Coffee Chat: Mark Fewer & Aaron Davis In Conversation
Enjoy a relaxed and open conversation between Mark Fewer and acclaimed composer, keyboardist, and founding member of the Holly Cole trio, Aaron Davis. They will talk music, creativity, and life on and off the stage. Pour yourself a cup of Plugged In, our signature Stratford Summer Music brew, and settle in for a candid chat full of musical expertise and insight.
Coffee Chat with Mark Fewer and Jazz Academy Faculty
Begin your morning with Mark Fewer and the faculty of Stratford Summer Music’s Jazz Academy as they delve into the current landscape of jazz education in Canada. From inspiring the next generation to navigating today’s educational challenges, this thoughtful and informal chat pairs perfectly with a cup of Plugged In, our signature Stratford Summer Music brew.
Laila Biali Wintersongs
Get ready for a winter evening wrapped in elegance, warmth, and world‑class musicianship as acclaimed Canadian jazz artist and Juno award winner Laila Biali brings her 2026 Grammy-nominated album Wintersongs to the stage.
Blending jazz sophistication with the comforting glow of the season, Wintersongs features reimagined holiday classics and luminous originals, all delivered with Biali’s rich vocals, sparkling piano work, and heartfelt artistry. Known for her graceful stage presence and expressive storytelling, Biali transforms familiar seasonal music into something intimate, fresh, and deeply moving. It’s a beautifully reflective concert—perfect for slowing down, taking a breath, and letting the music light up the winter night.
Coffee Chat: Mark Fewer & Chris Lamont In Conversation
Start your morning off with Artistic Director Mark Fewer and SSM’s new Executive Director Chris Lamont in an informal and lively chat about what they see as the future of Stratford Summer Music. Grab a cup of our signature Stratford Summer Music brew and settle in for a morning of visionary discussion.
Coffee Chat: This is 2026 with Mark Fewer
Join Artistic Director Mark Fewer for a special morning conversation highlighting the upcoming Stratford Summer Music season. With a cup of our Plugged In coffee in your hand, enjoy Mark’s unique perspective and insight on the many performances to look forward to.
Make Mine A Double: Miller + Mendelssohn
To mark the 25th anniversary of Stratford Summer Music, we are thrilled to present a very special evening that bridges two centuries of musical brilliance. The program features the world premiere of a new work by acclaimed Canadian composer Jared Miller, commissioned by Robert Lemon in memory of Robert Ledingham.
The idea was born from a long-held admiration for Miller’s talent, dating back to his early days in Vancouver. Robert Lemon, a generous supporter of Stratford Summer Music and an avid fan of violinist Mark Fewer, felt the commissioning of this new was the perfect way to celebrate both personal legacy and organizational milestone.
In a brilliant pairing, this fresh, contemporary voice will be set in conversation with Felix Mendelssohn’s iconic Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, a masterwork of chamber music celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025.
A “call and response” between generations, Make Mine A Double:Miller + Mendelssohn promises a vibrant, moving experience—a testament to the power of music to connect past and present.
Downie Street Collective
Downie Street Collective is a five person rock band from Stratford, Ontario including: Andy Allen on guitars and keys, lead vocalist Scott Beaudin, Peter Dixon on bass, drummer Mark Ippersiel and Eric Lundgren on lead guitar.
Since their formation in 2015 the group has slowly built a steadily growing following with original songs that have a classic rock and pop feel that resonate with listeners on many levels.
Their latest release, Analog Man, has received positive reviews and airplay and was celebrated for its exploration of of modern disconnection and yearning for simplicity. The band has enjoyed performing at local venues across Southwestern Ontario and recently were featured at the StratfordLive music festival.
The band is heading back to the studio at the end of August to record their newest single, scheduled to be released in November.
Vocal Academy Open Mic Night: Opera + More
Join us for our Open Mic Night, featuring performances by the talented participants of our Vocal Academy. Set in the unique atmosphere of The Starlight bar and restaurant, this is your chance to experience a variety of stunning vocal performances, from opera arias to contemporary hits, all delivered with passion and flair.
Summer’s Last Sound
With a blend of jazz, world music, and unforgettable performances, we’ll mark 25 years of incredible music-making, community and memories. This spectacular festival finale on the MusicBarge will feature a thrilling lineup including headliners The Shuffle Demons. It will be a fantastic afternoon at the Avon River and a grand celebration of our special anniversary. See you there!
Become A Volunteer
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