On Thursday night, at their final passport season show, Tour de Fort announced the lineup for next year’s season series starting in September.
The series will kick off on September 16, 2026, with Juno winner and famed Canadian female rocker, Sass Jordan.
According to her bio, Jordan has been a prominent presence on the Canadian music scene since her debut album in the late 1980s.
“Sass Jordan burst onto the scene with her debut album, Tell Somebody, in 1988, showcasing her powerhouse vocals and songwriting prowess. The album’s success catapulted her to international fame, earning her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. She continued to release a string of hit albums, including Rats and Racine, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
“As a female artist in a predominantly male genre, Sass Jordan has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for other women in rock music. A winner of multiple awards, including Juno and Billboard, her fearless attitude, uncompromising talent, and electrifying stage presence have inspired a new generation of female performers to embrace their authenticity and push boundaries in their music careers.
“Throughout her illustrious career, Sass Jordan has collaborated and shared the stage with legendary artists such as Joe Cocker, Steve Miller, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC, further cementing her status as a rock icon. Her influence transcends genres and generations, with artists from all walks of life citing her as a source of inspiration and admiration.”
The series continues a few weeks later on Monday, Oct. 5, when contemporary folk roots band Maggie’s Wake comes to town.
According to their biography, the band is a folk band that blends other genres into their original music.
“[We are a] traditional folk band, playing original music with Celtic instrumentation. We have an authentic sound, original compositions, and are inspired by traditional folk music, jazz, and classic country.”
The first half of the season wraps up with another show at the end of October, when singer-songwriter Mia Kelly takes the stage on Thursday, Oct. 29. Kelly’s music brings together a variety of sounds as well.
“Kelly is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Gatineau, Quebec, making her mark on the Canadian folk music scene with a distinctive blend of folk, rock, and blues,” her bio says.
“Since releasing her debut album Garden Through The War (2022), she has been recognized as a poetic lyricist with a powerful and versatile voice. Known for her ability to weave the stories of those around her into her music, Mia is an imaginative storyteller who channels raw, vulnerable emotion through expertly crafted songs.
“Her sophomore album, To Be Clear (2024), co-produced with fellow songwriter Jim Bryson (The Tragically Hip, Kathleen Edwards), received critical acclaim worldwide. The record featured ‘Meaning Well,’ which was nominated for Single of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and went on to earn four 2025 Capital Music Awards nominations. Mia took home Single of the Year for ‘Bonefish Boys’ and Video of the Year for ‘Si j’étais franche.’”
Kelly will release a new album in a few weeks entitled Big Time Roller Coaster Feeling.
After Mia Kelly, the season then takes a break until January when powerhouse blues and country artist Crystal Shawanda comes to town on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027.
“Born and raised in Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Shawanda grew up surrounded by music,” her bio says.
“Introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old‑time country by her parents, she developed a deep curiosity for the roots of every song she heard. ‘I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,’ she says. ‘I wanted to know who the originators were — the mothers of invention, the masters like Etta James, Muddy Waters, and Buddy Guy.’ That early passion shaped her into the powerhouse blues vocalist she is today.
“Shawanda’s professional career began in country music, where she quickly made history. After signing with RCA Nashville in her early twenties, her debut album ‘Dawn of a New Day’ (2008) became the highest‑charting album by a full‑blooded Canadian Indigenous country artist in the SoundScan era. Her breakout single ‘You Can Let Go’ became one of the fastest‑rising hits on the Canadian Country Singles Chart, reaching Top 10 in just five weeks and climbing to number two on the U.S. Mediabase chart. She went on to become the first Indigenous woman to win the Canadian Country Music Award for Female Artist of the Year in 2009.”
Following Shawanda, singer-songwriter Jory Nash will play on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2027.
Nash has gotten back into the music scene after taking time off to work through some personal struggles in 2019.
“After stepping away from music in 2019, Nash is making his return in 2025 with his 10th album, The Light Still Shines On The Main, co-produced with longtime friend Chris Stringer. The road to this record has been anything but easy,” Nash’s website says.
“In 2019, Nash experienced a breakdown that led him to quit music, facing depression and financial struggles. The pandemic compounded these struggles, and in early 2021, his partner, Brittany, was diagnosed with multiple cancers, beginning an intensive journey through chemotherapy and surgeries. That summer, a fire damaged their Toronto rental, prompting a move to Cobourg, Ont., where Brittany could focus on recovery and their young son could start kindergarten. ‘This album is about coming through the darkness,” says Nash. “It’s about hope, resilience, loss, and finding beauty in new beginnings.’
“A multi-instrumentalist on acoustic guitar, piano and banjo, Nash’s warm, unique voice draws listeners into his thoughtful lyrics and intricate melodies. His music is regularly heard on CBC Radio, SiriusXM, BBC, Stingray Digital, and on college and NPR stations across North America. He has toured extensively in Canada and the U.S., performing at folk festivals, house concerts, folk clubs and theatres, with appearances at Summerfolk, Mariposa, Home County, Stewart Park, Eaglewood, Shelter Valley, Hillside, Blue Skies, Live From The Rock, Winterfolk, and more.”
The season wraps up on Wednesday March 24, 2027 with high-energy funk group The Free Label.
“The Free Label comprises six multi-instrumentalists and vocalists from Toronto, Canada. Their music is a unique fusion of 70s disco, 90s R&B, and high-energy funk, resulting in a captivating, dance-focused show,” their bio says.
“Their 2019 single “All Night” propelled them to new heights, enabling them to tour internationally. Since then, they have independently toured Europe, North America, and Australia, garnering fans along the way.
“Noteworthy Canadian festival appearances include Mariposa Folk Festival, Canadian Music Week, Wapiti, and the Calgary Stampede, where they opened for internationally acclaimed artists T-Pain, Aqua, and Lupe Fiasco. They have sold out shows nationwide, from Montreal to Vancouver.”
In a statement to the Times, Tour de Fort President Charles Fisher said the group is looking forward to the upcoming season.
“We are excited to bring another season of great musicians to Fort Frances,” Fisher wrote.
“The lineup features award winning artists from many different genres, representing some of the best up and coming touring musicians in Canada, alongside a legend of blues and rock music in Sass Jordan.”
Passports for Tour de Fort’s 2026-27 season are now on sale for $130 for all six shows. Passports can be purchased online at tourdefort.com, at the Fort Frances Public Library or at Rosey’s Convenience, formerly known as Ski’s Variety.
