June is the true beginning of summer and there is a lot of great music to get it started. There are weekly gigs, festivals, and as usual a ton of great one-off shows at venues across Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here are just a few of the excellent events and concerts that are taking place.
Tarantuela at The Garnet in Peterborough on June 1
Reunion shows are always fun, especially when it’s for local rock/roots band Tarantuela. The band, named after Bob Dylan’s novel, will play The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Thursday, June 1st at 10 p.m.
The group was made up of a number of talented Peterborough and area musicians, including Jay Swinnerton, Rob Viscardis, brothers Steve and Marty Kerslake, Ryan West, Jamie Muir, and Mike Duguay. Their sound was somewhere between The Band and Deadly Snakes.
Get there early, this one could get hairy. Opening the show will be the talented Laura Merrimen.
VIDEO: “Leave Us Strong” – Tarantuela
Live and Local Lunches in downtown Peterborough Fridays in June
The Peterborough DBIA and other sponsors are presenting Live and Local Lunches, running every Friday throughout the summer, in the Peterborough Square courtyard (340 George St. N., Peterborough). The music is free and runs from noon to 1 p.m.
Performers in June are Earl Wilfong (June 2), Rick Fines (June 9), Christine Atrill (June 16), Whitney Paget (June 23), and a special Canada 150 concert with Catfish Willie and Washboard Hank (June 30).
Audience members are encouraged to shop local for lunch and check out some great music.
VIDEO: “Deep Elm Blues” – Catfish Willie and the Buckle Busters
Country Wild Music Festival in Cobourg on June 3
For country fans out there, get your fill with the Country Wild Music Festival in Cobourg on Saturday, June 3rd in Victoria Park.
Bands include Cold Creek County, Runaway Angel, Kansas Stone, Colin Amey, Sacha, Sawmill Road, SweetGrass Band, Marc Ekins, and not-so-country-but-oh-so-good locals Gentlemen Husbands. Music runs from 3 to 10 p.m.
General admission tickets are $35 (plus tax) and are available online at ticketfly.com. Visit countrywild.ca for more information.
VIDEO: “Shelter Valley” – Gentlemen Husbands
Jamie Hamburg, Frankie & Jimmy, C. Clarkin & The Residents, and Sideroad 17 at The Garnet in Peterborough on June 3
There’s a full and eclectic bill at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, June 3rd as four acts take the stage.
The show features Boston rock/blues artist Jamie Hamburg, along with Hamilton’s ‘demento’ blues duo Frankie & Jimmy, Peterborough indie rock band C. Clarkin & The Residents, and Uxbridge rockers Sideroad 17.
The show begins around 10 p.m. and costs only $5 at the door.
VIDEO: “Bones” – C. Clarkin & The Residents
Tuned Up Tuesdays begin at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene featuring Fewings and Son on June 6
Tuned Up Tuesdays begin on Tuesday, June 6th at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940) with Peterborough’s Dan Fewings and Josh Fewings with special guests.
The series takes place on the boardwalk beside Rice Lake every Tuesday from June to August beginning at 7:30 p.m. Food service runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with tasty beverages available throughout the show.
June’s lineup also includes the Al Black Trio (June 13), Emily Burgess from The Weber Brothers (June 20), and Washboard Hank (June 27).
VIDEO: “Dreamy Eyed Girl” – Al Black Trio
David Essig at The Garnet in Peterborough on June 8
There are few who can boast about their past endeavours as much as David Essig could, but that is simply not his style. The humble songwriter, guitarist, and producer has recorded countless albums himself, while also producing and engineering the late, great Willie P. Bennett’s first three records.
He returns to Peterborough on Thursday, June 8th for a show at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107). Essig’s own music is steeped in acoustic blues, and features elements of folk as well. Into his 70s now, Essig continues to record and tour. Emigrating to Canada in 1971, Essig became known to audiences as a performer at that year’s Mariposa Folk Festival. He also enjoys popularity in Italy where he has toured over 20 times.
The show begins shortly after 8 p.m. and Bobby Watson will be opening. Tickets are available at the door but if you want to reserve some, email bookingthegarnet@gmail.com.
VIDEO: “Woman in the Snow” – David Essig
Leeroy Stagger at the Red Dog in Peterborough on June 9
Head to the Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Friday, June 9th for a performance by B.C. born and Alberta-based artist and producer Leeroy Stagger.
His music is more complex than simple rock and roll, with elements of roots and pop in there as well. His new record Love Versus, his eleventh studio album, is the first made at his own studio in southern Alberta.
The show begins around 10 p.m. Tickets are $10, available in advance at ticketscene.ca or at the door. Mayhemingways will open the show.
VIDEO: “I Want It All” – Leeroy Stagger
The Legendary Downchild Blues Band in Bobcaygeon on June 10
As part of Bobcaygeon’s “Unlock the Summer” weekend, The Legendary Downchild Blues Band takes the stage at the Bobcaygeon area (51 Mansfield Dr., Bobcaygeon) on Saturday, June 10th.
Downchild has been making great music for decades and this is a rare opportunity to see them live. Whether you love the blues or you just want to dance, you’ll certainly enjoy this one.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $34 each or two for $62, available in advance online.
VIDEO: “I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost)” – The Legendary Downchild Blues Band
Les Stroud at Gamiing Nature Centre in Lindsay on June 17 and 18
There will be a very special celebration of the summer solstice at Gamiing Nature Centre (1884 Pigeon Lake Rd., Lindsay, 705-928-0263) on Saturday, June 17th and Sunday, June 18th.
Les Stroud, best known as TV’s Survivorman, will be performing music and leading a hike as part of the celebration. There will be lots of activities for children and food and artisan vendors onsite as well.
Tickets for the concert are $30, $25 for the nature walk, or $70 for a weekend pass including overnight camping. Children eight and under are free. All proceeds from the event go to Gamiing’s outdoor education program.
For a full listing of events and to get tickets, visit eventbrite.ca.
VIDEO: “Mother Earth” – Les Stroud
