Lakefield High School Covers Hit Broadway Song on Its Anniversary

Broadway may have some new rising stars in the future after this performance.

Students of the Lakefield College School (LCS) Musical Theater have recorded their own version of the hit song, “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical, “Rent” by Johnathan Larsen.

The performance pays tribute to the song that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year since it debuted in 1996.

“The Lakefield College School Musical Theatre students chose to perform this song since, during this past year, we have all had to savour the little moments and make the most of them,” said Geoff Bemrose, LCS teacher. “As a Peterborough community, we have come together stronger than ever and this is a great reminder to make every second count.”

Every student was recorded individually under the school’s theatre lights to comply with the COVID-19 pandemic. Screenshot.

The video was shot and edited by local filmmaker Tyler Boyco and the music was produced by local artist Beau Dixon. Bemrose directed the video saying it took several hours to produce.

LCS uploaded the video on Wednesday and it has almost 600 views on YouTube.

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Fleming Grad Supports Local With Online Game Show Business

The opportunity to be a game show contestant for prizes from local businesses can be a reality through Ryan Smith’s Quiz Show Trivia.

The business is an entertainment and services firm through game show-formats provided to be either informative or leisurely.

It offers clients to participate in game shows to win prizes, a training video alternative and a sponsorship opportunity for local owners.

Games are customizable to suit all skill levels, topics, event settings and having a professional host or self-hosted online or in person. Those options are filled through the website on a trivia preferences survey.

Prizes are through five different categories such as music, technology, food, exclusive deals and gift cards.

Event settings allow clients to have the option of adding entertainment value to their show with local performers or celebrity guests such as mindreaders or magicians.

“We want local and independent artists to be supported with this show,” said Smith. “In addition to the sponsorship, we work with local artists. They provide the art and music to the game show.”

Products such as Amazon Echos, Google Homes and branded merchandise have been common prize giveaways that were provided by local businesses and artists. Photo courtesy of Ryan Smith.

Smith, a Fleming graduate created the business last year in March. The inspiration came from several Zoom calls with friends from being stale.

“We had played a version of Jeopardy just using some proprietary software,” remarked Smith. “Whenever everyone’s catching up on their third and fourth Zoom call, they’re not much to talk about.”

Ryan Smith (pictured) is a Fleming College alumnus and graduated in Marketing. He spent three years in Peterborough from 2007-2010. Photo courtesy of Ryan Smith.

Several clients from Peterborough have played games through Smith’s business and want to target the city’s local business for sponsorship opportunities as soon as possible.

“My ethos is all about supporting local, independent business and art,“ says Smith. “I’d love to get it done in my college town.”

Trivia, puzzles, music and video are game formats Quiz Show Trivia provides to their clients. Photo courtesy of Ryan Smith.

Sponsors are offered in-game and social media advertising and promotion while having their product or brand be given as prizes. 100% of the sponsorship money is given back out.

“It’s a zero-profit gain,” he remarked. “We don’t gain any money off it. That’s what game shows are about. it’s about adding values to our games in a way that we can get out to local businesses.”

If you want your business to be a sponsor for Quiz Show Trivia can email Smith at game.triviashow@gmail.com.

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Photography Contest Takes Place of Postponed Festival

SPARK Photo Festival has teamed up with Sparkplug Coffee and PhotoED Magazine for a new Canada-wide photography competition announced on Friday.

The contest calls for the best, most captivating, unique Coffee-at-Home images for the “Focus on Coffee” competition.

“We're looking for images that catch our attention, tell us your story about your at-home coffee experiences and nourish us like the first coffee of the day, “ said Jennifer MacKenzie, Festival Director. “We want to stay home and stay inspired creatively — together in 2021.”

First place will earn a year of Sparkplug Coffee and a year’s subscription to PhotoED Magazine.

The winning image will be featured on the packaging of a special edition Sparkplug X SPARK Photo Festival 2021 Coffee and the image will be exhibited at the 2021 SPARK Photo Festival.

The event was created after the festival was postponed to September by the SPARK Photo Festival Board of Directors.

“In the current pandemic environment, the health and safety of our community’s citizens, our photographers and those working at our venues, are the most important considerations at this time,” said MacKenzie.

Submission is free and open to Canadian residents except for Quebec. Photographers of any level are welcome and encouraged to submit before March 21 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. 

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Selwyn Family Parodies Canadian Artist With Pandemic Song

“Life in a Pandemic (Don’t It Stink?)” is a parody of Alanis Morissette’s hit song, “Ironic”.

Marking the one-year anniversary of the pandemic where the whole country went into lockdown and quarantine, one Selwyn family paid tribute to the milestone parodying Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic”.

“Life in a Pandemic (Don’t it Stink?)” was created by the Kelly family featuring singer and acting student, Ashton Kelly. The video was a challenge, taking three days to film and a week and a half to produce it according to Ashton’s mother Deborah Kelly.

“Our goal was to spend some time together as a family having some creative fun during these dark times, and maybe lifting some spirits along the way,” said Deborah. “My daughter is a singer and an acting student so this is right up her alley.”

“Life in a Pandemic (Don’t it Stink?)” has already gained over 3,000 views in its first two days since being uploaded to Youtube. Screenshot.

The video copies Morisette’s, shot-for-shot with pop culture references and recognizable local spots. The Go Express Marts gas station across from the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society and the Peterborough Lift Lock canal are some localized shots taken for the parody.

“This isn’t meant to diminish the struggle many (are) facing over the state of our world,” said Ashton in a Facebook post. “This is only to spread some laughs and lightheartedness to enjoy with your family!”

The mother-daughter duo wrote the lyrics with Mark Russell, Deborah’s partner, filmed and (mostly) edited the video.

They chose “Ironic” since it was recognizable, iconic and Morrisette was Canadian.

“We really wanted to keep it lighthearted and fun to spread some cheer during these challenging times,” said Deborah.

This was the second parody video the family had created. The first copied Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” titled, “Something to Do-ah (The Isolation Song)” was released in early April last year.

The family posted a blooper reel for the filming of their first video, “Something to Do-ah (The Isolation Song)”. It was posted 10 days after the prior video was uploaded. Screenshot.

The song was shot as an original since Cohen’s version did not have an official music video and has almost 28,000 views on YouTube. The parody makes its own pop culture references such as the toilet paper shortage and the hit Netflix show, “Tiger King”.

The first video’s success inspired the family to create the second parody as they were proud and surprised at the song’s success according to Deborah.

“We had such a positive response and such a blast creating it that we decided to do another one this year,” she said.

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Pandemic Creates Innovation and Creativity for Fleming College Culinary

It is no secret that COVID-19 has caused problems in health and economics but Fleming College’s culinary program found positivity with creative thinking.

Fleming developed a system to allow students to pick up a food box containing ingredients and tools for them to cook and do assignments in their own kitchen.

Students not in Peterborough had their supplies delivered to their homes while international students were given a stipend and a list to buy their food boxes.

“That was really innovative. It took some of the stress off students, they didn’t have to relocate to Peterborough and could prepare for the winter semester,” said Pam Stoneham, Dean of Trades and Technology. “We have to do everything so far in advance.”

Tamara Tavner makes a breakfast sandwich as part of an at-home assignment. Students had to detail their preparation, production, presentation and sanitary guidelines with step-by-step photos. Photo courtesy Tamara Tavner via Fleming College.

A side benefit from this at-home learning was that students developed social media skills and presentation through photographing their home-cooked meals.

Fleming would reach out to small-business retailers for supplies such as Kawartha Dairy and Windmill Farms to supply the ingredients.

Komal Kakkar submits his breakfast sandwich as part of a winter semester assignment. Photo courtesy Komal Kakkar via Fleming College.

With these new lessons introduced from Fleming’s creativity, Stoneham believes this could be part of the curriculum moving forward.

“We’ll be looking at what we’ve done and continue to do that as we go back to normal,” she said. “I’d also like to point out the resiliency in the students because they have to adapt and embrace these new ways of doing things.”

Efren Munquia Siqueiros prepares several meals in-house while practicing health and safety guidelines from the pandemic. Photo courtesy of Natalie Wood via Fleming College

Fleming typically had online classes in the fall semester with in-person classes for the winter. With several programs requiring hands-on training such as culinary, carpentry and electrical engineering, it gets difficult to properly teach their students.

Classes were done via Zoom or Webex but students needed hands-on experience according to Stoneham.

“The trades and technology programs are very hands-on,” she said. “We had to figure out if we could still deliver in a fashion that meets the learning outcomes and create a learning experience.”

Fleming culinary students showcasing chocolate truffles Jason Martin (left) and Jada Calhoun (right) during the 2020-2021 winter semester. Photo credit Amanda Benns via Fleming College

Several courses have started to pre-record lessons and demonstrations. Students can watch the videos at their own pace to fit their schedules in case they have other priorities or if they missed a class.

This method has made students better prepared for classes according to Stoneham.

“Pre-recording something so they study when they arrive, this is what I saw in the demonstration,” she said. “There’s a better level of preparedness when they do come on campus.”

Rohan Bhardqaj (left) and Aman Dankhra (right) pouring soup while socially distancing. Photo credit Amanda Benns via Fleming College

When asked if this helps with accessibility issues, Stoneham agreed that it created a platform for students who can only be taught online and could segue into the curriculum in the future.

“I really am proud of the faculty and the students,” said Stoneham, “Fleming has worked as a team to keep educating our students.”

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Hometown PTBO: Megan Murphy & Kate Suhr On Their Peterborough Origins and Upcoming Virtual Concert

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with local author and storyteller Megan Murphy and local singer-songwriter Kate Suhr as they get a little green! They share their origins in Peterborough, their Irish connections and promote their live virtual show of songs and storytelling.

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Cheers: Peterborough Petes and Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Brew Petes Lager

In a match made in beer and hockey heaven, The Peterborough Petes have released an officially licensed team-branded beer called “Petes Lager” in a unique partnership with Bobcaygeon Brewing Company.

The beer is a 4.0% light lager and the art was designed by Ryan Dawson and illustrated by freelance artist Cam Miller.

“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with the Peterborough Petes for the new Petes Lager,” says Richard Wood, President and Co-Founder of Bobcaygeon Brewing Company. “At only 4.0%, this light lager is crisp and refreshing, and we know it will become a fast favourite in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.”

The design reflects on the team’s rich history and an homage to Roger, the Petes mascot. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Petes

When Dawson designed the can, he had the Peterborough community in mind as an important factor for the brand.

“We worked closely with the Petes on what is important to the community and what is important to the team,” he says. “It was a bit of a celebration of the fans in with the Bobcaygeon brand.”

Beer design by Ryan Dawson and illustration by Cam Miller. (Photo by Neil Morton)

Richard Wood, President of Bobcaygeon Brewing Company met Burton Lee, Petes Executive director of business operations last summer at the brewery to discuss partnership ideas according to Wood.

“This isn’t the first time the Petes had been approached about a branded beer. It was the partnership that was important to us,” said Lee. “It’s really been a process. That’s what we’re really excited about, we’re excited about the future of this partnership.”

The beverage is a way to support the Petes, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company, and local restaurants. The lager was another outlet to allow the fans to help the team—especially without a season over the past year.

“During the pandemic, there have been less and less ways to support the Petes so I think this is a great way to support the Petes and have a great beverage,” said Lee. “Know that you’re helping the Petes every time you buy a beer.”

Photo by Neil Morton

The drink will be available now at Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Bobcaygeon Brewery General store located at 649 The Parkway, Unit 4, and Peterborough beer stores will be able to sell the lager in four to six weeks.

“We know that Petes fans have an appreciation for great beer and great hockey, and we’re very excited to get Petes Lager into their hands,” says Lee. “Any time we can partner with a local business while benefiting our passionate fan base is a win for us. We believe this is a perfect opportunity for beer drinkers and hockey fans to come together to support local business during what has been a challenging year for our community.”

The Peterborough Petes have won nine Ontario Hockey League Championships as a franchise with over 180 players making it to the National Hockey League.

The Bobcaygeon Brewing Company has crafted over 50 different brands of beer.

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Local Studio Dancing For New Building Despite Pandemic

After a few years of designing, Premiere Studio of Dance will renovate their current facility into a two-storey building.

The upgrades are projected to be done in a year with 20,000 square feet. The studio will be on the second level with prospective tenants on the lower floor. The current facility has 7,000 square feet.

A graphic design of the projected new studio upon its completion with 10,000 square feet. Photo Courtesy of Robyn Carter

Robyn Carter, owner says she wants the timing right to minimize the pandemic’s impact during construction.

“We kind of want to get through COVID bump and then move forward,” she said. “We’re really excited for what the future holds for us.”

Photo Courtesy of Premiere Studio of Dance

The new facility will feature a larger space, more windows for natural light and sprung flooring to ease the dancers’ joint pressure. The current building has wood floors in all three studios.

The studio offers classes in-person and online for competitive and recreational. Jazz, tap, ballet and contemporary are some of the many different dance styles that the studio has to offer. All ages and skill levels are welcomed to register for classes.

Photo Courtesy of Premiere Studio of Dance

“Premiere Dance On Demand” is offered as online classes from uploaded videos and live stream lessons for both recreational and competitive.

“A good thing about the online dance is its dance for introverts (too),” Carter chuckled. “You can turn off your camera and take the class in the privacy in your own home.”

Photo Courtesy of Premiere Studio of Dance

Carter has danced since she was ten. She grew up dancing competitively in Oshawa and taught dance in her early teens.

The owner is a certified instructor through the British Association of Teachers of Dance — including all of her instructors — and offers that program at the studio.

Premiere Studio of Dance is located at 1046 Peterborough County Road 19, just northwest of Portage Place.

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Peterborough Musicfest Adds New Tickets to Sold Out Show

After selling out their Live at Home, Peterborough Musicfest has opened up the show for more free tickets to the public on Wednesday.

The concert featuring The Reklaws and James Barker had sold out within 36 hours since they were released last week Tuesday.

The tickets will allow guests to view the hour-long performance but will not feature the 30-minute post-concert live conversation with the artists at the end of the show.

JENNA (LEFT) AND STUART WALKER (RIGHT), A SIBLING DUO, RELEASED THEIR FIRST ALBUM, “FRESHMAN YEAR” ON AUG. 27, 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETERBOROUGH MUSICFEST

Jenna and Stuart Walker of The Reklaws are a country duo based in North Dumfries, Ontario. They first signed to Universal Music in 2017. Their second single, “Long Live the Night” went on to win the 2019 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) for top-selling Canadian single of the year. It was selected as the theme song for the Canadian Football League’s Thursday Night Football for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

They've toured with Dean Brody and Dallas Smith and earned a JUNO nomination for “Country Album of The Year”. Their latest album, "Sophomore Slump", is out now.

JAMES BARKER OF THE “JAMES BARKER BAND” HAS RELEASED THREE ALBUMS AS OF AUGUST 2020 TITLED “GAME ON”, “SINGLES ONLY” AND “JBB-SIDES”. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETERBOROUGH MUSICFEST

James Barker is the namesake of the James Barker Band who first burst onto the scene when they won the Ontario-based Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase in 2015 and were signed to Universal Music Canada.

With over 185-million total global streams, the multi-award-winning James Barker Band has taken the country music scene by storm and continues to break records one release at a time.

The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 27. Click here to get your free ticket to the show.

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First Peterborough Retirement Residence Received First Mass Dose of COVID-19 Vaccination

It was all smiles for the residents and staff of Canterbury Gardens as they all received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Friday.

It was the first retirement home in Peterborough to receive the mass vaccination. The most vulnerable residents were the ones to receive the shot first as the oldest resident had the honourary first shot.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Beaudoin

“It was an exciting day for all of us at Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence,” said Sarah Beaudoin, Canterbury Gardens Manager Resident Services.

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) had these vaccinations as a test run for online and telephone booking that will take place region-wide. It will be used once more vaccines have become more available. PPH has yet to announce when the booking process will be publicly open.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Beaudoin

Residents will be getting their second dose of the vaccine late this month at an undisclosed date.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Beaudoin

Royal Gardens Retirement Residence residents and staff also received their first dose of the vaccine on Friday.

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