The Scene Report - Woodstock NB Ribfest 2026 (Music Spotlight)

 

The Scene Report: Woodstock NB Ribfest 2026 (Music Spotlight)

The Venue: Connell Park Raceway, Woodstock NB June 26th , 27th , 28th

The Stage: In the Middle of the field, this year. (Almost in the Round)

The Sound: The Legendary Dean Weeks (Mes Music)

The Scene…

If you’re not good at remembering dates, one of the easiest ways to tell summer has officially arrived in Woodstock, NB, is RibFest. The annual community event is celebrating its Tenth anniversary. This year RibFest is supporting two local organizations;

1) The River valley Cancer Support Group &

2) The John T. MacMillan Jr. Memorial Foundation

RibFest at its core is a celebration of what can happen when a community comes together with common purpose. Of course, it goes without saying, “There will be phenomenal food (ribs/chicken and so much more) & refreshment. One of the things, that separates our RibFest from all others, is not what you can eat…it’s what you can hear. The organizers from the beginning, have had an understanding that music can directly impact an events overall success. A lot of events like this one, will bring in artists from away in order to boost their attendance. But, not Woodstock…we don’t have to. The music this year features some of the best talent in the area. Including a few super groups. Artists performing solo, and with their own bands, musicians in multiple bands. When you see the line-up this year, you could easily ask the question,” how come they aren’t closing a night?” The answer is easy. There’s lots of talent in Carleton/Victoria County and the event is only 3 days long. Let’s get into it!

FRIDAY 26th 2026 aka: Day 1

6:00pm - Iris Lloyd (Opener)

Iris has performed at the McCain Theatre in Woodstock, the Playhouse in Fredericton, Canada’s Got Talent in Toronto, but more importantly this will be the second year in a row she will be playing RibFest. The thirteen-year-old phenom possesses a voice that is mature beyond her years. She looks like Vanessa Carlton and sounds like Diana Krall. There isn’t a song, she wouldn’t be afraid to cover. Don’t believe me? Go on her Facebook page and hear her cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. You can expect some original songs and some awesome covers all delivered with vocal precision from, as she sits at her piano/keyboard. A perfect way to kick-off Ribfest!

7:00pm – Beauty & the Beats

Approximately ten years ago friends Lise-Anne, Jeff, Tim and Peter formed “Beauty & the Beats”. After a hiatus for a couple of years, they have reformed and will be back on the main stage at RibFest. “It just seems right” Lise-Anne says, “Our very first gig, as a band, was the very first RibFest. I hope this isn’t a one off, to celebrate their anniversary. Their musicianship is so good, they all have other musical endeavors, that keep them pretty busy. So, if your taste in music, is an eclectic mix of rock & pop. This is the band for you! Oh, and Happy Anniversary!!!

8:15pm – Jason Shaw & Ray Haines (Two Local Legends)

(There is a rumor, that this duo is the same act called “Ray Haines & Jason Shaw” who blew the doors off at the recent BBQ Smoke Show in Hartland…I believe this to be true, jus’ sayin’) These two characters don’t need an introduction…but here is a couple of analogies, to describe them. Jason Shaw wasn’t born with a “Silver Spoon” in his mouth. He was born with a microphone in his hand. And to this day, the self-described “good ole’ country boy” can still sing his butt off. Ray Haines isn’t an element on the periodic table. “For best results, just add H2O (Water)”. But as a musician and singer he very well could be the missing ingredient to round out any line-up. His playing makes those around him better.” Shaw & Haines partnership is a result of their love for 90s country music. They are indeed two staples in the “Carleton Country” music scene … oops,

“Carleton County”

9:30pm – Ronny & Kyle (Ronny Michaud & Kyle Ritchie, respectively)

If you remember the movie, “This is Spinal Tap”, there is a famous scene that has now been turned into a meme, where Nigel is talking about his gear saying, “These Amps Go to Eleven”. I can’t help but think, that he may have had Ronny Michaud in mind. Because just like a car uses NOS, to push it over the top, in a Fast & Furious movie. Michaud is the equivalent to that for any music event. I came to this conclusion the first time I had heard him play...not seen him play. I was walking into the building where he was performing and heard a Tom Petty song. I thought to myself, oh he has a full band. I thought he was a solo performer. But I was wrong; it was just him. You see Ronny plays & sings with so much passion/enthusiasm. It’s a wonder he doesn’t break a guitar string or spontaneous combust at the end of every song. Whether it’s an original or cover song he puts his heart and soul into it. And at this years RibFest he won’t be alone.

Joining Ronny, on stage is his good friend, and no stranger to the music scene in this area, percussionist extraordinaire Kyle Ritchie. Ritchie’s instrument of choice for RibFest will be the Cajon (Ka-Hone). I love this instrument. I have a very good friend who has mastered it. And you do have to master it! I am bringing this up because, if you google the cajon the first thing you will read on how it’s a beginner’s instrument. What it doesn’t say, is that you still have to be able to have rhythm and syncopation, in both your hands and feet in order to play it properly. And with the right musician you can make it sound like a full drum kit. Kyle is the right musician. I guarantee that after Ronny & Kyle, you’ll be primed and ready for the rest of the evening!

10:30pm – The Dooryard Drifters (Headliner)

“It’s been a long week, at work, but there’s an anchor on my shirt. It’s my new favorite Tee; of the band I came to see” I’ll shout it out loud, maritime born and proud”. And when I drift out to sea. I know that anchor will always be…there for me!” Now all that is left to do is to be at the Connell Park Raceway Friday night at 10:30pm. Hot on the heels of their first original single ” Not too Shabby” The Dooryard Drifters are all set to close out Day 1 of Ribfest. Ironically there are lots of words you could use to describe the band, but Shabby isn’t one of them. I think grounded would be my favorite word to use to describe who these 6 guys are at their core. Grounded in their music, grounded in the love they have for their families, and each other. That is why the Drifters are greater than the musicians that make up the band. And what is understood should never be discussed. No sleep till RibFest!

Saturday 27th aka: Day 2

1:00pm – SJL (Sadie, Juliet, Laura)

Does anyone remember the song “Id Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)?” I believe it was written for the youth of every generation. The song endures, because it’s a message of hope for the future. It’s a perfect sentiment for Ribfest. SJL are going to makes us believe that that can happen through their performance. Hats of to RibFest for creating opportunities for our youth. And for giving the girls a chance to highlight voices & talent.

2:00pm – Krayisa (Are you ready to rock out at a cook out!?)

One of the great things about living in Carleton County is how many people I know have an inner circle of friends that consists of mostly people they went to school with. Which brings me to the band Krayisa. Lee Lutwick (Bass), Peter Mitev (Drums) and Jack Elliot (Guitar & Vocals) all went to Woodstock High School. And for the past three years they have been writing and playing their butts off all over New Brunswick. They have a unique blend of 90s alternative and 2000s post hardcore that they have nuanced into their own style.

3:15pm – Devon Cullins

Devon Cullins released his latest single “Know How” last month. It’s a beautiful song that was produced by Colin Fowlie, who also adds his vocal talents to it. “It’s about generational trauma.” “My

goal was to bring awareness to it and hopefully people realize everyone has experienced and they’re not alone”, Devon explains. This year at RibFest Devon will be joined by his brother Logan on bass. He should be fully recovered from his Friday night headlining performance with the Dooryard Drifters. Cullins has been playing guitar since he was 8 years old, and is a staple for music in this area.

4:30pm – Nathan Carr

“Life is Good, you can never have too much fun.” Nathan Carr loves country music. In fact, he has dedicated his musical life to it. “The good old days, are the good times really over for good, as Merle Haggard sang, laughs Nathan.” He still plays the first song he learned on guitar when he was nine years old. Charlie Pride’s “Kiss an Angel Good Morning”, in his live set. His first brand new guitar was a gift from his parents on his 16 th birthday. He still has it. As to what to expect from his solo acoustic performance. Nathan plans on playing everything from when country was country to the present day.

6:00pm – Engage

*Mind*Music*Meaning*

Engage is a New Brunswick–based folk-rock collective built on songwriting, chemistry, and a shared instinct for storytelling through music. Formed in 2020 songwriters Carla Bonnell and guitarist Rick Bartlett, the project began as a creative partnership and quickly grew into a full band with a sound that blends folk, rock, and country roots with thoughtful lyrics and dynamic arrangements.  My hope is that you are going to hear plenty of tunes off their 2026 album; Master Plan…because it’s really good. Their single "Guitar Strings" is tracking really well. I know there is no shortage of Canadian roots rock fans in this area.

8:00pm – Double D (The Key of D)

Twelve years ago, Mr. Derek Laskey & Mr. Don Hachey formed the dynamic duo called “Double D” They soon became a staple in the local music scene. Playing country-rock really well will get you a lot of gigs. Then they realized they might be a bit top heavy...so to speak. So, they added more bottom with Mr. Clay Peabody on Bass, and they continued to grow their fanbase. But wait...their story wasn’t over. They decided to add more D. This where The Legendary Mr. Dean Weeks enters the picture. In my initial lead in I spoke of “super groups” performing this year. These four guys are one of them…. Respect! Major Respect!

10:00pm – The Retros (Headliner)

When the question gets asked what do you think the most popular decade for music was? The 80s-wins hands down! When the Retros were formed the number one goal was, it had to be fun. So, if you want to go to the “Danger Zone” or if your “Hungry Like a Wolf”, or maybe you show up with a bunch of “Material Girls” who “Just Want to Have Fun” then “Let’s Dance”! The Retros are another band with a roster of All-Stars. If there was a Carleton County music Hall of Fame...Wendy Parlee would be one of the first inductees. You all know the pop culture game for another 80s icon, the six degrees of Kevin Bacon. You could play the Six Degrees of “The Retros” because if you have ever picked up an instrument in Woodstock there is a pretty good chance you have played with, have been influenced by, or shared a bill with at least one of them. They hit the stage at 10:00pm with no stop time. It’s going to be totally radical dudes!

Sunday 28th aka: Day 3 

 2:00pm – Peter Brennan

 A lot of solo acoustic performers, when covering a song, will play the exact notes and even attempt to change the pitch and inflection of their voice, in order to mimic the original. Not, Brennan; he doesn’t have to. Peter will take any song and bend it to his will.  Rumer has it he will featuring a couple of new tunes as well. And I am sure his loyal following will come out to watch him play and help close out RibFest and make it a rememberable one!

4:00pm – Gary Morehouse (Closer)

 Gary Morehouse of Gary Morehouse & the Last Mile will be closing RibFest without is band of usual suspects. Instead, he will be performing solo along with his trusted guitar.  So, get ready for some classic southern rock mixed with some country. The multi-instrumentalist and singer from Nackawic will end RibFest 2026 on a very High Note!!!      

The Scene