The annual Peterborough LIVE Music Festival is back in 2018 for its fifth year from Thursday, May 24th to Sunday, May 27th.
LIVE is an acroynm for “Local Independent Venue Events” and the festival features live music by more than 90 acts featuring over 300 performers at 11 venues in downtown Peterborough and more.
But there’s also spoken word and comedy and — new this year — a songwriters’ circle and a trade show and gear swap for musicians.
As with past festivals, there’s music from almost every genre, including rock, hard rock, blues, folk, Celtic, jazz, punk, country, electronic dance music (EDM), hip hop, and indie (from traditional to avant garde to post-punk to alternative). To make it easier to find the music and performances you like, the festival has organized themed shows.
This year’s festival features 10 ticketed shows and nine shows with free admission or admission by donation. If you want to see everything, you can purchase an all-access festival pass for $15. Or you can purchase individual tickets for one of the 10 ticketed shows for $10 each. Both passes and individual tickets are available at the door of each show, or in advance at ticketscene.ca.
With the exception of age-of-majority events at the Sapphire Lounge, The Garnet, and Dobro, each show is all ages.
The festival opens on Thursday, May 24th at 7 p.m. with “Songbirds” at the Gorden Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough). Hosted by Raphael Nawaz, this “writers in the round” evening features artists sharing the stories behind their favourite songs and the inspiration that set them on their journey into music.
Artists include Grace Hatherly, Owen Wright, Emily Erhart, Aiden Pothier, Nathan Bottomley, Suzy-Q, people you meet outside of bars, James Higgins, Sherwood, Jordan Mowat, Niall, Michaela Hetherington, Kalen Davidson, Nathan Miller, Ryan Van Loon, Hillary Dumoulin, Raphael Nawaz, Lance Isaacs, ad Chantelle. The cost for this event is $10 (or free with an all-access pass).
The festival also kicks off on Thursday with a night of rock and roll at “Rockafellas” at The Red Dog (189 Hunter St. W.). Hosted by Brandon Humphrey and Dawson McManus, the show features performances by local bands Broken Harmony, Peace Sand Rest, MJ & The Beetus, The Goombas, and Rhys Climenhage. The cost for this event is $10 (or free with an all-access pass).
If dancing is more your thing, Thursday night also features “Grindhouse Vol. I”, an evening of EDM beginning at 9 p.m. at The Sapphire Room (137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough). Hosted by DJ Thibault and featuring Oblique, DJ Matte Black, and Ricky Scatman, this is a free sponsored age-of-majority event.
Peterborough LIVE continues on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with lots more music (see the full list below), but we want to highlight a couple of special events taking place during the festival.
On Saturday, May 26th, there will be a Trade Show and Gear Swap for musicians from 12 to 6 p.m. at Circle Kung Fu & Tai Chi (280 Perry St., Unit 8). You can bring in your old (or new) equipment you want to trade and you can meet with some of the community’s musical instrument and sound production experts.
Porter Sound, Bench Tech, Hank to Hendrix Guitar Company, Maar’s Music, Alexander James Guitars, and Tribute Audio will all be there. There will also be an open mic hosted by Ryan Van Loon. This free sponsored event takes place in the Perry St. Industrial Complex, just across the hall from Wayne O’Connor’s Hank to Hendrix.
On Sunday, May 27th at 8 p.m., the festival closes with “Peterborough LIVE Industry Night” at the Gorden Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough). This is a free event to celebrate the volunteers and artists who contributed to the festival, and will feature performances by Fortune Killers, The Boo Radley Project, Eleanor Shore, Brandon Humphrey Experience, and Puppet, followed by one last open stage for performers to jam and have fun.
Below is a complete list of all the Peterborough LIVE Music Festival events for 2018. For updates and any last-minute changes, be sure to visit Peterborough LIVE’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ptbolivemusicfest/.
Thursday, May 24th
Songbirds, 7 – 10 p.m. at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass
Enjoy an evening of song and reflection as artists share the stories behind their favourite songs and the inspiration that set them on their journey into music. Hosted by Raphael Nawaz and featuring Grace Hatherly, Owen Wright, Emily Erhart, Aiden Pothier, Nathan Bottomley, Suzy-Q, people you meet outside of bars, James Higgins, Sherwood, Jordan Mowat, Niall, Michaela Hetherington, Kalen Davidson, Nathan Miller, Ryan Van Loon, Hillary Dumoulin, Raphael Nawaz, Lance Isaacs, and Chantelle.
Rockafellas, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Red Dog (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough), 10 or included in $15 all-access pass
A great night rock and roll featuring some of our most energetic and driving local talent. Hosted by Brandon Humphrey and Dawson McManus and featuring Broken Harmony, Peace Sand Rest, MJ & The Beetus, The Goombas, and Rhys Climenhage.
Grindhouse Vol. I, 9 p.m. – 1:30am at Sapphire Lounge (137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), free admission, 19+
Time to put on your dancing shows and get groovy! Come enjoy a classy melange of EDM styles in our hippest local cocktail lounge. Hosted by DJ Thibault and featuring Oblique, DJ Matte Black, and Ricky Scatman.
Friday, May 25th
Sweet Dreams, 2 – 6 p.m. at Dreams of Beans (138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), free admission
A classic coffee house experience in one of Peterborough’s original trendy cafés. Have a sip and relax with hosts Zach and Steve and special guest Shane Eyers. The event begins with an open stage until 4 p.m., with performers of all types e welcome to join in the fun. The open stage will feature the Peterborough Poetry Slam Youth Team.
Mic Drop, 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), 10 or included in $15 all-access pass
This variety show has something for everyone, with a comedy and poetry slam pre-show hosted by Chatell Motherboard, followed by Just Laugh Peterborough featuring Dave Cave, Richelle Nantais, and Charmaine Magumbe, and Peterborough Poetry Slam Collective featuring EJ. The hip hop and DJ show features a collection of artists and styles from our local scene, including Chatell Motherboard, Swervey, QdaSauce, Gibb, Luqman, NSY, and Forest Gumption.
Blues Breaker, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Dobro (287 George St. N., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
Get down, chill, boogie woogie, and shake your thing to the groovy sounds of Peterborough’s blues scene. With acts from the newest and brightest to the seasoned best, this show is guaranteed to put some mojo in your step. Hosted by Kate Kelly and featuring Nicholas Campbell, Bobby Watson and Kate Kelly, and Al Black & The Steady Band.
Holy Folk!, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
Enjoy some some good old indie folk in true Peterborough fashion. Hosted by the charming and witty Lance Isaacs, a great selection of powerhouse vocals featuring Lance along with Blue Hazel, St. Homer, and Nathan Miller.
Grindhouse Vol. II, 9 p.m. – 1:30am at Sapphire Lounge (137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), Free admission, 19+
Time to put on your dancing shows and get groovy (again) with a classy melange of EDM styles hosted by DJ Thibault and featuring Poet and ravioli.
Saturday, May 26th
Trade Show & Gear Swap, 12 – 6 p.m. at Circle Kung Fu & Tai Chi (280 Perry St. Unit 8, Peterborough), free admission
This is a new and exciting event for Peterborough LIVE geared for musicians. Our community is full of talent and the production of instruments and sound reinforcement are no exception. Come bring that old stomp box you want to trade and meet our community’s technical experts at Circle Kung Fu, located in the Perry St. Industrial Complex across the hall from Wayne O’Connor’s Hank to Hendrix. Featuring Porter Sound, Bench Tech, Hank to Hendrix Guitar Company, Maar’s Music, Alexander James Guitars, and Tribute Audio with an open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon.
Celtic Jam, 6 – 9 p.m. at McThirsty’s Pint (166 Charlotte St., Peterborough), free admission
What better way to enjoy a nice cold pint than with some great bites, good friends, and some foot stomping tunes? Relax and get loose with this traditional Celtic jam at the friendliest bar in town! Hosted by Kane Miller of Hunt the Hare and featuring Fiddling Jay and Kane Miller and friends.
Mayhem, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Red Dog (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass
Get groovy with some kicking alternative and hard rock mayhem in this high-energy line up. There are some real shredders here, so you definitely don’t want to miss this one. Hosted by Brandon Humphrey and featuring The Divided Line, Odd Ones, Jagged, My Affected Reality, Outshined and Present Tense.
VIDEO: “Phylliidae” – The Divided Line
Indie-go, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
With a little taste of avant garde, traditional, pop, and alternative, this show is a mix of all things indie. Whether you’re a little hip, square, post-punk, folkie, or anything else, there’s a sound for you here at one of Peterborough’s most eclectic spaces. Hosted by Whitney Lu and featuring Shirazi, Paper Shakers, Nathan Bottomley Band, and Niall.
Boot Knockers, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Dobro (287 George St. N., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
Get your boots out and come kick it at the Dobro! Enjoy some good old fashion country tunes some great local artists. Hosted by Michaela Hetherington and featuring Kayla Howran, Jason O’Brien, Michaela Hetherington, and Pat Rees.
Punk and Morty!, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass
Get shwifty with the head-bashing and chord-smashing antics of Ontario’s finest selections from the dedicated punk scene. Hosted by Tyler Smith and featuring Antixx, Deviants and Odd Man Out, Beaver Slap, Death Sticks, The Beat Abattoir, Muddy Hack, and ELE.
Sunday, May 27th
Dandelion Day Sun Stage, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Millennium Park (130 King St., Peterborough), free admission
Peterborough LIVE is at the 4th Annual Dandelion Day Festival, which celebrates healthy lifestyles and local prosperity. Featuring Healing Chants with Janet McCue, Tonya Bosch Band, Michaela Hetherington, Steve Clarke, and Kirtan with Tony Tavares and Sasha Lambrinos.
Jazz Gumbo, 12 – 5 p.m. at Hot Belly Mama’s (378 George St. N., Peterborough), free admission
Come out and cut your teeth on some great jazz jams and delicious creole cuisine. A great mix of food and fun for all hosted by Larry Saidman and featuring Pete Woolidge and Friends, Ambrose Veno Trio, Devil May Care, and Luxury Mammals Jazz Collective.
Music in Nogojiwanong, 2 – 5 p.m. at Emmanuel United Church (534 George St. N., Peterborough), admission by donation
Hosted by Curtis Driedger and featuring Three Alarm Choir ($5 for a song sheet), X Pollinators, and The Boo Radley Project.
Jump, Jive, & Wail, 4 – 11 p.m. at The Red Dog (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
Put your dancing shoes on and get ready for swinging jazz, with a funky mix of big band, gospel, and blues styles that will keep you jitterbugs grooving all night long. Hosted by Malcolm Byard and Paul Rellinger and featuring Bridget Foley and The Gospel Girls, Avery Cantello Blues Band, L’ll Big Band, and Knightshift.
Peterborough LIVE Industry Night, 8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), free admission
This is the closing event of the festival to celebrate the efforts of the festival’s volunteers and artists both old and new. This event is open to the public, but is dedicated to everyone who has contributed to Peterborough LIVE. There will be a hodgepodge of acts and the evening will close out with an open stage for artists to jam and have fun.
Performers include Fortune Killers, The Boo Radley Project, Eleanor Shore, Brandon Humphrey Experience, and Puppet.
