Category Archives: Gussapolooza

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 Tier 1 Tickets Available Until June 1

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Imagine a weekend where the music never stops, creativity fills the air, and strangers feel like friends. That’s Gussapolooza — and Tier 1 tickets for 2025 are only available until Sunday, June 1.

Set in the heart of Cookstown, Ontario from August 22–24, Gussapolooza is more than a music festival. It’s a three-day escape into a vibrant, welcoming world where artists, dreamers, and music lovers come together to share unforgettable moments.

Expect late-night jams by the campfire, hands covered in paint, dancing barefoot in the grass, and moments of pure connection with people who just get it.

Here’s what the Gussapolooza experience looks like:

  • A packed weekend of live music from incredible rising talent.
  • Camping with your crew (or making a new one).
  • Wild paint parties, immersive art, and spontaneous magic.
  • Food trucks, fresh air, and wide-open fields full of music and movement.
  • A creative energy that flows from stage to sky.

“There’s nothing quite like it,” says Festival Director Valerie Robson. “It’s not just a festival — it’s a feeling. If you know, you know.”

Tier 1 passes are the best deal you’ll get — and they’re only available until June 1 at midnight. Grab your tickets now, and don’t miss your chance to be part of something unforgettable.

Gussapolooza Announces Lineup Featuring Bleeker & Grant Boyer

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The Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival is back—and the official 2025 lineup has just been announced!

Taking place August 22–24, 2025 in vibrant Cookstown, Ontario, this year’s festival features special guests Bleeker and Grant Boyer, alongside returning Gussapolooza award winners Manic Boys and Girls Club, Harley Olivia, and Cudbear. They’ll be joined by an eclectic lineup of emerging artists from across the country for a weekend packed with creativity, energy, and inspiration.

More than a music festival, Gussapolooza is a family-friendly celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Guests can explore immersive experiences like the Kids Zone, a tranquil Health & Wellness Zone, interactive art installations, local artisan vendors, and more—offering something for everyone.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a full weekend stay with a variety of camping options, including RV power sites, designated family camping, and access to onsite showers—ensuring a fun and convenient festival experience for all.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome Bleeker, Grant Boyer and so many incredible artists to Cookstown this summer,” said Russell Robson, Founder and Organizer of Gussapolooza. “Gussapolooza has always been about more than music—it’s a community-driven, family-friendly celebration where people of all ages can come together, connect, and be inspired by the arts. We can’t wait to share this experience with everyone again in 2025.”

Gussapolooza is also proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Stevenson Memorial Hospital. A portion of all ticket sales will go directly toward funding the hospital’s new state-of-the-art facility, strengthening access to healthcare in the surrounding community.

Tickets are now on sale and the full artist lineup is available at www.gussapolooza.com. While there, you’ll find information on how to get involved as a volunteer, vendor, or member of the media.

Community, Artistpreneurship, and Releasing the Anchors

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I want to thank Kevin Cobus and The Indie Distributor — the wonderful folks behind Gussapolooza, one of our favorite festivals here at UMC — for this spirited conversation on The Indie Distributor podcast.

This conversation took place during the #RoadtoSXSW, and takes a deep dive into the importance of collaboration within a creative ecosystem (like the one we’re building here). We also touch on several of my 60+ Lessons from the Creative Journey, and highlight the importance of showing up for ourselves — while setting healthy boundaries.

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.

Gussapolooza 2025 Submissions Now Open!

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Gussapolooza — the magical three-day music and camping festival in Cookstown, Ontario, Canada — is set to take place August 22-24, 2025 at the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds.

Want to play? As of today, you can make your dreams come true!

Submissions are now open for Gussapolooza 2025! From now through January 31, artists of any genre can submit to perform at next year’s festival at gussapolooza.com. This incredible celebration of community, creativity, and connection exclusively highlights independent talent, bringing artists together to share their music, inspire others, and build lasting connections.

Want to be a part of the magic? Hit that button below!

SUBMIT NOW

Gussapolooza Crowns This Year’s Heroes of Sound!

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By now, you’ve heard of Gussapolooza Music Festival, but what you may not know is that this year emerging bands from across North America converged in Cookstown, Ontario, for a chance to perform original music in front of music lovers, talent scouts, and record labels. And let me tell you, the bands that stood out didn’t just play; they set the stage on fire!

Taking home the top award, Artist of the Year, was none other than Toronto’s own The Manic Boys and Girls Club!

This indie pop/rock sibling duo, Bela and Fernando Ferreir, electrified the Friday night crowd at the dueling SL100 mobile main stages. With an almost full harvest moon illuminating the scene, their set felt like something from another world.

“Let’s Take the Last Train Out Tonight!” A lyric from their soon to be hit song Last Train echoed from the stage, became the weekend’s anthem, and soared into the night sky. It was a performance drenched in rockstar energy—soaring vocals, bouncing blond hair, wide-brim hats, and leather pants. Everything about The Manic Boys and Girls Club screamed rockstar! Missed it? Consider this your wake-up call. They’re coming back next year, and trust us, you do NOT want to miss them again. These two are riding a sonic wave to Mars, and it’s game time!

Fan Favorite: Cudbear

Barrie, Ontario’s Cudbear claimed the highly coveted Fan Favorite award, and it’s clear why! This alternative grunge trio—Bennett Jones (guitar/vocals), Adam Polan (bass/vocals), and Keagan Ross (drums)—delivered an electrifying performance that blended punk ethos with indie nuances. Their outrageous stage props and wild get-ups would have even Wes Borland from Limp Bizkit applauding!

Cudbear captivated the crowd with their raw energy and unique sound, solidifying their place as one of Gussapolooza’s standout acts. As their fanbase grows, expect to hear their name everywhere soon. Keep an eye on Cudbear—they’re primed to dominate the indie scene!

Rising Sun: Harley Olivia

The Rising Sun Award represents fresh potential and boundless energy, and this year, Harley Olivia embodied every bit of that spirit. Like the sun itself, Harley is a force of nature, her presence as captivating as her voice. Her performance lit up the festival, leaving an unforgettable impression on the crowd. Just as the sun is the most important star in the sky, Harley Olivia is shining bright and making her mark on the music world.

With a commanding stage presence, Harley delivered her signature blend of alt-rock and pop, backed by JUNO Award-winning producer Siegfried Meier on lead guitar. Her full-band performance was a showcase of infectious melodies, powerhouse vocals, and relatable lyrics that connected deeply with her audience. It’s clear that Harley Olivia’s rise is just beginning, and she’s destined for big things. Expect to hear a lot more from this rising star!

Spirit of Guss: Jeff Gutteridge

Jeff Gutteridge embodies the spirit of Gussapolooza, earning the Spirit of Guss award this year. A veteran of the indie music scene, he is not only a talented songwriter and performer but also a strong supporter of the indie community, mentoring emerging artists and advocating for their growth.

His passion shone through in his engaging performances and heartfelt fan interactions. With a knack for crafting resonant bangers, Jeff perfectly represents the essence of Gussapolooza—music, community, and heart.

Best Performance: Cmagic5

Cmagic5 delivered the Best Performance of the weekend, hands down. With choreography that dazzled the audience, a full band backing her, and an unmatched stage presence, she commanded the crowd with a magnetic energy that left everyone buzzing long after her set ended. Her ability to engage the audience, coupled with visually stunning dance sequences, created an electrifying atmosphere that is rarely seen. Watch out for Cmagic5—her name is bound to be on everyone’s playlist soon. This is just the beginning for an artist who knows how to light up the stage and captivate hearts.

Emerging Singer-Songwriter of the Year: Tyler Lorette

The Emerging Singer-Songwriter of the Year award went to Tyler Lorette, a talented country musician whose powerful lyrics and mesmerizing melodies captivated the audience. His songwriting ability is wise beyond his years, and his emotional performances left the festival crowd in awe. With his authentic sound and heartfelt storytelling, Tyler Lorette is a name you’ll be hearing a lot in the near future—he’s got all the makings of a future star. Look out, Morgan Wallen; there’s a new country sensation on the rise!

Gussapolooza, Day 3: We Are Guss!

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The final day of Gussapolooza 2024 was a special day for me, personally. Before a note of music was performed, I had the opportunity to present my Perfect Your Pitch seminar to the artistpreneurs in attendance on Sunday morning. Thanks to the team behind the scenes at Gussapolooza and MTAV for making this amazing opportunity possible!

Once my seminar concluded — and after I had the chance to chat with few folks in attendance — it was time to grab my camera and get back out there for Day 3’s action-packed lineup.

Day 3 was bittersweet. It was a joy to appreciate the community that had gathered throughout the weekend in support of emerging artists. At the same time, we knew that our time together for 2024 would soon come to an end — which meant that we had to get as much out of the final day as possible.

And, as we had come to expect, the final day delivered. As the late summer sun glistened over Ontario once more, artists from across the Canadian music landscape offered us a snapshot of the creative world that awaits all those willing to explore. As the sun set and the festival’s final performances took shape, the die-hard Gusses soaked in every last minute of this year’s festival.

Then, we met at the barn for the afterparty, where festival organizer Russ Robson deftly wove his story — and the story of Gussapolooza itself — into an enthralling, five-song acoustic set before opening the stage up to an open jam that lasted into the wee hours.

Now, we leave you with a collage, featuring the many parting glances we took toward this year’s festival. We thank everyone at Gussapolooza for their warm welcome, and we look forward to supporting this amazing, three-day experience again — in 2025 and beyond!

10 Minutes of Raw Gratitude

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We are at the end of a truly incredible summer — one that saw our Underground Music Collective movement connect with thousands of new people, and venture to places we had never been before.

Before we forge ahead, let’s pause, reflect, and say “thank you.”

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at Helping Our Music Evolve, Nashville, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

The Quinn Spinn
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