The Big Bottle of Joy and Five Alarm Funk To Join the Peterborough Musicfest Concert Line Up

Peterborough Musicfest announces that the 36th summer season of music will include Matt Andersen, fronting his band The Big Bottle of Joy, and Five alarm Funk taking the stage on July 8 and 12 at Del Crary Park.

Multi award-winning Canadian blues guitarist and singer/songwriter Matt Andersen will take the Musicfest stage with his band The Big Bottle of Joy.

The New Brunswick native embarked on his music career more than 20 years ago and has since headlined at major festivals, clubs and theatres across North America, and in Europe and Australia. Along the way, he has shared the stage with the likes of Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, Serena Ryder and more.

Since self-­releasing his debut album One Size Never Fits in 2004, Andersen hasn’t stopped writing and recording new music, amassing more 26 million YouTube streams and more than 23 million Spotify listens. His latest album, The Big Bottle of Joy, which he’s touring extensively across North American this year, features songs “infused with raw blues-­‐rock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk and ecstatic gospel.”

Described as a “sonic and visual assault,” Five Alarm Funk will be coming to Del Crary Park.  

Horn powered and percussion fuelled, the two-time Juno Award nominated band is led by singer and drummer Tayo Branston. Five Alarm Funk brings to its live audiences what he terms ‘punk funk’ – a raucous sound accompanied by an equally frenetic stage presence that is near impossible to somehow sit still to. 

Dozens of North American tours and hundreds of festival appearances stand as a testament to Five Alarm Funk’s enduring appeal as it marks two decades doing what it does uniquely and so very well.

Check out Matt Andersen and The Big Bottle of Joy and Five Alarm Funk for free on July 8 and July 12 at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

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Hometown PTBO: Dwayne Gretzky's Nick Rose and Tyler Kyte About Performing and Growing Up With Musicfest and Their Notable Television Appearences

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks to Nick Rose and Tyler Kyte of Dwayne Gretzky about becoming staple performers at Peterborough Musicfest, their memories of the free-concert series growing up and their filmography that you may recognize from the late 90s.

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Peterborough Musicfest Adds Shawn Desman and Honeymoon Suite to the Summer Concert Lineup

Peterborough Musicfest has announced that Shawn Desman and Honeymoon Suite will be joining the lineup of free concerts at Del Crary Park this summer.

Shawn Desman, the chart-topping, multi-platinum selling, award winning artist will be coming to Peterborough Musicfest Saturday, July 15 Del Crary Park. His hit single ‘Maniac’ marked his return to the charts last October.

The Canadian Classic Rock band Honeymoon Suite began performing together in 1982, releasing chart topping hits New Girl Now, Stay In The Light and Feel It Again. Their most recent album Hands Up came out in 2017.

Musicfest will host Honeymoon Suite on Wednesday, August 2. Both shows are set to begin at 8 p.m.

For more information and full lineup details, visit the website.

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Peterborough Folk Festival Announces Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell as 2023 Emerging Artist Award Winners

The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced that local talents Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell are the winners of the 2023 Emerging Artist Award.

Peterborough Folk Festival believes in investing in young local performers to encourage and support their careers. To that end, PFF created an annual award in 2001 to recognize emerging local talent that we think deserves the attention and support of the community. For the list of previous winners, visit the website.

Applicants may be solo artists, groups or bands and must live in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, including Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations, and be under the age of 30. A committee assesses applicants on skill, dedication and artistic merit.

Irish Millie is a 16-year-old fiddle player who loves to play East Coast, Bluegrass and Contemporary Trad styles – especially driving, up-beat tunes that get the crowd up on their feet. As a youngster, Millie (whose real name is Amelia “Millie” Shadgett) busked every Saturday along with her Dad at the local farmers’ market to gain experience and help pay for music camp.

Millie has already received nominations for two Canadian Folk Music Awards as Young Performer of the Year – in 2022 for her first album, ‘Thirteen’, and in 2023 for her work with The Receivers, a collaboration between Millie and sisters Willow and Fern Marwood. In addition to regularly playing in the Peterborough area, Millie has toured in Denmark and is touring Canada’s east coast of Canada this summer, and toured in Vermont with The Receivers this past spring.

“It is truly an incredible feeling to be recognized for my art in this beautiful city that I call home. I am grateful and honoured to be receiving Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Award alongside the very talented Nicholas Campbell,” said Millie. “I have been very lucky to have the full force of the Peterborough community behind me from a very young age. I can not wait to get up on that stage and make you proud – see you there!”

From slick hot-rod rockabilly to smooth crooning honky tonk, Nicholas Campbell is the real deal. Inspired by some of the last century’s most iconic country sounds, Campbell first picked up the guitar at age 10 and was gigging by 11. Campbell began playing consistently with his band, The Two-Metre Cheaters, during the early months of the pandemic, and the band quickly found their groove as live shows became an option once again. Campbell’s 2021 debut album, ‘Livin’ and Other Western Ideas’, combines elements of rockabilly, western swing, and old-fashioned honky tonk. The band has enjoyed worldwide coverage and airplay since, spanning from western Canada to Spain, Italy and beyond. Nicholas has also played lead guitar for Melissa Payne, Pat Temple, Jane Archer and other artists.

With Campbell’s new singles and the album to come, ‘Gonna Have A Ball Tonight’, the group has embraced a more rock n’ roll-centric sound, adding renewed energy to Campbell’s signature country sensibilities.

“I’m very grateful to be part of such a supportive music scene and I feel very fortunate to be recognized as Emerging Artist,” said Nicholas Campbell. “It’s very humbling to be recognized on a list with so many other great artists.”

Recipients of the Emerging Artist Award are provided showcase performance spots during the festival weekend and a trip to the Folk Music Ontario Conference where they have the opportunity to meet artistic directors, festival organizers, other musicians, agents and publicists. Peterborough Folk Festival would like to thank our Emerging Artist Sponsors: Cambium Consulting and Engineering; Engage Engineering Ltd. & Part Time CFO Services.

Peterborough Folk Festival 2023 kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18 at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by a free-admission weekend of music, food and culture on August 19 and 20 at Nicholls Oval Park. Recent announcement of headliners Broken Social Scene and Loreena McKennitt will be followed soon with the complete line-up of performers.

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MRG Live Presents Boney M Featuring Liz Mitchell This December at the Peterborough Memorial Centre

MRG Live is bringing Euro-Disco group Boney M featuring original lead singer Liz Mitchell back to Canada to celebrate 45 years since their debut record Nightflight was released; coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre Dec. 9.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The tour will stop in multiple cities in British Columbia, and Ontario. Fans can purchase tickets during the MRG Live pre-sale on June 27 at 10 a.m. local time and during the general on-sale on June 28 at 10 a.m. local time.

The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and is known for international hits including "Daddy Cool,” “Sunny," "Rasputin," and "Rivers of Babylon." If you told Boney M star Liz Mitchell that her 1978 hit “Rasputin” would become an internet sensation in 2022, she would never have believed you. Upwards of nine million fans have created TikTok dance videos to the song – and they have been viewed an amazing 22 billion times. Boney M went 5x Platinum in Canada for Nightflight To Venus and 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of their career-launching record. The group also went double platinum.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

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Country Music Star Jade Eagleson Speaks Ahead of the Kawartha Country Music Festival on July 1

Country music singer Jade Eagleson speaks with PTBOCanada’s Felicia Massey ahead of his performance at the Kawartha Country Music Festival at Kawartha Downs July 1.

Eagleson discusses growing up just outside of Peterborough, breaking through in the country music scene and his upcoming show at Kawartha Downs.

Get your tickets for the festival at https://www.ticketweb.ca/venue/kawartha-downs-fraserville-on/513515!

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Broken Social Scene Announced As Headliners of the Peterborough Folk Festival 2023

The Peterborough Folk Festival have announced the band Broken Social Scene as the headliners of this year’s festival August 19.

photo courtesy of the peterborough folk festival, facebook.

Throughout their two-decade run, Broken Social Scene have achieved all the markers of modern indie success—rave reviews from Pitchfork, invites to play Coachella and Lollapalooza, multiple Juno Awards and Letterman appearances, and name-drops in Lorde songs. And their victories have ultimately been Toronto’s as well – through the establishment of a record label (Arts & Crafts) and a music festival (Field Trip) that became rallying points for the local scene and nurtured the next generation of indie upstarts.

Broken Social Scene is described as living proof that underdogs are most effective when travelling in a pack, that mass audiences can be led into uncharted waters through collective enthusiasm, and that the better world we all dream of begins with community.

“Inclusivity, belonging and community are at the heart of Peterborough Folk Festival,” says artistic director Ryan Kemp. “I can barely express how thrilled we are to have this iconic Canadian band take the main stage as the PFF 2023 headliner on August 19th.”

This will be Broken Social Scene’s first-ever performance in Peterborough. Earlier this month, Kemp shared that internationally-acclaimed Celtic singer/songwriter Loreena McKennitt will headline the main stage of the 34th annual Peterborough Folk Festival on Sunday, August 20.

"We’ve been building momentum with our festival partners, sponsors and volunteer-run board to create a memorable event for everyone in Peterborough and across the region to enjoy. It’s incredible to have this come together with the announcement of these fantastic performers,” he continued.

The 2023 Peterborough Folk Festival kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18 at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by a free weekend of music, food and performance on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 at Nicholls Oval Park. Organizers will be making additional announcements during June, including the complete line-up of performers and PFF’s Emerging Artist of the Year.

For more information about PFF 2023, including how to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer, or vendor, visit the website.

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The Borderless Music & Arts Festival Is Back at The Gordon Best Theatre

The Borderless Music & Arts Festival 2023 is set to feature a line-up that celebrates local artists & cultural diversity through soulful music, poetry, dance and community at the Gordon Best Theatre starting June 23.

photo courtesy of The Borderless Music & Arts Festival.

Since 2016, the Borderless Music & Arts Festival has been a multidisciplinary arts showcase that centres women, BIPOC, intersectional identities, multiculturalism, and inclusive community-building with a mosaic of music, dance, visual art, drag, poetry, comedy, circus and film. For over 6 years, Borderless artists have brought an amazing wealth of diversity, culture, collaboration, innovation and excitement to the City.

Borderless Festival 2023 Begins

Friday, June 23:

Poetry by Robyn Pierson

Dance performance & workshop by Mintu Maria James

Music by:

The Colton Sisters

Will Ward

Harbhajunkie

Shahrazi

Featuring a pop-up booth by Indigenously Infused.

Saturday, June 24:

OMBIIGIZI

Singing Wild Rice Girl (Missy Knott)

Will Ward

Danny Taro

photo courtesy of The Borderless Music & Arts Festival.

Tickets available at the door and through borderlesshearts.ca. For more information, check out the website.

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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.