Ben Murphy Interview | Cavendish Beach Music Festival 2026 & Highwater Show Hall

In our third annual conversation with Ben Murphy of Whitecap Entertainment, East Coast DNA digs into how the Cavendish Beach Music Festival continues to evolve as Atlantic Canada’s largest and longest‑running outdoor music festival. This year’s interview brings a major reveal: the biggest on‑site investment since the main stage. Ben shares early details on Highwater Show Hall, a brand‑new 1,800‑capacity open‑air venue debuting during CBMF and Sommo Festival in 2026 before launching full programming in 2027. It’s a game‑changing addition to PEI’s live music infrastructure and a huge moment for the East Coast. We also talk about the brand‑new Kitchen Stage structure replacing the 17‑year tent, the 2026 lineup, rising artists, and how CBMF continues to refine the fan experience after nearly two decades. In this episode: • Highwater Show Hall — what it is and why it matters • The new Kitchen Stage building and on‑site upgrades for 2026 • How CBMF books artists right as they’re breaking • Hidden gems in the 2026 lineup • Tucker Wetmore’s first‑ever headlining show • Why live performance matters more than streaming numbers • Vendor Village, Easter eggs, and new quiet spaces on site • SMS updates, the CBMF app, and pre‑order merch • The shift to a Wednesday kickoff + Thu/Fri/Sat festival weekend • Whitecap’s growing year‑round presence in Atlantic Canada Whether you’re a longtime CBMF fan or discovering the festival for the first time, this episode offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how one of Canada’s biggest festivals is built, refined, and future‑proofed. 🎟️ Tickets, lineup, and festival info: cavendishbeachmusic.com 📱 Follow ‪@eastcoastdna‬ for on‑site coverage and artist interviews   / eastcoastdna   🎧 Subscribe for more East Coast music stories