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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Musician Releases New Song While Recovering From Severe Chronic Illness

Peterborough based musician, Paul L. Clark, released his new song ‘The Purgatory Blues’ on Monday.

While sitting on the edge of a hospital bed at 3 a.m., physically and mentally drained as he recovered from a severe chronic illness that left him gaunt and exhausted, and brought him to the brink of death, Clark had what he calls an epiphany.

“I kept hearing an earworm. I smiled as I realized what I was hearing wasn’t any existing music. I buzzed my nurse and asked for a piece of paper and a pen and the words that fit the tune in my head poured out of me. The entire song flowed out all in one shot,” he said.

Clark says he soon found - or was found by - people that could help him.

One of those people was Don Skuce, the longtime owner of Ed’s Music Workshop in Peterborough. Clark met Skuce at a weekly breakfast that saw a number of musicians get together to swap tales over eggs and bacon.

Both were ill, Skuce in the final stages of a tough battle with cancer and Clark on the cusp of his own debilitating illness.

“It was obvious that both of us were rapidly losing weight but our dark humour begged us to ask the question ‘So who is going to die first?’ We’d laugh and often I told him ‘The devil doesn’t want me and the Lord won’t take you, so what are we going to do.’”

Skuce passed in June 2018 but Clark’s memory of their special relationship never faded. When he found himself critically ill facing his own death, Clark discovered strength in their bond. But more to the point, the poignant words he shared with his friend never left his head, eventually forming the basis of one very special song.

Back home recuperating, Clark brought ‘The Purgatory Blues’ to life.

After recording his percussion tracks, he enlisted some of his favourite musicians - vocalists Bridget Foley and Lindsay Barr, guitarist Brandon Humphrey, and bassist Rob Foreman – to round out what he had been hearing in his head.

They recorded The Purgatory Blues under the name The Smirky Waters Band.

The result is a piece that unites elements of R&B, soul-jazz and reggae that deny it being buttonholed into any particular identified music genre.

“I don’t write and play genres…I write and play moods,” said Clark. “I’ve learned to go with the flow as opposed to thinking so much you wreck it. Surpass any fears or nervousness. When you trust, you’re on a different foundation and it takes you to another level. The verses are what I learned - laugh at the noise, your dreams know the way. The Purgatory Blues is a very personal piece that pays homage to my friendship with Don and each of my fellow travelers.”

To purchase the studio version of The Purgatory Blues by The Smirky Waters Band from any one of a number of major distribution platforms, visit https://songwhip.com/the-smirky-waters-band/the-purgatory-blues.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Irish Millie Brings a New Generation to Celtic Music

Ameilia Shadgett is breaking the age barrier of Celtic music and bringing the culture to people of all ages.

Thirteen by Irish Millie. Cover art done by Barking Pixel Design Co. Photo Courtesy of Irish Millie.

The 14-year-old, known as Irish Millie, released her first album titled Thirteen in May.

Recording an album has been a dream of hers for a long time but it took time to get the ball rolling.

While playing at a local farmer’s market, Gregory Pastic from LaunchPad Records approached Millie and her dad Murray with hopes to record an album. Her dreams came true when the pandemic hit and she had more time to focus on her music.

“It feels like I’m stepping up a bit and getting a little bit bigger,” she said. “When I would listen to my favourite artists on Spotify I’d think ‘I want that for myself and the fact that that has happened — I’m overjoyed.”

Now Millie and her dad spend their time playing gigs at local venues. While most of the crowd is often much older than Millie, she says her friends are a great support and she hopes that more young people will come to realize just how fun Celtic music can be.

Millie says she feels fiddle music is often directed at people older than herself and she wants to change that.

“It’s a very cool culture and a very diverse community of people that are involved in this kind of music,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of younger people realize that until they’ve heard it.”

The music Millie plays makes her feel empowered and she wants anyone that listens to feel the same.

“I want everyone to understand why I love it.”

Irish Millie is playing at The Blackhorse Pub on July 7 and 21 at 6:00 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.