🎶 Toronto Ribfest: Turn Up the Volume! 🎶
The music is back – bigger, louder, and better than ever!
This year’s Toronto Ribfest features a dynamic lineup of bands and artists bringing the heat across every genre. From reggae and rock to salsa, funk, blues, and R&B, there’s something for every music lover. Whether you’re dancing in the crowd or relaxing with friends, the good vibes keep rolling from day to night.
Great music. Great energy. All festival long.
ribfest main stage schedule
| Time | Saturday 28 | Sunday 29 | Monday 30 | Tuesday July 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM | JJ Gas | |||
| 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Cosmic Coyotes | Playlist | Playlist | Grady Brothers |
| 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Madame Psychosis | Gords Gold | Soulfire | Raquel Riot |
| 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Stone City Rockers | The Dedbeats | Table 69 | Miss Robin Banks |
| 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM | The Arsenals | One Ugly Cowboy | Quisha Wint | Jay Douglas |
tORONTO rIBFEST BANDS
J.J. Gas
• Ed Babut, lead vocals
• Gary Greenblatt, guitar and backup vocals
• Alex Woda, keyboards and backup vocals
• James Belardo, bass
• Steve Franklin, drums
Madame Psychosis
Hailing from Toronto, Madame Psychosis has been a steady presence in the city’s thriving music scene for nearly a decade – no easy feat for any indie rock band. Their staying power is a result of their commitment to each other and remaining focused on their collective obsession: creating music with meaning. The band’s long run is highlighted by several milestones, including appearances on national TV and performances at major festivals like NXNE, Canadian Music Week, and Toronto Pride.
gords gold
Experience the legacy of a true Canadian legend with Gord’s Gold – Lightfoot Songs LIVE!, a powerful tribute to the iconic Gordon Lightfoot. Journey through unforgettable hits like If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald—brought to life on stage with heartfelt passion by Ward Cornforth (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Jon Zaslow (Guitars/Vocals), and Stuart Steinhart (Bass). This moving performance captures the soul of Lightfoot’s music and storytelling, offering an intimate and authentic celebration of his enduring artistry. Whether you’ve cherished his songs for decades or are hearing them for the first time, this show is an essential experience for any music lover.
Stone City Rockers
The Dedbeats
The Dedbeat Band, hailing from Toronto, is renowned for their high-energy live shows that fuse classic rock, blues, and soul into an unforgettable musical experience. With top-notch musicianship and a crowd-pleasing setlist, they bring every stage to life – getting audiences dancing, singing, and fully immersed in the vibe.
one ugly cowboy
One Ugly Cowboy is a fierce, genre-blending band that mashes up gritty country, rock, and a whole lot of attitude. Fronted by powerhouse vocals and backed by raw, driving instrumentation, their live shows are bold, edgy, and unforgettable. With a sound that’s as wild as their name, One Ugly Cowboy delivers a no-holds-barred musical ride you won’t want to miss.
cosmic Coyotes
soulfire
Soulfire, our dynamic 4-6 piece band, is the perfect choice for intimate venues and gatherings. Specializing in Classic Rock, Soul, Motown, and Top 40 hits, Soulfire offers a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere with a personalized touch. Choose a customized lineup of musicians, fronted by a versatile male vocalist/guitarist, and tailor your package to include a duo for ceremonies or cocktail hours, culminating in a full-band experience. Soulfire’s flexibility even extends to performing as a jazz ensemble, ensuring a musical journey tailored to your unique event.
TABLE 69
Table 69 is a dynamic and versatile band known for delivering high-energy performances that span rock, pop, and funk classics. With a fun-loving vibe and a tight, polished sound, they bring every stage to life—turning any event into an unforgettable party. Whether playing crowd favorites or deep cuts, Table 69 keeps audiences dancing, singing, and coming back for more.
the arsenals
The Arsenals are a high-energy band known for their infectious blend of ska, reggae, and rocksteady, powered by bold brass and groove-heavy rhythms. With the trombone front and center, they deliver a punchy, feel-good sound that gets crowds moving. Whether on a big stage or in an intimate venue, The Arsenals bring a lively, soulful vibe that’s impossible to resist.
quisha wint
Quisha Wint is a powerhouse vocalist known for her rich, soulful voice and captivating stage presence. Blending blues, gospel, jazz, and R&B, she brings depth and emotion to every performance. A celebrated artist and community leader, Quisha is not only a standout performer on stages across Canada but also a driving force behind major events like the Women’s Blues Revue. As Chair of the Toronto Blues Society and President of QW Productions, she continues to uplift the music scene through mentorship, production, and passionate advocacy.
raquel's riot
Raquel’s Riot is an electrifying must see cover band born from the heart of The Greater Toronto Area. With a fusion of genres from classic rock to modern pop spanning across decades, this high-energy band ignites stages with their pulsating performances at intimate settings of small cozy pubs to the grandeur of large festival stages such as the CNE Midway Stage. Led by the charismatic and powerhouse vocalist Raquel, the band delivers an exhilarating blend of musical styles that will have the crowd singing and dancing all night long. The band features exceptionally talented musicians who not only excel in their instrumental roles, but also provide melodic vocals in addition to Raquel. Their harmonies blend seamlessly, adding rich layered textures to their musical soundscape.
miss robin banks
master of tone and phrasing, Robin Banks has a vocal style, strength and clarity that has been compared to Etta James and Dinah Washington. But match that with the charisma and boldness of a Tina Turner and you’ll understand why Robin Banks has the world on a string!
Robin Banks has her roots deeply dug. Born in Canada a mere 50 miles from Detroit, then transplanted to Dallas, and then Jamaica, Banks is a diverse, international artist who is clearly comfortable with Jazz, Classic R&B, Soul, even Reggae. She’s often lauded for her captivating live performance, her confident ability to connect and affect each member of her audience, her sincerity and certainly her authenticity. Robin Banks has established herself as a fearless, female force in International Blues circles recording and performing with the likes of Duke Robillard, Doug James and a long list of legendary Texas, West Coast and Chicago musicians.
Jay Douglas
Jay Douglas is a legendary figure in Canadian music, renowned for his rich, soulful voice and a signature sound that blends reggae, R&B, soul, and jazz with effortless charm and authenticity. With a career spanning over five decades, Jay began as the frontman of the iconic Toronto-based band The Cougars in the late 1960s, helping to pioneer the city’s Caribbean music scene. Since then, he has graced stages around the world, from Jamaica to Japan, captivating audiences with his magnetic presence and timeless style.
Jay’s musical journey is marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a JUNO Award nomination and a prestigious Maple Blues Award. His contributions to music have not only shaped the cultural landscape of Toronto but have also served as a bridge between generations and genres, connecting people through the universal language of song.
Beyond his artistry, Jay Douglas is a devoted community advocate and a proud member of Rotary Etobicoke, where he uses his voice and platform to support humanitarian causes, youth initiatives, and cultural development. Whether performing on stage or giving back to the community, Jay leads with heart, humility, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
With his deep roots in soul and reggae and his ongoing dedication to service, Jay Douglas remains a treasured icon—a true ambassador of music, unity, and love.