Theatre Collingwood’s Porchside Festival Hits Its Stride with Rave Reviews
COLLINGWOOD, ON – Theatre Collingwood’s 6th annual Porchside Festival is well underway, and audiences are embracing what has become one of South Georgian Bay’s most anticipated summer traditions. With rave reviews, sold-out performances, and unforgettable evenings in beautiful gardens and unique outdoor venues, the festival continues to prove that world-class entertainment can happen right in our own backyards.
The festival opened on Canada Day with a joyful celebration at a stunning Duntroon farm property, where Canadian singer-songwriter Fred Smith captivated audiences with iconic Canadian songs and heartfelt storytelling.
From there, audiences travelled to a hidden Beech Street garden oasis in Collingwood for an extraordinary performance by Nigerian-born, Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist Kunlé and his outstanding band. Their powerful fusion of folk, soul and West African rhythms created an unforgettable evening of music and connection.
The Porchside Festival has continued to showcase its remarkable variety. Jazz lovers were treated to the smooth sounds of The John MacMurchy Trio at a beautiful Town of the Blue Mountains golf course property, while audiences also discovered the rich folk-inspired music of Murray Drive, also at a Blue Mountains home, whose performance generated enthusiastic praise from concertgoers.
One of the festival’s greatest strengths is its ability to adapt. When inclement weather threatened The Music of Our Lives, featuring Craig Ashton, Emily Powers and Rick Fairburn, Theatre Collingwood quickly pivoted the performance indoors to All Saints’ Anglican Church. Audience members were promptly notified to leave their lawn chairs at home, and the concert went ahead seamlessly, earning standing ovations and rave reviews.
The festival then travelled to Wasaga Beach, where three powerhouse performers wowed audiences with She Sings Broadway, celebrating the unforgettable female voices that have defined Broadway’s great musicals, including songs from past musicals and present.
Audience members have been quick to share their enthusiasm:
“There are evenings that entertain, and then there are evenings that remind you why live music matters. Murray Drive didn’t just perform, they created an experience. Their musicianship, storytelling, humour and warmth made for an unforgettable night.”
“Every Porchside Festival concert has been completely different, and that’s what makes it so special. We’ve discovered artists we never would have thought to buy tickets for, and every one has been outstanding.”
While six outstanding concerts have already delighted audiences, the best is still to come, with seven more different productions and fourteen performances remaining.
Upcoming performances include:
- Boomerang – the electrifying nine-piece soul and R&B band guaranteed to get audiences dancing.
- A VIDA DOCE- The Sweet Life featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Sheri Weldon and internationally celebrated guitarist Dan Ionescu, blending jazz, Brazilian influences and timeless musical artistry.
- The Barrel Boys, one of Canada’s premier bluegrass bands, performing at the beautiful Sandford Fleming Lofts, complete with bar service.
- goldenhour, whose warm harmonies and intimate folk sound have been winning audiences across Ontario.
- Award-winning Ottawa artist Sophie Lukacs, introducing audiences to the enchanting sounds of the Kora, a beautiful West African instrument. This unique concert takes place at the charming Somewhere Inn, where guests can also enjoy bar service.
- Shipyard Kitchen Party returns with a brand-new production, From Voyageur to Voyager, a musical journey through Ontario’s rich history, presented on a picturesque Nottawa farm.
- The festival concludes with local favourites Deb Fitzsimmons and Ian Raeburn-Gibson in Two Of Us, celebrating some of the most beloved duets ever written.
Altogether, the Porchside Festival offers 25 days of exceptional live entertainment throughout South Georgian Bay, transforming beautiful gardens, farms and unique outdoor spaces into intimate concert venues.
Theatre Collingwood continues its commitment to making professional live entertainment accessible to everyone. Children 12 and under attend free, and for the remainder of the festival, all patrons aged 13 to 30 can attend for just $20 per ticket.
“This is truly the little festival that grew,” says Executive Director Erica Angus. “What began as a creative way to bring live performances to audiences during the pandemic has become one of the highlights of summer in South Georgian Bay. We are thrilled to offer our community a truly unique experience with beautiful gardens, extraordinary Canadian artists, and evenings filled with music, laughter and connection.”
Angus adds, “One of my favourite parts of every concert is looking out and seeing friends, neighbours and families arriving with lawn chairs, sometimes a picnic in hand, ready to spend an evening together. The Porchside Festival is about much more than music. It’s about creating memories, discovering new artists, supporting Canadian talent, and enjoying great food for the soul.”
For tickets or more information, visit www.theatrecollingwood.ca or call 705-445-2200.
