Well, summer appears to be here in full effect — at least summer weather. Get on out and check out some amazing live talent in June. Reggae, Celtic, folk, blues, and much more.
Chris Culgin Band at Gordon Best on June 5
The Chris Culgin Band will be releasing their brand new record It’s Only Time at The Gordon Best Theatre, upstairs at The Only Café (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884) on Thursday, June 5th at 8 p.m.
The record was recorded in Toronto and will be released on CD and vinyl. The band is about to head out on a long summer tour, so go see these gents before they go.
The night will also feature Grainne Ryan and The Lohrwoods.
“You’re Haunting My Favourite Place To Be” – Chris Culgin
Sean Conway at the Garnet on June 5
Across the street on Thursday, June 5th at The Red Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) will be the album release of local hero Sean Conway‘s brand new effort called It’s Ugly To Look at Love When You’re Average.
The show starts around 10 p.m. This show will also be a farewell to Sean and his band as they ready themselves to head to the East Coast. Boy oh boy, all of these touring Peterborough bands!
The band for the night will also feature Gratia Leitch, Gerry Gregg and Dylan Ireland. Opening the show will be Evangeline Gentle.
“The Blue Acre” – Sean Conway
Dub Trinity at the Red Dog on June 6
Reggae is one of the resounding sounds of summer and Peterborough’s Dub Trinity will have you dancing into summer on Friday, June 6th at 10 p.m. at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710).
Tickets are available at the door. Good vibes all around.
“Let Them Know” – Dub Trinity
Celtic Jam at the Publican House on June 8
Excellent beer, a beautiful patio, and great live music — what more does one need to really absorb everything great about summer? Publican House Brewery (300 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-874-5743) presents music on the patio each weekend, weather permitting.
On Sunday, June 8th from 2 to 5 p.m., come and listen or take part in Fiddlin’ Jay’s Celtic Jam. There is no cost for admission and all ages are welcome.
Celtic jams were once a staple of the old Peterborough Arms, so come out and make them a new tradition at tge Publican House.
“Cotten Eyed Joe” – Drift (Jay Edmunds and Benj Rowland)
Dan Fewings and Jay Shaughnessy Unofficial Retirement Celebration at The Pig’s Ear on June 14
There’s a big party brewing on Saturday, June 14th from 8 p.m. to close at The Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255) with the unofficial retirement celebration of two area teachers: Dan Fewings (my dad) and Jay Shaughnessy.
The night will feature music by Mayhemingways, Dan Fewings, Jimmy Bowskill and more. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $3 at the door.
Note: this event is not to be confused with either Dan or Jay’s official retirement parties on Friday, June 13th.
“Not Tonight” – Dan Fewings and Sean Cullen
Grand Analog at the Red Dog on June 21
Although Peterborough is known for music, hip-hop or rap shows are few and far between. So if you are a fan of phat beats and great rhymes, you’ll will want to hit The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Saturday, June 21st at 10 p.m. for excellent Canadian rapper Grand Analog. Peterborough resident and wordsmith Danny Taro will be opening up.
“The Great Rhyme Dropper” – Grand Analog
The Black Diamond Express at Showplace on June 24
Peterborough is in for a big treat when Scotland’s The Black Diamond Express hit town on Tuesday, June 24th at 8 p.m. at the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Their music is described as a hybrid of Robert Johnson and a rootsy Sex Pistols. This nine-piece band — including fiddle, two drummers, steel guitar and more — have a great high-energy stage show and play a variety of tunes from gypsy to blues and back again.
Tickets are $25 in advance or at the door. Advance tickets 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.
Local band Mayhemingways will open up the show.
“Preachin’ Blues” – The Black Diamond Express
Astrid Young at The Spill on June 27
She comes from a talented and famous family and her music continues that line of talent. Astrid Young (half-sister of the one and only Neil Young, daughter of the late writer Scott Young) brings her rootsy rock to The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Friday, June 27th at 9 p.m.
Astrid will be accompanied by her husband Ray Farrugia, former drummer for Hamilton ’90s rock band Junkhouse and current drummer for Tom Wilson’s band Lee Harvey Osmond.
The opening act is our own Melissa Payne. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Astrid Young at Gilmour Street Music Hall
The Skydiggers at Peterborough Musicfest on June 28
“Ontario’s Best Outdoor Summer Concert Series” is back for another year. That’s right, Peterborough Musicfest (previously known as Little Lake Musicfest) returns to Del Crary Park with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night throughout the summer.
The very first concert is on Saturday, June 28th from 8-10 p.m. and will feature Canadian folk/roots music legends The Skydiggers. What a show!
“I Will Give you Everything” – The Skydiggers
Fuzz Fest at The Spill on June 28
The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) is one of Peterborough’s most active live music venues, and each year it presents a music blowout called Fuzz Fest. This year Fuzz Fest is on Saturday, June 28th. Rock bands, solo acts, and more play music from the afternoon to late in the night. Check out up-and-comers and established talent like The Charming Ruins. Tickets available at the door.
“Feel It” – The Charming Ruins
Martin Wall at Showplace on June 30
Martin Wall has played piano for more than 50 years and that playing has led to a side career as an entertainer of senior citizens for eight years. He mixes classical with popular songs seamlessly, and brings energy and passion and excellent piano playing to the stage every time.
Now he’s bringing a matinee show to Peterborough at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N.) on Monday, June 30th at 2:30 p.m., with a set custom-designed for retired and senior folks looking for some blasts from the past.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets 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.
“Bumble Boogie” – Martin Wall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exRaN6ga-pU
