— From jazz giants to rock legends, South Coast Jazz is back — bigger, bolder, and brassier than ever. The 12th Annual South Coast Jazz Festival returns August 8–10, 2025, for a three-day celebration of music, culture, and community in Brantford and Port Dover — and it’s bringing one of Canada’s most iconic bands to headline the weekend.
On Saturday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m., the legendary Lighthouse will light up the Sanderson Centre in Brantford for a one-night-only performance. But this isn’t just a concert — it’s your key to the entire festival. For just $40, every Lighthouse ticket buyer also receives a South Coast Jazz Festival Pass, unlocking guaranteed access to all other ticketed events across the weekend while supplies last. Buy now at https://www.southcoastjazz.com/ and claim your spot at the summer’s most soulful weekend. Local favourites Dave Griffin and Avery Raquel will open the show, with a short appearance by Queen Mary The Artist and other surprise guests joining the celebration.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to support Canadian,” says Juliann Kuchocki, South Coast Jazz Director and Founder. “Your participation is instrumental in sustaining live music, creating jobs, and enriching the cultural fabric of our communities. We’re proud to say this festival has generated more than a million dollars in tourism-related economic growth to date — and this year, we’re aiming even higher.”
Lighthouse changed the game when they burst onto the scene in 1969, fusing rock, jazz, and classical into a sound that turned heads and filled stadiums. With four Juno Awards, four gold albums, and Canada’s first platinum album, their hits like “One Fine Morning”, “Sunny Days”, and “Pretty Lady” remain Canadian classics. This will be a rare chance to see them perform live with an all-star lineup including co-founder Paul Hoffert, original member Russ Little, and a powerhouse ensemble of veteran musicians.
“This concert is going to be recorded, so every voice in the audience becomes part of our shared musical history,” says Kuchocki. “Come for the hit songs, stay for the magic of being part of something timeless.”
And the music doesn’t stop there. The festival kicks off on August 8 at Harmony Square in Brantford with a free performance by Queen Mary The Artist, a jazz-soul powerhouse who’s performed across Canada, the U.S., and South America. The following day, Lighthouse takes the stage. Then, on August 10, the scene shifts to Glenhyrst Gardens and Gallery Brantford 1–3 PM showcase featuring Jesse Murphy, Mya Chappell, Gail Fuller, Michael Bell, and more — topped off with an intimate jazz session at Schofield Bistro featuring Kateryna Khon and returning artists.
Each artist brings a powerful story and sound. From Mya Chappell’s soulful blend of healing and song to Kateryna Khon, a Ukrainian pianist whose journey to Canada infuses every note with emotion — this festival doesn’t just highlight great music, it tells the stories behind it.
Add to that Gail Fuller, whose decades-long return to music was sparked by South Coast Jazz itself, and Michael Bell, an award-winning singer-songwriter staging a jazz comeback — and you have a lineup that celebrates resilience, talent, and the power of song to connect.
The festival’s emcee this year is none other than Laura Fernandez — celebrated jazz singer, pianist, and host of Café Latino on JazzFM91. Born in Spain, raised in Calgary, and currently based in Toronto, Fernandez brings global flair to the local stage. “There’s no better feeling than bringing people together through music,” says Fernandez. “And South Coast Jazz does exactly that.”
Founded in 2014, South Coast Jazz began on the shores of Norfolk County and quickly grew into a cultural force. Past headliners have included David Sanborn, Holly Cole, Jully Black, Liona Boyd, and many more. Even during the pandemic, South Coast Jazz made waves — pivoting to a groundbreaking TV-style digital festival in 2020 that earned praise from the Wall Street Journal. Since then, the festival has continued to innovate, partnering with Stingray DJazz and expanding into Brantford and beyond.
Thanks to local, regional, and federal support — and an ever-growing list of sponsors — the South Coast Jazz Festival has become a vital part of Ontario’s summer music scene, delivering live music experiences and creating opportunities for artists at every stage of their career.
With a mission to celebrate Canadian talent and build lasting cultural experiences, South Coast Jazz invites you to join the movement. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of jazz and roots music or just discovering it, this festival offers an unforgettable way to connect, groove, and give back.
Tickets are going fast — buy yours now at southcoastjazz.com. No taxes. No service fees. Just great music, great people, and an unforgettable Canadian summer.