August 15th – 17th, 2025

Mayhemingways are an eclectic and full-sounding duo from the musical hotbed of Peterborough, Ontario. Their music drifts timelessly from folk-rock to traditional to country to something brand new. The band has been described as fuzz-folk with Cajun, bluegrass, and Celtic influences. The band completed a cross-Canada tour this spring with Joel Plaskett and his father Bill, opening over 25 shows and playing as their backing band as well. Lead singer Benj Rowland switches between accordion, banjo, guitar, and tenor guitar while holding down the bass with foot pedals. Josh Fewings plays drums, percussion and adds back-up vocals.

Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and Junkhouse writes, “Mind-bending and original music with deep roots in the tradition of dark North American folk.” 

They have a soon to be released second full-length called “Skip Land” that is due to be released in early summer, produced and engineered in Nanton, AB by Steve Loree (Ian Tyson, Corb Lund, Petunia). Their first full-length album “Hunter St Blues” was just released in Spring 2016 was also recorded in Nanton, AB. Their first EP (2013) engineered by James McKenty (Blue Rodeo, Cuff the Duke, The Weber Brothers) at former school house near Peterborough.

Mayhemingways have toured Canada relentlessly since forming in 2013. Coast to coast tours have become common place for the group, performing in almost every province and territory every year. Previous Festival appearances include: Evolve Festival in the Maritimes, Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival in Gros Morne, Newfoundland, Paddlefest in St. Andrew’s, New Brunswick, Wide Cut Weekend in Calgary, Alberta and Wild Oats and Notes in Toefield, Ab.