Roots North Music Festival
Returns to Downtown Orillia April 24 to 27, 2025
Homegrown festival features headliners
Royal Wood and Jully Black
“Roots” is a unique festival that offers free concerts at venues throughout downtown Orillia (and beyond) while at the same time presenting ticketed concerts at the St. Paul’s Centre the evenings of April 25 and 26.
Multiple Juno nominated singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Royal Wood headlines the Friday evening show at St. Paul’s. Since being proclaimed “Songwriter of the Year” by iTunes, Wood has continued to evolve and hone his musical craft while maintaining a unique identity. Royal is a superb songwriter who has just released his eighth full length album. We look forward to his triumphant return to Orillia.
Royal is supported by Toronto singer Nicolina. Nicolina is a rising star with an American Idol appearance to her credit. Her voice is powerful, controlled and very emotive. Some day you’ll be able to say, “I saw her when…”.
Also opening is local legend, James Gray. James’ stunning vocals, excellent guitar playing and commanding stage presence will send you to folkie heaven.
Saturday evening sees the inimitable Jully Black take the stage. Jully has been dubbed “Canada’s Queen of R+B Soul” for good reason. Rumour has it that Roots is having the roof at St. Paul’s reinforced for her performance.
Opening, we have Gracie bring a mixture of pop, soul and R+B delivered with powerful vocals. The perfect person to take us from the more folkie James Gray to the Jully’s dynamic R+B.
A weekend pass to both shows is a mere $65. Can’t make both evenings? Your tickets are completely transferable. You can buy tickets at RootsNorthMusic.ca. If you prefer conventional tickets, they can be had at Pocket Skate and Vintage, 121 Mississaga St. E. – cash only, please.
The Zero Dollars Option
The free portion of our program takes in the Orillia downtown core as well as a few venues in Oro-Medonte and Coldwater. Roots will have performers in roughly 20 venues.
Music starts on Thursday evening and runs through Sunday, but Saturday represents the highest concentration of performers. Final bookings are being confirmed so check in at www.RootsNorthMusic.ca for up-to-date information.
