940 Bonisteel Rd. Trenton
ON
It’s a traditional “Songwriters Circle’ on the Old Church patio with Rick Zimmerman, Cheryl Castleman, Kyle Mitchell and Steve Wilkinson. Four songwriters sharing original songs in the round.
This is where great songs connect. Each artist takes a turn, trading songs and stories, creating a dynamic, unscripted and unrehearsed night that pulls you right into the music.
This is a fun night of great music and an up-close look at the stories behind the songs. We’ll be serving wood-fired pizza and cold drinks from our Tipsy Vicar bar so grab your friends and come to a fun summer evening on the patio.
Bios:
Rick Zimmerman has been hanging around stage doors and wearing strange costumes since high school. He worked in professional theatre as an actor for over 40 years, and has directed shows, built sets, taught classes, and also worked on the marketing, producing and fundraising side as well – because nobody earns a living with all that other acting stuff!
And now his home is the Old Church. He hosts the regular Wednesday night Open Mic, welcomes everyone to weekend shows, and has added “What’s My Line”, Trivia, and now Music Bingo to his Old Church resume.
In 2019, Rick turned his attention to the guitar and songwriting, discovering a deep and growing passion that has since become an essential part of his creative life. Surrounded by the extraordinary talent that graces the stage at the Old Church Theatre, he has embraced every opportunity to listen, learn, and be inspired.
These days, Rick’s love of guitar and songwriting is firmly established, and he continues to learn, play, write, and have fun with it. Whether he’s working out a new song, picking up the guitar for a jam, or sharing music with friends, he’s happiest when there’s a guitar nearby and a good tune waiting to be discovered.
Cheryl Casselman is an Ontario singer-songwriter whose heartfelt originals blend country, folk, bluegrass, and blues. Raised in the Newcastle area and now based in Northumberland County, Cheryl has spent decades writing songs inspired by love, loss, resilience, and the beauty of everyday life. Her albums Any Road North and Good Samaritan showcase her gift for honest storytelling and memorable melodies, and her music has earned recognition on the Canadian independent music scene. Whether performing in intimate listening rooms, at festivals, or community events, Cheryl connects with audiences through her warm voice, genuine spirit, and songs that speak to the heart. Now entering a new chapter, Cheryl is sharing her music with renewed purpose, proving it’s never too late to follow the path you were always meant to take.
Kyle Mitchell discovered his passion for songwriting while learning to play the guitar during his high school years. Over the years, he has taken his musical talents on the road, performing at various venues across Canada, from bustling cities to intimate small towns. Throughout his journey, he has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented musicians in the region, enriching his own craft and expanding his musical horizons. Despite his impressive experiences, Kyle remains dedicated to his love for music and enjoys performing for audiences, sharing his songs and connecting with people whenever he gets the chance.
Steve Wilkinson. The Wilkinsons are one of Canada’s most successful country music groups, earning international acclaim with their unmistakable family harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and authentic country sound. Formed in 1992, the trio featured father Steve Wilkinson alongside his children, Amanda and Tyler Wilkinson, creating a unique family dynamic that resonated with audiences around the world. Their breakthrough came with the Gold-certified debut album Nothing But Love, propelled by the hit single “26 Cents.” The song became a No. 1 hit in Canada and climbed into the Top 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, introducing The Wilkinsons to an international audience. Follow-up hits including “Fly (The Angel Song),” “Jimmy’s Got a Girlfriend,” “Boy Oh Boy,” and “Nothing But Love (Standing in the Way)” established the trio as one of country music’s premier vocal groups of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Throughout their career, The Wilkinsons earned two Grammy Award nominations, a Juno Award, and 11 Canadian Country Music Association honours, including Best Album and multiple Group of the Year awards. Their warm stage presence, exceptional musicianship, and genuine family chemistry made them fan favourites across Canada, the United States, and around the world. In recognition of his enduring contributions to Canadian country music as a songwriter, performer, and founding member of one of the country’s most celebrated acts, Steve Wilkinson was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame—a fitting tribute to a career that has helped shape the landscape of Canadian country music. Yet for Steve, the story isn’t finished. The creative fire still burns. After decades of writing hit songs, touring the world, and helping define the sound of The Wilkinsons, that passion has sparked an exciting new chapter Wilkinsons 2.0 delivers brand-new music with the same heart, honesty, and rich family harmonies that made The Wilkinsons a household name. It’s not about reliving the past—it’s about building on a remarkable legacy with fresh songs, timeless storytelling, and a renewed creative spirit. While the music embraces a new era, it remains rooted in the values and sound that fans have loved from the very beginning. Wilkinsons 2.0 proves that great songs, great harmonies, and genuine authenticity never go out of style.