Here are my picks for some of the great shows coming up in October (this month, all my picks are in Peterborough). Our community is lucky to have such a rich musical backdrop, so get out there and support live music!
Chris Koster at The Garnet on October 3
Kingston singer-songwriter Chris Koster and Peterborough’s 7th Fire Records will be celebrating the release of a new 7″ record at The Red Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Friday, October 3rd at 10 p.m.
“Fully Completely” (Tragically Hip) – Chris Koster
The Golden Dogs at The Spill on October 4
Toronto rock-and-roll veterans The Golden Dogs return for the first time in a few years to Peterborough. High-energy shows are their hallmark and catchy tunes abound.
They’ll be at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Saturday, October 4th at 10 p.m. Opening the show will be Taylor Knox and Wax Atlantic. $10 at the door.
“Construction Worker” – The Golden Dogs
Dan Hill at Showplace on October 4
Canadian music icon Dan Hill brings his storied songbook to Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Saturday, October 4th at 8 p.m. His international hits include “Sometimes When We Touch” and “Can’t We Try.”
Tickets are $42 and can be purchased at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org. I
“Sometimes When We Touch” – Dan Hill
The Earthbound Trio at The Spill on October 6
My good friends The Earthbound Trio from New Brunswick play The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Monday, October 6th at 9 p.m.
Their music stretches from folk to jam band to funk, all the while being uplifting and fun. Let’s give these guys a Peterborough welcome! Kyle Chivers (Elk The Moose) will be opening up the show. Cover is $5 at the door.
The Earthbound Trio
Green and Gold at The Garnet on October 7
You have to go see my friends Green and Gold from St. John’s, Newfoundland at The Red Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Tuesday, October 7th.
Super-cool indie rock with hints of garage rock and more. A superb band that only gets better and better with every tour!
Green and Gold on the CBC Beetle Roadtrip Sessions
Justin Rutledge and Spencer Burton at the Gordon Best on October 9
The Peterborough Folk Festival presents Justin Rutledge and Spencer Burton in concert at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884) on Thursday, October 9th at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $20 and are available online at www.ticketscene.ca and at the Only Café (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-743-7591).
“Kapuskasing Coffee” – Justin Rutledge
Grey Kingdom with Spencer Button
D.O.A. at the Red Dog on October 9
I know some of you like punk rock, especially Vancouver punk icons D.O.A.. Well, they return to Peterborough to play The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Thursday, October 9th at 10 p.m.
Opening the show will be Broken Foot and The New Enemy — Peterborough youngsters with heaps of talent Broken Foot and The New Enemy.
Tickets are $12 in advance (at The Dog) or $15 at the door.
“Police Brutality” – D.O.A.
Big Wreck at Showplace on October 14
Modern rock band Big Wreck featuring Ian Thornley will hit Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Tuesday, October 14th at 8 p.m. They’re celebrating the release of their latest effort Ghosts.
The band were happening way back when I was in high school and they’re back on the scene and touring across North America.
Tickets are $39.50 and are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
“Ghosts” – Big Wreck
Jackson Delta at the Market Hall on October 17
Peterborough acoustic blues and live music heroes Jackson Delta are coming back together for “Jackson Delta – Revisited”, a one-night-only show at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Friday, October 17th at 8 p.m.
Rick Fines, Alan Black, and Gary Peeples have been making great music together for decades, and it’s a rare treat that the trio is reuniting. This show is sure to be a sell out!
Tickets are $30 and available through the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org. Ticket are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George N, Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
Jackson Delta live at Showplace Performance Centre
Woodland Orchestra at The Spill on October 17
The always fun Woodshed Orchestra will bring their high-energy explosion of good times to The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Friday, October 17th at 9 p.m.
Fronted by original Rheostatics drummer Dave Clark, the band always make The Spill a one-of-a-kind dance haven. Opening the show will be awesome experimental weirdos Hello Babies. Cost at door is $10.
“Love Letter To New Orleans” – Woodshed Orchestra
Hank Williams Tribute at The Pig’s Ear on October 18
Did you know that legendary country star Hank Williams has a connection to Peterborough? In 1952, Hank was scheduled to play a show at the Brock Arena (where Fresh Co. is now located). The singer allegedly got so drunk at the Windsor Hotel (now the Pig’s Ear Tavern) that he couldn’t play that night.
Sean Conway, Benj Rowland, and myself — along with many guests — will pay tribute to Hank at The Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255) on Saturday, October 18th. The show is at 10pm and will cost $3 at the door.
“Cold, Cold Heart” – Hank Williams (1952)
Express and Co. at The Red Dog on October 24
My good friends Express and Co. (Dylan Ireland and Melissa Payne) are back to the Red Dog on Friday, October 24th at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) at 10 p.m.
After a killer year of CBC radio play and great shows, the roots rock band are excited to keep the momentum going. Sean Conway will be opening up the show. Tickets are available at the door.
“Carry Me Along” – Express and Co.
Loreena McKennitt at Showplace on October 26
Internationally acclaimed Canadian musician Loreena McKennitt is in town for one evening with “The Stories Behind the Songs: An intimate evening of words and music” at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Sunday, October 26th at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the rare and special show are $70. Get them at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org before they are all sold out.
“The Mummers’ Dance” – Loreena McKennitt
The Burning Hell at The Garnet on October 29
Peterborough ex-pats The Burning Hell are returning back to town after a triumphant time at the Peterborough Folk Festival weekend.
The band of merry men and women will play The Red Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Thursday, October 29th. With baritone vocals, ukelele, songs about world history, and even some dancing numbers, you have to be there!
“Grown-Ups” – The Burning Hell
Zachary Lucky and Li’l Andy at The Spill on October 31
Halloween will have a country flair at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Saturday, October 31st with two excellent roots/western acts.
Zachary Lucky is an all-star hurtin’ song poet from Saskatoon. He’s no stranger to Peterborough, returning once again to dazzle and charm us. Li’l Andy is a Montreal-based songwriter who has something special in every song.
The show begins around 9 p.m. and tickets available at the door.
“Ramblin’ Man’s Lament” – Zachary Lucky
“While the Engines Burn” – Li’l Andy