Peterborough Musicfest Looks Ahead to Another Big Week After Weather Throws Canada Day Curveball

By Scott Arnold

Sass Jordan returns Wednesday while Lighthouse headlines Saturday, with Lotsy opening the midweek show on the Cogeco Future Sound Series stage and Carling Stephen kicking off the weekend show.

peterborough musician carling stephen will perform at musicfest on saturday ahead of lighthouse

peterborough musician carling stephen will kickoff SAturday’s musicfest at 6:30pm from the side stage before lighthouse hits the main stage at 8pm (photo by Scott arnold)

Peterborough Musicfest is turning its attention to another exciting week of concerts after Mother Nature forced an unexpected change to the schedule on Canada Day.

The festival's daytime Canada Day programming went ahead as planned, but severe weather rolled into Del Crary Park just before the evening concert, forcing organizers to cancel Neon Nostalgic's performance for the safety of concertgoers, staff and performers.

"It was more eventful than we expected it to be," said Peterborough Musicfest Marketing and Communications Manager Raff Melito.

Although Musicfest typically operates rain or shine, organizers made the rare decision to cancel before the festival's usual 7:55 pm weather deadline after a severe thunderstorm warning was issued and powerful winds swept through the park.

"Tents were flying, the chairs were spun around. It was a really strong, intense wind," Melito said.

With the stage and equipment left soaked by the storm and more severe weather possible later in the evening, organizers determined it wasn't safe to continue.

While the cancellation disappointed both fans and the band, Musicfest bounced back just a few days later.

The Good Lovelies returned to Del Crary Park on Saturday for their first festival appearance since 2014, performing to another strong crowd on what turned into a beautiful summer evening.

"I think everyone who attended was really into listening to them perform because they were captivated," said Melito.

Now, attention shifts to another pair of concerts this week.

sass jordan will be performing for the third time at peterborough musicfest on Wedneday, July 8th, at 8pm at Del Crary Park (photo courtesy of PEterborough musicfest)

Rock fans will welcome Sass Jordan back to Peterborough on Wednesday night, July 8th, for her third Musicfest appearance. Known for her powerhouse vocals and guitar-driven sound, Melito expects another memorable night at the park.

“Her voice is loud and strong and it’s going to be a really great night” says Melito.

Peterborough artist lotsy will perform at 6:30pm on wednesday, july 8th, ahead of headliner sass jordan as part of peterborough musicfest at del crary park (photo via facebook @lotsyland)

Wednesday’s show will begin with Peterborough native Lotsy, who many may know as Sarah Jayne Riley, performing at 6:30pm on the side stage.

Musicfest describes Lotsy’s sound as blending sharp-edged alt-pop, post-punk energy, new wave textures, and giant singalong hooks, describing her songs as being made for late-night drives, festival crowds and moments of personal reckoning.

lighthouse is set to perform at peterborough musicfest at del crary park on saturday july 11th (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Saturday's concert, on July 11th, will feature Canadian music legends Lighthouse, whose catalogue includes classics such as One Fine Morning and Sunny Days.

"If you don't know the band by name, you will absolutely know their songs," Melito said.

Before Lighthouse takes the main stage at 8 pm, Peterborough native Carling Stephen will open the evening on the Cogeco Future Sound Series stage beginning at 6:30 pm.

peterborough native carling stephen will kick things off on SAturday, july 11th, at 6:30pm before lighthouse hits the main stage at 8pm (photo by Scott arnold)

For Stephen, performing at Musicfest is another special chapter in a lifelong connection with the festival.

"Musicfest has been a part of my life," she said. "It's been inspiring and a great place to come and meet people."

She also appeared on the Musicfest stage last summer alongside Beau Dixon, but this year's performance gives her the opportunity to take centre stage herself.

"I'm really looking forward to getting some really good songs played and connecting with the audience," she said.

Concertgoers can expect a mix of blues, jazz, rock, R&B and classic favourites, all delivered with Stephen's own style.

"I add a little jazz to everything I do," she said.

She hopes plenty of family, friends and local music fans will arrive early to catch her set before Lighthouse takes over for the evening.

Along with another week of free music, visitors can also check out Peterborough Musicfest's official merchandise, enjoy the food vendors and take part in the festival's interactive gamification experience. By scanning QR codes throughout the park, visitors can play games, answer trivia and win prizes donated by Musicfest sponsors while waiting for the main stage performances.

Following this week's concerts, Peterborough Musicfest will continue every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer at Del Crary Park.

Want to enjoy one of this week's concerts from some of the best seats in the park? We're giving away a pair of VIP tickets. The winner will receive two reserved seats in the VIP section directly in front of the stage. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for contest details and your chance to win.


Scott Arnold
is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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