MusicThe Stratford Summer Music Festival has been held for seven seasons and features indoor and outdoor performances by international classical and world music artists as well as young Canadian performers in venues around downtown Stratford.
The Stratford Concert Band, a local wind ensemble, traces its history back to the CN Rail Employees Band formed in 1907 by James Malone. 2007 marked their 100th anniversary performing in Stratford and they celebrated with a gala concert and reception in May. The band performs a free outdoor concert in Upper Queen's Park every Wednesday evening in the summer months.
Notable musicians with a local connection include Justin Bieber (who began his career busking on the town's streets), Loreena McKennitt (who now makes Stratford her home), Graham Van Pelt of Miracle Fortress, Darren Dumas of The Salads, Richard Manuel of The Band, John Till who backed Janis Joplin, and Ken Kalmusky who played with Ian & Sylvia's Great Speckled Bird. During their early careers, Manuel, Till and Kalmusky were members of the Stratford group, The Revols, and later became members of The Hawks. Ken Kalmusky's son David Kalmusky, is a Juno awarded, multiple gold selling, Grammy nominated producer, mixer and musician. Several international operatic singers reside in Stratford such as Baritone, James Westman, and Tenor, Roger Honeywell.
Hi Ellie.
guess he isn't that big of a star.
