James Gray - Friday October 10th
Don’t miss our show next Friday October 10th, James Gray is doing an Album Release Tour and we’ll be among some of the first to hear these new songs and stories.
We wanted to send out a message with a reminder about next Friday’s upcoming show for those who haven’t bought tickets yet - it will be our last show for the season.
James Gray played on July 18th as one of our early shows this summer. This fall, he’s releasing a new album and we’re going to be among the first to hear the new songs and stories before he heads over to New Zealand later this winter.
Show will be 8-10pm as usual. Friday October 10th. It’s a great way to start the Thanksgiving weekend!
🍁🍁🍁 🍂🍂🍂 🍁🍁🍁
September Newsletter
Thank you for an amazing summer! First Summer - 13 Shows - Zero Regrets!
As our first summer winds down and as we look forward, we want to shout:
<<<THANK YOU!!!>>>
from the building tops (or from the internet and in person as much as possible) to all of you that have supported this live music venue in our community. This summer we hosted 13 shows, 6 of which were sold out! We had so many nights where we left to walk home thinking, “for real this time, this one really was the best yet”. We love the energy that comes from sharing live music together with YOU! So many of you have helped out by sourcing furniture, providing moral and physical support and attending so many shows. Well…..MORE TO COME!
Since our last Newsletter, we’ve had Cam Galloway, Joel Plaskett, Kenny Munshaw and Tobin Spring play.
Cam played to a sold out show after having to re-book from earlier in the season.
The whole gang with Joel Plaskett, Sound Tech Steve Smith and brother Brian. Two incredible shows! L-R: Steve, Jeremy, Brian, Joel, Kathy, Candice, Jim, Robin.
Kenny Munshaw playing to a sold out show. This show sold out immediately when it was posted….so don’t delay next year!
A few younger audience members at Tobin’s 3rd show this summer at Duke’s - also sold out!
Our September Shows
In just over a week, we have Old Man Luedecke coming to play. If you’d like to come to this show - don’t delay in purchasing tickets - as of today we are 60% sold out!
On September 19th, we are hosting our first Private Event. Gina Horswood will be playing for a lucky group that have booked the space for the night. We know what you might be thinking…… “So does this mean I could book my OWN show for an artist of my choosing!”. Well, in short - yes! If you’d like to book a night as a special event, or with an artist you’ve long wanted to see up close - get in touch and we can help make it happen.
Stay Tuned for October
A great picture from James’ first show at Duke’s this summer.
James Gray is coming to play on October 10th for his first show of an Album Release Tour. More details on the new album to come…but really, if you want to learn more - come to the show! Tickets go on sale Friday Sept 12th at noon. James played at Duke’s in July as one of our first shows, and shortly after got in touch to book this October date for his tour. We think that means he likes the space. Good thing, because we like him!
We’ll also be reaching out in October to hear from you as we look at booking shows for 2026. So…do your homework, and get your requests ready! We have a growing list already, plus we have so many that we’d like to have back. So stay tuned for our October Newsletter where we’ll be asking for your suggestions and ideas.
Thanks again for a great first summer ❤️ There’s a reason that we love this town.
Comin up!
There are so many good things happening we’re having trouble keeping up with the blog posts! Last weekend we had our first sold out show with Angie Nussey, with many more to come!
There are so many good things happening we’re having trouble keeping up with the blog posts! Last weekend we had our first sold out show with Angie Nussey, with many more to come! It was just a great show. Some of Angie’s long time fans were there and said “This is the best venue we have ever seen Angie at!”
The weekend before last, we had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Gina Horswood. Who knew so much talent was right here in our surroundings!?? We do now! Gina was incredible and we were so lucky to have her playing as a duo with bass player and vocalist Brandon Munday. We can’t wait to have Gina and Angie back next year!
Check out the pics below from the two shows, and if you’d like a little peak into the space if you haven’t been yet - have a listen to some fun with Angie Nussey as she has some fun looping some tracks below.
Angie Nussey playing to a full house
Gina Horswood accompanied by Brandon Munday
Up Next!
Up Next is Cody Ellis, playing tomorrow, Saturday August 9th. If you don’t have tickets, I’m sorry but there are only 2 left….looks like it will be another sold out show.
Then - on TUESDAY August 12th, Cam Galloway is playing. His show is 70% SOLD, so if you’re planning on coming, now is the time to get tickets!
Next Thursday August 14th and Friday August 15th, we are so thrilled that Joel Plaskett is coming! His Friday show is sold out, but thursday is at around 30% SOLD - so get your tickets if you don’t have them yet!
A week later, on Thursday August 21st, we are so lucky to have Kenny Munshaw coming to play - our piano is getting tuned on Monday before hand!! This show is SOLD OUT, so we hope you already have your tickets!
On Friday August 22nd, we are so looking forward to having The Fretless featuring Madeleine Roger come to Duke’s Live Music. This group is incredible, with 4 String players and a vocalist. A supergroup of celebrated solo artists, The Fretless has been creating a singular and signature sound that dares to expand the idea of what a string music quartet can be—transforming fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, beautiful, high-energy arrangements that have quickly gained a dedicated following and accolades from around the world. We have been looking forward to this show all summer. We can’t believe we are going to have this whole 5 person group playing for us over the water as the sun is setting. You will never forget this show. Check out this video for a taste of what’s coming….and get your tickets early so you’re not disappointed!
For our last show of the summer, we KNOW this will sell out, and we can’t wait to have him back - we are again welcoming Tobin Spring on Thursday August 28th. If you haven’t been to see one of his shows here, it’s not too late. Get your tickets here!
Fall Preview
We are booking a few shows for the fall and wanted to give you a heads up before we even post them! Details to come soon on those that aren’t posted yet.
Paddy James will be joining us while he is here for a week from the UK, travelling and playing at a friend’s wedding. How lucky are we! He’ll be playing on Thursday September 11th - details for this show to be posted soon. We just solidified this today!
Right up after Paddy will be Old Man Luedecke on Friday September 12th!! Who’s he….well you’d better check him out. We have listened to so much of his music over the years. Here is a little glimpse into this artist. His tickets go on sale Friday August 15th at noon, so mark your calendars and get tickets for Old Man Luedecke’s show.
Also…this is not quite public yet, but word on the street is that James Gray is releasing a new album! He played at Duke’s Live Music in July - and he’s COMING BACK! He’s coming on Friday October 10th, which is Friday of the thanksgiving weekend, and he’ll be playing at Duke’s as the FIRST SHOW of his new album release tour! We cannot wait! Tickets aren’t posted for this yet either, but they will be soon!
There are a few other things brewing for the fall…but for now we are just enjoying these shows happening now - it is going so quickly!
Can’t wait to see you out at a show again soon! Thank you SO much for your support, and your contribution to the live music, local and from away!
Weekly Recap
A little recap on two more great shows, and next week’s show.
Words and pictures can’t do these shows justice. If you haven’t come to check out Duke’s Live Music, it’s time. Thanks for the nights Luke Crans and The Pub Band, and James Gray.
Here are a few pictures from our last two shows, and a look at our upcoming shows. If you have any pictures from the shows you’d like to share - please send them our way! 705-765-1939, info@dukeboats.com
OUR NEXT SHOWS
Friday, July 25th, 2025
Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm
After touring Australia & Canada for over two decades, Horswood settled in the woods of Northern Ontario and wrote her latest release, "Bare Bones" (2020), which debuted at #3 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter chart.
Gina Horswood has become known as one of the most talented entertainers in Muskoka, switching seamlessly from her own music to classic and pop standards, much to the delight of the audience. Buy tickets in advance to choose your seat and reserve your spot, as space is limited.
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm
Angie Nussey is a seasoned artist with a diverse portfolio that includes 7 original albums and the celebrated book “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing.” She began her musical journey in Sudbury, Ontario, studying opera and piano while also delving into biochemistry and performing with a rock band for 3 years. In 2001, she relocated to Toronto, Ontario, where she embarked on a 15-year musical touring journey. Angie now resides in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, and continues to evolve and enrich her musical career.
Her musical prowess has earned her numerous accolades, including Best Female Performer at the Toronto Independent Music Awards and recognition for Best Country Song in the Great American Songwriting Contest. Buy tickets in advance to choose your seat and reserve your spot, as space is limited.
What’s With This Place??
So we hear there’s a new live music spot in town. But what is it really? What’s the deal? When are they open? Who’s playing?
We know you’re wondering.
Okay - so we’ve had lots of people asking us about when we’re opening, who’s playing, and what we’re up to. Well - we wanted to share that with you.
We are offering something that we’ve been longing for. It is for us, our friends, our kids, our community and our artists!
What we’re doing.
Put simply: We want to celebrate artists and give them a venue to play where we get to interact with them, be close, share their music, get to know them. This venue is for The Artist. This venue is for The Listener. This venue is for the experience of shared art and music. To inspire. To connect. Yes, to drink and eat too, we have lots of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, cheese boards and desserts - but this is to enhance the experience of the music.
When you come and see our solo artists or bands, you will be sitting in essentially what seems like sitting in the living room with them. You get to see them up close, interact with them, joke back and forth, hear their stories and songs.
And what is all this like for the artist? Equally incredible. They get to interact with you. They get to share their music, share their stories, and best of all, everyone is listening.
Take a chance. Come and check out a show and support these incredible artists, and give us the ability to keep doing it.
Check out our upcoming shows:
https://www.dukeboats.com/live-music
Generally our shows are Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays - but it all depends on who we book and when they are available. So check the schedule to be sure!
COMING UP THIS WEEK
Thursday, July 17th, 2025
Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm
Luke Crans and his band will be joining us for a night to be remembered. Luke is a local singer/songwriter who will play tunes that you know and love, as well as originals in this intimate 49 seat venue. You'll feel like you've joined the band in their living room for a great night of music.. Buy tickets in advance to choose your seat and reserve your spot, as space is limited.
Friday, July 18th, 2025
Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm
James Gray is a contemporary version of an old-school traveling folk singer. In the past decade, Gray has toured Canada, Europe and Australia, seeing the world and sharing his beloved songs along the way. A unique finger style guitarist, with a vocal that is hauntingly beautiful, this is a show you don’t want to miss. Buy tickets in advance to choose your seat and reserve your spot, as space is limited.
Grand Opening and Shows!
Grand Opening on Thursday July 10th, 6-7pm. Tobin Spring Show Thursday July 10th, 7-10pm, Friday July 11th, 7-10pm.
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Thursday July 10th, 6-7pm
A new live music venue is open in Port Carling. This 50 seat gathering location is host to incredible live music for small audiences. Wait until you see how intimate this space is, you’ll feel like you are in the artist’s living room.
Come and gather inside the old boat shop on Thursday July 10th from 6-7, ribbon cutting at 6:15. Rather than building boats, come to enjoy local brews and beverages, cheese platters and desserts, and best of all, incredible live music in an intimate venue.
RSVP to the Chamber if you will join for the big cut (andi@muskokalakeschamber.ca). Then stay for the Tobin Spring show, with doors open at 7, and show at 8pm, tickets available online.
Two Great Shows This Weekend!
If you came to the show on June 26th, you’ll know why you don’t want to miss this one! This Thursday and Friday we have two great shows lined up for you. This is not background music in a bar - this is an experience to be a part of. Share in supporting these artists and in supporting live music. Come early for a beverage and a bite, or enjoy some desert at intermission. Hear some of your favourite tunes, and come ready to request, and also enjoy originals by the artists.
THURSDAY JULY 10th, Doors 7pm, Show at 8pm
$20 Ticket - Reserve Seats Online
FRIDAY JULY 11th, Doors 7pm, Show at 8pm
$20 Ticket - Reserve Seats Online
First Show - Tobin Spring
First show in the new space! Tobin Spring on June 26th.
Well, as is always the case - it was a scramble to have the space all cleaned up for the first show on June 26th. The last day was a mad dash to get everything cleaned, setup and ready. It all came together, and other than soliciting friends (who were the first in the door with tickets) to clean their own glasses and enough glasses for everyone else, we were as ready as we were going to be!
Thought I’d post a few pictures of the first night - as we are prepping for show number 2 tomorrow night, Cam Galloway.
To checkout our upcoming shows as they are posted, stay tuned here - https://www.dukeboats.com/live-music
Joel Plaskett At Duke’s Live Music!
BIG Show Announcement! Later this summer, the one and only Joel Plaskett will be joining us for two back to back shows. Tickets won’t last long, so mark your calendars - tickets go on sale July 4th at NOON!
We are over the top pumped to announce that Joel Plaskett is coming to Duke’s!
We are still on a high from our first show with Tobin Spring last night, and as we gathering pictures to post, we don’t want to delay letting everyone know this exciting news.
For over three decades, Joel Plaskett has proven himself a spinning wheel of reinvention. The Nova Scotia songwriter's eclectic body of work reveals a restless and playful spirit, always transforming and expanding.
Joel will be playing TWO shows with only 49 seats each.
Buy tickets in advance to choose your seat and reserve your spot, as space is limited.
Tickets go on sale NEXT FRIDAY JULY 4TH AT NOON!
Check out all our upcoming events HERE
New Show Posting!
New Show Posting - Cam Galloway, July 3rd, 8pm. All Ages, Licensed event - doors open at 7pm.
Thursday, July 3rd, 2025
Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm
Come dig some local talent with country musician Cam Galloway from Bracebridge, Ontario. Cam will kick off an early start to the Canada Day long weekend at Duke's in Port Carling. Cam is a singer/songwriter, and current finalist in the Country Rising Talent Competition. Come ready to hear some of your favourite tunes, and hear some new favourites written by Cam himself. Buy tickets in advance to choose your seat and reserve your spot, as space is limited.
Tickets to go see Cam will go on sale on Friday June 27th at noon - so set your reminders to get your tickets!
The Week Before The Week Of
Plumbing, electrical, inspections and ordering!
It’s getting real.
As I write - I can hear the plumbers downstairs, and I’m surrounded by a collection of chairs, sound equipment, fridges, sinks and tools. Today it has been raining all day (as you know), but all the pieces are starting to come together, which they better be, our first show is next Thursday!
This space has been many years in the making. Since Jeremy and I purchased Duke’s in 2011, we’ve been planning for some live music in the building. As our kids have grown to be 14 and 11 years old, they have brainstormed with us as to how and when the music will come to Duke’s.
In 2014, we hosted the Good Lovelies for a one-time concert in the then-active boat building space. This show was inspired by Wendy Nicholson, who had hired Craig Cardiff to come and play at Kerr Park for her birthday. I loved the idea. And so, though it was definitely not my birthday (since that’s in February), we had the Good Lovelies come and do a concert just for the enjoyment of it. As a sound check, they did a little 30 minute concert for our kids, their kids and some other kids in the area (ours were 3yrs and 1yr old at that time). The main show later that night was for a sold out audience of 85 people, catered by Grand Electric.
As we get the space ready for our first show next week, I thought I would start a news feed, to track the progress, document the shows, and help us remember the history of the space in years to come.
Today and tomorrow, we have Fixtures doing the plumbing for the new washrooms, the kitchen and the bar. Last week we had Klos Concepts doing some electrical for us so that we have receptacles to plug in the various lights we are putting together, and to power our sound equipment that we picked up last week from Currie’s Music.
I’m sitting down now to get our first food orders in for next week for when Tobin Spring is coming to kick it off for the summer. We can’t wait to celebrate with those that join us next Thursday. Many have asked - tickets go on sale tomorrow at noon!
Thanks for following - let us know any requests for acts in the comments and we’ll see what we can do!