August 15th – 17th, 2025

Youth Discoveries

The Road To Summerfolk

An amazing opportunity for youth to be heard and seen by an international crowd.

See you at #summerfolk50

What is Youth Discoveries ~ The Road to Summerfolk?

Youth  Discoveries 2025 FINALE SHOW is May 3 in Owen Sound!

2025 Youth Discoveries Finalists Announced!

After an incredible series of preliminary showcases in Guelph, London, Toronto, and Owen Sound, a panel of judges has selected a standout group of emerging young artists who will move on to the Finale Showcase.

Congratulations to:

 

Owen Sound Winners
The Ruthven Sisters
Borderline

 

London Winners
Belladonna DeFranco
Jai Vinyl

 

Guelph Winners
Ethan Emes
Nico Valeriote

 

Toronto Winners
The Commune
Amanda and the Paper Cranes

 

Wildcard Selections (chosen by the judges from all regional performers)

Bryson Cleland – Owen Sound
Ella Frank – Toronto
Sam Brown – Toronto
Madeleine O’Connor – Guelph

 

Come out and show your support! The Finale will take place at the Harmony Centre in Owen Sound on May 3, where up to 5 winners will be chosen to play at the 50th Annual Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival. Admission is free for the Finale, and all ages are welcome — join the EVENT on Facebook.

 

Thank you to our Regional Judges for volunteering their time and talent: Tyler Becket (Owen Sound), Willem Cowen (London), Karen K Tran (Guelph), and John Muirhead (Toronto) and to our Youth Discoveries volunteer Program Directors, Kim Moore, Corrie Martindill, and Paige Warner.

 

Special thanks to our incredible partners & sponsors: Grey Roots Museum & Archives (Owen Sound), Silence (Guelph), Toboggan & London Music Office (London), and Hugh’s Room (Toronto) for making this journey possible!

 

Youth Discoveries 2025 Finale
🗓 Saturday, May 3, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Harmony Centre, Owen Sound
🎟 Free admission – donations welcome

Come out and support these incredible young performers as they take the stage and step into the spotlight on their Road to Summerfolk!

Youth Discoveries – The Road to Summerfolk is an annual, volunteer-run program presented by the Georgian Bay Folk Society to support young musicians aged 14–22. Designed to offer more than just a performance opportunity at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival, Youth Discoveries provides mentorship, workshops, networking, and a chance to build community with fellow emerging artists across Ontario.

The Youth Discoveries program is proudly supported by: