The Peterborough Singers Re-Imagine 2020-21 Season Due To Pandemic

What does a choir do when it can’t be a 100-voice performing choir during a pandmemic? Well the Peterborough Singers answer this question by re-inventing the 2020-21 season.

Instead of typical concert offerings, the choir is focusing the combined energy and imagination of its members and its conductor, Syd Birrell (pictured below), on a “bridge year” in order to safely traverse the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Photo by Jason Ryan

Choir members will come together in small groups (observing all COVID-19 safety protocols) to sing a variety of repertoire, from madrigals and Broadway to opera choruses and music of the Renaissance.

Some of these sessions may find a digital home for audience enjoyment, but the primary consideration is the emotional wellbeing of choir members—well that and ensuring the 27-year history of the Peterborough Singers continues in future.

Cancelling a concert season is not a decision taken lightly. In the past four months, the choir held Zoom rehearsals and created virtual performances, such as their stirring rendition of the Tragically Hip’s “Bobcaygeon”…

The Peterborough Singers were proud to be part of the Bobcaygeon (By the Tragically Hip) sing along in support of Bobcaygeon, Ontario and The Pinecrest Nursi...

During this time, it became clear that rather than risk disappointing both choir and audience members by announcing a typical concert season—only to face likely cancellations—a fresh approach was needed.

They will put all our energy and imagination into what they are calling a Bridge Year. This fall, their focus will be the emotional well-being of choir members. Social-distancing protocols permitting, the choir will meet in small groups in diverse locations to perform.

For now though, the Peterborough Singers brings you a virtual recording made by members of the choir, one that speaks to the challenge and rewards that lie ahead.

Indeed, their just-released version of “Bridge Over Trouble Waters” is so appropriate to the times…

Choirs all around the world have been forced to stop doing what they love due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We created this virtual choir video to remind us and ...

To learn more about the Peterborough Singers, click here.

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2020 Hootenanny On Hunter Street Is Cancelled

The 10th edition of the popular downtown Hootenanny on Hunter Street festival has been cancelled until 2021 organizers have announced.

"It breaks my heart to have to cancel an amazing full day of music we had planned,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. "It’s going to be a different summer downtown without all the festivals, but our focus right now is the safety of the community. For now, we’ll keep working with our downtown businesses to help them through this crisis, including helping them engage their customers online.”

Photo courtesy DBIA

The DBIA is keeping the planned musical lineup private with the aim to bring all the acts booked for this summer back to play Hootenanny in 2021. 

The event was started by the late Jonathan Hall, and this would have been the 3rd year it was organized by the DBIA. Hootenanny was planned for August 8th and involves closing Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets to host a street festival. Hootenanny features large licensed patios, downtown vendors, and attracts about 10,000 people annually.

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United Way of Peterborough & District Announces One Of Largest Concerts In Peterborough History

Mic Drop: The United Way of Peterborough & District just announced one of the largest concerts in Peterborough history in order to raise vital funds in the fight against homelessness.

“Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness” takes place at Showplace Performance Centre Thursday, March 5th, and includes the Weber Brothers Band, the Austin Carson Band, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr, Danny Bronson, the Three Martinis, Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, Hillary Dumoulin, James Higgins, Elyse Saunders, Tami J. Wilde, Jacques Graveline, Phil Stephenson, Nick Ferrio, Jake Dudas, and Victoria Pearce with Mike Graham.

The event is generously sponsored by RBC Royal Bank of Canada, and Megan Murphy and Jordan Mercier will serve as masters of ceremony. A silent auction will feature close to 30 items. General seating will accommodate non-stop performances on the David Goyette Stage and in the Nexicom Studio.

All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to United Way-funded agencies that provide housing and shelter to the marginalized. “I am grateful to Campaign Cabinet Member Paul Rellinger for his leadership in bringing this event to life,” says United Way Campaign Chair David Goyette. “We were all disturbed by the emergence of tent city last summer and it crystallized in us a desire to do better in serving people in need. I know that all our performers and sponsors feel the same way.”

“RBC is pleased to support the United Way of Peterborough and District as the presenting sponsor of Peterborough Performs”, adds Scott Mancini, Commercial Vice-President, RBC. “Homelessness is a prevalent issue in the Peterborough area. This concert will raise both awareness and funds in support of the United Way and local agencies doing great work to develop and implement solutions.”

Tickets are available at the Showplace box office, online at showplace.org, by phone at 705-742-7469, and at the United Way office at 277 Stewart Street in Peterborough.

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Melissa Payne’s New Album Darker Than Your Dark Out March 6th

Ennismore’s Melissa Payne releases her new album, Darker Than Your Dark, on Friday, March 6th.

Produced by Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), James McKenty (The Spades), and Maia Davies (Ladies of the Canyon), the record explores a new realm from the pages of Payne's songbook. Honest and vulnerable, Darker Than You Dark guides the listener through emotive peaks and valleys that can be at once heartbreaking and cathartic. 

Melissa Payne co-wrote many of the songs with the album's three producers—all artists who she has also performed with in the past, and who worked on her sophomore album High and Dry (2014).

Aside from being an in-demand player, her background in old time fiddle and traditional celtic music has evolved into a blossoming solo career. The record comes after nearly a year on the road with Matt Mays, where Payne toured as part of his Dark Promises backing band. 

As part of an Eastern Ontario tour she is doing, Melissa will be playing at Market Hall in Peterborough on Saturday, March 7th. Get your tickets here.

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Canadian Country Superstar Chad Brownlee Playing Memorial Centre

Award-winning Universal Music Canada country music star Chad Brownlee has announced the Ontario leg of his 2020 Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere Tour and it includes a stop in Peterborough March 28th, 2020.

Adding one of the best vocalists that the country genre has ever seen in Lauren Alaina, and the rich and timeless country vocal of Jade Eagleson—2019 CCMA Rising Star Award recipient—to Brownlee’s soaring melodies, and you’ve got an amazing concert.

Tickets start at $35 and will go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 20 at 10 a.m. online, over the phone at 705.743.3561 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office located inside the PMC.

Box Office hours at the Memorial Centre are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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If You're Hearing Baby Shark, Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Extra Loud In Peterborough On June 14th, Here's Why

Baby Shark Live!, the brand new, fully immersive concert experience, will continue to make a splash across North America by playing over 70 cities in Spring 2020, including Peterborough.  

The live tour of the viral sensation hits the the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday, June 14th at 2 p.m. Tickets for Baby Shark Live! at PMC will go on-sale Friday, December 13th beginning at 10:00 a.m. Presale for PMC Scoop members is Tuesday, December 10th from noon until Thursday, December 12th at 10:00 p.m. 

“We’re thrilled to bring Baby Shark Live! to so many new markets across North America,” says Stephen Shaw (the tour’s producer and co-president of Round Room Live). “This is a cultural phenomenon and we are very pleased how families have responded to Baby Shark live on stage.”

The live show is based on Pinkfong’s viral earworm and global dance phenomenon, Baby Shark. Fans of all ages will delight as Baby Shark joins up with his friend Pinkfong to take an adventure into the sea, singing and dancing through new and classic songs, including, of course, Baby Shark.

For tickets and additional information, click here Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo.

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Musician Maxwell McWilliams Playing Show At Market Hall To Raise Funds For PRHC Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Unit

Peterborough-based country musician Maxwell McWilliams is headlining a fundraising concert on Saturday, February 29th, 2020 at Market Hall, with proceeds going directly to PRHC Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Unit.

Maxwell McWilliams

“Mental Health is a cause that is close to my heart,” says Maxwell, a Grade 12 student at Lakefield College School who has been performing in the area for several years.

“Mental Health is a topic that is becoming more accepted to talk about, but we’ve got a long way to go,” adds Maxwell, founder of The Maxwell McWilliams Music Administration for Mental Health Awareness. “My mission is to improve the lives of youth suffering from mental illness”.

Tickets for this all ages event go on sale November 1st. Tickets are $20 each, and are available starting Friday, November 1st through Market Hall. There are also a few Table Sponsorships remaining as well for the show. For further information, email Maxwell here.

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Old Dominion To Play Memorial Centre February 25th

Acclaimed CMA Group of the Year and 2-time ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion are making a stop in Peterborough as part of their “We Are Old Dominion Tour” in Canada in 2020.

Old Dominion, who recently announced their self-titled 3rd studio album set for release on October 25th, will play the Memorial Centre February 25th. 

Tickets go on sale Friday September 13th starting at 10:00 a.m. online, by phone at 705.743.3561 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office located inside the PMC. Box Office hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Get Lost Together With Blue Rodeo At Peterborough Memorial Centre

Blue Rodeo will be returning to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday, December 27th, performing with special guest Elliott Brood. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 6th in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office inside the PMC, by phone at 705.743.3561 or online at memorialcentre.ca.

“Last year, the perfect tonic for the winter blues was to celebrate with the good people of Peterborough, and we’re so glad to be doing it again!" says Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy.

Blue Rodeo—comprised of Jim Cuddy (vocals/guitar), Greg Keelor (vocals/guitar), Bazil Donovan (bass), Glenn Milchem (drums/vocals), Colin Cripps (guitar/vocals) and Mike Boguski (keyboards)—has sold over 4 million albums, won countless Juno awards, been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, been named to the Order of Canada and have been honoured with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. 

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The 9th Annual Hootenanny Returns To Hunter Street This Saturday

The 9th Annual Hootenanny returns to Hunter Street this Saturday, August 10th, with an amazing lineup including…

-> Paper Shakers at noon

-> The Lohrwoods at 1:15 p.m.

-> Dylan Ireland at 2:30 p.m.

-> House of David Gang at 3:45 p.m.

-> Crystal Shawanda at 5 p.m.

-> Lindsay Barr at 6:15 p.m.

-> Stacey Kay at 7:30 p.m.

-> The Dreamboats at 8:45 p.m.

-> The Jonny Trash Super Group at 10 p.m.

Photo courtesy DBIA

Hootenanny runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets, and admission is free. This year’s event features a selection of downtown vendors and activities along Hunter Street.

The Jonny Trash Super Group will be a surprise collective of various musicians connected with the late Jonathan Hall. Known endearingly by his friends as Jonny Trash, this group will pay tribute to their friend who passed away suddenly earlier this year at the age of 44. 

Photo courtesy DBIA

Stacey Kay, who performs at 7:30 p.m., was a finalist on America’s Got Talent, won the Canadian Songwriters Award for best Adult Contemporary/Pop song of 2018 with “Weight On My Shoulders,” and gained recognition with a spontaneous performance of one of Busta Rhymes’ fastest raps in a South Carolina Walgreens that went viral with over 40 million views. 

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