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Rockin' the Square

Springer Market Square is the place to be as we once again present Rockin’ the Square featuring The Halluci Nation with special guests Chippewa Travellers and DJ Deena (different circles).

Rockin’ the Square is the City’s annual signature large-scale, free outdoor summer music concert that presents renowned national artists along with featured local support performances for the Kingston community.

This is a rain or shine event! 

When and where? 

On Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. at Springer Market Square, 216 Ontario St.   

  • DJ Deena - 8 p.m.
  • Chippewa Travellers - 8:30 p.m.
  • The Halluci Nation - 9 p.m

For your convenience:

  • An accessible seating area will be near the water fountain on King Street
  • Limited bleacher seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in Springer Market Square 

About the Artists

Two men stand smiling and laughing in front of a white wall

The Halluci Nation, comprised of Bear Witness and Tim “2oolman” Hill, the acclaimed Indigenous Producer/DJ duo (formerly A Tribe Called Red)— have solidified their place as a groundbreaking force in contemporary music. Formed in Ottawa, Canada, The Halluci Nation have garnered international acclaim for their innovative fusion of traditional Indigenous music with genres like dubstep, hip-hop, and drum & bass. Their distinctive sound not only celebrates Indigenous heritage but also disrupts the mainstream, by addressing the complex conversation surrounding the modern-day Indigenous experience.

In 2025, The Halluci Nation made history as the first independent Indigenous artists from North America to reach 100 million streams on Spotify, a monumental achievement that underscores their global reach and growing influence. With their eyes set on the future, The Halluci Nation is not just a music group—they are a movement. Their blend of infectious beats, social activism, and cultural pride continues to inspire listeners across the globe, pushing boundaries and amplifying Indigenous voices on the world stage. The Halluci Nation is just getting started. 

A group of durmmers and singer seated in a circle around a drum

Chippewa Travellers are an Aniishinaabeg family drum group originally from Chippewas of Nawash, Cape Croker rez (Neyaashingaming), Ontario. They now reside in Southern/Central Ontario.  

The group has 15+ members and started singing as Chippewa Travellers in 1998. In the early nineties they were known as the Nawash Jrs. The singers were also members of the Otonabee singers in the early eighties. Chippewa Travellers are primarily a Northern original style drum group that also enjoys singing contemporary and southern styles when appropriate. Chippewa Travellers have grown up singing within the Powwow (Helushka) society, with several teachers who have been instrumental in guiding the group in proper drum & powwow etiquette. 

Chippewa Travellers have won two Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards as well as the 2010 online Drum Contest, Powwow Idol. They were also nominated for Best Traditional Drum Group and Best Album Cover in the Aboriginal People's Choice Awards, 2010 & 2012. 

They have collaborated with The Halluci Nation on several songs and live performances. 

DJ Deena (different circles) deejays using mainly vinyl and has been spinning wax since their childhood. What began as a way to share their passion for record collecting is now a major part of their life on the local music scene. 

Deena hosts Different Circles on CFRC 101.9 FM in Kingston every Friday, but locals may have danced the night away to their amazing sets at Grad Club, Hotel Wolfe Island, the Legion, Musiikii, 12Cat, Stone City Ales, and Modern Fuel at some point. 

Deena lived overseas for several years in Glasgow, Scotland as well and established a name for themselves in that HUGE local scene holding residencies and making appearances at a number of Glasgow venues. 

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.

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