The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced six additional musical acts who will be performing at the free festival in Nicholls Oval Park on the weekend of August 20 and 21, including Julian Taylor, The Colton Sisters, I, the Mountain, Murder Murder, Kellie Loder, and — for the kids — Sharon Hampson (of Sharon, Lois & Bram) with her daughter Randi.
Musicians previously announced in early July include headliners Bahamas, The Trews Acoustic, and Kathleen Edwards — with the latter performing at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 19th in a ticketed concert at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. Reserved seating tickets for Kathleen Edwards are $50 each and are available online at markethall.org.
On the free weekend, the festival opens at noon on Saturday, August 20th with Bahamas performing at 9:20 p.m. and The Trews Acoustic closing out the festival at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 21st.
Along with the headliners, other musicians announced in early July include Odario, AHI, My Son The Hurricane, Georgia Harmer, and Adria Kain, along with local musicians Joyful Joyful, Michael C Duguay, Lauryn Macfarlane, Kayla Mohammed, Nathan Truax, and Kelly McMichael — whose album Waves has been shortlisted for the 2022 Polaris Music Prize, with the winner to be revealed on September 19.
Recently announced musicians performing at Nicholls Oval Park on Saturday, August 20th include:
Julian Taylor
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor has built an unimpeachable reputation as a truly independent artist and entrepreneur over his 25-year career in music. From the formative rock of Staggered Crossing to the genre fusion of Julian Taylor Band, and now revered as a solo singer-songwriter, Taylor won the Solo Artist of the Year honour at the Canadian Folk Music Awards (and a nomination in the English Songwriter category) and was nominated for two Juno Awards in 2021, as well as a Polaris Music Prize nomination.
VIDEO: “Ballad Of A Young Troubadour” – Julian Taylor
I, the Mountain
Based in Kitchener, Ontario, I, the Mountain is a four piece indie-folk band known for their joyous harmonies, high-energy performances, and infectious song writing. The band has built a passionate fan base of “Mountaineers” from their hard work, never-quit attitude, and genuine love for music and community.
VIDEO: “Wildflowers” – I, the Mountain
Murder Murder
Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Murder Murder is a full string band with suitcase percussion who create a unique blend of bluegrass and outlaw country. The bad demonstrates virtuosic musicianship and evocative songwriting. backed by a wealth of original and traditional ballads.
VIDEO: “Movin On” – Murder Murder
The Colton Sisters
Mary and Martha Colton — The Colton Sisters — are twins who grew up on a farm just outside of Peterborough, Ontario. They began singing at the age of 14 and, at 16, learned to play guitar and took an interest in songwriting. Passionate songwriters whose harmonies create a unique and captivating sound, they were one of three winners of the inaugural round of the Don Skuce Memorial Music Collective Songwriting Contest in February 2021, with their winning song “Make It” recorded by James McKenty and mastered by Grammy award winning Peterborough native Greg Wells.
VIDEO: “Make It” – The Colton Sisters
Recently announced performers on Sunday, August 21st include:
Kellie Loder
An independent singer-songwriter from Newfoundland who plays drums, guitar, and piano, Kellie Loder was nominated for a 2012 Juno Award and as Contemporary Singer of the Year as the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards. More recently, they were named the 2021 Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year at the Music NL Awards, won a 2021 East Coast Music Association (ECMA) for their groundbreaking music video and song “Molded Like A Monster,” were nominated forthe 2022 ECMA Songwriter of the Year as well as Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year, and were awarded first runner-up on the 2022 season of Canada’s Got Talent.
VIDEO: “Molded Like a Monster” – Kellie Loder
Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi
Following Bramwell “Bram” Morrison’s retirement from the 1978-founded Canadian children’s music group Sharon, Lois & Bram, and with his encouragement, Sharon Hampson and her daughter Randi continue to share the music of Sharon, Lois & Bram with fans and friends (after Lois Lilienstein passed away in 2015, Hampson and Morrison continued to perform as Sharon & Bram until 2018). This singalong gathering is a real family affair featuring Sharon & Randi, Randi’s sons Ethan and Elijah, and Randi’s beau Jim. Singalong highlights will include such beloved Sharon, Lois & Bram favourites as “ABCD Jig,” “Hey Dum Diddeley Dum,” “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain,” and, of course, “Skinnamarink.”
VIDEO: Carrying on the Sharon, Lois & Bram legacy
Festival organizers will be releasing a full list of performers and a performance schedule soon. In the interim, the festival is still seeking volunteers to help with this year’s event.
To become a volunteer, donate or sponsor the festival, or become an artisan vendor, visit peterboroughfolkfest.com.
kawarthaNOW is pleased to be a major media sponsor of the 2022 Peterborough Folk Festival.
