The Ratskin Family Band + MORE @ CW Coops (Barrie, ON)

Big Gay Weekend, Good Gourd Records, Doggurl Productions, and Gary From Barrie present…

THE RATSKIN FAMILY BAND (Toronto, ON)

Based in Toronto, The Ratskin Family Band is the world’s first and only all-drag-queen, -king, and -thing country band. Formed in April 2024, the DIY “yallternative” group blends high-energy live drag show performance with classic country standards, reimagined pop hits, and original queer protest and roots music. At most drag shows, performers are lip syncing for their lives. But the Ratskin Family Band does not put on your typical drag show. When the self-proclaimed “first and only drag country band in the world” hit the stage, everything is performed live. Dressed in full drag, their set includes classics from artists like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash, plus modern country hits and countrified versions of pop songs. “We’ll take Lady Gaga’s ‘Abracadabra’ and turn it into a spaghetti-western, shoot-out duel kind of song,” says Amanda Prior, who plays banjo, guitar, and mandolin. “Or we’ll take a Chappell Roan song and turn it into western swing-meets-bluegrass tune.” Throw in a few original tunes, and it’s guaranteed to be a rowdy and joyful night.

Music:

https://theratskinfamilyband.bandcamp.com

Press:

https://www.thegrindmag.ca/the-ratskin-family-band-keep-the-spirit-of-queer-country-music-alive/

https://www.partonandpearl.com/blog/eh-material-ratskin-family-band-debuts-music-video

FRASER WAYNE & THE DESERT EAGLES (Springwater / Toronto, ON)

Born and raised in rural Ontario, bandleader and songwriter, Fraser Wayne, cut their teeth in the music world after moving to Montreal in 2014 and forming seminal garage rock band, The Fuzzy Undertones. Wayne was an integral part of the underground music scene in Montreal for the past 10 years before making the move back to Ontario to work on a farm and form a backing band of Toronto country music legends dubbed “The Desert Eagles.” The resulting project breaks into some diverse influences, ranging from traditional country, Canadiana, folk-rock, spaghetti western soundtracks and more. A cowpoke of many hats – you can catch Fraser playing an intimate solo set at your local dive bar, or headlining festivals with a full backing band – always blending their country / rock n roll influences with honest-to-the-bone lyricism. Wayne’s dedication to emotional authenticity from a queer perspective, has made them a mainstay in the burgeoning Toronto country music scene. With years of performing and touring experience behind them, including supporting slots for Hannah Juanita, Spindrift, The Sadies, Li’l Andy, Zachary Lucky, and Bobby Dove, Fraser Wayne’s haunting, gothic take on country and western is set to take no prisoners.

Music:

https://fraserwayne.bandcamp.com/album/follow-the-darkness-into-the-light

Press:

https://jammerzine.com/fraser-wayne-and-the-desert-eagles-follow-the-darkness-into-the-light

https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2026/05/living-on-the-road-with-fraser-wayne-and-the-desert-eagles.html

KEILAN WITH LOVE (Barrie, ON)

I’ve been doing music here in Barrie since May of last year and I’m excited to keep doing more! I’ve worked with so many beautiful, talented artists and I’m grateful for every one who’s been welcoming of me into the music scene. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything recorded but I’m working on that right now so stay tuned 😉

$20 / PWYC – LIVE at CW Coops
3 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, ON L4M 3L9
Doors @ 7pm / music @ 8PM