April is here, we are finally out of winter’s cold certainty, and the signs of spring abound. Heading out for a night on the town doesn’t feel anymore like a possible life-risking trip into the depths of subzero weather.
Take advantage of the warmer weather by heading out to enjoy one of the many live music events across Peterborough and the Kawarthas this month. Here are just a few of them:
Fred Eaglesmith and Tif Ginn at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 5
There are few singer-songwriters in Canada quite like Fred Eaglesmith. His 40+-year career has been built on relentless touring, top-notch songs, and a frontier spirit that extends well beyond the usual limitations of the music industry.
On Friday, April 5th, Eaglesmith and his wife Tif Ginn bring their duo show to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
Eaglesmith has done just about everything one can hope for in music, including having his songs covered by huge country stars in the U.S., performing on the David Letterman show, and releasing numerous critically acclaimed records. His is a style that can shift in mere moments from the saddest song to something laugh-out-loud funny to deep storytelling.
Singer-songwriter Tif Ginn, originally from Texas and now living with Eaglesmith in Canada, is a big talent in her own right. She released three critically acclaimed albums with her sister Brit as The Fabulous Ginn Sisters before launching a career as a solo artist. She’s just released her second solo album Moving Day, named after her move from Texas to Canada, which includes a number of tunes co-written with Eaglesmith.
Don’t miss this show, folks. Tickets are $33 for a general admission seat and $35 for assigned cabaret-style seating, available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “I Like Trains” – Fred Eaglesmith and Tif Ginn
Hot Garbage with Rhys Climenhage, Kelly McMichael, and Carew at The Garnet in Peterborough on April 6
It is a full-on evening of music at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, April 6th. A four-headed monster of awesomeness. Headlining the show is Toronto band Hot Garbage. Their music is among some of the coolest psychedelic rock I’ve heard in a while.
Joining them will be local talent Rhys Climenhage, who continues to write and perform music beyond his years. Also on the bill is the always awesome Kelly McMichael (Renders) who is home from St. John’s for a spell and brings her awesome voice and killer pop/rock/dance tunes with her. And last but not least is Toronto band Carew, who bring their grunge/pop/rock sound to Peterborough for the first time.
Tickets are $10 at the door and the music starts shortly after 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Harpoon” – Hot Garbage
Lemon Bucket Orkestra at Bryan Jones Theatre in Lakefield on April 12
I’ve been around music a fair amount folks, and I know for a fact that their haven’t been many bands described as a “guerilla-punk-balkan-folk-bass band.”
Well, that’s exactly what Lemon Bucket Orkestra sounds like. The Toronto band was born from four original members who became well-known buskers in The Big Smoke. They have evolved over the years to be about a dozen strong.
Performing Arts Lakefield brings the group to the stage at Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29., Lakefield, 705-652-3324) on Friday, April 12th. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and costs $35 to attend.
For more information and for advance tickets, head to www.performingartslakefield.org.
VIDEO: “Freedom” – Lemon Bucket Orkestra
Kate Suhr at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 14
Peterborough songstress Kate Suhr has enjoyed a pretty multi-faceted career so far. Musical theatre, theatre, and music have all been in her wheelhouse as she continues to flourish and expand her repertoire.
On Sunday, April 14th, she takes to the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) to debut with her first solo cabaret show entitled “Guts, Guile and a Few Showtunes.” The family-friendly show will also feature musical director and pianist Anthony Bastianon and Saskia Tomkins on strings.
“In a night of story and song you will hear everything from musical theatre and pop to folk and a few original songs,” the show’s description reads. “It will be an eclectic evening of music, loose conversation, some wonderfully awkward jokes and very special guests.”
Tickets are $25 general admission ($20 for students, $18 for children 13 and under) or $30 for assigned cabaret-style seats and can be purchased at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Time To Go” – Kate Suhr
Tokyo Police Club at the Red Dog in Peterborough on April 19
Batten down the hatches! High-energy rock band Tokyo Police Club is coming to The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Friday, April 19th at 10 p.m..
Every show this band plays is worth heading to. Tickets are $25, available in advance at ticketscene.ca
VIDEO: “Outtatime” – Tokyo Police Club
Max Mouse and the Gorillas at Moody’s in Millbrook on April 20
Millbrook residents are in for a treat when Max Mouse and the Gorillas bring their uptempo R’n’B-tinged rock to Moody’s Bar & Grill (3 Tupper St., Millbrook, 705-932-6663) on Saturday, April 20th.
The band is led by the inimitable Cris Cuddy on vocals along with a stellar cast of Peterborough-area musicians including Bobby Watson, JP Hovercraft, and more.
Showtime is 2 p.m. and there is no cover.
VIDEO: “Steppin’ Out” – Max Mouse and The Gorillas
Jackson Delta at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 20
Later in the evening on Saturday, April 20th, a true Peterborough fave, Jackson Delta, performs at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
Jackson Delta is Rick Fines, Al Black, and Gary Peeples performing acoustic blues of the highest quality. Mostly active in the late ’80s and ’90s, the boys come together for a big reunion show from time to time in their hometown.
Tickets are $35 for general admission and $45 for assigned cabaret seats, available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
This is sure to be a fun night full of nostalgia, great onstage comraderie, and excellent blues music.
VIDEO: “Junco Partner” – Jackson Delta
Ron Sexsmith at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 23
Canadian songwriting legend-in-the-making Ron Sexsmith takes the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Tuesday, April 23rd.
Since his debut in 1995, Sexsmith has a track record that stretches for miles with album after album of great tunes. His songs have been covered by the likes of Feist, Emmylou Harris, and many more. His latest album The Last Rider was self-produced along with his long-time collaborator, friend, and Rheostatics member Don Kerr.
Tickets are $38 and can be purchased at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Secret Heart” – Ron Sexmith
Nathan Truax at The Garnet in Peterborough on April 26
Check out some old school country-influenced tunes at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Friday, April 26th when Nathan Truax takes the stage.
His is a throwback style steeped in nostalgia and enough vibes to fill a farmer’s field. Truax is a former member of indie band Said the Whale and now calls Peterborough home.
The show begins at 9 p.m. and costs $10 at the door (or pay what you can).
VIDEO: “Oh, What Are You To Do” – Nathan Truax
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque at The Market Hall in Peterborough on April 28
On Sunday, April 28th, International Jazz Day Peterborough is bringing five-time Juno Award winner and three-time Grammy nominee Jane Bunnett and her band Maqueque to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146)
Bunnett started Maqueque five years ago as a project to record and mentor young Cuban female musicians, and it’s turned into one of the top groups on the North American jazz scene. In the last year, they have played in major jazz festivals like Newport and Monterey, been featured on NPR’s program Jazz Night in America, were nominated for a Grammy Award for their newest release Oddara and, most recently, were voted as one the top ten jazz groups by the prestigious DownBeat magazine’s critics poll.
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque features Jane Bunnetton on soprano saxophone and flute, Danae Olano on piano and vocals, Tailin Marrero on acoustic and electric bass and vocals, Melvis Santa on lead vocals and percussion, Mary Paz on percussion and vocals, and Yissy Garcia on drums.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32 ($23 for students) and are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Little Feet”, “Maqueque”, “25 New Moves” – Jane Bunnett and Maqueque
