05/16/2026
MARKET SQUARE MUSIC RETURNS STARTING MAY 29
The City of Stratford’s Market Square Music series returns this spring with a vibrant lineup of live performances in the heart of downtown.
Beginning Friday, May 29, free concerts will take place every Friday from 6:30–7:30 p.m. behind City Hall.
Produced by Stratford’s own Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Dayna Manning, this community-focused series celebrates the depth and diversity of Canadian talent, featuring a dynamic mix of folk, jazz, roots, and indie artists.
2026 Performance Lineup:
🎵May 29 – Amanda Braam & The Paper Cranes
Blending heart-wrenching folk sincerity, jazz-influenced harmony, and catchy pop melodies, Amanda Braam & The Paper Cranes deliver a dynamic and emotional live experience. Based in Waterloo, Amanda is known for her striking vocals and intricate guitar work, joined by bandmates Fiona Sinclair, Lenny Muth, and Simon Dawes. Together, they bring rich instrumentation and powerful three-part harmonies to stages across Ontario.
🎵June 5 – York Street Thought Process
Folk duo Jaron Camp and Rachael Frankruyter combine storytelling and improvisation in a playful, engaging performance style. Following appearances at major Canadian folk festivals, they continue to build momentum with new music, including their recent single Dignity and an upcoming third album.
🎵June 12 – Marcus Nance & Adrean Farrugia
Acclaimed vocalist Marcus Nance joins celebrated pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia for an unforgettable collaboration. A two-time Dora Award winner and JUNO nominee, Nance has performed with the Stratford Festival and on Broadway, while Farrugia is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s leading jazz pianists and composers.
🎵June 19 – Kolton Stewart
Actor and musician Kolton Stewart brings his original music to Market Square. A Stratford Festival alumnus, he has appeared in productions such as The Music Man and RENT, and on screen in Heated Rivalry, Locke & Key, and My Life With the Walter Boys.
🎵June 26 – Thurston Tynkkynen
Stratford-based singer-songwriter Thurston Tynkkynen blends acoustic folk with experimental and alternative influences. With three albums released to date, his music offers a mix of personal storytelling and genre-spanning creativity.
🎵July 3 – The Young Novelists
Closing the series, this acclaimed folk duo is known for their seamless harmonies and evocative songwriting. Their latest album, These Dark Canyons, received a 2026 JUNO nomination for Contemporary Roots Album, continuing their tradition of critically recognized work.
Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating. In the event of rain, concerts will be moved to the following Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Cancellation notices will be posted by 2 p.m. on the day of the event on the Market Square Music Instagram page.
https://www.instagram.com/marketsquaremusic
Full schedule and updates: www.stratford.ca/music
