After a five-year hiatus, the music will soon flow again through the Old Town Hall on St. Joseph Island.
The Old Town Hall Concert Series marks its 25th season with a set of three summer performances beginning July 16.
The series began as a classical music event in the community of Hilton Beach, but over the past 25 years has grown into something more eclectic, series organizer Jake Cormier said.
And after a brief lull in performances – an “intermission” first brought on by COVID lockdowns – Cormier said the community really rallied behind the idea of presenting a 25th season.
“We put some extra effort in this year,” Cormier said. “Nailed down some performances we knew our audience would enjoy, and got everything booked.”
“Rather than community members having to drive all the way to Toronto to experience these kinds of concerts, we bring the music to them,” he said. “It's important for all Canadians to have these kinds of cultural experiences.”
Originally housed in Hilton Beach’s Old Town Hall, built in 1912 with room for just 50 attendees, the concerts quickly outgrew their space, Cormier said.
The event moved to the Community Hall — the “new” town hall.
“Ironically, it’s older than the old town hall, with part of the building being an 1896 schoolhouse,” he said.
Renovations over the years were tailored for the series, including new acoustic treatments, curtains, a stage, and even a baby grand piano.
The overall product – a laid-back vibe and cozy, lakeside atmosphere has kept musicians returning every summer.
“I think the first time a performer comes, they may not know what to expect, driving from Toronto to the middle of nowhere,” Cormier said.
“But the well-organized presentation, the acoustically-treated venue, the top-notch sound production, the hugely appreciative audience, and the beauty of the area all combine to really impress them.”
Musicians also appreciate the intimacy – being able to connect with the audience sitting not more than 40 feet away during the performance. After the show, they often sign autographs and snap selfies with fans.
“Many performers actually pad out their visit with an extra day or two to enjoy the area and even to jump into Lake Huron for a swim,” Cormier said.
This year’s season includes just three concerts, but each one, Cormier says, could be a headliner.
That includes Jim Witter, a singer-songwriter who charted several Top 10 hits in the 90s. Since then he's fronted “Still Rock and Roll,” a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John.
“If you close your eyes, you’d swear it’s Elton on stage,” Cormier said.
The second concert features rising stars Maggie’s Wake, fresh off a win for New/Emerging Artist at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
“They only released their debut last year,” Cormier said. “Their sound blends folk, jazz, country, and Celtic instrumentation. It honours the past but feels totally original.”
“They’ve been racking up accolades and selling out halls and theatres everywhere they play, so we're really fortunate to bring them to Hilton Beach.”
Closing out the season on July 30 is world music star Johannes Linstead, returning for his fifth appearance.
“We’re kind of each other’s biggest fans,” Cormier said. “His flamenco-inspired guitar playing always brings the house down, people end up dancing in the aisles.
“He’s had over 500 million streams on Spotify, and he still makes time to come up to Hilton Beach.”
This year’s slate will be a strong addition to the Old Town Concert Hall’s history. Over the years, the series has reeled in some of the country’s most celebrated musicians – Oliver Jones, Jeff Healey, Jane Bunnett, and Susan Aglukark have all made appearances, as have Rita Chiarelli, Carol Welsman and the Downchild Blues Band.
“Sometimes we just look around and say, ‘I can’t believe we got them here,’” Cormier said.
And while the concerts may have grown in profile, the goal has stayed the same: to give visitors and cottagers a night that feels like a big-city outing in a safe, warm and neighbourly environment.
“With our audience, our aim is to have them leaving at the end of the night feeling like they just had a fun evening out in the city,” he said. “But then suddenly remembering they need to watch out for deer and bears on the way home.”
Tickets for the 2025 Old Town Hall Concert Series are available online at oldtownhall.ca.