Music News Digest: Supercrawl Takes Over Hamilton, Protest The Hero Sets a Record

Hamilton went on a Supercrawl bender last weekend.

Now in its 17th year, Supercrawl reaffirmed its reputation as one of Canada's biggest summer street festivals. Near-perfect weather helped lure large crowds downtown to James Street North in Hamilton, Ontario. It is true that a large segment of the attendees were there for the food trucks, art displays, vendor booths, fashion shows, pro wrestling and general streetfest vibe, but those of us there for the free music (spread out over three stages for the three days) had plenty to choose from.

The all-Canadian lineup covered a diverse array of genres and included Juno winners and established stars alongside emerging artists from the region and beyond. Things kicked off for us on the Friday night with acclaimed Toronto singer-songwriter Julian Taylor, whose mellow folk/roots material had to compete with the din of nearby skateboard action. He wisely switched to louder rock-accented material like a cover of ''Southern Man'' that helped win the crowd of over. He was followed by '90s platinum-selling hitmakers Grapes of Wrath, and the trio's warm and melodic sound was perfect for a summer evening. Co-founding singer-songwriters Kevin Kane and Tom Hooper alternated lead vocals and more recent material fit snugly alongside their vintage hits.

Saturday's action started with a spirited set by local favourites Golden Feather, a sextet with multiple talented vocalists and songwriters and a wide stylistic range. The early heavy influence of the Grateful Dead has faded a tad, though the penchant for extended instrumental breaks remains. Next up was my personal Supercrawl highlight, Quebec trio Population II. The Montreal band made the Polaris Prize shortlist last year and their riveting set here justified that honour. The trio comprises a drummer/vocalist, bassist and guitarist, with the latter two doubling on keyboards to expand their sound. They mix instrumental and French-sung vocal tracks that have a psychedelia meets prog feel, with even a touch of jazz-rock, and the charming onstage banter was another plus. In many ways, they're up there with Quebec sensations Angine de Poitrine in terms of musicianship and originality. The band dedicated their set to Hamilton psych hero Edgar Breau, who was in attendance and told Billboard Canada he loves this band.

The night closed out with Juno-winning roots singer-songwriter William Prince, whose rich and honeyed voice and the positive sentiments of his songs fit the occasion perfectly. Highlights included the Elvis-inspired ''Breathless'' and the pure country of ''Flowers On The Dash.'' Prince recalled playing in Hamilton earlier this year at the Junos at the nearby TD Coliseum, and with any justice he'll headline there in the future. Sunday's Supercrawl highlight was a compelling set by London-based Indigenous rock band Status/Non-Status. They're led by the powerful vocals and guitar work of Adam Sturgeon, who is also a member of the acclaimed OMBIIGIZI, and this project features a heavier sound that includes a stoner-rock feel alongside psych-oriented cuts. ''At All," the title track of new album Big Changes and an Eric's Trip cover were set highlights. Superb stuff. Indigenous artists played a major role in Supercrawl, with The Halluci Nation and Aysanabee reportedly drawing large crowds.

Reunited hardcore/prog favourites Protest The Hero attracted the largest audience of this thoroughly entertaining weekend. Supercrawl posted that their set was one of the biggest the festival has ever had at the Hamilton Hammers x TD Coliseum North Stage.

Festivals News

Toronto's Kensington Market Jazz Festival has become a must-see annual event for local jazz fans. Now in its 11th year, the 2026 edition runs Sept. 18-20 with a highly impressive lineup. Headed by the Juno-winning likes of Jane Bunnett, Hilario Duran and Michael Occhipinti, it also features Rich Brown, Alex Bird, Jay Douglas, Shuffle Demons, Laura Fernandez, Denielle Bassels, George Koller, Ammoye, Fern Lindzon, John Alcorn and Reg Schwager, Billy Newton-Davis, Michael Shand and many more. There will be book readings from Marc Jordan and Robert Priest and the premiere of a new event, the Poetry Slam. Also new is the addition of the El Mocambo to the list of presenting venues.

Co-founded by renowned Canadian jazz vocalist-songwriter and fest curator Molly Johnson, the Kensington Market Jazz Fesetival (a registered charitable arts organization) has presented more than 500 Canadian artists across dozens of venues since 2016. Entrance to the multiple venues hosting music is via cash ($20-$25) at the door. Check the full schedule here.

Industry News

Opera de Montreal launches its 2026/27 season with the Puccini classic, Turandot, running at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, Sept. 26 to Oct. 4. Tickets and info here.

– Music managers who are attending the new Second Summer Festival in Toronto this year are invited to apply for the MMF Canada Managers Mentorship program. This opportunity connects participants with mentors who will provide coaching, guidance and support while at Second Summer. Selected manager mentees will have the chance to connect and share resources as a cohort.⁠ Apply here by Sept. 17.

– The next deadline for for FACTOR's Business Development program is Oct. 22. More info here.

– The Coalition for Music Education in Canada has named acclaimed PEI-based Mi’kmaw singer and songwriter DeeDee Austin as the featured artist for the 2026 edition of Ancestors Voices: Music and Learning for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Austin, now 20, wrote her song "Buried Truth" when she was just 15, after learning that her late great grandmother had survived the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School.

The song will anchor free curriculum connected resources for Kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms across Canada this fall and Austin will bring Ancestors Voices directly into at least one school this fall, giving students the opportunity to experience the artist and story behind the song first-hand. Since launching in 2024, Ancestors Voices has recorded more than 150,000 student registrations across Canada, connecting contemporary Indigenous music with learning about truth, reconciliation, identity and community.

– Cleverly taking advantage of TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) being in town, Junction-area music venue and restaurant My House presents its TIFF Jazz Series, running Sept. 16-20. Curated by artist-in-residence and noted trumpeter/bandleader Brownman Ali, it features his presence onstage each night, as part of tributes to Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis, with Arecibo and Jordana Talsky and Flux-State and leading Brownman Electryc Trio. Tickets here.

Artists News

Veteran Indigenous rock and roots singer-songwriter and guitarist Derek Miller (a double Juno Award winner) is about to start a Canadian tour in support of his new album, Outta My Head. It begins in Toronto on Sept. 18, concluding with a Vancouver album release at The Wise on Sept. 30 (the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation). Joining Miller on the tour is fellow Six Nations singer-songwriter Lacey Hill & the Sexy Mofo’s. The tour will feature various Indigenous musicians at each stop, with veteran Murray Porter (another Juno winner) in Vancouver.

– World Suicide Prevention Day was Sept. 18 and acclaimed Indigenous roots-rocker Adrian Sutherland marked the occasion by releasing a brand-new music video and accompanying track. Left Behind, one that shines a light on the mental health challenges faced by many in isolated communities, where services and support often fall short.