You already know that we’re planning to make a return trip to the beautiful Canadian province of Ontario for this year’s Gussapolooza. Canada’s premier indie music festival will take place this year August 21-23 at the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown, just an hour or so north of Toronto. Three days of camping, community, arts, culture, and incredible live music will ensue.
About that “incredible live music” part: you still have a chance to be a part of this year’s Gussapolooza lineup — but only if you apply by this Saturday, January 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
After that, submissions will be closed, and the festival braintrust will begin crafting this year’s lineup. If you want to be a part of the magic with us and the whole Gussapolooza family, we encourage you to apply here!
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.
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!
The weather gods continued to favor Gussapolooza all weekend long. While the morning started off chilly by my standards — since moving to Nashville, I think anything below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is on the cool side — I woke up last Saturday morning to a beautiful day, without even the thought of a cloud in the sky.
There was a full day’s worth of music waiting to greet us across three different stages, and a series of seminars kicking off the day inside the MTAV Barn stage. After Friday provided us with a brilliant primer coat, we were prepared to take in the full Gussapolooza experience in all of its glory.
The beautiful weather, the opportunities to connect, and another diverse, talented lineup made Day 2 into a can’t-miss experience. Here, we got to appreciate the power of an idea, as we observed how a small festival that began in Russ Robson’s backyard has turned into a three-day celebration of creativity that brings people out in droves — not just from the surrounding area, but from across North America and beyond.
7:09 p.m.: Don’t sleep on Canada’s country artists! Angelica Appelman performed in the barn today, and her combo of vocals and stage presence is a winning one!
6:25 p.m.: Lots of powerful vocalists throughout today’s lineup, and Vanessa Lio is no exception. Have a listen!
5:07 p.m.: Our Sunday adventure continued with glam rock cowgirl Jessica Sevier — and her noticeably fantastic songwriting!
4:27 p.m.: Onto today’s performances! Blackstock kicked things off, and those vocals were STRONG to start our Sunday!
2:52 p.m.: Simply put, last night rocked. If you need further evidence, check out this moment from Cigar Club.
2:27 p.m.: The Blues Emergency brought big energy to Saturday night’s lineup — and they’re fronted by Andy Du Rego, whose Black Suit Devil project has been featured here on UMC before. Small world!
2:00 p.m.: Speaking of last night, look at how Fortunate Losers had the whole place rocking! Tremendous set — shades of Tool, Deftones, and early Our Lady Peace (think Happiness… and earlier).
1:40 p.m.: My upload speeds have been a little slow out in the field, as well, which is contributing to the backup in updates.
BUT… we’re going to get caught up, and it starts with this clip featuring the mega-talented Harley Olivia, whose performance lit up a picturesque late summer evening in Ontario.
Sunday, September 15 | 1:23 p.m.: Oh man… I’m behind the 8-ball here! I guess that’s what happens when you fully immerse yourself in an event this epic. There are lots of videos on my phone, which we’ll be rolling out here, Instagram, and YouTube.
While I get caught up, I want to thank everyone who attended and empowered my Perfect Your Pitch seminar this morning! I’m grateful to have been on this stage, and for the connections made!
8:16 p.m.: What do you think? Should Tyler Lorette come hang in Nashville sometime?
7:07 p.m.: Things just got HEAVY with Burning Bridges!
6:22 p.m.: Seattle psych legends General Mojos delivered an impressive set, showcasing their seamless musicianship earlier this afternoon. The audience took notice — a LOT of people came up to the front for a closer look.
5:50 p.m.: Lots to update you on, starting with the fun brought forth by alt-rock trio Wishwell.
4:42 p.m.: A couple more performances coming in! The first is Italian-born Alessandro Montelli rocking the afternoon crowd, followed by folk trio Wild Bloom covering Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”
3:17 p.m.: One thing I appreciate about Gussapolooza is not only the dedication to showcasing original music, but original music from across genres. With that in mind, here’s a little snippet from pop/R&B artist David July.
1:54 p.m.: Plenty of great insights from Matt Bacon. Here’s one for any artists reading this to digest…
How is content making your audience FEEL? What emotions will your audience experience coming to a live show or engaging with you?
1:07 p.m.: “It’s never been easier to get the word out about yourself as a musician.” Matt Bacon emphasizes that while marketing platforms may change, the strategies behind marketing are timeless.
12:44 p.m.: And, as a friendly reminder, a familiar face presents tomorrow at 11 a.m.! 😉
12:41 p.m.: Easy start to the day, about to take in Matt Bacon’s social media marketing seminar before the (musical) games begin for the afternoon!
Saturday, September 14 | 12 p.m.: Top of the afternoon to ya!
Let’s kick today’s coverage off with last night’s closing performance from CMAGIC5, who brought out all the bells and whistles to conclude Night 1!
11:20 p.m.: Still coming down from the spiritual experience The Manic Boys & Girls Club gave us…
9:45 p.m.: Feral Minks with one of my favorite sets of the night. A lot of groove in their music — reminds me quite a bit of Kings of Leon.
9:26 p.m.: If you know me, you know the level to which this is high praise: Gussapolooza reminds me of the stories I’ve been told about the early days of Musikfest (which is now the largest free, non-gated music festival in the US). There’s clear passion, vision, and attention to detail, and you can tell that everyone in this community believes in this festival.
9:01 p.m.: And, just like that, Ashley Gilmore & Friends are here to show that an all-acoustic arrangement can be just as powerful!
8:45 p.m.: Cudbear is the truth! They didn’t stop bringing the energy in torrents for their entire set. In fact, they seemed to only gain more power as the set went on.
8:12 p.m.: Stumbled upon a party in the barn with Usual Suspektz!
7:14 p.m.: As I was making the previous update, I was uploading this fun little snippet from Gussapolooza veterans, Freightliner. Come get some!
7:09 p.m.: Been making my way around, and caught In Your Walls playing a new tune inside at the MTAV Barn Stage!
6:14 p.m.: Sweet chili Thai chicken pouting from Foodiez Barrie. I’m already in love.
6:03 p.m.: We are underway! I set up my tent and came back up from tent city, just as Barrie, ON native Brigitte Eve kicked off Gussapolooza 2024.
12:26 p.m. ET: We’ve arrived in Canada! This thing that started with a USB mic and a laptop in my childhood bedroom is officially an international movement.
Friday, Sept. 13 | 9:42 a.m. ET: Woke up like dis…
I pulled into the lovely Monroe KOA in Petersburg, MI shortly after midnight last night. Day 1 on the road took a little longer than expected; I had to stop for new tent poles, and when I couldn’t find what I needed, I ended up buying a new tent. That, plus a missed turn that briefly took me into Indiana, led to a slight delay.
After all of that excitement — and setting up my tent in the dark — I woke up like dis…
Nonetheless, it’s onward to Gussapolooza from here!
Thursday, Sept. 12 | 12:17 p.m. CT: The Blog-a-Thon is back, baby!
We only pull this one out of our arsenal for the most epic of quests. I’d say our first trip to Canada — for UMC, as well as my first trip to Canada ever — for an independent music festival unlike any other is an adventure worthy of live updates, all weekend long!
We have the opportunity to mix it up with 40+ artists and scores of creatives this weekend in Cookstown, Ontario. And so, I’ll be chiming in to give you the sights and sounds — plus anything interesting I find along the way.
I’m about to get on the road, so buckle up, as we take you for a thrilling ride! Keep checking back here for updates, and if you need some traveling music, here’s what I’ll be bumping on my way up north…
We keep talking about this Gussapolooza festival. Curious to hear what all the buzz is about?
Well, there’s plenty for you to hear right now.
Our friends at The Indie Distributor — the organization behind Canada’s premier festival for emerging artists — have released the official Gussapolooza 2024 playlist. This epic, 2+ hour volume features 40 of the artists on this year’s lineup, from across North America and the musical spectrum.
The countdown is officially on! In just one week, Gussapolooza Music & Arts Festival will return to Cookstown, Ontario, for an unforgettable weekend celebrating Canada’s emerging music and arts scene. From September 13-15, over 40 independent artists will take the stage, transforming the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds into a vibrant hub of creativity, music, and community.
Festival Highlights:
Diverse Music Lineup: Gussapolooza 2024 features an eclectic mix of genres, including rock, country, folk, hip-hop, electronic, and pop. Fans can expect to discover their next favorite band among the many talented artists performing on multiple stages throughout the weekend
Late-Night Comedy Show: On Saturday night, get ready to laugh your heart out at the late-night comedy show featuring some of the best comedians in the business. It’s the perfect way to keep the energy high and the good vibes rolling into the night
Healing Haven Tent & Wellness Workshops: Take a break from the music and recharge at the Healing Haven Tent, offering a variety of wellness workshops designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or holistic healing, there’s something for everyone looking to unwind and rejuvenate
Sauna and Cold Plunge: For those seeking an invigorating experience, the festival’s sauna and cold plunge provide the perfect opportunity to refresh and renew between sets
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Gussapolooza is a family-friendly event, with a dedicated Family Camping Zone that ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees of all ages. The festival offers activities and spaces designed specifically for families, making it an ideal weekend getaway for everyone
Creator’s Convention: Dive into the entertainment industry with our Creator’s Convention, where artists, podcasters, tech companies, and industry professionals connect, collaborate, and innovate. This is a must-attend for anyone looking to break into the world of music, film, or art
Educational Workshops & Seminars: Whether you’re an aspiring artist, an industry professional, or just curious about the creative process, Gussapolooza offers a range of workshops and seminars designed to inspire and educate. From building authentic connections to mastering the latest technology, these sessions provide invaluable insights for anyone looking to grow their skills and knowledge
Art Zone & Film Contest: Explore the Art Zone showcasing visual artists and don’t miss the exciting film contest, where indie filmmakers compete for top honors
Tickets & Info: Tickets and camping passes are still available but selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind event. For more information, ticket purchases, and updates, visit Gussapolooza.com
Gussapolooza is a unique 3-day camp-out extravaganza that celebrates Canada’s emerging music and arts scene. Based in Cookstown, Ontario, the festival will host more than 50 artists, plus vendors, visual artists, seminars featuring emerging industry leaders, and more.
Today, we’re joined by Gussapolooza founder Russ Robson, who tells us about the festival’s origins, the ways Gussapolooza supports creatives of all disciplines, and exciting plans for the future.
This September — for the first time ever — we’ll #GoUnderground North of the Border!
We are thrilled to announce that Underground Music Collective is an official media partner of Gussapolooza Music Festival, taking place this year from Sept. 13-15. Based in Cookstown, Ontario, Gussapolooza is “a haven for artists, creators, and entrepreneurial spirits.” This unique 3-day camp-out extravaganza celebrates Canada’s emerging music and arts scene with live performances, seminars, networking opportunities, and an array of food and beverage options. More than 50 bands from across Canada perform on multiple stages and represent diverse genres like rock, country, folk, hip-hop, electronic, pop, and more.
Within this partnership, Underground Music Collective will provide media support for Gussapolooza before, during, and after this year’s festival — including live updates from the festival, and a recap photo gallery after its conclusion. In addition, UMC Founder Gerard Longo will present Perfect Your Pitch: Building Authentic Connections as an Independent Artist during the festival’s seminar portion, with an official date and time to be determined.
Tickets and camping passes to Gussapolooza 2024 are available now. Get yours below, and stay tuned here for updates!
