As we hit the beautiful month of May, the buds begin to appear and to blossom and the weather becomes even warmer. It’s an excellent time of year to get out and experience live music. I will be on tour out west this month with Mayhemingways, but I highly recommend each of these shows.
Broken Harmony, New Speak, Taylor Knox, and Honey Davidson at The Spill in Peterborough on May 1
An evening of rock and roll and burlesque performance will be worth checking out on Friday, May 1st at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167).
Tunes will be provided by Broken Harmony, featuring Brandon Humphrey from The Lohrwoods, the bluesy sound of New Speak, and the awesome pop/rock coolness of Taylor Knox. Taylor has been the drummer for great acts like Haydyn, Zeus, and many more.
The show also features local burlesque dancer Honey Davidson.
The show is only $5 and begins around 9 or 9:30 p.m.
“My Backyard” – Taylor Knox
Crystal Journey with David Hickey at The Mount Community Centre in Peterborough on May 2
Besides having the trippiest and most intriguing poster in Peterborough so far this year, Crystal Journey with David Hickey at The Mount Community Centre (1555 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough) on Saturday, May 2nd also seems like one of the more unique shows to hit town as well.The one-man show will feature unique instruments like quartz crystal bowls that are tuned to chakras, gongs, as well as the Persian santoor and the vibraphone.
Tickets are $22 in advance at Moondance (425 George St. N. Peterborough, 705-742-9425) or $25 at the door.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m..
David Hickey from inside the Crystal Cave
Peterborough Live Music Festival in downtown Peterborough on May 2 and 3
A full weekend of music awaits you in downtown Peterborough as another edition of Peterborough Live Music Festival takes place Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd.
There are tons of bands performing at 10 venues including the Red Dog, The Venue, Sin City, Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, The Dobro, The Garnet, The Spill, and more.
An all-access pass is only $10, and kids 13 and under are free.
For more information including details about performers and venues, visit www.peterboroughlive.ca.
The Weather Station with Jos. Fortin at Gorden Best in Peterborough on May 8
It will be a night of deep and meaningful folk music with The Weather Station (a.k.a. Tamara Lindeman) at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884) on Friday, May 8th at 9 p.m.Tamara will be releasing her third record entitled Loyalty, a collaboration between her and Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas).
Opening the show will be Peterborough’s own Jos. Fortin.
Tickets are $12 in advance, available at The Only Cafe (underneath the Gordon Best) or online at www.ticketscene.ca, or $15 at the door.
“Way It Is, Way It Could Be” – The Weather Station
The Weber Brothers at The Venue in Peterborough on May 9
Peterborough’s favourite adopted sons The Weber Brothers bring their high-energy show and brilliant musicianship to The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008) on Saturday, May 9th at 7 p.m.
The show is in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Tickets are $20, available at The Venue or online at www.ticketscene.ca.
This is one you really do not want to miss.
“I Still Believe” – The Weber Brothers
Ian Tyson at Showplace in Peterborough on May 14
Ian Tyson, one of Canada’s most legendary songwriter, comes to town on Thursday, May 14th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469), beginning at 8 p.m.Tyason has written classic songs like “Four Strong Winds”, “Summer Wages”, “Someday Soon”, and “Navajo Rug” — to name but a few.
The famous Albertan is 81 and shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to tour and record.
Tickets are $58 and available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
“Four Strong Winds” – Ian and Sylvia Tyson
Kim Doolittle at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope on May 15
Talented Peterborough songstress Kim Doolittle will rip it up at the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope, 905-885-1071) on Friday, May 15th at 8 p.m.
She will be paying homage to classic female vocalists spanning four decades, including the music of The Andrews sisters, Ella Fitzgerald, Edith Piaf, and more.
Tickets are $29 with all fees included, available at the box office or online at www.capitoltheatre.com.
“Give It Up Or Let Me Go” – Kim Doolittle
Jen Lane, John Antoniuk, and Dan Walsh at The Spill in Peterborough on May 21
A night of eclectic folk with a touch of rock comes to The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Thursday, May 21st, with Jen Lane and John Antoniuk from Saskatoon and the always-musical Dan Walsh from Port Dover.
Jen and John play great tunes with harmonies and a ton of heart. Dan Walsh is an excellent guitar player with loops and tricks a-plenty.
The show begins around 9 p.m., costs $10 (or pay what you can), and will feature a local guest.
“Break My Heart” – John Antoniuk
“The Lonely Cricket” – Jen Lane
“Beard” – Dan Walsh
Romi Mayes with The Lohrwoods at the Red Dog in Peterborough on May 22
Canadian blues/rock artist Romi Mayes hits Peterborough for the first time in a few years, as she tours in support of her new release Devil on Both Shoulders.
On Friday, May 22nd, she’s at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) with local faves The Lohrwoods opening up the show.
Romi is awesome, so get out to this one — a guaranteed good time.
“Devil On Both Shoulders” – Romi Mayes
Horizon Youth Concert at the Clock Tower in Campbellford on May 23
Westben Arts Festival Theatre is presenting the Horizon Youth Concert on Saturday, May 23rd at 7 p.m. in the main room at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).
The show features an array of young talent from the Trent Hills area and beyond. Cost for the show is pay what you can.
It’s also a great opportunity to check out the newly renovated Clock Tower Cultural Centre in downtown Campbellford. Not only is it the new location for their box office, but Westben will have frequent performances there during their 2015 season, as well as new music and arts programming.
Everything Country at the Millbrook Legion on May 24
This one is for the old-fashioned folks out there. Millbrook Legion (9 King St. E., Millbrook) is hosting a dinner and dance on Sunday, May 24th from 3 to 7 p.m.
There’ll be a hot supper with all the trimmings and live country band Everything Country will make for a real great time.
Tickets are only $12.
Rock Camp for Girls at the Red Dog in Peterborough on May 30
A celebration of 10 excellent years of Peterborough’s Rock Camp for Girls (RC4G) takes place on Saturday, May 30th at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710).
The show will feature performances by ladies who have been part of the camp and also by some of their excellent and talented instructors.
This is going to be a very special event. RC4G is a great camp that proves that girls can rock as hard — or even harder — than boys. One of the bands influenced by RC4G was The Lonely Parade.
Tickets will be available at the Red Dog, with more details to come.
“She Can Wait” – The Lonely Parade