Live Events at Motel Chelsea – Until Sun. August 9th
Motel Chelsea offers you an escape to nature where locals, music-lovers, foodies, culture-seekers, and travellers intersect. Nestled in the Gatineau Hills, where the river and forest trails merge with a vibrant arts culture, the Motel Chelsea is a hub of natural and man-made beauty, and local community.
Here’s what’s on the lineup at Motel Chelsea.
Thursday, July 9 • Live & Local with Woodshed Jazz • 7:30 – Pass the hat event
Live & Local is a free, community-centered music series celebrating the artists who live and create right here at home, with select evenings hosted by a different local musician bringing their own sound, collaborators, and creative vision to the stage.
Woodshed connects with audiences through timeless storytelling and high-energy arrangements of jazz classics and originals. On vocals, Margo Seymour invites us to share in the joy and heartache of the human experience. On sax, Eppo Maertens delivers dynamic solos and solid bass lines with the resonant bass saxophone. On keys, classically trained pianist Nathalin Moy shares the depth of her composition and improv skills. Finally, on the kit, percussionist Yves Dusenge anchors the group with meticulous finesse.
Friday, July 10 • Rachael Kilgour • 8:00 pm
Rachael Kilgour is an award-winning folk songwriter whose masterfully crafted songs blend unflinching honesty, warmth, and wit, transforming themes of grief, belonging, and love into deeply moving performances that linger long after the final note.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/
Saturday, July 11 • Laura Cortese • 8:00 pm
A fearless musical nomad, Laura Cortese has spent over two decades weaving global collaborations into her roots-driven sound, now turning audiences themselves into her band as she builds vibrant folk communities from Ghent to stages around the world.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/
Friday, July 17 • Jacob Barber & Melody Machine • 8:00 pm
Jacob Barber channels the golden glow of ’60s folk-rock and psychedelia into soaring, melody-rich songs brought vividly to life with the electrifying backing of Melody Machine.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/
Thursday, July 23 • Open Stage Hosted By Christine Graves • Starting at 7:00 pm
Join us for a magical evening of music, community, and creativity at Motel Chelsea’s Open Stage, happening on the last Thursday of every month. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just want to enjoy great local talent, you’re welcome here.
The evening is hosted by Christine Graves, a celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and poetic songwriting. With a career spanning shared stages with icons like Buffy Sainte-Marie and Feist, as well as performances at festivals and theatres across Canada, Graves brings warmth, experience, and authenticity to the stage.
Saturday, July 25 • Great Lake Swimmers | 8:00 pm • SOLD OUT
Sunday, July 26 • Great Lake Swimmers (Matinee) • 4:30 pm — SOLD OUT
Thursday, July 30 • Ryan Young – Scottish Fiddler • 7:30PM
Embark on a musical adventure with Ryan Young, where tradition meets innovation, and melodies weave a timeless tale of Scotland’s musical heritage be part of a transformative experience. With a Master of Music degree from the famous Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Ryan Young has emerged as a rising star on the international music scene. His debut album, a mesmerizing collection of traditional Scottish tunes, was expertly produced and recorded by the renowned Boston-based music producer, Jesse Lewis, right in the heart of Glasgow.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/
Saturday, August 8 • Oceanique • 8:00 pm
Twin sisters Maddy and Jess Houston of Oceanique craft evocative folk with seamless harmonies, earning major accolades and a breakout 2025 with international touring and their acclaimed album Skylines. Since their debut in 2019, Oceanique has become a rising act in the Australian folk music scene. Highlights include winning Port Fairy Folk Festival’s ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ (2024) and Folk Alliance Australia’s ‘Youth Artist of the Year’ (2022). Their captivating live performances have graced renowned festivals such as the National Folk Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, and Port Fairy Folk Festival as well as supporting celebrated artists, including The Waifs at Geelong Arts Centre.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/
Sunday, August 9 • Alysha Brilla • 4:30 pm
Alysha Brilla is a 3× JUNO-nominated artist whose electrifying, rhythm-driven live show blends global percussion, soaring vocals and Indo-Tanzanian roots into an uplifting, participatory experience that has captivated audiences from WOMAD Chile to the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Brilla has captivated audiences worldwide at major international festivals including WOMAD (Chile), The Montreal Jazz Festival (Canada), Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), MIDEM (France), Singapore GP and Iceland Airwaves. With a new album releasing in 2026, Alysha Brilla offers a rhythm-led, participatory show that creates genuine connection and leaves audiences uplifted long after the final note. In addition to live performances, Alysha Brilla and her ensemble offer engaging workshops in group singing, drumming and improvisational songwriting, designed for all ages and experience levels.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/
