December may be the best month to get out and check out live music and entertainment. Short days and long nights mean more time to get indoors and take in some amazing shows. The holiday season also brings some special annual shows, as well as themed shows that only happen this time of year. This isn’t everything that’s happening, but it’s definitely a list full of great events!
Quickshifters at Catalina’s in Peterborough on December 3
Fans of rockabilly music will surely love when the Quickshifters bring their “Hillbilly Boogie” to Catalina’s (131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-5972) on Saturday, December 3rd.
The band features Rob Foreman, Clayton Yates, Jim Cruikshank, and special guest vocalist Charlie Maine.
Dancing and revelry is definitely encouraged. Tickets are $10 and the show begins at 9 p.m.
VIDEO: “Yes Baby Yes” – Quickshifters
The Night that Hank Drank at the Pig’s Ear in Peterborough on December 3
Also on Saturday, December 3rd, there’s a show for country music fans who prefer a tear in their beer. Hank Williams tribute The Night that Hank Drank returns to the Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255) beginning just after 9 p.m.
This has been an annual tradition at the bar, where Hank himself is said to have gotten too drunk to play his show at the old Brock Street Arena (now Fresh Co.).
The evening will be hosted by Sean Conway and will feature a big list of Peterborough and area musicians singing William’s tunes. Admission is only $3 at the door.
VIDEO: “Hey Good Lookin'” – Hank Williams
Craig Cardiff at the Market Hall in Peterborough on December 8
I’ve touted his shows before, and I definitely will again. The great Craig Cardiff brings his songs about the human condition and the road of life to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Thursday, December 8th.
Cardiff has been performing for over two decades and his insights and melodies, along with his ability to make the audience feel included, make his shows that much more special.
Advance tickets are $20 ($15 for students) and 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) or at the door for $25.
VIDEO: “Safe Here” – Craig Cardiff
The Three Martinis at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on December 9
Music and comedy combine in a unique performance by The Three Martinis on Friday, December 9th, as part of the Three Martinis and Friends Holiday Bash at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884).
You make up the titles, and they make up the songs. Improvised songs about the holidays or whatever else is on your mind. The Three Martinis are Dan Fewings, Rob Phillips, and Jimmy Bowskill (who is currently between tours with the Sheepdogs and Blue Rodeo), and they’ll be joined by special guests Trevor Davis from the Silver Hearts, Melissa Payne, Josh Fewings, and Alisha Embury.
Tickets are $20 plus fees at The Only (under the Gordon Best), online at thegordonbest.ca, and at the door for $25. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: The Three Martinis Promo Trailer
In From the Cold at the Market Hall in Peterborough on December 9 and 10
On Friday, December 9th and Saturday, December 10th, the grand holiday tradition and always-beautiful music of In From the Cold returns to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146)
The annual benefit concert for YES Shelter for Youth and Families makes hearts warm and spirits bright. There’ll be performances by Carried Away, Convivio Chorus, Curtis Driedger, Michael Ketemer, and more. Performances begin at 8 p.m. each night.
Tickets are $20 per person and $15 for students and children, 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).
VIDEO: “The Three Sea Captains” – Michael Ketemer
Cozy Christmas at Showplace in Peterborough on December 11
The 12th Annual Cozy Christmas takes place at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Sunday, December 11th at 2 p.m.
This year’s theme is “The Colours of Christmas” as the Foley family brings holiday music and stories to the stage; they promise a “few new surprises” this year. This is a rare Christmas matinee show and is perfect for all ages.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 16 and under, and are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
Al Black and Rezonator at Showplace in Peterborough on December 17
The hits just keep on coming as at least three great local acts present big shows in Peterborough on Saturday, December 17th. Since you can’t be in three places at once take a peak at these shows and choose one. You can’t go wrong!
Al Black and Rezonator will be rocking the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469). Blues and rock will mix like Bailey’s in coffee on a snowy day, as veterans of Peterborough’s music scene combine for this show, which begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $28 in advance at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
VIDEO: Rezonator
The Silver Hearts at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on December 17
The mighty Silver Hearts return with Golden Favourites, their first album in 10 years, and the Peterborough release will take place at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884).
The band cemented its reputation with a unique mix of New Orleans jazz, blues, folk, and even one part vaudeville, by playing every Wednesday for years at The Montreal House. Get out and celebrate the release of Golden Favourites. The band has morphed over the years, but it still belts out some high quality music.
The show will feature special guests Mayhemingways and begins around 8 p.m.
Advance tickets are available at The Only (underneath the Gordon Best) for $15 or online for $17.50 at thegordonbest.ca.
VIDEO: “Blue Van” – The Silverhearts
The Weber Brothers at the Market Hall in Peterborough on December 17
And over at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146), it will be A Weber Brothers Christmas as the band presents a multimedia show featuring some astounding musical performances.
The band is releasing When Christmas Falls On Peterborough, a full-length holiday feature film directed by Rob Viscaris that was five years in the making. Movie scenes will be played on screen, with the musical numbers being performed live by the band.
The Weber Brothers are one of the most revered bands in the country and this hometown holiday show should be full of great moments.
Advance tickets are $25 plus fees and are available ahe 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) and for $30 at the door. The show begins around 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “When Christmas Falls on Peterborough” – The Weber Brothers
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy at Showplace in Peterborough on December 22 and 23
Celebrate Christmas the Celtic way with Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469).
The husband-and-wife fiddling duo will be performing three shows: at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 22nd and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 23rd.
High-energy fiddle tunes, lovely ballads, and a whole lot of holiday spirit will fill the room when these two take the stage.
Tickets are $68.50 and can be purchased at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
VIDEO: “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” – Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
Quick hits for New Year’s Eve
Believe it or not, 2017 is just around the corner. Here are a few options for ringing in the New Year.
- The Rocket Revue with special guest Beau Dixon will be at Parkway Banquet Hall (1135 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough, 705-742-4100) beginning at 8 p.m. The show includes party favours at midnight, with muchines and a light menu available for purchase. The best of blues, R&B and much more. Tickets are $42, available at the hall and at Moondance (425 George N, Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
- Party with The Beatles (well, Fab Four, a tribute to them) at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope, 905-885-1071). The show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $29.
- Mayhemingways will be at the Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255) beginning at 8 p.m. and running until last call. Only $5 to get in. Snacks will be provided and small glasses of 50 at midnight!
- Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon, 705-738-2037) will host New Year’s Eve @ the LAB with music by Terri Crawford & the Retro Rockets from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $50 and include a ride home (if you live in the Kawartha Lakes area).
