A wide variety of acts will hit stages in Peterborough and the Kawarthas in May. Get out and enjoy some great shows as the weather warms up.
For other upcoming live music events, remember to check out our Concerts & Live Music and Pubs & Clubs pages.
Rae Spoon with LAL at The Spill in Peterborough on May 3
Brilliant Canadian songwriter Rae Spoon returns to Peterborough on Tuesday, May 3rd at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167).
Spoon celebrates the release of their eight studio album Armour, following up on the Polaris Prize nominated My Prairie Home. The queer artist has long experimented with programmed drums and ever-changing sonic touches from organiz instruments to other electronic gadgetry.
Also on the bill are electronic duo LAL. The show begins around 9 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.
“Armour” – Rae Spoon
The Lazy Devils at the Black Horse in Peterborough on May 4
There will be a rare treat at The Black Horse Pub (452 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-0633) on Wednesday, May 4th. Sam and Ryan Weber of The Weber Brothers will be in the house along with Fiddling Jay (Ungar) performing as The Lazy Devils.
Western swing with a little bit of Gypsy jazz thrown in, these are tunes in the mould of Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and there’s no cover.
“Can’t Tame Wild Women” – The Lazy Devils
Willie Stratton at The Black Dog in Stirling and at the Pig’s Ear in Peterborough on May 7 and 8
Get ready for an awesome evening of old-school country-and-western swing music on Friday, May 6th with Halifax’s Willie Stratton Country Swing Revue at The Black Dog Restaurant and Lounge (227 W. Front St, Stirling, 613-395-9444), just east of Campbellford.
There’ll be originals, a few standards, and a whole lot of good music by this trio. The show begins around 8 p.m. and is free to get in, although there will be a tip jar for the band. Wear your best cowboy boots and western get-up!
Willie and the gang will also be playing in Peterborough the next night (May 7th) at 10 p.m. with Mayhemingways at the Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255).
“I’ll See You in my Dreams” – Willie Stratton
“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” at Showplace in Peterborough from May 6 to 14
A very exciting production presented by the Peterborough Theatre Guild is coming up.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story runs at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) from May 6th to 14th and features many local talents.
Get your tickets from the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $17 for students.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Promo
Dub Trinity at The Arlington in Maynooth on May 7
Peterborough’s reggae heroes Dub Trinity will play The Arlington Pub (32990 Highway 62, Maynooth, 613-338-2080) on Saturday, May 7th at 9 p.m.
There’ll be dancing songs, protest songs, and a whole lot of groove. Tickets are available at the door.
“Let Them Know” – Dub Trinity
Riishi Von Rex with Rezonator at The Spill in Peterborough on May 11
Riishi Von Rex is a “gypsy-rock” duo from Ottawa and will be at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Wednesday, May 11th.
Made up of the smoking vocals and guitar of Riishi Von Rex and drummer and vocalist Michel Delage, the group is touring all over Canada with their original sound. Also on the bill is local blues-rock band Rezonator. The show begins around 9p p.m. and tickets are available at the door.
“Animal Too” – Riishi Von Rex
Petunia at The Garnet in Peterborough on May 12
Every time Petunia is playing in Peterborough, I write about it in this column. Why? Because he is one of Canada’s great singers and a songwriter with a panache for thoughtful and unique tunes in the folk/country genre.
Petunia plays at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Thursday, May 12th. The show begins around 10 p.m. and it will be around $10 at the door.
“Inside of You” – Petunia
Jimmy Bowskill at the Cobourg Legion with Carlos del Junco and at The Arlington in Maynooth on May 13 and 14
Bailieboro’s super-talented Jimmy Bowskill (who’s been busy touring as a member of The Sheepdogs) joins harmonica virtuouso Carlos del Junco at the Cobourg Legion (136 Orr St., Cobourg) on Friday, May 13th for a CD release show.
This will be a full night of amazing tunes and musicianship. The show begins at 8 p.m. Phone 905-372-2231 for more information. This one should be special!
And if you’re in the Maynooth area, you can catch Jimmy the very next night (May 14th) when he’ll be performing a solo show at The Arlington Pub (32990 Highway 62, Maynooth, 613-338-2080). The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $15.
“If I Call Your Name” – Jimmy Bowskill & Carlos del Junco
Kennedy Cult at The Spill in Peterborough on May 14
It’s time for another While The Night Is Young (WTNIY) show at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167), and it’ll be a great one on Saturday, May 14th with Kennedy Cult.
The band plays an original hybrid of rock and ’80s-tinged electronica. It’s a unique sound that makes this group one to watch going forward. Great music with a rich, intangible cool.
Tickets are $10 in advance at The Spill or $12 at the door. As always with WTNIY shows, music runs from 8 to 10 p.m.
“Easy Money” – Kennedy Cult
Ramones-O-Mania at The Garnet in Peterborough on May 21
Fans of punk music and of The Ramones will rejoice as The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) hosts Ramones-O-Mania: Local Tribute to The Ramones on Saturday, May 21st.
The show begins around 10 p.m. and will feature a multitude of local acts. You know you wanna!
“I Wanna Be Sedated” – The Ramones
Peter and The Wolves at The Garnet in Peterborough on May 25
The band has an old-school sound and swagger that is sure to please. Tickets will be available at the door.
“Hey, Hey Veronica” – Peter and The Wolves
Women for Women fundraiser for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton at the Market Hall in Peterborough on May 27
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has a big fundraiser coming up on Friday, May 27th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
Women for Women will feature some of the best female musicians from Peterborough and the Kawarthas. The evening will include performances by Celeste Terry, Melissa Payne, Missy Knott, Chelsey Bennett, Kate Suhrm and Mary Kate Edwards. Wow, what a lineup!
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance for a regular ticket, $50 for VIP cabaret-style seating, or $40 at the door (plus fees). Tickets are available 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).
“Take Me to the Church” – Kate Suhr with Chelsey Bennett
