All hail Cape Breton’s premiere surf rock band 3 Piece Suit! Born on the northside of the cbrm, they have been music for far too long, and at an increasingly slower tempo.  Veterans and victims of numerous bands and circumstance, these fine gentlemen blend genre and various alcohols on stage for your amusement. Fast, slow, hard, harder, they cover all the possible basses of music and life.

Distilled from the cracked and pot-holed streets of Sydney, Nova Scotia, 10 Slip is a 3 piece band serving up tight rhythms, fuzzed-out grooves, and bluesy riffs. Best enjoyed after 4-5 cold drinks with a 6th in hand.

With a voice that routinely makes people shut up and listen, lyrics that paint vivid murals inside your head and a mastery of anything with strings, Alicia Penney has graced the stages of Cape Breton and beyond since the early 2000s. At home or while touring across Canada or overseas; whether fronting a garage rock band (Yellow), playing in a punk trio (Static in Action), a bluesy folk duo (Billie Yvette), a folk-rock sextet (Tamarack), or acoustic solo, Alicia Penney shines through. Inextricably embedded into the local music scene, Alicia is routinely called upon to add her unique voice to the mix whether it be for a recording or a guest appearance live on stage with her friends.

Original rock / funk / alternative band from Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. They are a mix of grooves from rock to funk to alternative, flavored with blues sounds.

Through his songs, Andrew delves into themes of love, family, nostalgia, and the passage of time, creating narratives that resonate deeply with listeners. His unique ability to intricately weave together lyrics, melodies, and emotions results in a one-of-a-kind listening experience, distinguishing his work from others in the genre.

Art Bouman is a folk musician who performs and reworks songs from the African American Roots tradition. His music tries to draw out connects to histories and songs of struggle to the present day.  

Avalon & the Pyramids (formally known as “New Draft”) is a 4-piece alternative rock group who sculpts their unique soundscape on the backs of alternative rock and electronic music from the 1980’s until present. Their signature sound is encapsulated by their aggressive guitar riffs, sauntering bass grooves, hook-driven synthesizers, and textured vocals with a melodramatic delivery.

Backhouse Brass reimagines traditional brass chamber music by performing upbeat, funky arrangements of songs everyone loves. Originally envisioned as a one-off act for a senior high school concert, 2020’s Covid pandemic meant that the group had to get creative or give up. So, they took the extra free time to buckle down, practice, and arrange music. They began busking at their local boardwalk in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, entertaining crowds with their high energy, and unique sound. Now, the Canadian band is out with a vengeance, playing in festivals, bars, and anywhere they can get the masses moving, while still leaving time for shows by the water.

Bethany June is a singer songwriter/traveling minstrel from Ontario. She has a heartfelt way of singing that moves her listeners. Bethany first found her love for connecting though music while busking in Ireland and the UK. She began writing her own material on this particular journey and has just released her first EP (Volume 1) on all music streaming services.

Bill Ricky is a rag tag outfit from Halifax that’s running around the alt-country scene. Their original music has elements of classic country with a unique style of songwriting and occasional rock persuasions. Their live shows have lots of energy and passion, encouraging those of all crowds to put their boots on and dance! 

Botfly are a post-hardcore band from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Originally forming in 2013, Botfly set out to pull from the energy of the noise rock scene of the 90’s, while still pulling a fresh contemporary spin to the style. The band released multiple EP’s, while regionally touring, before refining their sound on their self-released debut self-titled LP in 2017. Since the release of their debut LP, Botfly has spent their time touring North America playing basements, clubs, and festivals. Partnering with Pink Lemonade Records the band released the compilation album “Dark Days” in 2018 (compiling all of the material released before the debut LP), and the 2019 single “Truth In Numbers”. Now, with a modified lineup the band is set to continue creating their brand of emotional music through a wall of amps, feedback and creativity.

Nova Scotian singer/songwriter Brooke Waye blends the idiosyncrasies of progressive rock with the heart of funk and soul, and the wry wit of jazz to create a style uniquely her own. With haunting, expressive vocals, and complex but captivating arrangements, Waye’s music is never satisfied with staying put, always chasing that new experience, always growing, everchanging

As front woman and songwriter for two NSMW Country Recording of the Year nominations, Cassie Josephine is returning to the stage as a solo singer-songwriter. Her last album, Only Half Blue, brought together a Halifax-based supergroup of talented women, The Cry If I Want To’s, to explore the soft edges of country. These days, Cassie resides back in her home town of New Waterford, Cape Breton where she is finding new ways to create dreamy, vintage country-inspired melodies.

This hard n’ heavy rock and roll outfit possesses a sound they can only describe as “hash”. Brought together through a mutual love old sounding riffs, they are forging a sound influenced by 60s/70s bands but without being boxed into antiquity. Turn it up, boogie down!

Customer Service, an alternative-emo band from Halifax, NS, has quickly risen to acclaim since their inception in Spring 2021. The band is known for their energetic stage presence and heartfelt lyrics along their DIY ethos, frequently self-producing their music and designing merchandise, showcasing their dedication to artistic autonomy and authenticity.

DIY hardcore punk group. You’ll hate us.

Destiny Dawn is a 21 year old singer - songwriter from Cape Breton Island.  Destiny found her love for music from a young age, being surrounded by her very musical family. Destiny began writing music when she was just 10 years old, and was performing regularly by 15. Destiny can often be seen playing around town, serenading local coffee shops with her soulful songwriting and haunting vocals. And when she's not stealing hearts in the spotlight, you might just find her playing  bass with her family band, Hearts of Kin.  Destiny Dawn is wasting no time establishing herself as a respected songwriter. 

Devastator, a metal band from the late 90s in Sydney, Nova Scotia, have formed once more, 25 years after their first self-titled recording. The music is a blend of “Metallica style” thrash metal with “Cannibal Corpse style” death metal vocals. Original members Doug MacAulay and Rob Kelly have enlisted Pat Fitzgerald, Anthony Rizzato, and Eddie Jewells to revive these powerhouse songs off their ’99 Demo, so that they may see the light once more.

Devastator, arise!

Dog Day is a band from Canada’s underground scene who have been making gloom pop for 19  years.  Artists and filmmakers Seth Smith and Nancy Urich have reconvened with original drummer KC Spidle (of Diamondtown/Gemstones) to work on their new album A T-shirt with Writing on It, which was  released this summer.

Dylan Devoe & the Dirty Dogs have a vibrant and energetic music style that blends elements of rock, blues, and folk. Their sound is characterized by gritty guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a dynamic rhythm section. They often incorporate storytelling into their lyrics, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the local culture of Nova Scotia. - East Coast DNA

Fear and Filth are a Dark Hardcore / Power Violence band out of Cape Breton, NS. Their sound employs an unrelenting mix of chaotic grind, beatdown, and grating guitar tones that have yet to be matched in the Atlantic Canadian music scene. With nearly 10 years of experience to wield and shape their sound and stage presence, Fear and Filth have asserted themselves as the heaviest band on the East Coast that you won't want to miss.

Fire Valley Fire is a Rock and Roll band hailing from Sydney,Nova Scotia. With deep roots in East Coast music, the band’s collective history encompasses rock, punk, folk, country and metal. Fire Valley Fire’s third full length record is available now. While it is decidedly Rock and Roll, the influence of a life of music fandom shines through. Put it in your ears. Turn it up.

Gee Stewart refuses to find a niche. Stewart’s musical endeavous began at a young age, were nutured on the stage at Riverview High School and Doktor Lukes’ open mics, and lead to the release of her debut ep “Bedroom Artifacts - The Demos” in June 2021. Stewart is currently in the early stages of writing her next EP

  A vision of unison and love arrives on stage with intoxicating, searing vocal harmonies and relentlessly catchy pop-rock melodies. From the remote shores of Eastern Cape Breton, music became a means of expression for Tim Hatcher. After meeting his partner Brandon MacDonald, the pair dropped out of university and moved to Dartmouth to pursue a career in music. After graduating from the NSCC Music Arts program and meeting their bandmates, Tim and Brandon formed Good Dear Good in the fall of 2018.  Lyrics are delivered with an endearingly infectious positivity on stage, but with deeper reading, a sense of pensive gloom permeates the words. Good Dear Good’s award-winning debut EP “Arrival” echoes bright while you journey to the dark depths of the Atlantic — watching the sun shine a beam straight to the ocean floor. Here you’ll find themes of resilience, perseverance, and love within a broken system.

From the Depths of blanket walled basements, and the concrete walls of university dorms, Harrison Stewart is a singer/songwriter from Sydney, NS whose music has been described as "sad" by fans countywide.

Hobo Aquarium is an queer alternative/indie band from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The band is signed to Modern Philharmonic Records releasing their debut single "Best Seller" on July 26th

Hailing from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Human Missile Crisis makes punk-infused garage-rock. Longtime friends and perennial band mates, the trio has been melting faces in bars and all-ages venues since 2019. With a live set that's loud and energetic, the HMC party is a show you won't want to miss.

A coupe of guys who grew up in the ‘90s CBLocals scene just trying to keep that candle burning into the twilight. Scrappy indie rock with a decidedly CanCon feel, Inside aim to have fun with a side of a little introspection.

Jack lives in Baddeck Nova Scotia and has been playing music for around 8 years. He has been involved in many musical projects like Ultrafish, Skoffkorr, Draino, and has released 9 albums across bandcamp and soundcloud under the name mx.leechporcelain since 2021.

Formed in 2015 with buds from across Canada currently rockin' the ECHL but aiming for the NHL by 2027.

We like pizza and you.

Juliet is a 17 year old singer songwriter from Georges River who has been playing and writing since the age of 9. Juliet is a grade 12 student at Memorial High School. She draws inspiration from artists such as Taylor Swift and Megan Moroney! She is so excited to be able to play her third year at Gobblefest!

Sydney’s punk rock sweethearts, bringing you the all hits and deep cuts but first…we’ve got to stop for cigarettes.

Have you ever gazed upon a beautiful painting? Some pastoral landscape or portrait of angels? The ability to capture and recreate the beauty of nature is truly one of humankind’s greatest skill. This is not that. If the beauty of the world has left you behind, we got you. The grim and grime is our specialty. Crushing riffs, madman drums, bong-rattling bass, and vocals that’ll carry you to Heaven before they send you to Hell. A supergroup of Cape Breton punks and metalheads, Low Rentals have been blasting skulls and shredding gnar since 2017

We are The Meat Sweats a meat themed metal band based out of Sydney Nova Scotia. We can't wait to spread our anti-vegetation propaganda at Gobblefest! CONSUME TURKEY AND HAIL THE MEAT LORD!

Queercore/funk from Kjipuktuk

Musical queer devoted to firebombing the intellectual foundations & assumptions of society, down to the individual member (mostly themselves)

The Seasonographers is an alternative folk rock band from Sydney, NS. They are influenced by a variety of musical styles from different backgrounds.

Trash Brain are a high stakes gambling rock & roll band from Sydney, NS. A dynasty born into a humble beginning in a dive bar, has since evolved to occupying multiple dive bars year after year with their electric performance. Whether you’re out for a night of dancing, or simply gambling your baby away- a night with Trash Brain is just what the bar owner ordered.

yellow is a vocal driven garage rock band (yes, started in an actual garage) that has been a changeable staple of the cblocals scene since they played their first Gobblefest in the foyer of the Savoy Theatre in 2001. The current lineup is a perfect mixture of songwriting prowess, blistering guitarmony, and propulsive power, courtesy of Mike Morrison (drums), Mike O'Brien (bass), Alicia Penney (vocals, guitar) Jason Burke (guitar), Andrew Grieg (yes, another guitar).