The Bud Light ‘Buckle Up Tour’ Is Back for a Cross Canada Tour with James Barker Band This Fall

BACK-TO-BACK SUMMER SHOWS AT THE KEE TO BALA JULY 4 & 5 

NEW SINGLE “SOMEBODY I KNOW” OUT NOW - HERE

Today, Platinum selling, award winning country quartet, James Barker Band have announced a Canadian tour in partnership with Bud Light, the Bud Light Buckle Up Tour, kicking off this fall. The tour announcement follows a #1 song at Country radio in Canada with “You Didn’t Hear It From Me,” coupled with last week’s release of their brand-new single, “Somebody I Know,” available now via Universal Music Canada.

Known for their high-energy, feel-good live performances, these Ontario natives are most comfortable on stage. Over the past 11 years, JBB has amassed over 300 million global streams, scored #1 hits with “Chills,” “Keep It Simple,” “Meet Your Mama,” “New Old Trucks,” “Over All Over Again,” plus their most recent “You Didn’t Hear It From Me,” and have earned multi-platinum certifications. With a reputation for creating unforgettable nights through their high energy performances and crowd-pleasing experiences, the collaboration with Bud Light, a brand synonymous with fun and social connection, was a natural fit.

James Barker added, "We’re so excited to finally be getting back into all of our favourite Canadian communities to headline the second year of Bud Light’s Buckle Up Tour. Feels like a proper JBB headline tour is long overdue, and we’re going to make up for the time lost. We’ve got so much new music and will have even more out by the time we hit the road. It’s going to be the party of the year, at every stop between the Atlantic and the Pacific, we can’t wait to see everybody"

Before hitting the road this fall, the band will kick off the summer with two back-to-back shows at the iconic KEE to Bala in Muskoka on July 4^th and 5^th. These Bud Light Buckle Up shows will offer fans a taste of what’s to come when they hit more cities from coast-to-coast this fall.

“We launched the Buckle Up Tour as a multi-year platform as a way to bring country music experiences to fans nationwide,” said Patrick Heembrock, Marketing Director, Bud Light Canada. “With so much new and exciting music to showcase, we’re excited to collaborate with such an iconic Canadian act as JBB to make this tour easy to enjoy for Canadians every step of the way.”

“Somebody I Know” marks the fourth single released by James Barker Band this year, with more music promised throughout 2025. As the band continues to deliver catchy hooks with relatable lyrics, fans can look forward to even more great standout moments, and a good time.

Don’t miss your chance to catch James Barker Band – Bud Light Buckle Up Tour in a city near you - HERE

• 07/04 - Bala, ON at The KEE To Bala
• 07/05 - Bala, ON at The KEE To Bala
• 09/18 - Saint John, NB at Imperial Theatre
• 09/21 - Montreal, QC at Le Studio TD
• 10/22 - Burlington, ON at Burlington PAC
• 10/23 - London, ON at London Music Hall
• 10/25 - Milton, ON at FirstOntario Arts Centre
• 10/30 - Chatham, ON at Chatham Capitol Theatre
• 10/31 - Ottawa, ON at Algonquin Commons Theatre
• 11/01 – Markham, ON at Flato Markham Theatre
• 11/02 - Guelph, ON at River Run Theatre
• 11/04 - Brantford, ON at Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
• 11/05 – St. Catharines, ON at Partridge Hall
• 11/06 - Kingston, ON at Grand Theatre
• 11/07 – Keswick, ON at Stephen Leacock Theatre
• 11/09 - North Bay, ON at Capitol Centre
• 11/11 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON at The Machine Shop
• 11/13 - Thunder Bay, ON at NV Music Hall
• 11/14 - Winnipeg, MB at Club Regent Event Centre
• 11/17 - Brandon, MB at Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium
• 11/29 - Penticton, BC at South Okanagan Events Centre
• 11/30 - Vancouver, BC at Commodore Ballroom

*More Canadian tour dates to be announced over the summer

ABOUT JAMES BARKER BAND

James Barker Band is proof that big dreams can grow from small-town roots. Made up of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Stephen (drums), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals) and Bobby Martin (bass), their big break came in 2015 at the Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, where their raw talent and undeniable charm earned them the top prize. That victory was a launchpad, leading to a record deal with Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, and the release of their breakout single, "Lawn Chair Lazy" in 2017. The laid-back anthem quickly gained traction and earned Platinum certification, but it was just the beginning. Their subsequent singles have also earned vast achievements and acclaim. 

Fueled by friendship, grit, and a shared love for storytelling, the band has gone from local dive bars to headlining stages across North America and Europe, amassing over 295 million global streams, 12 Gold and Platinum certifications, and the unwavering devotion of fans along the way. Their bustling catalogue has seen a string of successful tracks earning them vast achievements and acclaim including multiple No. 1 Canadian country radio hits, a Billboard Canada Country Chart No.1, several CCMA and CMAO awards and a JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year. 

But beyond their record-breaking metrics and awards, James Barker Band’s magic lies in their connection, to each other, to their roots, and to the fans who see themselves in their songs. Every note they play is a tribute to the small towns that raised them, the families that support them, and the communities that keep showing up to cheer them on. With their grounded ethos, infectious energy, and heartfelt storytelling, James Barker Band has made it clear: they’re not just chasing dreams, they’re sharing them. As they continue their rise in Canada, Nashville, and beyond, the band remains the same four humble friends who started it all, proof that sometimes, the best stories come from the simplest beginnings.

With this, the multi-award-winning four-piece is continuing its steadfast ascent in Canada, Nashville and beyond as they reunite with their home country label Universal Music Canada and gear up for a year of new music. 

“You Didn’t Hear It From Me,” is not only the #1 song at country radio, but it also currently sits at over 9.3M streams globally. Social views are over 25M across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Facebook and Snapchat.

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About Bud Light Canada

Bud Light has been brewed in Canada since 1986 using the finest malted barley and premium hops that impart a smooth, light taste, and crisp finish. As one of the fastest growing beer brands in Canada, Bud Light has a portfolio of beer and flavoured beers widely available across the country. For more information, visit budlight.ca.

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