Live talent has filled Peace Park every summer since 2006

The Fonthill Bandshell Concert Series will usher in summer by kicking off a season-long celebration of music and community marking 20 years of live entertainment in Peace Park.

Unlike past years, where hundreds of options are considered to create each new season, the volunteer committee reviewed the past two decades of performances to curate an all-star lineup for the 2025 edition, which begins June 19.

“It’s so hard to believe – from planning and building a bandshell to honour Fonthill’s 150th anniversary 20 years ago – all that it has become,” notes Gayle Baltjes-Chataway, chair of the volunteer Fonthill Bandshell Concerts committee. “We have welcomed hundreds of thousands of people to our small town, and I am so proud of our dedicated group of music-loving volunteers and what we have built together!”

Taking place in Peace Park, in downtown Fonthill, this year’s lineup includes an eclectic mix of original and tribute acts in 12 performances, from June 19 to Sept. 4. Fan favourites all, there is also a mix of musical styles, from Celtic-country fiddling to disco-inspired dance music and some throwback country to boot. And yes, for those who are wondering, Elvis will indeed be back.

“This year is going to be so much fun with ‘The Best Of’ many of the crowd favourites from the past 20 years. We know you’re gonna love it!” adds Jim Casson, artistic director with the committee. “The concerts have grown so much since that first summer in 2006. And that is because of the fabulous audience from our community who come out each and every week, and the amazing group of volunteers who put together this series each year!”

Sponsorships help make the series possible, by offsetting the cost of a professional sound system and musician fees. Other costs are covered by a one-time annual donation option (purchase and display a Bandshell Booster button), as well as donations made each week during the concerts. Volunteers will be selling the $100 season’s pass buttons at the upcoming Home Show April 12 and 13; at the Pelham Farmers Market June 5 and 12; and during the first concerts of the season. Donations can be made by e-transfer at any time to fonthillbandshelldonations@gmail.com.

Each Thursday evening concert begins at 7 p.m. Free parking is available in various locations, and once again the Thursday evening experience will be combined with the Town of Pelham’s Summer Chill Market, and the Pelham Farmers Market. For detailed program information, visit: www.fonthillbandshell.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram (@fonthillbandshell) and X (@FontBandshell).

The 2025 Lineup

June 19: Dirty Pioneers, classic rock and dance band hits from the 1960s to today, sponsored by Professional Referral Group

June 26: Brass Transit, Chicago tribute, sponsored by Boggio Pharmacy

July 3: Black Gold, Motown/R&B/soul, sponsored by Sobeys Fonthill

July 10: Elvis Lives, sponsored by Lookout Ridge Retirement Community

July 17: Elton Rohn, tribute to Elton John, sponsored by Accipiter Radar

July 24: Fiddlestix, mix of Celtic, rock, country and folk, sponsored by Rankin Construction

July 31: The Highway Men Live, a musical tribute to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, sponsored by Niagara Pre-Hung Doors

August 7: ALWAYS ABBA, tribute, sponsored by Marando Family Dentistry

August 14: The Blushing Brides, tribute to the Rolling Stones, sponsored by Meridian Credit Union

August 21: The Official Blues Brothers Revue, tribute, sponsored by Chambers Insurance Professionals 

August 28: Jim Witter, singer/songwriter with many of your classic hits, sponsored by Rinker Plumbing Services

September 4: Martin Kerr, singer/songwriter/storyteller and one of the most talked-about artists from our 2023 season, sponsored by Rotary Club of Fonthill