Warm days are coming, and so are great musical performances!
By Ross Kinney
Well, folks, it’s that time of year when the warmer weather starts peeking through. As you enjoy spring and look forward to summer, we hope you remember the Dooryard Arts Festival when planning a staycation or reunion, inviting family to visit, or reconnecting with local friends.
I know, I know – you’re curious about who’s performing this year. Well, how about it then! Introducing the first batch of artists for Dooryard 2025 – drum roll, please!
Let’s welcome ADAM BALDWIN & THE JENNY WREN to their Dooryard debut!
Singer-songwriter and rock troubadour Adam Baldwin has been a mainstay of the Atlantic Canadian music scene for over a decade, having joined Matt Mays & El Torpedo in 2009. Baldwin released his award-winning debut EP in 2013, and more recently, he and the band have been touring the country in support of Alan Doyle (Great Big Sea).
Baldwin’s sophomore album, Concertos & Serenades, almost didn’t happen. He considered calling it quits before Martha Wainwright offered timely and encouraging advice. Good thing, because the album has been acclaimed throughout the country. Get ready for an unforgettable night on the main stage, led by this master performer!
DEE HERNANDEZ is no stranger to Dooryard, having performed a memorable main stage set in 2023. As [EDIT] magazine declared, Hernandez is the “voice of Cuban-Canadian Jazz,” and you’re guaranteed to enjoy her energetic and rhythmic music. Let’s be clear – Dee is a powerhouse vocalist, and with a full band behind her, you’ll be doing the jive and feeling alive under the starlight. Don’t miss her!
Named Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 Music Nova Scotia awards, we’re thrilled to announce rock ‘n roll star ELYSE AERYN will be performing. Based in Cape Breton (and having previously worked in Nackawic), Aeryn and her polished band mix rock, blues, and country. Since leaving her engineering career to pursue music, she has been a rising star, receiving ECMA nominations and sharing the stage with acts like Blue Rodeo and Matt Andersen. How about that!
You may be familiar with the next artist, having won The Scene Presents: Big Battle of the Bands 2024. Maybe you’ve heard his banjo on the national airwaves of CBC Radio and the East Coast Music Hour. Or perhaps you’ve seen him at another festival, such as Area 506 or Paddlefest. Yes, I’m talking about ZACK INGLES. His folk twang is coming to town!
I hope we’ve got you interested!
We have lots more to announce in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to our socials (@dooryardfestival) for updates about the lineup, free programming, volunteer opportunities, and ticket sales.
And tell a friend! As Sinatra would sing, “Start spreading the news….”
PS: Two shows remain for the Connell House Music Series!
Apr 24 – Charlie A’Court, w/ Devon Cullins
May 21 – Robert Thomas & the Sessionmen
Dooryard Arts Festival is 3 days of songs, stories, and community celebration in Woodstock, New Brunswick, taking place July 17-19.
Ross Kinney has been a longtime festival volunteer and joined the organizing team as program director in 2019.
