Anyone who’s seen Michael Hurcomb’s 2018 music documentary The Radius Project knows that the Peterborough area is a wellspring of musicial talent, having launched the careers of musicians such as Serena Ryder, Royal Wood, The Strumbellas, Cross Dog, Three Days Grace, Thousand Foot Krutch, My Darkest Days, I Mother Earth, and more.
And in the early days of their careers, more than a few of these musicians graced at least one open mic or open stage in Peterborough (we’ll just refer to both as open mics from now on). At last count, there are at least 15 open mics in the City of Peterborough alone (listed below), not to mention those taking place in other communities across the Kawarthas.
In recognition of the impact of the open mic on Peterborough’s music community, Wendy Fischer (of Peterborough LIVE fame) has organized a special evening called the “Open Mic After Party”, which takes place this Thursday night (July 26) from 9 p.m. until last call at the Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) — not coincidentally the home of an open mic every Tuesday night.
This celebration of Peterborough’s open mic culture will feature a bevy of special guests, including several open mic hosts and performers, local hip hop artists, and more. The list includes S-Ka-Paid, Billy Marks, Maceo Moreno, Van Loon, DJ Taktikill, Casey Bax, Kerry Jayne, Skrt Kobain, Anane, Muno, Randy Hill, The Boo Radley Project, Michaela Hetherington, Keigan & Whitney, Jacques Graveline, Kate Kelly, Nicholas Campbell Band, Larry Saidman, Charmaine Magumbe, Sean Hully, Washboard Hank & Sweet Muriel, Weston, Ron Christopher, and the Matt Greco Band.
Rumour has it there will also be a couple of surprises at the show. And, of course, this is also an open mic — sign up at 9 p.m. at the Red Dog for any spots that are available. Don’t delay, because the show also begins at 9 p.m.
There’s one piece of advice every musician hears at least once when they are starting out: “Play an open mic.” It’s a great way to test out your songwriting, singing, or instrumental musical chops before a friendly live audience, especially for the first time. And up-and-coming musicians have lots of opportunities to play an open mic in Peterborough — you may be surprised to learn just how many there are.
With the assistance of the aforementioned Wendy Fischer, we’ve put together the list below of all the current open mics in Peterborough. And these are just the regular ones that happen every week or every month, not any special open mic events local pubs may host throughout the year.
And while it’s not on this list below because it’s not a weekly or monthly event, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention “Stars of Tomorrow”, the series for local youth musicians started by Nogojiwanong-Peterborough musician Missy Knott.
In 2009, when she was only 19 but had already won the Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist award, Missy realized she could help put new local talent on the stage. That year, she launched the youth mentoring program to help prepare young musicians to perform publicly, and then she would invite them to perform at the biannual “Stars of Tomorrow” showcase.
Without further ado, here’s the list of open mics in Peterborough.
Navy Clubhouse of the Peterborough Naval Association (24 Whitlaw St., Peterborough)
Fourth Saturday afternoon of every month from September to May
This is the oldest open mic in Peterborough still running, having launched in 2006. Hosted by Wava Brown, between 18 and 24 performers show up to every monthly open mic from September to May.
The Stage Cafe in the basement of Emmanuel Church (534 George St. N., Peterborough)
Second Friday evening of every month from September to June
Another one of the longest-running open mics in Peterborough, The Stage Cafe began in 2007. Billed as “a great venue for people to experience playing in front of an audience for the first time”, The Stage Cafe is coordinated by Steve Lynch, Darryl Parsons, Rick Stiles, and Ron Lowe. The monthly open mic takes place from September to June.
The Dobro (287 George St., Peterborough)
Every Wednesday night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Launched in 2008, The Dobro’s open mic on Wednesday nights is the longest-running weekly one in Peterborough. It’s hosted by Jeremy James, Shea Bailey, Mike McCurdy, Mac Palmer, and Ken Tuck.
The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough)
Every Tuesday night
Hosted by Matt Diamond, sign-up for the Tuesday open mic is at 8 p.m. and it runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough)
Third Saturday afternoon of every month
Dr. J’s now hosts the monthly Deluxe Blues Jam fundraiser (previously located at the former Pig’s Ear Tavern) for the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PBMA), a group that raises funds for local musicians who need temporary financial assistance due to injury or illness. The Deluxe Blues Jam, which takes place on the third Saturday afternoon of every month, is an open stage hosted by a different band each month.
The Black Horse (452 George St. N., Peterborough)
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night
New owner Desmond Vandenberg has continued previous owner Ray Kapoor’s musical traditions at The Black Horse, including the thrice-weekly chance for musicians to perform on an open stage.
Every Tuesday night, there’s an open mic at 7 p.m. hosted by Randy Hill. On Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Nicholas Campbell and friends perform “old soul rock ‘n’ roll”. Thursdays feature Jazz & Blues at 7:30 p.m. hosted by Marsala Lukianchuck and The Rob Phillips Trio, with an open stage at 9 p.m.
Puck’ N Pint Sports Pub (871 Chemong Rd, Peterborough)
Every Tuesday night
An open mic hosted by Bobby Watson takes place every Tuesday from 8 to 11 p.m.
McThirsty’s Pint (166 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
Every Sunday night
Ryan Van Loon hosts an open stage every Sunday night from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Champs Sports Bar (203 Simcoe St., Peterborough)
Every Thursday night
Every Thursday from 9 to 11 p.m., Champs has an open mic on the second floor party room, hosted by Brian Slack, Kate Kelly, Bobby Watson, and Ron Christopher.
Southside Pizzeria (25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough)
Every Tuesday and Friday morning
Southside Pizzeria has two open mics, one on Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon hosted by Art Lajambe, and one on Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon hosted by Jim Russell.
Black Honey (217 Hunter St. W., Peterborough)
First three Wednesdays of every month
Black Honey has an open mic hosted by Travis Sivart from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first three Wednesdays of the month.
Pappas Billiards (407 George St. N., Peterborough)
Every Thursday night and every Saturday afternoon
Pappas Billiards has an open mic hosted by Casey Bax on Thursday nights from 7 to 10 p.m.. In addition, “Shipwrecked Saturdays”, hosted by Keigan & Whitney, takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, with a featured artist from 2 to 3 p.m. (text 705-559-9488 if you want to perform).
The Twisted Wheel (379 Water St., Peterborough)
Every Thursday night
Peterborough’s newest nightclub features Backroom Bazaar every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m., with hosts Washboard Hank and Sweet Muriel performing from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by a featured artist from 8 to 9 p.m., and an open jam from 9 to 10 p.m.
Dreams of Beans (138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough)
Every Thursday night
Another newer open mic takes place at Dreams of Beans on Thursdays from 8 to 11:30 p.m., hosted by Jacques Graveline.
Beard Free Brewing (649 Unit 4 The Parkway, Peterborough)
Fourth Sunday of every month
Local microbrewery Beard Free Brewing, which also hosts local musicians every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, runs an open acoustic jam on the fourth Sunday of every month. It’s hosted by the Mathieu Murdoch duo, and all are welcome no matter the level of musical expertise.
Hot Belly Mama’s (378 George St. N., Peterborough)
Second Sunday of the month
Pete Woolidge (and sometimes Craig Paterson) hosts a jazz jam session at Hot Belly Mama’s, usually on the second Sunday of the month. A trio plays first, and then it’s open for jamming.
If we’ve missed a regular open mic taking place in Peterborough, or if any of the information above is incorrect, please email bahead@kawarthanow.com with the details.
