Stratford Summer Music brings big shows and community spirit this fall

Mark Fewer, artistic director of Stratford Summer Music in front of Stratford City Hall. Starting this October, Stratford Summer Music keeps the community connected with its fall season.

For 25 years, Stratford Summer Music (SSM) has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene – and this fall the organization is keeping that tradition alive with a season of concerts that connect the community through music.

Starting off on Oct. 19 there will be Stratford's own five-piece rock band taking the stage as part of SSM’s Brewstage Series at Jobsite Brewing Co. The group consists of Andy Allen on guitars and keys, lead vocalist Scott Beaudin, Peter Dixon on bass, Mark Ippersiel on drums and Eric Lundgren on lead guitar. The event will start at 2 p.m. with tickets at $35.

“In the spring and fall, we tend to focus on more traditional programming, with great folk and classical shows. Summer, on the other hand, is much more intense and packed, often featuring educational components,” said Mark Fewer, artistic director at SSM.

“Next summer, we’ll be launching an adult amateur music academy, in addition to continuing our successful jazz series.”

SSM will bring two centuries of music together. On Oct. 22 at 7 p.m., Lazaridis Hall will host the world premiere of a new octet by Canadian composer Jared Miller, commissioned by Stratford supporter Robert Lemon in memory of Robert Ledingham. 

“I feel like Oct. 22 is going to be a mindblower,” said Fewer. “There will be familiar music that audiences will love, performed by a fantastic lineup of world-class musicians, and a brand-new work will be premiered. This is truly going to be a special performance.”

The work will be paired with Felix Mendelssohn’s classic Octet, celebrating its 200th anniversary. The evening promises a playful back-and-forth between past and present. Hosted by Tom Allen, it is a 60-minute performance with no intermission. There is also an optional Meet the Artists reception for $25, with show tickets slated for $50.

Then on Dec. 4, Stratford audiences can get a jump on the holiday season with Christmas with The Ennis Sisters. The trio, Maureen, Karen and Teresa, will bring their signature sibling harmonies, award-winning tunes and some Newfoundland style to an evening of carols, original songs and heartwarming family stories.

 “The community absolutely loves The Ennis Sisters, they bring a unique Christmas flavour with their Newfoundland flair, and we couldn’t resist inviting them back to Stratford. They’re fan favorites, and I’m sure this performance will draw a fantastic crowd.”

With over 25 years of making music, the sisters mix holiday classics, humorous recitations, and even a little Irish step-dancing for a festive show that promises to warm even the chilliest winter night. One night only, this performance will begin at 7 p.m. 

Fewer said that SSM has seen strong community support for its year-round programming, offering opportunities for people to reconnect through shared musical experiences. 

Fewer adds that the initiative is a way to bring in community engagement, noting that after 25 years, the focus on building connections remains unchanged. The organization is also exploring new venues to host performances, maximizing the use of each space and giving audiences a variety of locations in which to enjoy the music.