2025 Line up

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Canadian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Walsh is a celebrated figure on the international roots music scene. Known for his bluesy-bluegrass signature style, Walsh has contributed to over 40 albums and toured extensively across North America, Europe, and Australia.

For many years, Walsh was a key member of Fred Eaglesmith’s band, The Flying Squirrels, playing hundreds of gigs annually and sharing the stage with music legends like Willie Nelson, Little Feat, Delbert McClinton, Willie P. Bennett, and the Del McCoury Band.

In 2012, Walsh redefined himself as a solo looping artist and released his third solo album, Outta The Jam. Since then, he has performed over 1,000 shows across North America, Europe, and Asia, including opening sets for Ike Stubblefield and Col. Bruce Hampton.

The Paisley Blues Festival has tried for years to get Dan on the lineup—and this year, it’s finally happening!

Don’t miss Dan Walsh live on Friday, June 6th at 6 PM as he kicks off our music program with his phenomenal energy and talent. Come see what makes him one of the most compelling performers on the scene today!

Music is the universal language—and The Rod Jewell Band speaks it fluently. Hailing from Ontario’s Bruce-Grey area, this talented group brings a soulful blend of classic medleys and blues, delivering performances that feel both intimate and electrifying.

Fronted by guitarist and vocalist “Rockin’” Rod Jewell, the band draws on Rod’s early influences—Motown, classic rock, and rock ’n’ roll—to craft a blues style that’s “built for comfort, not speed.” Their sound is smooth, soulful, and irresistibly danceable.

With Greg Kuhl on bass and vocals, Jen Wardell on keys and vocals, Jake Richard on drums, and Fred Leighton on saxophone and vocals, The Rod Jewell Band blends a wide range of influences—from Jackson Browne and Iggy Pop, to Stevie Wonder and Van Halen—into a fresh, rock-solid take on the blues.

Catch them live Friday, June 6th from 7:15–8:15 PM at the 2025 Paisley Blues Festival. Come see why they’ve earned their spot on this year’s lineup—and get ready to groove!

With whisky-stained soul vocals, funky blues harmonica, slick R&B/roots guitar, swinging piano, soulful organ, riveting sax, and a tight, racy rhythm section, The Smoke Wagon Blues Band brings a powerhouse blend of blues and soul to every stage they hit.

Formed in 1996, this Hamilton-based band first made their mark in the legendary Hess Village scene. Over the past two decades, they’ve become festival mainstays, delivering unforgettable performances that blend grit, groove, and pure musical fire.

With eight independent albums, international radio play, and chart-topping success—including The Ballad of Albert Johnson and their last three records hitting the top of the Roots Music Report Blues Charts—they’ve earned 5-star reviews from blues magazines and blogs around the world.

Last year, they brought down the house with their explosive musicianship and magnetic stage presence—and we’re thrilled to have them back!

Don’t miss The Smoke Wagon Blues Band live on Friday, June 6th, from 8:30–9:30 PM. Come ready to dance, shout, and soak up every note from these two-time Maple Blues Award winners!

The Vaudevillian doesn’t just play badass, foot-stomping music—they deliver a full-on show. Hailing from Port Elgin, Ontario, this powerhouse duo has earned their stripes hitchhiking from raucous house parties to rowdy bars, and busking on street corners along the way.

Jitterbug James (vocals/guitar/carzoobamaphone) and Norah Spades (washboard, spoons, cymbals) channel the raw soul of old-school blues, howling like time-traveling troubadours ripped straight from a bygone era. Their explosive performances have captivated critics and audiences alike with a blend of music, theatre, and pure grit.

Now celebrating their 10th Anniversary Tour, The Vaudevillian is hitting the road harder than ever—playing shows across Canada, opening for select Modest Mouse dates (yes, it’s a big deal!), and embarking on their first UK tour.

We’re thrilled to welcome these rising stars as Friday night headliners at the 2025 Paisley Blues Festival!

Catch The Vaudevillian live on Friday, June 6th from 9:45–11:00 PM—they’ll spit, scream, and stomp their way straight into your heart.

These cats are blowing up—don’t miss it.

Nuclear Vibes is an electrifying husband-and-wife duo from Bruce County, known for their high-voltage blend of blues, rock, and country. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Hannah Faith and propelled by Ken’s soulful guitar, this dynamic pair lights up every stage with their infectious energy and undeniable chemistry.

Their story began when Ken first heard Hannah sing at an open mic—and immediately knew two things: he was going to marry her, and they were going to make music together. Married since 2017, they officially launched Nuclear Vibes in 2023 and have quickly gained recognition for their emotionally charged performances and versatile sound.

From raw acoustic sets to full-band festival shows, their mix of heartfelt originals and timeless covers keeps audiences hooked and coming back for more. Every performance delivers a spark—leaving listeners with a lasting impression and a full heart.

The journey is just beginning for this rising duo. Follow their story on Facebook and Instagram at @NuclearVibesMusic, and keep up with new music and upcoming shows at www.NuclearVibes.com.

Blues lovers, rejoice—Alfie Smith is back with his eighth album, Every Rome Needs A Nero, and it’s a powerhouse. A beloved staple of Ontario’s blues, folk, and roots scene, this Hamilton-based troubadour has earned his reputation as a festival favourite with unforgettable performances and soul-stirring sound.

Alfie is a triple threat: a guitar virtuoso known for his mastery of slide, National, and resonator guitars; an eloquent songwriter steeped in the classic blues tradition; and a commanding vocalist with a voice that could shake the Mississippi Delta. His rich, earthy vocals convey everything from tenderness and melancholy to joy and righteous anger—especially evident in the powerful title track of his latest release.

Returning to the Paisley Blues Festival, Alfie brings his deep musical roots and magnetic presence to the stage once again.

Catch the Alfie Smith Duo live at the Paisley Arena on Saturday, June 7th from 6:15–7:15 PM. You’ll understand why he’s a festival favourite the moment he hits the first note.

Ginger St. James is a dynamic powerhouse in the Canadian music scene, renowned for her commanding voice, magnetic stage presence, and a fiery fusion of rockabilly, country, and blues. Her sound—rooted in the grit of rock ‘n’ roll and the soul of classic country—transports listeners to smoky bars and honky-tonks, all with a modern, electrifying edge.

On stage, Ginger is a force to be reckoned with. Her bold, theatrical flair, rebellious spirit, and razor-sharp storytelling captivate crowds from the first note to the last. From foot-stomping anthems to soulful ballads, she delivers performances that are both raw and deeply personal.

An award-winning artist from small-town Ontario, Ginger has earned her place on stages across Canada with sheer talent, determination, and a relentless passion for her craft. Fresh off the release of her highly anticipated fourth album, Told Ya (March 2025, Busted Flat Records), she’s ready to show you exactly why she’s one of the country’s most talked-about live performers.

Catch Ginger St. James live on Saturday, June 7th, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM—and see what all the fuss is about. This badass gal is not to be missed.

The MacKenzie Blues Band delivers a fresh, hard-hitting take on modern blues rock, steeped in the soulful swagger of the ’70s. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Tara MacKenzie, and driven by the fiery guitars of Trevor MacKenzie and Pete Devlin, this band ignites every stage they hit.

Backed by a rock-solid rhythm section—Mike Weir on bass and Joel Dawson on drums—this Maple Blues Award-winning band has become a staple at festivals and clubs across Canada. Known for thundering vocals, blazing guitar riffs, and unstoppable grooves, their songs pull from real-life stories and heartfelt experiences, making every performance a joyful, high-energy ride.

You love them, we love them—and they’re back for another unforgettable show.

Catch The MacKenzie Blues Band on Saturday, June 7th from 8:45–9:45 PM at the 2025 Paisley Blues Festival!

The Johnny Max Band has long been a crowd favourite at festivals across Canada—with high-energy, danceable songs, and a frontman who isn’t afraid to jump into the crowd and get the party started, they’re a must-see live act!

This award-winning band has spent the last 25 years lighting up stages at some of the country’s finest Blues and Roots festivals. Now, they’re bringing the celebration to us as they mark their 25th Anniversary!

With seven albums, two JUNO Award nominations, multiple Maple Blues Award nods, and two new albums (studio and live) on the way, The Johnny Max Band is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Their five-piece lineup blends the rich sounds of New Orleans, Memphis, Toronto R&B, Soul, Blues, and Rock ‘n’ Roll into an unforgettable show.

Don’t miss them as they close out the 2025 Paisley Blues Festival—live from 10:00 to 11:00 PM!