There are some very high-calibre acts playing in Peterborough and area this February and March. Here are some excellent shows in February — and a sneak peak into some upcoming shows for March.
Get out and hear some music — it’ll take away some of those late winter blues.
Willie P. Bennett tribute and final musical celebration at The Garnet
The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-8463) will be closing in February, ending a great 2-½ year run of great live music, good food, and a safe and welcoming space in downtown Peterborough.
Owners Blair Watson and Tammy Foreman are moving on to other things.
The last day will be Saturday, February 15th. Look below for information on the festivities and music happening on the last day.
The late great Canadian singer-songwriter and sideman extraordinaire Willie P. Bennett will be paid tribute by his close friends on Saturday, February 15th from 2 – 5 p.m. “Blue Valentine: A Tribute to Willie P. Bennett” began three years ago with Washboard Hank and Dennis O’Toole at the helm. Guests will include Cris Cuddy, Pat Temple, Joe Hall, and more.
After Blue Valentine, from around 5 p.m. to closing, there’ll be a long list of great local talent celebrating The Garnet. Performers will include Mercy Steelwood, Tom Eastland, Evan MacDonald, Bryar Gray, Erik Fines, Occam’s Blazer, Sean Conway, Diamond Dave and the Smoke Eaters, Evangeline Gentle, Ray Baby, Mayhemingways, The Muddy Hack, and more! Head down to The Garnet and check it out — it’s still so awesome.
“Blackie & The Rodeo King” performed by Willie P. Bennett
Blackie & The Rodeo Kings performing Willie P. Bennett’s “White Line” at the Market hall
Paul Reddick and The Weber Brothers at The Garnet
Ben Sures, JP Wasson, and The Pine Box String Band at The Spill
There’s another show on the same evening at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167): a great trio of groups playing on Saturday, February 15th at 9 p.m. This will be an old blues and country-tinged night with clever and wry blues/folk act Ben Sures from Edmonton, Peterborough-born Toronto resident JP Wasson, and Peterborough group The Pine Box String Band. Cover will be between $5 and $10.
Ben Sures as Son of Trouble
“Farmer’s Wife” – JP Wasson Band
Bruce Cockburn at Showplace
For all he has done musically, Bruce Cockburn has also been a relentless activist in human rights issues worldwide.
As I’m writing this, there are only a handful of seats are left for this show.
Tickets are $43.50, available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469 or toll free 1-866-444-2154, or online at www.showplace.org.
Bruce Cockburn – “Strange Waters”
Bruce Cockburn Playing Guitar – Excerpt from My Beat (Documentary)
Rick Fines and Friends at Showplace
Guests include Carrie Chesnutt and David Vest. Tickets are $25. Some tickets are still available.
Make sure you check out my kawarthaICON – Rick Fines story.
Fingerstyle Blues with Rick Fines
The Weber Brothers’ Paul McCartney tribute at Market Hall
The Weber Brothers present “Getting Better: Canada’s Premier Paul McCartney Tribute”, which will feature songs from McCartney’s prolific career.
Tickets are $20 for main seating and $25 for table seating, and are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, and online at www.markethall.org.
Regular tickets (for rows FF and B) are available at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425, open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., cash only).
“Maybe I’m Amazed” – Getting Better at The Market Hall in 2011
Matt Andersen at Showplace
Matt comes to Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) on Thursday, February 27th at 7:30 p.m.
Known for his soulful voice and great guitar playing, he is on tour in support of his new album Weightless.
Tickets are $43 and are available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469 or toll free 1-866-444-2154, or online at www.showplace.org.
“I Lost My Way” – Matt Andersen
“Broken Man” – Matt Andersen
Robot Eyes, Sue Newberry and the Law, and David Newberry at The Red Dog
There will be a free show at The Historic Red Dog on Friday, February 28th at 10 p.m. featuring Robot Eyes, Sue Newberry and the Law, and David Newberry.
Robot Eyes is a Peterborough band with both a fresh and retro feel, pulsing with sounds of the 1980s. This show is going to be a lot of fun!
“You and Me” – Robot Eyes
“Supernatural” – Robot Eyes
Mayhemingways at The Pig’s Ear
Local alt-country/Cajun/bluegras duo Mayhemingways return to The Pig’s Ear Tavern on Saturday, March 1st.
There’ll be three full sets, with music all night long for only $3.
“Snake Song” – Mayhemingways
“Wanderers” – Mayhemingways
Lotus Wight at The Spill
The show is Wednesday, March 12th at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167), beginning around 9 p.m.
Lotus plays music that’s quirky, old-time, and a load of fun.
“You Gotta Move Outa Town” – Sheesham and Lotus
J.P. Hovercraft Benefit Concert at Market Hall
Peterborough has a great tradition of helping out community members when they need it most. J.P. Hovercraft, a fixture in the Peterborough music scene, has helped countless people at benefits and fundraising events. Now it’s time to help J.P., after he suffered a terrible fall on the ice this winter causing a gruesome leg injury.
“The Hover Recovers: A Benefit for J.P. Hovercraft” takes place on Sunday, March 16th from 3 – 9 p.m. at The Market Hall (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough). This is one talent-packed benefit concert feautring Dennis O’Toole, Saskia Cresentia, Cris Cuddy Acoustic Unit, poetry by Wes Ryan, Tarantüla, The Omittments, Catfish Willie & The Buckle Busters, Balls & Jane, Al Black & The Steady Band, Mayhemingways, and The Bonus Numbers.
Tickets are $25 and are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, and online at www.markethall.org. Tickets will also be available soon at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425, open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., cash only).
Drownin’ In Blue – J.P. Hovercraft
24 Hour Music Project at The Red Dog
It’s time once again to show off some of the great Peterborough talent with the 4th Annual 24 Hour Music Project taking place at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Saturday, March 22nd at 8 p.m.
The event features five brand new bands, each with a 20-minute set, written, rehearsed and performed within 24 hours. Guest writers include Rick Fines, Al Black, Melissa Payne, and many more.
After the bands have played, there’ll a headline set by local funk group The Token Players.
Tickets are $10 at the door. Stay tuned for a larger feature article on this in March!
Fortunate Lust (from 3rd Annual 24 Hour Music Project)
