Little River Band Announced as First Performance in Peterborough Musicfest Lineup

Peterborough Musicfest announces the first date of the 36th summer season in Del Crary Park, welcoming Little River Band to the Fred Anderson Stage on July 26.

photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975, Little River Band has recorded 16 studio albums, accumulating worldwide sales in excess of 30 million. Ten singles, including Grammy-nominated Lonesome Loser, made it into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Their single Reminiscing later attained the number three spot in 1978.

Little River Band continues to draw upon the success of a number of other signature hits such as Help Is On Its Way, The Other Guy, Lady, Cool Change and Take It Easy On Me, remaining not only a fan-favourite concert draw but also garnering 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

In 1982, Little River Band was the first band to achieve a Top 10 hit for six consecutive years.

Now based in the United States, Little River Band continues an extensive tour schedule, including the Peterborough Musicfest appearance as its lone Canadian stop currently scheduled for 2023.

Over the years, the Peterborough Musicfest stage has seen the likes of many artists and bands representing virtually every genre. Dallas Green, Our Lady Peace, Serena Ryder, Gordon Lightfoot, 54-40 and Blue Rodeo are just a few of the big names Musicfest has hosted.

The diverse lineup of music for 35 summers brings thousands to Del Crary Park, providing an economic boost for Peterborough’s downtown and area tourist attractions.

The Peterborough Musicfest is funded by corporate sponsorships; including many locally owned businesses, support from multiple levels of government, fundraising initiatives and private donations. As a result, Musicfest steadfastly remains a free admission event.

Those interested in sponsoring the festival can email sales@ptbomusicfest.ca or call 705-755-1111.

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Nominate a Local Business to ‘Beat the Blue Monday’ with Showplace

The Showplace Performance Centre presents Beat the Blue Monday, bringing free music performances to brighten workplaces across Peterborough on Jan. 16.

Photo courtesy of Mary Zita Payne.

Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the year, various local businesses throughout central Peterborough will have the opportunity to beat the Monday blues with various local talents.

“The third Monday in January is said to be ‘the most depressing day of the year,’ says Showplace in a press release. “The sub-zero temperatures, the lack of daylight, the arrival of our post-Christmas credit card bill. Don’t worry, Showplace is here to help!”

Photo courtesy of Showplace Performance Centre.

Kate Suhr, Melissa Payne and The Weber Brothers will be visiting nominated businesses on their lunch break to spread some light and cheer in the community through the sharing of art.

To nominate a local business, reach out to Showplace via email and tell them which business could use some cheering up. Remember to include the business name and address.

Visit the Showplace website for more information on Beat the Blue Monday and other event listings.

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Market Hall Celebrates 25 Years in Peterborough with Sold Out Concert

The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre is celebrating 25 years in downtown Peterborough with an all-star line up of musicians for their 25th Anniversary Concert Celebration on Feb. 3.

Photo by Luke Best.

After nearly two years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Market Hall is set to celebrate their audience for years of support, and for helping them return “stronger than ever” with in-person performances.

“We wanted to do something to thank the community, and what better way than to welcome them in for a show with so much talent on one stage,” said Market Hall general manager Chad Hogan.

Described as being “one of the most memorable shows to grace (the Market Hall) stage,” the anniversary concert will feature many big names including Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo, Matt Mays, Terra Lightfoot, Melissa Payne, Brooks & Bowskill and local special guests.

The highly anticipated show sold out in under three hours, which Hogan expresses was a “true testament to the support (patrons) have given Market Hall over the years.”

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

He mentions that the Feb. 3 show will also include a special announcement regarding a substantial equipment update.

“We wouldn’t have been able to survive without our patrons,” said Hogan.

For more information on the sold out show, visit the Market Hall website.

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Lakefield Musician's Band 'Live Shiny Tunes' To Rock New Years at Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

Rock out and ring in 2023 with Michael Beauclerc and Live Shiny Tunes at Dr. J's BBQ & Brews New Year’s event on Dec. 31.

Photo by Debbie Draper.

Formed in November, the band features the iconic tunes of the 90s and the musical stylings of many local names. Attendees can rock out with Peterborough songbird SJ Riley, Yamaha celebrity percussion clinician Michael Beauclerc and the introspective delights of the McManus brothers; Devin on guitar and Dawson on bass.

“(I’m) beyond excited to announce I’ve joined an amazing roster of musicians to bring you Live Shiny Tunes,” said SJ Riley in a Facebook post.

The band’s founder Michael Beauclerc says that the show will be great for the 35 to 50 aged crowd and those who enjoyed MuchMusic’s earlier rock albums ‘Big Shiny Tunes.’

“Live Shiny Tunes is an idea that I’ve had for a number of years,” said Beauclerc. “We had our first-ever rehearsal in November and Dr. J’s will be our first, debut show.”

The professional musician was gifted his first drum set at the age of three. By the time he was in high school, he was a Canadian champion snare drummer, performing at local bars in Peterborough and going on to major in percussion and vocal at Cambrian College.

“(Music) is something I’ve always done, it’s what I was always going to do and going to be,” said Beauclerc. “That’s why I wanted to school for it so I would get more opportunities.”

Photo courtesy of Live Shiny Tunes.

The drummer, hand percussionist and singer is an artist/clinician for Yamaha Percussion, Vic Firth sticks & Mallets, SABIAN cymbals and REMO. He is the band leader of ‘The Bowie Lives: A David Bowie Spectacular Experience’ and the percussion head of the St. Michael’s College School Drumline in Toronto, the Oak Ridge Percussion in Colborne, Trinity College School Drumline in Port Hope and a consultant/composer for several other scholastic drumlines.

On top of his music, Beauclerc is the editor-in-chief of Drumline Magazine and has written novels used by Canadian drumlines and marching percussion instructors.

Live Shiny Tunes will be at Dr. J’s (282 Alymer St. N) starting at 9 p.m.

“This music was the biggest music of the late nineties and early 2000’s, (this) is the music that I played in college,” says Beauclerc. “It’s going to be Lenny Kravitz, The Odds, The Goo Goo Dolls, Garbage and more. It’s a big mix.”

$20 tickets are available online here, or for $25 at the door.

George Thorogood and The Destroyers ‘Bad All Over The World: 50 Years Of Rock’ Tour Coming to Peterborough

George Thorogood and Jeff Simon, along with long-time Destroyers Bill Blough, Jim Suhler and Buddy Leach, are coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on May 13, celebrating 50 years since the band’s first-ever performance in December 1973.

Photo courtesy of George Thorogood and The Destroyers.

“From that very first show, we’ve stayed true to ourselves and the music we love,” says Thorogood. “We’ve decided to celebrate our first half-century by throwing the biggest and baddest rock party ever.”

After five decades, over 8,000 live shows and 15 million albums later, Thorogood and The Destroyers are back on tour, bringing the band back to Canada for the first time in three years.

The concert was originally scheduled for May 14 at the PMC.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.memorialcentre.ca, over the phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. All tickets previously purchased for the 2022 date will be honoured for this show.

The box office is open for in-person sales on Wednesdays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

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Holiday Shows at The Peterborough Memorial Centre

The Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) has several family-friendly shows and acts locked in for December this holiday season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

CATS Musical

When: Fri. Dec. 2, 8 p.m.

Tickets: Available for purchase here.

The record-breaking musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America.

Winner of seven Tony Awards, CATS tells the story of one magical night when tribe of cats gathers for an annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theatre; ‘Memory’.

The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom) and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Stars on Ice Holiday Tour

When: Tues. Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Tickets: Available for purchase here.

The award-winning figure skating show features four-time World Champion and four-time Canadian Champion Kurt Browning. He is joined by two-time Olympic Silver Medalist, three-time World Champion and seven-time Canadian Champion Elvis Stojko to headline the show.

The cast includes Olympic Bronze Medalist, World Champion and three-time Canadian Champion Jeffrey Buttle; three-time Canadian Dance Champions, three-time World Medalists and 2018 Olympians Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje; three-time and reigning Canadian Pair Champions Kirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro; two-time Canadian Champion Nam Nguyen; Canadian junior champion and social media sensation Elladj Baldé; two-time United States Champion Alissa Czisny.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Champions of Magic 2022

When: Fri. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Tickets: Available for purchase here.

Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic, an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects.

Described as the ‘Avengers of Magic,’ catch this team of magicians as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions during the Champions of Magic Show.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Holiday Dreams, A Spectacular Holiday Cirque!

When: Wed. Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Tickets: Available for purchase here.

Holiday Dreams tells a story that connects all of the performers featuring a mischievous elf that thinks he has mailed himself to a tropical island but instead finds himself delivered to the wrong address.

"I wanted to create a show that celebrated the spirit of the Holidays and would serve as a bridge for families from different generations to come together and experience something together,” said Fernando Quevedo, creator and producer. “We are all absorbed in our little technological worlds. Theatre allows a communal experience."

This holiday show is coming to the PMC for one night only and features holograms, projection mapping, holiday music and incredible lasers, along with a cast of award-winning acrobats, daredevils and cirque performers.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Blue Rodeo (with special guests Brooks & Bowskill)

When: Wed. Dec. 28, 7 p.m.

Tickets: Available for purchase here.

Canadian music duo Brooks & Bowskill (Brittany Brooks and Jimmy Bowskill) are joining the show’s lineup as Blue Rodeo takes the PMC stage. In the over 35 years since forming, Blue Rodeo has released 16-full length albums and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, with hits such as ‘Lost Together,’ ‘Rose-Coloured Glasses’ and ‘Rain Down On Me.’

The band was in Peterborough on April 13 of this year, performing at the PMC during their Many A Mile tour.

“This concert is the ultimate way for us to finish off an incredible 2022,” said Jeremy Giles, PMC facility manager. “Blue Rodeo at the PMC is so symbolic of things being normal again and we cannot wait to have the guys back for another unforgettable evening.”

For the full PMC event calendar, visit https://calendar.memorialcentre.ca.

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Peterborough Musicfest Launches Diner's Book of Restaurant Coupons

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

File photo.

The book is available immediately and has coupons for 56 restaurants for $25. It is a $600 value that allows the user to ‘buy one entrée, get the second half price’ according to a press release. Musicfest is offering a special of buying four booklets for the price of three.

Diner’s Books cost $25 and are available at the customer service desk at Lansdowne Place, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism office on George St. or online.

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Kawartha Youth Orchestra Launches Its RESONATE! Campaign For Music Education Bursaries

The Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) is launching its RESONATE! campaign this Sunday to coincide with Giving Tuesday next week and recognize local philanthropists Ralph and Carol Ingleton announced on Wednesday.

Roughly 100 children are enrolled KYO which operate out of rehearsal space at All Saints’ Church in the City of Peterborough’s downtown core. Photo courtesy of KYO.

The campaign raises bursaries for local children who cannot afford to pay for music education. The goal is to raise $70,000 for bursaries in 2022-23.

The Ingletons are being honoured during a rehearsal after KYO received an undisclosed donation. The senior orchestra rehersal is conducted by KYO artistic director Dr. Alexander Cannon.

“Music is part of our lives and having a youth orchestra in our community is simply wonderful,” said Ralph. “Helping young people with needs to make music is extremely important. I would hope that other musical friends will join in lending a helping hand.”

‘#GivingTuesday’ is a global movement and day of giving to non-profits, that encourages people to do good and unleash their power to transform their community.

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Peterborough Fiddler “Irish Millie” Raises Over $2,300 For Terry Fox Foundation

Millie Shadgett, better known by stage name “Irish Millie” uses her fiddling talents to raise $2,343 for the Terry Fox Foundation through ‘Fiddling for Fox’ campaign.

Irish Millie has been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for the second year in a row along with her band, The Receivers. Photo courtesy of Irish Millie.

The 15-year-old Lakefield College School (LCS) student began performing for her first live audience about six years ago, at the Peterborough Farmers Market.

It was around this time that she learned about Terry Fox. Having been touched by cancer in her own life, Millie says his story inspired her.

“I thought ‘I don’t have much money to give’ but if I use my fiddling gift to allow people to donate to this amazing cause, then I can raise money through that,” said Millie.

Photo courtesy of Irish Millie.

Photo courtesy of Irish Millie.

After the first successful Fiddling For Fox event, she decided she wanted to do an annual fundraiser for the Terry Fox Foundation.

This year, she ran two fundraising events at the Peterborough Farmers Market and LCS, raising a total of $2,343 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

At the Farmers Market, Millie included a number of local names as special guests in her performance including Washboard Hank and Ty Wilson.

“It was almost like a bunch of little shows in one big day,” recalled Millie.

Wanting to do something different through Fiddling For Fox this year, she wrote “If I Don’t Make It,” a song to honour Terry and his legacy.

“I was really inspired by Terry and his courage and his bravery, and so I wanted to write a song to convey that,” she said. “It was the way that I could show my inspiration from him, through music.”

The original song features a drum beat in the background that represents Terry’s feet as he ran.

“It was a lot of work, and it took a lot of time and effort, but it really was great to have that showcased for Terry Fox,” Millie continued.

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Big Sugar to Rock The Venue's Stage For Dec. 7

Rock band Big Sugar has Peterborough as one of their tour stops as they are playing at The Venue on Dec. 7 announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of James Dittinger.

The stop is part of the band’s ‘Heated 25th Anniversary Tour’ that includes locations such as Toronto, Montréal, Kitchener and Ottawa as several Canadian stops.

Pre-sale for tickets starts this Wednesday at 10 a.m. by using the code ‘MODO.’ Tickets go on sale this Thursday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. The event is for ages 19 and up.

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