Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky to Kick Off 39th Season of Peterborough Musicfest

To help kick off the 39th season of Peterborough Musicfest, Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky have been unveiled as the first two concerts, announced on Wednesday.

Gowan (pictured) was born in Glascow, Scotland but was raised in Scarborough. Peterborough Musicfest attracts more than 100,000 attendees to Del Crary Park each summer. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Gowan returns to the Fred Anderson Stage for his fourth appearance on Opening Night on June 27. Dwayne Gretzky makes their sixth appearance on July 29, both at 8 p.m. All shows take place at Del Crary Park and are free to attend.

Gowan is known for hits such as ‘A Criminal Mind,’ ‘Strange Animal’ and ‘Moonlight Desires.’

Dwayne Gretzky — known as Canada’s Greatest Party Band —brings a catalogue of more than 800 songs from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Their shows are built for big crowds and even bigger sing-alongs.

@ptbo_canada Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky are the first two acts announce for the 39th season of @Peterborough Musicfest 🇨🇦🎤!!! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #peterboroughmusicfest ♬ 80's Hard Rock - Sandy Neo Classical

“This is just the starting point for what’s shaping up to be a strong 39th season,” says Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “We’re focused on building a full summer experience—great live music, a vibrant park atmosphere and reasons for people to come back week after week.”

Returning this season are the on-site food vendors, the 50/50 draw and the Future Sound Series. Musicfest concerts are run every Wednesday and Saturday from June 27 to Aug. 19.

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Peterborough Singers Appoint New Artistic Director and Conductor

Shawn Grenke has been named as the new artistic director and conductor of the Peterborough Singers, appointed by its Board of Directors on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough SIngers.

“I am absolutely delighted to join you as your new Artistic Director and Conductor,” said Grenke. “It is a true honour to become part of such an outstanding musical community and I look forward with great anticipation to making music together.”

He currently serves as Director of Music at Eglinton St. George’s United Church in Toronto, Artistic Director of the Achill Choral Society in Orangeville, and Instructor of Conducting at Brock University. He holds degrees from Mount Allison University and the University of Toronto and is completing a doctorate in Choral Conducting at the University of Alberta.

Grenke takes over from the founding artistic director, Syd Birrell. The latter announced his retirement in November after 35 years in the role, having founded Peterborough Singers in 1990.

Birrell says he and Grenke share a common vision of what it means to sing in a great choir.

“When I announced my retirement, I told transition committee members that they needed to ask themselves what makes us the choir that we are, and what values we treasure most,” he said. “This choir has always been about more than just good singing. It is about building something meaningful in a community and about believing that a small city can produce music that rivals anything in the country. Shawn shares that belief, and I cannot wait to see what he does with it.”

Over the coming months, Grenke starts his role by preparing a program lineup for the 2026–2027 season.

“I am especially grateful for the remarkable legacy created by Syd Birrell during his extraordinary 35-year tenure,” he said. “To follow in the footsteps of a founding conductor is both humbling and inspiring.”

“I am so thrilled to be able to tell you today that the future of the Peterborough Singers looks very bright indeed,” concluded Birrell.

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Peterborough Folk Festival Names Tristan Konkle the 2026 Emerging Artist

Following a record number of submissions, the Peterborough Folk Festival (PFF) has announced Peterborough-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tristan Konkle as the PFF 2026 Emerging Artist Award recipient.

Photo courtesy of peterborough folk fest.

Raised in Peterborough, the self-produced artist was drawn early to the architects of late-20th-century pop, pairing energetic performances with a deep commitment to the songwriting craft. Since picking up a guitar at the age of twelve, Tristan Konkle has built a catalogue through years of songwriting and live performances at hometown venues such as Jethro’s Bar + Stage, Sadleir House and the Pig’s Ear Tavern. Through these performances, he has developed a reputation for his songwriting and compelling live shows.

Alongside his work as a performer, Konkle has become an active studio collaborator within the Peterborough music community. In 2025, he produced several songs for the indie-folk band VANCAMP, winner of the PFF 2024 Emerging Artist Award. Also in 2025, Konkle co-produced a full-length album for Edmonton songwriter Ellie Heath alongside acclaimed Canadian producer Hawksley Workman, scheduled for release in mid 2026. Now releasing music under his own name for the first time since fronting the band Tapes In Motion, Konkle blends modern indie pop with vintage influences, guided by thoughtful production and the support of his hometown community.

“I'm so excited for Tristan to be a part of an amazing group of emerging artists who over the past 25 years have contributed so much to our community”, says PFF artistic director Ryan Kemp. “I encourage everyone in our community to support artists like Tristan by going to their shows, buying their merch and sharing their music with others. This award has organically evolved into a family of artists who support one another, which is truly the spirit of the festival.”

For the full list of PFF Emerging Artist Award recipients, visit the website.

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Local Musician James Higgins Reports Professional Music Equipment Stolen From His Vehicle in Peterborough

Campbellford musician James Higgins speaks out after the majority of his music equipment was stolen from his vehicle following a performance in Peterborough Saturday night.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Higgins says his vehicle, which was parked in the King Street parking garage, held nearly all his music equipment, which he stored “out of sight, covered with a blanket.”

“I've never had any issue in my history of having gear in my vehicle overnight in Peterborough, but I'm feeling gutted now,” said Higgins in a Facebook post.

Items that he has reported stolen include:

• Epiphone J-200 Guitar in case

• Yamaha LJ-16 Guitar in case

• Blue Montreal Expos duffle bag

• Boss VE-8 pedal

• Microphone stand

• Shure Microphone

• Yorkville XM400 speaker tower (3 pieces)

• Harmonica and mount

• Manfrotto Camera Tripod

• 4FT × 4FT James Higgins logo banner

• Pvc piping banner stand

• Acryllic Tip Box with my logo on it

• 150+ custom logo guitar picks

• Custom logo vinyl die cut stickers

Higgins has reported the theft to both the parking garage security and the Peterborough Police. He asks that if the community comes across any of these pieces, which are often equipped with his custom logo, to contact the Peterborough Police.

“I will not be cancelling any gigs,” continued Higgins. “I will figure things out. I just wanted to spread the word.”

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Peterborough Musicfest Named One of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events

Peterborough Musicfest has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO).

Peterborough Musicfest is Canada’s longest-running free outdoor concert series. Each summer at Del Crary Park, over 100,000 people gather along the waterfront to experience music performances in a barrier-free, family-friendly setting. Photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest.

For nearly four decades, Peterborough Musicfest has operated, bringing music to Downtown Peterborough during the summer. FEO’s recognition highlights the calibre of performances presented each season, as well as the collective effort of volunteers, sponsors, artists, donors and audiences who make the series possible.

The FEO Top 100 designation is awarded by an independent panel of judges and recognizes innovation, economic impact, community engagement and overall excellence.

“This recognition belongs to our volunteers, our sponsors, our artists, our donors and every single person who brings a lawn chair down to Del Crary Park on a Wednesday or Saturday night,” said Tracey Randall, Peterborough Musicfest executive director. “Musicfest has always been about access, energy and community and this honour reflects the strength and spirit of our supporters.”

“Congratulations to Peterborough Musicfest on being named one of the Top 100 Festivals by Festivals and Events Ontario,” said City Councillors and Community Services Co-Chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “As we look forward to the 39th season beginning on June 27, we recognize the work of Musicfest's staff, board and volunteers in creating one of Peterborough's most beloved summer traditions: a celebration of culture, creativity, and community along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, one of Ontario’s most beautiful settings.”

Concerts for this year’s festival start June 27 and continue through to Aug.19.

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Peterborough Folk Festival Announces Bahamas to Close Out the 37th Annual Festival in August

The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced that Canadian band Bahamas will close out this year’s festival with a full band performance on Aug. 16.

photo courtesy of the peterborough folk festival.

Bahamas is the musical project of Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Afie Jurvanen. With a career spanning more than a decade, Bahamas has become one of Canada’s most celebrated artists, earning multiple awards and international acclaim.

Bahamas has released seven albums from 2009 to date, receiving Juno Award nominations in several categories. Bahamas won two Juno Awards in 2015 for Songwriter of the Year and Adult Alternative Album of the Year. His 2025 release My Second Last Album is currently nominated for a Juno as Adult Alternative Album of the Year. Bahamas will bring a full band to close the festival on Sunday, August 16 with well-known songs like All the Time, Lost in the Light and Stronger Than That. Bahamas has played at the festival twice previously, in 2016 and 2022.

“This year’s Sunday night headlining performance by Bahamas promises to be a highlight of the summer, filled with fan favourites and new material, bringing the 2026 festival to a memorable close,” says Ryan Kemp, artistic director with Peterborough Folk Festival.

Submissions from musical artists to perform from Aug. 13 to 16 are open on the PFF website until Feb. 28. Separate forms are available for artists fromPeterborough and the Kawarthas and for those from outside the area.

The festival says they have received hundreds of artist submissions in 2026 so far.

“The longevity of this beloved event can be attributed to the hundreds of volunteers, community members and supporters, funders and granting agencies who help make the festival possible year after year,” said Festival chair Rob Davis. “We are truly grateful for your dedication and commitment.”

For more information on how to donate to the PFF, click the link. Charitable tax receipts for donations of $25 or more are provided automatically.

For information on how your business can sponsor the festival, visit the link or get in contact via email.

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United Way’s Peterborough Performs Returns For Its 6th Year to Celebrate Local Music and Raise Funds to Address Homelessness

At a press conference Thursday, United Way Peterborough and District announced the 6th annual Peterborough Performs: Musicians United to End Homelessness, taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre Feb. 26.

Photo courtesy of united way peterborough.

This event brings together 14 local acts for a night of music, community and generosity; raising funds to support programs that address homelessness in the region.

Since its inception in 2020, Peterborough Performs has raised over $135,000 to support initiatives in Peterborough and County addressing homelessness, helping hundreds of neighbours access housing and vital services. Last year, United Way partner agencies across the community provided 15,013 nights of safe shelter.

"I have come to know Peterborough as a community that shows up when it matters most, and Peterborough Performs VI is the perfect example,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough and District. “Every note played, every ticket purchased and every bid in the virtual auction translates into real support for neighbours facing homelessness. Together, we’re not just raising funds, we’re raising hope, dignity and opportunity for those who need it most."

United Way says they have just under $100,000 left to reach this year’s $1.6 million campaign goal.

“This event has grown tremendously since 2020. What began as a one-time idea has evolved into a signature community tradition, with a total of 44 acts taking the stage over the years, representing more than 100 incredible local musicians,” said United Way Peterborough and District’s 2025 Campaign Chair and PTBO Performs coordinator Paul Rellinger. “We couldn’t do this without their generosity and talent, and we certainly couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of our community. I’m especially grateful to United Way for continuing to champion this event year after year. This year’s show is going to be spectacular.”

The PTBO Performs VI Virtual Auction opened Feb. 12. The two week-long auction features items donated by local businesses, organizations and community members.

Bidding for the virtual auction runs until 9:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Auction winners attending the event can pick up their prizes at Showplace, and others can collect items from the United Way office (277 Stewart St.) All proceeds from the auction go directly toward United Way programs addressing homelessness.

Tickets are $50 each or two for $80, available at the Showplace Box Office (290 George St N.) in person or online.

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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.

As Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival, Peterborough Musicfest has become a  summer tradition that welcomes audiences of all ages and showcases a mix of Canadian and international artists every Wednesday and Saturday nights.

“Musicfest has always been about bringing people together,” said Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest Tracey Randall. “There’s something incredibly special about sharing live music by the lake, it creates connection, joy and lasting memories. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Del Crary Park for another summer of free concerts and community celebration.”

Planning for the 2026 season is underway, with artist bookings, partnerships and community collaborations taking shape behind the scenes. Lineup announcements and season highlights are said to roll out in the months ahead.

Returning this season is the 50/50 Raffle Draw, Invest In Musicfest donation drive, food vending and pre-show activities. 

For updates and more information, visit the website.

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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.

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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.

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