The ED’s Take: What’s Coming This Fall
Hello Stratford Summer Music Fans,
While Mark takes a short break, I’m excited to share some upcoming fall programming news with you!
But first—have you heard about our season-long 50/50 raffle? The jackpot is already over $6,000 and still climbing! There’s plenty of time to grab your tickets before the November 22 draw. Don’t miss your chance to win big and help us push the pot past $8,000!
FALL FUNDRAISER
First up—our fall fundraiser, Mariachis & Margaritas!
We’re shaking things up this year! Our annual fundraiser is back with a brand-new twist—say goodbye to Fiddles & Food Trucks and get ready for a fiesta like no other.
Making their triumphant return after a sold-out show in Stratford, Viva Mexico Mariachi is bringing the ultimate celebration—this time with dazzling dancers to turn up the energy! Expect a night bursting with colour, rhythm, and joy—you won’t want to miss it.
Your ticket includes:
🎺 Live music by Viva Mexico Mariachi
🌮 2 food tickets
🍹 2 drink tickets
💌 $50 charitable tax receipt
Event Details:
📅Date: Thursday, September 11
⏰Time: 6:00 PM
📍Location: The Ritsma's Barn | 75 Kellys Lane
💵Tickets: $125
Tickets are limited—and if last time is any clue, they’ll sell out fast. Don’t wait—grab yours today and join us for Stratford’s most vibrant night of the season!
FALL PROGRAMMING
This fall, Stratford Summer Music brings you two unforgettable programs—each offering a totally different vibe!
We’re kicking things off with Stratford’s own Downie Street Collective—a five-piece rock band that’s been winning over fans since 2015 with their signature mix of classic rock and pop-infused originals.
With Andy Allen (guitars & keys), Scott Beaudin (lead vocals), Peter Dixon (bass), Mark Ippersiel (drums), and Eric Lundgren (lead guitar), the band has earned a loyal following across Southwestern Ontario. Their latest release, Analog Man, earned rave reviews and airplay for its raw honesty and exploration of modern disconnection and the search for simplicity.
Fresh off their feature at StratfordLive, the band is heading into the studio this August to record a brand-new single set to drop in November—but first, you can catch them live with us at Jobsite Brewing Co.!
Events Details:
📅Date: Sunday, October 19
⏰Time: 2:00 PM
📍Location: Jobsite Brewing Co.
💵Tickets: $35
🍻 Food & drink available for purchase
Get ready for an afternoon of great music, craft beer, and Stratford talent at its finest!
Up next is Make Mine A Double: Miller + Mendelssohn
To celebrate 25 years of Stratford Summer Music, we’re thrilled to present a program that bridges two centuries of musical brilliance.
The evening features the world premiere of a joyful new octet by acclaimed Canadian composer Jared Miller, commissioned by Robert Lemon in memory of Robert Ledingham—a passionate supporter of both Stratford Summer Music and violinist Mark Fewer.
Paired with this fresh contemporary voice is Felix Mendelssohn’s iconic Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, a timeless masterwork of chamber music marking its 200th anniversary in 2025.
Think of it as a conversation across generations—a vibrant “call and response” between past and present, brought to life by outstanding musicians and hosted by the always engaging Tom Allen.
Event Details:
📅Date: Wednesday, October 22
⏰Time: 7:00 PM
📍Location: Lazaridis Hall - Tom Patterson Theatre
💵Tickets: $50 | $25 Meet The Artists Reception (add-on)
Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of legacy, artistry, and the power of music to connect us across time.
Sponsor Highlight
Stratford Summer Music is proud to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jobsite Brewing Co. Not only are they the home of our Brewstage Series, they also craft our very own signature beer, Soundproof.
Jobsite is Stratford’s construction-themed craft brewery, offering a wide assortment of beers brewed on-site. Their welcoming taproom is the perfect spot to enjoy a pint alongside delicious house-made wood-fired pizza. Over the years, Jobsite has become a lively gathering place for friends, family, coworkers—and a great place to meet new ones.
Next time you stop by, raise a glass to Jobsite Brewing Co. for their incredible support of local arts!
