2026 VKH Porchfest
Line-up
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50 Proof
Hailing from Vankleek Hill, Ontario - the home of VKH Porchfest - 50 PROOF is an acoustic/electric classic rock band featuring Reid Masson (lead vocals, bass), Shawn Hayley (lead guitar), Thaila Riden (drums, vocals), and Gilles Lemieux (guitar, harmonica, vocals). Blending classic rock and country with an acoustic flavour, the band performs both with a full drum set and, at times, a more stripped-back set-up featuring a cajon drum box.
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As Good As It Gets
As Good As It Gets delivers an acoustic performance that's equal parts nostalgia and fun. Hailing from Châteauguay, Québec, they bring warm harmonies, familiar favourites, and an infectious energy that keeps audiences singing along from the first song to the last.
Audio Visceral
Audio Visceral is a three-piece power pop/punk/rock outfit made up of local beer-drinking deviants Steve Beauchesne (guitar/vocals), Kevin James (bass/vocals), and Gary Doherty (drums). Bringing loud guitars, gritty energy, and a garage rock spirit to the stage, the band delivers a fun, high-energy set built for good times.
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BA Johnston
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, BA Johnston is self-proclaimed Canada’s oldest entertainer and the legendary creator of the Baconator. Known for his offbeat humour, chaotic live shows, and uniquely Canadian songwriting, BA blends punk spirit with comedy, storytelling, and pure entertainment. Expect audience participation, unexpected antics, and a performance you probably won’t forget.
Balance
Balance brings a high-energy mix of rock favourites and timeless classics to every stage they play. With tight musicianship, great chemistry, and a love of live music, they'll keep the good vibes rolling.
Barrow Gang Buskers
Formed during the quietest days of the pandemic, The Barrow Gang Buskers began as a roaming acoustic group bringing music and connection to the streets of Ottawa when live performances had all but disappeared. Since then, they've become a fixture of the city's music scene, winning over audiences with harmony-rich vocals, roots-inspired instrumentation, and a playful, engaging stage presence. The band performs regularly as the house band at the Atomic Rooster, maintains a busy schedule of regional shows, showcased at the 2025 Folk Music Ontario Conference, and is currently working on recording new music while expanding their touring footprint across Ontario.
Bloodshot Bill
Award-winning, multi-instrumentalist Bloodshot Bill has been perfecting his brand of raw rhythm & honky tonk punk for over 25 years. A true stylist - taking early roots influences & spitting them out as he pleases. His unique sound & vocal style are easily recognizable and like none other in his field.Immensely prolific (over 20 albums & countless singles), this Montreal mad man has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. Showing no signs of slowing down, Bloodshot Bill continues to expand musical vernacular with each new release and performance.
Braindead Geniuses
Braindead Geniuses is a four-piece band with a passion for live music and entertaining audiences. Covering everything from blues and pop to rock and original songs, their setlist spans decades of great music from the 1970s to today. With a love of performing and a wide-ranging repertoire, they're ready to bring the energy and keep the crowd engaged from start to finish.
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Chris Page
Chris Page crafts beautifully understated songs that drift between indie rock, outsider folk, and alt-country. Known for his sharp songwriting, memorable melodies, and thoughtful lyrics, Chris has released music internationally on independent labels and has been a driving force behind several acclaimed projects, including Expanda Fuzz, Camp Radio, and The Stand GT. His performances blend heartfelt storytelling with expertly crafted songs that stay with you long after the final note.
Code Seventy Three
Code Seventy Three crafts powerful, immersive music at the crossroads of modern melodies and a truly live-driven energy. Blending punchy riffs, powerful baritone vocals and unforgettable hooks, the band creates soundscapes defined by strong, thought-provoking lyrics. On stage and in the studio, Code Seventy Three turns every song into a rush of adrenaline - current, intense, and uncompromising.
Cory Levesque
Cory Levesque writes songs rooted in real life - the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Blending honest storytelling with heartfelt performances, his music draws from personal experiences and everyday moments. Expect thoughtful lyrics, authentic songs, and a performance that's as genuine as it is engaging.
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Foreman & Co.
Foreman And Co. are a Canadian rock band delivering high-energy live shows and gritty, southern-leaning rock and roll. Their new single “Another Redneck Wedding” is out now, with more music on the way. Recently signed to Crew Entertainment (The Orchard/Sony Music Group), they’re entering a new chapter of loud guitars, big hooks, and road-tested rock.
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General Chaos
General Chaos are a teenage punk trio from Montreal bringing fast, hook-heavy songs and unfiltered live energy. Built in the DIY spirit of the Québec punk scene, they channel raw urgency, sharp downstrokes, and no-nonsense attitude into every set. Loud, fast, and unapologetic.
Gerry & The Bridge Burners
Gerry & The Bridge Burners are a country duo performing original, story-driven songs inspired by small-town life, hard-earned lessons, and the people met along the way. Their heartfelt lyrics and authentic sound bring each story to life.
Ginette Clément & André Roy
Ginette Clément & André Roy perform a mix of folk, country, and Francophone favourites, featuring well-loved cover songs in both French and English.
Guilhem
Guilhem is a Montréal-based singer-songwriter blending raw lyricism, infectious melodies, and punk-rooted energy. With over 700 shows across 23 countries, both solo and as frontman of Lost Love, he has built a loyal following through relentless touring, heartfelt performances, and a deep connection with audiences around the world.
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Hadrian's Wall
Ashley MacLeod-McRae & Neil Emberg are a high-energy Celtic duo from Glengarry, Ontario, performing together for over 20 years. Both are longtime members of Hadrian’s Wall and inductees of the Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame. With Ashley’s award-winning fiddle work and Neil’s seasoned vocals and stage presence, the duo delivers a dynamic mix of Celtic-rooted storytelling, harmonies, and instrumental fire.
Hot Mess
Hot Mess is Donna Stewart and Tim Walsh! They have more than a century of music in their hearts and perform songs you forgot you loved with spunk and snap. Donna is a singer, dancer and multi-instrumentalist. Being a dance school boss taught her to put on a show you can’t look away from. Tim is a singer, guitarist, and a veteran of the Montréal and Ottawa pub scene. His music is a spell that lights his own heart and yours. "
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Jab Djab
Soca is the backbone, but Jab Djab don’t stay in one place for long. Drummer Wayne Stoute and brothers Whiteman (guitar and bass) pull from across the Caribbean - compas, reggae, zouk, and even American pop - to create a high-energy, genre-blending sound. Born in Brooklyn and now based in Montréal, they’ve evolved into a tight, fearless trio with a style that keeps the dance floor moving.
Jeff Holtby & Paul Lawrence
Jeff Holtby & Paul Lawrence are a duo known for thoughtful, emotionally rich music that leans into story and feeling. Their performances focus on honest lyrics and strong melodies.
Jema Jane
Jema Jane is a singer-songwriter performing original songs that range from funny to heartfelt, from storytelling to sing-alongs. With guitar and harmonica at the centre of her sound, she brings honest, engaging performances and loves the energy that comes from connecting with a live audience.
John Dubois & Paul-André Petrin
John Dubois & Paul-André Petrin deliver creative acoustic covers of iconic 70s and 80s hits, seamlessly blending English and French. They have been playing music from a young age and share their love of music through performances that connect songs with personal stories and audience connection.
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K-Man and The 45's
Kman & the 45s fuse ska and rock and roll into high-energy, horn-driven chaos. One of Canada’s most well-known ska bands, they’re known for relentless touring, explosive live shows, and a stage presence that never lets up.
Knocking Sparks
Knocking Sparks blend original material with classic rock staples, delivering a tight, high-energy set that keeps things familiar, fun, and loud in all the right ways.
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Miss DJ Sings
Pascale Picard, aka Miss DJ Sings, delivers a live vocal experience blending pop, rock, country, and dance. Built around singalong favourites, her set turns the stage into a shared, feel-good musical moment.
Mylène et Éric
Mylène & Éric are a duo combining guitar and ukulele with the expressive tones of recorder, Irish whistle, and transverse flute. together they create a rich, melodic sound that blends folk-inspired textures with a fresh acoustic feel.
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Neil & Patricia
Neil & Patricia are a duo featuring Neil on lead guitar and Patricia on 12-string guitar and harmonica. Both contribute vocals as they share their love of Beatles songs through warm, harmony-driven performances.
NECK
NECK are an Ottawa-area punk-pop band known for high-energy songs, hook-driven choruses, and loud, upbeat live shows. With a DIY spirit and a sharp sense of melody, they bring a fast, fun, and energetic set to the stage.
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Outpost Echo
Formed in 2025, Outpost Echo is Brian Mullin, Patrick Hodgins, and David Irvine. They deliver a mix of original songs and mildly obscure covers, all wrapped in a lo-fi, basement-rock vibe.
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Pagoda Starling
Pagoda Starling craft dreamy, emotive songs built on rich harmonies, moody melodies, and closely woven instrumentation. With influences ranging from vintage folk to acoustic rock and alternative styles, their sound is subtle, textured, and atmospheric.
Patty Miller
Patty Miller delivers gritty, roots-driven music with a modern edge. Drawing comparisons to artists like Rise Against, The White Buffalo, and The Dead South, his sound blends intensity, strong storytelling, and a raw acoustic-rock feel.
Peter Scott & Natasha Caron
Peter Scott & Natasha Caron perform original songs rooted in pop, rock, and indie influences. Featuring guitar-driven arrangements and blended vocals, their music focuses on strong melodies, thoughtful songwriting, and engaging live performances.
Prospect Nelson
Prospect Nelson is a high-energy Franco-Ontarian 3-piece from Hawkesbury, ON blending hard rock with alt-rock, grunge, punk, and metal influences. Featuring Jason Golden, François Dion, and Mike Simpkin, the band has been shaking up stages across Eastern Ontario and Québec with raw power and explosive live shows.
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Ripcordz
Ripcordz are Canadian punk rock veterans delivering fast, loud, and chaotic live shows built on DIY ethics and zero compromise. Known for relentless touring and raw energy, they’ve been a staple of the punk scene for decades.
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Shook Boys
Shook Boys are a manic rockabilly band hailing from Toronto. They don’t play music to fall in love to—they indulge in nasty rhythms that bring primitive urges to the surface.
Slo Tom
Slo’ Tom & the Handsome Devils is an urban hard-core country project by Ottawa local legend Tom Stewart (Furnaceface) bringing his alter-ego to life.
Sunshine Overload
Sunshine Overload is an Ottawa-based band formed during the pandemic, blending garage rock, punk, and classic rock ’n’ roll with a raw, high-energy edge. Built on good times and loud amps, the band features Patrick on drums, Seiji on bass and vocals, and Jeff on guitar and vocals.
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The Cook and The Patti-Cake
The Cook and the Patti-Cake are the duo of Patti Burnett and Caroline Cook, singer-songwriters, whose performances blend original compositions with Americana and roots favourites. Featuring harmonies, piano, and acoustic guitar, the duo delivers a mix of storytelling about love, loss and redemption, along with their interpretation of classics.
The KillingMoon
The KillingMoon are a tribute to the new wave and post-punk era of the 80s and 90s. Their high-energy performances bring dance-floor-driven classics and iconic alternative sounds back to life.
The Piano Stylings of Doc Rebenak
Doc Rebenak is the child of Dr. John and Weird Al Yankovic. He plays klezmer, he plays surf, he plays funk. He tells jokes - sometimes all at the same time. Grown-up audiences enjoy his music and ironic humour, while kids love the dad jokes. It’s a polka-palooza of fun, and a good time is guaranteed for all who attend The Piano Stylings of Doc Rebenak.
The Zig-Zag Band
The Zig-Zag Band is a Montréal cover band playing danceable, soulful favourites from the 60s to today. Their set is built for feel-good energy and crowd-pleasing live music.
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Woven - Three Women, Three Lives, Three Voices
Three women, three lives, three voices... one acoustic heartbeat. Delivering intimate, harmony-driven performances of pop, folk and country covers, Woven turns familiar songs into something personal. Relaxed, organic and emotionally-honest, Woven is ideal for times when the room leans in and listens. A great fit for daytime and early evening shows, their music creates a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere where conversation flows and your history lingers in the songs.
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Yahoozies!
Straight outta Vankleek Hill, Yahoozies! are five purveyors of 1950s and 60s novelty tunes - Tim, Steve, Phil, Mike Beauchesne, and Russell Gibbs. Expect a toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud romp through a golden era of oddball hits and feel-good melodies. With tight harmonies, classic charm, and just enough mischief, their shows are a joyful throwback to an era where music was catchy, quirky, and unashamedly fun.