Ron Hawkins & Stephen Stanley: Indie Rock Icons

Saturday, November 1 • 8:00 PM
The Historic Market Hall

Two of Canada’s most respected and enduring songwriters, one unforgettable night of music, stories, and raw emotion.

Ron Hawkins, the driving force behind Lowest of the Low, is nothing short of a national treasure in the world of indie rock. From the timeless Shakespeare My Butt—a record that consistently ranks among the greatest Canadian albums ever—to a prolific career spanning 19 albums across various projects, Ron’s songwriting has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Whether solo, with the Rusty Nails, the Do Good Assassins, or back with the Low on their latest album Welcome to the Plunderdome (2023), Ron brings poetry, politics, and passion to every note.

Opening the night is fellow Lowest of the Low co-founder, Stephen Stanley—a powerhouse in his own right. After helping shape the band’s early success with his searing guitar work and unmistakable voice, Stanley stepped into his own spotlight with The Stephen Stanley Band. His latest album, Before The Collapse Of The Hive, is a compelling mix of vulnerability, grit, and melodic storytelling that has taken him across Europe and onto stages with legends like Bob Mould, The Jayhawks, and Jake Clemons.

Together again—but on their own terms—Hawkins and Stanley bring decades of craft, camaraderie, and cutting Canadian wit. This isn’t just a show—it’s a homecoming for fans of smart, soulful songwriting.