Rocklands Entertainment Pays Tribute to Country Music Legends at Market Hall With "Megastars of Country Music" Show Set For Marcg 29

Rocklands Entertainment is bringing a tribute to country star legends with the Megastars of Country Music to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre announced for March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

The concert features tributes to country music’s most legendary singers and songwriters. It features Larry Turner and Doug Brewin paying homage to the incredible careers of such as Alan Jackson, George Strait and Brooks & Dunn.

Tickets are available in person at Market Hall, located at 140 Charlotte Street on the third floor. The box office is open Monday to Friday from Noon until 5 p.m. Call 705-749-1146 or visit tickets.markethall.org.

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Peterborough Musicfest Launches 2026 Diner's Book to Be Available Friday

Peterborough Musicfest has released the 2026 version of their Diner’s Book, available on Friday, for food lovers to support free live music in the community.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The $30 book features 85 dining offers deals from restaurants, cafés, pubs and other food establishments across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and the surrounding region.

All proceeds support Peterborough Musicfest.

“This year’s Diner’s Book isn’t just a way to save on incredible dining experiences; it’s a way to give back and help keep free admission music alive for everyone to enjoy,” says Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. “It’s also the perfect gift for the foodie in your life or that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. ”

The 2026 Diner’s Book will be available for purchase at:

• Lansdowne Place (Customer Service Desk)

• Cogeco Customer Centre- 1111 Goodfellow Rd.

• Online

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Peterborough Singers Artistic Director to Retire After 35 Years

Peterborough Sings artistic director Syd Birrell is performing his final concerts after 35 years as he has announced his plans for retirement on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Singers.

“As you can imagine, making the decision to retire was extremely difficult,” explained Birrell. “For the past 35 years, the Peterborough Singers has occupied so much of my thoughts, my time, and my affections. However, after much reflection, I concluded that the time has come to pass the reins to a new, younger director.”

As Birrell’s last request before calling it, he asks the public to donate to Peterborough Singers’s newest campaign, ‘Syd’s Legacy Fund,’ to raise $100,000 by Dec. 31 and $250,000 by the end of this concert season. The funds raised are to support the Peterborough Singers and ensure a smooth transition with a new artistic director, as the organization requires roughly $200,000 annually to run, according to Birrell.

“The immediate aim of Syd’s Legacy Fund is to guarantee that the choir will transition smoothly to a new director,” he explained. “It will also allow the new director to focus his or her energy on what matters most: making great music.”

Part of the proceeds are going towards searching for and hiring emerging young Canadian artists, commissioning original Canadian compositions and hiring world-class Canadian soloists.

Candidates for the artistic director position are currently being selected, with an announcement to be expected within the new year.

Birrell concludes that he has truly treasured his 35 years with the Peterborough Singers.

“I will especially miss that magical moment when the choir sings the first notes at the start of a concert. There’s nothing like it. That first burst of song can take your breath away,” he said.

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26th Anniversary of "In From The Cold" Benefit Concert Returns In Support of YES Shelter

The ‘In From The Cold’ benefit concert is celebrating its 26th anniversary with two performances at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 5 and 6 in support of the YES Shelter.

Photo courtesy of Yes Shelter.

The shows run on at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 6.

The performances gather local musicians to perform holiday music with a blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas and winter songs.

This year's lineup features:

• Carried Away – an acoustic string and vocal band known for rich harmonies and creative arrangements of seasonal favourites.

• Convivio Chorus – a dynamic choral ensemble whose performances fill the hall with warmth and joy.

• The Claveer Cousins – bringing lively, heartfelt energy to the stage.

• Special guest Benj Rowland – nationally known, locally-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who brings a haunting voice and an innate gift for melody to his unique brand of alt-folk music.

“I’m so pumped to have Benj join us this year,” says John Hoffman, In From the Cold co-founder. “His take on any song is always interesting and distinctive so he fits right in with our ongoing passion to present great, rootsy seasonal music you won’t hear at any other Christmas show. I know our audience is going to love what Benj brings to the table.”

The proceeds go to YES Shelter for Youth and Families, to help provide safe shelter, support and hope for youth and families experiencing homelessness in our community. 

In From The Cold tickets are available for purchase at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre or online.

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Legendary Punk Rock 'The Offspring' Hit Peterborough Memorial Centre On Feb. 17 With Bad Religion

Renowned punk rock band The Offspring is coming to town as part of their Supercharged Worldwide ’26 tour at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Feb. 17, announced on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Fellow punk rock band Bad Religion are joining as special guests for the event.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

An exclusive PMC Scoop Presale will take place online only on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., using promo code ‘WORLDWIDE.’

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. online, by phone at 705-743-3561 ext. 2 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office.

Prices range from $149.50 to $61.50 (prices are subject to change) and are available at various seating levels throughout the arena. Capacity is limited to 4,144, and a ticket limit of eight per order will be in place.

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Peterborough Folk Festival Releases 2025 Performance Schedule

The 36th annual Peterborough Folk Festival (PFF) has unveiled its lineup of 30 artists for this year’s free event, taking place from Aug. 14 to 17 at Nicholls Oval Park.

Photo courtesy of PFF.

The four-day celebration kicks off on Aug. 14 at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre with singer-songwriter Basia Bulat and PFF Emerging Artist of the Year, Jeanne Truax.

On Friday, at 8 p.m., another kick-off concert will be held at Sadleir with Nixon Boyd (of Hollerado), PFF 2024 Emerging Artist VANCAMP, and Guelph-based quintet I, The Mountain.

The following is the Saturday schedule:

Children’s Village

• 10:30 a.m. - Village opens

• 10:40 a.m. - Story Time by the Peterborough Public Library

• 11:15 a.m. - Children’s Parade to the Miskin Law Main Stage

• Noon to 5 p.m. - Activities, crafts and games

Food Village

• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Food Village open

Artisan Village

• Noon to 7 p.m. - Artisan Village open

Children’s Village

• 10:30 a.m. - Village opens

• 10:40 a.m. - Story Time by the Peterborough Public Library

• 11:15 a.m. - Children’s Parade to the Miskin Law Main Stage

• Noon to 5 p.m. - Activities, crafts and games

Miskin Law Main Stage

• 11:15 a.m. - Children’s Parade to the Main Stage & Opening Ceremony

• 11:45 a.m. - Songs of Scratch Garden

• 12:35 p.m. - Benj Rowland

• 1:30 p.m. - Grievous Angels

• 3:00 p.m. - My Son the Hurricane

• 4:50 p.m. - Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation

• 6:30 p.m. - Joel Plaskett

• 8:15 p.m. - Goldie Boutilier

• 9:45 p.m. - Jeremie Albino

Nicholls Oval Pavilion Stage

• 1:10 p.m. - Caitlin Currie

• 2:15 p.m. - Jeanne Truax

• 4:00 p.m. - Doghouse Orchestra

• 5:45 p.m. - The Silver Hearts

• 7:45 p.m. - Swindlers

• 9:20 p.m. - Tapes in Motion

Generation Solar Stage

• 11:45 a.m. - TBA

• 1:00 p.m. - Lancelot Knight

• 2:15 p.m. - Joel Plaskett x Benj Rowland

• 3:15 p.m. - Sister Ray

• 4:35 p.m. - Grievous Angels x Swindlers

• 5:45 p.m. - Bells Larsen x Sister Ray x Jeremie Albino

• 6:50 p.m. - Quinton Barnes

• 7:45 p.m. - Bells Larsen

The following is the Sunday schedule:

Miskin Law Main Stage

• 11:15 a.m. - Children’s Parade to the Main Stage & Opening Ceremony

• 11:30 a.m. - Round Dance with Kelli Marshall

• 11:45 a.m. - Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi

• 12:50 p.m. - Colin Linden x Jethro’s Blues Jam All-Stars

• 1:55 p.m. - Inn Echo x Benj Rowland x Irish Millie

• 2:50 p.m. - Beau Dixon

• 4:15 p.m. - Lemon Bucket Orkestra

• 5:45 p.m. - A Special Thank You

• 5:50 p.m. - Whitehorse

Nicholls Oval Pavilion Stage

• 1:35 pm - Sue & David Newberry

• 2:25 pm - Kay Silver

• 3:35 pm - Inn Echo

• 5:15 pm - Beau Dixon x Babe Chorus x Michael Cloud Duguay

Generation Solar Stage

• 11:45 a.m. - The Colton Sisters

• 12:40 p.m. - VANCAMP x Kay Silver x Tapes in Motion

• 1:45 p.m. - Babe Chorus

• 2:40 p.m. - Fittonia

• 3:35 p.m. - Whitehorse x Jeanne Truax

• 4:45 p.m. - Colin Linden

The PFF after parties start in Downtown Peterborough at 11 p.m. at the following locations:

• Jethro’s Bar + Stage - The Jet Airliners featuring Jeanne Truax

• Pig's Ear Tavern - The Silver Hearts - $5 at the door

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Photos: Gob Takes Centre Stage With Their Punk Rock Antics at Peterborough Musicfest

The Vancouver punk rock stylings of Gob hit the Musicfest stage to rock out with the Peterborough crowd at Del Crary Park on Saturday night.

Tom Thacker (left) and Theo Goutzinakis (right) of Gob, rock out at Musicfest before a huge crowd at Del Crary Park. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The band consists of Tom Thacker (vocals and lead guitar), Theo Goutzinakis (rhythm guitar and vocals), Gabe Mantle (drummer) and Steven Fairweather (bassist).

@ptbo_canada Tom Thacker) (left) and Theo Goutzinakis (right) of Gob rock out at Peterborough Musicfest before a huge crowd at Del Crary Park. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #ptbomusicfest ♬ Punk rock for sports, battles, OPs(1407616) - Cheng Lee

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Haunting Anthems of The Rock Orchestra Hit Peterborough Memorial Centre on March 17

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is set to hauntingly beautify rock music at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on March 17, announced on Wednesday.

The Rock Orchestra has performed over 400 shows and entertained over half a million guests in only four years. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

They plan to play a 90-minute show that infuses iconic rock and metal anthems in ethereal, candlelit settings. This band of 14 classical musicians will playing music with the unexpected union of classical music and metal. They will perform music from bands such as: Metallica, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin' Park, SOAD, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, Papa Roach, The Cranberries and more.

The Rock Orchestra was founded in 2020 by events impresario and producer Nathan Reed, with a vision of reimagining legendary Rock and Metal with the grace and power of classical music. 

Known for its gothic visual setting, The Rock Orchestra adds ‘dark energy’ to your well-known songs. 

Tickets go on sale on July 25 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online, by phone at 705-743-3561 ext. 2 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).

PMC advises the following when purchasing tickets:

• Tickets will be delivered one month before the show and can be delivered by email, will call pick up or mail (subject to mail fees). 

• There is a limit of eight tickets per customer

• The floor is not accessible for people with mobility needs for this show

• Capacity for this show is 2,773

• Online purchasers require a user account to be created to complete transactions

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Peterborough Folk Festival Releases Full 2025 Lineup

The Peterborough Folk Festival has released its full lineup for their 2025 edition, running from Aug. 14 to 17 throughout Downtown Peterborough and Nicholls Oval Park, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Folk Festival.

The event has over 30 artists and bands, including 12 local performers with all proceeds going back to the festival.

Featured acts include Joel Plaskett, Basia Bulat, Whitehorse, Jeremie Albino, Goldie Boutilier, Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation, Bells Larsen and Colin Linden.

Full Line-Up:

Aug. 14 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

• Basia Bulat

• Jeanne Truax

Aug. 15

• Various venues downtown including the Pig's Ear Tavern

Aug. 16 at Nicholls Oval Park

• Joel Plaskett

• Goldie Boutilier

• Jeremie Albino

• Bells Larsen

• Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation

• My Son The Hurricane

• Grievous Angels

• Songs Of Scratch Garden

• Sister Ray

• Quinton Barnes

• Doghouse Orchestra

• The Silver Hearts

• Benj Rowland

• Jeanne Truax

• Lancelot Knight

• Swindlers

• Caitlin Currie

• Tapes In Motion

After Parties Downtown 11 p.m.

• Jethros - The Jet Airliners featuring Jeanne Truax

• Pig's Ear Tavern - The Silver Hearts

Aug. 17 at Nicholls Oval Park

• Whitehorse

• Lemon Bucket Orchestra

• Colin Linden of Blackie and The Rodeo Kings

• Inn Echo

• Beau Dixon

• Sharon Lois and Bram Singalong with Sharon and Randi

• Kay Silver

• Babe Chorus

• Fittonia

• Jethro Blues Jam All-Stars

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Preston Pablo, The Spades & Weber Brothers and More Round Out Peterborough Musicfest Lineup

The stage is set for the 38th season of Peterborough Musicfest as the rest of the lineup has been filled, announced on Wednesday morning.

(from left to right) Vince Bierworth, event emcee; Brian Ellis, MUSICFEST BOARD CHAIR and TRACEY RANDALL, Musicfest Executive Director, showing off this year’s lineup of acts. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Rounding out the rest of the lineup include Preston Pablo with special guest Noelle on July 5; The Jim Cuddy Band on July 9; The Spades & The Weber Brothers on July 26 and country music star Jess Moskaluke on July 30.

This year also features a special Canada Day concert on July 1 featuring Neon Nostalgic with a live retro video dance party, followed by fireworks over Little Lake provided by The City of Peterborough.

“We’re so excited to bring another vibrant summer of barrier-free live music to the community” said Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “With new programming, exciting performers, and more reasons to come early, this season has something for everyone.”

New this year is a second stage showcasing emerging local artists starting at either 6:15 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. on select nights, with a full schedule to be released.

With support from the Government of Canada’s Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Musicfest brings ‘Woven Stories: A Night of Indigenous Music, Culture, and Celebration.’

This year also features expanded food vending, with many vendors offering Happy Hour specials from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Peterborough Musicfest 50/50 Raffle also returns for another season.

The following is this year’s Musicfest schedule:

• June 28: Serena Ryder

• July 1: Neon Nostalgic (Retro Rock Tribute)

• July 2: William Prince

• July 5: Preston Pablo with special guest noelle

• July 9: The Jim Cuddy Band

• July 12: Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies)

• July 16: Sloan

• July 19: Gob

• July 23 ABBAMania + Night Fever (Bee Gees)

• July 26: The Spades & The Weber Brothers

• July 30: Jess Moskaluke

• Aug. 2: Acrobat (U2 Tribute)

• Aug. 6: Mudmen w/ Irish Millie

• Aug. 9: The Celtic Tenors

• Aug. 13: Choir! Choir! Choir!

• Aug. 16: Kim Mitchell

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