Showplace Showcases Results From $66,000 Grant By Ontario Government For Post-Pandemic Impact

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith saw the work of a $66,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant for the Showplace Performance Centre to develop a new strategic plan for moving forward past the impacts created by the pandemic, on Thursday.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This funding from the Provincial Government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, has played a crucial role in the strategic planning of Showplace Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This Performance Centre is a cornerstone of our community, providing arts, culture, and live entertainment for individuals of all ages.”

The 18-month grant has allowed Showplace to bring in outside expertise to develop the plan and help with the costs of hosting focus meetings and helping with promotion and administrative costs.

Ken Doherty, past board chair, presented the plan to an audience, unveiling a new vision, mission and values to carry Showplace into its next era as Peterborough’s premier destination for arts, culture and live entertainment.

“The Ontario Trillium Foundation knows that Showplace helps local artists thrive. Our new strategic plan, with concrete actions and measurable results, will see Showplace grow to be an even more vibrant part of our community,” said Doherty. “As we look to the future, partners like Trillium will help us engage new audiences and hold our spot as Peterborough’s premier choice for live entertainment.”

The full plan can be viewed below:

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Homelessness Benefit Concert Returns With 'Peterborough Performs IV' For United Way at Showplace On March 7

Sixteen acts are taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre for United Way’s ‘Peterborough Performs IV: Musicians United to End Homelessness’ to fundraise for homelessness initiatives announced Thursday morning.

Musician Dan Hicks is one of 16 acts joining ‘Peterborough Performs IV."‘ Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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

The campaign is in its fourth year with the ultimate fundraising goal $1.45 million. The concert has raised over $84,000 to date, with 95 per cent of the proceeds going to local shelters according to Paul Rellinger, event organizer.

“We all feel homelessness is a big issue that we can't as individuals do anything about,” he said. “You can make a difference with this event.”

While the event averages over $28,000 annually in raised funds, Rellinger adds that no goal is set for this campaign's fourth edition.

“The first goal is to do better than the year before,” he said. “What I'm really excited about is the event is going to well pass $100,000 in money raised over four events and that's pretty good for something that was just an idea four years ago.”

Tiffany Arcari from ‘The Tiffany Show’ is the emcee for the event.

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

• The Weber Brothers Band

• Emily Burgess

• SJ Riley

• The Austin Carson Band

• The Peterborough All-Star Band (featuring Rick and Gailie Young)

• The Cheryl Casselman Trio

• Irish Millie

• Tom Eastland

• Chris Collins

• Bread & Soul

• Phil Stephenson/Glen Cardus/Ron Kervin

• Jacques Graveline

• The Hippie Chicks

• Michaela Hetherington

• Dan Hick

• Tim Burnie (stand-up comedian)

An online auction with over 50 items runs until March 7 at 10 p.m. Local businesses, sponsors and organizations have donated all the lots for the auction.

Tickets to Peterborough Performs are available for purchase at the Showplace Box Office. The discount code ‘LoveLocal’ is available to purchase two tickets for $40 until next week Thursday.

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'Peterborough Performs III' Hitting Showplace Fundraising For United Way's Homeless Initiatives

Fifteen acts encompassing 43 musicians are taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre for United Way’s ‘Peterborough Performs III: Musicians Against Homelessness’ to fundraise for homelessness initiatives announced on Thursday.

Jacques Graveline (pictured) has performed in the past two ‘Peterborough Performs’ and is playing again for a third consequtive year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The one-night event takes place on March 2 at Showplace (290 George St. N.) at 7 p.m. with tickets for $50. There are roughly 600 tickets available for the event.

“A $50 ticket breaks down to just a little more than $3 per performance,” said Paul Rellinger, event organizer. “You can't beat that, no way no how. Being general admission, ticket holders can wander Showplace as they please, taking in the main stage acts or hanging out in the more intimate Nexicom Studio or, ideally, do a combination of both.”

All acts for the third edition of the concert are local artists with several new and returning performers taking the stage. The 15 acts are performed on two stages simultaneously. Jordan Mercier is returning as this year’s emcee.

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

• The Weber Brothers Band

• Michaela Hetherington

• Jacques Graveline

• The Peterborough All-Star Band (featuring Rick and Gailie Young)

• Nicholas Campbell and the Two-Metre Cheaters

• Nick Ferrio and Evangeline Gentle

• Groove Authority

• Tom Eastland

• Wylie Harold

• Jericho’s Wall (featuring Charlotte Melby)

• The Receivers (Irish Millie, Fern and Willow Marwood)

• Phil Stephenson and Glen Caradus

• Benj Rowland

• The Hippie Chicks

• Chris Collins

An online auction with over 45 items valued at over $10,000 is being run, starting on Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. and closing on March 2. All lots have been donated by local businesses and organizations according to Mabby Mwanangonze, United Way donor engagement officer.

A link on United Way’s website will be available to view the auction once it is active. Bidders do not have to be present at the event in order to claim their won auction lots.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Presents Annie At Showplace Performance Centre In April

After more than two years without a curtain rising the Peterborough Theatre Guild will present ‘Annie’ at Showplace Performance Centre, in April.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild.

“The pandemic has had such an indelible impact on, not just one or two, but nearly three lost seasons of the arts in Peterborough. Not only does this have an inexplicable effect on our theatrical venues, creators, and players in an artistic season, it has left us with absence from what is a wellspring to the soul - that is, the stage, and experiencing it together,” Peterborough Theatre Guild wrote in a press release.

The show will run April 29, 30 at 7 p.m. Matinee, May 1 at 2 p.m. May 4, 5, 6, 7 at 7 p.m. Matinee, May 7 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available by emailing boxoffice@showplace.org or phone (705)742-7469.

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The Verandah Society Presents Back Home for the Holidays

Showplace Performance Centre will be turning their lights on for this first time since March 2020 to host The Verandah Society; Back Home for the Holidays, on Dec. 11 and 12.

After a summer of performing at the 4th Line Theatre, The Verandah Society will move indoors, and be joined by Irish Millie, Dan Fewings, and the orphans from the upcoming production of Annie with the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

The audience will get to listen to festive songs, stories and camaraderie, while being the first to try out the new seats at showplace.

The show runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

For tickets visit showplace.org.

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Local Author David Goyette Launches 'Heading to Happy: Fourty Notes on a Life of Learning'

Local author David Goyette is launching his new book, “Heading to Happy: Forty Notes on a Life of Learning” on Dec. 2.

Photo courtesy of David Goyette.

The free launch event will take place at Showplace Performance Centre. Doors open at 5 p.m. and presentations take place at 5.30 p.m.

Goyette describes the book – his fifth – as a personal prescription for behaviour that opens the door to a happier life.

Originally published in 2011, “Heading to Happy” is a 250-page compilation of the author’s lifetime lessons in the art of living. Those lessons include behaviours affecting issues such as fairness, conflict, consumption, intuition, criticism, forgiveness, labelling, failure and learning.

“On its 10th anniversary, I decided to revise, update and reissue the book. I did so primarily because of the troubling disconnect that the pandemic has had on so many people, and the hope that they might benefit from a sharing of my own life learnings,” said Goyette.

Paul Rellinger is the host for the event. Reading selected passages from the book will be Victoria Pearce, Peterborough Councillor Henry Clarke and Douro Dummer Councillor Heather Watson.

Proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to the Trent Valley Literacy Association.

“Heading to Happy” is available at Happenstance Books and on ebay.

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Showplace Launches New Initiative to Raise Funds for Renovations

Showplace Performance Centre is getting a new look after being open for 25 years.

Linda Kash - Ambassador, Pat Hooper - Champion, Beth McMaster - Champion, Megan Murphy - Ambassador. Photo Courtesy of Showplace.

The Take a Seat for Act II project is underway and aims to replace the tired seats that Showplace reports millions of spectators have sat in.

This initiative is led by Showplace Champions Pat Hooper and Beth McMaster and Ambassadors Linda Kash and Megan Murphy and hopes to allow community members to enjoy a space where music, live theatre and professional presentations will come to life for many years to come.

A donation of $1000 will allow donors to have their name or the name of someone they would like to honour on a seat. Donations will also go towards floor replacement, lighting and electrical work and painting.

Donations and seat purchases can be made by calling the box office at 705-742-7469 or by clicking here.

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TVO's Steve Paikin Speaking At Showplace November 21st

Showplace presents "An Evening with Steve Paikin" on November 21st as he shares the stories behind the creation of his most recent book on the life of former Ontario Premier William Davis.

Steve is the host of TVO’s flagship current affairs show, The Agenda with Steve Paikin, and one of the most celebrated observers of political life in Ontario. He is also chancellor of Laurentian University, a distinguished visiting professor at Ryerson University, an officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of Ontario and a frequent moderator of nationally televised political debates.

Showplace invites you to engage with Steve in a lively discussion of his 584-page book—the first authorized biography of Ontario’s 18th Premier, Bill Davis—entitled Bill Davis: Nation Builder, and Not So Bland After All.

Davis is remembered fondly as the father of the community college system, TVO, OISE, and as an indispensable player in the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

To get tix for his November 21st appearance at Showplace, visit the website or dial 705.742.7469.

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Stuff To Do In The Patch This Weekend

Friday: 

Showplace Performance Centre presents A Celtic Christmas with Barra MacNeils (Tickets $50.75 - 8 p.m.)

Saturday:

Peterborough Santa Claus Parade (4:45 p.m. - 6 p.m.) George Street

Peterborough Petes vs. Windsor Spitfires (7 p.m. - Tickets)

Showplace Performance Centre presents Elvis: The Wonderful World of Christmas (Tickets $42 - 8 p.m.)

Mid-Life Crisis in Concert (8 p.m. - $15) at The Venue

Sunday:

T.A.S.S. presents A Big Band Christmas (Tickets $20 - Adults - 3 p.m.)

"Yule Be Cool" Christmas Concert with The Peterborough Pop Ensemble (7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Free with donation) Northminister United Church

To submit info for "Stuff to do in the Patch This Weekend", email evan@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada.