The Schomberg Fair

The Schomberg Fair's music grapples with the inclination to destroy oneself, the desire to be saved, and the hope of better things ahead. The band itself was born out of the near destruction of the musical ambitions of lead singer, guitarist/banjo and primary songwriter Matt Bahen. At 24, Bahen cut off all of the fingers from his left hand in a work accident, and had them reattached. While recuperating, he reconnected with high school friend Nathan Sidon, and the two bonded over their mutual appreciation of pre-war blues. It was as Bahen regained movement in his digits that The Schomberg Fair was born.
Named for the spring agricultural fair of their small Ontario hometown, the one time a year that teenage townies look forward to most. With the addition of drummer Pete Garthside's thunderous beat and high lonesome vocals harmonies, along side Sidon's punk-rock bass technique and rich bass vocal and you're left with roots rockin' gospel magic and an unforgettable Saturday night.



The true stories songwriter Bahen has been privy to in his job as an outreach worker heavily inspires the band. Lyrically, these are tales of the dispossessed, the hurt, the vulnerable, the lost, the cruel and ultimately, the survivors. But the music is raucous, rousing and wild - it is within this dichotomy that the band shines brightest. The result is a sober reality with decidedly dynamic delivery.