Canadian Rocker Kim Mitchell to Close Out Peterborough Musicfest On Aug. 16

Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell returns to Peterborough Musicfest as the closer for the 2025 season, taking the stage on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park, announced on Thursday.

Mitchell was known as the lead singer and guitarist for the band Max Webster before pursuing a solo music career. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

This is Mitchell’s fifth appearance on the Fred Anderson Stage for Musicfest. He made appearances in 1997, 2002, 2012 and a special 2017 performance celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.

“I’m all about customer service. People are coming out to hear certain songs and hear me playing them,” said Mitchell. “But they have been morphing and going through some changes. So ‘Go For A Soda’ sounds a little different the way we play it on a given night. And we will start to jam out on some of the songs and be a little freer with the arrangements. I like to give people what they want.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kim Mitchell back to Musicfest for our closing night, said Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “He’s a Canadian rock legend, and we know this will be an incredible show. In times when the news is often heavy, it’s great to have something like Musicfest to look forward to. Being able to offer world-class live music to our community—completely free of charge thanks to our sponsors—is something we are incredibly proud of.”

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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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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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Peterborough Folk Festival Celebrates Two Grants Totalling $35,400 From Ontario Government

The Peterborough Folk Festival (PFF) is celebrating two Capital grants from 2023 and 2024 totalling $35,400 from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), announced at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Friday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The support from the province of Ontario via the Ontario Trillium Foundation has enabled the Peterborough Folk Festival to acquire essential items needed for the festival's operation, ensuring they can keep delivering this vital event for our community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

Funds from the most recent grant, $19,500, awarded this past summer, allowed the purchase of new portable stage platforms and signage.

Last year, PFF received a $15,900 Capital grant from OTF to purchase more equipment, such as electrical cords and cable mats, needed to run the stage performances and to purchase more canopy tents and folding tables.

“This helps us make our festival more sustainable for us,” said Rob Davis PFF Chair. “All of this helps set us up to be more successful in the future.”

The free-admission music and arts festival has been active in the City of Peterborough since 1989. They are a registered charity organization led by a volunteer board of directors.

“Buying this equipment means a lot less borrowing and renting,” said Davis. “It ensures that we always have high-quality equipment.”

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Peterborough Musicfest Releases 2025 Edition of Diner's Book to Discover Local Restaurants

Saving at local restaurants has become easier with the return of Peterborough Musicfest’s Diner’s Book for 2025, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The book is available starting Friday and costs $30. This year’s edition features 80 dining offers from restaurants, cafés, pubs, and other food venues across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Northumberland County (new this year).

The Diner’s Book, valued at over $1,000 in savings, contains ‘buy one entrée, get the second half price’ deals and more. Anyone can get the ‘Buy three Diner’s Books Get one Free deal’ with all proceeds towards Peterborough Musicfest.

“This year’s Diner’s Book isn’t just a way to save on incredible meals; it’s a way to give back and help keep free admission music alive for everyone to enjoy,” says Tracey Randall, Peterborough Musicfest executive director. “It’s also the perfect gift for the foodie in your life or that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. With something for every palate, it’s a gift that keeps giving all year long!”

The Books are available to purchase at Lansdowne Place (Customer Service Desk) and online.

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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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Bailieboro Country Music Star Jade Eagleson Performs at World-Famous Grand Ole Opry In Nashville

Bailieboro and country music star Jade Eagleson stepped into the historic circle, performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. for the first time on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Austin Chaffe.

“I've dreamt about this moment my entire life,” said Eagleson. “To stand on the biggest stage in country music in front of all of my family, friends and country music fans was an incredible honour and a memory I will cherish forever. Thank you to the Opry for having me and I hope to be back on that stage very soon.”

The Grand Ole Opry is considered one of country music’s prestigious stages. The multi-platinum artist performed ‘Rodeo Queen’ and an emotional tribute to his wife and sons with his #1 track, ‘She Don't Know’ according to a press release.

The multi-platinum artist also shared new music as part of his Worth The Double two-pack: ‘Worth The Double’ and ‘Welcome To Rock Bottom.’

Eagleson will perform at several events in the United States before the end of the year including the Dallas Country, Folk and Red Dirt Festival, Red Dirt BBQ Festival Victoria, and Stoney's Rockin' Country in Las Vegas.

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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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Peterborough Musicfest Seeks Volunteer to Join Board of Directors

Peterborough Musicfest is seeking a volunteer to join as a Director for its Board of Directors.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The term is for three years and starts in February. The role is roughly 25 hours per year.

The following are the roles of the director:

• Shape the future of Peterborough Musicfest by contributing to strategic goals and decision-making.

• Support the festival’s financial planning and help secure key sponsorships and donations.

• Be an ambassador for the festival within the community, forging connections with stakeholders, artists, and sponsors.

• Bring your leadership and vision to ensure the festival thrives for years to come!

Applications can be emailed to Tracy Condon, Board Chair at info@ptbomusicfest.ca by 4 p.m. on Oct. 25.

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