April is a great time to end your hibernation and get out to Peterborough and the Kawarthas’ hot spots to check out some live music. Here are a few picks for this month.
Del Bel with Sean Conway at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on April 3
It will be a great night of music and craft beer at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884) on Friday, April 3rd as Toronto Guelph soul/atmospheric pop band Del Bel performs in Peterborough.
The band has just released a critically acclaimed album and has been featured on CBC’s Q and The Strombo Show. Opening the show will be Peterborough’s own Sean Conway. MacLean’s Ales Inc. from Hanover is sponsoring the event.
Tickets are $10 at the door or in advance at The Only Cafe (downstairs from the Gordon Best) and doors open at 9 p.m.
“In My Solitude” – Del Bel
Diamond Dave Russell and the Smoke Eaters at the Pig’s Ear in Peterborough on April 4
Diamond Dave Russell and the Smoke Eaters return to the Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255) on Saturday, April 4th.
Listen to country rock all night long for only $3. The show begins around 10 p.m.
Cover of “Momma, I’m Drinking Again”- Diamond Dave Russell and the Smoke Eaters
Common Deer at The Spill in Peterborough on April 7
I’m definitely excited to check out yet another Toronto/Guelph group this month. They’re called Common Deer and play Peterborough for the very first time on Tuesday, April 7th at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) beginning at 9 p.m.
They have an orchestral/indie sound that the band calls “cinematic art folk”. Instruments include cello, piano, fiddle, guitar, percussion, bass, and more.
Come show these folks what Peterborough is all about. It’s a pay what you can show.
“The Chase” – Common Deer
Dumb Angel, Jos Fortin, Claude Munson, and Matthew Oomen at The Spill in Peterborough on April 9
Thursday, April 9th brings a full evening of atmospheric folk to The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) with Dumb Angel from Saskatoon, Jos Fortin from Peterborough, Claude Munson from Ottawa, and Canadian via Norway Matthew Oomen.
The cover is only $8 and the show begins around 9 p.m.
Cover of “Snake Eyes” – Jos Fortin
Jennifer Castle with The Losing Hand at Artspace in Peterborough on April 10
Critically acclaimed and creative, Jennifer Castle returns to Peterborough on Friday, April 10th at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-3883).
Castle is touring in support of her 2014 album Pink City, which features many great guest musicians and really highlights her talents as a tunesmith.
Also playing the show are The Losing Hand, who are fresh off the release of their new cassette tape entitled Tapes.
The show is $12 in advance (at Artspace or www.ticketscene.ca/events/12769/) or $15 at the door, which opens at 8 p.m.
“Nature” – Jennifer Castle
Luke Nicholson at The Spill in Peterborough on April 11
Luke Nicholson is from this area, yet his catchy songs are spreading pretty far. He’s had successful tours in Europe as well as in Canada.
You can catch him at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) with Dylan Ireland, as the pair play a matinee from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 11th.
Tickets are $6 at the door.
“We All Need” – Luke Nicholson
Rick Fines at The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall in Cobourg on April 11
Peterborough was already treated to a show by Rick Fines in support of the release of his new album Driving Home, and now it’s Cobourg’s turn for a great night of tunes.
The multi-award winner brings a full band and special guests to The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall (55 King St. W., Cobourg, 905-372-2210) on Saturday, April 11th at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $30, available by phone at 905-372-2210 or 1-855-372-2210 or online at www.concerthallatvictoriahall.com.
Rick Fines Driving Home CD Release
Petunia at The Garnet in Peterborough on April 16
I have written about his shows in this column before, and I will again. The one and only Petunia returns to Peterborough to play The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Thursday, April 16th.
His shows end up feeling like a cross between a Hank Williams seance, a wild west saloon show, and a traveling prophet with something to offer all of us. I highly recommend you check this man out.
Tickets will be on sale at the door and the show will begin around 9 p.m.
“Mercy” – Petunia
Whiskey Jack with Sean Cullen in Stompin’ Tom tribute at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 17
Stompin’ Tom fans rejoice! Some good friends and old studio mates of the man himself are coming to town on Friday, April 17th at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146). Stories & Songs of Stompin’ Tom will feature Whiskey Jack, a band that worked with Tom Connors for over 25 years and was famous for playing his birthday party each year.
Whiskey Jack has been touring and recording for 35 years and were best known for their years as regulars on the CBC’s Tommy Hunter Show. It seems fitting since Peterborough’s old King Edward Hotel was where Tom was given his “Stompin'” moniker and he chose to have his funeral held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Douglas John Cameron will open the show. Cameron is no stranger to Peterborough — he and Curtis Driedger were the founding members of the ’80s post-punk/new wave power trio The Ceedees.
Just announced: Peterborough native and international star of stage and screen Sean Cullen will be joining the show as MC.
Tickets are $27 plus fees and the show begins at 8 p.m. This show is sure to be a crowd pleaser for all ages.
“Gumboot Cloggeroo” (cover) – Whiskey Jack
Nick Ferrio at Artspace in Peterborough on April 17
After the Stompin’ Tom celebration, head over to Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-3883) for the release of Nick Ferrio‘s brand new 7″ single “Come Hell or High Water” and his new full-length Amongst the Coyotes and Birdsongs.
Backing up Nick will be up-and-coming band The Lonely Parade, a wicked girl rock group from right here in town. They will be playing their own set during the evening as well.
Tickets are $10 at Artspace.
“Come Hell or High Water” – Nick Ferrio
Wax Mannequin, Graeme Kennedy Band, and The DoneFors at The Spill in Peterborough on April 18
A triple bill of eclectic (if not epic) proportions arrives at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Saturday, April 18th.
Hamilton’s Wax Mannequin has been making music for years and his offbeat, unique folk stylings never get old. Peterborough’s own Graeme Kennedy Band will dazzle with their rough-around-the-edges songs. Hamilton/Toronto group The DoneFors play a sort of jazz/pop/rock fusion, full of wit, musicianship and danceability.
Tickets are available at the door and the show will begin around 9 p.m.
“Watertower” – The DoneFors
The Good Lovelies at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope on April 23 and 24
When a band or a musical act morphs into something new, there’s a spark of excitement that comes with it. The Good Lovelies are about to light such a spark. Set to release their brand new album Burn the Plan in May, the trio will perform at the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope, 905-885-1071) on Saturday, April 23rd and Sunday, April 24th.
The two-night engagement will see them play new tunes and bring their newfound textures and sound to the stage. Tickets are $25 plus HST, and both shows begin at 8 p.m.
For more information and tickets, check out www.capitoltheatre.com.
Burn The Plan Promotional Trailer
Howard Ross and The Full Count Blues Band at the Dominion Hotel in Minden on April 25
If you like the blues, you’ll want to check out this show. The six-piece Howard Ross and The Full Count Blues Band, with special guest Paul Reddick on harp and Pat Cary on sax, is playing at the Dominion Hotel (113 Main St., Minden, 705-286-6954) on Saturday, April 25th.
This show is a part of the Canadian Blue Legends series. The band performed at the Benefit For Bobby Watson in Peterborough in October 2013.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Music begins at 8:30pm and there is an additional price of $15.99 for a buffet dinner before the show.
Howard Ross and The Full Count Blues Band at The Venue in Peterborough
