It’s April and spring is in the air — and so is excellent music. There’s something for everybody in Peterborough and the Kawarthas during the course of the month. Here are some interesting concerts to check out in April.
Jason Petty as Hank Williams at Showplace in Peterborough on April 4
Fans of Hank Williams can relive his greatest songs at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Tuesday, April 4th when “Hank Williams: The Lonesome Tour” takes the stage.
Jason Petty transforms into the old-school country music legend, telling intimate stories about the man and singing his tunes. Petty began portraying Williams in 1996 at the world famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, which led to several tours across the U.S. and Canada. Don Helms, Hank William’s best friend and steel guitar player, says “Jason’s singing of Williams’ classic songs is the best there’s ever been”.
The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $52.50, available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org
VIDEO: “Hank Williams: The Lonesome Tour” promo
La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra at the Calvary Pentecostal Church in Port Hope on April 8
A unique event combines food with classical music on Saturday, April 8th at the Calvary Pentecostal Church (401 Croft St., Port Hope).
“Soup and Symphony” offers a selection of delicious soups donated by local restaurants and a silent auction, with brilliant music provided by La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra.
The luncheon runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is a fundraiser for the orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and are available at the door or in advance by calling 1-866-460-5596.
VIDEO: La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra
Classic Albums Live: “Are You Experienced” at Showplace in Peterborough on April 8
Fans of classic rock and electric guitar will want to head to Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Saturday, April 8th when guitarist Clifton David Broadbridge comes to town to perform The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1967 record “Are You Experienced” in its entirety, note for note, as part of the Classic Albums Live series.
Broadbridge is considered one of the best performers of Hendrix’s music — he’s perfected the feedback and distortion technique Hendrix’s playing is known for. Along with a drummer and bass player, Broadbridge will be performing classic Hendrix tunes including “Purple Haze”, “Manic Depression”, “Hey Joe”, “The Wind Cries Mary”, “Fire”, and “Foxy Lady”.
Tickets are $35.50 and are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org
VIDEO: Clifton David Broadbridge plays Jimi Hendrix
Hillary Dumoulin at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on April 8
Local singer-songwriter Hillary Dumoulin will play a show at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884) on Saturday, April 8th, along with Steve Dumoulin, Michaela Hetherington, Everett Payne, and powerhouse band Broken Harmony,
Tickets are $10 and are available in advance at ticketscene.ca or from any of the performers.
It’s general admission and the doors open at 7 p.m. with the music starting at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Mom’s Song” – Hillary Dumoulin
Martin Barre of Jethro Tull at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 11
Then’s even more music for fans of classic rock just few days later, when the Martin Barre Band fills Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) with the sounds of pioneer rock band Jethro Tull on Tuesday, April 11th at 8 p.m.
Barre, who was the lead guitarist for the English progressive rockers since 1969, has been touring solidly for a few years now playing classic Tull hits like “Thick as a Brick”, “Sweet Dream”, and “Locomotive Breath” and bringing to the fore some of his own original music. There will be great music with some surprise twists thrown in for good measure.
Tickets range from $35 to $75 and are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) for Row C annd Tables 8 and 18 at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
VIDEO: “Thick as a Brick” – Martin Barre Band
Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 14
Acclaimed Vancouver duo Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer (Shawn Hall and Matthew Rogers) roll into town on Friday, April 14th with a performance at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146)
Don’t be thrown off by the band’s unusual name (“harpoon” and “axe” are nicknames for the harmonica and guitar): Hall and Rogers’ music simmers with a raw blues style infused with some unique sounds. Electric guitar, an “arsenal of harmonicas”, and a whole lot of foot percussion bring their music to life.
The show has an 8 p.m. start. Tickets are $25 for regular seats, $20 for students, and $30 for a cabaret table seat. 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).
VIDEO: Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer
Jackson Delta at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 15
Just a night later it’s Peterborough’s own iconic blues group Jackson Delta reuniting and taking the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Saturday, April 15th.
The three-headed monster includes the great Rick Fines, Gary Peeples, and Al Black. For one night only, you can catch a rare performance by the acoustic blues group that made waves in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Jackson Delta toured the folk and blues festival circuit in North America and the UK extensively, being nominated for and winning a host of awards.
Tickets are $30 plus fees for regular seats and $40 plus fees for table seats. Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org and for cash only at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
VIDEO: Jackson Delta – Slight Return
Ron Hawkins at the Garnet in Peterborough on April 22
Talk about intimate and interactive!
Ron Hawkins, from 1990s rock band The Lowest of the Low, will be performing solo at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, April 22nd.
Great tunes from a big catalog of music will combine with stories of life on the road and a career in music. The revered contemporary songwriter weaves smart lyrics around catchy numbers.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, available at The Garnet, or $15 at the door. There are very limited tickets so get yours soon.
VIDEO: “Peace and Quiet” – Ron Hawkins
Owen Meany’s Batting Stance at the Garnet in Peterborough on April 24
Owen Meany’s Batting Stance (a.k.a. Daniel Walker) is coming to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Monday, April 24th.
Halifax has a long history of turning out great music from a wide array of genres. There is a certain Halifax sound and Owen Meany’s Batting Stance represents it very well. It is sort of scrappy, yet heartfelt sound, which Walker describes as “engaged, electrically charged acoustic guitar, teeming with emotive energy rounded by percussion and bass.”
Tickets are available at the door and the show begins around 9 p.m.
VIDEO: “Dissonance” – Owen Meany’s Batting Stance
Whiskey Jack at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope on April 28
There’s no better way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday than by singing along with the songs of legendary Canadian musician Stompin’ Tom Connors.
Although Stompin’ Tom passed away in 2013, his long-time touring band Whiskey Jack continues to perform his tunes. They’ll be presenting the stories and songs of Stompin’ Tom at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope, 905-885-1071) at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 28th.
It’ll be a night of truly Canadian patriotism with tunes like “Bud the Spud”, “Sudbury Saturday Night”, “It’s Canada Day”, “Confederation Bridge”, “Believe in your Country”, and “The Hockey Song”.
Tickets are $39 and are available at the Capitol Box Office or online at www.capitoltheatre.com.
VIDEO: “The Hockey Song” by Stompin’ Tom performed by Whiskey Jack
The Writes of Spring at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 27
Songs and stories will be at the forefront on Thursday, April 27th when four iconic Canadian songwriters descend on Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) for “The Writes of Spring”.
The show features great lyricist and singer Tim Baker (songwriter and frontman for St. John’s group Hey Rosetta!), fellow Newfoundlander and Juno winner Amelia Curran, Polaris and Juno nominee Donovan Woods, and performer, artist, and writer extraordinaire Hawksley Workman. Talk about a great group of talent!
Tickets are $39.50 plus fees and the show begins at 8 p.m. Get your tickets at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org. Tickets for Row C and H are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
VIDEO: “Seventeen” – Tim Baker
VIDEO: “Gravity” – Amelia Curran
VIDEO: “What They Mean” – Donovan Woods
VIDEO: “Almost A Full Moon” – Hawksley Workman
