05/28/2026
We can finally announce that the musical lineup for the 2026 Rupert Fair has been confirmed!
We’ve got some great talent planned this year.
Starting Friday evening around 7:30 we have
“Kate Greenland and the concrete cowboys”
Born out of brief conversation in early 2025 while preparing to record Kate Greenland’s debut album, a group of Ottawa musicians who range from long-time collaborators to acquaintances, decided to join forces to bring you your new favourite country band - Kate Greenland & The Concrete Cowboys.
Kate Greenland (The Folk Collusion, The Monroe Sisters) joins Stuart Rutherford (The Dusty Drifters, The Telegrams), Brent Weatherall (The Dusty Drifters, Hacks & Buggies), Nathan Smith (The Barrel Boys, Vinta), Matt Aston (The Telegrams, Drifting Bird), and Chris Breitner (Drifting Bird, Drunken Piano) for an exciting musical union. This group of seasoned musicians performed together for the first time to a sold out crowd in November 2025 for Kate Greenland’s album release show. The magic created on stage was obvious, and it was solidified that they would continue performing together - adding Classic Country standards and new h***y tonk favourites to their already stacked set list of original songs.
If you're a fan of the glory days of country music when the pedal steel, fiddle, and electric guitar ruled the stage, and the songs were about love, heartache, and winning or losing it all - this is the show for you. Come out and enjoy an evening of finely arranged music with beautiful harmonies and impressive instrumental breaks.
——————
Saturday starting at 3:00 as per tradition now there will be a showcase by the young talent of Mashmusique. Multiple groups and combinations are sure to delight everyone
“ Les groupes de jeunes musiciens qui se présenteront le samedi après-midi sont des élèves de l’école « MashMusique » de Greg Stone, à Masham, et font partie de sa série de longue date « Be in the band », qui a déjà donné des concerts au Bluesfest d’Ottawa. Venez découvrir les jeunes talents de notre region
The Saturday afternoon showcase of youth bands are students at Greg Stone’s “MashMusique” school in Masham and part of his long-standing “Be in the band ” series that has had performances at the Ottawa Bluesfest. Come and check out the young talent from our area. “
——————-
5:00 will bring us another special musical treat by the duo
“ The Blind and the Beautiful “
The Blind And The Beautiful is an acoustic blues/roots duo comprised of guitarist/singer/songwriter Lucas Haneman and vocalist extraordinaire Megan Laurence.
Visually impaired since birth, Lucas Haneman started playing guitar at age six. An expressive and soulful guitarist/vocalist with a wide-ranging sound centered in blues and funk, Haneman's original songs are built on bold melodies and finely-crafted lyrics. Along with Megan Laurence's sultry voice and ability to hold an audience in the palm of her hand, the duo delivers a variety of original blues material with seamlessly blended vocals and soaring harmonies.
——————
And closing out the Fair on Saturday evening we present none other than The TonyD Band.
A full rocking evening of one of the region’s favorite guitar slingers.
Tony D has worked as a full-time professional musician for over 40 years. He began his musical journey on the guitar, learning predominantly blues, rock, and jazz. His teachers were Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Albert King, Wes Montgomery—basically any vinyl record he could get his hands on! At the age of nineteen, Tony was given the opportunity to spend three days playing rhythm guitar for the legendary Buddy Guy. A few years later, he had the prestigious opening slot for the late great Stevie Ray Vaughan at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre (NAC).
Most recently, Tony D has spent 15 years as the lead guitarist for the band MonkeyJunk, releasing 5 full-length recordings and touring extensively in Canada, the USA, and Europe. During this time, MonkeyJunk received numerous accolades, including 3 Juno Award nominations, with two wins for Blues Album of the Year (2012 and 2018); over 25 Maple Blues Awards, including Guitarist of the Year (2010); and a Blues Music Award (international).
In November the two-time Juno Award-winning guitarist released his first new solo project in 20 years via Cordova Bay Records. This long-awaited body of music is an extension of who Tony D is as an artist and the influences that have shaped him along the way.
“Basically, I’m like Lightnin’ Hopkins with an electric guitar"
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Fair!!
