Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival

Carpe Noctem is a jazz quintet from Peterborough. We have been playing together for over 12 years. The group has a seldom seen set up: two tenor sax players, plus drums, bass and piano.

We mostly play jazz standards, but we aim to play standards that are less familiar – e.g. Red Clay, Simone, Beatrice, Voyage, Charlie Haden tunes, etc. We also play a number of original tunes.

The musicians are:

• Pete Woolidge – keys
• Craig Paterson – bass
• John Climemhage – drums
• Mark Davidson – tenor sax
• Andy Cragg – tenor sax (Note: replaced by Steve McCracken at the Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival)

Celebrating 42 years of music-making, The Dixie Demons are one of Ontario’s premier traditional jazz bands. Founded in 1984 by trombonist and vocalist Dan Douglas while attending Humber College, the group quickly evolved from a student ensemble into a sought-after festival and performance band.

A major milestone came in 1986 when The Dixie Demons performed at Expo 86 in Vancouver as part of Humber College’s musical contingent, entertaining thousands of visitors from around the world. Since then, the band has become a favourite at jazz festivals, clubs, concerts, and special events across Ontario.

Known for their lively New Orleans-inspired sound, The Dixie Demons have appeared at leading festivals including the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, Port Hope All-Canadian Jazz Festival, Brantford Jazz Festival, and Festival of the Sound. Their recordings, Live at The Rex and Fossil Fuel, feature both traditional jazz standards and original compositions by band members.

The Dixie Demons are:
Dan Douglas (trombone, vocals), Ross Wooldridge (clarinet), Matt Smith (trumpet), Phil Disera (banjo), Doug Burrell (tuba), and John Colin (drums).

With decades of experience and an enduring passion for traditional jazz, The Dixie Demons continue to captivate audiences wherever they perform.

Carling Stephen is a Peterborough-based jazz-blues vocalist whose rich, soulful voice blends jazz, blues, roots, and folk influences with warmth and authenticity. Inspired by the jazz and big band recordings in her grandparents’ music collection, she developed a love for artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, and Mose Allison at an early age.

A lifelong performer, Carling began singing jazz standards in school assemblies and community venues before recording two independent albums as a teenager, accompanying herself on piano. Her passion for live performance continued to grow through concerts, musicals, restaurants, and special events across the region.

In recent years, Carling has become a standout presence in the local jazz scene through her ongoing collaboration with pianist Rob Phillips. She is the featured vocalist at the popular Thursday Night Jazz-Blues Showcase at The Black Horse Pub & Restaurant, where her captivating stage presence and effortless vocal style have earned a devoted following.

Now performing in concert halls and venues throughout the region, Carling is gaining recognition across Ontario’s jazz-blues community. She is currently working on her debut studio album, scheduled for release in fall 2026, and continues to bring a fresh voice to Canada’s jazz landscape.

Two-time JUNO Award-nominated pianist and composer Steve Holt is recognized as one of Canada’s leading jazz artists. A graduate of McGill University’s acclaimed jazz program, Holt has built an impressive international career spanning more than four decades, earning acclaim for his dynamic performances, original compositions, and collaborations with jazz legends including Archie Shepp, Larry Coryell, James Moody, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Bob Mover, and Michel Urbaniak.

Holt’s debut album earned a JUNO nomination in 1983, launching a career marked by artistic excellence and innovation. In 2025, he assembled the Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet, an all-star ensemble featuring some of Canada’s top jazz musicians: Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Perry White (saxophone), Duncan Hopkins (bass), Terry Clarke (drums), and Holt on piano and keyboards.

The quintet combines deep roots in jazz tradition with a contemporary, creative energy that has captivated audiences across the country. In April 2025, Holt released IMPACT, his first album as a leader and composer in more than 20 years. The recording has received a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year, further cementing Holt’s reputation as one of Canada’s most influential and enduring jazz performers.

Based in Toronto, SNAGGLE is a high-energy electric jazz-funk ensemble led by JUNO Award-nominated and 10-time Global Music Award-winning pianist and composer Nick Maclean. Often described as “Canada’s answer to Snarky Puppy,” the six-piece group has built a reputation for its powerful original music, blending the adventurous spirit of electric-era Miles Davis with the intensity and groove of modern rock and funk.

At the heart of SNAGGLE’s sound are the Ali Brothers—trumpeter Brownman Ali and saxophonist Marcus Ali—whose dynamic interplay is backed by a stellar rhythm section featuring Jay Yoo (guitar), Matt Gruebner (bass), Adam Mansfield (drums), and Maclean on keyboards. Together, they deliver performances that move seamlessly from reflective and melodic to explosive and energetic.

Since releasing their debut album in 2013, SNAGGLE has earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to jazz. Their 2016 album The Long Slog topped Canadian college radio charts and won three Global Music Awards for Album, Band, and Originality. The group has also received multiple industry honours, including a Toronto Independent Music Award.

SNAGGLE is currently working on FOUNDATION, a new album inspired by the science-fiction works of Isaac Asimov, scheduled for release in late 2026.

For the past five years, The Keith Guy Band has been bringing the energy, groove, and soul of classic rhythm and blues to audiences throughout the Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough region. Featuring a seasoned lineup of local musicians, the seven-piece ensemble delivers an irresistible blend of soulful vocals, driving rhythms, and powerful horn arrangements that keep audiences engaged from the first note to the last.

Fronted by Keith Guy, whose expressive and heartfelt vocal style recalls the great soul singers of the golden era of R&B, the band draws inspiration from artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Stevie Wonder, and Van Morrison. Their performances capture the spirit of this timeless music while bringing a fresh energy that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Having appeared at festivals, community celebrations, and private events across the region, The Keith Guy Band has earned a reputation for tight musicianship, infectious grooves, and authentic performances rooted in the rich traditions of soul, blues, and rhythm and blues. Whether delivering beloved classics or uncovering lesser-known gems from the genre, the band approaches every song with passion, precision, and a genuine love of live music.

The result is a vibrant, horn-driven show that honours the enduring legacy of R&B while inviting audiences to dance, sing along, and share in the joy of great music.