James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Stephen (drums), Taylor Abram (guitar/vocals), and Bobby Martin (bass) all have roots in rural Ontario. Even though their world has grown larger, that grounding has remained steady at the centre of the band.

On Sunday, August 9th, James Barker Band will perform from 5:25 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival. It is a return years in the making.

“The first time we came to Boots was for the Emerging Artist Showcase. We didn’t even know who we were. It was pretty crazy because we had been to Boots in previous years as fans, and now to come back and play the Main Stage is pretty unbelievable. I feel like part of it won’t sink in until we’re actually living it,” Barker said.

The return also belongs, in part, to the people who have followed the band since those early appearances.

“It’s pretty cool because we can be proud of what we do, but it’s also cool how other people can be proud of it too,” Barker said.

That shared history gives Sunday’s performance its weight, bringing the distance between those early appearances and the present into full view.

A Song Best Served in Muskoka

The humid August heat of Boots and Hearts heightens everything familiar about a cottage country summer. James Barker Band’s new single, “After Dark,” embodies that essence. 

The track pairs melodic energy with lyrical depth, giving the band’s summer-ready sound a more reflective edge.

For those hearing the song for the first time, each band member had a different setting in mind for a first listen.

“Smoking a Marlboro Red, sitting in a garage with the lights off,” Connor Stephen said, placing the song within the quiet of a familiar setting.

Taylor Abram moved the first listen closer to a lakefront.

“Out on a dock looking at the water, in a nice Muskoka chair with a beer,” Abram said.

James Barker suggested The KEE to Bala, and Bobby Martin quickly agreed.

A garage, a dock, and The KEE offer three very different first listens, but together they place “After Dark” firmly within the rhythm of a Muskoka summer.

When asked to curate the perfect Muskoka day leading up to the song, the band’s plans came together just as quickly: a day on the boat, water sports, and time spent together.   

“We love Muskoka,” Martin said, prompting immediate agreement from the rest of the band.

Moving Forward, Staying Connected

“After Dark” signals a shift in James Barker Band’s writing. More reflective than some of the group’s earlier releases, it does not break from the past so much as observe it with greater perspective. The song allows struggle to sit beside gratitude, with neither cancelling out the other. Moving forward does not require rewriting what came before. Instead, “After Dark” holds the lighter and darker parts of human experience in the same frame, without asking one to erase the other.

That perspective is grounded in the history the band members share. After years of performing, travelling, and growing alongside one another, they remain relaxed and entirely comfortable in each other’s company, shaped by open communication and honest reflection.

When asked who gives the best advice during deeper, late-night conversations, the group agreed almost immediately that it was James Barker. The quick consensus said as much about their chemistry as the answer itself, revealing a familiarity that carries naturally into the music.

The bond at the heart of the band reaches well beyond its four members. Our interview paused briefly when a passerby broke into an enthusiastic chant of “JBB! JBB!” The members laughed, acknowledged the support, and continued the conversation.

The spontaneous moment reflected the genuine rapport between James Barker Band and its audience. While the band’s reach has grown, the openness and familiarity at the centre of that relationship have remained steady.

Longtime fans and first-time listeners alike can catch James Barker Band at Boots and Hearts Music Festival this weekend, as the band returns to a stage that remains a part of its story from the beginning. 

Listen to “After Dark” HERE. 

The post James Barker Band Comes Full Circle At Boots And Hearts 2026 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Ryder describes music as “the language of the soul,” a perfect remedy to connect, uplift, and heal one’s self during a season that can be overwhelming.

“This time of year I feel can be very complicated for a lot of people. There’s a lot of pressure for everything to be perfect and good,” Ryder says. Her way of removing these seasonal stresses is by focusing on what she loves most. “My favorite things are to sing, make music, and be in community with people. That’s what this tour is all about. Getting together, having good memories and creating happiness through relationships, singing, and being around people you love.”

Ryder hopes to make her Merry Myths Tour a special time for everyone.

“When I’m on tour in general, there’s not always a lot of time to meet people, but on my Christmas tour I make sure we have the time and space to meet the audience members,” she says. “After every show I’ll go and hang out. I sign albums, take pictures, and talk to folks. And it’s just a lovely experience for me to be able to do that.”

In a recent CTV interview, Ryder shared that ‘the holidays should be less about physical gifts and more about being present with people and sharing joyful moments.’

The Merry Myths Tour made its first stop at the Bella Concert Hall in Calgary, AB, on November 28, 2025.

Her tour includes 13 stops across Canada, 9 of them being in Ontario.

Don’t worry! You still have time!

On December 10, 2025, Serena Ryder will start the Ontario leg of her tour at Knox Hall in Greater Sudbury, ON.

Ryder jokes that she’d love to add earlier dates, but that might cause people to start shouting, “Not yet! Not Christmas yet!”

For those who might not know, Serena Ryder has toured internationally across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Jumping on the coat tails of big rockstars. Ryder has opened for major artists such as Melissa Etheridge, OneRepublic, Sara Bareilles, and Needtobreathe. 

She shares that Canada still holds a special place in her heart, both as a Canadian artist performing from coast to coast and as a born Ontarian.

“There is something about the land here that is beautiful, grounding, and pure,” she says. “I’m very proud to be from this land.”

Ryder, who grew up in the small town of Millbrook, discovered her voice early. She recorded her first tape (Yes, a tape!) at age 15 using money she earned busking outside liquor stores. By 16, she had used those earnings to produce her first CD. Then continued to release CD’s at 17, and 18.

By the age of 21, Ryder had signed a record deal with Hawksley Workman and began traveling to Huntsville, ON, “I would make trips there often to his little one-room schoolhouse to record music,” she says. “I had made albums before but this (record deal) was my first full-band record.” Her Album ‘Unlikely Emergency’ was then released in 2005 under Workman’s label, Isadora Records.

“I love it in Muskoka. I’d hang out in the woods and the theater in Huntsville is really amazing. I’ve done a few shows there,” she says. “I love it out there. There are so many wonderful places.” 

Ryder also mentions that she had performed at Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival in Gravenhurst, ON, during its debut year.

Ryder’s unmistakable soulful sound has earned her multiple awards, including Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for ‘The Art of Falling Apart.’

“Music has been a part of my entire life and my ancestry,” she says. “My bio mom was a go-go dancer, a back-up singer, and a tambourine player. My uncle, Bob Carpenter, was an Ojibway singer-songwriter from out west. My bio father, from Trinidad, who I’ve never met, was in a calypso band, played steel drums, and was one of the people who started Caribana in Toronto. Spike, my dad who raised me since I was three was a huge music fan and loved listening to music. My sister that I grew up with was always listened to music. She introduced me to so much beautiful music, like Prince. So, music has been a huge part of my life. My soul has always been shaped by music and by where that music comes from.”

The Merry Myths Tour features a mix of classic Christmas songs from Ryder’s holiday album ‘Christmas Kisses,’ some original seasonal tracks, and even a few fan favourites like ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’ and ‘Stompa’

Joining Ryder on stage is a handpicked ensemble of some of Canada’s most exceptional musicians: Brian Kobayakawa on bass (Jill Barber, Charlie Kaufman), Miles Gibbons on drums (The Strumbellas, Aysanabee), Christine Bougie on guitar (solo artist, Bahamas), and Lydia Persaud on vocals and acoustic strings (solo artist, Dwayne Gretzky).

With so much heart and soul put into her songs, Ryder shares that she absolutely loves performing them with the crowd. “I’ve heard of so many people who get sick of playing their most popular songs, but I’m so into it. I’ll play them forever, because it’s really about the interaction of community and that energy of back-and-forth between the audience that changes everything.”

The tour also carries a philanthropic purpose. Ryder has partnered with Water First Education and Training Inc. (Water First), a charity that works with Indigenous communities across Canada to address water system challenges. Currently, 15% of Indigenous communities in Canada are affected by drinking water advisories. Since its founding in 2009, Water First has collaborated with more than 90 Indigenous communities through education, training, and hands-on programs.

“This tour has given me the opportunity to partner with Water First and to give my audience the chance to donate and do something really important this time of year,” she says.

The Merry Myths Tour wraps on December 21, giving her enough time to unwind with her family and friends for the holidays. When asked about her holiday traditions, she shares that this year she and a friend will be celebrating what she likes to call, “Craftmas.”

“We will make any kind of arts and crafts. They don’t even need to be Christmas crafts,” she laughs. “We’re going to do a mass of crafts and bow down to pipe cleaners.”

Moments shared with the people we love will forever be treasured—whether you’re elbow-deep in dried macaroni or singing along to your favourite Christmas classics.

Don’t miss your chance to see one of Canada’s most beloved artists live on stage, spreading the joy of soulful music this holiday season.

Tickets at https://www.serenaryder.com/tour

Serena Ryder’s Merry Myths Tour dates:

Nov 28, 2025 Calgary, AB — Bella Concert Hall 

Dec 1, 2025 Saskatoon, SK — TCU Place 

Dec 10, 2025 Greater Sudbury, ON — Knox Hall 

Dec 12, 2025 Guelph, ON — River Run Centre 

Dec 13, 2025 Markham, ON — Markham Theatre

Dec 14, 2025 Highgate (Ontario) — Mary Webb Centre

Dec 16, 2025 Parry Sound, ON — Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts 

Dec 17, 2025 Burlington, ON — Burlington Performing Arts Centre 

Dec 19, 2025 Brockville, ON — Brockville Arts Centre 

Dec 20, 2025 Belleville, ON — The Empire Theatre 

Dec 21 Orillia, ON  — Orillia Youth Center Fundraiser

The post Serena Ryder’s Merry Myths Tour Is Back! A Gift Of Music, Moments, And ‘Soulful’ Cheer! appeared first on Muskoka411.

Fresh off a run of tour dates across Europe and Japan, Lucky brings his celebrated lonesome folk and country sound back to the heart of Muskoka. Known for his warm baritone voice, evocative songwriting, and deep-rooted storytelling, he continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Lucky’s latest album, The Wind (released November 1, 2024), has already surpassed half a million streams and earned international critical acclaim. Publications like KLOF Magazine praised it as “up there with the best, alongside Guy Clark, Tom Rush, and Townes Van Zandt,” while Great Dark Wonder wrote that the album “deepens Lucky’s growing reputation as a laureate poet of the rootless and restless.” Bandcamp featured The Wind in its Best of November list, celebrating Lucky’s “patient country-folk tunes about the irresistible lure and aching solitude of life on the road.”

A seasoned touring artist, Lucky has performed extensively throughout Canada, completed multiple European tours, played dates in Japan, and embarked on a 35-show tour across the United States. His music—often compared to Gordon Lightfoot and Kris Kristofferson—reflects a lineage of Canadian roots tradition, including the legacy of his grandfather, Canadian country pioneer Smilin’ Johnnie Lucky.

With more than 15 years of touring and a reputation as one of Canada’s hardest-working independent songwriters, Zachary Lucky has firmly established himself as a leading voice in contemporary Canadian roots music.

Event Details:
Date: November 29, 2025
Location: Muskoka Place Gallery, Port Carling
Artist: Zachary Lucky – Lonesome Folk & Country

The post Canadian Songwriter Zachary Lucky Returns To Muskoka For Exclusive Fall Performance appeared first on Muskoka411.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he says, relaxed and confident. “I love being on stage, especially with these types of crowds. People are just there to have a good time, and that’s what I’m about.”

Choclair is one of the few hip-hop names on this years lineup, but blending genres has always come naturally. “I’m that guy who grabs the aux cord, and people expect me to play hip-hop, but I’ll put on Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot, George Michael,” he laughs. “I just appreciate all kinds of music. Music connects with people because it’s all about feeling.”

Keeping It Real

Even after decades in the industry, Choclair’s philosophy stays the same: be yourself. “Anytime people ask me for advice, I always say, practice in front of the mirror,” he says. “It might feel weird, but it helps. Then perform for your friends and family, get comfortable. And don’t chase trends- just do you.”

That mindset has kept him going strong. From underground shows to JUNO wins, Choclair’s career is built on authenticity. “If you’re chasing trends, you’re following,” he says. “And when the trend changes, you’re just changing to catch up.”

Proudly Canadian

Choclair reflects on how far Canadian hip-hop has come. “Before, people in Toronto would wear Yankees or Philly hats, and someone would say, ‘Oh, this guy raps, he must be from the States,’” he says. “Now we’ve got our own identity. Canadian artists are headlining festivals by just being themselves.”

That pride in identity shines through in his live shows, especially on songs like Made to Move Mountains. “That track means a lot to me,” he says. “When the crowd’s singing it back, it locks me in.”

Still Going, Still Creating

With over two decades in the game, Choclair remains as active as ever. His upcoming project, Transit Music, arrives this summer, compiling tracks that many fans have not heard together in one collection.

“Everyone knows Let’s Ride, but there’s a lot of songs people haven’t heard,” he says. “Transit Music gives people a fuller picture.”

For fans of physical music, Choclair’s recent limited vinyl release of My Demo sold out quickly. “There’s just something about putting a record on,” he says. “That crackle when the needle hits- it’s a different feeling. You sit back, let the album play, and it hits different.”

More to Come

Choclair does not miss a beat when it comes to dream collaborations. “I’d love to do a track with Shania Twain,” he says. “That would definitely catch people off guard, but I think it’d be a vibe.”

Between new projects, festival performances, and classic tracks, Choclair’s set at Tall Pines promises to be a highlight of the weekend. “At the end of the day, it’s about the energy,” he says. “And that’s what I’m showing up with.”

The post Choclair On Legacy, Staying True, And His Tall Pines Festival Debut appeared first on Muskoka411.

“For 2025, we want to feature the Change Makers in our world. Those people who create spaces for our imaginations to soar and for us all to feel hopeful for the future. I can’t think of a better way to start this year than with the international music of this incredibly talented performer!” said Erica Angus, Executive Director for Theatre Collingwood.

Prepare to be mesmerized as Johannes Linstead, renowned for his virtuoso guitar skills, delivers an afternoon filled with the magic of Spanish guitar. Accompanied by a talented ensemble featuring spicy Latin percussion, grooving bass, and soulful accordion, Johannes will set the stage aglow with his unique blend of world music.

Johannes Linstead is a musical force with an impressive career spanning across the globe. With over 500 million streams and multiple accolades, including being named Canada’s “Guitarist of the Year”, Johannes has earned recognition as one of the bestselling guitarists in the Instrumental, Latin Jazz, and World Music genres. His career boasts eight “Best Album” awards, seven top-ten US Billboard charting albums, and a recent induction into the L.A.-based Akademia “Hall of Fame.”

Known for his ability to bring together musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, Johannes’ vibrant music incorporates elements from Cuba, Greece, Palestine, France, Canada, Australia, Iran, and the Dominican Republic. His performances fuse upbeat rumbas and emotional ballads, enhanced by Latin percussion, violin, piano, and accordion, making each performance a colorful celebration of global sounds.

Even if you’re not yet familiar with his name, you’ve likely heard his music. Johannes’ songs have been featured in popular TV shows such as Miami Housewives, Californication, The Following, and Burn Notice, among many others. His music also made its way into the world of sports, with world champion figure skater Stephane Lambiel using Johannes’ song “Zabuca” for his Winter Olympics choreography. Additionally, several of Johannes’ songs appeared in the hugely successful video games Tropical 4 and 5.

In December 2019, Johannes scored a huge radio success with his holiday song “Tropical Christmas,” which became a verified hit, charting at #1 for two weeks as the “Most Added” song on the Top 40 New Music Weekly chart and #1 Most Increased song, surpassing chart-toppers like Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and Justin Bieber.

Ms. Angus and Theatre Collingwood are becoming known for bringing incredible, world-class, talent to Collingwood for folks to enjoy affordably and without having to travel far.  The company purposely programs performances at the popular 3pm timeframe as this allows patrons to enjoy lunch before the show, or dinner after the show, at local establishments.  Check out their Dine & Play partners at www.theatrecollingwood.ca who offer dining discounts with proof of your ticket purchase

This is a performance you won’t want to miss – an afternoon of passionate guitar playing, world-class musicianship, and the vibrant spirit of Latin rhythms.

Tickets are available now.

Date: Saturday, January 11, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm
Venue: New Life Church, Collingwood, ON

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theatrecollingwood.ca or call 705-445-2200

The post Theatre Collingwood Presents Johannes Linstead: From Spain To Cuba – A Musical Journey appeared first on Muskoka411.

Beth Nicole Torbert is a singer and multi-talented artist best known by her stage name Bif Naked. Her music is a blend of rock, punk and EDM. Despite growing up in Manitoba, she struggled to get a recording contract in Canada early on, so she established herself in the US and the UK first. Her 1998 album I, Bificus went platinum in Canada and changed the course of her career. To celebrate the album’s 25th anniversary, she’s releasing an expanded edition alongside her new release, Champion.

“The first single from this album actually came out in 2020, and the record was supposed to be coming out around the same time, but the pandemic changed everything and set it back,” Bif said. “I’m glad that it did because it enabled us to keep writing and tinkering and changing things, and now it’s a very different record.”

The album release party will also feature Everclear and Sister Hazel. Bif said she’s a fan of both artists, so she and her band are excited to head to Orillia for the show.

Champion features a mix of hard rock and punk sound, dramatic emotional songs, and a few dance remixes. She’s proud of the record they put together. She hopes her fans will like the development in her writing and her sound, especially since so many of them have grown older alongside her.

“I’ve always been very, very fortunate to make really eclectic records and for that to be accepted as the norm for me as an artist and as a performer,” she said. “This album is no different. It’s very stylistically all over the map.”

Bif’s life has also been all over the map. She was born in India to a Canadian girl and a British boy, both boarding school students. Missionaries adopted her and moved her to North America. She lived in Kentucky and several other places before ending up in Manitoba.

Bif has a few Canadian shows coming up, including one in Muskoka. She will bring her genre-bending sound to the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28. She and her band are excited to be playing shows at all, but she particularly loves coming to Northern Ontario.

“I fully believe there’s no place that’s more beautiful, and I’ve been all over Canada,” Bif said. “There’s a lot of tours that don’t come to every area, they stay in the GTA, so it becomes really magical when we get up there, and it’s really fun to meet all the fans.”

Her fans will also get the chance to know her better through an upcoming documentary “Bif Naked: One of a Kind”. The film is currently in editing and slated for release next spring.

Along with adoption, Bif has faced breast cancer, kidney failure, drug problems and divorce, so the documentary will be an intimate look at Bif’s life from her origins in India to her current creative endeavours. The content comes from multiple years of filming on three or four continents.

“My birth mom’s never been interviewed before, so this will be the first time she’s been able to tell her entire story and her story from India onwards, and that’s something that’s just very special,” Bif said. “I’m so happy that they were able to capture her truth for the first time.” 

Bif can’t wait for the documentary to come out. Her history with adoption has led her to a chosen family, and her fans often feel like part of that family. She’s made lifelong connections nearing friendships with them after being in the business for so long, so she can’t wait for those people to see the film and hear her new album.

Despite her past hardships, she feels lucky in life. She’s been a performance artist from the age of 18, and since then, she’s also become an actress, an author, a poet, an activist and more. Between her film, the expanded anniversary album and her new release, everything feels “very magical and very full circle” for Bif right now. 

I, Bificus catapulted her into music success, and while it’s a pivotal record for her, she’s even more excited for her future.

“It’s always going to be really special, but, creatively, I feel like my future is still unfolding in many ways,” Bif said. “I feel like the best is yet to come.”

To get tickets to Bif’s upcoming shows, visit Casino Rama and the Algonquin Theatre online. Follow Bif Naked’s website, Facebook and Instagram for updates.

The post Bif Naked To Play Casino Rama On September 7 Ahead Of Muskoka Concert appeared first on Muskoka411.

The show will take place at St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia, from 8-11 p.m.

To truly pay tribute to The Tragically Hip and honour Gord Downie’s
legacy, Grace, 2 uses the power of the Hip’s music to raise money and awareness for great causes.

The Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation raises funds for life-saving medical equipment and technology, infrastructure upgrades and expansions, and education and training for the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

Tickets for the October 5 show are $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

The post The Tragically Hip Tribute Band Performs In Support Of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation appeared first on Muskoka411.

Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis are the two primary forms of irritable bowel disease (IBD), a range of conditions that impact the gastrointestinal tract. IBD can impede nutrition and cause pain, fatigue and an array of other symptoms. The annual Gutsy Walk raises money and awareness to help work toward a cure. This year’s local walk is happening in Gravenhurst’s Gull Lake Rotary Park on June 2. Registration begins at 9 a.m. alongside a warm-up Zoomba session before the walk starts at 9:30. After the walk, the event will continue with a free barbeque lunch, live music from the Hounds of Barkway and a selection of door prizes. 

“It’s exciting that we’re celebrating 50 years,” said Michelle Robinson, chair of the Muskoka Gutsy Walk. “It’s a disease that a lot of people don’t talk about and don’t even know about and so I’m pretty excited to be part of it.”

Robinson has volunteered as the chair of the local walk for nine years and has been involved in the walk for more than a decade. She has Crohn’s disease, so she knows what it’s like to suffer in silence while dealing with IBD. It can be a hard topic to discuss, but with roughly 344,000 people in Canada affected by the condition, it’s essential.

That’s why Robinson is so passionate about advocating for people with Crohn’s and colitis. Though the condition is different for each person who has it, fostering a community can help people feel less alone. A group meets in Simcoe County, but the resources in Muskoka are limited.

“There’s nothing in Muskoka that I know of and even medically, there’s a [few] more doctors focusing on it, but not as much as we need,” Robinson said. “We need more specialists up here, and we still haven’t got that yet.”

All of the money raised from the walk goes to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. The organization uses the money to raise awareness, do advocacy work, fund research, and provide help to people with IBD and their families. The Muskoka Gutsy Walk is looking to raise $18,000 after blowing its goal out of the water last year, and the fundraiser is already over halfway there. 

Robinson urges locals to come and be a part of the Gutsy Walk to show support for people with Crohn’s and colitis. They need more support in Muskoka, she said, and it’s a great chance to walk, eat and share in community.

“It’s a day just to come out and speak up about the realities of life with Crohn’s and colitis disease,” she said. “Hopefully that will bring more doctors or interest in Muskoka so that we have those avenues to take.”

To make a donation or to sign up for the walk, click here.

The post Gutsy Walk Coming Up On June 2 As Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Celebrates 50 Years appeared first on Muskoka411.

Current owners Curt Dunlop and Jed Corbeil took over the pub on Aug. 5, 2008. They built their vision around local food, craft beer and live music, offering everything from Brewmaster’s dinners and Beer Olympics to themed dances and parking lot parties. Their dedication to serving Ontario-sourced beer was a difficult but worthwhile venture, and they often got involved in the Muskoka Beer Festival and other local events. Now, it’s bittersweet for the lifelong friends to step away from the business.

“After nearly 16 years, we two friends with matching griffin tattoos are moving on to focus on our other business ventures and our families,” said a statement provided by Dunlop and Corbeil. “We’re very excited for you to meet the new visionary for the pub, Ben Elling. Ben takes over May 15, and we wish him nothing but success as a pub operator.”

Ben Elling fell in love with the Griffin the second he walked in the door. He’s been dreaming of owning a bar for years, so when a friend got him in contact with Dunlop and Corbeil, the pieces fell into place.

“Curt and Jed have been really supportive, and I know they’ve poured their hearts into the Griffin Pub and the Town of Bracebridge over the last 16 years,” Elling said. “I’m really grateful for the support they’ve shown, both in the transition and the wonderful pub and customers that they’ve let me inherit.”

Most things, including the staff, will stay the same at the Griffin. Elling plans to continue the pub’s tradition of hosting live music and offering the best in local craft beer. General manager Kaila Pinsent is working on a range of new food and cocktail items for the summer menu, but customers will still be able to come in and get their favourite dishes.

Elling has worked as a bartender at the pub for roughly the last year, so he’s gotten to know the staff and just how fantastic they are. He said he’s fortunate to have them as the transfer of ownership approaches, and though he plans to put his own touch on things here and there, he’s excited to carry on what Corbeil and Dunlop started.

“We’re coming back at it with some renewed energy and some fresh ideas,” Elling said. “It should be nothing but pleasant changes for anyone coming into the pub.”

Dunlop and Corbeil won’t be behind the bar anymore, but they said customers can expect to see them strumming a guitar and enjoying a drink from the patron side of the gastropub. They can also plan to see them around town or at the Muskoka Natural Food Market, which they own and operate. 

The two of them started as childhood friends who played hockey and baseball together. In their 20s, they became regular party hosts, sparking the idea for a pub. A mutual love of music has characterized their friendship and their approach to business.

“Thursday nights quickly became our regular gig and we had a few different players join us over the years, most notably the incredibly talented Jamie Sherman, who became a fixture in the Griffin Pub Band just weeks after we took over in 2008,” they said. “We’ve played over 700 Thursday nights, and the pub has seen over 2,500 nights of live music under our watch.”

Corbeil and Dunlop want to extend their thanks to the town and to the staff they’ve had over the years. They’ve been able to witness marriage proposals, see families grow and make lifelong friendships, so it’s felt more like a family than a workforce.

Although they’re sad to see this adventure come to an end, they’re looking forward to spending more time with their families, especially since they’re the ones who allowed them to live their dream in the first place. Before the transition, the Griffin is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch and a kids’ open mic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 11, so they hope to see friendly faces at the pub this weekend and beyond.

“Thank you, Bracebridge, for supporting The Griffin Pub for the last 16 years that we’ve owned it and 26 years overall,” they said. “We hope that you will continue to show the love to this amazing little pub that’s hard to find but harder to forget.”

The post New Owner Takes Over The Griffin Gastropub On May 15 appeared first on Muskoka411.

An exciting after hour place to be at Muskoka Discovery Centre (MDC). Join them for live music, food and drinks, designed for adults 19+ looking for a fun night out!

The post Discover The Night Event Happening At Muskoka Discovery Centre appeared first on Muskoka411.