Ennismore Musician Melissa Payne Bringing Her Fiddle to France in 2027

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough musician Melissa Payne is inviting fans to join her for a week in France next spring, where she’ll perform aboard an Avalon Waterways river cruise through Paris, Normandy and the French countryside.

Peterborough musician Melissa Payne is inviting fans to join her for a week in France next spring, where she’ll perform aboard an Avalon Waterways river cruise through Paris, Normandy and the French countryside. (photo via facebook @melissapaynemusic)

Payne will be bringing her fiddle along for the May 4th to 11th, 2027 adventure and will perform onboard throughout the week.

The cruise will travel along the Seine, giving passengers the chance to experience Paris, Normandy and smaller towns throughout the French countryside while enjoying live music along the way.

Payne says the trip will combine music, food, sightseeing and a week of cruising through France, and she’d love to have some familiar faces join her.

Those interested in learning more about the trip can find the full details here.

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

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 Musicfest Wraps 39th Season With Record Crowds and Big Plans for 40

By Scott Arnold

More than 110,000 people filled Del Crary Park this summer as Peterborough Musicfest celebrated its 39th season with 16 free concerts, new programs and plenty of memorable nights along the shores of Little Lake.

Season 39 brought plenty of memorable nights to Del Crary Park, with big crowds, local talent and free live music continuing to make Peterborough Musicfest a summer staple. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

There was a lot to celebrate as the final pieces of the festival were packed away at Del Crary Park.

From record crowds and strong 50-50 sales to the addition of new programming for local musicians and young music lovers, Peterborough Musicfest’s 39th season delivered plenty of highlights — and already has the team looking ahead to a milestone 40th season in 2027.

According to Peterborough Musicfest Marketing and Communications Manager Raff Melito, more than 110,000 people came through the park this summer, despite the cancellation of the Canada Day show.

“It’s just been incredible. We had such a great season,” Melito said. “We had a higher attendance than last season, even with our canceled Canada Day show.”

With 16 shows to organize, the season can look like a long way off when planning begins. By the time the final concert is over, however, it seems to have disappeared in an instant.

“At the beginning of the season, we’re like, oh wow, we have these 16 shows to put on and it looks like a long lineup and a big long summer,” Melito said. “And then we’re here and we’re like, I can’t believe it’s over.”

More Than What Happens on Stage

While thousands of people come to Del Crary Park to see the artists, much of the work that makes those nights possible happens long before the first note.

A setup crew of roughly five to seven people arrives in the morning to prepare the park, putting out chairs and tents and getting the vendor and information areas ready. A five-person office team handles everything from marketing and volunteer coordination to event logistics and answering calls.

Then there are the volunteers, board members and others who help keep the festival moving throughout the summer.

“It’s amazing,” Melito said. “Without them, the show would not happen.”

The work also doesn't end when the final concert does. While the festival team will close the office briefly for a break, planning for Season 40 has already begun, including early work on artists and sponsorship packages.

After another busy summer behind the scenes, Raff Melito reflected on the people, programs and packed park that helped make Musicfest’s 39th season one to remember. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Building a Music Community

One of the biggest developments over the past few seasons has been the gradual expansion of what happens at Musicfest beyond the main stage.

The Future Sound Series has created a platform for local artists to perform before the headline acts, giving them an opportunity to reach a much larger audience than they might normally encounter.

This year, Musicfest added another piece with First Note, a free, hands-on music program that gave children and youth the opportunity to pick up instruments and try them for themselves.

Supported by a grant from the Peterborough Foundation, First Note became another way for Musicfest to introduce people to music — from discovering an instrument for the first time, to performing on the side stage, to eventually taking in a major concert.

Melito described the three programs as a “really beautiful ecosystem” that has developed over the past three years.

“I’m really excited to watch all of those programs grow,” he said.

That impact was also something Tracey Randall, Peterborough Musicfest’s Executive Director, singled out when reflecting on the season.

“Just seeing instruments in children’s hands again,” Randall said. “Like when I was a kid, I took my clarinet home every week. So just to see that music in their life. It’s so important.”

Randall said being able to launch First Note with support from the Peterborough Foundation was one of the special moments of the season.

Tracey Randall marked another successful season for Peterborough Musicfest while already looking ahead to what could make the festival’s 40th anniversary even bigger. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

A Season That Reached Beyond Peterborough

Musicfest’s appeal extended well beyond the city, with high-calibre performers drawing audiences from across Ontario.

Randall said the festival had also been looking at how many visitors were travelling more than 40 kilometres to attend, with surveying done throughout the season to help measure that impact.

But for Randall, some of the most rewarding parts of the summer were found in the people working behind the scenes.

Musicfest relies heavily on student staff, many of whom move on to full-time jobs after completing their studies. Watching those staff members grow throughout a fast-paced summer is something Randall said she particularly enjoys.

She also credited the festival’s board, staff, volunteers and the people who work throughout the year to make the summer possible.

“I’m very proud of year 39,” Randall said.

The Trans-Canada Highwaymen Take a Walk

One of the more memorable moments away from the stage came when the Trans-Canada Highwaymen were in Peterborough for their Musicfest performance.

The four Canadian rock veterans — Steven Page, Chris Murphy, Moe Berg and Craig Northey — headed out from Del Crary Park for coffee at the Silver Bean Cafe, walking along the Trans-Canada Trail along the way.

The trail’s connection to the band’s name made the outing particularly fitting, especially when the group stopped for a photo at a Trans-Canada Trail sign.

Randall had been working on bringing the group to Musicfest for three years and said walking with the band through Peterborough was one of her favourite memories of the season.

“We found the Trans-Canada Trail sign along the way and took a photo and it went viral or trended, whatever you want to call it,” she said. “So I really, that was a great day, just going for a walk with the band.”

The moment was followed that night by one of the season’s most talked-about performances, with the group delivering songs from their respective bands and bringing four major Canadian music careers together on one stage.

Trans-Canada Highwaymen brought four of Canada’s best-known alternative-rock voices together for one of the standout performances of Musicfest’s 39th season. (Photo courtesy of PEterborough musicfest)

A Community That Keeps Musicfest Free

For all the big names and memorable performances, one of the festival’s biggest accomplishments remains the fact that the concerts continue to be free.

That depends on a community that continues to support Musicfest through sponsors, donors, volunteers, 50-50 purchases and attendance.

This year, that support was particularly evident through the festival’s 50-50 draw. Melito said nearly $121,000 worth of tickets were sold, providing an important source of revenue to help keep the festival going.

“To me, that is from the community that they support the festival and they wanted to keep going,” Melito said.

But the most meaningful measure of that support can be seen simply by walking through the park on a concert night.

“I see families, I see young kids up dancing, people out on picnic blankets and just rocking out to whatever band is on,” Melito said. “It might be their favourite band, it might be someone they don’t know. But everyone’s there for this shared experience.”

“And that to me is like the cherry on top for the festival.”

Looking Ahead to Season 40

There won't be much time to rest before work begins in earnest on Musicfest’s 40th season.

Melito said the planning has already started, while Randall has plenty of ideas coming out of the festival’s strategic planning process, including possible special seating around the stage area.

There is even talk of bringing back a boat for Canada Day — Randall drove Boat No. 2 during the festival’s first two seasons — as well as the possibility of extending the festival back to eight weeks and into the third week of August.

But those plans depend on continued community and sponsor support, particularly as costs rise and insurance expenses have doubled.

Musicfest is also hoping to announce its first Season 40 performer around Christmas or New Year’s, while planning for the Future Sound Series will continue so local musicians can once again take the stage in front of thousands of people.

For now, though, the 39th season is officially in the books.

After 16 free concerts, more than 110,000 visits to the park, new opportunities for young musicians and local performers, and countless nights shared by people from Peterborough and well beyond, there is plenty for the Musicfest team and community to be proud of.

And while the chairs are coming down and the park is being cleaned up, the work behind the scenes is already underway.

Season 40 is coming.

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

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Peterborough Musicfest Gets Ready to Put a Bow on Another Big Summer

By Scott Arnold

After a summer filled with big crowds, memorable performances and plenty of moments to talk about, Peterborough Musicfest is getting ready for its final night of 2026.

Local singer-songwriter Jeanne Truax will open Peterborough Musicfest’s season finale on Wednesday at 6:30pm, bringing her blend of retro-inspired pop, rockabilly and original music to the Future Sound Series stage at Del Crary Park (Photo by Scott Arnold)

It feels like the summer just got started, but after 16 concerts, countless hours of preparation and some of the biggest crowds the festival has seen, Peterborough Musicfest is down to its final show.

The Dreamboats will headline the final Peterborough Musicfest show of the summer, bringing their high-energy take on 1950s and 1960s rock and roll to the Fred Anderson Stage at 8pm, with local artist Jeanne Truax getting the night started from the Future Sound Series stage at 6:30pm.

Peterborough Musicfest Marketing and Communications Manager Raff Melito says The Dreamboats are a band where the performance is every bit as important as the music, with the group dressing the part, dancing and bringing the classic rock and roll era to life on stage. It promises to be a lively finish to a summer that has already featured plenty of big performances and memorable nights at Del Crary Park.

“They are this incredible band that is as much a performance as it is about the music,” Melito said. “So they put on a great show. It’s 50s and 60s rock’n’roll. They totally dress up. They’re like dancing. It’s going to be an excellent way to close out the season.”

Before the season comes to a close Wednesday night, there is still plenty to look back on.

A Show People Are Still Talking About

Last Wednesday’s Trans-Canada Highwaymen performance was one of those Musicfest nights that seemed to follow people home.

Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies, Chris Murphy of Sloan, Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness and Craig Northey of Odds brought their combined catalogues of Canadian rock hits to the Fred Anderson Stage, but the performance was more than simply four musicians taking turns playing songs from their respective bands.

“They all rotated positions in the band and it just made for such an incredible evening,” said Melito. “They were comedic, they were joking with the audience, they were just incredible.”

The four musicians also made the most of their time in Peterborough before taking the stage.

As it turned out, the Trans-Canada Highwaymen did not even know Peterborough’s Trans Canada Trail was there. After Chris Murphy wanted to find a good cup of coffee and the group was pointed toward the Silverbean Cafe, they walked from Del Crary Park along the trail toward downtown.

When they came across a Trans Canada Trail sign, they stopped for a photo, creating a particularly fitting Peterborough moment for a band whose name was inspired in part by the trail.

“They all stopped to pose for the photo because that’s actually one of the pieces that inspired their name,” Melito said. “So it was a real moment for the band.”

And then they returned to Del Crary Park and put on a show that many Musicfest fans have already described as one of the best they have seen at the festival.

The Trans-Canada Highwaymen stopped for a photo along Peterborough’s Trans-Canada Trail before their August 12th performance at Peterborough Musicfest (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest)

A Final Saturday Night to Rock Out

Saturday brought another packed night to the park, this time with Crystal Faith delivering the music of Styx and Bon Jovi.

The crowd was treated to a night of classic rock favourites, with people dancing and singing along to songs they knew from the opening notes.

Now, Musicfest gets one final chance to do it all again.

The Dreamboats will close out Season 39 on Wednesday night, bringing their high-energy take on 1950s and 1960s rock ’n’ roll to the Fred Anderson Stage.

“They are this incredible band that is as much a performance as it is about the music,” Melito said. “They totally dress up, they’re dancing. It’s going to be an excellent way to close out the season.”

But before The Dreamboats take the stage, the final Musicfest night will begin with a familiar local face.

Jeannie Truax Ready to Start the Final Night

Singer-songwriter Jeannie Truax of Kawartha Lakes will take the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco side stage at 6:30pm, bringing her own mix of 1950s and 1960s pop, rockabilly and indie retro-inspired pop to the park.

And she could hardly be more excited about the opportunity.

“I’m so excited,” Truax said. “It’s going to be so cool.”

She is also particularly well matched with The Dreamboats.

“They’re right in the vein of what we love, that like 50s, 60s pop stuff,” she said. “It’s going to be so fun. Their show is amazing. I can’t wait.”

Music has been part of Truax’s life for as long as she can remember. She grew up in a family of musicians and started playing piano at eight years old.

“I was like forced right into it, sleeping in the piano case while I was growing up,” she joked.

It did not take long for the music to become something she genuinely loved.

She eventually picked up guitar, partly for a very practical reason.

“The reason I picked it up was because it’s really hard to bring a piano to a campfire,” Truax said. “It’s really difficult.”

Her brother later taught her how to play bass, adding another instrument to her growing musical repertoire.

But performing live was a different experience altogether.

Truax had been involved in theatre before becoming a musician, so she was accustomed to being on stage. Even so, her first musical performance brought a different kind of nerves.

“I was terrified, even though I was on the stage pretty much constantly,” she said. “But it was, as soon as I finished, it was like this euphoric feeling. I was like, this is the best day of my life. I’m going to do this forever.”

She may never have taken that first step without a little encouragement.

A friend who had heard her play for years decided she was ready, booked her a show and essentially told her she was doing it.

“He played with me and it was amazing,” Truax said.

From there, things moved quickly.

“I did one show and then I felt like I already had 10 more booked,” she said. “It was crazy how it happens like that.”

A Little Help From Home

For Truax, being part of Musicfest’s final night is about more than simply getting to perform on a big local stage.

It is another chance to play in front of a Peterborough audience that she says has embraced her music.

“The amount of people who take a chance and hire people or go for it in Peterborough just to see what happens is genuinely incredible,” she said. “And the amount of music listeners, like, oh my gosh, there’s so many people who want to listen to music and come out and support.”

That support has helped make Peterborough feel like home as her career has developed.

“It’s really cool to have a place you can come home to,” she said. “And it’s fabulous.”

On Wednesday, she will have plenty of friends and family in the park to cheer her on.

Her set will feature her band, with Truax on acoustic guitar, and will blend 1950s and 1960s pop, rockabilly and her own indie retro-inspired material.

The goal is straightforward.

“Our goal always is just to entertain and have fun,” she said. “The boys that I’m travelling with in my band, we’re all best friends. So we just hope that every time we’re on stage, you can tell how much fun we’re having up there with each other.”

One Last Night at Del Crary Park

There will be plenty happening before the music starts.

Food vendors will be open, with happy hour deals available early in the evening, while the Peterborough Musicfest merchandise booth will offer end-of-season deals on select items.

The 50-50 draw will also return for its final night. Musicfest has already sold more than $110,000 worth of tickets this summer, resulting in more than $55,000 in prize money.

Tickets can be purchased online from anywhere in Ontario through Musicfest’s 50-50 website, with the final jackpot set to be drawn Wednesday night.

For Melito and the Musicfest team, reaching the final show is a little hard to believe after spending an entire year preparing for the season.

“At the beginning of the season, you’re like, wow, there are 16 shows to put on here at the park,” she said. “And then all of a sudden you look at the calendar and you’re like, it’s the last week. How did that happen?”

There is plenty of pride in what has been accomplished, along with the inevitable bittersweet feeling that comes with bringing another season to an end.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of fundraising, a lot of feet on the ground,” Melito said. “And then we’re here in the last week and it’s like we have to say goodbye to everyone until next season. So bittersweet, but we’re really looking forward to a fantastic season finale.”

That finale gets underway Wednesday at 6:30pm with Jeannie Truax, followed by The Dreamboats at 8pm.

After a summer of big-name performers, packed nights and plenty of reasons to make the trip to Del Crary Park, Musicfest has one more night to bring Peterborough together on the shores of Little Lake.

Want to enjoy the final Musicfest concert of the summer 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

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.

Trans-Canada Highwaymen and Crystal Faith Bring Two Big Nights of Rock to Peterborough Musicfest

By Scott Arnold

With just three concerts remaining this summer, Peterborough Musicfest is heading into its final stretch with two more big nights of music at Del Crary Park this week.

Peterborough Musicfest Host and Events Coordinator Jess Morcombe has plenty to smile about with another big week of music ahead, including a Wednesday night appearance by Trans-Canada Highwaymen and a Saturday night rock sing-along with Crystal Faith. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

It’s hard to believe Peterborough Musicfest is already nearing the end of its 39th season, but there are still three concerts left to enjoy, including two very different nights of rock coming up this week.

Wednesday, August 12th brings Canadian supergroup Trans-Canada Highwaymen to the Fred Anderson Stage, while Saturday, August 15th will see Crystal Faith bring the music of Styx and Bon Jovi to the park.

But before looking ahead, there was plenty to celebrate from another busy week at Musicfest.

Big Night With Crash Test Dummies and David Wilcox Finally Gets His Night

Crash Test Dummies returned to the Musicfest stage Wednesday night for their first Peterborough appearance since 2019, and they were greeted by a big crowd.

“It was awesome,” says Peterborough Musicfest Host and Events Coordinator Jess Morcombe. “There was a huge crowd, lots going on, lots of dancing, lots of swaying to the music. It was a really lovely night.”

Then came Saturday, when David Wilcox finally made it back to the stage following another weather scare.

After a rainy afternoon that had people wondering if Wilcox might be cursed in Peterborough following the cancellation of his 2024 show because of a city-wide power outage, the skies cleared just in time.

“It was a day of speculation that David Wilcox may be cursed in the city of Peterborough after a couple of years ago the power outage,” Morcombe says. “But we pulled through, the sun came out at 6:30 and we had a lovely show.”

Wilcox has now performed at Musicfest three times, despite having four scheduled appearances, with his latest return finally putting an end to the long-running weather drama.

Four of Canada’s biggest names in rock come together Wednesday as Trans-Canada Highwaymen bring Steven Page, Chris Murphy, Moe Berg and Craig Northey to the Peterborough Musicfest stage for a night packed with familiar Canadian favourites. (Photo provided by peterborough musicfest)

Four Canadian Rock Icons On One Stage

Wednesday night’s show is one Musicfest fans have been anticipating since the lineup was announced.

Trans-Canada Highwaymen brings together four musicians who helped define Canadian rock: Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies, Chris Murphy of Sloan, Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness and Craig Northey of Odds.

“Yeah, it really is a super group and we don't toss that around lightly,” Morcombe says.

“You've got four people who really defined the Canadian rock genre.”

The group will perform songs from their respective catalogues, along with other Canadian hits and selections from their 2023 album Explosive Hits Vol. 1.

That means fans can expect plenty of familiar songs from four bands that have been part of Canadian music for decades.

“We've got Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies,” Morcombe says. “We've got Chris Murphy of Sloan, both of whom you might have seen separately on our stage last year. And then alongside them, we have Mo Berg from Pursuit of Happiness and Craig Northey of Odds.”

The group’s busy schedules make the opportunity to see all four together particularly rare.

“They both have such crazy tour schedules with their independent bands,” Morcombe says. “So together, that's something that Peterborough does not want to miss.”

Trans-Canada Highwaymen takes the Fred Anderson Stage at 8pm Wednesday, but there is plenty happening before the show.

local singer and songwriter Calvin Bakelaar of VANcamp will kick things off at peterborough musicfest on wednesday at del crary park on the future sound series stage at 6:30pm (photo by Scott Arnold)

VANCAMP Brings A Local Sound To The Side Stage

Peterborough singer-songwriter Calvin Bakelaar, performing as VANCAMP, will kick off Wednesday night’s Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco at 6:30pm.

For Bakelaar, it will be his second appearance on the Future Sound Series stage, but this time he’ll be performing solo acoustic.

“I'm really looking forward to it,” Bakelaar says. “I'm going to play solo acoustic this time. Last year I played it with the trio and I don't know, I really like those opportunities just to play sort of solo.”

It’s been a busy summer for Bakelaar, who has been performing regularly while also preparing new music.

“Lots of shows, releasing new music,” he says. “It's actually should be out on Wednesday, so that's exciting. Brand new EP.”

That EP, House Parties in the Avenues, will be available wherever music is streamed.

Bakelaar says playing at home is particularly meaningful, especially when friends, family and other members of the local music community are in the crowd.

“It's really special,” he says. “I think this year particularly has been pretty hard for me and my family. So it's nice to get an opportunity just to take some time, sit in the park and enjoy some live music.”

He’ll also get the chance to share his own music with that same community.

“I get the chance to play my music and yeah, it's just really cool,” Bakelaar says.

For anyone arriving early Wednesday, VANCAMP's set will feature a mix of indie folk, singer-songwriter and indie pop, along with some covers.

“A lot of it's indie folk, a lot of it's sort of got that singer-songwriter aesthetic to it,” Bakelaar says. “We've been branching into the indie pop section of music as well. So there's a little bit of everything.”

Music has been part of Bakelaar’s life for years. He started drumming when he was 10, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that he began writing his own music.

“I think during COVID was that opportunity where I had some time on my hands and I started writing and it's just been sort of nonstop ever since,” he says.

His first performance came much earlier, however, when he was a Grade 6 student.

“I was drumming at a Grade 6 talent show and I was drumming to the Beatles song ‘Help,’” Bakelaar recalls.

These days, he’s working on carving out his own place in Peterborough’s music scene.

“It's just, you know, it's finding the motivation to keep going and just do something you're passionate about,” he says. “And when I see my friends do things they're passionate about, that's what inspires me the most.”

Crystal Faith brings the music of Styx and Bon Jovi to the Peterborough Musicfest stage Saturday, August 15th, with a night of familiar rock favourites including “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.” (Photo provided by peterborough musicfest)

Crystal Faith Brings Two Rock Classics Together

Saturday night will bring another big sing-along to Del Crary Park when Crystal Faith presents The Best of Styx and Bon Jovi.

If the reaction to previous tribute shows is any indication, there should be plenty of people singing along.

“If you're looking for a great sing-along, we've got Crystal Faith coming on Saturday,” Morcombe says.

The five-piece tribute band will perform a 90-minute show featuring songs from both legendary rock catalogues, including “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

“You got some awesome harmonies and keys with the Styx songs and then, of course, incredible ballads for Bon Jovi,” Morcombe says.

“And I'm hoping the whole crowd sings along and we get people up on their feet and it should be a night to rock out to for sure.”

The Colton Sisters bring their folk sound to the Future Sound Series side stage Saturday, August 15th, getting the evening started before Crystal Faith takes the Fred Anderson Stage with the music of Styx and Bon Jovi. (Photo provided by peterborough musicfest)

The music gets started at 6:30pm on the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco side stage with the Colton Sisters.

Peterborough-area sisters Mary and Martha Colton have been making music together since their early teens. Raised on a farm just outside the city, they began singing together before picking up guitars and writing their own songs.

They have since become familiar faces at local venues and festivals, and were also featured on the Bell Fibe TV program The November Project. Their music is driven by the close vocal harmonies that come from two sisters singing together.

First Note Returns for One More Night

First Note, Musicfest’s free hands-on music program for children and youth, will also returns for a final time on Wednesday, August 12th, from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

The program gives young people the opportunity to pick up instruments, try something new and make some music, with no registration or previous experience required.

Morcombe said the response to the program has been strong since it launched earlier this summer, and First Note will continue through the final shows.

“It’s really sort of a sensory experience,” she said. “We just had chairs out and kids just flocked to them and it was so great to see all these people, all these young people picking up instruments, strumming along, shaking little sound makers, tambourines, and they just had a blast.”

The program requires no registration or previous musical experience, with instruments provided through Long & McQuade and support from the Peterborough Foundation.

Three Unclaimed 50-50 Tickets Are Still Out There

There’s also a reason for anyone who has bought a Musicfest 50-50 ticket this summer to check their pockets one more time.

Three winning tickets remain unclaimed, including the ticket from the Matthew Good show that is worth $5,050.

Morcombe confirmed that none of the three winners have come forward yet, and all three tickets were purchased at the park.

“So if you bought tickets down at the park, it might be you,” she said.

Musicfest has previously announced the winning numbers, so anyone who attended the Tyler Joe Miller, Julian Taylor or Matthew Good shows and purchased a 50-50 ticket should check their numbers at Musicfest5050.ca.

Three Concerts Left

With just three concerts remaining, Musicfest is encouraging people who haven’t made it down to Del Crary Park yet this summer to take advantage of the final stretch.

And for those who have already been coming out, there are still three more chances to enjoy a night at the park.

“It’s just a couple more nights of great music,” Morcombe says. “So if you haven't made it out already, now's your chance. We got three left. So come see them.”

There are plenty of reasons to arrive early, with food vendors, the Musicfest merchandise booth, the Future Sound Series and First Note all happening before the main stage shows.

And, as always, admission to Peterborough Musicfest concerts is free.

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

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.

Crash Test Dummies and David Wilcox Headline Peterborough Musicfest This Week

By Scott Arnold

Crash Test Dummies return to Del Crary Park on Wednesday before Canadian music icon David Wilcox takes the stage Saturday, as Peterborough Musicfest rolls into another packed week after drawing a record crowd of 11,200 fans last Wednesday.

With one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music history, Crash Test Dummies are a three-time Grammy-nominated, JUNO Award-winning band best known for 1990s hits “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” and “Superman’s Song” (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Peterborough Musicfest heads into another week of free live music after two memorable nights at Del Crary Park that kept the momentum of the festival's 39th season rolling.

Last Wednesday, Dwayne Gretzky lived up to its reputation as "Canada's Greatest Party Band," drawing a record crowd of 11,200 people to the park.

"The whole park was up and dancing," said Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Raff Melito. "Many of the people there had seen Dwayne Gretzky before, but it was a new band for some, and I'm sure everyone went home singing songs that they love on the way home."

The impressive attendance even included one fan who travelled from Atlanta, Georgia specifically to see the band perform at Del Crary Park.

Saturday kept the energy going with tribute performances celebrating Shania Twain and Garth Brooks.

Melito said the timing couldn't have been better for the Shania Twain tribute, with the Canadian country superstar recently back in the spotlight. The evening concluded with a strong turnout for the Garth Brooks tribute before many concertgoers stayed to enjoy the City of Peterborough's fireworks display.

The busy weekend also produced Peterborough Musicfest's largest 50-50 jackpot of the season, with the winner taking home $6,500.

it’s another big week for peterborough musicfest at del crary park with crash test dummies set to headline on wednesday, august 5th, and david wilcox on saturday, august 8th (photo by scott arnold)

This week, attention turns to two more Canadian favourites.

Crash Test Dummies return to the Fred Anderson Stage on Wednesday, marking their first Peterborough Musicfest appearance since 2019.

Known for hits including Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm, Superman's Song, Afternoons & Coffeespoons and The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead, the Grammy-nominated and JUNO Award-winning band reunited in 2018 after a 20-year hiatus and has continued touring across Canada and beyond.

"The last time they were on our stage was 2019," said Melito. "Great turnout, great response. So we decided to book them again."

A superb entertainer, master guitarist, with his signature soulful voice, David Wilcox has inhabited the Canadian musical landscape for decades with his blend of rock, blues, country, ragtime and other roots styles and will be treating the Musicfest stage to his unique brand of Canadiana (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Saturday night welcomes the return of David Wilcox, whose blend of blues, rock, country and roots music has made him one of Canada's most recognizable performers.

While this marks Wilcox's third Musicfest performance, it will actually be his fourth scheduled appearance. He was originally booked in 2024 before a citywide power outage forced the concert to be cancelled. Musicfest quickly rescheduled the performance four days later to close out last year's season.

"He's always a fan favourite," said Melito.

The music gets underway before each headline performance with the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco.

Port Hope musician Jeff Biggar opens Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., while Indigenous singer-songwriter James N. Wilson takes the side stage Saturday. Wilson's performance is supported through the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

a new program call First Note, Peterborough Musicfest's new free music instruction program for children and youth, debuted at del crary park last on SAturday and will return wednesday and saturday this week (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Families are also invited to check out First Note, Peterborough Musicfest's new free music instruction program for children and youth.

After making its debut last Saturday, Melito said the response exceeded expectations.

"We had such a great response to it," she said. "Kids just flocked to the instruments. It was so great to see all these young people picking up instruments, strumming along, shaking little sound makers, tambourines, and they just had a blast."

First Note runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday and the following Wednesday, giving children and youth the opportunity to try a variety of instruments with guidance from volunteer music instructors. No registration or previous musical experience is required.

Concertgoers are also reminded to check any 50-50 tickets they may still have at home.

Winning tickets from the Tyler Joe Miller, Julian Taylor and Matthew Good concerts remain unclaimed, including a $5,050 jackpot from the Matthew Good show. Winning numbers can be found at MusicFest5050.ca.

Those arriving early can also enjoy food vendors, Peterborough Musicfest merchandise, and the festival's Challenge of the Day through the Musicfest app before the evening's performances begin.

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 to Wednesday’s show, along with a Meet & Greet with the Crash Test Dummies. The winner will receive two reserved seats in the VIP section directly in front of the stage. Visit our Facebook or 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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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

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.

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 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.

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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.

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