As the winter season continues on, we all need some other activities and bits of culture to ward off cabin fever. Luckily, Peterborough and area has a ton of amazing concerts and music this month to keep you entertained.
Here are just a few of the amazing live music events coming up in February.
Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 1
The month starts off with a bang on Saturday, February 1st at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) as premier Canadian blues-soul act Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar take the stage.
Martin’s latest record Run to Me was nominated for four Maple Blues Awards in 2019. Her songwriting is deep and centres on the many different sides of love and life, while her powerful voice and talented band make for an amazing evening of music.
The show kicks off at 8 p.m.. Tickets are $33, all fees included, and are available the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “My Crown” – Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar
Dave Mowat and Curbside Shuffle at the Keene Centre for the Arts on February 8
On Saturday, February 8th, Dave Mowat and Curbside Shuffle bring their own brand of country blues to the Keene Centre for the Arts (12 1st St., Keene, 519-993-0079).
Mowat is an excellent harmonica player and singer with a whole lot of soul, and his band is made up of excellent players with ties to Peterborough and area: Al Black on drums, Terry Wilkins on bass and, last but not least, Clayton Yates on guitar.
The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available online at eventbrite.com/e/dave-mowat-and-the-curbside-shuffle-tickets-87066130139.
If you can’t make it to the Keene show, the band is also hosting the monthly Deluxe Blues Jam of the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PMBA) the following Saturday afternoon (February 15) at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews in downtown Peterborough.
VIDEO: “Cherry Street Blues” featuring Dave Mowat and Al Black
Blue Valentine tribute to Willie P. Bennett in Peterborough on February 9
It is hard to believe that Willie P. Bennett has been gone for almost 12 years. The Canadian roots singer-songwriter died in Peterborough on February 16, 2008 at the age of 56.
But his legacy continues on, with his songs having been covered by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Matt Andersen, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, and many more.
On Sunday, February 9th at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) another edition of the annual tribute to the man and his music will take place. Blue Valentine (named after a song of Willie’s, and also the unfortunate time around which he passed) will feature performances by friends and fans of his music.
The show is admission by donation runs from 3 to 6 p.m. You don’t have to know Willie’s music to enjoy this show, everyone is welcome!
VIDEO: “Blackie And The Rodeo King” by Willie P. Bennett (1977)
VIDEO: “Willie’s Diamond Joe” by Willie P. Bennett performed by Matt Andersen
VIDEO: “White Line” by Willie P. Bennett performed by Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
Lindy Vopnfjörd at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre in Campbellford on February 13
Lindy Vopnfjörd is not a household name in Canadian music, but he should be. In some ways he’s a musician’s songwriter; however. he definitely has carved out a great career for himself.
The Canadian-Icelandic musician has been making great records for a while now. You can see him perform at a house concert-esque show presented by Westben at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St., Campbellford, 705-653-5508) on Thursday, February 13th at 7:30 p.m.
Lindy effortlessly keeps audiences engaged with just a guitar and his beautiful songs.
Tickets are $25 for adults and seniors, $15 for those under 30, and $5 for youth, available at www.westben.ca/calendar/lindy-vopnfjord.
VIDEO: “Lover Sister” – Lindy Vopnfjörd
Buck Tingley with Jimmy Bowskill at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 15
Halifax’s Buck Tingley hits Peterborough on Saturday, February 15th at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) for two shows, and he comes with the high praise of Bailieboro’s own Jimmy Bowskill (The Sheepdogs, Blue Rodeo).
“Buck is awesome man,” Bowskill says. “Great, great stuff!” Bowskill will be joining him for the sets as well.
Tingley’s music is drenched in early rock and roll, blues, and boogie-woogie stylings. The first show will be 4 to 6 p.m. and the second will start at 9 p.m.. Tickets will be $15 at the door.
VIDEO: “Buzzed” by Buck Tingley
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 20
kawarthaNOW favourites Blackie and the Rodeo Kings return to Peterborough for a show at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Thursday, February 20th.
The roots-rock supergroup began 25 years ago as a tribute to their friend, the amazing songwriter and Peterborough resident Willie P. Bennett. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (Colin Linden, Tom Wilson, and Stephen Fearing) released their debut album High or Hurtin’ in 1996, consisting entirely of songs written by Willie, who passed away in 2008.
Since that first record, the band went on to release 10 albums, with 1999’s Kings of Love winning the Juno Award for Best Roots & Traditional Album – Group in 2000. The group is on top of the Americana music world right now, having just signed a recording deal with Warner Music Canada. The band’s most recent record, King of This Town, dropped on January 24th.
Presented by the Market Hall and kawarthaNOW, the February 20th concert is now sold out.
VIDEO: “Cold 100” – Blackie & The Rodeo Kings
VIDEO: “Stoned” – Blackie & The Rodeo Kings
VIDEO: “Sometimes It Comes So Easy” – Blackie & The Rodeo Kings
Geoff Berner with Bird City at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 21
Vancouver’s Geoff Berner is a stalwart musician and activist. His music is a combination of klezmer-inspired accordion tunes and protest songs. On Friday, February 21st he brings his hilarious stage presence and meaningful tunes to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).
Opening the show will be Guelph’s Bird City, a.k.a Jenny Mitchell (who once toured as Jenny Omnichord). Her music is tinged with banjo and tenor guitar and is full of unique twists and turns.
Tickets for the show, which begins at 9 p.m., will be $10 at the door.
VIDEO: “Grand Hotel Cosmopolis” – Geoff Berner
Michael C Duguay, Oberge, and Sing Leaf at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on February 29
The Peterborough Folk Festival presents an evening of fine indie-folk music at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884) on Saturday, February 29th.
Three great acts will take the stage including Peterborough native Michael C Duguay, Oberge, and Toronto’s Sing Leaf. Each act has their own distinct sound within the indie-folk realm.
Oberge has a dreamy quality, Duguay’s is a more stripped-down and reflective sound, while Sing Leaf has an almost psychedelic tinge to their music.
Tickets are $12 in advance at The Only (below the Gordon Best) and $15 at the door. The show begins at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Candy Store” – Michael C. Duguay
VIDEO: “Do Right” – Sing Leaf
