January is not typically known as a great month to go outside. Fair enough. But if you venture outside with a plan to see great music, then it can be wonderful. There is something for everyone this month in Peterborough and The Kawarthas. Check out just a snapshot of what’s happening in January.
Sean Conway at The Garnet in Peterborough on January 1
Peterborough’s own Sean Conway has been working hard over the years. New albums, new tunes, and same old excellent musicianship. Morphing from country to more of a new wave, rock-tinged sound, Conway is a true artist.
He’ll be playing with a band at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1st, at 10 p.m. Cover is $10, or pay what you can, at the door. Kick off 2016 the right way.
“It’s Only Breaking Me” by Sean Conway
Laura Hermiston’s Twist with So Young at The Oxford in Peterborough on January 9
There’ll be an evening of synth-pop and rock at The Oxford Parlour and Patio (172 Simcoe St., Peterborough, 705-874-1111) on Saturday,January 9th with Twist, a project by Laura Hermiston, formerly of BB Guns.
Her new stuff has been evolving since 2013. She worked closely with a member of well-known band Holy F*ck and expanded the sound from drum-machine and guitar driven tunes to a full band. Opening will be So Young.
Tickets are available at the door and the show begins around 10 p.m.
“Too Much Trouble” – Twist
Tas Cru at Showplace in Peterborough on January 16
The Elite Blues Series continues to bring in excellent blues acts to the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469). On Saturday, January 16th at 8 p.m., New York’s Tas Cru brings smoking guitar and a bad case of the blues to town.
With a crackerjack band featuring organ, harmonica, bass, and drums, Cru lays down a classic sound.
Tickets are $32 and can be purchased at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
“Month of Somedays” – Tas Cru
The Mudmen at The Market Hall in Peterborough on January 16
Just up the street, there’ll be something a little different: a “blast of Celtic energy” when The Mudmen return to Peterborough to play at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Saturday, January 16th at 8 p.m.
The band have earned a nice following Canada wide with their unique mix of bagpipes, rock, and a great live show. Tickets are $25 for assigned cabaret table seating, and $20 for general admission regular seating. All tickets include fees, and an extra $3 will be charged on tickets purchased at the door.
Get your tickets at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
“Lift Of The Kilt/I Love Drinking” – The Mudmen
54-40 at Showplace in Peterborough on January 19
They’ve been rocking audiences and radios for 30 years and now Vancouver’s 54-40 is touring Canada to promote their new record La Difference – A History Unplugged, with stripped-down versions of hits like “Baby Ran”, “She La”, “Ocean Pearl”, “I Go Blind”, and more.
The band will be at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Tuesday, January 19th at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $47 and are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
“One Gun” – 54-40
The Honeyrunners with Mayhemingways at The Pig’s Ear in Peterborough on January 23
An eclectic evening of music is in store for the Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255) on Saturday, January 23rd, with two bands that stretch across several genres. The Honeyrunners from Toronto will bring their funk/soul/rock mix to the Piggy for the first time, and the evening will be hosted by locals Mayhemingways.
Check out two bands for only $3! The show begins at 10 p.m.
“Signals” – The Honeyrunners
“End Up” – Mayhemingways
Geoff Berner with Orkestar Kriminal at The Garnet in Peterborough on January 24
One of Canada’s most unique acts, the truly idionsyncratic and talented songwriter Geoff Berner brings his klezmer-infused accordion music to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Sunday, January 24th.
He’s touring the release of a brand new album, We Are Going to Bremen to Be Musicians. The show begins at 10 p.m. and is $10 or pay what you can.
Berner will be joined by Klezmer band Orkestar Kriminal.
“Clown and Bard” – Geoff Berner
“Ikh ganve in der nakht” – Orkestar Kriminal
Sultans of String at Bryan Jones Theatre in Lakefield on January 24
On Sunday, January 24th, Performing Arts Lakefield is bringing JUNO Award nominees Sultans of String to the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29., Lakefield, 705-652-3324).
Their music drifts amongst a “global sonic tapestry” with Spanish flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms, and much more. Violins, grooves, creativity, virtuosity — this should be amazing.
Tickets are $30 (or $80 for the remaining three concerts this season). For more info and to purchase tickets, visit www.performingartslakefield.org.
“Luna” – Sultans of String
“Will You Marry Me?” – Sultans of String
Sarah DeCarlo at the Wild Blue Yonder Pub in Keene on January 30
Elmhirst’s Resort welcomes the return of live music to the Wild Blue Yonder Pub (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940) from 3 to 5 p.m. every Saturday in January and February.
On Saturday, January 30th, Sarah DeCarlo will brings her heady mix of tunes to the pub — not quite folk, not quite rock, but certainly entertaining and irreverant. There’s no cover.
“Everyday” – Sarah DeCarlo
Carlos Del Junco and the Blues Mongrels at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope on January 30
I’ve written about him lots and for good reason. On Saturday, January 30th, Carlos Del Junco and the Blues Mongrels play the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope, 905-885-1071).
Amazing harmonica and a rock-solid backup band will make for a special night. If you’ve yet to see Carlos, you’ll certainly want to make it happen this time. Tickets are $35. For more information and tickets, call 905-885-1071 or visit www.capitoltheatre.com.
As an added bonus, the show is in support of Green Wood Coalition, a street-level charitable organization to help people living with poverty, mental illness, addiction and other disabilities in Port Hope.
Lil’ Laptop – Carlos del Junco and The Blues Mongrels
