Stan Rogers Folk Festival announces kick-off concert with
Alan Doyle & The Beautiful, Beautiful Band in Canso, July 20
Ticket Quick Link: Buy Now
*Note: Special prices for volunteers and weekend pass holders wishing to upgrade. Call 1-888-554-7826 or email
(Canso, NS) – Stan Rogers Folk Festival (Stanfest), Canada’s Songwriter Festival, is excited to announce that beloved entertainer Alan Doyle and The Beautiful, Beautiful Band will take the stage in Canso for their only summer appearance in Nova Scotia on Thursday, July 20 at 7pm. Special guests are Quote the Raven and Rum Ragged.
Alan Doyle is best-known as lead singer for Newfoundland’s Great Big Sea, who fused traditional Newfoundland music with pop sensibilities for over 20 years. Now, with five solo albums under his belt, Doyle continues to tour the world with his ace six-piece band and has done so for the past decade.
“Alan Doyle has been the most requested artist, by far, since Stanfest’s inception,” says Troy Greencorn, Stanfest’s Artistic Director. “After the past three years of cancellations and restrictions, it is time to celebrate. There is no better artist to lead the party. When we last presented Alan he ripped the roof off, with the entire crowd dancing and singing from start to finish.”
The 26th edition of Stanfest officially begins on Friday, July 21 and runs until Sunday, July 23. Paying tribute to Stan Roger’s legacy by celebrating songwriters, the festival continues to offer an eclectic mix of musical genres, and styles.
This year, the festival welcomes back festival alumni, Dave Gunning, Bruce Guthro, and J.P. Cormier and will present more Atlantic Canadian performers, including Matthew Byrne, Tara MacLean, DeeDee Austin, Morgan Toney, Joe H Henry, Andru Branch & Halfway Tree, Carleton Stone, Lisa Richard, Silver Wolf Band and The Irish Descendants.
Known for reaching across the country and around the world, Stanfest will also present Canadian country music artist, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Ontario songwriter and community builder, Danny Michel, JUNO nominated, Ottawa-based up-and-comer Angelique Francis, US troubadours Crys Matthews and Jeremie Albino, and to cap off the weekend, there will be a headlining performance by legendary American folk and pop music group, Kingston Trio on Sunday night.
“We aren’t done yet,” says Greencorn. “Watch our socials and website for more artist announcements in the near future.”
For information on performing artists, visit: stanfest.com/artists
“Stanfest had a great re-start last year,” adds Greencorn. “Like many festivals around the world, we wondered if our audience would be ready to come back to large festivals. Come back they did. We surpassed 2019 numbers, giving us the confidence to organize this special event.”
Tickets are available now at: stanfest.com/tickets.
Special pricing is available for current weekend pass holders, volunteers and children 12 and under are FREE.
Accommodations: Campsites are available now by contacting the festival office, toll free at 1-888-554-7826 or by emailing: . RV sites are $90 plus tax and tent sites are $70 plus tax. For more information, visit: stanfest.com/tickets
About Stan Rogers Folk Festival
The Stan Rogers Folk Festival is a celebration of songwriters honouring one of Canada’s most prolific songwriters, Stan Rogers. The weekend-long musical adventure features a variety of genres, including folk, country, blues, soul, gospel, pop, rock, bluegrass, and world music.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this show included in my weekend pass?
The Thursday night kick-off concert with Alan Doyle and the Beautiful, Beautiful Band is a separate ticket from your weekend pass. It is an add-on event hosted by the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. Tickets need to be purchased separately to attend this event. Follow this link to get yours! https://stanfest.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/SRFF2023_AD.
Anyone who has already purchased a weekend pass for the 2023 event can email to get their Alan Doyle ticket at a special upgrade rate.
Can I arrange camping for just one night?
Yes, you can easily arrange camping for just one night. Please email and our team will assist with booking a campsite and Alan Doyle concert tickets for you.
Is Alan Doyle performing throughout the weekend?
No, Alan and his band are performing on Thursday ONLY. Joining Alan will be two other great Newfoundland-based acts, Quote the Raven and Rum Ragged.
Is the show indoors or outdoors?
This is an outdoor event hosted on the Stanfest mainstage. Attendees are advised to bring their own concert seating. Low chairs and ground seating is closest to the stage, with regular sized lawn chairs and standing areas at the back. The Canso Arena will be a back-up location in case of inclement weather.
Is this Alan’s only NS show this summer?
Yes. We have the exclusive privilege of being Alan’s only scheduled performance in N.S. this summer. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early to avoid a sell-out situation.
Is there a capacity limit?
Yes, a limited number of tickets will be available.
Other Questions?
Contact the festival office at 1-888-554-7826 or via email at for more information.