The summer is finally heating up and August is filled with excellent live music. I’ve a highlighted a few great shows, with an emphasis on some of the amazing free events taking place all month long in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Emilie-Claire Barlow at Westben in Campbellford on August 5
Juno-winning jazz singer Emilie-Claire Barlow will appear at the beautiful Westben Arts Festival Theatre (6698 County Road 30 North, Campbellford, 705-653-5508 or 877-883-5777) on Saturday, August 5th.
Barlow has released 11 albums full of fresh takes on standards and much, much more. This will be a classy show in a great setting. Accompanying Barlow will be pianist Amanda Tosoff and bassist Jon Maharaj.
Tickets are $41 for regular seats, $39 for 65+, $15 for students under 30, and $5 for youth 18 and under, available at www.westben.ca. It’s an early show beginning at 2 p.m.
VIDEO: “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright by Bob Dylan” performed by Emilie-Claire Barlow
The Hootenanny on Hunter Street in Peterborough on August 12
One of Peterborough’s favourite summertime events returns once again on Saturday, August 12th. That’s right, it’s time once again for The Hootenanny on Hunter Streett. A full day and evening of music, vendors, and (hopefully) sunny patios in downtown Peterborough’s café district.
There is something so special when Hunter Street West is open for partying, and this year’s musical acts are just as diverse and exciting as any year.
Melissa Payne returns with her fiddle and emotive roots sound. Jordan Mac of The Birthday Boys plays a solo set full of swagger and good writing. The Bluegrass Menagerie bring the hoedown vibes. Sean Conway and his band go beyond rock and roots, bringing something fresh in between. Diamond Dave & The Smoke Eaters play country-rock.
Tarantuela reform with a rhythm-and-blues-meets-The Band-meets-garage-rock sound. Dylan Ireland brings some new songs forward with his great songwriting. Mokomokai play old-school metal. Well-known New York City DJ Jonathan Toubin spins classic soul.
Last but not least, headliners The Big Sound, a 25+-piece band playing hits of soul and Motown, will close the night.
The Hoot begins at 11 a.m. and goes on right until 1 a.m. The event is free to all.
VIDEO: “Nowhere to Run” by Martha and the Vandellas performed by The Big Sound
The Sheepdogs at Peterborough Musicfest on August 16
Saskatchewn-based rockers The Sheepdogs bring their retro-yet-new classic rock sound to Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park on Wednesday, August 16th … and this time they’re going to have Bailieboro super talent Jimmy Bowskill with them as well.
Since 2007, The Sheepdogs have released five studio records and continue to tour behind their latest one, the aptly named Future Nostalgia. Del Crary Park will be rocking and you don’t want to miss it.
Music begins at 8 p.m. and, as always, it’s completely free.
VIDEO: “Right On” – The Sheepdogs featuring Jimmy Bowskill
Buffy Sainte-Marie at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough on August 18
Another excellent free event in Peterborough is the Peterborough Folk Festival, which runs from August 18th to 20th. The three-day festival is one of the best of the summer and this year’s line-up is a diverse and exciting lineup throughout.
The Friday night gala on August 18th is the only ticketed part of the weekend, and this year it’s the absolutely iconic Buffy Sainte-Marie at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469). Saint-Marie is one of the most accomplished Canadian songwriters having won awards like Oscars, Golden Globes, Junos, and the Polaris Prize. Her protest songs in the 1960’s were a huge part of the civil rights movement, and her continuing career has been a legendary one.
Tickets for the show are $49.50 plus fees and are available exclusively online www.showplace.org. A portion of the proceeds from the show benefits the Folk Fest.
The show begins at 8 p.m. and will also feature the 2017 Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist: Mary-Kate Edwards who will open for Buffy Sainte-Marie.
VIDEO: “Starwalker” – Buffy Sainte-Marie
Peterborough Folk Festival at Nichols Oval in Peterborough on August 19 and 20
The rest of the Peterborough Folk Festival is free and runs on Saturday, August 19th and Sunday, August 20th at the lovely Nicholls Oval in Peterborough. Artists who will play include The Sadies, Hannah Georgas, Hollerado, Donovan Woods, Jenn Grant, The Wooden Sky, Sharon & Bram, Fast Romantics, Delhi 2 Dublin, Cat Clyde, Kirty, Samito, and Mary-Kate Edwards.
There will also be live music workshops with these artists, as well as children’s activities, artisan and food vendors and, of course, delicious beer at the Pavilion. The Saturday and Sunday shows begin around 11 a.m. both days. Check out www.peterboroughfolkfest.com for all the details
VIDEO: Peterborough Folk Festival Promo (featuring music by Mayhemingways)
Pine Box String Band at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on August 22
Every Tuesday in August, you can check out some great music at the lovely Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940) on their boardwalk as part of Tuned Up Tuesdays.
On August 22nd, musical entertainment will be provided by the excellent Pine Box String Band. The group plays low-down old-time blues songs. From stomping to howling to slow-burners, their music has a little something for everybody. Come early and get a great Texas-style smoked beef brisket buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free to check out.
Other artists for the month include Mark Sepic at August 8th, Bridget Foley and Mike Graham on August 15th, Carling Stephen on August 29th.
VIDEO: “Bring Another Half Pint” – Pine Box String Band
Rheostatics at Peterborough Musicfest on August 23
One of Canada’s most influential and eclectic rock bands, Rheostatics will take the stage at Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park on Wednesday, August 23rd.
The band was most prominent in the ’90s and early 2000s, calling it quits in 2007, until a reunion eight years later. The Rheos released 11 studio albums, toured with The Tragically Hip, and have made it to numerous all-time best Canadian Albums lists.
If you have never heard or seen the Rheostatics, this is a great chance to see an iconic Canadian band with their own sound. If you have been a fan for years, then you know exactly what you’re in for and I’m guessing you’re pretty excited.
As always at Musicfest, the show is free and music begins at 8 p.m. The Rheostatics show is sponsored by kawarthaNOW.com and we’ll have lots of free VIP seats to give away. For your chance to win, make sure you’re subscribed to kawarthaNOW’s weekly e-news.
VIDEO: Rheostatics Live at Massey Hall in 2016
Fin De Fiesta Flamenco at Catalina’s in Peterborough on August 26
Sometimes an event speaks for itself. On Saturday, August 26th, Fin De Fiesta Flamenco presents “Liåndola: An Electrifying Evening of Flamenco Music and Dance” at Catalina’s (131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-5972).
This is a rare chance in Peterborough to take in the captivating essence of flamenco all the way from Seville, Spain. A beautiful way to spend an evening.
Tickets are $10 in advance, from Catalina’s or Union Studio, and $15 at the door. Call 705-874-5972 for more information.
VIDEO: Fin de Fiesta Flamenco 2016 National Tour Highlights
