Rising young star coming to Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre for SONG benefit concert

‘Mary Frances represents so much of what SONG believes in’

Young rising star Mary Frances is bringing national talent and local connection to the Port Hope Capitol Theatre as part of a SONG benefit concert. /SONG submitted photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

A rising young Canadian artist is coming to light up Port Hope’s historic Capitol Theatre to help local kids and youth, SONG has announced.

This is a concert that celebrates music, family tradition, local culture and Northumberland youth, explained Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG) executive director Miles Bowman.

With help from presenting sponsor Kawartha Metals, SONG has announced Mary Frances as the featured artist for its sixth annual headliner concert at the theatre coming up in October.

“Mary Frances represents so much of what SONG believes in,” said Bowman. “She is an extraordinary young artist with deep musical roots; tremendous skill and a performance style filled with joy and connection.

“Bringing her to the Capitol is a celebration of Canadian talent, rural culture and the next generation of musicians.”

According to a recent release from SONG, Frances, who now lives in the region with family, “brings both national momentum and a meaningful location connection to the Port Hope stage.”

At just 20 years old, she’s already built an impressive career as a 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award Young Performer winner – and her debut solo album “First Light” earned critical praise and the 2024 Cape Breton Tourism Award for its title track, added organizers.

She’s also already performed more than 650 live shows.

“Mary Frances Live at the Capitol” is set for Oct. 10, 2026. Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for students and are available at the Capitol Theatre box office.

So what can people expect for the show?

“From the celebrated MacMaster-Leahy family, Mary Frances grew up surrounded by music, dance and storytelling,” reads a recent release. “A fiddler, pianist, composer and step dancer, she blends Celtic, jazz and Latin influences into a live show filled with energy, joy and exceptional musicianship,” said SONG.

Frances has appeared at several major festivals already in Canada and on international stages.

The Capitol Theatre noted some of her performances have also included sharing stages with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Béla Fleck. She’s also been building a rapidly growing online following with her performances, amassing hundreds-of-thousands – and even millions of views at times – added the theatre.

The Capitol described the upcoming show as an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling.

The benefit concert will also mean help for SONG’s free music programs, which help kids and youth across Northumberland. These programs also aim to help kids build confidence, creativity, resilience and social development.