Summer is finally here (kind of) and July is a fine month to get out and see some live music, outdoors or indoors. Here are just a few of the great things happening across Peterborough and the Kawarthas this month.
Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival on July 4
Jazz takes over Lakefield on Saturday, July 4th as the Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival returns to Isabel Morris Park (20 Concession St., Lakefield).
There’ll be crafts and art, local food, beer from Publican House Brewery, a jazz and blues workshop, and all sorts of musical entertainment from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Acts include STRATos, Barbra Lica, Toronto Jazz Orchestra, Carpe Noctem, and more.
Admission is $5 for an all-day wristband, and it’s free for kids under 12. Go to www.lakefieldjazzfest.ca for all the info.
“Star Up” – Barbra Lica
Kennedy Cult at Two Dishes Cook Shop in Peterborough on July 9
Wicked retro/synth act Kennedy Cult — which happens to be local and features Ryan Kennedy, Jer Boyd, Shawn Bradley, and Curt Jackson — will be celebrating the release of their new EP American Spirits at Two Dishes Cook Shop (261 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-775-2650) on Thursday, July 9th.
Doors open at 9:30 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m.. Admission is only $5 at the door. There will be a DJ set to follow as well.
The Kennedy Cult’s sound is filled with dark synth-laden tones, tight beats, and some surprising sax. Check out the brand new video for “Sick of Me Too”.
“Sick of Me Too” – Kennedy Cult
The Good Lovelies at The Barn in Campbellford on July 10
A beautiful act at a beautiful venue! On Friday, July 10th, Westben Arts Festival Theatre presents The Good Lovelies at The Barn (6698 County Rd. 30 N., Campbellford, 705-653-5508 or 877-883-5777).
Three-part harmonies, witty banter, and excellent musicality combine with these ladies originally from Cobourg. They are always a great act to see and hear.
Tickets are $39 for adults, $37 for seniors, $15 for students, and $5 for youth. The show begins at 7 p.m.
“Waiting for You” – The Good Lovelies
Jane Archer tribute to Etta James at The Pig’s Ear in Peterborough on July 11
All-out blues from one of the area’s finest female blues voices: the Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255) presents “The Etta James Project Part II: Jane Archer Rocks the House” on Saturday, July 11th.
Jane Archer will be throwing back to a concert by Etta James in 1963 in Nashville. Lots of soul with hopes of a fun, raucous and dancing crowd.
Doors at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. Burlesque artist Honey Davidson opens up the evening. Tickets are $5 at the door.
“Wang Dang Doodle” performed by Jane Archer at the 2011 Frankford Island Blues Festival
Pat Walsh at The Garnet in Peterborough on July 16
If you’ve ever seen The Silver Hearts or were lucky enough to rock out to The Diplomats in their heyday, then you would have seen and heard Pat Walsh in both groups. He has always been an unsung hero in the Peterborough music and arts scene, ever since he moved here in the 1990s.
On Thursday, July 16th, the 20th anniversary of his excellent solo record Broken Chair will be celebrated at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) beginning at 9 p.m.
Check out Pat’s music at the Trent Radio Archives.
Chris Thomas King at Showplace in Peterborough on July 16
Also on Thursday, July 16th, Chris Thomas King returns to Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469). King played at Showplace a few summers ago.
You may know him from his role as Tommy Johnson in the Coen brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou?. King plays the blues with a whole lot of feeling.
The show is at 8 p.m. in the Nexicom Studio and tickets are $32. Get them at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org
“Death Letter Blues” – Chris Thomas King
Minden Hills Bluegrass Festival in Minden from July 17 – 19
A summer weekend escape to beautiful Minden awaits. The Minden Hills Bluegrass Festival takes place July 17th to July 19th at the Minden Fairgrounds (2048 Fleming Rd., Minden).
You can catch numerous top Canadian bluegrass acts like A New Shade of Blue, Barn Katz, Ducharme Family Bluegrass, Hard Ryde, and more — for very reasonable prices. Camping is also available.
Check out www.mindenhillsbluegrassfestival.ca for details.
“Done Gone” – Ducharme Family Bluegrass
Al Black’s Steady Trio at Elmirst’s Resort in Keene on July 20
Every Monday throughout the summer, Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940) is hosting live music on their beautiful boardwalk on Rice Lake.
This is a first for the resort and is sure to be a hit. Al Black’s Steady Trio takes the stage on Monday, July 20th. This is bound to be great, as Al will be joined by Gary Peeples and Andy Pryde to play some really great blues/rock/roots tunes. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. There is no cover, but tips for bands are appreciated.
Other performers during July include Kelly McMichael on July 6th, Sam Allison on July 13th, and Sara DeCarlo on July 27th. Visit www.elmhirst.ca for the full summer schedule.
Al Black, Gary Peeples, and Andy Pryde at Maggie’s Eatery
Shotgun Jimmie at The Garnet in Peterborough on July 24
Shotgun Jimmie brings his lo-fi rock, along with intelligent and irreverent tunes to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Friday, July 24th.
Usually touring as a one-man band — strumming a guitar and playing drums with his feet — Jim returns with some familiar tunes and probably some new ones. His last release was 2013’s Everything Everything, so there’s some anticipation for a new album.
The show will begin around 10 p.m. and he will be touring with Adrian Teacher and the Subs (Vancouver) and Human Music (Winnipeg).
“3212” – Shotgun Jimmie
Britt AM at The Garnet in Peterborough on July 27
British Columbia singer-songwriter Britt AM is a multi-talented artist who plays music and dabbles in photography and some other visual arts. She recently bought a tour van and decided to live in it as she tours across Canada.
On Monday, July 27th, her tour brings her to Peterborough to play at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107). The show will begin at 9 p.m..
Britt has a beautiful voice and tunes that resonate.
“Stupid Things” – Britt AM
C & C Surf Factory at the Red Dog in Peterborough on July 29
Hot beaches. The sound of waves lapping on the shore. Electric guitar soaked in reverb. Summertime is the quintessential time for surf music — even though we are quite a distance from any real surfing.
On Wednesday, July 29th, there’ll be some excellent surf-inspired instrumentals at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710), as Six Shooter Records’ C & C Surf Factory hit the stage in support of their first album Garage City.
The band features Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo, Kathleen Edwards, Junkhouse) and Champagne James Robertson (Lindi Ortega, New Country Rehab) with dueling guitars, along with Sly Juhas on drums, Ryan Gavel on bass, and Chris Stringer on keys and percussion
Tickets at the door. This is the best possible way to spend a summer night.
“Fire On The Dance Floor” – C & C Surf Factory
Rick Fines at Peterborough Musifest at Del Crary Park in Peterborough on July 29
Peterborough Musicfest is in full swing with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday evening, beginning at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough.
The 29th season of Canada’s longest-running free summer concert series features some local musicians, including blues-folk icon Rick Fines who performs on Wednesday, July 29th.
Other free concerts during July include The Eagles tribute band Hotel California on Wednesday, July 1st; local folk-pop favourite Melissa Payne on Saturday, July 4th; international calypso band Calypso Rose with Kobo Town on Wednesday, July 8th; folk rockers The Abrams on Saturday, July 11th; country star Chad Brownlee on Wednesday, July 15th; indie pop musician Hannah Georgas on Saturday, July 18th; Canadiana rock with The Northern Pikes on Wednesday, July 22nd; and The Beatles tribute band Day Tripper on Saturday, July 25th.
You can see the full summer schedule and read more about the musicians at www.ptbomusicfest.ca.
“Ridin’ The Rails” – Rick Fines
