musicNOW – February 2017

Featuring Al Lerman, Harry Manx, Blue Valentine, Royal Wood, Missy Knott, Nicole Coward, Elliott Brood, Murray McLauchlan, Mother Mother, and more

Elliott Brood kicks off the Peterborough Folk Festival's February Folk Folly with a concert at the Market Hall on Friday, February 24 (publicity photo)
Elliott Brood kicks off the Peterborough Folk Festival's February Folk Folly with a concert at the Market Hall on Friday, February 24 (publicity photo)

Peterborough and the Kawarthas have some great music coming up in February. Brave the cold and check it out.


Hurtin’ for Certain, Three Silver Hearts, High and Lonesome, Jimmy Tri-Tone Band at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene

Elmhirst’s Resort, just east of Keene, continues its Winter Live Music Series every Saturday afternoon in February.

First up in the month is Hurtin’ for Certain, a great country and folk duo on February 4th. The duo features Peterborough musicians Julia Fenn and Megan Kendrick. Sweet harmonies and songs will fill the air.

February 11th features Three Silver Hearts. Band members Trevor Davis, Wyatt Burton, and Charlie Glasspool come together to perform a stripped down version of Silver Hearts tunes.

High and Lonesome takes the stage on February 18th, with a pairing of music and poetry by local music hero Bobby Watson and poet and singer Kate Kelly.

February 25th is the last concert of the Winter Live Music Series and will feature Ottawa Valley blues stompin’ duo The Jimmy Tri-Tone Band.

The shows take place from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Wild Blue Yonder Pub & Patio (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940). Admission is free and there’s a great selection of beverages and food available.

VIDEO: “Wanted” – The Jimmy Tri-Tone Band

 

Al Lerman at The Loft in Cobourg on February 4

The Loft in Cobourg The Loft (201 Division St., 416-895-1234) presents Juno-winning blues man Al Lerman on Saturday, February 4th at 7:30 p.m..

Lerman is an excellent musician and performer, known for his howling harp, chugging guitar, and smooth vocals.

This will be an excellent show in an intimate setting. For tickets or more information, call 905-372-2210.

VIDEO: “You’re the One” – Al Lerman

 

Harry Manx with Kevin Breit at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 5

Excellent eclectic folk act Harry Manx returns to Peterborough to play Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Sunday, February 5th at 4 p.m..

Manx merges blues with elements of East Indian and Middle Eastern music. He will be joined by the very talented Kevin Breit on guitar, and Clayton Doley will also join the musical festivities.

The show is presented by long-running series Folk Under The Clock, who last brought Manx and Breit to Peterborough back in November 2007. In the audience for that show was kawarthaNOW VIP reader Steve Rushford, who just won a free pair of tickets to the February 5th show courtesy of Folk Under The Clock. Sign up for kawarthaNOW’s weekly e-news for your chance to win tickets to upcoming concerts.

Tickets are the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org. Some tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

VIDEO: “Death Have Mercy” – Harry Manx

VIDEO: “Nothing About Us” – Kevin Breit

 

Max Mouse and the Gorillas at The Red Dog in Peterborough on February 12

It’s always worth mentioning when Max Mouse and the Gorillas are playing a show. Especially when it benefits the welfare of animals. The show on Sunday, February 12th will benefit the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) and takes place at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) from 3 to 6 p.m.

The show is also billed as a Valentine’s Dance, so bring your dancing shoes. Lots of great talent in this band as Buzz Thompson, Cris Cuddy, JP Hovercraft, Jim Leslie, and John Lang take the stage. Blues, rock and good times all around.

Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance, available at The Hank to Hendrix Guitar Co. (280 Perry St., Peterborough, 705-740-0965), Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425), and the LAWS shelter (2887 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield, 705-652-0588).

VIDEO:”Steppin’ Out” – Max Mouse and the Gorillas

 

Blue Valentine tribute to Willie P. Bennett at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 12

Also on Sunday, February 12th will be Blue Valentine, an annual celebration of the life and music of Willie P. Bennett taking place from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).

Come hear some of your favourite area musicians pay homage to the late great songwriter and former Peterborough resident.

Tickets at the door only! First come, first seated.

VIDEO: “Blue Valentine” – Willie P. Bennett

VIDEO: “Blackie and The Rodeo King” – Willie P. Bennett

 

Royal Wood at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough on February 14

Royal Wood, originally from Lakefield, plays Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Tuesday, February 14th at 8 p.m.

A perfect Valentine’s Day show as Royal’s music drifts from love songs to stories of life, sung and performed with his “cool as a cucumber” delivery. Opening the show will be gifted guitar player and singer Diana Chittester.

Tickets are $34.50 and are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.

VIDEO: “Do You Recall” – Royal Wood

 

Missy Knott at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 17

Local artist Missy Knott celebrates the release of her new EP on Friday, February 17th. The show, presented by Peterborough LIVE Music Festival, takes place at 8 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).

Missy is an accomplished Aboriginal songwriter from Curve Lake. She brings an indelible passion to her songs, which have a folk/country tinge to them. Musical guests will include Kate Suhr, Jace Martin, Cody Carslake, Gary Williams, Hillary Dumoulin, Mary Kate Edwards, Brian Mehlenbachr, and more.

Tickets are $20 plus fees ($15 plus fees for students) and are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org.

VIDEO: “My Sister’s Heart” – Missy Knott

 

Nicole Coward at Kawartha Coffee Co. in Bobcaygeon on February 24

Soothing originals and some great songs of the 20th century will be performed by Nicole Coward at Kawartha Coffee Co. (49 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon, 705-738-1500) on Friday, February 24th.

The Kawartha Coffee Co. offers much more than just coffee, with a special dinner menu on the night of the show as well as some delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Suggested admission is $8, but the performance is pay what you can. The music runs from 6 to 8 p.m.

VIDEO: “Through My Window” – Nicole Coward

 

Ali McCormick at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 24

Songwriter extraordinaire Ali McCormick will be playing tunes at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Friday, February 24th.

The Ottawa Valley artist performs and writes with an honesty and passion that is rare these days. Tickets are available at the door. The show begins around 10 p.m..

VIDEO: “Hardwood Floors” – Ali McCormick

 

February Folk Folly with Elliott Brood and more in downtown Peterborough from February 24 and 25

Late February brings snow, cold nights — and the Peterborough Folk Festival’s February Folk Folly.

Launching the event will be a performance by Ontario folk/rock favourites Elliott Brood at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 24th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146). Elliott Brood are a much celebrated band with acclaimed live performances, constant tours, and a number of critically enjoyed records. Opening the show will be local show-stopper Melissa Payne.

Tickets for the show are $20, or $17 for students, plus fees. Tickets are available now at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org, and they’ll be available soon (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

After Friday’s kick-off concert, the real Folly begins on Saturday, Feburary 25th. Here’s the scheduled line-up of performers:

  • Mary-Kate Edwards at 12:15 p.m. at Yo Yo Yogurt (188 Hunter St. W.)
  • Evangeline Gentle at 12:45 p.m. at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St.)
  • Steelburner at 1:15 p.m. at The Whistle Stop Cafe (141 Charlotte St.)
  • Melissa Payne at 1:45 p.m. at Pensieri Shoes (373 George St. N.)
  • Jadea Kelly at 2:15 p.m. at the Peterborough Public Library (Peterborough Square)
  • Luke Nicholson at 3 p.m. at Catalinas (131 Hunter St. W.)
  • Tim Moxam at 3:45 p.m. at Wild Rock (167 Charlotte St.)
  • Brandon Scott of Cold Creek County at 4:20 p.m. at Peterborough Square
  • Murder Murder at 5 p.m. at Publican House Brewery (300 Charlotte St.).

There’ll be an after-party at 9 p.m. at The Pig’s Ear (144 Brock St.) with Mayhemingways and Murder Murder ($5 cover). The fun continues on Sunday with a Mardi Gras Party from 3 to 6 p.m. The Spill (414 George St. N.) featuring Pays d’en Haut (admission by donation, costumes encouraged).

VIDEO: “Little Ones” – Elliott Brood

 

Murray McLauchlan at Showplace in Peterborough on February 25

Another shows on Saturday, February 25th will be a rare Peterborough performance by Canadian folk icon Murray McLauchlan at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469).

His list of achievements are too long to list here but with numerous albums, awards, and countless great songs, McLauchlan is always worth the price of admission. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $45 and are available at Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.

VIDEO: “Down by the Henry Moore” – Murray McLauchlan

 

Ceilidh Kitchen Party at Clock Tower Hall in Campbellford on February 26

Get ready for a rollicking good time on Sunday, February 26th as Westben Arts Festival Theatre holds their Ceilidh Kitchen Party fundraiser.

The event takes place at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S.. Campbellford) from 2 to 4 p.m. Bagpiper Jamie York will pipe the audience into the hall, and then Celtic group Kilt Trip (Jana Reid, Pat McTaggart, Dave Impey, and Andy Thompson) will play some high-energy music to complete the afternoon’s entertainment. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own Celtic instruments and join in!

There will also be guest singers, story tellers, and musicians, as well as a silent auction and raffles, Scotch, Guinness, wine, and Celtic food.

Tickets are $56.50 each and are available online at www.westben.ca.

The Ceilidh Kitchen Party fundraiser for Westben takes place on February 26 in Campbellford (photo: Westben Arts Festival Theatre)
The Ceilidh Kitchen Party fundraiser for Westben takes place on February 26 in Campbellford (photo: Westben Arts Festival Theatre)

 

Mother Mother at The Venue in Peterborough on February 28

Vancouver-based alt-rockers Mother Mother are coming to The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008) as part of their 2017 Canadian headlining tour.

The Juno and MMVA-nominated band is known for their top 5 radio hits such as “The Stand”, “Bit By Bit”, and “Let’s Fall In Love”. On February 10th, they’ll be releasing their sixth studio album No Culture.

Tickets are $29.50 for general admission, or $104.99 plus taxes for a VIP package (which includes early entry, a t-shirt, a two-song acoustic performance, No Culture on vinyl, a meet-and-greet with the band, and an art print).

Tickets and VIP packages can be ordered on Mother Mother’s website at mothermothersite.com.
More information and tickets are available at www.venueptbo.com.

Special note: kawarthaNOW is giving away two pairs of general admission tickets to the show at The Venue, courtesy of LiveNation. For your chance to win, sign up for kawarthaNOW’s weekly e-news.

VIDEO: “Monkey Tree” – Mother Mother

VIDEO: “Love Stuck” (preview) – Mother Mother