Stay Tuned: Muskoka Music Festival’s Back for 2023

 

Photo of Miranda Mulholland and friends courtesy Muskoka Music Festival

 

Bryan Dearsley takes a look at the 2022 Muskoka Music Festival and the event’s much anticipated return to cottage country

 

The 2022 edition of the Muskoka Music Festival comes to Gravenhurst this August and promises to cement the town’s already impressive reputation as a centre for great music events.

Conceived by acclaimed singer-songwriter and Roaring Girl Records owner Miranda Mulholland, the festival continues to garner attention thanks to its roster of top Canadian musical talent. Headlining this year is Juno nominated artist Terra Lightfoot, with other acts including a much-anticipated performance by The Devin Cuddy Band led by the son of the legendary Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo fame, who performed during the festival’s inaugural season.

The timing is perfect, heralding a much-welcome return to normal for Muskoka’s music scene after the disruption of the Covid pandemic. And to celebrate, Mulholland, an internationally acclaimed performer, has once again tapped into her family roots and brings a stellar list of big names to the heart of Muskoka for the three-day festival that takes place from August 19th to 21st.

 

Gravenhurst to Host the Muskoka Music Festival 2022

 

It’s not surprising that Mulholland’s first choice as the location for the return of this momentous cultural festival celebrating Canada’s raw, eclectic, and ever-changing music scene was the Town of Gravenhurst.

In addition to receiving the green light for that first festival, then known as the Sawdust City Music Festival, from the local government back in 2017, Mulholland also received (and continues to receive) a great deal of support from Canada’s leading musical talent.

 

 

Said Jim Cuddy at the time: “There is nothing more rewarding than supporting young entrepreneurs in this often-harsh music biz. I love Miranda’s talent for performing music, and now I get to experience her talent for creating a great community event.”

Continued Cuddy: “Muskoka holds a special place in my heart with summer days at my aunt’s cottage or out in boats cruising slowly around the beautiful lakes with my teenage friends.”

 

The Gravenhurst Connection

 

Ask Mulholland “Why Gravenhurst?” and she’s quick to share the story of her deep local roots. Her great-great-grandfather, Charles Mickle, owned the lumber mill that was to give the town its nickname of Sawdust City. Twice voted Gravenhurst’s mayor, it was, perhaps fittingly, also Mickle who commissioned the construction of the town’s iconic Opera House.

It seemed quite natural, says Mulholland, to celebrate this heritage at the same time as supporting Canadian music while providing visitors to the region a unique musical experience.

“When I created my record label, I had a hypothetical festival in mind,” she says. “A festival that celebrated collaboration, cross-genre, and musicianship, the cornerstones of the label. It is beyond my wildest dreams that it’s actually happening now and in Gravenhurst.”  

 

 

Mulholland goes on to share a little of her own experiences of Gravenhurst, and why it holds such a special place in her heart.

“This town has been my favourite spot for my entire life. I was brought there in utero! My great great grandfather believed in the power of the arts when he had the Opera House built on the main street. It was called ‘Mickle’s Folly’ at the time, but it is still going strong after 115 years. I’m so excited to be reinforcing his testament to the necessity of music, art and culture in our society with the 2022 Muskoka Music Festival.”

To say community and culture are very important to Mulholland is an understatement; cultural engagement in the arts is her life. Which is just one of the reasons why Mulholland and her team at the Muskoka Music Festival have recently taken over the popular Dockside Festival of the Arts.

“It was the perfect opportunity to integrate music in a significant way into the already popular artisan village,” says Mulholland.  “Now we can celebrate the past and future of Gravenhurst at the Muskoka Wharf as well as in the downtown core.”

 

Great Canadian Talent at the 2022 Muskoka Music Festival

 

In addition to Terra Lightfoot and The Devin Cuddy Band, the list of names that will grace the three-day festival includes a jaw-dropping line-up of some 18 other acts, including:

 

• AHI (special guest for Terra Lightfoot @ the Gravenhurst Opera House)
• Alex Pangman & The Sweet Hots
• Caroline Marie Brooks
• Hayley Stark
• The Heavyweights Brass Band
• I, The Mountain
• James Gray
• Jim Bryson
• Lydia Persaud
• Matthew Barber
• Mimi O’Bonsawin
• Roslyn Witter
• Section 53
• Shawna Caspi
• Steve Poltz
• Tak Arikushi
• Tania Joy
• Zeegwon Shilling

 

Tickets for the August 20th Opera House show are now available at www.muskokamusicfestival.com/whitehorseahi-tickets.

For the event’s full music schedule, details can be found at www.muskokamusicfestival.com.

All daytime programming and the Artisan Village at the Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf Special Events Field are by donation. 

 

VIP Packages and Tickets

 

The Muskoka Music Festival certainly has a little something for everyone.

Options include an exclusive VIP package that allows guests to get up-close and personal with the bands, whisky tasting with Glenfiddich, an evening of music at Gravenhurst’s historic Opera House and a free concert on Sunday evening that’s also part of the town’s summer music series, Music on the Barge.

 

 

Highlights of the 2022 Muskoka Music Festival include:

 

• VIP Experience Package $300, including all taxes and charges (limited availability)
• Friday Night Party with musical guests
• Front Row tickets to Saturday night Opera House Concert with JUNO award nominee Terra Lightfoot and JUNO nominated AHI
• Saturday early evening whisky tasting with Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador, Jamie Johnson
• Artist Meet and Greet with Terra Lightfoot
• Premium seating at Dockside Festival Music Tent
• Swag Bag
• Exclusive invite to Sunday afternoon Private Cottage Event, including a top secret musical performances (past performers include The Trews, Skydiggers, Terra Lightfoot and Ron Sexsmith) with snacks, beverages and dinner by Well Fed

• Silk Screen Numbered Limited Edition Poster
• And More!
  
  

A fun-filled Weekend Package is also available for $125, including all taxes and charges.

For further details and for tickets, visit the festival website at www.muskokamusicfestival.com.

 

Where to Stay: Make a Weekend of it!

 

If you’re looking to make a weekend getaway out of your participation in the Muskoka Music Festival, check out these highly recommended hotels in Gravenhurst. All are located a short distance away from the Gravenhurst Opera House, scene of much the action.

 

Muskoka Bay Resort

 

Brought to you by the new owners of Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville and Horseshoe Valley in Barrie, Muskoka Bay Resort boasts luxurious condo-style accommodations overlooking a championship 18-hole golf course. Amenities include an elegant clifftop clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, and hiking trails.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Muskoka Bay Resort

 

Marriott Residence Inn

Located on Muskoka Bay and just steps away from the Muskoka Discovery Centre and the historic RMS Segwunsteamship, Marriott Residence Inn offers large, comfortable units, some with kitchens, fireplaces, and lake views. Amenities include a hot tub, indoor swimming pool, an exercise room, and ample parking.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Marriott Residence Inn

 

Taboo Muskoka Resort & Golf

In addition to its popular golf course, Taboo Muskoka Resort boasts its own private beach for guests to enjoy. Classy accommodations feature private patios or balconies and fireplaces, and your stay includes a buffet-style breakfast. The Boathouse restaurant features classic cottage fare with great views over Lake Muskoka.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Taboo Muskoka

 

Bayview Wildwood Resort

 

A 20-minute drive south of Gravenhurst Opera House in Severn Bridge, Bayview Wildwood Resort is one of the most popular family resorts in Ontario. Set overlooking Sparrow Lake, Bayview Wildwood features a mix of rooms, suites, and even stand-alone cottages for guests to enjoy. Amenities include an on-site waterfront restaurant, a beach, swimming pool, as well as boat and ATV rentals. Organized kids programs are also available.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Bayview Wildwood 

 

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Gravenhurst

Featuring modest, no frill rooms, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Gravenhurst is worth checking into for those seeking a good budget stay with clean, comfortable rooms. This budget Gravenhurst hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the Opera House.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Gravenhurst

 

Other Places to Stay in Muskoka

For more great ideas of places to stay in cottage country, check out the following articles on LuxuryMuskoka:

 

Top Luxury Muskoka Resorts & Hotels

 

The Top Luxury Muskoka Cottage Rentals for 2022

 

A Muskoka Micro Wedding is the Height of Luxury

 

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Editor-in-chief Bryan Dearsley is a Gravenhurst, Muskoka, resident