Updated:8/25/2024
Summer Sunday afternoons in Muskoka are for relaxing with a cocktail or glass of wine while listening to music on the patio with friends. We’ve curated a list of fantastic local musicians to come and play on our patio while you enjoy our picturesque landscape.
- Performances begin at 1:00 PM each Sunday
- Reservations not required
- No cover charge
![Christina Hutt playing her guitar while singing in a rustic setting](https://cranberry.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Christina-Hutt.jpg)
Christina Hutt
Sept 1 @ 1PM
Christina Hutt is a captivating performer whose rich, resonant voice transports listeners to a bygone era, reminiscent of the soul-stirring sounds of the late 1950s. Hailing from Kearney, Ontario, she has earned the nickname “The Voice” in her hometown, enchanting audiences with her honest and charismatic delivery. Her diverse range and emotional depth shine through in her original songs, such as “Cracks & Crevices,” which delves into the depths of emotional anguish, and “Fifteen Shades,” evoking the spirit of a Patsy Cline tribute. Christina’s music is a heartfelt journey, inviting listeners into the secrets of her soul with fierce passion and endearing spirit.
In recent years, Christina has garnered attention for her outstanding contributions to the music world, including placing in the top 10 female songs of 2022 in the Blues and Roots Radio International Song Contest with her original song “I Should Have Changed.” Her collaboration with Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Bird and singer/songwriter Sue Smith reflects her dedication to evolving as an artist. With her new EP, “Between The Knowing,” and singles “Rookie In A Veteran’s Chair” and “Thought You’d Always Be My Man” now streaming, Christina continues to captivate listeners with her unique voice and heartfelt storytelling. Don’t miss the chance to experience her unforgettable performance.
Past performances
Jessica Sevier
June 30 @ 1PM
Toronto-based Jessica Sevier is a rising star in the country music scene, known for her compelling vocals and multi-instrumental talents. Since debuting with “Ghost of Tom” in 2019, her music has accumulated over 1 million streams. Sevier has grown her fanbase through live performances, sharing stages with prominent artists like Jason McCoy and Tim and the Glory Boys, and playing at notable venues such as Whisky Jam in Nashville and Lee’s Palace in Toronto. Her recent single, “Legends of the Summer,” a nostalgic country-rock track, was produced by Matt Koebel and written by a team of acclaimed songwriters. Released in May 2023, it gained immediate editorial support and airplay on SiriusXM.
Sevier’s musical journey began with piano and voice lessons, and she was encouraged by a supportive elementary school music teacher. She achieved high levels in voice exams at the Royal Conservatory of Music and studied vocal performance at the University of Western Ontario. Her engineering and production studies also paid off, as evidenced by her successful single “Confetti,” produced in Nashville with Grady Saxman. This track topped the Canadian Indie Country Radio Charts and amassed over 400,000 streams. Sevier’s songwriting skills have been recognized through competitions like The Shot: Remastered and the CNE Rising Star Competition, and she was named a top artist to watch at the 2022 Canadian Music Week.
Taryn Rose
July 7 @ 1PM
Among the rising stars of the Canadian Music Scene is 19-year-old Taryn Rose, a Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Proficient in piano, guitar, ukulele, and saxophone, she integrates these instruments into her original music, showcasing her versatility.
Taryn has professionally recorded three original songs—”Million Scars,” “I Don’t Wanna Choose,” and “Bottled Up Emotions”—along with a music video for “Million Scars,” and over 30 additional original compositions. A first-place winner in the Open Mic Canada singing competition, she is also launching a live entertainment business, performing at a variety of venues. Balancing her burgeoning music career with her business studies at the University of Western Ontario, Taryn lives by the mantra: “There is always time for music.”
Emma Clendenan
July 14 @ 1PM
Raised in Port Carling, Ontario, singer-songwriter Emma Clendenan has been captivating local audiences in Muskoka since 2014. Influenced by artists like Ed Sheeran and Jim Cuddy/Blue Rodeo, Emma’s diverse musical repertoire showcases her extensive background in flute, piano, ukulele, and her primary instrument, guitar. She also has years of choral experience, including performances at Roy Thomson Hall with the prestigious Canadian International Schools Music Festival senior choir.
Emma is a passionate advocate for music and the arts in her community, founding Rhythm for Rosseau, an annual fundraiser concert supporting rural and remote medicine. Her contributions include developing and directing a choir at Rosseau Lake College, leading to a Bronze ranking at the Northern Ontario Music Festival. Recognized as a nominee at the 2018 Bobby Orr Celebrating Youth Awards, Emma has released singles like “Too Much” and “Never Saw it Coming,” and her debut EP “Say It’s Me” in 2022. She continues to perform at various events, including the Bala Cranberry Festival, and is a regular feature at Crossroads Restaurant in Rosseau.
Steve Rae
July 21 @ 1PM
Steve Rae, a Stratford/Muskoka-based singer/songwriter, has made a significant impact in the music world with his evocative performances and heartfelt songwriting. His musical journey began in the late 60s, leading to a high school nickname “Gordie” due to his relentless dedication to his craft. Over the years, Rae has captivated audiences with his soulful renditions, performing solo with his guitar and touring with various bands including Steve Rae and Muskoka Boathouse, the Steve Rae Band, and The Pony Man Band. Known for his rich voice and emotive style, Rae continues to charm listeners and preserve the timeless essence of his musical inspirations.
James Grey
July 28 @ 1PM
James Gray is a contemporary traveling folk singer who has spent the past decade touring Canada, Europe, and Australia, sharing his beloved songs. Known for his unique fingerstyle guitar playing and hauntingly beautiful vocals, Gray captivates audiences with his soulful performances and humorous stage presence.
When the pandemic halted his tours, Gray found inspiration in the pause and created his third album, “New Friends That Talk Like Old Friends,” reflecting on the people and experiences from his travels. Influenced by legendary songwriters like John Prine and Townes Van Zandt, Gray aims to connect deeply with his listeners, revealing parts of themselves through his music.
Gray’s music receives regular airplay on CBC radio, and he has performed at prestigious events such as TED Talks and the Mariposa Folk Festival. With three albums to his name, he continues to be a prominent figure in the folk music scene, performing at various festivals and events across Canada.
Leah Leslie
August 4 @ 1PM
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with Leah Leslie! Known for her captivating voice and masterful guitar skills, Leah’s music transcends genres, weaving together folk, blues, jazz, and country in a way that is uniquely her own. With her vintage Grit Laskin acoustic guitar and a repertoire that includes stunning covers of John Prine, The Eagles, and Edith Piaf, Leah promises to deliver a performance that will leave you spellbound.
Join us as Leah Leslie brings her extraordinary talent to our venue. Whether you’re a fan of classic tunes or eager to discover new favorites, Leah’s show is an event you won’t want to miss. Come and experience the magic that has captivated audiences across Canada and the US, and create lasting memories with us.
Taryn Rose
August 11 @ 1PM
Among the rising stars of the Canadian Music Scene is 19-year-old Taryn Rose, a Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Proficient in piano, guitar, ukulele, and saxophone, she integrates these instruments into her original music, showcasing her versatility.
Taryn has professionally recorded three original songs—”Million Scars,” “I Don’t Wanna Choose,” and “Bottled Up Emotions”—along with a music video for “Million Scars,” and over 30 additional original compositions. A first-place winner in the Open Mic Canada singing competition, she is also launching a live entertainment business, performing at a variety of venues. Balancing her burgeoning music career with her business studies at the University of Western Ontario, Taryn lives by the mantra: “There is always time for music.”
Briar Summers
August18 @ 1PM
Briar Summers is a singer-songwriter from Muskoka, Ontario. Look for her new album, Resonance, in the new year. Produced and mixed by Wayne Cochrane, mastered by Chris Crerar, at Metalworks Studios, Mississauga ON. Featuring the talents of Ben Riley (drums), Drew Jurecka (viola, violin), Jack Gaughan (guitars), Cole Jodouin (bass), Daniel Dennis (cello), and Louis Tusz (trumpet).
Briar has performed on many stages throughout Muskoka and beyond – Summerfolk Festival, Muskoka Pride, Muskoka Music Festival, Bala Cranberry Festival and Huntsville’s Festival of the Arts, and has played countless other concerts and venues as well.
She’s the recipient of several performing arts awards over the years, including the Town of Huntsville’s Bill Waterhouse Award, winning bursaries from the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and Muskoka Men of Song. Recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal from her high school, Briar now attends the University of Toronto.
Sean Cotton
August 25 @ 1PM
A Georgetown , Ontario native and Toronto expat, Sean Cotton currently creates and performs in the Central Ontario regions of Muskoka and Almaguin Highlands. After retiring from a 20 year career on the road and in the studio as a guitar player and harmony vocalist with performing-songwriting duo The Undesirables, Sean has settled in the village of Burk’s Falls, Ontario where he operates a recording studio producing artist, recording his own albums as well as working as a jingle composer for radio.
Over the years Sean has been a sideman for artists as diverse as Indie New Country Artist Marshall Dane, Blues and R&B singer Treasa Levasseur, and Pop singer Suzie McNeil. His first record producer credit was for his longtime collaborator Folk singer Corin Raymond. Sean still receives SOCAN royalties from writing collaborations with the latter three artists.
You can see Sean performing solo from Gravenhurst to North Bay, from Burk’s Falls to Parry Sound. These performances are a highly revered one-man band experience, with Sean filling out the back beat of the music with his feet by performing percussion on a tambourine adorned guitar case and sporting ankle bells on his left leg. He is constantly creating bands to suit all occasions that get thrown his direction. He currently performs his original music with a quartet fittingly named The New Locals.