We’ve all shared that feeling. Falling in love with a new song or discovering a new artist. It’s a rush that’s difficult to explain, an instant mental connection met with that physical sensation in your chest.

Here are 12 artists who can undoubtedly cultivate that feeling. The best part is they’re all born and bred in Windsor Essex, which means you can find them frequently playing live right here at our brewery. Local artists deserve a solid local ingredient, which is why we brewed this Pale Ale with Essex County-grown Sasquatch hops.

We compiled a playlist with hand-selected tracks from every artist featured this year. Check it out below!

15 years ago in Kingsville, a group of 8 local musicians just wanted to get together in a garage and jam. It became routine. Crushing out quality blues-rock, neighbours flocked to the band’s headquarters every Thursday night to enjoy the show. Jack’s Garage was born. Aside from local venues and parties, the band frequently plays for charitable events helping fundraise for various local organizations. Known for their zestful stage presence and feel-good rhythms, Jack’s Garage extends beyond originality, focusing on giving back to our community.

Ted Lamont is a professional Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist who has been performing all over North America for the past 35 years. Ted’s prolific career has led him to play in countless Windsor and Detroit acts, contributing several songs to various movie soundtracks and opening for acts like The Tragically Hip, Meatloaf, Finger Eleven and Three Days Grace. In his most recent project, Ted has joined forces with Von Bondies bassist Leann Banks in a new rock duo called stereobabe!

Once dubbed the “best duo out of Canada since Ian and Sylvia”, Michele and John Law are award-winning “blues-grass” songwriters and Kingsville-based festival producers. Known for their tight-as-a-glove harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, The Laws have performed at folk, bluegrass and country festivals, theatres and listening rooms throughout North America and Australia..

Born and raised in Leamington, ON – Justin Latam, known locally as the “barefoot musician”, has been charming audiences since 2006. In 2015, he left his day job (and shoes) behind to follow a path as a working singer-songwriter. Since then, the barefoot musician’s been juggling playing 100+ shows/year and raising five children with his wife. Blending elements of folk, rock and blues, Latam’s down-to-earth, up-beat sound will have toes tappin’. When not gigging, Justin enjoys spending time at home on his front porch. So, kick off your shoes, hang loose and enjoy this laid-back brew.

justinlatam.ca  |  @justinlatammusic

For over a decade, Luc Michaud’s involvement in the Windsor/Essex music scene has been nothing short of instrumental. Luc pursued his dream of becoming a full-time producer/musician after leaving his day job at the Canadian Revenue Agency. From taxman to maestro, he established Highland Studios which has become the city’s go-to recording shop for independent artists. Luc is the Frontman for two bands and is raising 1-year-old Twins with his Fiancee Lucy.

@luc.michaud.52

From campfires and cottage porches, to bars and world-class venues, Jake has played them all. Born in Windsor ON. and continues to make Essex county his home. Jake’s latest effort, Salesman of The Year, is a collaborative take on outlaw country with folk influences throughout. He enjoyed early success with pop-rock darlings Inoke Errati, touring coast to coast. Jake can be commonly found at your local watering hole passionately smashing out your favourite tunes.

salesmanoftheyearmusic.com | thatkarateband.com

Kay Oh Chay is a force to be reckoned with in the southwestern Ontario music scene. She is a highly sought after session player and vocalist, a member of local supergroup “the S’Aints” along with local favourite duo “the Oh Chays”. You can catch her masterfully tickling the ivories and soulfully belting out the hits and some tasty originals wherever good times are served.

@kayhowlmusic

Jen Knight began her career when she was a contestant on Canadian Idol in 2008, impressing some of the biggest names in the music industry. Since then, the Kingsville-born performer has opened for Bret Micheals, signed with an L.A.-based record label, and garnered over 4.5 million views on YouTube. Reminiscent of commanding female vocalists such as Janis Joplin and Pink, Jen’s edgy vocal style drips with emotion from every soulful note, leaving you wide-eyed and littered with goosebumps.

@jenknightsings | JenKnightSings

Born on the banks of St. Clair and raised in the streets of “South Detroit”, Dave Russell has established himself as a leading name among Windsor’s music scene. He has performed captivating shows stretching from the Maritimes to Vancouver Island and everywhere in between. Comfortably switching between classics or telling tales of his own, Dave’s ability to connect with audiences’ relies on his expertise in storytelling.

daverussellmusic

Harrow native Max Marshall has a passion for crafting songs out of stories from the vast palate of the Canadian folk Identity. With country blues and ragtime influences, he’s dedicated to delivering a heartfelt and personal performance. Like Max’s music, this copper ale basically gives you a big warm hug. Notes of caramel and toasted nuts drift you into a nostalgic daydream, leaving you at ease and snug.

@_maxmarshall_ | www.maxmarshall.org