

Vote Now to Shape This Year’s Gussapolooza Lineup!

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While we’re on the topic of exciting, community-based August music festivals, we’ll also be taking our third trip up to Ontario for Gussapolooza, the three-day extravaganza featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent from across Canada — and the globe!

Our friends up there have received so many submissions this year that they need a little bit of help sorting through them. That’s where you come in!

Introducing Sound Check, a chance to discover new artists and help shape the Gussapolooza 2026 lineup. Every few days, they will be unveiling a new genre category with a fresh batch of artists from around the world. Your job is to head over here, listen, and vote for the artists that you want to see perform at Gussapolooza. The artists with the most fan support move forward in the selection process.

Want your vote to go even further? You can access 3x voting power by purchasing a Gussapolooza Insider Pass. The Insider Pass costs only $25 CAD, lasts throughout the 2026 Gussapolooza season, and includes even more perks, including giveaways, exclusives, and more.

It’s all in the name of creativity and community, as Gussapolooza comes our way August 21-23 at the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown, Ontario. Get those tickets here!

The Art of Life (ft. Stéphane Wrembel)

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Stéphane Wrembel is a world-renowned guitarist and band leader. Influenced by luminaries including the great Django Reinhardt, the French-born Berklee grad has experienced many highlights throughout his decades-long career, including having his music featured in Woody Allen films like ‘Midnight in Paris.’

Stéphane’s creative process meets at the intersection of art and life, and we welcome him to today’s episode of The Quinn Spinn to share how his journey empowers him to create and collaborate from an organic place.

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded at The Russell: ⁠https://russellnashville.com⁠

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

TUNE IN: UnderDogs Across Borders, Live from New Orleans!

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The UnderDogs are in New Orleans, getting ready to take the Big Easy by storm all week long during NOLA MusiCon.

It starts tonight at 5 p.m. with a double round of Have You Met…?, featuring interviews with six creatives from Nashville and beyond. Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess interviews Yonna Jones, Joe Baze, and yours truly at 5 p.m. Then, our friend Mandy Ortiz from DAWn Audio will sit down with DJX, Amelia Ray, and Mac Infinity beginning at 6 p.m.

Then, stay tuned as we present UnderDogs Across Borders: Live from New Orleans beginning at 7 p.m. A stacked lineup of artists from New Orleans, Nashville, and beyond will take the stage at Cafe Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans), and we have plenty of surprises in store. Tune in below, and don’t forget to donate to help our artists elevate in their careers!

Gussapolooza 2025: Day 2 (ft. Across Waves, Blast Toronto, and Jeff Gutteridge)

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The Quinn and Pierce are back for Day 2 of Gussapolooza 2025 after an exciting Day 1! We sat down with more of the artists and supporters who make Ontario’s music scene special for some exclusive conversations about the festival, their creative platforms, and the landscape of art, music, and creativity in 2025.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Follow The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

Across Waves: ⁠Instagram⁠
Blast Toronto: ⁠Instagram⁠
Jeff Gutteridge: ⁠Instagram

Can Sound Heal? DJX Aims to Find Out this Friday in Nashville

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On Saturday, we became officially acquainted with DJX. The South Carolina native has arrived in Nashville, delivering a short, high-energy set last weekend as part of our UnderDogs Across Borders showcase during the Nashville African Street Festival.

Consider that an appetizer for what is coming this Friday night, as DJX seeks to answer the question: can sound heal?

DJX: The Public Experiment will take place this Friday, September 26 from 6-9 p.m. at Helping Our Music Evolve (615 Main St., Suite G1, Nashville). This live experience is part concert, part ritual, part science lab featuring Four artists, three rooms, and one goal: to test what happens when music, technology, and human energy lock into the same circuit.

From live rap and cyber-trap, to acoustic resonance and soulful R&B, each set becomes a pulse that shifts the crowd’s frequency. EMF pyramids anchor the space. WiFi interference is tracked and visualized. Audience resonance is measured at the door and again at the exit.

By the end, you’ll have proof of how sound changed your system. This isn’t just entertainment—it’s Frequency Training.

RSVP HERE

Are We Doomed? Or Have We Yet to Access Our Own Power?

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For all of the talk about AI’s industry takeover, and the ways “the algorithm” unfairly stacks the deck against artists, maybe it’s time to ask ourselves a different question…

What if, instead of catering to the algorithm — the latest in a long line of industry gatekeepers outlined in the video I’m about to share below — we focus on the power we have as a community to build authentic relationships with fans, fellow creatives, and our entrepreneurs across industries?

What if, instead of claiming victimhood in an unfair ecosystem (and often, offering no real solution alongside our complaints), we empower ourselves to create a new one?

What if, instead of begging for a seat at “the big table,” we build our own table?

Yes, there are plenty of problems with the ways creatives are regarded and compensated in the business world. That’s because the business world in which we currently reside was not created by us.

When creatives function like entrepreneurs, the power resides in our hands. When we build brands, communities, and new ways of doing business, we find common ground not only with other creatives who have felt our pain, but with consumers who are looking for something that speaks to them more readily than what’s pumped out through “the machine.”

When we treat the tools at our disposal (AI, streaming, social media, etc.) like supplemental tools to create and maintain connections — instead of be-all, end-all solutions that are “supposed to” bring us to virality, fame, and fortune (i.e.; do all the work for us) — we can better manage our expectations, and focus on the real-world actions and relationships that will help us grow our communities and build a more sustainable ecosystem over time.

Instead of relying on the algorithm to make you visible, take it upon yourself to get in front of people. Instead of expecting Spotify and other DSPs to change their tune about royalty payouts and AI-created music, encourage and incentivize your audience to purchase directly from you. Develop ways to make them feel like they’re not just spending money, but investing in a vision for a greater world.

Provide value, and do business while consistently providing that value.

“Business” is not a dirty word. Learning how to do it properly — in a way that provides and increases value for all stakeholders over time — is the key to finally leveling this playing field.

I’ve presented at and attended some of the biggest music conferences in the world throughout 2025, and have had conversations with thought leaders across the creative space. I assure you that, in all corners, we are asking similar questions: how do we give creators the power?

We already have it. It’s time to accept it, wield it responsibly, and remain consistent over time. It’s time to test, measure, adjust, and develop better, creator-centric solutions. I’ll never tell you it’s easy: the creative journey is a long game, and overnight success is fleeting at best, and non-existent in reality.

Would you rather it be easy or impactful?

It’s not about fighting City Hall. It’s about building new cities.

With that, I came across this TED Talk featuring Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler, who offers a solution as to how we can structure our businesses in a creator-friendly manner. It’s already inspiring plenty of ideas for me, and I hope it does the same for you.

Have a great weekend. And, if my rant inspired you to continue this conversation, you know where to find me.

-G

ONE WEEK AWAY: Gussapolooza 2025 Kicks Off Aug. 22

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The countdown is on! In just seven days, the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds will come alive with the sound of guitars, drums, and thousands of happy festivalgoers as Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival kicks off August 22–24.

This year’s lineup features powerhouse performances from Bleeker and Kasador, plus local Alliston fan favourite Grant Boyer, alongside dozens of emerging artists ready to make their mark. Add industry workshops, camping under the stars, mouthwatering food trucks, and activities for the whole family — and you’ve got one unforgettable weekend.

Festival Director Valerie Robson says, “Gussapolooza is where music and community come together. The energy is electric, the connections are real, and the vibe is absolutely unmatched. Whether you’re here to discover new talent, support your friends, or just soak up the atmosphere, you’ll leave feeling like part of the family.”

Tickets are going fast, so grab yours now and be part of one of Ontario’s most unique summer weekends.

Beyond the Music: What’s Happening at Gussapolooza 2025?

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Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival is turning up the volume—and the vibes—for 2025, with even more to experience beyond the stage. Taking place August 22–24, 2025, this year’s festival invites attendees to discover more than music, featuring an expanded Wellness Zone, an even bigger Kids Zone, and unforgettable outdoor camping fun for all ages.

Now in its biggest year yet, Gussapolooza continues to grow as one of Canada’s most exciting emerging festivals, spotlighting indie artists while building a creative, inclusive, and family-friendly environment. In addition to its stacked musical lineup, the 2025 event offers unique attractions for every kind of festivalgoer.

Expanded for 2025: The Wellness Zone

Back by popular demand, the Health & Wellness Zone returns with even more ways to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Guests can enjoy yoga and meditation sessions, breathwork classes, sound baths, healing arts practitioners, and wellness-focused vendors offering services and education in a peaceful outdoor setting.

The Kids Zone Returns—Bigger Than Ever!

Families are welcome at Gussapolooza! The enhanced Kids Zone includes crafts, face painting, music lessons, games, and child-friendly performances, making it easy for parents and little ones to enjoy the festival together.

Camping Adventures + After Dark Fun

Weekend passes include free tent camping, with upgraded RV and power site options available. Campers can enjoy the community vibe with a late-night fire, spontaneous jams, and exclusive after-hours sets on the legendary Rebel Stage—where surprises and secret sets keep the music going long after the main stage wraps.

“Gussapolooza has always been about creativity, discovery, and community,” says Festival Director Valerie Robson. “This year, we’re expanding what a music festival can offer—creating an experience where you can dance, learn, relax, connect, and explore, all in one place.”

Whether you’re a music lover, wellness seeker, parent, or just looking for a weekend escape, Gussapolooza 2025 has something for everyone.

Tickets are on sale now! Early Bird passes sold out quickly, but general admission and camping upgrades are still available at gussapolooza.com.

Gussapolooza 2025 Early Bird Tickets Now Available!

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Gussapolooza Music & Arts Festival is back for 2025, and early bird tickets are officially on sale!

As one of Canada’s most exciting celebrations of music, art, and community, Gussapolooza invites festivalgoers to secure their spots now and experience an unforgettable weekend filled with live performances, interactive workshops, and creative connections.

Set in a welcoming, family-friendly environment, Gussapolooza is more than just a festival—it’s a movement that brings together artists, musicians, and creators of all kinds. Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of talented performers, immersive art installations, and hands-on activities designed to inspire and engage people of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard music lover, an aspiring artist, or someone looking for a weekend of fun and discovery, Gussapolooza has something for everyone.

Early bird tickets are available for a limited time and are limited to the first 100 purchasers. These tickets include free tent camping, making it an even better deal for festivalgoers, offering festival fans the best value for their 2025 experience. With a growing lineup of performers and exciting new additions to the festival, now is the perfect time to lock in tickets before prices go up!

Join us for a weekend of music, art, and community at Gussapolooza 2025, taking place from August 22-24!

For ticket purchases and more information, visit www.gussapolooza.com.

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