Sweet Water: 24 Years of Country Excellence in Cobourg
After years of touring across North America in the 1970s and ’80s, Tom Hall made Cobourg home. A chance meeting with fellow road veteran Al Brisco sparked a simple idea — gather a few top-tier musical friends, rent a hall, and play for the pure love of country music.
That idea became Sweet Water.
More than 24 years later (with a brief COVID hiatus), Sweet Water has grown into a powerhouse band of world-class musicians with international touring credits, major awards, and collaborations alongside country legends.
On guitar, Steve Piticco has recorded with Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard. Fiddle champion Don Reed has performed with Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens. Pianist Steve O’Connor has toured and recorded with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, along with Susan Aglukark and Nathalie MacMaster. Bassist Dusty King Jr., an Ontario Music Pioneer and Hall of Fame inductee, brings deep country roots, while award-winning steel guitarist Doug Johnson has performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage and toured across Canada and the U.S.
Together, Sweet Water blends decades of experience into a polished, authentic country sound that honours the classics — and keeps audiences coming back, show after sold-out show.
Steve Piticco: Guitar/Vocals
Born in Toronto, Steve Piticco picked up the guitar at age eleven and still plays the Fender Telecaster he bought at fifteen. After making his mark on Ottawa’s music scene in the late 1970s with The Prescott Brothers, he formed the award-winning band South Mountain in 1989 and continues to tour extensively across Canada and Europe. Honoured five times by the Dutch Country Music Association as International Instrumentalist of the Year — winning over legends such as Chet Atkins, Mark O’Connor, Vince Gill, and Mark Knopfler — Steve’s signature Tele style has earned him international acclaim. A highly sought-after recording artist, he has performed and recorded with icons including Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard. Steve Piticco is truly a world-class country guitarist.
Don Reed: Fiddle
Don Reed is a three-time Canadian Fiddle Champion and one of the country’s most respected fiddlers in country, bluegrass, and western swing. He first appeared on The Tommy Hunter Show at just 12 years old and returned three decades later as the show’s full-time house fiddle player. Based in Sudbury, Ontario, Don has performed with South Mountain and the Canucky Bluegrass Boys and has worked as a session musician for artists including Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens. Classically trained with deep traditional roots, Don remains a highly in-demand performer and recording artist.
Steve O’Connor: Piano
Steve O’Connor began playing country music playing since the at age 14, performing every weekend in dance halls throughout Northumberland County, including venues in Hastings, Colborne, Grafton, Brighton, and beyond. By his mid-20s, he committed to music full-time, touring internationally and recording with acclaimed Canadian artists such as Susan Aglukark, Lisa Brokop, Nathalie MacMaster, Blue Rodeo, and Jim Cuddy. A seasoned session musician with international recording experience, Steve’s early country roots continue to shape his dynamic work with Sweetwater.
Dusty King Jr.: Bass/Vocals
Dusty King Jr., born Robert Dustin Jr., is a Canadian country bassist, vocalist, and bandleader inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. Raised in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, he carries on the musical legacy of his father, Dusty King Sr. Most recently, Dusty Jr. was recognized as an Ontario Music Pioneer by the Ontario Country Music Association, honouring his lasting contributions to the province’s country music scene. With deep roots and decades of experience, Dusty remains a respected leader in Canadian country music.
Doug Johnson: Steel Guitar
Born in Brantford, Ontario, Doug Johnson began playing country music at age 12 and was performing professionally by 16. Influenced by steel guitar greats like Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green, and Paul Franklin, Doug has built an impressive career touring with Canadian artists such as Terry Sumsion, Lace, and Thomas Wade, as well as U.S. stars including Gene Watson and Moe Bandy. He has performed on both Grand Ole Opry stages and remains one of Canada’s most sought-after session players. In 2023, Doug was named Steel Guitar Player of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards. He joined Sweetwater in 2022.
Upcoming Shows at Victoria Hall Concert Hall
Experience the very best in classic country music with the Sweet Water Country Music Series. Hosted at the beautiful Concert Hall at Victoria Hall, this celebrated series showcases some of Canada’s most respected touring musicians in an unforgettable live setting. With rich harmonies, exceptional musicianship, and an authentic, true-to-the-roots country sound, Sweet Water captures the heart of country’s golden era while delivering the energy and warmth of live performance.
Each concert features the acclaimed Sweet Water Band alongside rotating special guest artists, ensuring every show offers something fresh while staying true to classic country traditions.
2026 Performance Dates & Special Guests:
Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. — Jamie Oliver
Sunday, May 24 at 2:00 p.m. — Elton Lammie
Sunday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. — Honky Tonk Heart
Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. — Elton Lammie
A look at Sweet Water Band Members Over the Years...
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