It’s finally starting to get cold out there, but there’s lots of live music happening in Peterborough and the Kawarthas during November to help warm you up. Here are just a few of the great performances happening in the area this month.
Sass Jordan at the Market Hall in Peterborough on November 2
In 1992 Sass Jordan released her classic album Racine, which produced hits like “Make You A Believer”, “I Want To Believe”, “You Don’t Have To Remind Me”, and “Goin’ Back Again”.
It’s 25 years later, and “Canada’s Queen of Rock” recently released a brand new rendition of the record called Racine Revisited, which she’ll be performing it in its entirety on Thursday, November 2nd at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
The show begins at 8 p.m. with two 45-minute sets, and also features Jordan telling some stories from her musical career and taking questions from the audience.
Good seats are still available. Tickets are $38 for assigned theatre seating, or $43 for assigned floor seating, and are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by calling 705-749-1146, or online at www.markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
VIDEO: “Racine Revisited” Promo – Sass Jordan
Penderecki String Quartet at Bryan Jones Theatre in Lakefield on November 3
Classical music fans will love this one. Celebrating their 30th season, the renowned Penderecki String Quartet performs at Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29., Lakefield, 705-652-3324) on Friday, November 3rd.
The group originally formed in Poland — the home of their namesake, Polish composer and conductor Krzysztof Penderecki — and are now the quartet-in-residence at Wilfrid Laurier in Waterloo, Ontario. One of the finest chamber ensembles in classical music today, the group shows a “remarkable range of technical excellence and emotional sweep” (Globe and Mail).
The performance will feature the works of Penderecki. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. For more information, visit www.performingartslakefield.org or phone 705-652-3703.
VIDEO: “Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in F minor, Opus 80” performed by Penderecki String Quartet
My Son The Hurricane at the Red Dog in Peterborough on November 11
This one has dancing and fun written all over it!
On Saturday, November 11th, catch the amazing, funk-driven, almost big band sounds of My Son The Hurricane at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710).
It is a party every time they play Peterborough, and this show — presented by the Peterborough Folk Festival — will be no different. Described as funk/jazz/hip-hop, the band features multiple vocalists, horns, and a ton of energy along with a New Orleans sound as well.
Opening the show will be Peterborough reggae and dub favourites Dub Trinity.
Doors open around 9 p.m. and the music gets going around 10 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at ticketscene.ca or at the door for $10.
VIDEO: “Smile” – My Son the Hurricane
Kruger Brothers at the Market Hall in Peterborough on November 15
I’ve written about them before and I will feature them each time they’re back in town. The world-class Kruger Brothers are returning to Peterborough to perform at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Wednesday, November 15th.
This will be a night of blistering banjo, speedy guitar, and a range of tunes that takes the listener on a ride through a fusion of bluegrass, folk, and classical music. Brothers Jens (banjo and vocals) and Uwe (guitar and lead vocals) and Joel Landsberg (bass and vocals) bring the tunes to life. Excellent singer/songwriter Megan Bonnell will be opening the show.
If that’s not enough, it’s also a concert for an important cause. This show is being presented by Kawartha Cardiology Clinic, so all proceeds from ticket sales can go to support programs that provide women and children with emergency shelter as they flee violence.
Tickets are $30 for general admission seats and $35 for assigned cabaret table seating. You can get them at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: Kruger Brothers perform at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville
Benefit concert for musician Rick Young at The Venue in Peterborough on November 19
More often than not when someone in our community is in need, there is a long line of folks willing to help out. That is exactly true once again as local musicians are coming together to support Rick Young, of musical duo Rick and Gailie, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.
To support Rick and Gailie through this hard time, friends and supporters of the duo are putting on a benefit concert called “I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends” on Sunday, November 19th from 1 to 10 p.m. at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008).
The event will include greats acts like Al Black and the Steady Band, Jackson Delta Electric, The Quickshifters, Max Mouse and the Gorillas, and many more. Tickets are $25 (kids 13 and under are free) and are available now at The Venue and at Moondance (425 George Street North, Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
For details, visit the Facebook event page.
VIDEO: “Message of Love” – Rick & Gailie
The Wilkinsons at Acaedmy Theatre in Lindsay on November 23
Canadian country fans won’t want to miss the return of The Wilkinsons, who are performing at the Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-9111) on Thursday, November 23rd at 7:30 p.m.
The Trenton-based family trio — lead singer Amanda Wilkinson, her brother Tyler, and their father Steve — are best known for their 1998 hit single “26 Cents”, which reached number one on the Canadian country music charts and was a top five hit on the U.S. country charts.
The Grammy-nominated band are back out on the road after a six-year hiatus, and will be performing their greatest hits and more in an intimate show. Award-winning singer-songwriter Barbara Lynn Doran with Juno nominee Robert Laidlaw will be opening the show.
Tickets are $38 and are available at the Academy Theatre box office, by phone at 705-324-9111, or online at www.academytheatre.ca.
VIDEO: “26 Cents” – The Wilkinsons
Jeremy Fisher at the Market Hall in Peterborough on November 28
Singer-songwriter Jeremy Fisher will be performing Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Tuesday, November 28th at 8 p.m.
The two-time Juno Award nominee is beloved for his excellent albums, relaxed vibe, and great voice. A decade ago, Fisher released his career-changing album Goodbye Blue Monday and he’s embarked on a 10th anniversary tour across Ontario to celebrate the record, which includes the release of a limited vinyl re-mastered anniversary edition that will be available at the show.
During the 10th anniversary tour, Fisher will be joined on stage by Hawksley Workman and Matt Ouimet.
Tickets are $30 at the door, or $22 in advance for general admission tickets and assigned cabaret table seating. Advance tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Cigarette” – Jeremy Fisher
Skydiggers at the Market Hall in Peterborough on November 29
One of the great Canadian roots-rock bands of the last 20 years, Skydiggers will be returning to Peterborough on Wednesday, November 29th at 8 p.m. for a show at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
The group sits in that hazy territory between folk, alt-country, and rock, but this is a band that has never been afraid to evolve. Their passion and energy keep pushing them forward; simply put, they write some great songs.
The band is touring in support of their latest record Warmth of The Sun, which just dropped this month.
Tickets for the show are $38 for general admission or $43 for cabaret table seats, and are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Warmth of the Sun” – Skydiggers