When you think of Wasaga Beach, what comes to mind? Longest freshwater beach in the world, maybe? Cottage destination? Boating? How about an epic three-day blues festival that’s been running since 2011 and brings talented bands and musicians from all over Ontario, even the world?
We’re talking about Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues and if you don’t already know about it, you’re going to thank me. If you’re a blues fan – and we know that many of you are – then this is a weekend in September you should mark on your calendar.
“I think that people are drawn to music festivals in general,” says Artistic Director Gabor Szepesi. “They’re wonderful events if they’re run properly. We try to run ours properly and it’s getting better every year. Our production is great, and people have been noticing it.”
Under Gabor, the festival “has evolved to make sure there’s a little of something for everyone,” says Kathy Mulgrew Chair of the Festival Committee. “Gabor and I are not just blues fans, but music fans.”
As I chat with them about their excellent 2025 lineup, Gabor makes a comment that clicks: “the blues makes people happy.” He’s so right. But he also notes that the blues is often a term used to cover a few genres like R&B, gospel, and soul. They have all these styles at Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues, as well as something new for the Friday night: a rock heavy evening with a Zeppelin cover band and a Rolling Stone’s cover band. I tell them my wife’s a huge a Zeppelin fan and I’m a big Stones fan, so they’ll likely see us both there.
The festival began under Mark Crowe who wanted to bring some community vibes to his Stonebridge Development, and since he was friends with Chuck Jackson of the Downchild Blues Band, it began as a blues festival and has remained so for 13 years now. While, it may have started with just a tent and some friends, it has grown into a three-day festival with twenty bands, two stages and vibrant Vendor’s Village. Along the way, it’s gathered a loyal following of roughly 4,000 attendees every September at the spacious Stonebridge Town Centre.
Kathy came on board in 2015 and admits she’s not a musician, just a music fan. Gabor, on the other hand, is a musician and plays in one of my new favourite bands, Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe, who’s performing on Saturday night. Gabor also came on board in 2015 to help consult on production and was asked to take on the Artistic Director role in 2021. He loved Wasaga Beach so much, he even decided to move here permanently.
During his three years as Artistic Director, he’s brought some epic programming to Wasaga Beach and this year is no exception. “We’re trying something different this year,” he says referring to the Friday night. “This year we’re going to have four bands, and we’re going into more of a rock vein to attract a younger audience out.”
Lisa Hutchinson kicks things off on Friday followed by the buzz-worthy Zed Head, who’s getting tons of airplay all over the world right now. The Zep Show, a Zeppelin cover band will rock out next followed by the Blushing Brides, the iconic first-ever Rolling Stones cover band.
Saturday’s program begins with the Junior Jam, led by local musician Shane Cloutier, followed by another local player Ronnie Douglas. You’ll also catch Gail Gunnis and The Dirty Roosters from Toronto; Delta Fuse, a rockin’ band from Ireland; Angelica Jones, a blues trio from Ottawa; Quisha Wint a soul singer from TO; and Shawn Kellerman, a respected blues musician. Then Gabor’s band Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe takes the stage followed by closer Durham County Poets, who Gabor says is fantastic. “Our Saturday lineup is killer!” he emphasizes.
And Sunday is no different! The blues band Lowdown Dirty Mojos gets things started, followed by Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train. Cheryl Lescom and the Tucson Choir Boys is going to be a fan favourite, and then Maple Blues Award winner JW Jones will take the stage. Local favourite Shane Cloutier is slated for Sunday night, followed by a ten-piece brass band out of Ottawa called The Commotions. Legendary Canadian outfit Crack of Dawn closes out the festival with some R&B, funk, and soul.
With thirteen years under their belt, this festival is doing something right. “The audience really enjoys the variety of bands,” says Kathy. “Gabor is very committed to making sure we have a very eclectic mix of music and that every year we’re bringing something new.”
“This lineup is killer and for $20 a day, I don’t know how we do it,” Gabor laughs. But he’s right. I don’t know how they do it either. How can they have this great of a lineup for only $20/day? Hint: it’s because of all their amazing volunteers.
“It’s very family friendly,” says Kathy revealing that kids under 12 are free. “It’s very comfortable for families. And then the party crowd is up front dancing to every song,” she says.
“We do this for the enjoyment of the people, not just of Wasaga Beach, but anybody who wants to partake in music,” says Gabor. “Music is a global language.”
So come speak the language of music in Wasaga this September and find out what Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues is offering to music fans. If you run into Gabor or Kathy, make sure to tell them how much fun you’re having. That’s the reason they do what they do.
“As long as people walk out after a positive experience, that’s all we ever ask for,” says Kathy. Gabor adds: “If they’re happy, I’m happy.”
You can buy advanced weekend passes for $50 and advanced day passes for $20. Tickets available at the gate for $25. They also sell VIP passes for those who want some extra perks.
Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues is held on the grounds of the Stonebridge Town Centre in Wasaga Beach. Located at 291 Main Street
Written by Jesse Wilkinson
Photos by Nick Harding
