musicNOW – September 2014

Featuring Sherman Downey & the Ambiguous Case, Pearly Jenkins, Brock Zeman, The Echo Hunters, BA Johnston, Monomyth, and more

Newfoundland roots-rockers Sherman Downey and the Ambiguous Case play the Red Dog on September 3 (publicity photo)
Newfoundland roots-rockers Sherman Downey and the Ambiguous Case play the Red Dog on September 3 (publicity photo)

September is always busy as parents ready children for school, colleges and university start up, and we all return to a more routine schedule.

That said, why not take a load off at one of these great shows happening in Peterborough and area? Rock and roll, roots, and BA Johnston are all coming to town.


Sherman Downey and the Ambiguous Case at the Red Dog on September 3

All the way from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, it’s Sherman Downey and the Ambiguous Case with Melissa Payne at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Wednesday, September 3rd.

Sherman and his group have been getting well-deserved play on CBC and will be bringing their great, upbeat, and rootsy sound to Peterborough. The show will start between 9 and 10 p.m. Earlier if more people show up early! *Wink* It’s only $5 at the door.

“The Right Idea” – Sherman Downey and The Ambiguous Case


Pearly Jenkins and Lucky Strike at The Garnet on September 4

It’s rockabilly night in Canada on Thursday, September 4th as Pearly Jenkins and Lucky Strike take to the stage at The Red Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).

Lucky Strike is made up of consummate musicians Jimmy Bowskill and Clayton Yates. Great tunes, excellent energy, and a growing chemistry will blow your mind and make for a great night. The show begins at 9 p.m.

The Passion – Pearly Jenkins


Brock Zeman with Blair Hogan at The Spill on September 5

Brock Zeman‘s excellent tunes range from heart-breaking to spooky and back again. The Ottawa Valley area singer-songwriter has been at it a long time and keeps getting better.

Joined by excellent sideman Blair Hogan, the two gents continue to tour and impress Canada and the U.S.. They will be at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Friday, September 5th at 9 p.m. (sharp) along with Peterborough’s own Mayhemingways. Tickets are $10 in advance (available at The Spill) and $12 at the door.

Little Details – Brock Zeman with Blair Hogan


The Echo Hunters and Jos Fortin at Market Hall on September 6

Peterborough will be treated to “A Taste of Montreal” on Saturday, September 6th at the Market Hall (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146). The show, presented by Anthony Lawrence Enterprises, will feature Montreal folk-rock band The Echo Hunters and local talent Jos Fortin.

The event will be catered with authentic Montreal Snowden Deli Smoked Meat and will also feature a short video presentation by Tony Buell.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available through the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org.

The Maker – The Echo Hunters


BA Johnston at the Red Dog on September 13

Hamilton showstopper BA Johnston is back once again to entertain the masses with his lo-fi comedic approach. He plays at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Saturday, September 13th at 10 p.m.

The show will also feature The Beef Boys and Chubla, two loud rock bands.

Pay Me in Stolen Treasure – BA Johnston


Monomyth at The Spill on September 14

Halifax jangle-pop band Monomyth are hitting The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Sunday, September 14th as part of their “Saturnalia Regalia” album release tour.

Pretty cool considering they’re getting bigger and more well-known each day. The show will begin around 10 p.m. and the ticket price is TBA.

This show for sure has a high “cool” factor. See them in a small bar while you still can!

Theme from Monomyth – Monomyth


Ennis at Showplace on September 18

The sweet harmonies and angelic voices of Newfoundland’s Ennis play Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Thursday, September 18th at 8pm.

Their music is Christian-based country in a modern style, with some timeless talent thrown in. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.

Go Safely into the Night – Ennis Sisters


Suzie Vinnick at Northern Lights in Haliburton on September 20

Outstanding blues and R & B singer Suzie Vinnick is presenting a really cool night of music on Saturday, September 20th at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion in Haliburton.

Entitled “Betty and the Bobs”, the event is part of the Hike Hailburton Festival and is described as “an extracurricular vehicle for a group of Toronto musicians and friends who had worked together in different combinations.” Basically, they will be performing many songs they have always wanted to perform together but haven’t had the chance. Sounds neat!

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and the cost is $25 per person. Tickets are available at the Haliburton Highlands Tourism Information Centre (12340 Hwy 35 N., Minden, 705-286-1777 or 1-800-461-7677) or online at www.madeinhaliburton.com.

Betty and the Bobs perform at the 2013 Winter Folk Camp


Big Tobacco and the Pickers at The Garnet on September 26

Toronto honky-tonk country band Big Tobacco and the Pickers invade Peterborough’s The Red Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Friday, September 26th at 10pm.

Look out for witty originals, classic covers, and drinkin’ tunes all night long. Cover is likely $5. If you like country and having a good time, dust off the boots and get down to this one.

The Drunker You Get -Big Tobacco and the Pickers


Drea Nasager at The Garnet on September 27

How can I not write about the return to town of longtime friend and former Peterborough resident and musician Drea Nasager?

Drea is playing a show at The Red Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, September 27th at 10 p.m. She’s touring all the way from the Yukon and she’s bringing her band The Naysayers (www.thenaysayersmusic.com) with her.

The band’s sound is described as a bar fight between Lucinda Williams and The Replacements. She’s guaranteed to have a few stories of the north as well. Check it out!

“Hearts Parts” – Drea and The Naysayers