On August 17, 2025, Back to the Farm Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary (web link) the only way MacKinnon Bros. Brewery knows how: surrounded by craft beer, community spirit, and a whole lot of rock and roll. Headlining this milestone edition is none other than The Trews (web link), a band that’s spent over two decades delivering electrifying shows across the country, from sweaty club gigs to massive festival stages.

We caught up with frontman Colin MacDonald ahead of their set to talk Kingston stories, rural festival vibes, and the upcoming release of ‘The Bloody Light’, co-produced by none other than Brett and Jay Emmons of The Glorious Sons (web link). From crashing 80’s nights post gig to recording at the Bathouse, The Trews’ ties to K-Town run deep and their return promises a night to remember.

Q) Back to the Farm is all about beer, local love and live energy. What does it mean to you to headline the 10th anniversary of a festival rooted in community and homegrown craft?

A) It’s a real honour to be able to headline ‘Back to the Farm’, playing alongside so many great artists. We love being able to do our thing while supporting local, home grown businesses, especially these days.

Q) From Antigonish to arenas, you’ve been through just about every stage there is, how do massive rural festivals like this one hit differently than the big-city shows?

A) We play with the same passion and intensity no matter what the stage. But it’s a real nice bonus being able to play in a big beautiful field, under the stars, in the country. It should be a special night

Q) You’ve got a catalogue that spans over two decades, how do you approach building a setlist that speaks to longtime fans while still keeping it fresh and electric for new ears?

A) Well, my brother John Angus writes all the set lists and he strikes a good balance between new, old and everything in between. The new material is really strong and it fits in nicely, but we still play all the old faves too.

Q) A lot of bands say there’s something special about playing Kingston. What’s your connection to the city, and do you have any memorable stories from past shows here?

A) We love Kingston. We’ve played many gigs in the city over the years. One of our first big shows was opening for Big Sugar at AJ’s hangar back in 2002. We also made a record at the Bathouse with Gord Sinclair, in 2011. We opened for the hip at the K-Rock Centre in 2009 and crashed the stage at AJ’s after the gig and sat in with an 80’s cover band, we borrowed their wigs and rocked out;) I know these places have different names now but it’s a testament to our long and fruitful history with K-TOWN. We also played the penitentiary in 2019.

Q) As a band that’s constantly evolving while staying true to your roots, what's inspiring you lately, and what’s next on the horizon for The Trews?

A) We are releasing a new record on October 24. It’s called ‘The Bloody Light’, it’s co- produced by Kingston’s own Brett and Jay Emmons from The Glorious Sons. We’ve released four songs so far and they’re being really well received. Our focus is on the new record and we’re all really excited about it.

Q) What can eager fans of Back to the Farm and The Trews expect from this special appearance?

A) It’s going to be a great show, lots of great rock music, a good time will be had by all and there may even be a few surprises. Come out! It’ll be a blast!

Back to the Farm (web link) returns Sunday August 17 at MacKinnon Brewery with a stacked line-up for the Grand Stand stage. Check out the listing for all the details and ticket link. Posted: Jul 19, 2025 Originally Published: Jul 19, 2025