“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.

The post Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival Puts Muskoka Centre Stage With Music, Community, And Immersive Local Experiences appeared first on Muskoka411.

Today, the award-winning Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival unveils the daily main stage line-up for 2025, returning for its fourth annual celebration of music, art, and community at Gravenhurst’s Gull Lake Park in picturesque Muskoka. On Friday, July 18, Matthew Good and His Band will take the stage, joined by The Strumbellas, The Pursuit of Happiness, Buck Twenty, and Loviet. Moist will headline Saturday, July 19, closing out the festival with Sloan, Choclair, Ché Aimee Dorval, Natasha Fisher, and Alex Kaye Black rounding out the day’s performances.

Named “Tourism Event of the Year” at the 2024 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), the 2025 Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival promises two unforgettable days filled with incredible performances and immersive experiences. Tickets for the 2025 festival are available at www.TallPinesFestival.com, with a new tiered pricing system introduced this year. Single Day Tickets, along with two-day General Admission and VIP Dock Passes are available for purchase, and children 12 and under can attend for free with a ticketed adult. This year, Tall Pines introduces a special Youth Pass for teens 13-18, with both single day and weekend options available. For those travelling from out of town, ticket and accommodation packages are available through Muskoka Bay Resort, Deerhurst Resort, Taboo Muskoka, and Bala Bay Inn, and camping packages are offered once again through Camping in Muskoka.

“We are so excited to have so many iconic, and emerging, Canadian artists join us amongst the Tall Pines of Gull Lake Park in July,” shares Kevin Goodman, Executive Producer, Tall Pines. “The support from everyone across the Muskoka region, and more widely the province, has been incredible across our four years, and we are really looking forward to another great festival weekend.” 

Set in the heart of Muskoka, the festival goes beyond the music, offering a carefully curated array of experiences that reflect the region’s rich culture and natural beauty. Guests can explore the local Crafts Village, art installations, engage with the Muskoka Indigenous Friendship Centre, and relax in the exclusive 19+ VIP area featuring multiple viewing docks. Families are invited to take advantage of the Kids Zone, while food lovers can sample delicious options from local food trucks and multiple bars scattered throughout the site.

Returning for 2025 is the popular Muskoka Local discounted ticket program, available exclusively to full-time residents of Parry Sound-Muskoka. Residents can purchase these limited quantity tickets through select local retailers, including Huntsville’s The Record Shoppe, Bracebridge’s The Artful Barkeep, and Curries Music & Antiques in Gravenhurst.

The Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival is proudly supported by the Town of Gravenhurst, RTO12/Explorers’ Edge, and Discover Muskoka.

CONNECT WITH TALL PINES MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The post Tall Pines Music And Arts Festival In Gravenhurst Unveils Daily Main Stage Line-Up appeared first on Muskoka411.

Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival, a community focussed, culturally curated outdoor event is set to return for its third year, taking over the picturesque Gull Lake Park July 18-20. With a steadfast dedication to supporting homegrown talent, the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival proudly presents an all-Canadian lineup, headlined by City and Colour and July Talk. Early bird tickets are on-sale February 15 at tallpinesfestival.com.

Anticipation for the festival continues to build with the unveiling of the full lineup. Maintaining the tradition of celebrating the brilliance of Canadian artistry and adding an extra layer of musical diversity to an electrifying duo of headliners, Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival will also feature the exceptionally talented (in alphabetical order):

Ila Barker

Spencer Burton

Chloë Doucet

Jin

Boston Levi

Dan Mangan

Deanna Petcoff

The Sarandons

Texas King

Tiny Horse

The Vaniers

JJ Wilde

At the heart of the third annual Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival is an ongoing commitment to nurture and celebrate the beauty and bounty of Muskoka. This year’s festival continues to go beyond the stage with an even larger vendor village; a vibrant hub showcasing the talents and crafts of community members. Free Thursday programming will be offered on the Barge at Gull Lake Park to local Gravenhurst residents, and festival organizers FRC Marketing are excited to once again collaborate with local partners who share their passion for supporting the arts and enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.

“It’s terrific to see the Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival returning to Gravenhurst,” shares Heidi Lorenz, Mayor, Town of Gravenhurst. “This wonderful outdoor event has become a summertime staple in our community – greatly anticipated and welcomed by so many. We look forward to another fun and entertaining gathering.”

“We’re thrilled to see the return of the Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival back in Muskoka,” adds Val Hamilton, Executive Director, Muskoka Tourism. “It’s a stand out event that brings together locals and visitors to take in Canada’s top artists amidst our breathtaking Muskoka backdrop. We’re excited for Tall Pines to draw in crowds from far and wide, offering them a chance to soak up the magic of Muskoka alongside the festival experience.”

CONNECT WITH TALL PINES MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The post Tall Pines Music Festival Takes Over Gull Lake Park July 19–20 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The two-day event was hosted on The Muskoka Wharf, and featured live music, a local vendor village, food trucks, kids zone and free block party in downtown Gravenhurst.

“The Tall Pines Festival kicked off the summer season in style,” said Kevin Goodman, Chief Entertainment Officer of Front Row Centre Marketing, the organizers behind the event. “The excitement in the community could be felt – music, art and culture are pillars for community and the well-being of residents.”

On Saturday evening, I Mother Earth played a spirited opening set for Canadian rock royalty Blue Rodeo, attracting a lively but comfortable crowd.

Other acts over the weekend included OMBIIGIZI, The Darcys, Jerry Leger & The Situation, The Redhill Valleys, Cam Kahin, Goodnight Sunrise, The Brandy Alexanders, Augusta, Frank Mighty, Vikki Minor, The Currie Brothers, Misty Blue and Sydney Riley.

“Tall Pines had a great vibe to it with experiences, vendors, food, artists, live music for all genres and a community oriented, family friendly atmosphere,” said Shawna Patterson, Director of Recreation & Culture for the Town of Gravenhurst. “The impact of the festival on the community was substantial as hotels, resorts and campgrounds were sold out for the weekend, in addition to all the shops in town and at the wharf seeing excellent foot traffic.”

The festival, in its second year, was conceptualized by Goodman, his team and members of Muskoka Tourism.

“Each year you try and improve on all facets of the event,” said Goodman. “We certainly had more fans, bands and brands participating this year. All of these elements contributed to more Tall Pines excitement.”

The post Tall Pines Festival Rocks Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

This year the festival, produced by FRC Marketing and supported by Taboo Muskoka Resort, Smirnoff, Algonquin Outfitters, Muskoka Brewery, Kawartha Dairy, Muskoka Springs, Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers and Cottage Life; adds camping and canoeing to the list of amazing weekend activities. Multiple tiers of camping are available, hosted at nearby Camping In Muskoka, with roundtrip shuttle bus service to and from the festival. A selection of cabin rentals and unique camping experience packages are also available. Dubbed Camp Tall Pines, the packages include tent (including build) and canoe rentals provided by Algonquin Outfitters, and exclusive Camp Tall Pines merchandise.

Book Your Tall Pines Camping Experience Now

For those seeking an elevated hospitality and beverage experience, Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival introduces an all-inclusive, turn-key hospitality program, Club Tall Pines. Hosted within the 19+ VIP Area, this “members only” club sits upon a stunning NyDock and features reserved seating for up to 12 guests, bottle service and more. Reservations are available for single day or full weekend enjoyment. For more information and availability click HERE.

With a continued commitment to support both the community and homegrown talent, the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival features a diverse lineup of 15+ artists, a local vendor village, food trucks, craft beer, boat parking, picnic grounds, and more. Admission for children 12 and under is free when accompanied by a GA ticket holder, with the VIP area restricted to guests 19+.

CONNECT WITH TALL PINES MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The post Tokyo Police Club And Serena Ryder Added To Tall Pines Music Festival Line Up appeared first on Muskoka411.

Weekend Passes And Single Day Tickets Are Available Now

Today, the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival – a community focussed, culturally curated outdoor event – reveals the single day line-up for the 2023 festival and a newly added camping option in partnership with Algonquin Outfitters. Returning June 16^th & 17^th for its second year at The Muskoka Wharf, the 2023 Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival features an all-Canadian line-up including Friday night headliner Matthew Good and Saturday’s Blue Rodeo performing against the stunning backdrop of Lake Muskoka – single day tickets available HERE.

This year the festival; presented by FRC Marketing and partners Taboo Muskoka Resort, Smirnoff, Algonquin Outfitters, Muskoka Brewery, Kawartha Dairy, Muskoka Springs, Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers and Cottage Life; will add camping and canoeing to the list of amazing weekend activities. Multiple tiers of camping will be available and hosted by Camping In Muskoka, with roundtrip shuttle bus service to and from the festival. A selection of cabin rentals and unique camping experience packages will also be available; dubbed Camp Tall Pines, the packages include tent and canoe rentals (including build) provided by Algonquin Outfitters, exclusive Camp Tall Pines merchandise and a bar of limited-edition Camp Tall Pines soap.

Book Your Tall Pines Camping Experience Now

“With the festival’s heart and soul built around summer camp, we felt that it was only fitting – and rather fun – to add both camping and canoeing to the mix,” shares festival organizer Kevin Goodman, CEO of FRC Marketing.  “We are excited to be working with the legendary Algonquin Outfitters to bring more Muskoka moments to music fans from across the province.” Adds Chris Bosworth, CMO from Algonquin Outfitters, “Being able to provide camping and canoeing at this year’s festival will make the Muskoka experience more complete for the attendee. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Tall Pines.

For those seeking an elevated hospitality and beverage experience, Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival introduces an all-inclusive, turn-key hospitality program, Club Tall Pines. Hosted within the 19+ VIP Area, this “members only” club features limited reserved seating for up to twelve guests on a stunning NyDock, bottle service and more, and is available for single day or full weekend enjoyment – for more information and availability click HERE.

With a continued commitment to support both the community and homegrown talent, the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival features a diverse lineup of 15+ artists, a local vendor village, food trucks, craft beer, boat parking, picnic grounds, and more. Admission for children 12 and under is free when accompanied by a GA ticket holder, with the VIP area restricted to guests 19+.

Artists confirmed to perform at Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival include (in alphabetical order not by days of performance):

Augusta

Blue Rodeo

Cam Kahin

Classified

Frank Mighty

Goodnight Sunrise

I Mother Earth

Jerry Leger & The Situation

Matthew Good

Misty Blue

Ombiigizi

The Brandy Alexanders

The Currie Brothers

The Darcys

The Redhill Valleys

Velours

CONNECT WITH TALL PINES MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The post Tall Pines Music Festival Reveals Single Day Line-Up And Camping Options appeared first on Muskoka411.

Festival director Kevin Goodman said the festival is a product of the pandemic. After seeing the way COVID “paralyzed” the music industry, it inspired Goodman and the team at his marketing agency Front Row Center to put together virtual music festivals. Throughout 2020 and 2021, they hosted events on Canada Day and New Year’s Eve along with a five-day festival at Camp Tamakwa in Algonquin Park. The success of the virtual concerts inspired them to create an in-person event, which happened on June 4 and 5 at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst.

“From weather to people to vibes, it was something very special,” Goodman said.

He sought out to create a community-centred cultural event and the feedback from festival goers has been incredible so far, he said. Having the inaugural festival in the books has given him an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, relief and joy.

“We have every intention to bring this back to the region and back to Gravenhurst,” he said. “We’d love to try and make this a kick-off to summer tradition here in Muskoka.”

Goodman said he wants to give a shout out to the people in and around Muskoka that came out to the event. Tickets were sold to residents in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, Barrie, Orillia, Washago, Utterson, Parry Sound and more, so the event team was thrilled to see people from across cottage country in attendance.

“I just want to thank all the music fans here in Muskoka region that came out to the festival,” he said. “There’s a lot of things that are going on in the region, personally and professionally for a lot of these people, and for them to entrust us and spend their resources to come out and enjoy a day or two of music meant the absolute world.”

Port Sydney resident and festival attendee Emily Moffatt said she was happy to support local businesses while enjoying great food and music at Tall Pines.

“The vendors, the people, the atmosphere, it was all amazing!” she said. “They put on a great first festival.” Moffatt said she hopes the festival will return next year because she would definitely be in attendance.

“It was an exhilarating experience to finally be able to enjoy the concerts that we all missed here in Muskoka,” she said. “It brought a great vibe to Gravenhurst. I think it’s what they needed after two long years.”

1 of 11

Danielle and Drew McTaggart of Dear Rouge were one of 15 bands that took the stage over the weekend and it was their first festival in years that was free of pandemic protocols. Based in Vancouver, they’ve only made their way to Muskoka a few times, but Danielle does have fond memories of the region from an unplanned stay years ago.

She was travelling through the area with her first band Gaetz Ave when a bee flew in their van window and caused the driver to crash. They ended up getting stuck at a local Christian camp for two weeks, so while the accident wasn’t ideal, Muskoka wasn’t a bad place to crash, Danielle said. It was exciting for her to return this past weekend and play alongside so many Canadian artists.

“I love the Muskoka area. It’s gorgeous,” she said. “All the bands playing we have some kind of connection or friendship with, so I feel like it’s kind of a reunion for us as well.”

It was incredible to have “a big catch up in the sunshine,” she said, so she hopes the festival will keep happening for years to come. Tall Pines was also their first chance to play their new album Spirit at a festival after it was released in April.

Dear Rouge had been sitting on dozens of demos and planning their next album when the pandemic hit and kept them from wanting to release new music. The extra time allowed them to write their most personal and vulnerable album yet, including collaborations with popstar Lights, Broken Social Scene founding member Brendan Canning and a slew of other musicians.

“We feel very passionate about the record because it’s obviously a huge byproduct of the pandemic,” Drew said. “For us, it’s maybe most representative of who we are as people and so it feels like a very important record to us, and I hope other people can feel that sincerity when they listen to it.”

He hopes fans will crank the volume and listen to the album front to back while Danielle hopes that listeners can adopt the music as their own and make connections to their lives and stories. Though she still worries about COVID closures and restrictions returning, she’s thankful to be able to share their newest tracks and the journey that led to their creation.

“It’s amplified the enjoyment of getting to play the songs,” Danielle said. “We love the record we made and so playing it live is that cherry on top of getting to see people’s expressions and excitement around the music.”

For more information about Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival, visit the event website.

The post First-Ever Tall Pines Festival Kicks Off Summer In Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.