February can be a difficult month for everyone. We’re in the throes of winter and spring still seems far away. I highly recommend heading out to see and hear some fine music this month. Peterborough and the Kawarthas is brimming with great stuff so I will present just a few of the many wonderful concerts happening this month. Throughout February, there are world-class performers, up-and-comers and regular favourites. Mark your calendars and take in some excellent music.
Ron Sexsmith at The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall in Cobourg on Ferbuary 3
One of Canada’s most recognized and talented songwriters, Ron Sexsmith performs in Cobourg on Saturday, February 3rd at The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall (55 King St. W., Cobourg, 905-372-2210).
From his debut in 1995 all the way to the present, Sexsmith has continually released album after album full of well-crafted tunes. He has worked with the likes of Elvis Costello and his tunes have been covered by Feist, Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, and Nick Lowe to name only a few.
The show is in support of The Mill at Piper Creek and costs $45 plus fees, with a start time of 7 p.m.. For information and tickets, call 905-372-2210 or visit www.concerthallatvictoriahall.com.
VIDEO: “Radio” – Rox Sexsmith
Roy Orbison tribute The Lonely at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 8
I don’t usually list tribute shows in this column; however, I am making an exception for a tribute to one of the greats. On Thursday, February 8th, Rock.It Boy Entertainment presents The Lonely celebrating the music of Roy Orbison.
Orbison’s music was pioneering for early rock and roll and bridged several generations and genres, while inspiring youth to pick up instruments.
This show takes place at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) and will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $50.50 and they 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: “Blue Bayou” performed by The Lonely
The Sick Things, Beef Boys, and The Crowleys at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on February 9
For those who need a tonic of various forms of rock and roll, we have a show for you.
On Friday, February 9th, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. presents a triple header at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884). Montreal’s The Sick Things will be joined by local favourites Beef Boys and The Crowleys.
The Sick Things are an Ian Blurton-produced group that features harmonized guitars and a strong drivetrain. The Crowleys play a trippier brand of rock, while Beef Boys verge on punk rock, but with a healthy dose of garage rock intertwined.
The show begins at 9 p.m. and will be $10 or pay what you can at the door.
VIDEO: “Sick Things” – The Sick Things
Little Fire at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 10
Little Fire, a band headed up by former Scratch and Loud Sisters members Sue Nelson and Cindy Moser, will be performing at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, February 10th from 6 to 8 p.m.
They perform original tunes with a mixed bag of influences. Sometimes poppy and other times ethereal, their music shines with eclectic hints from all over the rock landscape.
You can pay at the door with admission price being $10 or pay what you can.
VIDEO: “Cry Wild” – Little Fire
Cry Wild
John Davis – Lead guitar, Judy Jordan – Banjo, B. Leigh McDonald – back up vocals, Cindy Moser – bass and back-up vocals, Sue Nelson – guitar and lead vocals, Rob Wilkes – tambourine. Written by Sue Nelson (c)2016Posted by Little Fire on Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Catriona Sturton at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on February 10 and at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 11
Ottawa blues guitarist, singer, and harmonica player Catriona Sturton returns to the Peterborough area for a pair of shows.
Her first show in the area will be on Saturday, February 10th as part of the Winter Music Series at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940). The show runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and there’s no cover. The next day she performs at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 or pay what you can at the door.
Catriona is a talented artist whose music doesn’t just stay within the confines of the blues: elements of folk and story-telling merge with soulful instrumentation. I am lucky enough to join Catriona for both shows on drums. I’m really excited to jam a bit and for folks to hear her excellent musicianship.
Other free concerts at Elmhirst’s Resort in February include Fewings and Son (folk/comedy/family show) on February 3rd, the jug-band stylings of Blues in the Bottle on February 17th, and a duo version of Phoxy Music on February 24th.
VIDEO: “Heavy Weather” – Catriona Sturton
Paper Shakers, Melissa Payne, and Peachykine at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 14
Valentine’s Day can be a day when a song means even more to you than on other days. Head to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Wednesday, February 14th and check out a show that’s aimed at the lovers out there.
Paper Shakers (duo version) perform their slightly pop-tinged roots folk show, and they will be joined by the excellent Melissa Payne and up-and-coming folk act Peachykine. Sweet melodies will fill the room.
The show will be $10, and if you bring a date the cover is half price. This one begins a little earlier than normal at 8 p.m., so head there right after a romantic dinner.
VIDEO: “It Rained All Night” – Paper Shakers
Old Man Luedecke at the Red Dog in Peterborough on February 16
Old Man Luedecke (aka Chris Luedecke) brings his tasty banjo stylings and witty songs with him to The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Friday, February 16th.
This should be another excellent show by the Nova Scotia songster. Chris was joined by multi-Grammy Award winner Tim O’Brien on his last record Domestic Eccentric. His music is a well-crafted combination: it’s simple, expressive and meaningful all in one.
Tickets are $12 in advance (available on Ticketscene or $15 at the door. The show begins at 10 p.m.
VIDEO: “Year of the Dragon” – Old Man Luedecke
The Sadies at The Tweedsmuir in Tweed on February 17
I’m not sure if there’s a mightier band in Canada than The Sadies, who play at The Tweedsmuir Tavern (211 Victoria St., Tweed) on Saturday, February 17th, with more than 20 years of rock-n-roll-meets-surf-meets-a-western-movie-meets-country-punk music.
Their latest record Northern Passages is a brilliant album full of kick-ass tunes by the veteran band. They have collaborated with the likes of Neil Young, Kurt Vile, Neko Case, Andre Williams, and many more, yet their own albums have placed them as a pre-eminent genre-crushing force. The show will feature special guest openers Mayhemingways from Peterborough.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The show begins at 9 p.m.. For ticket info, contact The Tweedsmuir at 613-478-2710 or email thetweedsmuirtavern@hotmail.com.
VIDEO: “Another Season Again” – The Sadies
Kylie Fox at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 20
Admittedly I don’t know much about Kylie Fox, but I do know she hails from Saint John, New Brunswick, and that you should go and see her on Tuesday, February 20th at (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).
Fox released her Balcony EP in November of last year and is touring around Canada bringing its songs to life. I really dig this EP and you should check her out. Tickets are at the door and the show begins around 9 p.m.
The Wooden Sky at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 25
Some bands continue to add to their legacy with each passing show, and The Wooden Sky are definitely on of those groups. You can check them out at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Sunday, February 25th.
The Toronto group has an impressive number of records, having released their fifth full-length album late last year. Swimming in Strange Waters has been hailed by music critics all over the place. Their sound drifts through indie rock and roots territory, and regardless of genre they definitely have established their very own style.
Tickets are $18 including fees in advance and $23 plus at the door. 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). The show begins at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Swimming In Strange Waters” – The Wooden Sky
