Two talented Canadian musicians, one outstanding acoustic duo
GUELPH, ON October 15, 2025 — At a time when Canadian pride is paramount, Northern Strum brings audiences together. Celebrate the spirit of “the True North strong and free” by rocking to classic hits of Canada’s most beloved bands from the 1970s-2000s. Part of the Idols of String Series supported by returning Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, Northern Strum plays River Run’s Studio Theatre on Friday, November 7 at 8 p.m.
What happens when two proudly Canadian rockers bring decades of illustrious musicianship together? Northern Strum is what happens. Carl Dixon and Sean Kelly are an iconic pairing that represents the top tier of the country’s rock n’ roll industry, with all the famed history to prove it.
Currently, both guitarists are members of Coney Hatch. Dixon has been a member of the band since their debut in 1982, and Kelly joined as lead guitarist in 2014. In 2023, the band released a new live album called Postcard from Germany. Known for their loud live shows, Dixon and Kelly have also played with Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and The Tragically Hip.
Each of the pair also have their own impressive careers to flaunt. Carl Dixon famously recorded and toured with The Guess Who and April Wine for many years, while Sean Kelly has worked with Nelly Furtado, Dee Snider, Lee Aaron, and many other successful artists.
Both musicians are also accomplished authors. In 2015, Dixon published Strange Way to Live, an autobiography about his life as a musician during the height of Canadian rock and about redefining his life after a tragic car accident in 2008. Kelly has written two nonfiction books — 2013’s Metal on Ice: Tales from Canada’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Heroes and 2023’s Don’t Call It Hair Metal – Art in the Excess of ’80s Rock.
Joining forces, the two eclectic and accomplished musicians have honed a collective style that makes for one unforgettable live show. Expect an evening of sing-along-worthy Canadian classics that the two play with heart and pride. From Tom Cochrane and Bachman–Turner Overdrive to Coney Hatch, April Wine, and The Guess Who — Dixon and Kelly do great justice to these Canadian favourites.
Tickets to Northern Strum are $30 for adults, $28 for patrons over 60 years old, and $25 for those under 30. Or, Subscribe & Save 20% when you buy tickets to four or more shows. Sliding Scale tickets are also available for $10 and $20. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or go to https://riverrun.ca/whats-on/northern-strum/.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre | City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]