Oshawa Hits All the Right Notes This Spring
- Ashley Marshall
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
On my Spotify Wrapped for 2025, the algorithm informed me that, according to my tastes, I have a listening age of 65. What can I say: I love music from the ’70s. Mixed in with my classic yacht rock are some of Canada’s biggest names: Justin Bieber’s “Yukon” was on heavy rotation, as was almost everything from The Beaches.
A friend of mine was at this year’s Junos, taking place in Hamilton on March 29th, and it was fun to see how many Juno-award-nominated acts also had a relationship to Oshawa. Jully Black won alongside collaborators TOBi and Saukrates for best Rap Single, “Who’s Driving You?” Jully Black performed live at Oshawa’s Biltmore Theatre as recently as this past February. Three Days Grace was nominated for a Juno Award in the Group of the Year category. Three Days Grace is performing at the Tribute Centre (99 Athol Street East) on May 4th. Get your tickets now! I saw Aysanabee perform at the 2025 Convergence Festival in Oshawa. He just won two Junos for Alternative Album of the Year and Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year. I had plans to see rock duo, Crown Lands, perform a New Year's Eve gig last year at Bond Street Events. They were just nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year. Of course, Daniel Caesar grew up in Oshawa. It’s cool to see him win Juno Awards for Contemporary R&B Recording, Songwriting, and International Achievement. Again and again, Oshawa continues to establish itself as a hub of culture and cultivator of world-class artists and musicians.
This April is the 25th anniversary of Oshawa Music Week. Happening from April 7th to 11th, there are ample opportunities to see what Oshawa’s talent is cooking up. On April 7th, enjoy the World Music Festival in The Pit of Durham College’s North Campus (2000 Simcoe Street North). This event brings music, food, art, and cultures together in a celebration of rhythm and melody.
On April 8th, head to the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (72 Queen Street) for Songs Revealed, a songwriting competition. On April 9th, head to TwoTwoTwo (44 Bond Street, West Side Entrance) for Genre Swap. See artists try their hand and cut their teeth in styles that may be out of their usual wheelhouse.
April 9th is also the day of the Country Showcase at the Atria (59 King Street East, Second Floor). I remember seeing Bahamas, a Canadian act, open for Alabama Shakes at the RBC Amphitheatre. It was moments like those that really emphasized that there is good country, bluegrass, shoegaze, and blues right here in Ontario. Happening from 7:30 pm until midnight, the Country Showcase is sure to be a great opportunity to show us what they’ve got.
On April 10th, the Indie Showcase is happening at the Atria starting at 7 pm. Oshawa is already famous for its indie, rock, and punk scenes. Young talent couldn’t have a better stomping ground than Oshawa. Canada’s musical identity is strewn with what Nelly Furtado did with Timbaland back in the day. Since then, we’ve heard the creativity of The Weeknd, Jessie Reyez, and Haviah Mighty. It is from this foundation that Oshawa gets ready to host the Hip-Hop Showcase, also at the Atria. Young artists will have to impress the judges, given the mighty large footsteps they are walking alongside. On April 10th, head to 70 King from 8 pm to 1 am to celebrate Desi music and Desi culture. Start working on your dance moves because this event is sure to be high-energy and extremely fun!
Then, on April 11th, head to TwoTwoTwo for Moshawa, a one-night-only Metal Showcase. This is another scene that Oshawa is famous for. We have emo nights, punk bands, and rock shows unlike any other city. If you have been raving about the Oshawa music scene to your out-of-town friends, this would definitely be the event to bring them to. Check us out!
While you are making your way around the city for all of the arts and culture on display, don’t forget to grab a bite. On April 12th, swing by Frühlingsfest, an indoor spring market (389 Dean Avenue). With six German beers on tap, German food, and refreshments available, this is definitely an event that would bring in the good spring vibes. The kitchen is open from 11 am to 2 pm and is a family-friendly event. Bring the crew and have your photo taken with the Spring Bunny!
By the time you are reading this, you are probably still feeling the buzz of the Goo Goo Dolls having performed at the Tribute Centre. As a kid from the ‘90s, hearing “Iris” belted would definitely crack something deep inside of me. When music connects us, moves us, leads us to love deeper, and to stay out a little later, we know that life is also for feeling food. It is events like these in Oshawa that always make me think, “This is the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be, and I don’t want to go home right now.”
This spring, I hope you meet new artists as they start their careers. I remember being in university in Hamilton, seeing new talent take to the stage in our dingy basement bar, and I was like, “The Weeknd…what a ridiculous name. He’s probably no good. I can miss this show.” BOY WAS I WRONG. Take the chance. Go see the artists while you still can, before they win Junos and Grammys, and enjoy being in intimate proximity while you still can. They just might be the next Tate McRae! Grab a beer and enjoy the newness of spring. This time of year is just the kickoff of what this city is so good at: community, creativity, and a chorus coming together to make something one-of-a-kind!
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