Second Wave of Artists Announced For Peterborough Folk Festival 2026

The 37th annual Peterborough Folk Festival has announced its second wave of artists performing for this year’s event, from Aug. 13 to 16 at Nicholls Oval Park.

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The following are the featured artists:

Kazdoura: meaning “to stroll” in Levantine Arabic— Kazdoura embodies the spirit of exploration, nostalgia, and groove. Founded in Toronto by Syrian vocalist Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra, the JUNO Award-winning duo bridges modern and traditional Arabic music with psychedelia, funk, and soul. Their sound radiates a vintage psych-soul atmosphere.

Shad: Shad (Shadrach Kabango) is a Canadian recording artist of Rwandan descent, raised in London Ontario, known for blending humour and weighty themes, inspiring positivity while exploring a range of sounds. Shad won the Juno Award for Rap Recording Of The Year in 2011 and five of his albums have been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize for Canadian Album Of The Year, the most shortlist nominations of any artist in the prize’s history.

The Friendly Frog Freak Show: Amphibian progressive funk energetically charged and ready to fire you up into a vortex of infinite sounds and colours backed by an eclectic rhythm section offering dancey shivers and auspicious ambiances to make you bring out your inner frog.

Tennyson King: Tennyson King 百城 is an award-winning, nomadic folk musician whose life and music stretch between Hong Kong and Canada. Performing in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Tennyson builds his sound around rhythmic guitar, kick drum, and traditional instruments like the zhongruan. He has performed around the world, including an appearance at Glastonbury Festival, and earned a nomination for Performing Artist of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards.

Georgia Harmer: Known for her ethereal voice and sincere lyricism, Georgia Harmer has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in Canada's indie music scene. Her songs move fluidly across a wide emotional range—shifting from soaring, cathartic anthems to hushed, intimate reflections with ease. She has toured extensively across North America and the UK, performing at major festivals such as SXSW, The Great Escape, and Focus Wales, and supporting artists including City & Colour, Lake Street Dive, Bahamas, and Broken Social Scene.

Lauren Dillen: While Dillen’s soothing voice and deft musicianship can be heard through her work with folk-rock quartet Burs, her solo project is all about self-work and following her instincts. Her songs are reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling, and Andy Shauf, with soundscapes informed by ambient musicians like Emily A. Sprague.

Burs: Burs (the small things that stick with you) comprises Lauren Dillen, Ray Goudy, Devon Savas and Aidan McConnell. Hailed as "a rich and often ethereal collection of songs able to change with fluid ease" [The Revue], Burs debut album Holding Patterns was released in September of 2022.

Cale Crowe: Born and raised on Alderville First Nation territory, Cale Crowe was fueled by music from the time he had a heartbeat. That love of music and sense of “life soundtrack” would lead him to picking up his father’s guitar for the first time at age 12 and performing live for his first audience at 14. His blend of campfire-style folk and modern pop/rock reflects and builds upon the taste he developed all those years ago.

Ollie Mae: Ollie Mae is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter who channels the classic sound of folk, CanRock, and country roots through her music. Since age 16, Ollie Mae has worked as a recording and mixing engineer at Treblecock Studio, located in Peterborough. She’s been diligently working on her self-produced first album throughout the year, and is elated at the opportunity to play at the 2026 Peterborough Folk Festival!

The Kents: They’re back! The Kents formed in 2011 in Peterborough’s neighbour, Lindsay, Ontario. Composed of homegrown talents Warren Frank, Freddy Kwon, Tanner Paré, Luke Shauf, and 2022 Folk Fest Emerging Artist Nathan Truax, The Kents offer a unique indie-pop sound that is reminiscent of Foster the People, Young the Giant, and The Arkells. The Kents have appeared on many big stages, including Canadian Music Week in 2018.

The Weber Brothers: Between their renowned musical ability, high-energy, awe-inspiring performances and lessons learned first hand from rock n’ roll pioneers, The Weber Brothers have developed a reputation as the “Baddest Band in the Land”.

Melissa Payne: Hailing from Ennismore, Ontario, Melissa Payne has made a lasting impact on the music scene, and her journey has only just begun. Originally rooted in old-time fiddle and traditional Celtic music, Melissa has now blossomed into a successful solo artist with three full-length albums under her belt. Melissa's live performances have garnered critical acclaim, and she has had the privilege of collaborating with some of Canada's biggest names in music. Notable guest collaborators include Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor, James McKenty, Matt Mays, Natalie MacMaster, cellist Nathaniel Smith, and Jimmy Bowskill, showcasing her ability to work with renowned artists.

The festival also features a Children’s Village, which will offer free daily programming from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. including crafts, workshops, story time, face painting and a daily children’s parade.

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