Live on the Waterfront

Mood Indigo

Award winning Mood Indigo has been Thunder Bay's premier jazz band for almost three decades, playing all of the best venues the city has to offer.

With founding member Dr Mark Thibert at the helm on saxophone, along with Glenn Jennings on the keys, and vocalist Anna Torontow, they make music every week in the form of livestreams for their Facebook followers, live shows or just jamming together to keep their craft strong.

During these difficult couple of years, Mood Indigo has wanted to support their community by sharing their music in support of local organizations and charities to help us all recover from COVID more quickly!

Danielle Pollari
This wild hearted singer-songwriter is captivating listeners and touching their hearts. Danielle Pollari, is using her music to be an empowering force in the world. She brings a unique, refreshing energy to the stage, with her fusion of alternative, R&B, and pop music. Danielle is excited to be performing new songs from her upcoming album debut. 

Cris Derksen

Juno nominated Cris Derksen, originally from Northern Alberta, Canada, is an internationally respected Indigenous cellist and composer. Derksen braids the traditional and contemporary, weaving her classical background and her Indigenous ancestry together with new school electronics to create genre-defying music. 

As a composer she has her foot in many worlds working in choral, symphonic, film, theatre and dance, and is regularly commissioned by major Canadian orchestras and new music ensembles. As a performer Derksen performs nationally and internationally. Recent destinations include Hong Kong, Australia, Mongolia, Europe, Mexico and a whole lot of Canada: the place Derksen refers to as home. 

2021 commissions include pieces for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Ottawa's Chamberfest, the City of Toronto, Edmonton New Music, the Edmonton Symphony with support from the National Arts Centre, Vancouver's Blueridge Chamber Festival, Vancouver Transform Cabaret, and a 4-part docuseries for the Knowledge Network.  A new album of Cris Derksen’s works will be released in 2022. 

Sean Skiez

Sean Skiez, also known as Sean Morriseau, is an Indigenous/Canadian artist. His music is best described as diverse and relatable. From Thunder Bay, Ontario and Fort William First Nation, he strives to chase his dream and one day give back to his communities. Follow Sean Skiez on all platforms @ iamseanskiez.

Tin Pan Alley

Tin Pan Alley has made their name by delighting audiences with their dynamic talent, warmth, and humour. The members of Tin Pan Alley have been long-time friends and consist of Jeff Rowe on guitar and vocals, Amanda Mihalus on vocals and percussion, George Murphy on drums, Kelly Kashuba on bass and vocals, and The One and Only Steen on keys. The band is largely influenced by popular Rock, Blues and Funk sounds of the ’60s and ’70s with artists like Fleetwood Mac, James Brown, Bowie, Pink Floyd and The Beatles. The first seed was planted when Jeff and Amanda performed an intimate show of covers and original songs. Feeling good about the outcome, they decided together with George Murphy to get a full band together and enlisted Kelly Kashuba--Tin Pan Alley was born! A few years later, while preparing for their Fleetwood Mac show, Amanda knew the band needed keys to complete the package. Nine days before the show, Steen jumped head first into our crazy family and has decided to stick around ever since! Tin Pan Alley has been playing to much acclaim from audiences in NorthwesternOntario for the last 9 years. They have been selling out clubs with their mint Fleetwood Mac, Bowie, and Beatles Tribute Shows, gaining rave reviews and recognition on CBC.

Honest Heart Collective

Asham Stompers

The Asham Stompers are a very high-energy Metis dance group whose mission is:

”To help recapture and preserve the history of the Metis people through the dancing of the RED RIVER JIG which was invented at the Forks of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in the early 1800's to attract the fur traders into the first Metis Colony to trade furs."

Our purpose is “to help bring hope to the children in our communities struggling with low self-esteem.”

The Asham Stompers are accompanied by Live Power Fiddler Shawn Mousseau. 

B the Wiz

Whether working to bring out the shine in others or himself, Canadian hip-hop artist B The Wiz never stops using his infectious optimism to create music with a positive message of healing. The Thunder Bay multicultural MC, whose real name is Brandon Rodeghiero, has been steadily building his life around his dedication to knowledge while developing his lyricism and storytelling skills.

Performing and organizing his first live show in 2015 through the help of his mentor Zach Tilson, over the years he has been making music, granting him a means of self expression while the shows have provided him an avenue to present his music. Since beginning to work on his craft, Brandon has found music to be beneficial for his mental health & an instrumental tool in combating depression and anxiety. These factors are shown prevalently through Brandon's writing style - Brandon creates music which has prominent and powerful lyrics - oftentimes discussing themes such as spiritual awakening, finding of purpose, growth and development & staying true to one’s sense of self. Brandon has performed over 70 shows, has performed for audiences at festivals and concert events as large as 300 + & continues to work towards working with peers, collaborating & developing material.

MONOWHALES

Launched in 2017, JUNO Award-winning alternative rockers MONOWHALES have put a new lease on the alt rock genre and established themselves as one of the most exciting new bands in Canada. With multiple Top 10 singles, millions of streams, and countless shows played across Canada (including support slots for K.Flay, DFA 1979, Sloan, and Marianas Trench), MONOWHALES have earned a special place in the hearts and minds of fans across the country. 

Their brand of powerful, hook-laden rock takes flight with singer Sally Shaar at the helm, propelling the band into the mainstream with a near constant string of top charting singles. Their 2019 breakout single “RWLYD (Really Wanna Let You Down)” made history as MONOWHALES became the only independent, self-managed band to chart at #2 on the Mediabase Canada Alternative Rock Chart. Despite a global pandemic, MONOWHALES plowed ahead with the release of singles “All or Nothing” and “Out With the Old”. Each reached the Top 10 and culminated in the release of their debut album “Daytona Bleach”, arriving on March 5, 2021. 

“Daytona Bleach” was welcomed with enormous support on streaming platforms, as well as a physical release through the band’s own label TRUE Records, which has since inked a distributed label deal with Warner Music Canada. 

MONOWHALES’ new single “CTRL^^^”, the first off their highly anticipated, Dave Schiffman (Vampire Weekend, Pup) produced new album “Tunnel Vision”, dropped in February 2022. CTRL^^^ has already reached #8 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart in Canada and shows no signs of slowing down. MONOWHALES were awarded the JUNO Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year at the 51st JUNO Awards in 2022 and have just completed a national tour supporting Canadian alt rock mainstays Mother Mother.

Connor Loughlin

Forged by the icy shores of Lake Superior, Connor Loughlin's music harkens back to the days of old in Scotland and Ireland. The events, rebellions, and misfortunes of the Gaelic speaking peoples have shaped the music from the British Isles. The longing for home is a feeling shared by many cultures who have been displaced from their homeland and Connor’s stories remind us that our histories and cultures shape who we are today whether we know it or not. His songs tell the stories of generations before us while being played on a variety of folk instruments including guitar, bouzouki, and mandolin. Connor draws influences from artists like Andy Irvine, Daoirí Farrell, and the Dubliners; as well as the multitude of traditional songs passed down through generations.

JC Campbell

With three albums now under his belt, Winnipeg, Manitoba-born JC Campbell has hit his stride with his new release, Lately, a seven-song collection that brings together all of his influences, while offering powerful messages of hope in dark times.

As an Indigenous artist, Campbell has a unique perspective on the world, expressed through a soulful voice that would have been right at home in Memphis or Muscle Shoals in the 1960s. That definitely comes across on Lately’s first single, the heart-swelling “Walk In Love” and the gospel-infused title track, on which Campbell digs down deep to reveal his pure intentions.

“I feel my writing evolves as I go along, and that really helps me stay hopeful because I know the best I have to offer is just out of reach but still attainable,” Campbell says. “‘Lately’ was written during the pandemic when there was so much frustration and fear going on. I tend to write in order to make sense of those feelings, and creating that song helped me come to terms with the reality that we just need to wait it out. I hope that’s the message listeners get as well.”
Lately is Campbell’s second collaboration with producer Marc Merilainen (aka Nadjiwan), whose old school recording approach and love of vintage gear is the foundation of the record’s warm sound. It’s the ideal backdrop for Campbell to bare his soul on some of the darker themes reflected in the songs “Meth” and “The Racist.” On the former, Campbell sings from the perspective of an addict who’s run out of options. “I have close family members who have been in that position,” he says. “It’s so sad knowing that someone you love is slowly killing themselves and you can’t help them. I sang that song to my boy when he was four years old, and by the end he was very emotional, with tears in his eyes.”

On the equally unambiguous “The Racist,” Campbell speaks on behalf of his people, but from the sympathetic viewpoint that racism is taught at home from an early age. Although the music is bleak, the song still contains an inherent optimism that society has the capacity to slowly evolve. Incorporating positive energy into often-painful subject matter is something Campbell has always strived to achieve.

Campbell began writing songs as a teenager on a guitar with a bowed nick given to him by his mother, which eventually led him to work with Winnipeg producer/guitarist Murray Pulver (Crash Test Dummies, Doc Walker). Songs they recorded together soon made lasting impressions on the National Indigenous Music countdown and were added to regular rotation on Sirius XM.

Now with Lately, JC Campbell is poised to transcend any specific labels that may have previously been attached to his music, and stake his rightful claim within the worlds of Americana and roots rock. 

New Friends

With genre bending anthems translated through impactful and relatable emotions, New Friends are reinventing the standard for what popular music can be. As a product of their childhoods, they are nostalgic for the bands they loved growing up and continue to emulate those influences with a modern twist.

When Stefan Boulineau, Ayden Miller, Cole Wilson and Conrad Galecki crossed paths as music students in late 2018, the group clicked instantly and began working on demos in dorm rooms in London, Ontario. It didn’t take long until their hook-filled debut single, Purple Candy was out in the world. Reaching over 3.5 million streams on Spotify and climbing. They were recently announced winners of the "It's Your Shot" contest in Canada worth $100,000 in Artist Development.

With a charismatic frontman in Boulineau who displays dreamy originality in his voice, metaphorical yet relatable lyrics from Miller, rich guitar melodies from Wilson, and production magic + class writing from Galecki, New Friends is rapidly becoming a recognized sound around the world.

Aerialists

JUNO-nominated neo-folk group Aerialists take a distinctive hybrid approach to folk tradition, combining deep roots in Scottish Gaelic, Norwegian, and Irish folk music with a unique post rock bent. Their third release, 2020's Dear Sienna, digs deeper into their singular prog-trad sound, inviting collaborators from Brooklyn to Gothenburg, and taking home a Canadian Folk Music Award for Pushing The Boundaries. Aerialists are ethereal yet precise, technical yet visceral, and every song feels like a new beginning. With Dear Sienna, the band has created a love letter to those who have come before us, and those who will come after.

Lockyer Boys

Lockyer Boys (Will and Charlie Lockyer) are brothers born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Performing at venues from Toronto to Thunder Bay to Seattle, the Lockyer Boys made their first steps as a cover band, quickly gaining recognition for great harmonies and multi-instrumental talent.

Entertaining crowds with stage presence far beyond their years made them an immediate show stopper at festivals, concerts, and event openers. They have played alongside many accomplished artists such as JUNO Award winning Eagle & Hawk, Coney Hatch, Chase the Bear, and more.

Sacha

Making a name for herself since the release of her EP The Best Thing in July 2020, SACHA is one of Canada’s fastest rising country stars. Becoming an iHeartRadio’s “Future Star” following the success of her latest single with the Reklaws, “What the Truck” (10million+ global streams), SACHA has since been named as a member of CMT’s Next Women Of Country 2021 class and earned her first GOLD single alongside The Reklaws with their viral hit track “What The Truck,” which was the fastest-ever Canadian country song to go GOLD in the streaming era (under 16 weeks). She recently performed the track alongside The Reklaws to close out the national broadcast of the 2021 CCMA Awards. 

Featured in major television, print and online press including CMT, Music Row Magazine, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone Country, Billboard and The Boot, SACHA has also appeared on A-list editorial playlists (U.S. and Canadian) on Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. A Country Music Awards of Ontario Rising Star nominee (2021), SACHA was the winner of The Next Country Music Star (2016) and has had three of her music videos appear on CMT (“Cheers,” “Standards” and “What The Truck”). She’ll be heading out on the road across the US in 2022 with Maddie and Tae on the CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour.

Story Time with the Thunder Bay Drag Queens

Story Time with Thunder Bay Drag Queens features local drag artists, Lady Fantasia LaPremiere & Mz. Molly Poppinz as they read children's stories and sing songs while fostering love, acceptance and appreciation of diversity.

Maestro Fresh Wes – Young Maestro

Wes “Maestro” Williams is a Juno Award-winning Hip Hop artist, Tedx Presenter and a Gemini Award-nominated actor. In 2019 he became the first Hip Hop artist inducted into the Canadian Song Writer’s Hall Of Fame and his albums have reached gold and platinum status. 

Released under the pseudonym of Maestro Fresh Wes, his debut album Symphony In Effect was the first Canadian Rap album to reach gold and platinum certification.

As an actor, Wes has been in several film and television productions including 8 seasons on CBC’s award winning sitcom Mr.D where he played the role of teacher/ vice-principal Paul Dwyer.

His first book, STICK TO YOUR VISION: How to Get Past the Hurdles and Haters to Get Where You Want to Be, was the recipient of the 2011 White Pine Literary Award and was also implemented in the curriculum of the Adult Learning Program at Nova Scotia Community College. Not only was the book mandatory reading for grade 10 students, but Wes also received an honorary diploma at the NSCC’s Akerley Campus for his contribution to the Province of Nova Scotia.

He has been a guest speaker for the Governor-General of Canada’s Urban Arts Forum and has also participated in round table discussions on Parliament Hill regarding the subject of race relations.

He supports several charitable organizations like Special Olympics, Covenant House, Battered Women’s Support Services and The African Aids Society. This is his second book.

Chris Talarico

Chris is a Thunder Bay born and raised performer. Chris blends strong vocals over a wide variety of genres and a distinctly Canadian sound. A crooner at heart that blends his love of jazz, country and musical theatre to make something truly unique. This eclectic mix or stylings makes Chris an act you don't want to miss!

Jean-Paul De Roover

Jean-Paul De Roover’s musical upbringing was anything short of ordinary.

Inspired to play music after reading a book about a child violinist, he begged his parents to learn to play violin where he was promptly coerced into piano lessons. After two years he was given the chance to learn violin in Pakistan where he was immediately disappointed with his progress and stopped. Moving forward to his early teens, he was gifted a handmade Bolivian guitar from the local market and self-taught himself how to play his first Beatles song. A smattering of lessons with a Brazilian jazz bass player, Dutch singer-songwriter and Chilean vocal coach encouraged De Roover to continue pursuing music, but following his own inspirations. Upon returning to Canada in 2001 he explored everything from concert band to barbershop while forming his first rock and punk bands before studying theory, composition and orchestration at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, ON where he graduated in 2009.

“2009 was an important year for me,” De Roover remembers. “I was in the middle of nowhere, sitting in the basement of a venue after my first show on a 3-month tour in support of “Windows and Doors” (a CD/DVD that folded into a house), when I pressed ‘send,’ submitting my MA thesis to complete my Sociology degree when I realized that this - this was the moment that I became a full-time musician.”

Since then this Belgian-Canadian has toured across North America and Europe, sharing stages with artists such as the Beach Boys, Goo Goo Dolls, Said The Whale, Beardyman and more, and showcasing his work at multiple international music festivals (including Canadian Music Fest and NXNE). His music and videos have also been featured on CBC, MuchMusic, reviewed in Exclaim, Earshot! and The Georgia Straight and charted on campus radio stations nationwide.

De Roover’s early career was defined by his innovative approach to music using live looping, where he used his voice and a wide range of musical instruments to construct his songs piece by piece in front of an audience. But his constantly evolving palate has seen him exploring his earnest acoustic singer-songwriter side on “Love” (2019) as well as his passion for emotionally and aurally heavy alternative and progressive rock on “Loss” (2020), the two of which are sister albums. De Roover continues to push his own musical limits both in form and substance, daring others to try and categorize him. Because of this, De Roover’s music retains a distinct identity whether he is playing solo, with a band or even a 30-piece orchestra.

“Despite the fact that I will always feel like a musical outsider,” comments De Roover, “I’ve certainly been embraced by Northwestern Ontario and now call it home.”

Haviah Mighty

Haviah Mighty didn’t need to change her birth name when she decided to dedicate her career to music. Mighty could not better describe Haviah’s craft of provocative challenges and uncompromising truths. 

Based out of Brampton via Toronto, Haviah has spent a lifetime developing her skills as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and performer, culminating in a style of profound introspection and incisive socio-political critique. Her dynamic combinations of rap, song, and instrumental transition seamlessly from hip-hop to soul to afrobeats with a meticulous flow and cadence that transcends any traditional expectation of genre.

2019 saw Haviah earn break-out success with her album, 13th Floor, making her the first hip-hop artist and the first Black woman to win the Polaris Music Prize, celebrating the “Best Canadian Album of the Year” - but Mighty didn’t stop there. With her JUNO Award-winning mixtape, Stock Exchange (Nov. 2021), Haviah made history once again as the first woman to ever win within the Rap Album of the Year category. Recognition has spread internationally, garnering praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, GRM Daily, FADER, Hot New Hip Hop, and so many more.  

From performance invitations by massive European tastemaker, COLORSxSTUDIOS, to BBC 1’s Jack Saunders proclaiming “I just cannot find anything as good as Haviah Mighty”, to crushing the 5 Fingers of Death on the legendary show, Sway in the Morning - Haviah Mighty is unstoppable.  

Mighty pushes forward continuing to carve out spaces that boldly defy gendered expectations for women in hiphop. Unyielding and irresistible – Haviah Mighty will be heard.

KUTCH

Local Colin Kutchyera (KUTCH) brings his unique full band electropop experience back to Live on the Waterfront, along with a special guest string quartet featuring members of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO).
KUTCH is a 9-to-5 Analyst, PhD Student and dad from Thunder Bay who still manages to find time to bust out hits. Not one to care much about socials and trends, KUTCH is a unique songwriter who brings an eclectic mix of pop, rock and electronic sounds fused with quirky lyrics and themes and oh-so-catchy falsetto hooks.
KUTCH's sophmore follow up album to the acclaimed "Notionside" drops in early 2023 while the TBSO returns for their 62nd season this fall!

Goodnight Sunrise

Goodnight Sunrise is a high-HIGH-energy powerhouse rock band from Toronto. Founded in 2011 through a shared love of sick riffs, shredding keytar solos and the raw power of classic rock, they’ve taken their explosive live show to over 300 audiences across the world. This year they're at the top of their game with a ton of new releases and surprises on the way. If you're looking to scream/sing your lungs out while feeling connected, uplifted, and rocked & rolled ALL at once, then this band is NOT to be missed!

Bran Van 3000

In celebration of Bran Van 3000's 25th anniversary, "The Deer and The Bunny" will venture from the garden out onto the road to bring their eclectic mix of rock & roll minded dancing to say thank you for a quarter century of love and support to BV3 fans around the world.

With James "The Bran Man" Di Salvio and Kwansa Shelley, who has been recording and singing with the crew since 2007's "Rose", sharing the storytelling, a night of gleeful grooving is in the mix to toast the continuation of the Soundsystem. There have been a lot of chapters, styles and episodes over the years, but one thing is still consistent. A BV3 party is a love thing ...

7:00 PM - EDLA

Stephenie Stirrup and John Romito founded EDLA in the fall of 2016 after performing together in a classic rock band that played the Thunder Bay circuit. With a vision to put together the ultimate pop/rock band they set out to find musicians who shared that vision. Lui Tassone soon followed and brought a vigor that drives the band. With talented guitarists Brant Kiessig and recently added Greg Schultz, NW Ontario’s hardest working band delivers a powerhouse show. 

EDLA is all about the new stuff you are hearing at the club or on the radio. The classics aren’t ignored either.  You can expect a well-rounded mix of pop, rock and DANCE music performed with exceptional precision and enchanting harmonies. EDLA has performed sold-out shows that include a theatre musical tribute to world renowned rock band, Queen, exceptional tribute show to the queen of pop, Lady Gaga and the critically received Pop Divas show in Canada and the US. 

8:00 PM Tim Albertson

Tim Albertson is a Canadian Country singer who brings a pop touch to his rock sound. He’s a Thunder Bay, Ontario native now, but he attributes his country background to growing up in Dorion, Ontario.

"My story starts in my hometown. Growing up I loved to sing, and when grandma passed, it drove me to continue my passion. I had been in a few rock bands throughout high school and into my 20's, but it was always country music for me. When I moved to Thunder Bay, I knew that I needed a foot in the door, so I started as a concert promoter. Using my experience as a concert promoter, I began booking myself for shows, and when major country artists came into town, I was fortunate enough to open for them."

He’s recorded 1 EP in which his song "Nothing Beats Home" hit 70k plays on SoundCloud year 1. Tim's recent singles "Looking For A Road ", "A Bar Like This" and "Gonna Get Loud" have taken him from small town to big city and from small stage to mainstage. Over the course of his career to date Tim has opened for Lee Brice, headlined festivals in Southern Ontario, and has graced the stage with artists such as Jess Moskaluke, The Road Hammers, Gord Bamford, Aaron Pritchett, Tebey, Tenille Arts and Doc Walker.  

His Newest Single "Spin That Bottle" is available on all major streaming platforms as well as Canadian Country Radio including Thunder Bay's Country105.

9:00 PM Fake Shark

For their aptly titled LP "Time for the Future", genre-fluid alt-pop outfit Fake Shark took a page from the Paul’s Boutique playbook and got heavy into sampling, borrowing bits and pieces from existing records to create something uniquely novel and incredibly compelling.

In fact, "Time for the Future" successfully straddles several balances beyond fresh and familiar. Thanks to the clever lyricism laced throughout the monster hooks, it’s universally appealing and individually relatable all at once. Immediately sticky but teeming with substance. Dance-inducing but still cerebral.

With virtually no limits on the instrumentation or stylistic intricacies, Fake Shark can incorporate to make something stunning, the constant at the core of their output is the idiosyncratic, simply inescapable vocal hooks.

In the vein of other boundary-bending pop innovators like Prince, No Doubt, Solange, or Blood Orange, no two Fake Shark albums are alike, yet all are instantly recognizable as their own.

Following the final performance, enjoy a fireworks display at Marina Park! 

Parking in Marina Park will be restricted on Wednesday, August 31. The Camelot Street, Lakeside and Overpass parking lots will be closed, starting at 8:00 am.

Parking will be available in the Market Lot, following the three hour restriction, until 5:00 pm. The public boat launch and parking spots along Sleeping Giant Parkway will not be available after 7:00 pm. 

There is limited accessible parking spots available and must be reserved in advance by calling 807-684-3844. 

Questions? Email culture@thunderbay.ca