Peterborough Musicfest Announces Concert Dates For Its 39th Season
/Peterborough Musicfest has announced the dates for its 39th season as a summer of free live music returns to Del Crary Park from June 27 to Aug. 19.
file photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough Folk Festival Kicks Off 37th Year With Celebration Concert and Emerging Artist Award Submissions
/The Peterborough Folk Festival (PFF) has opened its Emerging Artist Award submissions, kicking off its 37th year with a celebration concert featuring previous award recipients at Market Hall.
Previous award RECIPIENTS (from left to right): Jeanne Truax (2025), VANCAMP (2024) and Irish Millie (2023). photo courtesy of the peterborough folk festival.
The PFF Emerging Artist Award strives to invest in upcoming local talent in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. The award has helped launch the careers of Canadian names such as Serena Ryder, Kelly McMichael, Benj Rowland, Irish Millie, Calvin Bakelaar (VANCAMP) and Jeanne Truax.
The Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PMBA) supplements the award with the $1,000 PMBA Lynn Morris Memorial Award, and the Electric Alchemy Recording Studio provides the artist with recording and production of a single.
Submissions for PFF’s Emerging Artist Award are being accepted online until Feb. 20.
Celebrating the impact of the PFF Emerging Artist Program, PFF is hosting a concert Jan. 23 at Market Hall. The event will feature performances from recent award recipients Irish Millie (2023 recipient), VANCAMP (2024 recipient) and Jeanne Truax (2025 recipient).
Tickets are available on the Market Hall website.
Peterborough Symphony Orchestra To Take Audiences Back To the Sixties With “Stars of the Silver Screen”
/The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will transport audiences back in time to the 1960’s with “Stars of the Silver Screen” Feb. 7 and 8 at Showplace Performance Centre.
photo courtesy of The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, facebook.
Music Director Michael Newnham has curated a list of film scores from iconic movies such as Pink Panther, Mission Impossible, The Sound of Music, James Bond and more.
Due to popularity, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra will hold two concerts at the Showplace Performance Centre on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.
PSO recommends arriving 45 minutes early for Maestro Newnham’s pre-concert talk, and to get a sneak peek of what the show will entail.
Audience members are encouraged to dress in their favourite 60’s style.
“Will it be the Jackie Kennedy look, mini-skirt, slim-cut suit, 007 attitude, go-go boots, geometric patterns or hippie fringe and headbands? We can’t wait to see!” said PSO in a press release.
To purchase tickets or to check out Maestro Newnham’s Stars of the Silver Screen Spotify playlist, visit the website.
Peterborough Singers Reach $100,000 Campaign Goal Ahead of Artistic Director’s Final Season
/The Peterborough Singers hit their $100,000 campaign goal for Syd Birrell's Legacy Fund ahead of his final season as Artistic Director.
photo courtesy of the peterborough singers, facebook.
Three weeks ago Birrell stood in front of the Peterborough Singers for the final time to conduct their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. 1,300 people came to the show to witness his last musical event as Artistic Director.
“As I lifted my hands, I was keenly aware that this moment was both an ending and a culmination,” said Birrell in a press release. “I will carry the sound, the emotion and the shared energy of those evenings with me for the rest of my life.”
The $100,000 goal for the Artistic Director’s legacy fund was reached in the early morning of Jan. 1.
“Over the past 35 years, the Peterborough Singers has grown into something far greater than I could ever have imagined when we first gathered. Yes, it is a choir that strives for thrilling musical excellence,” he continued. “But more importantly, it has become a place of friendship, safety, inclusivity, kindness, joy and love. In rehearsal rooms and concert halls, in moments of laughter and moments of quiet support, this choir has reflected the very best of what community can be.”
The campaign for Syd's Legacy Fund will continue until the end of this season.
A new Artistic Director for Peterborough Singers has yet to be announced.
“Thank you for your trust, your voices and your hearts. Thank you for reminding me, week after week and year after year, why this work matters. I leave this role with immense gratitude, deep peace and unwavering confidence in what lies ahead for the Peterborough Singers,” Birrell concluded.
Youth Mental Health Awareness an Emphasis For Third Annual Harmony for Healing's Fundraising Concert On Feb. 19
/Harmony for Healing has announced the third consecutive year of its annual event with ‘Power of Love: Voices of Youth’ as a locally produced mental health awareness campaign and live concert fundraiser to be held at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Feb. 19.
(From left to right) Wade Hamblin; ReMax Hallmark Eastern Realty; Callie Lorente, CMHA HKPR Manager of Integrated Crisis Services; Phillip Jolicoeur, Harmony for Healing Founder and Caitlin O’Connor, musician. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
This year’s initiative places an even stronger focus on youth mental health, connection and hope. Harmony for Healing creator and producer Phillip Jolicoeur had his mother pass away from suicide in 2022, with the event serving as a tribute to her.
“Harmony for Healing started as a way to turn pain into purpose,” he said. “This year feels especially close to the heart as we lift up youth voices and remind them they matter, they are heard, and they are not alone. These stories and moments are created locally by people who truly care.”
Harmony for Healing has raised over $29,000 to date, including $15,744 raised last year alone, toward its five-year goal of $50,000. All proceeds support the Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention Program (AOSP) through CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, providing life-saving support to individuals and families in crisis.
The event has sold out in the first two iterations, which blend music with meaningful conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.
This year’s awareness campaign centres on stories from local youth, sharing their lived mental health experiences through a professionally produced video series.
@ptbo_canada Harmony for Healing returns for its third consecutive year with a youth-centred mental health awareness campaign and live concert Power of Love: Voices of Youth 💜 #ptbocanada #peterboroughontario #mentalhealth ♬ Vittra - Kasbo
The youth are involved through:
Production and behind the scenes roles
Youth storytelling and creative contributions
Volunteer opportunities
Live show participation
Collaboration with up and coming local youth artists
‘Power of Love’ celebrates iconic 1980s anthems performed by 100 percent local musicians, creating an atmosphere of connection, compassion, and community.
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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.
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.
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
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
Canadian Rocker Kim Mitchell to Close Out Peterborough Musicfest On Aug. 16
/Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell returns to Peterborough Musicfest as the closer for the 2025 season, taking the stage on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park, announced on Thursday.
Mitchell was known as the lead singer and guitarist for the band Max Webster before pursuing a solo music career. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.
