Our regular musicNOW writer Josh Fewings is away this month. Here’s a selection of live music in the Kawarthas in May, with music for just about every taste, including folk, rock, blues, jazz, and punk.
Teilhard Frost at Meet at 66 King East in Cobourg on May 11
For a dose of old-time traditional Appalachian music, check out multi-instrumentalist Teilhard Frost when he performs on Saturday, May 11th at Meet at 66 King East (66 King St. E., Cobourg, 905-372-2537).
Best known as “Sheesam Crow” in critically acclaimed band Sheesham, Lotus and ‘Son, Frost released his solo recording As the Crow Flies last year. As well as singing, he plays the fiddle, banjo, jaw harp, and harmonica.
“An accomplished singer and multi-instrumentalist, Teilhard captures the spirit of the old-time music better than anyone I know,” says Rick Ceballos, artistic director of the Champlain Valley Folk Festival in Vermont. “He is a natural born entertainer who’s stage presence is a joyful experience.”
Advance tickets are $20 plus fees and taxes at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall (call 905-372-2210 or visit www.concerthallatvictoriahall.com, of $30 cash at the door.
VIDEO: “Darlin’ Cora” – Teilhard Frost
The Human Project and Uniforms at Simcoe Ptbo in Peterborough on May 13
A full night of UK and local punk is coming to downtown Peterborough’s newest live music venue, Simcoe Ptbo (172 Simcoe St., Peterborough, 705-874-3825) on Monday, May 13th.
The show will be headlined by skate punk band The Human Project from Leeds, England with special guests Uniforms from Scotland, as well as Newmarket’s Ship of Fools and Peterborough’s Bonnavilles and Antixx.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the music will continue until the wee hours. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. This is an all-ages show.
VIDEO: “Pride Before a Fall” – The Human Project
VIDEO: “The Fear” – Uniforms
Caribou Run at The Garnet in Peterborough on May 14
Nova Scotia’s Caribou Run is coming to Peterborough on Tuesday, May 14th to perform at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).
The six-piece neo-folk band’s sound is catchy and anthemic with lyrics that provoke emotion and thought in the listener. Their live performance is a dynamic experience that is a roller coaster of sing-alongs and foot stomps.
Their debut studio album Something Organic Will Happen received the 2017 Nova Scotia Music Award for Blues Recording of the Year, and their latest release Old Peninsula was nominated for the 2018 Nova Scotia Music Award for Folk Recording of the Year.
Opening will be flatpicker and country songwriter Mike T. Kerr. Doors open at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Rambler Gambler” – Caribou Run
Brownman Electryc Trio at The Loft in Cobourg on May 15
Ken Prue once again makes The Loft (201 Division St., Cobourg, 416-895-1234) a destination for jazz lovers when he brings award-winning electric jazz fusion group Brownman Electryc Trio there to play at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th.
Led by trumpet improviser Brownman Ali (who New York City’s Village Voice called “Canada’s preeminent jazz trumpeter”) with Sean Dennis on bass and Jacob Aylward on drums, Brownman Electryc Trio has won multiple awards, including the National Jazz Award for Electric Jazz Group of the Year in 2007, and the Toronto Independent Music Award for Jazz Group of the Year in 2012, 2015, and 2016.
If you’re a fan of Miles Davis in his later years, you’ll want to check these guys out. Tickets are $25 plus fees online at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall box office, by phone at 905-372-2210, or by email at kenprue@gmail.com.
VIDEO: “Red Clay” – Brownman Electryc Trio
The Beaches with Fade Awaays at The Venue in Peterborough on May 18
Toronto indie rockers The Beaches are performing at The Venue on Saturday, May 18th.
The all-female band released their debut full-length studio album Late Show in 2017 and went on to win Breakthrough Group of the Year at the 2018 Juno Awards. Their new EP The Professional drops on May 16th.
Now in their early 20s, sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller with Liza Enman-McDaniel and Leandra Earl have been playing together for more than a decade. Their ’70s-inspired style, female-empowering lyrics, and glam and garage rock sound reflects a wide range of influences including David Bowie, The Strokes, The Rolling Stones, St. Vincent, and The Pretenders.
Toronto-based garage rockers Fade Awaays, who released their debut EP Taste of Life in January, will be opening. Doors open at 7 p.m.
General admission tickets are $25 plus fees, available online at Ticketmaster.
VIDEO: “Snake Tongue” – The Beaches
VIDEO: “She Don’t Know Why” – Fade Awaays
Hawksley Workman at the Market Hall in Peterborough on May 23
Two-time Juno Award winner Hawksley Workman returns to Peterborough for a concert on Thursday, May 23rd at 8 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
Over his 20-plus year career, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has garnered critical acclaim for his blend of cabaret pop and glam rock. He’s headlined prestigious venues like Massey Hall in Toronto and The Olympia in Paris, and opened for Morrissey, David Bowie, and The Cure. In all, he has released 16 albums, with his latest being 2019’s Median Age Wasteland.
Tickets are $38 including fees for assigned seating, available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Lazy” – Hawksley Workman
The Kents at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on May 24
Lindsay’s indie rockers The Kents are coming back to Peterborough on Friday, May 24th for a show at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884).
Formed in 2011, band members Warren Frank, Luke Shauf, Freddy Kwon, and Tanner Paré have released three EPs (2014’s Locals, 2016’s Waking, and 2017’s Within Waves) and are working on a new record.
They’ve released a track called “Smoke” that won’t be on the new record, and are donating proceeds from its sale to The Warming Room in Peterborough. They’ll also have a section set up at their Gordon Best show where they’ll be accepting donations for The Warming Room (clothing, pillows, blankets, and more).
Basement Revolver and Rhys Climenhage will be opening the show. Doors open at 9 p.m. with a $10 cover.
VIDEO: “From The Start” – The Kents
Megan Nash at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre in Campbellford on May 25
Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Megan Nash will be performing a “house concert” on Saturday, May 25th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (6 Front St. S., Campbellford, 705-653-5508).
Her latest record Seeker, where she collaborates with ambient alt-rockers Bears In Hazenmore, was nominated for the 2019 Juno Contemporary Roots Album of The Year.
Nash will be performing in the “living room” of Westben’s home at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 (includes HST) and are available at westben.ca
VIDEO: “Deer Head” – Megan Nash
Washboard Hank and the Wringers, Danny Bronson, Robert Atyeo and more at Showplace in Peterborough on May 26
Local musicians are coming together to raise funds for autism research at “Awesome and Then Some” on Sunday, May 26th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469).
Hosted by Sean Eyre and Morris Turney, the matinee show features music by Washboard Hank and the Wringers, Sweet Muriel, Geoff Hewitson, Irish Millie, Pat Arnott, Danny Bronson, The McDonnell Street Gospel Quartet, Robert Atyeo, Catfish Willie and the Bucklebusters, Fiddlin’ John, and Candace & Brittany.
Tickets are $40 for this family-friendly show, with proceeds to be evenly distributed this July to autism research teams at the Universities of Toronto, Western, and Queens. Tickets are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
Mike Biggar at the Dominion Hotel in Minden on May 27 and 28
New Brunswick contemporary roots and blues artist Mike Biggar is performing two shows on Monday, May 27th and Tuesday, May 28th at the Dominion Hotel (113 Main St., Minden, 705-286-6954).
In his 10-year career, Biggar has been honoured with numerous East Coast Music Association and Music New Brunswick awards, including the 2017 Music New Brunswick Award for ‘Blues Artist of the Year’ and the 2018 East Coast Music Award for ‘Blues Recording of the Year’ for his third album Go All In. His latest release is 2018’s Mike Biggar & Band – Live at the BMO Theatre.
He has shared the stage with artists such as Steve Earle, Matt Andersen, Stephen Fearing, Lynn Miles, Dave Gunning, Ron Hynes, Rose Cousins, Del Barber, Joey Landreth, Jay Semko, and more.
Tickets are $15 for either 7 p.m. show, available online at eventbrite.ca.
VIDEO: “Troubles No More” – Mike Biggar
Mayhemingways at the Market Hall in Peterborough on May 31
Peterborough’s own “fuzz folk” duo Mayhemingways hit the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Friday, May 31st at 8 p.m.
With Benj Rowland singing lead vocals and performing on banjo, mandolin, accordian, acoustic guitar, and foot bass, and Josh Fewings on drums and harmony vocals, Mayhemingways have released a self-titled EP and two full-length records: 2016’s Hunter St. Blues and 2018’s Skip Land.
Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond) calls their sound “mind-bending and original music with deep roots in the tradition of dark North American folk.”
kawarthaNOW is pleased to be a sponsor of this concert, which also features special guest opener Winona Wilde. Tickets are $20 in advance (including fees), and are available atthe Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 (including fees).
VIDEO: “Frances the Truck Driver” – Mayhemingways
VIDEO: “Pincushion Soldier” – Winona Wilde
Emily Burgess & The Emburys at Mckecks Tap & Grill in Haliburton on May 31
Peterborough band Emily Burgess & The Emburys are performing on Friday, May 31st at Mckecks Tap & Grill (207 Highland St., Haliburton, 705-457-3443).
Earlier this year, Burgess won the Toronto Blues Society’s 2018 Maple Blues award for New Artist/Group of the Year.
Burgess is well known to Peterborough residents for her solo performances, as well as playing with The Weber Brothers since 2014 and more recently her own trio The Emburys (with brothers Rico and Marcus Browne on bass and drums respectively).
There’s no cover for this show, but you need to call Mckecks at 705-457-3443 to reserve a seat.
VIDEO: “Til I Get To Call You My Own” – Emily Burgess
