2026 lineup

🎤 Mainstage Hosts

Back by popular demand, our hosts are more than just voices on the mic—they are part of the foundation of the Haywire experience. With deep roots in the festival and a natural ability to connect, they help carry the energy of the weekend from stage to field.

Brian Paul D.G.

 

Brian Paul D.G. has been an integral part of the Haywire family since the early days of the festival, bringing heart, humour, and unwavering support both on and off the stage. As our mainstage host and co-host, he helps create the welcoming, community-driven atmosphere that defines the Haywire experience.

A seasoned singer-songwriter with over 20 years of experience, Brian blends heartfelt storytelling with live music, weaving together acoustic guitar and harmonica with influences from folk, blues, country, gospel, and rockabilly.

In 2026, Brian further deepened his connection to Haywire by joining the festival’s Board of Directors, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the growth and sustainability of the community he’s helped build. He is also an experienced speaker and workshop facilitator, known for bringing a creative and holistic approach to his work—whether on stage or in a circle.

Duff Kelly

 

Duff Kelly has been part of the heartbeat of Haywire since day one, and we’re proud to welcome him back as our official emcee and co-host.

A storyteller in every sense, Duff is a lifelong truth-seeker whose music is raw, fearless, and unflinchingly honest. After surviving a plane crash in 2007 that changed the course of his life, he quite literally flipped his guitar upside down and kept going—creating songs that wrestle with love, fear, and the human experience.

Known for his magnetic stage presence, Duff brings soulful performances, off-the-cuff storytelling, and big-hearted energy to everything he does. Throughout the weekend, his voice helps guide the rhythm of Haywire—from the mainstage to the barn and beyond.

Eliza Mary Doyle

Saskatoon veteran multi-instrumentalist brings a sunny disposition to her vibrant weave of old time folk and bluegrass, tying the threads of the past together with an uptempo mix of the joyful and the forlorn.
The roots of contemporary folk have always included community engagement, and Doyle spent years working to spread the communal nature of art and music throughout her community. She’s balanced her work in music with a commitment to community involvement, co-founding and developing the Community Arts Mentorship Program (CAMP), a not-for-profit organization that brings music programming to remote and under-resourced Indigenous and Métis communities throughout Saskatchewan.
Doyle is a true Canadian veteran, having toured Canada, Europe, and the United States extensively through her 22-year career, both on her own and from 2016 to 2018 with Juno-winning Saskatchewan folk group The Dead South. Her most recent release, Pretty Strange, recorded in a whirlwind single session at Sidekick Studios in Nashville, is an upbeat mix of classic Appalachia and bluegrass, lifted by tried and true country grooves, and fleshed out by a mix of old school, Opry-ready instrumentation and a lived-in feel for the sonic hallmarks of contemporary Americana.

Wolf Willow

Wolf Willow is a twelve-piece band that sounds like what would happen “if Dick Dale had joined Loretta Lynn’s band and made a wall of sound album inside the Grand Ole Opry.”

Highlights & Achievements:

  • Nominated for a 2023 Saskatchewan Music Award

  • Played several major festivals since 2021 including Regina Folk Festival, Ness Creek, Sled Island, Big Winter Classic, Winteruption YEG, Gateway, Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Swampfest.

  • Old Guitars & Shooting Stars was released in October 2021 results in a nomination for Folks/Roots Artist of the Year from the Saskatchewan Music Awards and a Group of the Year nomination from the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards.

  • Etthen Heldeli: Caribou Eaters (documentary) for which Wolf Willow provided the soundtrack received a Canada Screen Award nomination for best documentary. Wolf Willow was also nominated for a 2020 Western Canadian Music Award (Visual Media Composer of the Year) for their contribution to the film.

  • 2019 Countrypolitan EP, And The Leaves Have Turned To Amber, was played on Earshot reporting stations (CJTR, CJSR, CKUA) and charted on the Earshot national charts for November 2019.  The EP was also included in CupsNCakes (https://www.cupsncakespod.com) Best EPS of 2019 list. Wolf Willow also received a nomination for a 2019 Saskatchewan Music Award in the Experimental/Contemporary category

  • Headlined the 2019 Cathedral Village Arts Festival in Regina, performing with an 8 piece string ensemble.

  • Received nominations for a 2018 Saskatchewan Music Award in the Avantgarde/Contemporary category for their “Caribou Howl” album.

The Steadies

Mixing dance-rock with funk, pop and reggae influences, this award-winning Canadian group has created their own signature sound dubbed “island rock.” Their feel-good music and positive vibe bring people together of all ages, races and genders—this is music made to move to.
Fronted by 3-time JUNO nominee and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Earl Pereira, The Steadies are known for their high-energy live shows and infectious grooves.
With over 900 shows worldwide, performances at the Olympics, Grey Cup and JUNO Awards, and stages shared with Gwen Stefani, Ziggy Marley, The Roots and The Wailers… this is a band you don’t want to miss.

East Side of 2nd

High-Energy Americana Rock and Rockabilly
East Side of 2nd are a young, electrifying band from Saskatchewan, breathing new life into Americana rock and rockabilly. Formed in early 2024, they quickly made a name for themselves with their 30 plus shows and vibrant performances, earning the title of Prince Albert’s Best Band in their first year together.
The Band
Aiden Edwards: Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Logan Edwards: Harmonica, Vocals
Kace Callaghan: Lead Guitar
Blake Callaghan: Bass
Evan Ace: Drums
What They Play
With their high-energy originals like Splash of Morgan and Oh Baby, and timeless rock-and-roll classics like Blue Suede Shoes and Jailhouse Rock, East Side of 2nd brings a sound and performance that keeps audiences moving all night long.
What’s Next?
The band released there first single that has been radio played across Canada and almost 10k streams in the first month, . They’re also gearing up for a Western Canada tour, set to showcase their dynamic sound and unforgettable live shows to new fans across the region.

H2FLO

H2FLO is essential to the vibe, flowing like water and bringing explosive live energy. This collaborative group is a unique combination of freestyle creation and authentic expression on stage. Merging hip hop and funk with rock pop fusion; H2FLO presents live jams in a cohesive way unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Headed by powerhouse emcees alongside impeccable drums, boastful guitar and funky bass flare, this crew is guaranteed to move you! H2FLO treats their audience to a one of a kind live show; fun and brilliantly co-created with the crowd. Anything could happen, and whatever does, it’s a good time.

Belle Diabolique

Haunted. Honest. Here.

GreenWing

Established in 2021, GreenWing quickly made a name for themselves with an onslaught of Canadian tour dates featuring their signature singalong hooks, infectious driving rhythms and chaotic stage presence. After the 2022 release of their debut album Late Bloomer, the band saw themselves enlisted for opening slots for bands such as Three Days Grace, Mom Jeans, One Bad Son, Wheatus, Reignwolf, Sebastian Bach, and more. GreenWing’s Midwest-meets-Canadiana attitude quickly attracted a cult following, with their 2023 single “Dark” converting listeners across the country. This release received widespread industry acclaim, culminating in GreenWing being named 2023’s “Rock Artist of The Year” by Sask Music. Following the warm reception to their sophomore LP “Eatin’ It”, the band introduced themselves to radio listeners across the globe with their lively take on Neil Diamond classic “Sweet Caroline” (peaking at #37 and spending six weeks on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream Rock Chart) and their follow up single “All Hard Feelings” (peaking at #29 and spending seven weeks on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream Rock Chart).

Cupid's Heart

Cupid’s Heart is a North Saskatchewan trio belting poetic and moody lyrics amidst cello, electric guitar, and drums. Described as Chrissie Hynde Pretenders vibes with a pinch of Nirvana, alternative rock fits them like a baggy sweater. An electrifying stage presence and grungy realness sets this Prince Albert band apart.

Ross Neilsen

In 2007, Ross Neilsen quit his job, moved out of his house and into his car. Spending the next two years couch surfing, he began the never ending tour schedule that would earn him musical respect throughout Canada. Honing his craft into a well-oiled machine of stories and song, the road has taken Ross throughout Canada, Mexico, The Olympics, The Pan Am Games, The Hill Country region of Mississippi, The Swampy rivers of Louisiana and even to Macon, Georgia where he was privileged to play the holy grail of blues, rock and soul: Duane Allman’s 1957 Les Paul Gold Top.
Ross Neilsen has released 11 recordings, performed several thousand concerts, driven more than a million kilometers and has toured Canada dozens of times. Neilsen has been honoured with multiple nominations at The Maple Blues Awards including Songwriter of the Year in 2017, two Rising Star nominations from CBC, back to back Blues Album of the Year nominations from the East Coast Music Association, over half a dozen nominations for MusicNB awards, including wins for Best Blues Recording (Redemption 2010 and The Shack Up Sessions 2013). Ross is a two- time semifinalist in the solo/duo category at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. He has studied at Camp Copperhead under the tutelage of Steve Earle.
In 2023, after taking several years off to start a family in Saskatoon, SK, Ross had his creative fires reignited on a trip to Ireland. Upon his return he slowly got back to his creative work, ultimately leading him to win the Saskatoon Blues society’s “Road To Memphis” challenge in 2024. This win would send him back to Beale Street to represent Saskatchewan at the International Blues Challenge. While Ross was in Memphis he enlisted the help of Lucero’s John C. Stubblefield and engineer Kevin Houston, to join him at world famous Sam Phillips Recording Services. With the help of Session musicians Rick Steff (Lucero) on Keys, Memphis precisionist, Jay Sheffield III and Marc Franklin and Art Edmaiston (Gregg Allman Band, Little Feat) on horns, Ross set out to, once again capture lightning in a bottle. Four days later, Ross’s seventh studio album, WITHIN TENSION, deals with themes of Mental Health, Parenthood, not fitting in AND finding your place in the world. WITHIN TENSION is available everywhere you listen to music.
In the meantime, you can find Neilsen performing throughout Canada in a variety of concert styles. Be it with his solo show or band, Neilsen is back to conjuring tears and smiles with his tall tales and melting hearts and faces with his blistering, northern blues, approach to fingerstyle guitar.

The Department Heads

This energetic quartet, known for their hard riff-rock sound, combines serious musicianship with powerful vocals. The Department Heads leave fellow musicians and show-goers alike with an unforgettable experience. Over the years, their musical  journey has embraced a diverse range of styles and influences, including punk rock, heavy metal, desert rock, and some pop if you look deep enough. The result? A simmering concoction of heavy rocking goodness that resonates with fans across genres.

Hailing from Saskatoon, SK, The Department Heads came together in the autumn of 2012. Their lineup features Arlan Kopp on bass, Christian Douglas on drums, Jeff Cox on guitar and backing vocals, and Lindsay Adams as the lead vocalist. They are currently in the studio recording their second album.

Alex Flett & Band

Alex Flett is a traveling singer-songwriter. Since launching his musical journey out of Regina SK, he has traveled the world performing in cities like San Francisco, Rome, Vancouver, Toronto, and many more. His songs are woven with a foundation of poetry, speaking from the heart about love and unity, all with a unique twist. Alongside his band featuring Brandt Wanner on the drums and Sam Hallett on the keys, the goal is to unite us all with music.

Parab Poet

With his heart on his sleeve and his soul deep in the groove, Parab continues to express himself thru the art and culture of Hip Hop. Combining live beat production, rap performance, and turntablism, his stage presence will be sure to allure your senses, drawing you further into his artistic expression.

The Bon Vivants

The Bon Vivants bring Motown and soul vibes into the modern era. This ensemble of respected Saskatoon musicians delivers solid grooves, rich harmony, and infectious energy at every performance.
The group made up of veterans of the Saskatoon music scene, with members of The Great Fuss, Il Creatura, Skaravan, Johnny Grit, and VBND coming together through a shared love of classic Motown and soul music. But the group is far from a walk down memory lane. With five distinct songwriters, the Persuaders craft a rich tapestry of stories and styles that make them vibrant and vital. Their debut single, Lost in the Dream is set for release summer, 2026.

Robin Mang

Veteran To the craft that is djing, selector of the finest in funk, soul, disco and house music. This man knows how to read a crowd and get the feet moving.

Tribal Vibes Wildfire

Tribal Vibes Wildfire brings a powerful and immersive energy to Haywire, lighting up the festival with performances that blend fire, movement, and music into a truly unforgettable experience.

This Saskatchewan-based troupe has been captivating audiences across the country for over two decades, with mesmerizing performances featuring fire dancing, fire eating, LED shows, and more. Their work goes beyond spectacle—creating a dynamic and high-energy atmosphere that draws people in and transforms the space around them.

A valued part of the Haywire community, Tribal Vibes Wildfire contributes far beyond the stage. From leading interactive workshops to bringing creativity and joy to the festival’s children’s programming, including the kids’ parade, their presence helps shape the spirit of the weekend.

Through rhythm, movement, and shared experience, they invite audiences of all ages to connect, participate, and become part of the magic that makes Haywire so special.