Angela Baltkois is the visionary force behind Rockstalgia, a two‑day nostalgic rock festival launching July 11 & 12 at the Orono Fairgrounds. If you’ve spent any time in Durham Region’s entrepreneurial community, you’ve likely crossed paths with Angela — she has been a long‑time supporter, champion, and client of the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) across three different business ventures.

Angela embodies exactly what we love about Durham Region’s founders: creativity, resilience, big ideas, and a commitment to community.

Rockstalgia was born out of a simple question: “Why aren’t there more rock festivals?” Angela noticed a gap — plenty of country festivals, but almost nothing celebrating the music that shaped entire generations: 70s, 80s, and 90s rock.

When a festival she planned to attend unexpectedly shut down, something clicked. Angela picked up the phone, called a few trusted collaborators, and within days the idea for Rockstalgia was rolling.

Today, Rockstalgia has grown into a full‑scale experience featuring:

• 20+ bands across multiple stages
• A headliner already secured: Wide Mouth Mason
• A mix of tribute acts, local artists, and original musicians
• VIP lounges, a family zone, and busker‑style performers
• A classic car show
• On‑site camping from July 10–13

It’s a festival built around nostalgia, community, and the pure joy of live music.

Rockstalgia isn’t just a weekend festival — Angela and her team are building a music ecosystem with interesting events to supports to support the weekend’s festival.

Backstage Local

A monthly, traveling singer‑songwriter showcase hosted across Durham, Clarington, Northumberland, and Peterborough. Three artists take the stage, share original work, and talk about the stories behind their songs. It attracts 20–30 attendees per show and gives emerging musicians a powerful platform.

Mainstage Challenge

A high‑energy, battle‑of‑the‑bands‑style event rotating across local venues. Bands perform two songs, the audience votes, and winners receive:

• A spot on Rockstalgia’s “Local & Loud” stage
• A chance to perform on the main stage during the festival
• Several thousand dollars’ worth of prizes including studio time and gear

The first event sold out the venue — and two more are scheduled before summer.

Angela has been in business for 27 years, launching and running companies including:

• CBS Group
• Big Rig Wraps
• Feeling Inspired

She first walked through BACD’s doors in 1999, and she still remembers the early days — the business library, the co‑working space before co‑working was cool, the advisors who helped her shape her ideas.

Over the decades Angela has:

• Returned as a client for multiple ventures
• Collaborated with BACD on events and community initiatives
• Referred countless entrepreneurs
• Acted as an ambassador for small business support in the region

She describes BACD as the “adult brain” every entrepreneur needs — a sounding board, an accountability partner, and a safe place to think out loud.

Rockstalgia reflects Angela’s entire entrepreneurial journey. She’s weaving together:

• Local musicians
• Small businesses
• Charities
• Venue owners
• Tourism partners
• Creative professionals
• Regional organizations

One of the festival’s first confirmed charity partners is Bethesda House Women’s Shelter, and more collaborations are being built.

Her ultimate mission? To create a festival that strengthens local culture, supports dozens of small businesses, and brings people together in a way that music uniquely can.

In Angela’s Words

Throughout her 27‑year journey, Angela shared that the hardest part of being an entrepreneur is having to hold every decision in your own head. She values having trusted advisors to bounce ideas off — and believes that BACD plays a critical role in helping founders navigate the unknowns.

She says the most exciting part of Rockstalgia is finally being able to collaborate with the many people she’s met over the years — bringing business owners, creatives, and community groups together in one incredible weekend.

Check out the festival’s website and connect with Angela: https://rockstalgia.com/