N.B. artists set to make a splash at this year's Paddlefest in Saint Andrews

Paddlefest, Saint Andrews' long-running festival of music, nature and water sports, has just announced its lineup for 2025.

The event, which kickstarts tourist season for the seaside town, runs from May 15 to 18 and will include several musical genres — from country to blues. 

While the festival's lineup for this year hasn't been finalized, artistic director Luke MacDonald said New Brunswick artists will be centre stage as always. 

Alongside artists such as Sue Foley and Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys, the current lineup includes a large number of locals.

One of the most well-known New Brunswick bands scheduled to play at Paddlefest is Grand Theft Bus of Fredericton. Grand Theft Bus has maintained a consistent presence in New Brunswick's music scene for more than 20 years, regularly playing at festivals such as Evolve in Moncton and the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton. 

Les MoonTunes is an award-winning, seven-piece group which describes itself as an Acadian heavy-soul ensemble. They play a unique mix of jazz, soul and rock, blending "catchy grooves with interstellar rock jams."

Owen Steel of Saint John was raised in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. He's been releasing music for 15 years and has toured internationally. His third album, COMBE, was released independently in June 2024. 

Dee Hernandez of Fredericton releases a mix of pop, Afro-Cuban jazz, R&B, and funk music. She has been nominated for an East Coast Music Award and four Music New Brunswick awards. 

When asked about performing at Paddlefest, Hernandez said, "I have a special connection with the ocean, so being surrounded by it — alongside those who come to enjoy the music — is truly a magical experience."

Other confirmed artists from New Brunswick include the Hello Crows, Pretty Western, Zack Ingles, Jacob Rose, Poets and Liars, Nate and the Busy Boys, and Chickahominy Mountain Band. 

Paddlefest has built a reputation as a long-standing music festival in New Brunswick. Over the past 30 years, names such as Joel Plaskett, David Myles, Hot Toddy and Rose Cousins have played.

In addition to music, the festival includes nature events and outdoor activities such as paddling and trail running.