Parrsboro Band Days
« 2026 Schedule^*»

The Cumberland County Crooners are a local 8 piece musical group based in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, known for entertaining community audiences with classic vocal styles and harmonies. We are a community-focused group, often performing at fund-raising and charity events; such as the outdoor bandstand concerts hosted by the ⁠Parrsboro Band Association. We are a group of friends who got together socially during Covid, and have continued since. True to the "crooner" namesake, our repertoire generally centers around classic pop standards, traditional melodies, and smooth, vocal-driven music.

Shirley Jackson is a Canadian touring blues & roots artist who epitomizes the blues & roots experience with every performance she gives and with every recording she makes. Glasgow Square Quote: “A Power House of Sound”. A recognized singer/songwriter in the International Song Award Finals(2022)and the World Song Awards top ten finalists (2022) an award winning saxophone player with two Maple Blues Awards for Horn Player. (2018, 2003) (Canada). Jackson is an accomplished songwriter, arranger and music producer and has been a mainstay in the Nova Scotia music scene for the past 35 years as a singer, saxophone player, guitarist and band leader. Jackson has independently produced four albums with the Good Rockin' Daddys; each nominated for Blues Recording of the Year by the East Coast Music Association and the Nova Scotia Music Awards. The six piece horn-powered Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin' Daddys hail to a sound inspired by the early years of Rock & Roll when horn sections were an integral part of the sound of a swingin' and rockin’ good time and stylized with Jackson's songwriting and arranging. With two members of the Good Rockin' Daddys as multiple Maple Blues Award recipients: Shirley Jackson (2x horn player) and Tom Bona (8x drummer) this 6 piece blues band provide a high energy show of fun modern swingin' horn- powered blues. Shirley Jackson – Tenor Sax, Vocals (2x Maple Blues Award recipient– Horn Player) Dave “Hot Lips” Harrison – Trumpet & Flugel Horn Dawn Hatfield – Baritone Sax (ECMA & Juno recipient with the Johnny Favourite Band) JF Lafleche' – Guitar Jef Wirchenko – Bass Tom Bona – Drums ( 8x Maple Blues Award recipient. - Drummer)

Hooligans Ruff was formed to keep Celtic music alive for the community and the members of the combo. The Hooligans Ruff repertoire is large enough to do entire performances of Irish or Scottish or Maritime Songs and Shanties. They most enjoy when they can perform all of the above styles. The group members are Carl Cameron on banjo and vocals; Rob Bentley on guitar and vocals; Martin Langford on bodhrán, tin whistle, and vocals; and occasionally Ron Byers on fiddle. Expect to hear tales of the sea, funny stories, and your favourite traditional songs. Prepare to clap your hands, sing along, and party with Hooligans Ruff.

The Chebucto Big Band is a Halifax based group comprised of professionals, educators and a mix of community musicians. The band has been performing for over 30 years at private and public venues including Main Stage at the Halifax Jazz Festival. Under the direction of John Cuming, one of Canada`s top jazz trumpeters, the repertoire includes big band standards of swing, jazz and Latin music.

Joan Caddell (songwriter, lead vocals and guitar) and Scott Caddell (stand-up bass and vocals), whose family hails from Lower Economy, will join forces with local multi-instrumentalist Ryan MacAleese featured on guitar, percussion and vocals, the talented Mike Pinto from Truro on drums and returning NYC playe Sal Azzarelli on guitar and mandolin. Together this supergroup will perform Joan's fresh original music, as well as timeless country classics that will become new favourites for some and beautiful musical memories for others. Joan Caddell's original award-winning songs are a unique blend of pop, folk, blues, and rock with some country on the side. This show also features the band performing retro-country classics music by Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johhny Cash, Tammy Wynette and more. With this unique combination of talent, you are guaranteed to leave the performance a fan. Joan Caddell has produced 4 impressive CDs filled with original songs - "Almost Naked Truth", "Piece of Heaven", "Divine Women", and her latest EP - "Butterflies and Cardinals". Visit her website www.JoanCaddell.com, or facebook @"Joan Caddell & The Midnight Choir", or download tunes on all streaming platforms.

The Bridgewater Fire Department Band (BFD Band) has been intimately involved in Bridgewater town life for all of it's 158-year history, taking part in parades, in festivals, gracing the more solemn town ceremonies, helping the town to celebrate and to commemorate, and on one occasion playing for visiting royalty. The BFD Band began in 1868, the Band has gone through many transitions; initially attached to the 68th Kings County Regiment until 1908, and subsequently called “Bridgewater Citizens Band”. It has been affiliated with the fire department since 1952, periodically known as 'Bridgewater Fireman's Band', 'Bridgewater Fire Department Band' and affectionately on social media as just the 'BFD Band'. These days, the Band members are a cultured and eclectic bunch who are proud to act as musical ambassadors and love to get together to enjoy making music. They are drawn from across the province. There are some fire-fighters among the ranks, also students, many professions and retirees. You may find them performing at any significant local or provincial event, including parades and memorial services. Concerts have also formed an important part of the BFD Bands annual schedule, providing an opportunity to present a polished and carefully crafted performance. They also recently visited several of the Canadian WW1 and WW2 memorials in Belgium, offering a musical tribute at those significant and nationally important locations.

Natalie Alcorn, Robyn Alcorn-Martin, and Jodie (Alcorn) Miller are sisters known for their warm tonal blend, sweet harmonies, and natural vocal prowess.  Coming from a musical family in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, they've been singing together since before they can remember and have continued to develop their sound through decades of performance and collaboration. Each sister brings her own musical experience and vocal subtleties to the table to create a unique performance every time with repertoire ranging from folk to jazz to R&B. Although the girls cumulatively hold music degrees from Memorial University, St. Francis Xavier University, Acadia University, University of Toronto, McGill University and The New England Conservatory, it is their upbringing steeped in various genres of music, being surrounded by a family of musicians and growing up in a small town Nova Scotia community bursting with music that nurtured and developed their innate musical abilities and passion for performance!   Jodie is a classically trained soprano and choral aficionado!  She was a member of Toronto's Elmer Eisler Singers for several years, has recently been featured as a soloist with Halifax's Operatlantic and this winter was appointed as musical director for Upstream Music Association's opera, Caroline's Sweeper. Robyn is a sought-after clinician and performer who regularly presents for teachers province-wide at Nova Scotia Music Educators' Association conferences.  She specializes as a jazz and contemporary vocalist but is a skilled multi-instrumentalist and writer as well.  She was the vocal and choral coach for the Nova Scotia Honour Jazz program for over a decade and is the lead singer for several in-demand bands which keep her weekend schedules full!   Following in the footsteps of their parents, Robyn and Jodie run the thriving music department of Northumberland Regional High School as music educators, band conductor (Robyn) and choral conductor (Jodie). Natalie is a classically trained French horn player and is a member of the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy.  She has performed with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic among others and regularly joins the horn section of Symphony Nova Scotia.  She has been a featured vocal soloist for the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo since 2024. Combined, the Alcorn sisters have 7 children, 5 dogs, 2 cats, 2 birds, one fish and generally not a spare minute.. But when they can find the time, nothing brings them more joy than gathering their whole clan together for some good food, wine, laughs, family hikes, and you guessed it- music making!

Pinning down the sound of Cape-Breton-based quintet Pretty Archie has always been about as easy as catching a greased pig, but with the release of their new, self-titled album the band is confident that their unique mix of folk, Americana, bluegrass, Alt-Country, and East Coast music will appeal to a wider audience than ever before. Celebrating their tenth anniversary with what is arguably their finest work to date, the album was released on February 11, 2022 via Curve Music/Warner Music. The self-titled album is nominated for East Coast Music Award's ‘Group Recording of the Year’ and ‘Country Recording of the Year’. 'Familiar Feeling' the first single from the album, was nominated for Canadian Folk Music Awards 'Single of the Year' Pretty Archie, their sixth album, is one of which they are justifiably proud, for it represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of the group’s sound. ”I feel each of our other records was a step ahead of the previous one, but this one is six steps ahead,” declares bassist/vocalist/songwriter Colin Gillis. “We are proud of everything we’ve put out, but this is at a different level.” Helping the group realize the formidable creative achievement that is Pretty Archie was internationally-acclaimed record producer and engineer Mark Howard, whose star-studded resume includes work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, U2, Tom Waits, The Tragically Hip, Peter Gabriel, and more. Howard’s fortuitous recent relocation to Cape Breton allowed Pretty Archie to take advantage of his skills, and the band couldn’t be happier with the results. To record Pretty Archie, Howard and the band set up shop in the rustic setting of an A-frame lakeside cottage in Cape Breton. Lead vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Brian Cathcart explains that “Mark is very much about the vibe of the room, and this worked out perfectly. We were in the house for two weeks, basically doing a song a day, and we did evening sessions that had a cooler relaxed feel.” “It was all basically recorded live off the floor, with minimal overdubs,” adds Colin. “That’s something we had always wanted, and Mark was able to do that. There’s a certain ambiance and energy in recording that way.” Describing the new album, Brian states “it is more focused, even though you still can’t quite put a finger on it. For us, it definitely has way more of a country vibe. This record leans more towards alternative country or Americana, rather than the super commercial country out there.” The catchy “Reasons” is one of the tunes that changed considerably in the studio, as Brian explains. “Originally that was rather a ‘cry in your beer’ song, but Mark wanted it faster. He had the 808 drum machine rhythm and we just sped the tune up to that, so now it is short, sweet and punchy.” There’s a similar upbeat tone to “Familiar Feelings,” another song that showcases the band’s instrumental prowess. Brian digs deep vocally on the haunting ballad “Feel It In My Bones,” while, at Howard’s suggestion, “Someone New” became a duet, featuring Austin-based Maritime honkytonker Whitney Rose, with the contrasting vocals adding real resonance. Brian is especially proud of “Maritime,” a song written right in the studio that features these poignant lyrics - ”If your heart breaks down, we’ll use mine. It is weathered and weary, but it is Maritime.” Cathcart explains that “as a band, we wear our East Coast hearts on our sleeves. We are very proud of where we are from, but our focus now is exposing people internationally to our part of the world.” Gillis adds that “if you are genuine and true to yourselves, then people will attach themselves to that, no matter where you are from.” Pretty Archie have long been regional favourites, with a stack of Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Award nominations to their credit. They are now looking globally, and with Pretty Archie they have an album ready for international prime time play. Do yourself a big favour and check it out.

The four (sometimes five) piece combo, Midnight Cats, was formed as a collaboration of diverse musicians who share the enjoyment of performing and exploring each other's musical experiences. The group consists of Ryan MacAleese on lead guitar and vocals; Jill Chambers on bass, guitar, and vocals; Rob Bentley on guitar, bass, keyboards, harmonica, and vocals; and Morris Canning on drums and percussion. The group is joined, on occasion, by Kevin MacAleese on guitar, fiddle, accordion, and vocals. Expect to hear an ever-changing repertoire of pop, rock, country, folk, and blues with a smattering of original material. Genre is not the criterion for a Cats song, fun is! Prepare to dance, sing along, and party with Midnight Cats.

The Elastic Big Band is a 15-piece ensemble based in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, featuring a mix of musicians from communities across the Maritimes. Members commute to Parrsboro for rehearsals and gigs from all over, including Halifax, Springhill, Truro, Amherst, and Sackville, NB. The band is known for bringing the classic sounds of the 1920s to the 1940s—along with a sprinkle of modern dance, jive, and funk—to the Nova Scotia music scene. They frequently perform at Parrsboro community anchors such as The Hall and the Bandstand. You will often find them at community events like Parrsboro Band Days, the Gemcutter's Ball, and the Ship's Company Theatre. Their outdoor performances and local concerts often raise funds or accept donations for community charities.

The Bombadils, awarded Vocal Group of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2024, offer stirring lyrics with intertwining string-band arrangements, and tinges of bluegrass. Canadian arts journalist Bob Mersereau calls it "folk tunes done with musical adventure and sophistication" and Elmore Magazine, "an enchanting folk romp." Other recent accolades include Rising Star Recording of the Year at the 2024 East Coast Music Awards, and Americana/Bluegrass Recording of the Year at the 2023 Music Nova Scotia Awards. Making their home in the foggy port city of Halifax, Canada, the band features folk darlings Sarah Frank and Luke Fraser, accompanied by guests from their extended musical community. Tour highlights include Koerner Hall in Toronto, Tivoli Gardens in Denmark, and Wintergrass festival outside Seattle. Their recent release, Dear Friend, comes after having moved to Atlantic Canada and launching straight into the rush of new parenthood, a new city, and a global pandemic. The 11-song album was recorded between lockdowns and daycare pick-ups, and it is a series of love letters of a certain kind—to family and friends, strangers and neighbours, cities and landscapes, and to each other.

Described as "Good, classic long-haul truck drivin' music", Cameron Nickerson draws inspiration from lived experiences at his century-old camp, rooted in small town Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. Recently CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) nominated for "Innovative Campaign of the Year", Nickerson’s relentless pursuit of truth in songwriting has positioned him as a rising force in the Americana space. Following the success of his debut and sophomore country records, Cameron turns the page with his upcoming release The Wagon, leaning into his folk roots and cuttin’ fresh bluegrass with his band, The 340 South.

Cereal Jones and the Coastliners is a rock-influenced collective featuring an evolving line-up of musicians from the Parrsboro area and surrounding coastline. Drawing upon a wide range of musical influences spanning 70’s rock band standards to modern hits, Cereal Jones and the Coastliners cover well-loved classics and energetic songs with an authentic touch. Marking the collectives first public concert, the July 17th Band Days line-up includes: Joshua Lake (guitar/vocals), Mathew Reynolds (guitar/vocals), Daniel Elkin (guitar), Gary Shackleton (bass), Simon Elkin (drums/vocals) plus a few special guests.

Now in its 104th season, The Weston Silver Band (WSB) traces its continuous history back to 1921, when it was created as the Weston Boys’ Band by George Sainsbury. Under the baton of Music Director Larry Shields, the bands membership is made up of accomplished brass players from the GTA and surrounding areas. Three-time North American Brass Band Champions, the WSB returned to competition in 2014 at the North American Brass Band Championships after an 18 year hiatus, and is the first and only Canadian Brass Band to win section titles at the contest. Weston won first place honours in the 2nd section in 2014. Moving up to First Section in 2015, the WSB repeated their top prize winning result. Following a 2nd place finish in 2016, the WSB placed first at The Championships in March 2017 and second in April 2018. Five time winners of the Hannaford Cup, an annual Award of Excellence at Toronto’s Festival of Brass, as well as Best Soloist awards for members Brad Norton, cornet (2011) and Robert Miller, euphonium (2013) and Matthew Ross, flugelhorn (2015), the WSB has recently gained international recognition as a performing ensemble. The WSB became the first Canadian Brass Band invited to perform at the US Open Brass Band Championships, in Chicago, Illinois with a third place podium finish in 2009 and a US Open Best Soloist win for WSB Euphonium virtuoso Robert Miller in 2010. In June 2017, Weston Silver Band appeared in one of the preeminent arts festivals in North America, Luminato Festival, in the DORA award winning stage production of En avant, marche! In June 2019, the WSB embarked on their first ever tour to Yorkshire, England, becoming the first Canadian Band to compete in the 134 year old Whit Friday Brass Band Contest, placing 18th out of 122 bands. In November 2023 & 2024, the WSB returned to the US Open Brass Band Championships, taking 2nd place and winning several additional recognition awards including Best Soloist and Best Individual Performer for WSB Euphonium virtuoso Robert Miller. In April 2024, the WSB became the first Canadian brass band to be ranked in the top 200 brass bands worldwide (4barsrest World Rankings). Through excellent artistic and educational performances for musicians and communities, the WSB actively seeks to promote the brass band tradition as an important part of the cultural heritage of the Province of Ontario as well as a dynamic and unique voice for contemporary composers and arrangers.