Sweet Water: 24 Years of Country Excellence in Cobourg

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 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 began playing country music at just 14, performing every weekend in dance halls across Northumberland County — from Hastings and Colborne to Grafton, Brighton, Roseneath, Alderville, Fenella, Curtis Point, 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., 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.

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, Paul Franklin, Steve Smith, Bob Lucier and Al Brisco, 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.

Canadian country crooner Jamie Oliver has been dazzling audiences for decades with his warm, smooth, embracing voice. As lead vocalist for Canadian country acts Big Tobacco, The Empty Glasses, and The Odd Country, Western Swing act The Double Cuts, and the Let Us Be Frank Big Band Orchestra, he’s been able to effortlessly hop between musical genres and deliver superbly, displaying his lifelong love affair with a well written song.

Jamie Oliver has been dazzling audiences for decades with his warm, smooth, embracing voice. As lead vocalists for several Toronto and area bands he has been able to effortlessly display his lifelong love affair with a well written song. 

Award-winning Canadian vocalist Elton Lammie is a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist known for his incredibly authentic tribute shows to icons like Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Zac Brown Band, and Alabama.

Playing over 10 instruments, Lammie’s vocal range spans country, rock, and opera—bringing both technical skill and emotional depth to every performance. Widely respected across North America, he’s known not only for sounding like the original artists, but also for capturing their look and stage presence.

Originally from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, he has toured across Europe and Asia, earned dozens of awards in Canada and the U.S., and continues to perform extensively as both a solo act and with a full band from his home base in rural Alberta.

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