Dwayne Gretzky, Glass Tiger and Melissa Payne Among Many Announced For 2023 Musicfest Lineup

Several recognizable acts such as Dwayne Gretzky, Glass Tiger and Melissa Payne have been added to Peterborough Musicfest announced at their lineup release event at the Silver Bean Café on Wednesday morning.

Tracy Condon, Peterborough Musicfest board chair (left) with Tracey Randall, general manager (right) as the free concert series releases their lineup for this year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Five dates are listed as ‘to be announced’ as acts have been sought out are booked but require funding of roughly $125,000 to finalize everything, according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest general manager.

“Three bands are on hold until we see the funding and then we'll see how much extra I have because sponsorships are still coming in,” she said.

Randall anticipates funding from the provincial government as Musicfest typically receives $80,000 from them annually however the funding is usually given in June.

The concerts will remain at Del Crary Park despite being dismantled earlier this month. Musicfest will continue the temporary solution that was used last year according to Randall.

“We're still meeting with the City of Peterborough but they've rented the same temporary stage that we had last year,” she said.

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)

Peterborough Musicfest’s Diner’s Book is available to aid in providing funds for the concert series. The book 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.’

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy To Open Peterborough Musicfest This Canada Day

Peterborough Musicfest lifts the curtain on its 36th season on Saturday, July 1, helping thousands celebrate Canada Day by presenting fiddle music duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.

photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest.

MacMaster, a native of Nova Scotia, and Leahy, lead fiddler for the famed musical family from Lakefield, married in 2002 and remain Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music. Often performing with their musical children, they have been awarded numerous honours including Juno and East Coast Music awards.

MacMaster and Leahy have recorded three albums together.

In 2015, their debut album ‘One,’ produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin, was released. The following year saw the release of ‘A Celtic Family Christmas.’ There things sat until earlier this year and the release of ‘Canvas,’ which introduced rock, pop, Latin and classical influences to their trademark Celtic sound, featuring guest support from Rhiannon Giddens, Yo-Yo Ma and Brian Finnegan.

“The fiddle was definitely common ground for us when we first got together,” reflects MacMaster, a member of the Order of Canada since 2006. “I was so in awe of Donnell’s family, of 11 siblings who could play and had a family band. And here I am now doing almost exactly the same thing. Well, kind of. This whole thing - first playing music by myself, then playing music with Donnell, then touring with Donnell and the children and all of us playing music together - has evolved in a very natural way. We feel incredibly lucky to be together as a family and to be letting our children develop their musical talent.”

“The only downside is that we can’t do all we’re asked to do and might like to do in other circumstances because we are parents first,” adds Leahy.

With Canadian jazz music great Moe Koffman headlining, Peterborough Musicfest debuted July 1, 1987 under the name Peterborough Festival of Lights with concert series founder Fred Anderson at the helm. Over the years since, artists representing practically every genre of music have headlined, bringing thousands to Peterborough’s Del Crary Park.

Peterborough Musicfest is funded by corporate sponsorships – most of those being locally owned businesses – multiple levels of government support, fundraising initiatives and private donations. As a result, Musicfest has been, and steadfastly remains, a uniquely free admission event. Dallas Green, Our Lady Peace, Serena Ryder, Gordon Lightfoot, 54-40 and Blue Rodeo are just a few of the sensational music acts that have appeared over the years.

Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall, staff and a board of directors, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.” In order to fulfill this mandate and keep attracting legendary musicians to our stage, Peterborough Musicfest encourages any individual or business interested in sponsoring the festival to reach out online or via phone at 705-755- 1111.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Dwayne Gretzky Returns to Musicfest for July 5

Peterborough Musicfest is bringing back Dwayne Gretzky for its 36th summer season in Del Crary Park as the Canadian group is scheduled to play on July 5 announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The group first headlined Musicfest in 2018 and is making their fourth appearance on the Fred Anderson Stage this summer.

They formed in 2011 in Toronto with some members hailing from Downeyville. The nine-member ensemble performs unique renditions of beloved classic pop and rock songs. Dwayne Gretzky is widely hailed as ‘Canada’s reigning champs of nostalgia,’ with performances of more than 700 classic songs in their catalogue. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Musicfest Announces Joel Plaskett Fundraiser Performance at Market Hall

Peterborough Musicfest announces that Canadian singer-songwriter Joel Plaskett will be performing at Market Hall on Feb. 23 as a fundraiser for the 2023 summer concert season. 

photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest.

The Nova Scotia native gained traction in the early 1990’s as a member of the alt-rock band Thrush Hermit. Come the new millennium, he started touring under own name back by his band The Emergency. All the while, he has been busy in studio on his many self-produced albums. 

Plaskett’s latest recorded project, 44, is described as his “most detailed musical weave” to date. A box set comprised of four 11-song albums connected visually and thematically, the collection serves up an imaginative rumination on slowing down; but still growing up in a rapidly accelerating world.

Plaskett also oversees the console at his New Scotland Yard recording studio in Dartmouth, where he has partnered with Halifax mainstay Taz Records to offer a curated selection of records for music fans. 

Accolades have numbered many for Plaskett, a Juno Award recipient who has also been honoured by the East Coast Music Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia. He’s also been shortlisted twice for nomination for a Polaris Music Prize.

Ticket’s for Plaskett’s Market Hall performance can be purchased for $45 at the box office, or ordered online. Proceeds from this event will go directly to Peterborough Musicfest’s 36th season this coming summer in Del Crary Park.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Shawn Austin And Elyse Saunders Will Close Out Peterborough Musicfest On Saturday

Peterborough Musicfest presents a Canadian country music double spin on Saturday, ending their 2022 season with Shawn Austin and Elyse Saunders.

Photo by Luke Best.

A two time Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Rising Star nominee (2019 and 2021), Austin started out as independent artist before releasing his debut single Paradise Found in 2017. That song peaked at number eight on the Billboard Canada Country chart, followed in 2018 by the singles Get Me There and You Belong from his self-­‐titled debut EP.

Austin’s momentum carried over into 2019 with the single What Do I Know, which peaked at number seven on Canada Country. The Little Things, released in 2020, was among the tracks on his third EP of the same name. Just this past June, Austin’s fourth EP Planes Don’t Wait was released, featuring the singles Tailgate To Heaven (featuring Chris Lane) and Get You – the former nominated for Single of the Year at the upcoming 2022 CCMA Awards.

With more than 23 million streams of his music to date, Austin has cemented his position as one of Canada’s fastest rising, and most diversified, Canadian country music stars.

Elyse Saunders, a Peterborough local, has fully realized her long ago set goal of being a major force on the country music landscape.

A four-­‐time CMAOntario award nominee, including 2021 nominations for Female Artist of the Year and Rising Star, Saunders single Free was a Top Five finalist in the 2021 CBC Toyota Searchlight song competition. Her latest EP Free is nominated for a 2022 CMAOntario award along with the single Sunshine State of Mind that is in the running for Video of the Year.

On the strength of earlier released singles Wine Down and Sunshine State Of Mind – both of which garnered considerable radio air play and have helped bring more than 2.5 million streams her way – Saunders powerhouse vocals and highly engaging stage presence have seen her perform on some huge stages, including Boots & Hearts and the Sunfest Country Music Festival in BC.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

This event is completely free, with first come first served seating. it is suggested that concert goers bring a lawn chair, chairs will be available to rent at the venue.

If a storm occurs during a concert, a cancellation announcement will be made from the stage. Peterborough Musicfest will not issue a cancellation call until 7:45 p.m. fifteen minutes before the scheduled start of 8 p.m. Rescheduling of cancelled concerts is not guaranteed.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Eagles Tribute Band Hotel California Will Take It Easy At Peterborough Musicfest Wednesday Night

Eagles tribute band Hotel California will Take It Easy at Del Crary Park on Wednesday for the second last Peterborough Musicfest of 2022.

Photo by Luke Best.

Six years to the day since last appearing at Del Crary Park in 2016, Hotel California arrives in Peterborough a remarkable 36 years after forming with Mike Dimoulas (guitars/keyboards/vocals) in the original lineup. A year later, Andy Lapointe (bass/vocals) came on board. Rounding out the current configuration are Al Langlade (guitars/vocals) and Kevin O’Donnell (drums/vocals).

Serving up The Eagles’ extensive catalogue of timeless hits with remarkable precision and musicianship while exemplifying the southern California sound that ruled popular music in the 1970s, Hotel California continues to tour internationally, consistently drawing rave reviews. The band has shared stages with the The Doobie Brothers, Lynryd Skynyrd and REO Speedwagon, to name a few.

With five #1 singles, six #1 albums, six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards to its credit, The Eagles have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide and remain the highest-­‐selling American band in U.S. history.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

This event is completely free, with first come first served seating. it is suggested that concert goers bring a lawn chair, chairs will be available to rent at the venue.

If a storm occurs during a concert, a cancellation announcement will be made from the stage. Peterborough Musicfest will not issue a cancellation call until 7:45 p.m. fifteen minutes before the scheduled start of 8 p.m. Rescheduling of cancelled concerts is not guaranteed.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Photos: The Strumbellas perform at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park.

Juno award-winning band, The Strumbellas, performed at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park Wednesday night.

View fullsize

Photos by Luke Best

Attendees were happy to welcome them back to Kawarthas, by filling the park and dancing into the night. The Strumbellas did not disappoint. With a high-energy performance they had the crowd singing along to their hits such as “Spirits,” “We Don’t Know,” and “In This Life.”

The evening was concluded with an encore featuring a cover of Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”

Lead singer Jimmy Chauveau described the evening as “all sorts of magic” and that he couldn’t wait to come back.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Musicfest Announces Shawn Austin And Elyse Saunders Will Close The 2022 Season

Peterborough Musicfest have announced Shawn Austin and Elyse Saunders as the closing act for the 2022 concert series. They will appear on stage at Del Crary Park on August 20.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Saunders, a Peterborough local, will open the night with many of her award winning hits.

Her 2021 single, “Sunshine State of Mind”, was one of the year’s Top 50 most played country songs on Amazon Music with over 600K plays. This accompanied Elyse’s Top 5 finish in the CBC Music Toyota Searchlight competition and finalist spot in the Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase.

Included in Saunders accolades is a CMAOntario Award nomination for 2021’s Female Artist of the Year and Rising Star and a 2022 nomination for CMAOntario’s Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

Austin will grace the stage at Del Crary Park to close the 35th season of peterborough Musicfest.

The Vancouver county artist was a season two finalist on NBC’s Songland. He was nominated for CCMA “Rising Star” Award in 2021 and 2019.

His top hits include “Tailgate To Heaven” feat. Chris Lane, “Planes Don’t Wait,” and newest single to Canadian country radio, “Get You.”

This event is completely free, with first come first served seating. it is suggested that concert goers bring a lawn chair, chairs will be available to rent at the venue.

If a storm occurs during a concert, a cancellation announcement will be made from the stage. Peterborough Musicfest will not issue a cancellation call until 7:45 p.m. fifteen minutes before the scheduled start of 8 p.m. Rescheduling of cancelled concerts is not guaranteed.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.