Pink Floyd Tribute Band 'Brit Floyd' To Rock the Peterborough Memorial Centre For Oct. 25

It is another brick in the wall as the spirit of Pink Floyd continues as tribute band Brit Floyd is performing at the Peterborough Centre for Oct. 25, announced on Tuesday.

The band will also feature Ian Cattell, Edo Scordo, Eva Avila and several others that have joined the ranks of Brit Floyd over the course of the last decade. Photo courtesy of Jim Houle and Brit Floyd.

The band is performing a brand-new production celebrating 50 years of the famed album The Dark Side of the Moon. The gig features classic tracks from the album such as Time, Money, Us and Them and The Great Gig in the Sky.

The set list also includes other highlights from Pink Floyd’s magnificent catalogue of albums including tracks from The Wall, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Division Bell, Medal and more.

Brit Floyd has performed over 1,000 shows since its launch in Liverpool, England in January 2011. They have sold out tours across, Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East. They have performed concerts at some fo the world’s most notable venus such as the London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall; the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Col.; the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and 'The Showplace of the Nation', NYC's Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.

Tickets start at just $44.50 and go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m., online or in person at the PMC Box Office or by phone at 705-743-3561.

Exclusive ticket pre-sale for PMC Scoop Members start on Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 23 - 25

file photo.

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 23 to 25!

Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival at Trent University

Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) is an unjuried, uncensored festival for independent Indigenous performers in theatre, dance, music and comedy. Participants send in applications and are chosen by lottery. Performers receive 100% of the box office proceeds. NIFF is proud to be a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.

NIFF is committed to providing a space for people to experience and embrace the arts and community with an extensive commitment to the development and transmittal of cultural knowledge and creative practice.

When: All weekend

Where: Trent University

Five Counties Backyard Summer Social

The Backyard Summer Social will be in full bloom on Saturday, June 24, as it returns for a second year to Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough. The inaugural event held in 2022 raised more than $45,000 for critical, high-demand treatment services for children/youth at Five Counties. Now the Centre’s signature fundraising event is back with music, food, entertainment, fun activities and more as it offers a high-end gala experience for adults with a fun summer twist.

“Our Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only gala event that celebrates the arrival of summer, lets you be like a kid again, and allows you to swap out the tux, gown and heels for T-shirt, shorts and sandals all the while supporting a great cause,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties. “Our initial Backyard Summer Social was a smashing success, and we plan to make it even bigger, bolder and better in 2023!”

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are now on sale for $125/person. Tickets are available online or through Five Counties (email development@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300). Along with a charitable tax receipt, each ticket purchased to the Backyard Summer Social includes all food, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities, and a chance to win fantastic door prizes.

People attending the Backyard Summer Social on June 24 can look forward to:

• Fantastic food/fare catered by La Mesita, SKH Catering and Loaded Pierogi.

• Sweet treats from Central Smith and Flossophy.

• Drinks from Rolling Grape and Brock Street Brewery.

• Musical performances by Irish Millie and the Boogie Time Ramblers.

• Live auction and door prizes.

• Axe throwing, lacrosse shootout, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more.

• Behind-the-scenes tour of Five Counties’ Peterborough location.

When: Saturday June 24, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough

Beatlemania at Market Hall

Join us at The Market Hall in Peterborough for a truly unforgettable show! The Beatles – From early Ed Sullivan to Let it be, you’ll get all the hits. Experience a live Beatles show through all eras of their career, live on stage with their high energy, impeccable musicianship, showmanship, and humour.

The Liverpool 4, Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles has been delighting audiences for nearly two decades with their live high energy performance! They have played thousands of shows across North America including appearances with Global TV morning show, Maple Leaf Gardens, Universal Pictures, The British Isle’s shows as well as countless theaters and festivals.

The show performance is 2 acts with a 20-minute intermission. It must be seen to be believed. Come together and sing and dance along, clap your hands, stomp your feet, or just rattle your jewelry!

When: Saturday June 24, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: Market Hall

League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Darby FC

The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Darby FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: Saturday, June 24 noon to 2 p.m.

Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares.

When: Saturday June 10, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Peterborough ComicCon

Admission : $5 for Adults . Children 12 and under are Free !!
TICKETS: Online ( Eventbrite ) & at the door.
If you purchase your ticket online you will get a Free comic book at the door.

FOOD DONATIONS:
Please bring non-perishable food items for your local community food bank and get entered to win some fun prizes.
One raffle ticket will be given for each item.
<< maximum 10 per person >>
The following items are in high demand and are greatly appreciated :

VENDORS: A variety of vendors will be selling comic books, new & vintage toys, jewelry, DVD's, anime, prints, and a variety of other awesome geek stuff . There will even be some Artists & Authors present with their own art , books and comics. Visit their booths and get some unique items and even some free autographs!!

BUYING: Some vendors will be buying. Bring your unwanted comic books , toys, video games and anything else you are looking to clear out and go home with some extra cash!!

When: Saturday, June 24 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: The Venue

Tickets: $22, and $11 for students, under-waged and artworkers.

Watch Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.

Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.

The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.

When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.

The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.

When: Saturday, June 24 7-10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)

Peterborough Musicfest Approaching Final Phases Of Preparation For 2023 Season

The 36th Annual Peterborough Musicfest has less than 11 days before its first concert as the organization provided updates regarding the new stage, funding and administrative affairs at a sponsorship appreciation luncheon at Del Crary Park on Tuesday afternoon.

There are ten new sponsors that are involved in this year’s Musicfest. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Fred Anderson stage was demolished in late April/early May earlier this year. Musicfest is meeting with The City of Peterborough on Wednesday to discuss the design of this year’s stage. Construction is beginning next week according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest general manager.

“We're meeting with them tomorrow (Wednesday) just to discuss what the new stage is going to look like, how far it's going from the backstage, make sure we have the fencing all set up and then of course, our sponsor signage has to go up,” she explained.

The stage’s removal caused minor issues but Randall says she was pleased with the process and work that went into preparing for the new stage.

“They removed a lot of the sawdust that was in the ground so we had a bit of an issue organically,” she said. “They took out all the cement and the humps and lumps around the stage so we're hoping the sod will go in any day and then we'll bring in our trailers in next week.”

There are some acts yet to be announced but funding is required in order to fill up the timeslots according to Randall. Musicfest has typically seen provincial funding every year though an announcement has not been made yet. Randall says they are asking for $125,000 for this year.

“With Havelock Jamboree folding, we're thinking some of those funds were dispersed amongst other festivals in the area so we're hoping on getting some of that chunk,” she said.

Natalie McMaster and Donald Leahy are set to open this year’s Musicfest on Canada Day, starting at 8 p.m.

The following is this year’s lineup for Musicfest:

• July 1: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

• July 5: Dwayne Gretzky

• July 8: Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy

• July 12: Five Alarm Funk

• July 15: TBA

• July 19: Jesse Cook

• July 22: TBA

• July 26: Little River Band

• July 29: Melissa Payne & Friends

• Aug. 2: TBA

• Aug. 5: British Legends Tribute (Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney & Freddie Mercury)

• Aug. 9: Glass Tiger

• Aug. 12: TBA

• Aug. 16: TBA

• Aug. 19: Tim & The Glory Boys (with special guest TBA)

Musicfest is still seeking volunteers for this year and is still accepting sponsors until mid-July. Potential applicants can go to Musicfest’s website to register.

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The Glorious Sons Announce North American Dates For The Glory Tour; Coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre February 16

Following the release of their new single ‘Mercy Mercy’ The Glorious Sons have announced the Glory Tour, coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre February 16.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The rock band from Kingston, Ontario have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success off their previous albums, earning them multiple JUNO Awards, sold-out tours and a dedicated global fanbase. ‘Mercy Mercy’ is said to mark the next milestone in the band’s career and serves as the first track off their fourth studio album ‘Glory’ which is due out this fall.

Beginning September 6 in Pittsburgh, PA, the North American run of the tour will visit 57-cities in both the U.S. and Canada, making stops in Nashville, Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and more before wrapping in St. Catharines on February 17, 2024. The Glory Tour will feature special guests The Blue Stones and the Velveteers on select dates, and a special hometown show will have the band ringing the New Year at Kingston’s Leon’s Centre on December 31.

They have three dates as part of the 2024 leg of the tour, with Peterborough as the second-last stop.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The Glorious Sons’ pre-sale begins June 20 at 3 p.m. ET exclusively in the TGS Union App, followed by the Spotify pre-sale on June 21 at 10 a.m. local time. The public on sale is confirmed for June 23 at 10 a.m. local time. A limited number of VIP packages which include a pre-show acoustic set and other exclusive experience and merchandise are available beginning today at 3 p.m. ET.

The 2023 Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival Goes Green

The Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival has announced that the upcoming event held on Saturday, July 8 will strive to be a clean, green event.

photo courtesy of The Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival.

With help from the vendors, volunteers and participants, they will be working towards this goal by:
• setting up a water refill station
• setting up sorting stations and signage for garbage, recyclables and compostables
• encouraging attendees to bring their own water bottle and cutlery
• encouraging attendees to walk, bike (bike racks located right beside the event space), carpool or enjoy the FREE shuttle service (details below)
• encouraging artisans, food and beverage vendors to use less waste

Free Shuttle

The Township is extending The Link bus service for the Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival. The Link bus will be available for free on Saturday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.. The bus will have stops at Trent University, the Lakefield District Public School, and the Lakefield Jazz Festival. For parking information and a detailed schedule, visit the website.

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Havelock Country Jamboree Officially Closes Its Stages After 30 Years of Community Concerts

The Havelock Country Jamboree has announced the decision to close its stages after 30 years of the community festival.

photo courtesy of the havelock country jamboree.

“We are so happy that we have been able to provide you with 30 years of entertainment and fun, meeting new friends and reminiscing with old ones. We have watched 4 generations of families attend the Jamboree – it truly has become a Tradition in our lifetime, and we are a family,” a statement from Havelock Country Jamboree’s management reads.

“We regret to tell you that the Havelock Country Jamboree (as you know it – with Ed & Paula at the helm) will be closing the gates and the stages, permanently. COVID hit us hard. Relationships broke down; and age is appearing to have taken its toll. We have reached the end of our ‘working’ years. We are sorry. We did struggle trying to remain open when we could; work from home when we were ordered to; but for all of our efforts – it came to naught. The struggle was just too great at this age and stage of our lives.”

The statement goes on to say that they have been ordered by the courts to sell all Jamboree properties, and will be issuing ticket refunds shortly.

“We really can’t say any more at this point, but know how anxious ticket holders are. Please be advised that it is our intention to issue refunds for tickets held, but as the sale works its way through the real estate process, at this time our hands are tied.”

The Havelock Country Jamboree has seen names like Billy Ray Cyrus, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Wynona Judd and Jason Aldean on their main stage.

The four day festival, which typically attracts over 20,000 people annually, has been called Canada’s largest live, outdoor country music and camping festival for over 30 years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the festival has not run since 2019.

“30 years. It is a very long time to host a venue and we have enjoyed every minute with you. Whether you were with us for 30 years or 1 year, we thank you for supporting the Havelock Country Jamboree.”

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 16 - 18

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 16 - 18!

Kawartha Downs and Impact Motor Sports Kawartha Smackdown Demo Derby

Together with Kawartha Downs Events we will bring an action-packed show which includes, figure 8 racing, stock trucks, windshield compacts and two man teams full-size V8. Watch as these stock, from the factory, compact cars smash and crash into each other until the final car is crowned the winner. The stock trucks put on a show seeing them bend and twist to look like bananas!

The two-man team V8 cars will manoeuvre and jockey for position to come out on top and take home the championship. Figure 8 racing will thrill you with their daring dash through the centre to complete their laps in record time!

There are activities for all ages, power wheels competition for kids 4-9, a pit party to meet the drivers and live music to entertain the audience.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Kawartha Downs Events for the Kawartha Smackdown.

When: June 17, noon - 5 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: $12.60 - $30.50

Live Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

See horses and drivers in the sulkies race around a five-eighths mile track at Kawartha Downs. Bet on your favourite horses and enjoy the dining experience while you see the horses circle the track.

When: June 17, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

Live Music at Kawartha Downs

Stick around Kawartha downs as live music is happening right after the Kawartha Smackdown Demolition Derby.

When: June 17, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

26th Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show At Lang Pioneer Village

Enjoy the Kawarthas’ original tractor show featuring power equipment displays, tractor games, vintage farm trucks, tractor and wagon rides, a tractor parade through the Village and more.

When: June 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets: Free for children five and under, $7 children, $10 students and seniors and $15 for adults, $40 family pass (two adults and up to four children and youth)

Monster Spectacular at the Peterborough Memorial Centre

Monster Spectacular, Canada’s sports and entertainment spectacle - mixing the thrills and spills of motorsports, showmanship and the ultimate fan experience into incredible, action-packed live shows roars into the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 18th, 2023.

Excited in anticipation of sold-out shows across the country, fans will get the opportunity to see some of the biggest, baddest monster trucks on the circuit. The adrenaline will be pumping as the drivers compete in high octane side-by-side racing, freestyle competitions and unique driver skill contests.

Monster Spectacular electrifies fans with breathtaking stunts and the awesome power of the world’s most popular monster trucks, including Overkill Evolution, Black Stallion and more!

Joining this year’s lineup of monster trucks will also be fast, family-friendly events such as lawnmower races. Plus the heart-pumping excitement of a Motocross backflip.

When: June 18, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets: $36.30 for children (12 and under) and $44.30 for adults

Peterborough Police Community Open House

The Peterborough Police Service is hosting a Community Open House at their headquarters.

Visitors can tour the station, watch demonstrations from various units including K9, ERT (rappel team), RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) and see many of the police vehicles. 

The Emergency Command Centre can teacher residents about policing as a career and enjoy ‘Coffee with a Cop.’  

GreenUP Peterborough will be in attendance to teach about bike safety.  

Station tours will run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the back lot.  

When: June 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Police Station

Tickets: Free

Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: June 17, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market

We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.

The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.

As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.

When: June 17, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Quaker Foods City Square

30 Craft Market at the Peterborough Public Library

Come see what local artisans have to offer at the Peterborough Public Library.

When: June 17, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Public Library

Tickets: Free

Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 9 - 11

photo courtesy of the peterborough dragon boat festival.

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 9 to 11!

Come out and cheer on the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival

Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival is a vital fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, supporting world-class cancer and breast cancer screening.

Cheer on your friends, family and neighbours, participate in the moving breast cancer flower ceremony, come shopping, play games or enjoy some time at the Thirsty Dragon beer garden.

This fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHC Foundation) supports world-class breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, and has raised over $3.9 million so far.

7 a.m. – Road closures in effect, barricades close

7:45 a.m. – Team Captains meeting by the Volunteer Tent

8 a.m. – Awakening the Dragon/Opening Ceremonies

8:30 a.m. – First Race Heats begin

9 a.m. – Vendors Village Market opens

9 a.m. – Family Fun Zone opens

11 a.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden opens

11:30 a.m. – McKenzie Cup Race followed by the Flower Ceremony

Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break

12:30 p.m. – Second Race Heats begin

3:10 p.m. – Divisional Finals begin

4 p.m. – Raffle winners announcements

4 p.m. – Last shuttle bus leaves Del Crary Park

4:50 p.m. – Awards Ceremony – Race Trophies Top Individual Fundraisers – At the bleachers

5:45 p.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden closes

When: Saturday, June 10, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Little Lake, Peterborough.

Join the Peterborough Business Social Club Tiki Party

Looking for some tropical fun without leaving Peterborough?

The Peterborough Business Social Club is opening up their Tiki Party to the public at Chemong Lodge to the public this Saturday, June 10th, starting at 5 p.m.

Join for cocktails, games, live music by Cary Shields, prizes and dancing! Fire up the barbecues as a family-style dinner and complimentary wine is being served on the patio!

Tickets are $150 a couple and you can get more details by emailing jamesway33@gmail.com. Come on out and enjoy a tropical paradise at Chemong Lodge with the Peterborough Business Social Club!

When: Saturday June 10, 5 p.m.

Where: Chemong Lodge

Chow Down at Greek Festival

Greek Festival for all!

Greek food, Greek music, Greek dancing will entertain festival goers in the back yard of the church.

Free admission.

When: Sunday, June 11, noon - 7 p.m.

Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

League 1 Ontario Men's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Hamilton United

The Electric City Football Club Men’s Team host the Hamilton United for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: Saturday, June 10 2-4 p.m.

Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

Daniel James McFadyen at Jethro's Bar & Stage

Nova Scotia-based indie folk artist Daniel James McFadyen is bringing his national tour to Jethro's Bar & Stage (137 Hunter St. W) on Friday, June 9. 

It's been a busy time for Daniel, as he has just released his new single “Sunshine”, the lead track off his forthcoming EP. He recently performed in Halifax at the 35th annual East Coast Music Awards, where his 2022 single “Hot Sun” was nominated for ‘Best Song’ and ‘Rising Star Recording’.

When: Friday, June 9 6 p.m.

Where: Jethro’s Bar (137 Hunter St. W)

Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares.

When: Saturday June 10, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

New Stages Theatre Presents ‘SWEAT’ by Lynn Nottage

New Stages presents a one-night-only staged reading of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, an unforgettable play for unprecedented times.

Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize, SWEAT is a chilling and timely play that tells the story of a group of colleagues in Pennsylvania whose fortunes rapidly decline between 2000 and the 2008 financial crisis. A devastating account of American industrial collapse and the racial and class tensions that shatter the surface when people are desperate. A must-see for Peterborough audiences.

The cast includes: Christopher Allen, Andrew Chown, Beau Dixon, Kait Dueck, René Escobar Jr., Catherine Fitch, Tony Munch and Ordena Stephens-Thompson.

Content Advisory: This play contains themes of racism and uses words that are offensive and demeaning, including the n-word. Recommended audience: 14+.

When: Sunday, June 11 7:30 p.m.

Where: Market Hall

Tickets: $22, and $11 for students, under-waged and artworkers.

Watch Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.

Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.

The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.

When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.

The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.

When: Saturday, June 10 7-10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)

Peterborough Folk Festival Announces Headlining Act Loreena McKennitt To Take the Stage August 20

Award-winning composer and singer Loreena McKennitt is set to headline the Peterborough Folk Festival at Nicholls Oval Park on Sunday, August 20.

photo courtesy of the peterborough folk festival.

McKennitt says that in one way or another, we are all an extension of each other’s history. “Wanting to learn about our neighbours is also a desire to learn about ourselves,” says the singer from Morden, Manitoba.

To date, she has sold over 14 million albums with a catalogue that includes seven studio recordings, three seasonal recordings, a live in-concert DVD and two DVD documentaries.  She’s won two Juno Awards, Canada’s premier music award, and garnered two Grammy Award nominations.

“We are so honoured to have Loreena McKennitt perform at PFF 2023,” says Ryan Kemp, artistic director of the festival. During her recording career spanning more than two decades, McKennitt’s ‘eclectic Celtic’ music has received critical acclaim world-wide, with gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales awards in 15 countries across four continents.

Now in its 34th year, Peterborough Folk Festival strives for gender parity, diversity and inclusivity in the performance line-up and throughout all aspects of the festival. Of the 28 artists who performed at the Festival in 2022, 11 were local.

“Not only is Ms. McKennitt a critically acclaimed singer and composer, she is revered for her passion for human rights and the protection of the environment,” says Kemp. “As the second-largest cultural event in the region promoting inclusivity and diversity, we are so grateful to have Ms. McKennitt share her incredible talent and generosity of spirit with all of those who attend the Festival.”

McKennitt is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba. In 2002 and 2012 she was the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals and in 2013 she was appointed to the rank of Knight of the National Order of Arts and Letters by the Republic of France. Recently, she was inducted into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

Each year, Peterborough Folk Festival welcomes more than 12,000 people to Peterborough and the surrounding region, making it the second-largest cultural event of the Summer season.

The Festival will feature three days of music, culture and community starting August 17th at Market Hall and continuing August 19th-20th at Nicholls Oval Park next to the Otonabee River.

For more information on how to get involved as an artist, volunteer or vendor, head over to the website.

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Queensville Players Theatre Group to Host Benefit Concert for Rowghan MacHart’s Transition Home June 17

The Queensville Players community theatre group is hosting a benefit concert for cast member Rowghan MacHart on June 17; raising funds to support the re-fitting of her home with wheelchair accessible features.

photo courtesy of the queensville players.

After a collision on Hwy. 7 claimed the lives of 52-year-old Stefphanie Hart, 46-year-old Jonathan MacDonell and 18-year-old Riddick Hart in November of 2022, the Queensville Players of Keswick, Ontario are hosting a benefit concert for now 14-year-old Rowghan Hart who suffered life-altering injuries as a result of the accident.

Karin Simpson, president of the Queensville Players group and musical director for the show said that all four family members had roles in their production of Disney’s High School Musical, with Riddick playing Troy Bolton.

“Over the course of three months, we would rehearse anywhere from nine to twelve hours a week, and the MacHart’s would come all the way from Peterborough to Keswick,” Simpson said. “For the three hours (round-trip) to get there, and the three hours to rehearse, they came as a family. It was important to them that they did the show together.”

A week before the show started, Simpson says the crew was in the theatre everyday rehearsing. She says she remembers how close they all grew to each other as the MacHart family would stay at her home on occasion.

On Sunday, November 20 the group had another run of their show at the Stephen Leacock Theatre.

“People came from all over to see the show and were left raving about it, but (the cast) was really sad on that Sunday because we knew it wouldn’t be until Wednesday that we’d get to see each other again,” recalls Simpson.

It was that Tuesday, November 22 that the accident happened on Hwy. 7 near Drummond Line.

The next day, Simpson and the cast of the High School Musical production gathered at the theatre with a trauma team, sharing fond memories of the MacHart family. At the time Simpson recalls not knowing if Rowghan was going to live due to the injuries she sustained.

“We stayed there in the theatre and just held space with one another,” she said. “We had to cancel the show, there was no way we were going to go on with the level of grief that we all felt. Their roles were not replaceable.”

It was after the tragedy that Simpson says the Queensville Players knew they needed to do something for the MacHart family.

“When a tragedy like this happens you always feel helpless because you want to help so much, but of course the one thing that everybody wants in the world is the one thing that you can’t do- to bring them back,” said Simpson. “So with this (concert) we just want to wrap Rowghan in as much love from the community as possible and support her financially, emotionally and physically through whatever we can do.”

The Queensville Players High School Musical cast having a reunion lunch with Rowghan earlier this month. Photos courtesy of Karin Simpson.

As a part of the event, two Ed Sheeran concert tickets to his June 17 show at the Rogers Centre in Toronto were raffled off, and on the day of the benefit concert there will be more raffle items and a 50/50 draw to participate in.

All proceeds from the Rowghan MacHart Benefit Concert will go towards the renovation of her home, making it wheelchair accessible.

“She’s going to face a lot of challenges, and there are many things that we’re not going to be able to foresee happening in this moment,” said Simpson.

She says the Queensville Players intend to support Rowghan through a similar benefit concert next year as well.

“The need for support will be an ongoing thing and the desire to be there for her will also be everlasting,” she said.

The matinee concert will take place at 2 p.m. June 17 at the Stephen Leacock Theatre in Keswick. Tickets are available for purchase using the link.

For those who wish to donate to the MacHart family GoFundMe, follow this link.

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