The @joelplaskett Emergency has built a lasting reputation as one of Canada’s most dynamic live acts. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of their landmark debut album “Down at the Khyber,” the Emergency will revisit these songs and other classics from their decades long catalog when they hit the stage on Thursday, July 9th, a day short of 25 years since the album’s release.
Blending alt-R&B and neo-soul inspired pop, @nicolearianamusic 's music is cinematic, moody, and confessional. A Billboard #1 and Gold-certified songwriter and award winning artist, Nicole brings her band for a rare hometown performance on Thursday, July 26th, on the Makin’ Waves stage.
Makin’ Waves presented by Sydney Credit Union is produced by @cbrmgov and made possible by contributions from @nsgov and @cdn.heritage and partnerships from @sydneycreditunion , @protocase , and @capebretonbeverages .
Design by @artbyraysmith .
@elyseaeryn is not just building momentum – she commands it. From her 2024 recognition as @musicnovascotia ’s Entertainer of the Year to being the soundtrack to tennis sensation Vicky Mboko’s historic 2025 National Bank Open victory, Elyse has become one of the East Coast’s breakout performers. When she hits the Makin’ Waves stage on Thursday, August 6th, with her band in tow, the performance will be more meaningful than ever as she celebrates the fruits of many years of hard work and the perseverance to overcome whatever gets in her way.
The Jaynes write the catchiest songs you’ve never heard… unless you’ve taken the opportunity to catch one of their infrequent live performances over the past 15 years. Led by songwriter and prolific musician Shane O'Handley (@thetomfunorchestra , Carmen Townsend Band), the band evokes nostalgia for the best of the 90s Halifax indie scene while blossoming into something entirely fresh and timeless. Catch them on Thursday, July 9th, as they take to the Makin’ Waves stage for the first time.
Makin’ Waves presented by Sydney Credit Union is produced by @cbrmgov and made possible by contributions from @nsgov and @cdn.heritage and partnerships from @sydneycreditunion , @protocase , and @capebretonbeverages .
Design by @artbyraysmith .
Whether commanding the stage alongside Classified, as frontman of Halifax soul collective Lane Hall, or as a revered solo artist, @jrdnmusic remains at the forefront of Canada’s R&B scene. Join him on Thursday, July 16th, as he takes to the Makin’ Waves stage for you to sing along with his massive hits “U Can Have It All” and “Like Magic” amongst his vast catalog of evolving and authentic music.
A melodic songwriter in the tradition of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, @jeremyfishermusic 's road-tested performances and unmistakable energy have made him one of Canada’s favourite live shows for the past 25 years. A frequent visitor to Makin’ Waves with his family as they vacation in Cape Breton each Summer, Jeremy will bring along a band of Cape Bretoners to play through a career spanning set when they take the stage on Thursday, July 30th.
Makin’ Waves presented by Sydney Credit Union is produced by @cbrmgov and made possible by contributions from @nsgov and @cdn.heritage and partnerships from @sydneycreditunion , @protocase , and @capebretonbeverages .
Design by @artbyraysmith .
Raised on Cape Breton Island, @dave.sampson has built a body of work rooted in folk tradition, yet restless enough to drift into rock, country, and late-night confessionals. Making his FIFTH appearance at Makin’ Waves to close out the Summer on Thursday, August 6th, Dave and the band are sure to make you feel “all types of ways” as they cement their standing at the head of Cape Breton music.
With authentic appreciation for both her Jamaican roots and her adopted home of Nova Scotia, @jahmilamusic brings a performance that is as inspiring as it is remarkable. From her beginnings performing with reggae royalty The Wailers and the Groundation to recent collaborations with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia, Jah’Mila will show you why she is one of the East Coast’s most prominent voices when she hits the stage with her band on Thursday, July 23rd.
Makin’ Waves presented by Sydney Credit Union is produced by @cbrmgov and made possible by contributions from @nsgov and @cdn.heritage and partnerships from @sydneycreditunion , @protocase , and @capebretonbeverages .
Design by @artbyraysmith .
With an uncanny ability to create moments and build emotion into song, @heytimbaker has arrived as one of Canada’s most profound and celebrated songwriters. Together with his band, Tim Baker and All Hands take the audience on a rollercoaster ride through Tim’s extensive body of music. Join Tim and the band as he closes out the night on Thursday, July 30th.
The perfect soundtrack to a hot Summer night, @tamarilana and @ventanasmusic bring you on a journey through the world musics of Mediterranean and Eastern European traditions. Appearing at Makin’ Waves on Thursday, July 23rd, Ventanas will have you moving with their infectious rhythms, compelling musicianship, and the captivating aura that Tamar Ilana elicits with voice and dance.
Makin’ Waves presented by Sydney Credit Union is produced by @cbrmgov and made possible by contributions from @nsgov and @cdn.heritage and partnerships from @sydneycreditunion , @protocase , and @capebretonbeverages .
Design by @artbyraysmith .
ARE YOU READY?! It’s almost time to announce our first artists of Makin’ Waves presented by Sydney Credit Union. Starting at 9:00AM, we will reveal TWO artists every two hours until all TEN of the mainstage performances are announced.
Who do you think is coming? Are you coming? Is Summer coming? It’s been a long Winter, right?
Stay tuned in and get ready for the exciting launch of Makin’ Waves 2026!
Makin’ Waves presented by @sydneycreditunion is just around the corner. Mark Thursdays from July 9 to August 6 on your calendar and get ready to join us for hot Summer nights together with an array of incredible music.
Join us tomorrow at 9:00AM as we start announcing the artists that will be the soundtrack to your Summer. Every two hours, we’ll introduce you to some familiar faces, some new friends, and some of the best artists from home and away who will grace the Wentworth Park stage.
Makin’ Waves presented by Sydney Credit Union is produced by @cbrmgov and made possible by contributions from Nova Scotia Culture and @cdn.heritage and partnerships from @sydneycreditunion , @protocase , and @capebretonbeverages .
Design by @artbyraysmith .
After over a month of being apart, we were overjoyed to get to share the same special collective moment in time with you again.🫶
Tuesday night we welcomed nearly a full room at St Patrick’s Church, we cannot thank you enough for deciding to spend your evening with us! Before the show kicked off, we were lucky enough to get to visit Breton Education Centre where we got to hang out and play some songs with a great group of students.
We couldn’t have been more proud watching Kyra and Aiden Foulds bring the house down while opening up for our new best friend, Jeremy Fisher. We are so grateful to get to see these artists share the same stage on this beautiful night.
Big thanks to Stephen Muise and Eric Marcotte at Breton Education Centre, Jill and Old Sydney Society, and CBRM Special Events for making this amazing day happen.
Today's the day!🎉
Today is Makin' Waves long awaited return to one of our favourite spots, Saint Patricks Church, and we're bringing some great friends with us!
Local powerhouse Kyra Foulds will hit the stage at 7:30, warming up the stage for Juno nominated Ottawa based singer/songwriter, Jeremy Fisher. Forgot to pre-order tickets? No worries! We will have a limited number of tickets available at the door for $25 (cash and tap).
Makin' Waves presents in produced by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and brought to you in part by the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.
Thats right, Jeremy Fisher's East Coast tour kicks off in Sydney on Tuesday! We could not be more excited to have Jeremy Fisher at Saint Patricks Church joined by local singer/songwriter Kyra Foulds! Get your tickets now at http://tickets.makinwavesfestival.ca/.
Makin' Waves presents is produced by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and brought to you in part by the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.
The Jeremy Fisher show is back in Cape Breton for the first time in 10 years! Dont miss out, get your tickets now at http://tickets.makinwavesfestival.ca
📅- Tuesday, September 23rd
⏰- Doors at 7PM
📍- Saint Patricks Church
Makin' Waves presents is produced by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and brought to you in part by the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.
Did you know that when Jeremy Fisher started touring, his method of transportation was by bike? Jeremy would hook a trailer onto his bike to store his guitars and merch, and camp in ditches alongside the Trans Canada Highway. Biking from Ottawa to Cape Breton might be challenging, but you never know. Come hear about more Jeremy Fisher stories at Saint Patricks Church on Tuesday, September 23rd!
Doors are at 7pm and tickets are available now at http://tickets.makinwavesfestival.ca. Makin' Waves presents in produced by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and brought to you in part by the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.
