Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series shines through the rain

Second edition of Troubadour Festival Summer Concert series headlined by The 99s

The second edition of this year’s Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series was took over Meridian Place Saturday night.

The local artist showcase began at 5:00 p.m. featuring Goofus, Sydney Riley, Dorene and The 99s who finished off the night.

Halfway through the local showcase, the skies opened with rain, but it did not stop the artists from giving it their all on the stage.

“It was awesome to see everyone stick around until the very end it was amazing so happy we did this,” said Sydney Riley.

Dorene kept the crowd together as the rain lightened.

It was the groups first time playing as a duo and the pair said their gig was a success.

“This was our first time playing as a duo so that experience definitely solidified our belief in our abilities as a duo, so I think were definitely going to keep going,” said drummer Gray Laine.

The sun slowly peaked through the clouds as The 99s took the stage to finish the night off.

Barrie native and vocalist Carleigh Aikins always appreciative of performing in her hometown.

“Its always amazing to return home and feel that everyone still supports me and supports what were doing and supports the arts here in our community,” said Aikins.

With another successful summer concert series, executive director of Barrie Downtown BIA Craig Stevens said the local music scene is alive and well.

“The local acts are just its amazing to see you don’t realize the talent that you’ve got locally and it provides an opportunity to showcase it and have the community come out and support it,” said Stevens.

With the performers inspired to keep going and improving their music careers thanks to the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series.

“So many local musicians came out just to see me so there was a lot more talent than anyone even knew so just keep on supporting local,” said Riley.

With Aikins praising the Troubadour Festival and the opportunity it offers to artists and the community.

“The troubadour has so many iterations this is a really great version of it because the community gets to participate for free so that’s wonderful and I hope it continues for many years to come,” said Aikins.

The Troubadour Summer Concert Series will return to downtown Barrie on August 16 with multiple Juno Award winner Hawksley Workman. A local artist showcase will once again open the festival.

Open Air Dunlop will feature an ‘Eats on the Streets’ festival throughout the day before the local opener showcase.