The City of Burnaby is excited to bring the 25th Blues and Roots Festival to Burnaby on Saturday, August 8, carrying forward a generation of music grounded in story and shaped by culture.
Blues and Roots has never been one sound—it’s a lineage. From the enduring foundations of blues and soul to today’s genre-blending sounds this year’s lineup brings that lineage to life: the raw, emotive vocals of TALK, the powerhouse soul of Jully Black, the genre-defying energy of GALACTIC featuring Jelly Joseph, and the powerful storytelling of Wyatt C. Louis and RBCxMusic’s TYA. Together, they represent the past, present and future of blues and roots music, expanding what it means and who it belongs to.
“Burnaby Blues + Roots is one of the premier free music festivals in our region, bringing together an incredible lineup of artists in one of the most stunning outdoor venues in British Columbia," says Mayor Mike Hurley. "We’re especially proud to showcase such strong Canadian talent, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define this festival and our city.”
The festival starts at 11:30 am with three satellite stages at Burnaby Village Museum, featuring performances by local musicians Robyn Froese, Matt Hermano, Ty Koch, Adrienne Robles, Zach Saunders, Rebecca Sichon, Dean Michael Smith and Smootherin.
The community stage on the festival’s east lawn promises a diverse and dynamic lineup. The community stage kicks off at 3:30 pm with Janky Bungag, Mikey Jose, DACEY and Desiree Dawson.
Along with incredible free live music, attendees will see the return of signature attractions, such as food trucks, beer garden, artisan market, community booths and more.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and our sponsors RBC and Global TV.
Learn More: Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival
High resolution promotional images: 2026 Artists | 2025 Event Images
BTogether: Burnaby is home to some of the biggest and best festivals in the region. From vibrant summer street festivals, to world-class concerts on the lawn at Deer Lake Park, we’re proud to offer incredible opportunities to gather with friends and family. Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival is one of the many vibrant events in our city—so get out there and explore what this community has to offer!
MAIN STAGE – DEER LAKE PARK: FESTIVAL LAWN
TALK is the musical project of Canadian artist Nicolas Durocher, who first broke through in 2021 with “Run Away to Mars,” a song born out of isolation during the pandemic. When it later went viral on TikTok, “Mars” propelled him into the global spotlight and set the stage for a rapid rise.
His 2023 debut album, Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees, arrived amid major commercial success that included a sold-out headlining tour and a 2024 JUNO Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, but left Durocher feeling creatively misaligned with its polished, arena-ready direction. In the aftermath, he stepped back and began writing a screenplay about a fictional alter ego—an idea that would eventually become The Ballad of Ozzy Moon.
The album tells the story of Ozzy Moon, a failed musician who reinvents himself as an amateur wrestler in search of purpose, identity, and redemption. Mirroring Durocher’s experience with sudden fame, the project became a turning point, helping him reconnect with his instincts and take full control of his creative direction. First single “Time Machine,” arriving May 1, introduces the era with a sweeping meditation on regret and the desire to revisit fractured moments in time.
Beyond the studio, TALK has built a global live reputation, sharing stages with Imagine Dragons, Luke Combs, Shania Twain, The Lumineers, Young the Giant and Milky Chance, while also performing at major festivals including Lollapalooza (Chicago and Berlin), Osheaga, RADAR Switzerland, Boston Calling, Ohana and Calgary Stampede, among others. His profile has also expanded through high-visibility television and broadcast performances, including The Late Late Show with James Corden, the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, and the 2024 Montreal Formula One Grand Prix. Additionally, he has earned critical praise from Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, and People.
With The Ballad of Ozzy Moon, TALK enters a new chapter defined less by momentum than by intention—one where storytelling, identity, and creative control sit firmly at the center.
Jully Black is a multi-JUNO award-winning artist, platinum-selling recording artist, and Canada's Walk of Fame inductee. She performed alongside Alicia Keys, Elton John, Celine Dion and Drake, and written for Destiny's Child and Nas. Her powerhouse vocals and five studio albums have made her one of the most respected voices in Canadian music.
Beyond the stage, Black is a TEDx speaker, actress, wellness advocate and philanthropist. She founded 100 Strong & Sexy, The Power of Step and The Jully Black Family Foundation. In 2023, she made global headlines changing the Canadian national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game to "our home ON native land." The Assembly of First Nations called her "a truth-teller who shifted the nation's consciousness."
GALACTIC featuring Jelly Joseph, has spent over three decades shaping the sound of New Orleans funk, blending genres and pushing boundaries with every release. The band tours and records with powerhouse vocalist Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, and also owns the legendary Tipitina’s venue. Their latest album, Audience With the Queen, is a bold, full-length collaboration with Irma Thomas, celebrating the enduring soul of New Orleans through fresh, original songs.
Wyatt C. Louis walks the line between genres like an easy path rather than a tightrope, carried by textural and ethereal songs lifted by stunning vocals. Louis’ debut album Chandler refers to simply their middle name. Louis (they/he), a Plains Cree singer-songwriter born and raised in parts of Treaty Six, now lives in Moh’kinstsís (Blackfoot name for Calgary) and lets that amalgamation of place shine through on these tracks, some of which came to life in the quiet and contemplative days of deep pandemic lockdown. Out via Royal Mountain Records, Chandler is immersed with a soft comfort that glows with feelings of familiarity and ease. Louis found levity through collaboration. A new experience, the result is upbeat yet cozy, the kind of songs that show off Louis’ contradictions of paying homage to the country music ingrained in the geography of their childhood, with an indie and roots spin that makes it something different.
TYA is fresh off a year of wins — including Best Music Video at the Toronto International Music Video Festival and sold-out shows in Hollywood — Canadian alt-pop artist TYA (she/they) is entering her most vulnerable era yet. Backed by RBCxMusic, Headb!tch Distro, and Grrrl Music, TYA’s Mental Health Mixtape is a raw, cinematic confession — the kind that turns panic into poetry and breakdowns into something you can dance to. With biting yet empathetic lyrics and powerhouse vocals, TYA blurs the line between diary entry and performance art.
Her past year saw a 500% jump in streams, headlining queer festivals from NYC to LA, and placements on several Pride playlists. A mental health advocate first and forever, TYA makes music for anyone who’s ever felt too much — and needed that to mean something.
For fans of Fletcher, Avril Lavigne and Remi Wolf, TYA is the underground pop poet proving that chaos can sound beautiful.
COMMUNITY STAGE – DEER LAKE PARK: EAST LAWN
Janky Bungag is from Vancouver, B.C. This Filipino-Canadian cowpunk artist draws inspiration from outlaw legends like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash to bring you a high-energy blend of country and bluegrass. With fast picking and a high lonesome sound, Janky Bungag is sure to get the dance floor hopping.
Mikey Jose is a Neuroscience PhD candidate-by-day, independent artist-by-night, and thrives in the in-between. Jose’s signature sound comes from embracing the tension between the groundedness of R&B and Gospel, and playful storytelling of Pop, allowing him to deliver music that is both deeply soulful and effortlessly relatable. Mikey takes cues from classic and modern greats like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Leon Thomas and Beyoncé who lead with story through melody; this ethos allows his B-Side records to be as compelling as his radio hits.
DACEY is a Vancouver-based band that blends alt-R&B, neo-soul, indie and jazz. Fronted by vocalist Dacey Andrada, the group crafts smooth, melodic tracks with rich influences and emotional depth. Known for their evolving style and captivating live energy, DACEY continues to push creative boundaries in Canada’s music scene.
Desiree Dawson is a multi-talented artist, celebrated for her remarkable gifts as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, sound healing facilitator and yoga teacher. She is best known for accompanying her voice with body percussion or her baritone ukulele. Her music has elements of pop, folk, soul, Americana, country and more. Notably, her outstanding musical journey includes a prestigious JUNO Award nomination for album of the year for Meet You At The Light.
SATELLITE STAGE – BURNABY VILLAGE MUSEUM: VORCE, MARKET GARDEN AND BANDSTAND
Robyn Froese is a soul-folk artist and community arts facilitator based in Vancouver. If Amy Winehouse's voice and Joni Mitchell's songwriting birthed a love child, it would be Robyn Froese. She crafts raw and vulnerable music that explores themes of mental health, healing and love.
Matt Hermano's performances typically feature original compositions and skillfully interpreted covers, reflecting his diverse musical influences rooted in 1970s Motown and 2000s music. This influence is palpable in his soulful approach to singing and his ability to infuse pop lyrics with a captivating depth of emotion.
Ty Koch is the type of artist who can seamlessly blend genres; crooner, blues, musical theatre, classical and every vintage rock song you can think of. Inspired by blues and rock artists of yesteryear, Koch injects his love for the genre into his original music, what comes out is a powerful and evocative cross-over of pop, alternative and blues/rock.
Adrienne Robles is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter whose soulful tone, wide range and distinctive styling sets her apart. Since 2014, she has been performing with guitarist Drix, blending R&B, soul and pop with his blues, jazz and funk influences.
Zach Saunders is an alternative R&B and soul artist. His friendly and thoughtful vibe gives his music an intuitive and easy feel. Saunders has had an infinite affection for all kinds of music. Growing up, he has been heavily influenced by adult contemporary, R&B, soul and blues.
Rebecca Sichon is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter that delivers a compelling fusion of R&B, soul and jazz, led by a voice known for its depth, control and emotional honesty. Inspired by artists like Yebba and Amy Winehouse, her music explores vulnerability, empathy and the human experience with intention and warmth.
Dean Michael Smith tailors each show to connect with the audience and create lasting memories. His setlists feature a carefully curated mix of timeless classics, modern hits and original songs, ensuring that every performance resonates with people from all walks of life. Whether performing his own original material or putting his own spin on classic hits, Smith’s dynamic performances leave a lasting impact. His music isn’t just heard—it’s felt.
Smootherin is a duo that will charm your heart. Blending elements of folk and pop, they incorporate English and Chinese into their catchy songs. Their tight knit vocal harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and natural stage chemistry is entertainment that resonates with everyone. At their shows you can expect to hear their diverse original compositions, as well as chart topping cover songs.
