Dwayne Gretzky Along with Shania Twain and Garth Brooks Tributes Headline Peterborough Musicfest This Week

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Musicfest is almost halfway through its summer concert season, with another week of free live music ahead after two memorable performances at Del Crary Park last week.

Returning for their sixth appearance at peterborough musicfest, Dwayne Gretzky is one of Canada’s most in-demand live acts, known for delivering a high-energy set of classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Last week brought two very different, but equally energetic, nights to Peterborough Musicfest.

Wednesday’s performance featured Matthew Good and His Band, drawing what Musicfest organizers believe was the biggest crowd of the summer so far, with more than 10,000 people estimated to be in attendance.

The crowd was filled with longtime fans who sang along throughout the performance as Matthew Good delivered a set featuring songs from across his career.

“It was such an excellent show,” said Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Raff Melito. “The park was filled with Matthew Good fans and everyone was standing up, everyone was singing along.”

Saturday night brought a completely different sound to Del Crary Park as My Son the Hurricane took the stage.

The 12-member ensemble brought a high-energy performance featuring horns, movement and plenty of reasons for the crowd to get up and dance.

“It’s not just that they’re playing instruments, they are performing on stage,” said Melito. “They have these synchronized dance numbers that they work on.”

The performance also helped introduce many new fans to the band, with Melito saying many people who arrived unfamiliar with My Son the Hurricane left impressed.

With last week’s crowds setting the stage, Musicfest continues this week with two more nights of live music.

Making their sixth appearance at Musicfest, Dwayne Gretzky takes over the main stage Wednesday night, bringing what the band describes as Canada’s Greatest Party Band to Del Crary Park.

The large ensemble, which often features between 12 and 14 musicians, performs a wide range of cover songs spanning multiple decades, with a setlist featuring familiar favourites from artists including Fleetwood Mac and other major hits.

“They’re all definitely big hits and you’re going to know every song that they perform,” said Melito.

The evening will begin with JJ Thompson on the Future Sound Series side stage at 6:30 p.m. Thompson, the front person for JJ and the Pillars, will open the night before Dwayne Gretzky takes the stage.

Saturday’s show will bring a country music celebration to the park, featuring tribute performances honouring Shania Twain and Garth Brooks.

The evening will feature two separate performances, with the Shania Twain tribute opening the night before the Garth Brooks tribute closes out the show.

“It’s going to be such a fun night at the park,” said Melito. “They will have the crowd up and singing along for sure.”

Georgia Rose will kick off the evening on the Future Sound Series side stage at 6:30 p.m.

Beyond the music, Saturday’s show will also introduce a new program designed to help put instruments into the hands of young musicians.

Peterborough Musicfest’s new First Note program will offer free music instruction for children and youth, with instruments provided through a partnership with Long & McQuade.

The program will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. near the Future Sound Series side stage, with music instructors available to help participants learn the basics of different instruments.

“We’re really not necessarily looking for the next arena rider, but kind of looking for the next arena rider,” said Melito. “We’re just trying to find a way to put instruments into kids’ hands and give them that introduction to something that could become a lifelong passion.”

The program will run for four nights this summer, beginning August 1st and continuing for the following three concerts.

Musicfest attendees are also reminded to check their 50-50 tickets, as three winning tickets from this summer remain unclaimed.

One of those tickets is from the July 22nd Matthew Good show, with a jackpot of $5,050 still waiting to be claimed. Winning numbers can be checked online at MusicFest5050.ca.

With free concerts, food vendors, merchandise, the Future Sound Series side stage and new activities happening throughout the summer, Musicfest continues to offer a full night of entertainment 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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