Big dreams grown from smalltown roots
GUELPH, ON October 9, 2025 — Fueled by friendship, grit, and a shared love of storytelling, these four humble friends have gone from local dive bars to headlining stages across North America and Europe. Now, as part of the Bud Light Buckle Up Tour, James Barker Band brings fan favourites and new music to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Sunday, November 2 at 7 p.m.
The band’s story began in 2009 when James Barker (lead vocals/guitar) and Connor Stephen (drums) first met at band camp. Bonded by their passion for music, they teamed up with Taylor Abram (guitar/backing vocals) and Bobby Martin (bass), who all grew up within an hour of each other in rural towns outside Toronto. The four-piece band quickly became close friends, hitting the road in a rented Greyhound bus to play gigs wherever they could, pouring their heart into every note.
Their big break came in 2015 at the Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, where their raw talent and undeniable charm earned them the top prize. That victory was a launchpad, leading to a record deal with Universal Music Canada, and the release of their breakout single, “Lawn Chair Lazy,” in 2016. The laid-back anthem quickly gained traction and earned platinum certification, but it was just the beginning.
Their subsequent singles have also earned vast achievements and acclaim. Their double platinum single, “Chills,” topped the charts in Canada and the U.S. and won Single of the Year at the 2018 Canadian Country Music Awards. The song also earned them a nomination for that year’s SOCAN Songwriter Prize, becoming the first-ever country music nomination for the prestigious award. The song’s album, Game On, took home the 2018 JUNO for Country Album of the Year and their 2023 EP, Ahead of Our Time, won the same award at the 2024 JUNOs.
Every note the James Barker Band play is a tribute to their small towns, their families, and the communities that keep showing up to cheer them on. Part of River Run’s new Canadian Country Series, this show is made possible by returning Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth.
Tickets to James Barker Band – Bud Light Buckle Up Tour are $79 for adults, $77 for patrons over 60 years old, and $49 for those under 30. Subscribe & Save 20% when you buy tickets to four or more shows. 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/james-barker-band/.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre | City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]