Music and festivals aren’t something that’s new to Bala. The small Muskoka town has put itself on the map as home to one of the most popular festivals in Ontario - The Bala Cranberry Festival. And it’s where you’ll find the Kee To Bala, which has been hosting legendary summer concerts since 1942.
But that isn’t the only draw for music lovers across the province. This August, Shake The Lake Bala is returning for its second year.
The 3-day festival started as a Benefits Bash to raise awareness and money for the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research. The event organizers at Hindsight Productions were inspired by their friend, Ryan Bush, who'd recently been diagnosed with brain cancer. Bush is well known in the Muskoka community and owner of Bush's Watersports Park, where the festival is held.
The organizers have over 15 years collective experience in the music and events industry and have built a great reputation with the community. That’s a big part of what makes Shake The Lake Bala so unique …
Shake The Lake Bala wasn’t created with the sole intention of drawing in tourism. The event was created to celebrate community and be something that locals could enjoy. Its culture emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming all ages (19+) and walks of life to enjoy good music, good vibes and great people.
The local community really backs the festival and what it does for the area. The fact that it attracts visitors from across the province and is one of the fastest growing music festivals in Ontario is a bonus.
Event Schedule
The music festival takes place August 12 to 14 on a private lake in the heart of Muskoka at Bush’s Watersports Park.
The 3-day event includes entertainment from some of Canada’s best rock n’ roll, tribute, folk & funk artists:
Friday, August 12, 2022
4:30 to 5:30 PM – Alonzo & The Grand Union Band
Vancouver’s premiere cover band, fronted by award winning songwriter Alonzo Wang on vocals and guitar. The band covers everything from motown to deep reggae to blues guitar.
6:00 to 7:00 PM – Cory James Mitchell Band
Based out of Sarnia Ontario, the Cory James Mitchell Band brings a barebones style of country blues mixed with rock n’ roll.
7:30 to 8:45 PM – Jeff Young & The Muskoka Roads Band
A classic rock band and has been playing shows for over 35 years.
8:45 to 10:15 PM – Hawksley Workman
A Canadian rock singer-songwriter from Huntsville who blends cabaret pop and glam rock to create a sound that is uniquely his own.
10:30 PM to 12:00 AM – The Practically Hip
A Tragically Hip tribute band that has been playing their music since 1997 at festivals, concerts and events across North America.
Saturday, August 13, 2022
3:30 to 4:30 PM – Alonzo & The Grand Union Band
4:45 to 6:00 PM – Birds of Bellwoods
A Toronto-based alt rock band with music that’s topped Spotify’s Canada Viral 50 Chart.
6:00 to 7:15 PM – Conor Gains
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who blends soul, R&B, rock, pop and jazz with “a great voice and considerable guitar chops” (FYI Music).
7:45 to 8:45 PM – Cat Clyde
A blues folk artist with influences ranging from Patsy Cline to Bobbie Gentry.
8:45 to 10:15 PM – Bros
Saskatoon-based rock duo made up of Ewan and Shamus Currie of The Sheepdogs.
10:30 PM to 12:00 AM – Dwayne Gretzky
A 10+ piece juggernaut playing electrifying renditions of classic pop and rock.
Sunday, August 14, 2022
2:30 to 3:30 PM – Born Riot
A high energy hard rock band from Southwestern Ontario.
3:30 to 4:45 PM – Stuck On Planet Earth
A Canadian alt rock band from Vaughan with national and international radio play.
5:15 to 6:30 PM – Texas King
A high energy rock group hailing from London, Ontario.
6:30 to 7:45 PM – The Creepshow
Inspired by horror films, this Burlington based band has performed in more than 50 countries.
8:30 to 9:15 PM – The Lazys
An Australian rock group that made their mark in Canada following the 2014 Canadian Music Week.
9:30 to 11:00 PM – Monster Truck
Juno award winning Canadian rock band from Hamilton who toured with Alice and Chains and was featured in Kid Rock’s 2021 re-recording of “Don’t Tell Me How To Live.”
In between sets, attendees can enjoy exciting ski and flyboard shows, workshops, vendors and the delicious food & beverage from local businesses.
In 2021, Shake The Lake Bala raised over $20,000 for the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research. This year, the event will be accepting donations, as well as hosting a silent auction with proceeds going to the Gord Downie Fund.
So what are you waiting for? Come celebrate at Shake The Lake Bala. Tickets start at $39 for a single day and $119 for the weekend.
RELATED: See what else is happening in Barrie and the surrounding area ...
