Carole Pope with Tim Welch Headlining OssFest North Stage, Sat. July 25th 2026 8pm

A documentary on Carole’s life based on her autobiography Antidiva, produced by CBC and Gay Agenda is hitting screens and festivals now. Guests include k.d. lang, Peaches, Sebastian Bach, Rufus Wainwright, Nona Hendryx, Strombo, Jan Arden and more.

Carole Pope and Kevan Staples’ band Rough Trade was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2023. On the Polaris Prize shortlist, Carole Pope is an agent provacateur pushing the boundaries of sexuality, sexual politics, and the status quo. Her work has been recognized with three Juno Awards, multiple independent music awards, a Genie Award, 4 gold albums, 1 platinum album, and 1 double platinum album. Her latest singles, I Miss My Land and Play Fisty for Me, are available everywhere.

Carole Pope has toured with David Bowie and performed at Roskilde, World Pride, AGO, MOCCA, Fashion Cares 25 with Elton John, The Brooklyn Museum of Art, The AGO, Luminato, Joe’s Pub, The Viper Room, The Frostbite Festival, Rekjavyk, Toronto, Los Angeles, Montreal, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco Prides, and the Michigan Womyn’s Festival. She appeared in SUCK, a vampire movie, along with Moby, Iggie Pop, Alice Cooper, and Henry Rollins.

Pope has contributed music to film and television including Time Warp, Love Lies Bleeding (A24), Law & Order Toronto, Purgatory Jack, Transparent, Love or Whatever, Pretty Hard Cases, The L Word, General Idea Art AIDS and the fin de siecle, The Trailer Park Boys Movie, Queer As Folk, The Five Senses, and Cruising. Rough Trade was inducted into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2020 and the Canadian Music Week Indie Hall of Fame in 2007.

Pope is currently looking for producers for Rough Trade The Musical starring Chilina Kennedy.

“Carole Pope! Wow! Wow! Wow! In the uppermost echelon of the best front people of all time. Songwriter, lyricist, vocalist, Rock’n Roll/Punk/New Wave star-legend-diety sent from the future via lightning bolt, with God-given natural, effortless cool. Supremely magnetic, powerful, honest, and dangerous. Pope is a hyper-pure distillation of the infinite and mysterious interactions of the incalculable and unknown elements that coalesce to create an icon. Carole Pope is a work of high art.” — Sam, Co-Owner of The Painted Lady / Ossfest North Stage Programmer/Producer

activemirror playOssFest North Stage, Sat. July 25th 2026, 9pm:

activemirror is a post-punk band from Aruba, a place better known for sunshine and tourism than alternative music.

The band formed almost by accident backstage at a local show. Two bands came to an end, and activemirror quietly began. There was no master plan. The members simply gathered at their drummer's house and started writing songs.

Growing up on a small island has shaped the band's perspective. Aruba is beautiful, but like anywhere else, it is full of contradictions, challenges, and people searching for their place in the world.

Over the past few years, those songs have taken activemirror from Aruba to stages in Singapore, New York, Toronto, Montréal, and beyond. The band is currently working on its second full-length album while continuing to build its audience through touring at home and abroad.

“You can’t stop watching and listening. Energy! Energy! Energy! Something so very rare took form when these 4 guys started playing together. You hear it in every note. This is a band - and a bright, bright star on the rise. activemirror will be playing at an arena near you some day soon.” — Sam, Co-Owner of The Painted Lady / Ossfest North Stage Programmer/Producer

“Kelly’s sharp observations are delivered with a real charisma. The instrumentation underlines his every word, their sound a blend of post-punk pioneers Joy Division and revivalists Interpol. Their set at The New Colossus was so good, we had to catch it twice!” – soundvsystem

Bottomley’s Brainfudge: plays Ossfest North Stage Sat., July 25th, 7pm

“The Fudge” lay Chris Bottomley’s signature Rock, Afro-Latin and Reggae-infused Funk grooves thick and heavy, performing regularly at music clubs, festivals, and private events across Ontario. They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Adrian Belew, Grupo Fantasma, and Souljazz Orchestra.

Chris Bottomley grew up an Air Force brat, living in Ottawa (Canada), Sutton (UK), Alberta (Canada), the Black Forest of Lahr (West Germany), and Toronto. Along the way, he had a few laughs, and played a lot of music, starting with his early years playing classical piano. He ditched all that after a decade to play drums and bass, and started a band with his brother John called Albatross. When his family was in Germany, he and his brother were gigging around the Black Forest, playing the local dances at the CYC and getting invited to play biker rallies in the country. All that changed when they moved back to Canada.

Bottomley burst onto the Canadian music scene in the mid-80s with his post-punk rock band Tulpa , who he formed with his brother John Bottomley on guitar & vocals, and drummer Mike Severin. Legendary New York City club CBGB's owner Hilly Kristol described Tulpa as “one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen.” Along with exposure by Daniel Richler on City TV's The New Music, Tulpa’s 1985 debut album Mosaic Fish  earned the band touring dates, radio and video play, and media attention all across Canada and in 1988, they opened for punk-funk idols Living Color In NYC.

In the 90s, Bottomley was inspired by the fast-growing funk and groove scene in Toronto and started the Brainfudge collective that continues to this day. The band has had a few incarnations. It’s alumini list is illustrious and includes a who’s who of top Toronto players, starting with original members Chris Bottomley on bass and lead vocals, the late James Gray (Blue Rodeo) on keys, John Gzowski on guitar, Ian Menzies on guitar and vocals, Kathryn Rose on backing vocals, Ernie Tollar on soprano Sax and Nic Gotham on alto and baritone sax, followed by Howie Beck (Mixed Feist, Communism, Buffy St-Marie), Odel Johnson (Messenjah, Mikey Dread), Eric St. Laurent, Bryden Baird (Feist) and many more. 

With Brainfudge, Bottomley has released four full-length records:

  • 1995’s self-titled debut ‘Brainfudge’

  • The internationally-acclaimed  ‘Knotty Bits’  (2003) which won a Unisong International Song Competition grand prize in the World-Reggae category for ‘Belize City Bakin’

  • The 2006 double instrumental album ‘Cerebral Lubrication’  which received airplay worldwide

  • 'Bright Eye Day’ released in 2014

As Chris Bottomley, he’s released:

  • A single called ‘Lonely Days’ co-written with Russ Goozee in 2020

  • In 2021, he released ‘Brainfudge - Live at Supermarket 2007’

  • Two more singles - ‘Summer’ (2022) and ‘Pull It Together’ with guest singer Kathryn Rose (2023)

  • His new 24 song double album ‘Hi Vibrations Vol 1 & 2’  released in late January 2025

Over the years, Bottomley has played and collaborated with musicians such as Look People, Rich Underhill’s Funk Explosion, Donne Roberts, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Wayne Lavallee, John Bottomley, The Kensington Horns, Asani, Andru Branch & Halfway Tree,  House of David Gang, Abjeez (Sweden), Eccodek, Ainike, Boogiewall Sound System and Vancouver's  Mofunk Collective.

His songs ‘Seize The Day’, ‘African Head Dub’, ‘Brazilian Thunder Throb’ and ‘A Better Day Will Come’  have been placed in feature films and documentaries. 

Currently the Brainfudge lineup includes bass player, vocalist and ringleader Chris Bottomley, Great Bob Scott (Look People, Thinbuckle) on drums, DonneRoberts (African Guitar Summit, Juno winner) on guitar, Richard Underhill (The Shuffle Demons, Juno winner) on saxophone and Perry White (The Shuffle Demons) on saxophone.

Chris Bottomley: "We created our Rock, Funk, and Jazz sound in Toronto's club and concert scene, often playing sweaty after-hours clubs 'til the wee mornings… I love playing with these guys, I feel like we can take the songs anywhere, and that's what we do. If you're coming to see us play live expect some adventure!"

“Chris Bottomley might be the Little Richard of Toronto hybrid funk” - Lenny Stout — TORONTO STAR

“Knotty Bits has as many grooves as Stevie Wonder's record collection... a heady trip indeed.” - Brent Hagerman — NOW MAGAZINE

“Chris Bottomley’s BRAINFUDGE is a fun, fun, fun, feel-those-good-vibes party band. And these boys can play! Hooooo can they play! They’re in a whole other galaxy of musical dexterity - musical muscularity. Chris’ songs tickle your brain and soul in a happy-weed kinda way, and I’m likewise very happy to have them here for Ossfest 2026. It’s a good, good, GOOOD time with these fellas.” — Sam, Owner of The Painted Lady / Ossfest North Stage Programmer/Producer

David B. Archibald: plays Ossfest North Stage Saturday July 25, 6pm

Introducing the incredibly talented David B. Archibald, a Scottish musician and self-accompanied singer. With his soulful voice and acoustic guitar, he expertly blends Country, Folk and Soul to captivate audiences.

His journey as a musician is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to being true to himself. He uses his music to connect people, heal wounds, and inspire change. As he shares his story through song, he invites listeners to join him on a path of self-discovery and hope. His original songs tell stories of life’s highs and lows, leaving listeners spellbound. His honest approach to songwriting has brought grown men to tears at live performances.

David has performed both as part of a band and solo in reknowned venues across the U.K., Europe, U.S.A, and Canada - recently playing iconic venues such as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, among many more.

“Massively powerful voice. Weighty songwriting and melodic gift. Songs that rise from the deepest and darkest of hurt’s depths, and soar to the heights of redemption - and healing. These songs of Archibald’s evidence a holding on tight for the ride of a lifetime. Listen to Archibald’s “Picture Perfect” , ‍”Say Goodbye To Your Sorrow” , and “Ain’t As Smart As The Kid”. These are just three songs. There are many. Many will become classics.

Ray La Montagne, The White Buffalo, Curtis Stigers, Colter Wall, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, David Gray, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Janis Joplin, Etta James, Bessie Smith are all good company.

The Violet Archers: Tim Vesely & Jane Gowan play OssFest North Stage, Sat. July 25th 2026 5pm

Tim Vesely, a “master Pop craftsman” (Exclaim), is a founding member of the legendary Toronto Art Rock band Rheostatics. He has also released 2 critically-acclaimed albums with his alter-ego outfit The Violet Archers. Vesely's first foray into soundtrack composition was with Rheostatics in 1997 when they were commissioned to write original music for the film Whale Music. This included the hit song "Claire" which won the Genie Award for Best Original Song. Alongside a prolific pop music career, Vesely has continued to compose and produce music for film and television. Learn more about Tim at timveselymusic.com

Jane Gowan is a Vancouver-born, Toronto-based songwriter, musician, graphic designer and podcaster. She is the co-founder of the Vancouver-based band Spygirl, and is the leader of the Toronto-based band The Real Shade.In 2022, Jane created the Music Buddy podcast, currently in its 4th season. Jane is the producer, host, and editor of the show. Learn more about Jane at janegowan.com

“Every Violet Archers song and production is a thing of beauty - its depth revealing more and more of itself with every listen.” — Sam, Co-Owner of The Painted Lady / Ossfest North Stage Programmer/Producer

Blame Betty play OssFest North Stage, Sat. July 25th 2026 4pm

In the criminal rock and roll justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups of people: Blame Betty, who bend the rules and instigate loud, fun, high energy, live hard rock parties - and an audience of wild offenders who enjoy them. These are their stories.

Based in Toronto, and often disrupting neighbourhoods in Los Angeles and New York City, Blame Betty serves up hard-hitting songs which carry a classic, glam-rock swagger merged with modern day relevance. The verdict? Loud guitars, heavy grooves, cool shades, dope a** sneakers - and songs that encourage bad decisions for all the good reasons: Guilty as charged.

“Blame Betty, headed by Ro Sardana, understand the concept of putting on a show and giving the audience what it wants. Not everybody can do this. Blame Betty is DNA’d to do this. Expect a wild, kick ass show and great songs!” ‍ ‍— Sam, Owner of The Painted Lady / Ossfest North Stage Programmer/Producer

Dora Award-winning artist Kunlé (Adekunle Olorundare) is a Toronto-based singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose work draws from the deep well of West African storytelling. Born into a musical family in Nigeria, his music features a powerful interplay between rich vocals, traditional talking drums, piano and contemporary fingerstyle guitar.

He has captivated audiences since the release of his 2015 five-track debut EP ‘Amí N Relé.’ Moving seamlessly between Yoruba, Pidgin and English languages, he balances cultural depth with a soulful, contemporary sensibility, bridging acoustic traditions and Yoruba proverbs to connect with a global audience.

His highly-anticipated new album ‘Kunlé – The Journey,’ set for a June 26, 2026 release, kicked off earlier this year with the lead double-single pre-release for Ilé L’àbọ̀ (featuring a new video) and Cabana – out March 6, 2026 on all streaming platforms. The songs on ‘Kunlé – The Journey’ were recorded in Kunlé’s home studio in Toronto and at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, ON. It was produced at Catherine North with Kunlé as co-producer and Will Crann (Blue Rodeo, Whitehorse, Feist, The Glorious Sons and more) as co-producer and recording engineer.

In recent years, Kunlé’s creative path expanded. These experiences shaped the new phase in his practice – one that blends music, memory and performance in ways that feel both intimate and cinematic, and culminates into his 2026 seven-track sophomore
album release, ‘Kunlé – The Journey.’ 

Kunlé’s 2024 debut at Toronto’s Koerner Hall, performing alongside South African icon Thandiswa Mazwai marked an important artistic moment, placing his sound on one of Canada’s most prestigious stages.

Theatre credits include the 2024 Dora Mavor Moore Awards with a win for outstanding production and a nomination for outstanding sound design and composition for co-scoring Soulpepper Theatre’s ‘Three Sisters,’ a nomination for the 2022 Premier's Awards for his role as music director, composer and performer in Stratford Festival’s ‘Death and the King’s Horseman,’ and guitarist for the Canadian Opera Company’s 2024 opera ‘Aportia Chryptych.’ Plus, his composition “My Little Fingers” won the Folk Music Ontario Award for best instrumental in 2015, leading to endorsements from Furch Guitars and Stonebridge Guitars. 

Reviewers often note Kunlé’s warmth and endearing presence onstage. Mike Hill, former Artistic Director of Mariposa Folk Festival, wrote, “Join Kunle as he leaves you basking with gentleness and optimism.”

And after watching him perform at the 2015 Mariposa Folk Festival, the legendary Gordon Lightfoot exclaimed to Kunlé, “You are meant to do this. Don’t stop!”

The 2019 Just Music Concert Series, Accra Unplugged, Accra, Ghana offered concisely, “Afro-Folk Prince.”

“Kunlé, originally from Nigeria, was totally engaging.” – veteran promoter Richard Flohil, Artists You Should Look Out For, Stories from the Edge of Music, March 7, 2025.

“...he settled in Canada in 2014. ...Almost immediately, he was booked to play the Mariposa Folk Festival, prompting him to record a five-song EP in 2015.” – Heather Kitching, Roots Music Canada, June 4, 2023.

A celebrated live performer, Kunlé's collaborations include working with Juno Award-winning artists such as Töme, sharing stages with acclaimed artists like Julian Taylor and AHI and international touring as guitarist for legendary Canadian blues vocalist Shakura S’Aida. His dynamic sets have captivated audiences globally at events like Germany’s Africa Day Festival, Summerfolk, Mariposa and the Peterborough Folk Festival. Building on this rich history, his eagerly awaited 2026 touring season starts with his album release concert on June 25 at Toronto’s Small World Centre, and features landmark appearances at the prestigious Mariposa Folk Festival, Theatre Collingwood's Porchside Festival and the 28th annual Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival—solidifying his place as one of Canada's most vibrant and yet deeply rooted artists.

“Kunle’s new album, ‘Kunlé – The Journey’, is aptly named. Each song is a voyage unto itself. Kunle’s personality and inviting voice guide us along. It’s mystical, transcendental and groovy, with great production work by Will Crann and Kunle. This is an artist to note. Unplug from the day’s grind, and plug into Kunle - a much happier place to be.” ‍— Sam, Owner of The Painted Lady / Ossfest North Stage Programmer/Producer

The Reposadists play Ossfest North Stage Saturday, July 25, 2pm

Combine the late-night, urban cool of Chet Baker’s horn, with the swingin' upbeat and smokey vocals of ‘Ole Blue Eyes’ Frank Sinatra, add the killer house band from Ossington Avenue's Reposado Bar, and the resulting sound cocktail is The Reposadists - one of Toronto’s hippest, jazziest quintets!

The Reposadists perform orginals songs and songs from The Great American Songbook, and more. They’ll ease, bop, and swing you into a buzzingly fine mood. Always.

“Sandy MacFadyen is a very skilled Jazz vocalist. He’s got a warm and distinctive voice. There’s a wise-guy gravitas to it - a toughness, a wryess, and a joy to his tone. And yes, I suppose plenty of late nights sipping fine tequilas have added to it in a nice way as well. He sounds really good. I hear Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra when MacFayden sings - that great lineage that reaches back to Satchmo (Louis Armstrong).

I’ve listened carefully to these greats my entire life, so much Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald as well as others like Cab Calloway, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Carmen McRae, Tony Bennett, Billy Eckstein, Peggy Lee, Johnny Hartman, Nina Simone, Jon Hendricks, the very underrated Louis Prima, Mark Murphy and more.

We’re lucky here on OZ. I’ll walk South down the avenue - sometimes I’ll just float down - to Reposado’s (Tequila Bar), which MacFadyen owns and where he vocalizes weekly, to catch a set or two of The Reposadists. Jazz music of the 20’s through the 60’s and beyond is held in high esteem there, and it’s so very enjoyable and fun. Great vocalist. Great band. Thank you to The Reposadists for keeping the torch flaming hot and burning bright.” — Sam, Co-Owner of The Painted Lady / Ossfest North Stage Programmer/Producer

Influences & Inspiration: Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, Nina Simone, David Bowie & Count Basie

Sandy MacFadyen on Vocals
Tim Hamel on Trumpet
Lee Wallace on Guitar
Jon Meyer on Bass
Ethan Ardelli on Drums

Emma Campbell is a Toronto-born singer/songwriter who has spent the majority of her 24 years making and performing music. Drawing from both pop and folk influences, Emma’s music is largely inspired by artists such as Lizzy McAlpine, Jensen McRae, and Phoebe Bridgers. Her debut EP, Oh Emma, (produced by Michael Wojewoda) was released in 2022, and she is currently working on her first album — set to release in 2027 — in collaboration with friend and producer Ben Heffernan

“Campbell’s sound is ready for the radio, while also being imbued with a level of intimacy that will make you glad that you pressed the play button.”‍ ‍— UpToHear

“Emma Campbell has a special instrument. I’m referring to her voice. Texturally, sometimes tonaly, it reminds me of Sarah McLachlan a bit, and it’s hard not to think of Joni Mitchell as well, in her facility to turn on a musical dime and place you somewhere unexpected and thrilling. Comparisons are unfair ultimately for many reasons, but for now I’ll just cite the fact that they are a short-hand to quantifying what is impossible to quantify.

What is certain is Emma Campbell’s voice is beautiful - tender and fragile, romantic and strong, and very much her own. There’s something very special going on I just haven’t heard before. Listen to her song “All That We Can Get” from her debut EP, Oh Emma, released in 2022. It’s a wonderful song, as is the entire EP, and its production by top-tier producer Michael Wojewoda and mastering engineer João Carvalho is stellar. Check out Campbell’s more recent songs “Just Say It” and “All of this is Magic”.  I’ve listened to them over and over.

Miss Emma Campbell stands out as one to listen and watch for. “The future is wide open.” – Who said that?” — Sam, Owner of The Painted Lady / Ossfest North Stage Programmer/Producer

https://emmacmusic.com/epk

Rudy Blair has been part of the entertainment industry in the capacity of Radio/Television Emcee, Host and Speaker for almost 30 years. Twenty-three of those years were with 680News as the Music Entertainment Reporter. During that time, he interviewed some of the biggest artists in music including Beyonce, Jay Z, Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Lorde, Gordon Lightfoot, Tony Bennett and Tim McGraw, and covered major events such as The Grammy Awards, The Juno Awards, the Much Music Video Awards, The Canadian Screen Awards and Canada's Walk of Fame.
 
Rudy has been honoured with 16 Radio-Television News Directors Association National and Regional Awards, The Harry Jerome Award, and has been inducted into the Humber College Radio Broadcasting Hall Of Fame, The Vaughan Road Academy Hall of Fame, and has received an Honorary Degree from Humber College.
 
With his new website, Rudy Blair Entertainment Media, he continues to promote music acts of the future, as well as cover events, chat with stars of the stage, movies, sports, politics and the every day person who has an interesting story.  

rudyblairmedia.com