Big Wreck Returns to Peterborough For Musicfest on August 16

Five years from their last performance at Peterborough Musicfest, Big Wreck is headlining the 36th edition of the free-concert series on August 16 at Del Crary Park, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The band last played Musicfest in 2018. Big Wreck was originally formed in Boston in 1982, adapting its name in 1994 and releasing its debut album ‘In Loving Memory Of…’ three years later. Six albums have followed that initial recording, the latest being seven released just this year.

Big Wreck has been nominated for four Junos (Rock Album of the Year for Albatross, Ghosts, Grace Street and …But For The Sun) and is known for singles such as The Oaf (My Luck Is Wasted), That Song, Blown Wide Open and Lighthouse. 

In 2011, Big Wreck had charting singles such as Albatross, Wolves, A Million Days and Ghosts. Later hits, One Good Piece Of Me and Middle of Nowhere kept Big Wreck relevant and played within mainstream media.

Original member Brian Doherty passed in 2019 but fellow band founder, singer and guitarist Ian Thornley, has kept Big Wreck relevant and on top of its game as a touring act.

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The Big Bottle of Joy and Five Alarm Funk To Join the Peterborough Musicfest Concert Line Up

Peterborough Musicfest announces that the 36th summer season of music will include Matt Andersen, fronting his band The Big Bottle of Joy, and Five alarm Funk taking the stage on July 8 and 12 at Del Crary Park.

Multi award-winning Canadian blues guitarist and singer/songwriter Matt Andersen will take the Musicfest stage with his band The Big Bottle of Joy.

The New Brunswick native embarked on his music career more than 20 years ago and has since headlined at major festivals, clubs and theatres across North America, and in Europe and Australia. Along the way, he has shared the stage with the likes of Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, Serena Ryder and more.

Since self-­releasing his debut album One Size Never Fits in 2004, Andersen hasn’t stopped writing and recording new music, amassing more 26 million YouTube streams and more than 23 million Spotify listens. His latest album, The Big Bottle of Joy, which he’s touring extensively across North American this year, features songs “infused with raw blues-­‐rock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk and ecstatic gospel.”

Described as a “sonic and visual assault,” Five Alarm Funk will be coming to Del Crary Park.  

Horn powered and percussion fuelled, the two-time Juno Award nominated band is led by singer and drummer Tayo Branston. Five Alarm Funk brings to its live audiences what he terms ‘punk funk’ – a raucous sound accompanied by an equally frenetic stage presence that is near impossible to somehow sit still to. 

Dozens of North American tours and hundreds of festival appearances stand as a testament to Five Alarm Funk’s enduring appeal as it marks two decades doing what it does uniquely and so very well.

Check out Matt Andersen and The Big Bottle of Joy and Five Alarm Funk for free on July 8 and July 12 at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

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Hometown PTBO: Dwayne Gretzky's Nick Rose and Tyler Kyte About Performing and Growing Up With Musicfest and Their Notable Television Appearences

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks to Nick Rose and Tyler Kyte of Dwayne Gretzky about becoming staple performers at Peterborough Musicfest, their memories of the free-concert series growing up and their filmography that you may recognize from the late 90s.

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Peterborough Musicfest Adds Shawn Desman and Honeymoon Suite to the Summer Concert Lineup

Peterborough Musicfest has announced that Shawn Desman and Honeymoon Suite will be joining the lineup of free concerts at Del Crary Park this summer.

Shawn Desman, the chart-topping, multi-platinum selling, award winning artist will be coming to Peterborough Musicfest Saturday, July 15 Del Crary Park. His hit single ‘Maniac’ marked his return to the charts last October.

The Canadian Classic Rock band Honeymoon Suite began performing together in 1982, releasing chart topping hits New Girl Now, Stay In The Light and Feel It Again. Their most recent album Hands Up came out in 2017.

Musicfest will host Honeymoon Suite on Wednesday, August 2. Both shows are set to begin at 8 p.m.

For more information and full lineup details, visit the website.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 30 - July 2

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this Canada Day weekend from June 30 - July 2!

Peterborough Canada Day Parade

This year’s theme for the parade is “Happy Birthday Canada” and a huge birthday cake will be provided by Morello’s Your Independent Grocer to share with parade attendees.

Pre-parade activities start at 10 a.m. with a bike decorating contest, activities and giveaways including Canada Day temporary tattoos and flags at Confederation Square.

Peterborough Pop Ensemble will perform the national anthem around 10:30 a.m. at City Hall. The parade starts at noon at City Hall.

When: July 1, 10 a.m.

Where: City Hall & along George Street

Tickets: Free

Live Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs (Cancelled)

See horses and drivers in the sulkies race around a five-eighths mile track at Kawartha Downs. Bet on your favourite horses and enjoy the dining experience while you see the horses circle the track.

When: June 30, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

Kawartha Country Music Festival

See Dean Brody, Jade Eagleson, The Reklaws, James Barker Band and Sacha at the Kawartha Country Music Festival in a two-day event!

When: July 1 - 2, 5 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: $83+

League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Alliance United FC

The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Alliance United FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: July 2, 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Fleming College

Tickets: $15 - $30

Quaker Canada Day Breakfast

This Canada Day, join Quaker at Quaker Foods City Square to enjoy a complimentary breakfast to kick off your celebrations with the Peterborough community.

Start your day with Canadian-made Quaker favourites and have the opportunity to purchase your own QUAKERborough clothing and accessories with proceeds supporting Food Banks Canada. Everyone is welcome!

When: July 1, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m..

Where: Quaker Foods City Square

Tickets: Free

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy at Peterborough Musicfest

Peterborough Musicfest lifts the curtain on its 36th season on Canada Day helping thousands celebrate Canada Day by presenting fiddle music duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.

When: July 1, 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Where: Del Crary Park

Tickets: Free

Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: July 1, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market

We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.

The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.

As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.

When: July 1, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Quaker Foods City Square

Canada Day Fireworks Over Little Lake

As part of Canada Day celebrations, a fireworks display will be held over Little Lake on Saturday, July 1 following the Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park featuring Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy. 

Residents are reminded to follow all on-street parking regulations that may be in place in the area, including calendar parking where applicable. Please ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked. 

When: July 1, 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Little Lake

Tickets: Free

Dean Brody, Jade Eagleson and The Reklaws to Perform at Second Annual Kawartha Country Music Festival

The Reklaws, Bailieboro’s Jade Eagleson and headliner Dean Brody are performing at the second-annual Kawartha Country Music Festival at Kawartha Downs for Canada Day weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with the show starting at 6:30 p.m. for both days. Brody, Eagleson and a surprise artist kick off the Saturday event. A fireworks show will follow the concert scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Artist Sacha opens things for Sunday with the Reklaws and the James Barker Band. The latter made a surprise appearance in last year’s event and are officially recognized as an act this year according to Summer Nickerson-Hagen, Kawartha Downs marketing director.

“It’s just so great that we have them performing at this year’s festival,” she said. “We feel very lucky to have such a fantastic lineup.”

VIP Experiences packages/add-ons are ticket options that include a pre-show dinner with a Jade Eagleson appearance for Saturday and The Reklaws for Sunday. Photos and videos are permitted to be taken with the acts during the experience. They also get priority event entry, a free t-shirt, semi-private bar access, semi-private washrooms and a designated VIP viewing area.

VIP tickets are available at half-price until Friday at midnight with the code ‘VIP50.’

Tickets can be purchased online at ticketweb.ca and kawarthadowns.com.

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Pink Floyd Tribute Band 'Brit Floyd' To Rock the Peterborough Memorial Centre For Oct. 25

It is another brick in the wall as the spirit of Pink Floyd continues as tribute band Brit Floyd is performing at the Peterborough Centre for Oct. 25, announced on Tuesday.

The band will also feature Ian Cattell, Edo Scordo, Eva Avila and several others that have joined the ranks of Brit Floyd over the course of the last decade. Photo courtesy of Jim Houle and Brit Floyd.

The band is performing a brand-new production celebrating 50 years of the famed album The Dark Side of the Moon. The gig features classic tracks from the album such as Time, Money, Us and Them and The Great Gig in the Sky.

The set list also includes other highlights from Pink Floyd’s magnificent catalogue of albums including tracks from The Wall, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Division Bell, Medal and more.

Brit Floyd has performed over 1,000 shows since its launch in Liverpool, England in January 2011. They have sold out tours across, Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East. They have performed concerts at some fo the world’s most notable venus such as the London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall; the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Col.; the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and 'The Showplace of the Nation', NYC's Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.

Tickets start at just $44.50 and go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m., online or in person at the PMC Box Office or by phone at 705-743-3561.

Exclusive ticket pre-sale for PMC Scoop Members start on Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 23 - 25

file photo.

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 23 to 25!

Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival at Trent University

Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) is an unjuried, uncensored festival for independent Indigenous performers in theatre, dance, music and comedy. Participants send in applications and are chosen by lottery. Performers receive 100% of the box office proceeds. NIFF is proud to be a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.

NIFF is committed to providing a space for people to experience and embrace the arts and community with an extensive commitment to the development and transmittal of cultural knowledge and creative practice.

When: All weekend

Where: Trent University

Five Counties Backyard Summer Social

The Backyard Summer Social will be in full bloom on Saturday, June 24, as it returns for a second year to Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough. The inaugural event held in 2022 raised more than $45,000 for critical, high-demand treatment services for children/youth at Five Counties. Now the Centre’s signature fundraising event is back with music, food, entertainment, fun activities and more as it offers a high-end gala experience for adults with a fun summer twist.

“Our Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only gala event that celebrates the arrival of summer, lets you be like a kid again, and allows you to swap out the tux, gown and heels for T-shirt, shorts and sandals all the while supporting a great cause,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties. “Our initial Backyard Summer Social was a smashing success, and we plan to make it even bigger, bolder and better in 2023!”

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are now on sale for $125/person. Tickets are available online or through Five Counties (email development@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300). Along with a charitable tax receipt, each ticket purchased to the Backyard Summer Social includes all food, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities, and a chance to win fantastic door prizes.

People attending the Backyard Summer Social on June 24 can look forward to:

• Fantastic food/fare catered by La Mesita, SKH Catering and Loaded Pierogi.

• Sweet treats from Central Smith and Flossophy.

• Drinks from Rolling Grape and Brock Street Brewery.

• Musical performances by Irish Millie and the Boogie Time Ramblers.

• Live auction and door prizes.

• Axe throwing, lacrosse shootout, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more.

• Behind-the-scenes tour of Five Counties’ Peterborough location.

When: Saturday June 24, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough

Beatlemania at Market Hall

Join us at The Market Hall in Peterborough for a truly unforgettable show! The Beatles – From early Ed Sullivan to Let it be, you’ll get all the hits. Experience a live Beatles show through all eras of their career, live on stage with their high energy, impeccable musicianship, showmanship, and humour.

The Liverpool 4, Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles has been delighting audiences for nearly two decades with their live high energy performance! They have played thousands of shows across North America including appearances with Global TV morning show, Maple Leaf Gardens, Universal Pictures, The British Isle’s shows as well as countless theaters and festivals.

The show performance is 2 acts with a 20-minute intermission. It must be seen to be believed. Come together and sing and dance along, clap your hands, stomp your feet, or just rattle your jewelry!

When: Saturday June 24, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: Market Hall

League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Darby FC

The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Darby FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: Saturday, June 24 noon to 2 p.m.

Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares.

When: Saturday June 10, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Peterborough ComicCon

Admission : $5 for Adults . Children 12 and under are Free !!
TICKETS: Online ( Eventbrite ) & at the door.
If you purchase your ticket online you will get a Free comic book at the door.

FOOD DONATIONS:
Please bring non-perishable food items for your local community food bank and get entered to win some fun prizes.
One raffle ticket will be given for each item.
<< maximum 10 per person >>
The following items are in high demand and are greatly appreciated :

VENDORS: A variety of vendors will be selling comic books, new & vintage toys, jewelry, DVD's, anime, prints, and a variety of other awesome geek stuff . There will even be some Artists & Authors present with their own art , books and comics. Visit their booths and get some unique items and even some free autographs!!

BUYING: Some vendors will be buying. Bring your unwanted comic books , toys, video games and anything else you are looking to clear out and go home with some extra cash!!

When: Saturday, June 24 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: The Venue

Tickets: $22, and $11 for students, under-waged and artworkers.

Watch Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.

Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.

The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.

When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.

The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.

When: Saturday, June 24 7-10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)

Peterborough Musicfest Approaching Final Phases Of Preparation For 2023 Season

The 36th Annual Peterborough Musicfest has less than 11 days before its first concert as the organization provided updates regarding the new stage, funding and administrative affairs at a sponsorship appreciation luncheon at Del Crary Park on Tuesday afternoon.

There are ten new sponsors that are involved in this year’s Musicfest. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Fred Anderson stage was demolished in late April/early May earlier this year. Musicfest is meeting with The City of Peterborough on Wednesday to discuss the design of this year’s stage. Construction is beginning next week according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest general manager.

“We're meeting with them tomorrow (Wednesday) just to discuss what the new stage is going to look like, how far it's going from the backstage, make sure we have the fencing all set up and then of course, our sponsor signage has to go up,” she explained.

The stage’s removal caused minor issues but Randall says she was pleased with the process and work that went into preparing for the new stage.

“They removed a lot of the sawdust that was in the ground so we had a bit of an issue organically,” she said. “They took out all the cement and the humps and lumps around the stage so we're hoping the sod will go in any day and then we'll bring in our trailers in next week.”

There are some acts yet to be announced but funding is required in order to fill up the timeslots according to Randall. Musicfest has typically seen provincial funding every year though an announcement has not been made yet. Randall says they are asking for $125,000 for this year.

“With Havelock Jamboree folding, we're thinking some of those funds were dispersed amongst other festivals in the area so we're hoping on getting some of that chunk,” she said.

Natalie McMaster and Donald Leahy are set to open this year’s Musicfest on Canada Day, starting at 8 p.m.

The following is this year’s lineup for Musicfest:

• July 1: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

• July 5: Dwayne Gretzky

• July 8: Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy

• July 12: Five Alarm Funk

• July 15: TBA

• July 19: Jesse Cook

• July 22: TBA

• July 26: Little River Band

• July 29: Melissa Payne & Friends

• Aug. 2: TBA

• Aug. 5: British Legends Tribute (Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney & Freddie Mercury)

• Aug. 9: Glass Tiger

• Aug. 12: TBA

• Aug. 16: TBA

• Aug. 19: Tim & The Glory Boys (with special guest TBA)

Musicfest is still seeking volunteers for this year and is still accepting sponsors until mid-July. Potential applicants can go to Musicfest’s website to register.

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The Glorious Sons Announce North American Dates For The Glory Tour; Coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre February 16

Following the release of their new single ‘Mercy Mercy’ The Glorious Sons have announced the Glory Tour, coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre February 16.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The rock band from Kingston, Ontario have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success off their previous albums, earning them multiple JUNO Awards, sold-out tours and a dedicated global fanbase. ‘Mercy Mercy’ is said to mark the next milestone in the band’s career and serves as the first track off their fourth studio album ‘Glory’ which is due out this fall.

Beginning September 6 in Pittsburgh, PA, the North American run of the tour will visit 57-cities in both the U.S. and Canada, making stops in Nashville, Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and more before wrapping in St. Catharines on February 17, 2024. The Glory Tour will feature special guests The Blue Stones and the Velveteers on select dates, and a special hometown show will have the band ringing the New Year at Kingston’s Leon’s Centre on December 31.

They have three dates as part of the 2024 leg of the tour, with Peterborough as the second-last stop.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The Glorious Sons’ pre-sale begins June 20 at 3 p.m. ET exclusively in the TGS Union App, followed by the Spotify pre-sale on June 21 at 10 a.m. local time. The public on sale is confirmed for June 23 at 10 a.m. local time. A limited number of VIP packages which include a pre-show acoustic set and other exclusive experience and merchandise are available beginning today at 3 p.m. ET.