Community Performers and Partners

Bet Smith

Hailing from across the street, Bet Smith and the Currie Brothers have been collaborating and performing original alt-folk and Americana since 2014. Bet’s socially inspired narrative songwriting is lifted and driven by the skillful musicianship of brothers Rob and Andrew. The group’s recordings, rehearsed and produced at Currie’s Music, have reached community radio and CBC listeners throughout Canada and beyond. Embraced by the local arts community, Bet Smith and the Currie Brothers have performed at several festivals and stages in the region, including here at the Gravenhurst Opera House. Tonight, the band includes Seamus Saunders and Bronwyn Smith.

Bruce Kruger, Town Crier

Crying for 25 years, Bruce has placed first in Ontario, North America, and international competitions.

He’s cried for Queen Elizabeth II, King & Queen (Norway), and Prime Ministers Harper, Martin, and Stoltenberg (Norway), and three Bermudian governors.

Bruce received the Canada Medal of Bravery, Queen’s Golden and Silver Jubilee, Ontario Police Medal of Bravery.

Bruce, a retired OPP Det/Inspector suffering PTSD, was awarded two National awards advocating help for first responder mental injuries.

Chef Matt, The Oar

Inspiration, Imagination, and innovation have been my guiding principles throughout my growth as a chef.

Since I was very young watching the many chefs that were celebrated in the media I discovered I had a passionate interest in a wide variety of foods and dishes. All of which inspired me to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

Influenced by Asian and particularly Japanese cuisine, I have combined my Métis heritage with my love of European traditions to create dishes that are not only innovative, but flavourful and delicious.

Currie Brothers

We are The Currie Brothers from Gravenhurst On, Monster themed Surf, Garage Rock with a dash of old school country and an accidental hint of metal flirting. It’s the sound of your favourite 1960s Horror movie on VHS tape being chewed up with an old fuzz pedal soaked in reverb. The Currie Brothers create these sounds and songs in the back of their Vintage music and Antique shop called Currie’s in down town Gravenhurst, they have been called legendary, the Monsters of Surf, and the Wall of sound. It’s hard to stay down and in your seat when they get on stage. With their cowboy looks the Brothers have graced the stage of Tall Pines opening for Blue Rodeo for their debut performance and have sold out music halls and are now regulars at Torontos famous Horse Shoe Tavern. From stage to radio waves across the world you can hear the Currie Brothers not only on this very stage, but on your TVs and radios world wide. We Are The Currie Brothers, Rob, Seamus, Jared, Bet, Kristian and Andrew

GHS DJ CLUB

Dan Farmer is the music teacher at Gravenhurst High School, as well as a longtime professional musician and, more recently, the owner and operator of local event DJ services business: Downbeat DJ Services. He has taken great pride and joy in training interested students in the still evolving DJ club and helping them to gain valuable experience and industry skills. He also takes the opportunity to share these skills with students from around the school board at the annual Trillium Lakelands Arts Camp where students can sign up for a week of arts enrichment programming.

Kalyn Brown - Grade 11 3 years in DJ Club "I had my first taste of technical lighting and sound work in grade 8 and DJ club attracted me with its tech-forward performance focus. I love pressing the buttons and watching my lighting and sound visions come to life!"

Gwen Smith - Grade 12 3 years in DJ Club "I loved my grade 9 music experience and wanted to be involved in everything music related at school. DJ club gives me a unique way to express myself and interact with the music I love!"

Zia Bradley - Grade 11 3 years in DJ Club "I have been a longtime lover of music and something about DJ Club ignited a spark in my heart that made me want to explore deeper!"

Grant Tingey & Family

Grants greatest loves are his music and his family. This comes through loud and clear in his original songs. Sit back and enjoy one of Muskoka’s own.

Gravenhurst Bi-Focals Concert Band

The Gravenhurst Bifocals Concert Band began as a music class for adult beginners in 1986. As the band grew in strength and numbers, it became the town band in Gravenhurst, entertaining audiences in concert halls, retirement homes, schools, parades and on the Barge in Gull Lake Park. The Bifocals rehearse on Tuesday mornings at the Gravenhurst Seniors Club and are always happy to welcome new members.

Lynda Partridge

Lynda Partridge, a pen name for Lynda Nicholson, is a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. She grew up in the child welfare system and spent her childhood in numerous non-Indigenous foster homes.

At a later age, she obtained an honours Bachelor of Social Work (Native Human Services), followed by a Masters of Social Work Degree. It was while obtaining her undergraduate degree that she found her birth family and reconnected to her Indigenous culture.

This experience led her to the field of Indigenous child welfare. With her social work degree and appreciation for Indigenous culture, Lynda's passion also raises awareness of Indigenous issues among the non-Indigenous community.

Mike Church

Michael Church is a seasoned Canadian singer-songwriter whose career spans stages across Ontario and beyond. Blending heartfelt folk storytelling with pub-ready anthems, he has built a reputation for engaging live performances that turn rooms into sing-along gatherings. From intimate venues in Muskoka to festival stages, Michael delivers authentic, road-tested songs shaped by years of writing, recording, and performing. His original releases showcase a roots-driven sound influenced by classic Canadian folk and modern acoustic rock. With a professional production background and a strong connection to audiences, Michael Church brings experience, energy, and proven stage presence to every concert bill.

Miranda Mulholland

Miranda Mulholland is a JUNO nominated Canadian Singer and Fiddler and the Artistic Director of the Muskoka Music Festival. She is in high demand as a solo performer and as a collaborator. Dubbed the “Sweet secret weapon of Canadian Roots Music'' by Brad Wheeler at the Globe and Mail, her touring and recording credits include Great Lake Swimmers, Belle Starr, Bowfire, Harrow Fair, Alan Doyle, The Jim Cuddy Band and many, many more. She has performed on over 100 albums as well as on TV show and film scores and in theatre. She runs a boutique record label out of Toronto called Roaring Girl Records which is the home to a select group of diverse artists.

Peaches

One invitation to an Art Show Opening was all it took to get her out of the closet. And now, the fully-formed phenomenon known as PEACHES is on the scene, a triumph, with a calendar full of speaking engagements, invitations to special occasions, a couple of one-woman shows, and her very own television show under her wig. She always has plenty to say and an opinion on everything! At 89 and holding, Peaches is in her prime – bold, brainy and beautiful. But don’t be fooled by Peaches’ obvious beauty and style – the only thing highbrow about Peaches is the eyebrow pencil on her forehead!

Rhonda Way

Rhonda Way, a country singer born in Muskoka and a proud Moon River Métis Citizen, is known for her powerful voice and heartfelt storytelling. As a teen, she had the honour of opening for Amy Sky at the Gravenhurst Opera House’s 100th Anniversary, and she is thrilled to return for its 125th. Rhonda has shared stages with Canadian legends including Kim Mitchell, Sass Jordan, and April Wine, and has performed with renowned musicians such as Fritz (Helix), Nate Watts (Stevie Wonder), and Jim Clench (April Wine). She is currently in the studio working on new music for release later this year.

Sean Cotton

Sean Cotton retired 15 years ago from a 20 year career as an international touring and recording artist with the performing/songwriting duo The Undesirables. During that time, he also acted as a sideman playing guitar for Toronto artists such as Blues and R&B artist Treasa Levasseur, New Country artist Marshall Dane, and Pop Star Suzie McNeil. He shifted into the role of record producer for singer/songwriter Corin Raymond’s album There Will Always Be a Smalltime. Eventually, the family life drew him north to Muskoka, away from life on the road.

Whether it is the stage, television, radio, or internet, Sean can be experienced as a part of any number of Muskoka based music performances. He is band director for multiple review style shows and runs River Mill Studio, a recording studio in Burk’s Falls where he produces radio jingles and music for songwriters of all genres. Known for his original songs about Muskoka he has also been the long running curator and host for the Songs and Stories series at Gravenhurst Opera House.

Sonny Boy Mick & Michelle

Returning as full time residents to the town where his wife was born Gravenhurst Muskoka, Sonny Boy Mick aka Stephen McPhail is an award winning vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, producer and music instructor. He performs solo acoustic shows, duo acoustic shows with his wife vocalist Michele McPhail and also full band shows throughout Southern Ontario. Over the years he has appeared as a vocalist and guitarist on several professional recording projects and has performed as lead guitarist for several prominent Canadian recording acts. Steve is also known as one of North America’s premier David Bowie tribute artists performing the classic hits of David Bowie throughout Canada, United States and as far as The Cayman Islands in the past 10 years.

Tannon Baird

GHS Highschool Tannon Baird recently took part in Spooktacular, a collaboration between The Gravenhurst Opera House and Gravenhurst High School and while spooky things were going on elsewhere in the building, he tickled the ivories, playing songs that delighted staff, volunteers and students during the big load in and preparation of the event that night. We asked if he would play for you during one of the anniversary celebrations and he said yes!

Timberbeast Productions

Autumn Smith is the Artistic and Executive Director of TimberBeast Productions - an immersive theatre company dedicated to voicing the Muskoka narrative. She is a professor of Theatre at U of T, York U and Centennial College. She is a busy community advocate - bringing her passion and skills to organizations such as Muskoka Pride, Hunters Bay Radio, Trinity United Church, Gravenhurst Against Poverty, The IDEA Committee, The District of Muskoka and MQFF. She loves this town and is honoured to be part of its story.