United Way Brings Fifth-Annual Homelessness Benefit Concert With 'Peterborough Performs' For United Way at Showplace On March 26

Showplace Performance Centre is hosting United Way’s fifth-annual ‘Peterborough Performs, Musicians United to End Homelessness’ fundraiser for homelessness initiatives announced Wednesday morning.

Singer-Songwriter Georgia Rose is one of 14 acts joining ‘Peterborough Performs."‘ In 2024, United Way partner agencies served 742 people in finding housing, and another 1,754 people were supported to prevent losing their housing and becoming homeless. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The one-night event takes place on March 26 at Showplace (290 George St. N.) at 7 p.m. with tickets for $50 or two for $80.

In September, United Way had a goal of raising $1.5 million. They are $27,000 away from hitting their mark as this event could put them over the top, according to Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

“We are at 98 per cent of our goal of $1.5 million,” he explained. “We are so proud of how our community has shown up to support our most vulnerable neighbours. Peterborough Performs marks the end of our annual campaign, and we believe that the community’s support will make it possible to achieve our goal for the first time in many years.”

The event has generated over $100,000 since its establishment in 2021. This funding goes towards United Way’s 20 partner agencies, specifically those who provide services to people experiencing homelessness or in immediate need of support in their housing situations.

Event coordinator Paul Rellinger is back for the event. He has been a longtime member of the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet and looks forward to help the show running smoothly as United Way is at the homestretch of its $1.5 million goal.

“I have never not been in awe of the power of people united behind a common cause, project or initiative,” he said. “Therein lies my delight to again be entrusted with organizing Peterborough Performs. Besides speaking to my love of locally presented music and those who bring it to us, the fundraiser inspires and energizes me, reminding me of what I love most about this place I call home. It’s the people I’m fortunate to work with on projects such as this, specifically their unselfish willingness to roll up their sleeves and get busy when an identified need deserves our full attention.”

“Great music and a great cause,” said David Goyette, Peterborough Performs founder. “With Peterborough Performs, we are building a terrific tradition that continues to prove its value to the community. Thanks to all who make it happen.”

The following are the acts performing at this year’s concert:

• The Spades

• The Weber Brothers Band

• Rick ‘n’ Gallies Peterborough All-Star Band

• Little Fire Collective

• Kate Suhr & Melissa Payne with Nicholas Campbell, Kate Brioux, Paul Craough & Brandon Monroe

• Michael Bell & Lizeh Basciano (Michael Bublé & Adele Tribute)

• The Hippie Chicks

• Dan Hick

• Bread & Soul

• Phil Stephenson & Glen Caradus

• Jacques Graveline

• Alyssa Morrisey & Kyler Tapscott

• Georgia Rose

• Danny & Joanna Bronson

An online virtual auction with roughly 40 items runs until March 6 at 10 p.m. Local businesses, sponsors and organizations have donated all the lots for the auction. Winners who are in attendance can pick up their prizes at Showplace on March 26. Otherwise, they can pick up their prize from the United Way Peterborough & District office at 277 Stewart St.

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Miskin Law Donates $10,000 Towards Peterborough Folk Festival; Also Named Main Stage Sponsor

Peterborough Folk Festival (PFF) has received a $10,000 cheque from Miskin Law who has been named the 2025 main stage sponsor, announced on Tuesday.

(From left to right) Murray Miskin and Chris Goddard present Rob Davis and Calvin Bakelaar with a cheque of $10,000 to confirm their place as the 2025 Peterborough Folk Festival Main Stage Sponsor. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Folk Festival.

The money was donated during a cheque presentation held at Miskin Law Offices on Wednesday.

“Miskin Law is proud to be a supporter of Peterborough Folk Festival, showcase well-known artists, promote local and emerging artists and help bring them to the forefront," said Murray Miskin.

“The values of Peterborough Folk Festival and Miskin Law align. We are here to help and build community,” said Chris Goddard, Miskin Law partner. Peterborough Folk Festival brings people together in a way that we value and support.”

As a volunteer-run registered charity, Peterborough Folk Festival relies on community leadership and support from sponsors like Miskin Law. Their generous sponsorship is vital to the success of promoting and preserving this cultural gem that is inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.

“The festival deeply appreciates Miskin Law for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Peterborough. Their partnership ensures that Peterborough Folk Festival continues to thrive and bring joy to our community year after year.” said Rob Davis, PFF Chair.

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Millbrook's Serena Ryder to Headline 2025 Musicfest Opening Night

Millbrook-born Serena Ryder has been named to headline Peterborough Musicfest’s opening night for its 38th season scheduled for June 28 at Del Crary Park, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The singer-songwriter has headlined the opening night of Peterborough Musicfest in 2016. This is her fifth appearance on the Fred Anderson stage and her seventh performance for Peterborough Musicfest.

Ryder graduated from Peterborough Collegiate’s Integrated Arts Program She gained national acclaim with her ballad Weak in the Knees in 2007. She won the first of her seven Juno Awards the following year, taking home Best New Artist of the Year in April 2008. By July 2010, she was performing at the Lilith Fair. In February 2011, she toured across Canada with none other than Melissa Etheridge.

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Beach Boys Bringing Their "Endless Summer Gold" Tour To Peterborough Memorial Centre On April 4

The last stop of the The Beach Boys ‘Endless Summer Gold’ tour hits the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the last stop set for April 4.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The announcement was made on Monday by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy® winner, New York Times best-selling author, co-founder, lead singer and chief lyricist of The Beach Boys, Mike Love.

Love has written or co-written the lyrics and hooks to some of the band’s most popular songs, such as California Girls, I Get Around, Fun, Fun, Fun, Good Vibrations and Kokomo.

The current lineup, including musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago and John Wedemeyer.

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The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Michael Jackson are the only artists to produce twelve Top 10 Singles within five years. The Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct its new members at the 2025 Induction & Awards Gala on June 12, 2025, in New York City.

The band also released their only official book, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys, in collaboration with Genesis Publications. This hardcover edition chronicles their meteoric rise, from their first single, “Surfin’,” to their 1980 Independence Day concert. The book is available nationwide at thebeachboysbook.com.

Venue presale tickets are available on Thursday starting at 10 a.m., with general public tickets on Friday at 10 a.m.

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Harmony for Healing Announces Second Benefit Concert ‘Wish You Were Here' For Suicide and Mental Health Awareness

Harmony for Healing has announced the return of its annual event, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ a benefit concert dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, announced at The El(P) on Wednesday morning.

(From left to right) Wade Hamblin; ReMax Hallmark Eastern Realty; Ellen Watkins CMHA HKPR CEO; Phillip Jolicoeur, Harmony for Healing Founder and Tracy Graham, CMHA HKPR Director of Programs and Services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The concert is part of Harmony for Healing’s goal of raising $50,000 over five years to provide critical mental health resources. It will be held on Feb. 20 at Market Hall Performing Centre and is meant to transport people back to the sounds of the 1970s.

The goal is to raise at least $10,000 to support the life-saving Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention program.

“I've ran hundreds of events and there's always community support on some level but for Harmony for Healing last year and then again this year, the amount of people that jump on (not just the support, the cause and the initiative) have their own stories to share is really what thrives an event like this,” said Phillip Jolicouer, Harmony for Healing founder. “Businesses and supports can align themselves with mental health because we're all dealing with it so it means a lot to me more than just the financial aspect.”

Last year's sold-out concert, ‘Spirit In the Sky’ raised $13,500 on Feb. 22 at Market Hall Performing Centre.

Joilcouer says this year, he wanted to amplify his mission through a four-pillar approach.

His four pillars of impact approach are as follows:

1. Awareness: Shedding light on mental health challenges and suicide prevention through personal stories and signs to watch for.

2. Prevention: Empowering our community with tools to foster mental resilience, strengthen support networks, and promote access to mental health resources.

3. Intervention: Sharing guidance on what to do when someone is in immediate crisis, including local support options and crisis hotlines.

4. Post-Vention: Supporting survivors and those impacted by suicide through grief counselling, support groups, and outreach.

Jolicouer’s mother had unexpectedly taken her own life on Nov. 30 and the series of shows is a tribute to her memory.

“My mom loved people. She loved local music and music in general,” explained Jolicouer. “You could see her front row in any of the local venues around town so my connection to her with this was to make a local event to hire local musicians, put on a phenomenal rock concert that I could picture my mom where I could picture her up front dancing and enjoying herself and bringing a message that you're not alone. I want to spread that as loud as possible and through music.”

Registration for the event can be found online.

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Bachman Turner Overdrive Returns to the Stage and Hits the Peterborough Memorial Centre On April 29

The Peterborough Memorial Centre is ‘Takin’ Care of Business’ as they are hosting Bachman Turner-Overdrive (BTO) as part of the Back In Overdrive Tour 2025 on April 29, announced on Friday morning.

Photo courtesy of Missing Piece Group.

Multi-platinum fellow Canadian rock bands April Wine and Headpins will open for the shows.

The band will perform hits from The Guess Who, the classic rock group Bachman co-founded with Burton Cummings.

“Years ago, BTO rocked Canada coast to coast, sharing the stage with acts like ZZ Top,” said Bachman. “Now, we're excited to return, bringing along Canadian rock legends April Wine and Headpins. Get ready for a night of 70's classic rock that continues to dominate the airwaves. I'll be playing all the Guess Who and BTO hits with my band, BTO, and with April Wine and Headpins joining us, it's going to be an unforgettable evening. Crank up the hits! Canadian rock is back and BTO is back."

Bachman has earned over 120 gold and platinum album/singles awards worldwide. His songwriting has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio playlists in over 20 countries and throughout his career, he has sold over 40 million records. A broad range of artists has recorded Randy’s songs and have been placed in dozens of TV shows, films and commercials.

Tickets go on sale next Friday.

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Peterborough Concert Band Performing In Benefit Concert Fundraiser for the New Canadians Centre On Oct. 27

The Peterborough Concert Band (PCB) will perform in a fundraising concert with all proceeds to benefit the New Canadians Centre (NCC) on Oct. 27 at Market Hall from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the NCC.

In 2023-2024, NCC reports that more than 2,000 newcomers received assistance from their organization. It was a 50 per cent increase over the previous year and was the highest number of clients ever. The number included 1216 new clients according to the NCC.

“While Canada remains a global leader in welcoming newcomers, we are sobered by the local and global challenges and conflicts affecting all of us and often the newcomer community even more acutely. The services the NCC provides to clients are making resettlement in Peterborough a little more bearable. The top 10 countries from which newcomers arrive are Syria, Ukraine, India, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Iran, Mexico, and Pakistan,” according to a statement from the NCC.

The Peterborough Concert Band is one of the longest-running concert bands in Canada. Their Juno-nominated conductor and composer, Saman Shahi, will lead the band through selections ranging from classical to contemporary.

Following the performance, a reception will be organized by NCC.

Tickets are available through the Market Hall box office, their website or Peterborough Concert Band.

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Hometown PTBO: Ian Kurz of KISS Tribute Band "Destroyer" Playing at The Venue to Benefit Right to Heal PTBO On Sept. 7

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Ian Kurz, lead singer of KISS tribute band DESTROYER Canada about joining the group, the experience of being in a tribute band and playing in a benefit concert for Right To Heal at The Venue Peterborough on Sept. 7.

Tickets can be purchased online by following this link.

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David Wilcox Peterborough Musicfest Concert Rescheduled to Wednesday After Saturday Cancellation

Following last Saturday’s unexpected weather conditions and power outage, Peterborough Musicfest has rescheduled the David Wilcox concert for this Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Wilcox made the following statement on his social media account regarding the cancellation:

“We are heartbroken. Yesterday afternoon thunderstorms knocked the power out at the Peterborough Musicfest and we couldn't play. Many of our friends were there and we got to say hello to some of them. We're hoping to come back as soon as possible to rock out with you. Can't wait!”

This is the final concert for Musicfest for the season.

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Hometown PTBO: Calvin Bakelaar Named As Peterborough Folk Festival's Emerging Artist of the Year

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist of the Year Calvin Bakelaar about holding the distinction, performing at the event with VANCAMP and transitioning from drummer to singer/songwriter.

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