Welcome back to the 4th Annual Porchside Festival! Join us this July for a series of captivating shows set against the charming backdrop of historic homes in Collingwood.

As we gather on porches rich with stories, we celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the power of the arts to bring us together.

Born in 2020 as a response to the challenges of the pandemic, Porchside Festival has become a beloved tradition in our community. Guided by Erica, Theatre Collingwood’s executive director, we ventured outdoors to discover new ways to connect and entertain ourselves safely. Now, we invite you to experience the magic of live performance in the open air, where every show begins with the fascinating tales of these remarkable porches.

Come be a part of something special. From riveting theatrical productions to soul-stirring musical performances, there is something for everyone! Whether you find yourself enraptured by a stirring drama or swaying to the melodies of live music, the shared experience of gathering with friends, family, and neighbours fosters a sense of belonging that transcends the confines of time and space.

Let’s celebrate creativity, resilience, and the joy of gathering together. Join us at Porchside Festival, where history meets art, and memories are made under the summer sky.

Visit theatrecollingwood.ca.

Infinite Joy

Karim Morgan & Musical Accompanist

July 10 & 20

Katherine’s Chateau

243 Sainte Marie Street, Collingwood

The 2024 Porchside Festival opens with Collingwood’s newest triple threat as he gifts us with a Cabaret bursting with stories, songs, and dance!

Infinite Joy mingles flavours of calypso, classical, reggae, musical theatre and jazz in this melodical retrospective. Highlighting some of the formative moments in the performer’s journey from his beginnings in Jamaica, to his travels, and culminates in his latest life undertaking and discovery. Sharing some poignant revelations accompanied by hilarious anecdotes; it’s a celebration of a joyous life.

Freddie’s Freeloaders

Fred Smith: Guitars & Vocals Tom Nagy: Bass Don McDougall: Drums

July 11 & 12

108 Grand Cypress Lane, Blue Mountains

Kitchener’s Fred Smith along with his old pals from the hood, bring “Freddie’s Freeloaders” to Collingwood’s Porchside Festival. Sharing the stage with Tom Nagy – Bass and Don McDougall – Drums, Fred will bring a variety of flavourful jazz tunes, including some originals, standard swing, bop and some funkin’ great groove tunes; a little something for everyone. “Freddie’s Freeloaders” are looking so forward to playing for you at this fun festival.

Mind Like a Radio

Kaleb Hikele

July 13 & 14

282 Birch Street, Collingwood

Kaleb Hikele hits the road on a solo tour with his brand new album “My Mind Is Like a Radio” on vinyl, all around Ontario from May to July 2024. Come hear him perform at the Porchside Festival and celebrate and listen to a retrospective of songs in his 20th year as an indie musician. This album, (his 12th) was written and recorded all in one spring season. Kaleb, best known for his work as The Sun Harmonic, was recorded in retro a-song-a-day studio sessions, first mixed in Mono sound, harking back to vinyl in his record collection. His musical output started in 2004 and has since been featured on Netflix, SiriusXM, CBC Radio, Stingray Music, radio stations and streaming services around the world. His work has been recognized by Canada’s Walk of Fame, Record Store Day and Canadian Musician Magazine.

Sultans of String Duo

Chris McKhool and Kevin Laliberté

July 16 & 17

Somewhere Inn

128 St. Paul St., Collingwood

Chris McKhool and Kevin Laliberté from Sultans of String invite you to join them for an intimate and playful concert reflecting the relationship between the violin and the flamenco guitar as they take you on a musical journey around the world! This 3x JUNO Award nominated, 6x CFMA Award winning dynamic duo will take you to hear the horses of Sable Island, underwater to hear the calls of Luna the Whale, and on the silk road through Spain and the Middle East, through the Django-jazz cafés of Eastern Europe, and then back to Canada for a trip to the majestic Arctic.

Where Were You In 72

Briar Boake: Vocals, Ukulele

Peter Mueller: Guitars, Vocals

Rob Gusevs: Keyboard.

July 18 & 19

270 Minnesota St., Collingwood

Take a trip with us. It’s a joyride! We are 3 voices, 2 guitars,1 ukulele and a set of wind chimes exploring the eclectic mix that lit up the pop charts in the early 1970’s. Through stories and songs, you will experience the magic that was created during a unique time in music history and why these tunes are still relevant today. Peace, love and music.

Boomerang

Phil Bennett: Bass

Bob Woodburn: Percussion

John Swain: Guitar, Backing Vocals

Gary Diggins: Lead Vocals, Trumpet, Percussion

Gordon Aeichele: Bari Sax, Flute, Alto Sax

Paul Mifsud: Tenor Sax, Alto Sax

Brian Scriver: Trumpet, Trombone

Tom Wolfe: Drums, backing vocals

July 21 & 22

61 Georgian Manor Drive, Collingwood

Boomerang invites you into a time machine to experience vintage classics from a golden era of soul/R&B music. This eight-piece horn band will have you on your feet, celebrating songs that inspired generations to turn down the lights and turn up the volume. The dynamic horn section rekindles great melodies from Stevie Wonder to Wilson Pickett, and the rhythm section honours the best of studio musicians, from Motown to Stax Records.

The Fugitives

Songwriters: Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod

Banjo: Chris Suen

Violinist: Carly Frey

July 23 & 24

116 Bartlett Blvd., Collingwood

The Fugitives are an acoustic folk-roots group headed by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod. They’re joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters). The band has earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows, brimming with complex harmonies, infectious storytelling and top-notch musicianship.

Maria Branje and Suite Jazz Trio

July 25 & 26

288 Beech St., Collingwood

Local jazz singer Maria Branje and her friends love to perform great jazz music! They wowed audiences at the festival last year so we invited them back for more smooth sounds that soothe the soul. Sit back and enjoy the music of such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern and Henry Mancini, plus songs from famous Broadway musicals such as The King and I, Showboat, and Lullaby of Broadway, and those beautiful lyrics of Johnny Mercer.

Girls Like Them

Deb Fitzsimmons & Greg Gibson

July 27 & 28

17 Georgian Manor Dr., Collingwood

Experience Collingwood’s exceptional local talent unleashed in the electrifying new show “Girls Like Them,” showcasing the timeless music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon! Prepare to be captivated as Deb Fitzsimmons and Greg Gibson, renowned for their sensational Porchside Festival performances including Broadway Jukebox and Songs of the North Country, return for an unforgettable third year.

The Tracks

Book by: Mark Weatherley

Music and Lyrics: by Kale Penny.

Directed by: Monique Lund.

Cast: Lauren Bowler & Kale Penny.

July 29

7 Simcoe Street, Wasaga Beach

In this witty story, featuring the original songs of singer/songwriter Kale Penny, worlds collide when a street corner busker encounters a classical violinist who finds herself at a crossroads. This play stars real life husband and wife team Kale Penny and Lauren Bowler, coming to us from Stratford, Ontario.

From Opera to Broadway

Featuring: Craig Ashton

Piano accompanist: Anne Barnshaw

July 30 & 31

Craigleith Manor Bed & Breakfast

9 Craigleith Crt., Collingwood

From Opera to Broadway, this Canadian tenor can sing it all! Joined by Anne Barnshaw on piano, now Collingwood local, Craig Ashton will serenade you in his garden at Craigleith Manor and conclude our 2024 festival. Craig trained for four years with the Canadian Opera Company before going on to perform in many opera and musical theatre productions. He currently also tours across Ontario with Shipyard Kitchen Party’s highly successful production Tom Tompson’s Wake.