By Will McGuirk

While the Durham Region has a vast well of music and a consistent scene full of musicians post Covid there were few opportunities available. Many musician took off to Toronto and made that their base to begin their professional life from. Unfortunately that means we don’t get to see them as often as we would like. Some bands did stay and put out great work so here’s some folks I’d like to see on more local bills sometime soon.

The Surfrajettes
Have yet to see this surf four piece in the D-Rock as they tour the world a lot but they’re playing close by, at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern Sept 4 2026. Go Go!! Tickets

BURS

have been busy this year touring and playing festivals, most recently the Peterborough Folk Fest, and they’re lined up for the Toronto Folk Fest this weekend Aug 21/22.

Spirit Josh

I need more of these kats in my life. Love this jangly Faces folk rock. Most recently they opened for Northcote at the Biltmore Theatre and the Whitby Music Fest too.

Shiv and the Carvers

Cutting edge fun in the punk vein from Shiv and the Carvers. They did play the Atria this year but I missed them so yip come back.

Bedford Bells
had a recent interview with Bedford Bells about his very fine album ‘Fell In Love In My Hometown’ its very much gentle country folk with roots in Oshawa. He plays in the local scene, mostly breweries, has a gig with Town at the Paradise Beach pop-up the evening of Saturday Aug 22. I’d like to see the full band and the full album. Good stuff yes. Interview.