James River, Nova Scotia
Meet the Artists
James Barker Band
James Barker Band have fueled an incredible story over the last decade, largely on their own, from opening for local bands in dive bars to charting multiple No. 1 singles and hundreds of millions of global streams to headlining festivals and playing stages across North America and Europe. After landing their record-setting, GOLD-certified fourth No. 1 in Canada with “New Old Trucks” feat. 14x GRAMMY-nominated artist Dierks Bentley, the group currently holds the title of the most No. 1’s for a Canadian country group in the BDS/Mediabase era. With this, the multi-award-winning four-piece is continuing their meteoric ascent in Nashville.
Made up of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals), Connor Stephen (drums), and Bobby Martin (bass), the members of James Barker Band grew up within an hour of each other in rural towns surrounding Toronto. In 2017 these best friends saw their hard work pay off when they sent their single “Chills” straight to the top of Billboard’s Canadian Hot 100 chart. From there, James Barker Band released a string of successful singles, including the GOLD-certified tracks “Wastin’ Whiskey,” “New Old Trucks,” “Over All Over Again,” “There’s A Drink For That”, “Just Sayin’,” “It’s Working,” “Lawn Chair Lazy,” “Good Together,” “Summertime,” as well as Platinum-certified songs “Keep It Simple” and “Chills” and a GOLD-certified EP (Game On).
Now, the self-proclaimed “band of brothers from different mothers” unveils their six-track, label debut EP Ahead Of Our Time out now. James Barker Band’s dedication to their craft and undeniable charisma have been the driving force behind their ascent to stardom and is stronger than ever as they continue to trailblaze many miles from their hometowns. While the opportunities are limitless, the band remains grounded in their small-town roots.
The James Barker Band made its Grand Ole Opry debut on February 27, 2024. They are nominated for Country Album of the Year in the 2024 Juno Awards.
Join us on June 28 as the James Barker Band headlines our Country Rocks Riverside concert.
James Barker Band makes its Grand Ole Opry debut (Feb. 27/24)
"Country music & NASCAR...it's like peanut butter & jam"
~ James Baker about Canada Day Weekend at Riverside
(click audio file to listen, courtesy Country 101.9)
Merimac is a 4-piece group (often 5 with fiddle/piano) based in Halifax, playing a diverse selection of music. Its well-known, seasoned members bring a variety of influences and are sure to please any crowd. from the Maritimes and Atlantic Canada, as well as the United States.
Since 2001 they’ve played over 400 shows in the Maritimes, Ontario and the U.S. There is good reason for their longevity and popularity – they get the crowd going no matter what the venue. In 2017 Merimac was named the Cover Band of the Year in the Best of Halifax Reader’s Choice Awards. We’re excited to welcome Merimac to the inaugural Country Rocks Riverside concert.
Eddie Cummings hails from Mabou in Cape Breton. He started playing publicly in 2003 as a solo artist. Eddie is a vocalist who also plays acoustic and electric guitars, as well as harmonica. In 2011, his debut single “Lost and Found” made its way to the top position on the East Coast Countdown and held that position for seven weeks.
Blending a style of country and rock, Cummings’ sound has something for everyone. He is always happy to showcase his music and catchy self-written tunes to an audience of all ages. We’re excited to welcome Eddie Cummings to our stage on June 28 as an opening act for the James Barker Band.
Concert Information
This is where you’ll find information specific to this event and in addition to the Guest Information which governs all of our events.
Ages: This is an all-ages event; those 18 and under must remain in the family sections (B, C, and D.)
Show Time: 7 p.m. , Eddie Cummings, Merimac, & James Barker Band (in that order)
Stage Location: The stage will be on the front stretch close to the start/finish line. see the site and seating diagram for this event here.
Seating: Six sections of our main grandstand will be available for seating. All seats are reserved. Sections B, C, and D are family sections (all ages) and sections E, F, and G are licensed. To enter the licensed area you MUST have a ticket for sections E, F, or G and be 19+.
Front of Stage Access: A very limited number of tickets are available for The Pit area trackside and in front of the stage. It is important to note this area is standing room only and that alcohol cannot be carried in nor will it be available. The only items that can be carried into The Pit area are purses/handbags less than 12″x12″x4″; they must be emptied for a security check before entering The Pit, each time. Items that cannot be identified will not be allowed.
Ticket Age Groups:
- Family Sections: Adult (16+), Youth (5-15), Child (4 & under). ID may be requested at entry for those 15 and under.
- Licensed Sections: 19 years of age or older, ID must be presented on request (no exceptions). See Licensed Area details below.
Licensed Area: The “regular” licensed area grandstand at the Turn 1-2 end of the track will be closed for this event. Instead, sections E, F, and G will be licensed. You MUST have a ticket for one of those sections and be 19 or older to enter the licensed area.
Tickets Prices: click here
Purchase Tickets: Tickets available starting March 28 at Noon click here
Camping: Campsites are available for this event in advance by reservation, starting in late March. The campsite ticket is good for four days (June 27 at Noon to July 1 at Noon). click here to view our site maps
Weather: This is a rain or shine event.
Weekend Information: Everything you need to know for three days of high-energy, high-octane excitement click here
