Autumn Concert in the Barn Returning to Raise Vital Funds for Mariposa House Hospice
ORO-MEDONTE — Live music, local spirit, and community support will come together this fall as the Autumn Concert in the Barn returns on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The special musical afternoon will take place in the bucolic setting of Braestone Farm, where the rustic charm of the barn provides an intimate backdrop for an exceptional lineup in support of Mariposa House Hospice. Headlining this year’s concert is The Devin Cuddy Band, with singer-songwriter Kelly Davies opening the show.
A Stellar Musical Lineup
Growing up surrounded by music and exploring his father Jim Cuddy’s record collection, Devin Cuddy drew early inspiration from blues, jazz, and country legends like Louis Armstrong, Dr. John, and Professor Longhair. After studying jazz piano at York University and building a loyal following during a weekly residency at Toronto’s Cameron House, Cuddy refined his signature sound while touring across Canada with Blue Rodeo. Today, the Devin Cuddy Band tours nationwide, bringing a blend of roots rock, country, blues, and piano-driven storytelling to audiences.
Opening artist Kelly Davies brings nearly 25 years of performance experience across Ontario. Having performed at over 200 long-term care communities and facilities such as Sunnybrook Hospital, Davies uses music to create connections and bring joy when words fall short.
Community Support and Volunteer Dedication
Event organizing volunteers Sue Tselikis and Kelly Shelswell noted that local sponsors have embraced the event enthusiastically. “The response from our local sponsors has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Tselikis. “Our business community immediately recognized the importance of this event, and their willingness to step up as sponsors highlights how deeply people care about hospice care in our region.”
“Organizing this concert is so meaningful because Mariposa House Hospice touches the lives of so many families across our communities,” added Shelswell. “Bringing people together for an afternoon of incredible live music while raising money for such a compassionate cause makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Mariposa House Hospice Engagement Manager Kandas Bartlett emphasized that community-led efforts and volunteers are crucial to the hospice’s success.
“Volunteers are truly the heart of Mariposa House,” said Bartlett. “From helping with day-to-day hospice operations to pouring their energy into organizing major fundraisers like the Autumn Concert in the Barn, our volunteers make everything we do possible. We are endlessly grateful for their dedication.”
Supporting Essential Operational Needs
Mariposa House Hospice provides high-quality residential palliative care, alongside emotional, grief, and bereavement support, at no cost to residents and their families throughout Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte, and Ramara. The hospice operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
With an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million, government funding covers less than half of the required operational costs. As a result, the hospice must raise roughly $1 million each year through community donations and special events.
“Fundraisers like the Autumn Concert in the Barn are absolutely essential for meeting our annual operational needs,” said John Mayo, Chair of the Mariposa House Hospice Board. “Every dollar raised directly supports the high-quality care we provide—funding our skilled clinical staff and the peaceful, comforting environment that residents and their families rely on during life’s most difficult moments.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Autumn Concert in the Barn are available through the Mariposa House Hospice website. Tickets are priced at $100 plus HST and service fees. Given the limited seating in the intimate barn venue the event is expected to sell out quickly.