The 'Elephant' in the Room: BLEEKER Rocks Canal Days 2026
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
On Friday, July 31st, 2026, Port Colborne's waterfront came alive as Orillia alt-rockers Bleeker kicked off the annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival. Setting the stage for JJ Wilde and headlining act Big Wreck, these high-energy rockers proved exactly why they belong on the big stage. Although their highly anticipated album Elephant doesn't drop until September, Bleeker gave the crowd an unforgettable sneak peek of what's to come.
Photo Credit: @concertsbyjasmin
Despite rain initially being forecasted — threatening to dampen the festival's opening night, the weather cooperated — delivering a warm summer evening with clear skies. The crowd grew larger and louder with every song, matching the energy on stage. Bleeker's undeniable bond was clear from the moment they took to the stage. The genuine respect they have for one another and their audience transforms their show into a must-see live experience, turning the performance into an incredibly fun time for everyone involved.
Photo Credit: @concertsbyjasmin Frontman Taylor Perkins completely stole the show, captivating the audience with his infectious energy and delightfully goofy personality. Refusing to stay static, he danced across the stage, pulling the crowd into his world with a charismatic charm that made the festival grounds come alive. His interaction with the audience went far beyond the standard playful banter. In the most unforgettable, standout moment of their performance, Perkins tossed his mic stand over the barricade, allowing ecstatic fans to sing along. With a huge smile on his face, he strutted across the stage, giving the fans their moment as he amplified the crowd's excitement. It was a classic demonstration of true rock 'n' roll connection that left the entire front row buzzing.
Photo Credit: @concertsbyjasmin
Photo Credit: @concertsbyjasmin
The setlist itself was crafted to reward longtime fans while building massive hype for what's yet to come. Bleeker treated the crowd to a selection of their beloved classic hits, sparking widespread sing-alongs. However, the true highlights for many were the exclusive previews of their upcoming record. True to the title of this review, there was indeed an 'Elephant' in the room — and the impact of hearing that title track live was explosive. As the band's heaviest release to date, it is clear that both longtime and new fans are loving every minute of this new sound. By the time the final notes rang out, Bleeker hadn't just kicked off the Canal Days festival — raised the bar for the entire weekend.
Setlist: - Walken - Great Unknown - Cool - Self Made - Hey Man - Disaster - Outside - ELEPHANT - Let's Go - Highway
Photo Credit: @concertsbyjasmin
Photo Credit: @concertsbyjasmin
Photo Credit: @concertsbyjasmin
If you haven't already, do yourself a favour and attend one of Bleeker's upcoming live shows to experience their energy-packed performance, because you won't regret it. Don't forget to stay tuned for the official release of Elephant — dropping September 4th, 2026!
