Peterborough Couple Appear in Country Music Star's Music Video

Sean Kent had no prior dance experience but stripteases for his partner, Tracy Conway in Jade Eagleson’s new music video, “All Night to Figure It Out”.

It was an unforgettable moment of fame for the Peterborough couple as they starred in the country music video that debuted on Wednesday.

The couples went to the filming in Niagara Falls during Valentine’s Day weekend. They were one of five couples that were selected to be part of the filming alongside Eagleson.

Five men performed racy yet hilarious stripteases to their significant others with help of choreographer Kae Kae Lee. The men had props and a stripper pole to aid in their routine.

The women were intentionally left in the dark until their blindfolds were removed in the music video as an unstaged reaction.

“I was laughing but I was enjoying it,” said Conway. “I was like, yeah, keep going.”

Conway has a family connection with Eagleson (pictured) but she always has been a fan of his music. Photo courtesy of Sean Kent.

Kent eagerly accepted the role during a call with the producer. He was skeptical about being selected after hearing the plot with his appearance.

“He explained what I was going to do and I asked, ‘Have you seen my pictures?’ You sure you got my pictures and not some other guy’s?’” said Kent. ”I have a solid dad bod. Emphasis on the ‘solid’”.

Filming was scheduled for late 2020 but was delayed several times due to COVID-19 putting certain cities in lockdown. Photo courtesy of Sean Kent.

Kent was no stranger to physical activity but he did not anticipate how fit you had to be to dance.

“I was down there for a good three and a half hours for the first sessions and then I went back for another two,” said Kent. “In that break, I was so sore. I was dead, I was completely drained.”

Conway (left) and Kent (right) have five sons between the two. One couple in the video had been in a relationship for two months. Photos courtesy of Sean Kent.

All men were given the same dance to perform. Kent believes he practiced the routine roughly 100 times.

“It was honestly a pleasant experience,” said Kent. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

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Local Musician Gives Parkinson's Disease a Knockout With Music Video

Peterborough Singer/Songwriter Taylor Abrahamse is ready to give Parkinson’s disease the one-two punch.

The 29-year-old is raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease with his music video, “Out Like a Light” on his self-titled debut album.

The song debuted on YouTube on Feb 22 which features Abahamse’s mother and other elder community members diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the “TKO” boxing program at Goodlife Fitness in Portage Mall.

“My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago, she was looking for things to help her with that,” said Abrahamse. “We found out about this boxing program that helps that so my father suggested making Out Like a Light at this boxing place.”

Taylor Abrahamse has professionally voice acted with roles such as Fangbone in the self-titled Disney series and Luke Stanley of YTV’s The Stanley Dynamic. Photo Courtesy of Taylor Abrahamse.

The video was made to create awareness of the disease and how Parkinson’s sufferers are socially affected. Since the disease is visible in a variety of different forms, it gets difficult to distinguish if people have it or not says Abrahamse.

“One of the hard things that affect the quality of life is the stigma around it,” he said. ”There can be a lot of frustration and shame about that.”

Abrahamse has collaborated with three different charities for funding Parkinson’s research: Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson Canada and David Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.

Taylor Abrahamse was a top 30 finalist at Canadian Idol when he was 16 years old. Photo Courtesy of Taylor Abrahamse.

The song's name came from a change up to Abrahamse’s style. “Out Like a Light” has a greater rock-and-roll feel and Abrahamse describes it as taking a break and “shutting out the light”.

His album can be bought on his official website. It took him roughly three years to complete his debut album.

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Lakefield High School Covers Hit Broadway Song on Its Anniversary

Broadway may have some new rising stars in the future after this performance.

Students of the Lakefield College School (LCS) Musical Theater have recorded their own version of the hit song, “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical, “Rent” by Johnathan Larsen.

The performance pays tribute to the song that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year since it debuted in 1996.

“The Lakefield College School Musical Theatre students chose to perform this song since, during this past year, we have all had to savour the little moments and make the most of them,” said Geoff Bemrose, LCS teacher. “As a Peterborough community, we have come together stronger than ever and this is a great reminder to make every second count.”

Every student was recorded individually under the school’s theatre lights to comply with the COVID-19 pandemic. Screenshot.

The video was shot and edited by local filmmaker Tyler Boyco and the music was produced by local artist Beau Dixon. Bemrose directed the video saying it took several hours to produce.

LCS uploaded the video on Wednesday and it has almost 600 views on YouTube.

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Selwyn Family Parodies Canadian Artist With Pandemic Song

“Life in a Pandemic (Don’t It Stink?)” is a parody of Alanis Morissette’s hit song, “Ironic”.

Marking the one-year anniversary of the pandemic where the whole country went into lockdown and quarantine, one Selwyn family paid tribute to the milestone parodying Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic”.

“Life in a Pandemic (Don’t it Stink?)” was created by the Kelly family featuring singer and acting student, Ashton Kelly. The video was a challenge, taking three days to film and a week and a half to produce it according to Ashton’s mother Deborah Kelly.

“Our goal was to spend some time together as a family having some creative fun during these dark times, and maybe lifting some spirits along the way,” said Deborah. “My daughter is a singer and an acting student so this is right up her alley.”

“Life in a Pandemic (Don’t it Stink?)” has already gained over 3,000 views in its first two days since being uploaded to Youtube. Screenshot.

The video copies Morisette’s, shot-for-shot with pop culture references and recognizable local spots. The Go Express Marts gas station across from the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society and the Peterborough Lift Lock canal are some localized shots taken for the parody.

“This isn’t meant to diminish the struggle many (are) facing over the state of our world,” said Ashton in a Facebook post. “This is only to spread some laughs and lightheartedness to enjoy with your family!”

The mother-daughter duo wrote the lyrics with Mark Russell, Deborah’s partner, filmed and (mostly) edited the video.

They chose “Ironic” since it was recognizable, iconic and Morrisette was Canadian.

“We really wanted to keep it lighthearted and fun to spread some cheer during these challenging times,” said Deborah.

This was the second parody video the family had created. The first copied Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” titled, “Something to Do-ah (The Isolation Song)” was released in early April last year.

The family posted a blooper reel for the filming of their first video, “Something to Do-ah (The Isolation Song)”. It was posted 10 days after the prior video was uploaded. Screenshot.

The song was shot as an original since Cohen’s version did not have an official music video and has almost 28,000 views on YouTube. The parody makes its own pop culture references such as the toilet paper shortage and the hit Netflix show, “Tiger King”.

The first video’s success inspired the family to create the second parody as they were proud and surprised at the song’s success according to Deborah.

“We had such a positive response and such a blast creating it that we decided to do another one this year,” she said.

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Watch: Fleming College Holiday Music Video Wonderful World Featuring Greg Keelor & Other Local Artists

Fleming College has released a beautiful holiday music video dedicated to all of the students, staff, frontline workers, and many local heroes who have made an untenable situation a moment of pride and reflection on the power of coming together.

The video is a collaborative project by local artists, dedicating their time and talent and most importantly, their heart. Featuring Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo and other musicians from the Kawartha region, the song is a cover of the classic song “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Directed and produced by Michael Hurcomb, other producers include James McKenty, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr.

Beau Dixon, Melissa Payne and Greg Keelor among the musicians covering “What A Wonderful World”

“These musicians are very special people and our community is blessed to have such passionate talent,” says Maureen Adamson, Fleming College President. “I could not be more proud of how we have led and navigated through the events of this year with safety as our guiding principle.”

Fleming College thanks all those involved in this musical gift for the holidays, including Greg Keelor, Jimmy Bowskill, Beau Dixon, Whitney Hall, James McKenty, Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr and Maureen Adamson. There are also special appearances by: Tania Clerac, Sandra Dupret, Brett Goodwin, Chandra Gupta, Blake Morris, Angela Pind, Linda Poirier, Neil Price, Elizabeth Stone, Drew Van Parys and Scott Walling.

Watch the video below…

Fleming College releases holiday music video #WonderfulWorld in support of students and local communityPeterborough ON - (December 11, 2020) - Fleming Colleg...

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The Peterborough Singers Re-Imagine 2020-21 Season Due To Pandemic

What does a choir do when it can’t be a 100-voice performing choir during a pandmemic? Well the Peterborough Singers answer this question by re-inventing the 2020-21 season.

Instead of typical concert offerings, the choir is focusing the combined energy and imagination of its members and its conductor, Syd Birrell (pictured below), on a “bridge year” in order to safely traverse the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Photo by Jason Ryan

Choir members will come together in small groups (observing all COVID-19 safety protocols) to sing a variety of repertoire, from madrigals and Broadway to opera choruses and music of the Renaissance.

Some of these sessions may find a digital home for audience enjoyment, but the primary consideration is the emotional wellbeing of choir members—well that and ensuring the 27-year history of the Peterborough Singers continues in future.

Cancelling a concert season is not a decision taken lightly. In the past four months, the choir held Zoom rehearsals and created virtual performances, such as their stirring rendition of the Tragically Hip’s “Bobcaygeon”…

The Peterborough Singers were proud to be part of the Bobcaygeon (By the Tragically Hip) sing along in support of Bobcaygeon, Ontario and The Pinecrest Nursi...

During this time, it became clear that rather than risk disappointing both choir and audience members by announcing a typical concert season—only to face likely cancellations—a fresh approach was needed.

They will put all our energy and imagination into what they are calling a Bridge Year. This fall, their focus will be the emotional well-being of choir members. Social-distancing protocols permitting, the choir will meet in small groups in diverse locations to perform.

For now though, the Peterborough Singers brings you a virtual recording made by members of the choir, one that speaks to the challenge and rewards that lie ahead.

Indeed, their just-released version of “Bridge Over Trouble Waters” is so appropriate to the times…

Choirs all around the world have been forced to stop doing what they love due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We created this virtual choir video to remind us and ...

To learn more about the Peterborough Singers, click here.

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2020 Hootenanny On Hunter Street Is Cancelled

The 10th edition of the popular downtown Hootenanny on Hunter Street festival has been cancelled until 2021 organizers have announced.

"It breaks my heart to have to cancel an amazing full day of music we had planned,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. "It’s going to be a different summer downtown without all the festivals, but our focus right now is the safety of the community. For now, we’ll keep working with our downtown businesses to help them through this crisis, including helping them engage their customers online.”

Photo courtesy DBIA

The DBIA is keeping the planned musical lineup private with the aim to bring all the acts booked for this summer back to play Hootenanny in 2021. 

The event was started by the late Jonathan Hall, and this would have been the 3rd year it was organized by the DBIA. Hootenanny was planned for August 8th and involves closing Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets to host a street festival. Hootenanny features large licensed patios, downtown vendors, and attracts about 10,000 people annually.

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United Way of Peterborough & District Announces One Of Largest Concerts In Peterborough History

Mic Drop: The United Way of Peterborough & District just announced one of the largest concerts in Peterborough history in order to raise vital funds in the fight against homelessness.

“Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness” takes place at Showplace Performance Centre Thursday, March 5th, and includes the Weber Brothers Band, the Austin Carson Band, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr, Danny Bronson, the Three Martinis, Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, Hillary Dumoulin, James Higgins, Elyse Saunders, Tami J. Wilde, Jacques Graveline, Phil Stephenson, Nick Ferrio, Jake Dudas, and Victoria Pearce with Mike Graham.

The event is generously sponsored by RBC Royal Bank of Canada, and Megan Murphy and Jordan Mercier will serve as masters of ceremony. A silent auction will feature close to 30 items. General seating will accommodate non-stop performances on the David Goyette Stage and in the Nexicom Studio.

All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to United Way-funded agencies that provide housing and shelter to the marginalized. “I am grateful to Campaign Cabinet Member Paul Rellinger for his leadership in bringing this event to life,” says United Way Campaign Chair David Goyette. “We were all disturbed by the emergence of tent city last summer and it crystallized in us a desire to do better in serving people in need. I know that all our performers and sponsors feel the same way.”

“RBC is pleased to support the United Way of Peterborough and District as the presenting sponsor of Peterborough Performs”, adds Scott Mancini, Commercial Vice-President, RBC. “Homelessness is a prevalent issue in the Peterborough area. This concert will raise both awareness and funds in support of the United Way and local agencies doing great work to develop and implement solutions.”

Tickets are available at the Showplace box office, online at showplace.org, by phone at 705-742-7469, and at the United Way office at 277 Stewart Street in Peterborough.

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Melissa Payne’s New Album Darker Than Your Dark Out March 6th

Ennismore’s Melissa Payne releases her new album, Darker Than Your Dark, on Friday, March 6th.

Produced by Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), James McKenty (The Spades), and Maia Davies (Ladies of the Canyon), the record explores a new realm from the pages of Payne's songbook. Honest and vulnerable, Darker Than You Dark guides the listener through emotive peaks and valleys that can be at once heartbreaking and cathartic. 

Melissa Payne co-wrote many of the songs with the album's three producers—all artists who she has also performed with in the past, and who worked on her sophomore album High and Dry (2014).

Aside from being an in-demand player, her background in old time fiddle and traditional celtic music has evolved into a blossoming solo career. The record comes after nearly a year on the road with Matt Mays, where Payne toured as part of his Dark Promises backing band. 

As part of an Eastern Ontario tour she is doing, Melissa will be playing at Market Hall in Peterborough on Saturday, March 7th. Get your tickets here.

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Canadian Country Superstar Chad Brownlee Playing Memorial Centre

Award-winning Universal Music Canada country music star Chad Brownlee has announced the Ontario leg of his 2020 Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere Tour and it includes a stop in Peterborough March 28th, 2020.

Adding one of the best vocalists that the country genre has ever seen in Lauren Alaina, and the rich and timeless country vocal of Jade Eagleson—2019 CCMA Rising Star Award recipient—to Brownlee’s soaring melodies, and you’ve got an amazing concert.

Tickets start at $35 and will go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 20 at 10 a.m. online, over the phone at 705.743.3561 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office located inside the PMC.

Box Office hours at the Memorial Centre are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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