***Review by Kevin Ibbitson and photos by Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi***
This past weekend the CallHome Music Festival (formerly known as Crewfest) invited my Brother Keith “The Metal Paparazzi” back to cover this summer’s festival and he brought me to tag along with him this time. The festival was located at Lion’s Gate Park in Brantford, Ontario on July 18 &19, 2025 and consisted of one main stage and one side stage replete with plenty of vendors selling a variety of curiosities, wares, merch and plenty of food options, as well as wrestling brought to us by Brantford Wrestling which I found to be incredibly entertaining. The weather was absolutely perfect that weekend. The event organizers were extremely accommodating to us and we felt welcomed with open arms. All volunteers were awesome as well as the security team and local law enforcement. Everything blended together for a great family-friendly event experience, especially on the first day as it was open to all ages.
Toronto Rapper K-Os kicked off the festival on the main stage and rocked a set complete with a number of his best hits. Every band played solid throughout both days, especially all side stage acts (Barstool Confessions, Harm & Ease for example). Friday saw acts such as K-Os, Bedouin Soundclash, USS, and Walk Off The Earth. All of whom had memorable sets including a band member surfing the crowd. I would have to say that nobody went home disappointed on the first day.
JJ Wilde @ CallHome Music Festival 2025
The second day was 19 and up and had a slightly different feel as many more folks were inebriated and having a great time. Barstool Confessions opened up the day on the side stage and played great and even covered some Tragically Hip hits. On the main stage The Wild High put on a fantastic set covering CCR to start with and easing into their own catalogue and even some Monster Truck hits as this band consists of the remnants of Monster Truck. Rusty was on stage next and put on a memorable show playing their best stuff and let’s just say I’m still humming their songs days after the festival. Harm & Ease delighted on the side stage even though they were missing a guitarist. The lead singer brought a lot of energy and was the focal point of the set. They were very entertaining.
The Glorious Sons @ CallHome Music Festival 2025
JJ Wilde was electric on the main stage and rocked us for what seemed like an hour and a half. I met her backstage after the show and complemented her on such a great show and she was so appreciative about that. She was humble to say the least. Pop Evil was the heaviest group on the whole festival as they are a blend of pop and metal and they kicked ass pretty good. Pop Evil put on an hour and a half-ish long set and had the crowd excited throughout their set. The Glorious Sons came on to close the festival and they were pretty damn good and it was abundantly clear that they were the band that most people were there to see. This was my first time seeing all of these bands and I enjoyed all of them even though I listen to music with more of an edge, this was a good change of pace for me and I would happily recommend the CallHome Music Festival to anyone that enjoys great music and a welcoming family orientated vibe. Thank you to all of the organizers, in special to Jamie Stephens who invited Keith and I, we had a great time.
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 