Welcome to September! The nights are a little cooler, the days are shorter, and everyone’s routines are a little more structured. And though there always seems to be a sharp edge to summer that begins with September, there is still plenty of great music happening indoors and out to ease the transition.
This month, there are music festivals, album releases, and some big shows to check out. Here are just a few of the amazing events happening in Peterborough and the Kawarthas in September.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival near Grafton until September 3
You know that summer is fading when it’s time for the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, taking place on the Labour Day weekend at the Henkel Family Lavender Farm (295 Vernonville Road, Vernonville).
The lineup is always quite diverse, extending a little beyond folk while including top-shelf folk music too. Artists this year include Amelia Curran, William Prince, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar, Murder Murder, Siqiniup Qilauta Sunsdrum, and many more. The setting is idyllic and the music goes right along with that. There is camping for those who want to stay the whole weekend, and there are also tickets for each individual day as well.
For more information and specific ticket information, head to www.sheltervalley.com.
VIDEO: “Breathless” – William Prince
Mary-Kate Edwards at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on September 3
Head out to Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940) on Sunday, September 3rd from 3 to 6 p.m. for the very last edition of their live music series for the summer.
It’s a special finale with a performance by the Peterborough Folk Festival 2017 Emerging Artist Mary-Kate Edwards. Her sweet songs will be a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon on Rice Lake. If it rains, the music moves from the patio indoors.
Admission is free and open to the public and there will be food and beverages available to those looking for refreshment.
VIDEO: “Ophelia” by Lumineers performed by Mary-Kate Edwards
Nick Ferrio album release at The Spill in Peterborough on September 8
Save the date because this could be the mother of all album releases. Local artist Nick Ferrio has reinvented his sound on his new record Soothsayer. It strays away from his previous sound of folk mixed with country and is described as having a “70s power-pop sound … wrapped in the fuzzy sweaters of rock and roll and psychedelia.”
Ferrio will release the new record on Friday, September 8th at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) along with rock ‘n’ roll pals Lonely Parade, Prime Junk, and Stacey Green Jumps.
The show begins around 9 p.m., but get there early to ensure a spot. Tickets are available at the door.
VIDEO: “Palace of Gold” by Blue Rodeo performed by Nick Ferrio
Voodoo Glow Skulls at the Market Hall in Peterborough on September 13
For those who like to move and like their music fast and full-throttle, you will want to check out Voodoo Glow Skulls on Wednesday, September 13th at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
The ska/punk group from California has been at it since 1988. Though they have featured many different members over the years, they continue to get people moving and play the same high-energy tunes that put them on the scene way back when. Opening the show are locals The Cheap Suits, featuring Chris Collins from Dub Trinity, as well as K-Man & The 45’s.
Put on your dancing shoes and your jean jacket with anarchy patches and get ready to move all night long. The show is $23 including fees and starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
VIDEO: “The Ballad of Froggy Mcnasty” – Voodoo Glow Skulls
Steve Earle at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay on September 18
It is not often that I get the pleasure of mentioning Steve Earle in this live music column, but he’s coming to the Kawarthas! The great musician, a true hero of the alt-country genre, is returning to the Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-9111) on Monday, September 18th.
Though he may best be known on a broader scale for early tunes like “Copperhead Road” and “Guitar Town”, he has an epic catalogue that straddles many decades. His latest release So You Wannabe An Outlaw explores his country roots and features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush, and Miranda Lambert.
The show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $84. Tickets are available at the Box Office, by phone at 705-324-9111, or online at www.academytheatre.ca.
“So You Wannabe An Outlaw” – Steve Earle & The Dukes
Cultivate Festival in Port Hope from September 22 to 24
Head to beautiful downtown Port Hope for the Cultivate Festival taking place from Friday, September 22nd to Sunday, September 24th right downtown. Come for the music and stay for the great selection of micro-brewed beers, ciders, and wines as well as lovely local food selections.
The music line-up is always impressive at this festival, with two stages featuring some great acts. On the Friday, you’ll be able to see The Weber Brothers, Ahi, Zachary Lucky, Evening Hymns, and Digging Roots.
Saturday has a packed lineup with Said the Whale, Fred Penner, Terra Lightfoot, Alysha Brilla, Mayhemingways, The Kents, and many more.
Sunday features Andrew Queen and the Campfire Crew, Sheesham and Lotus, Yuka, Jenny Whiteley, and Cobourg rockers Gentlemen Husbands.
You can get tickets for the full weekend or choose your day, with prices ranging from $30 for Friday and Sunday day passes to $120 for a VIP weekend pass. For tickets and more information, visit cultivatefestival.ca.
VIDEO: “AK-47” – Digging Roots
Bruce Cockburn at Showplace in Peterborough on September 25
Another amazing musician and songwriter takes the stage on Monday, September 25th, when the great Bruce Cockburn plays Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) for the opening show in Folk Under The Clock’s 31st season.
Cockburn will be touring his new record Bone on Bone, which will be released on September 15th. It’s hard to summarize Cockburn because he’s been so prolific over his 40-year career. He has released countless studio records, worked as an activist in Latin America, and has written some of Canada’s best-loved songs. His new studio album, produced by the great Colin Linden, plays on all that he has seen as a humanist and keen observer of the world.
His band will feature the rock-solid rhythm section of Gary Craig on drums, John Dymond on bass, and Cockburn’s own son on accordion. Opening the show is Hamilton roots rocker Terra Lightfoot, whose star is on the rise with her powerful voice and killer tunes.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $58. There are only a handful of tickets left as I write this, so don’t delay. Tickets are available in person and by phone at Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org
VIDEO: “The States I’m In” – Bruce Cockburn
The Marigolds at the Nexicom Studio at Showplace on September 29
An eclectic show featuring three great singer-songwriters takes place at the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Friday, September 29th at 8 p.m.
You are going to want to check out The Marigolds, featuring Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick, and Caitlin Hanford. Their music mixes blues, jazz, country, and bluegrass with their beautiful harmonies and full instrumentation. The gals will be joined by drummer Randall Coryell.
Tickets are $29 in advance or $31 at the door. Advance tickets are available in person and by phone at Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
VIDEO: “Sometimes I Think I Can Fly” – The Marigolds
