The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced acclaimed Canadian indie alt-rockers Broken Social Scene will be the Saturday headliner for the 34th annual music festival taking place on August 19 and 20 at Nicholls Oval Park beside the Otonabee River.
Formed in Toronto in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning as a basement recording project, Broken Social Scene became a musical collective with a revolving roster of members including musicians from Metric, Feist, Stars, Apostle of Hustle, Do Make Say Think, KC Accidental, Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton, Amy Millan, and Jason Collett.
Drew and Canning recorded and released the band’s debut album Feel Good Lost in 2001. Their material was almost entirely instrumental, so they brought in musicians from Toronto’s indie music scene to expand the lyrics and vocals in the band’s live shows, along with core members Justin Peroff, Andrew Whiteman, and Charles Spearin.
In 2002, all of the musicians from the live show helped record the band’s second album, the Juno award-winning You Forgot It in People, which the band celebrated last year with a 20th-anniversary vinyl edition and tour.
In 2005, they released their self-titled album, earning the band their second Juno award for Alternative Album of the Year. Subsequent releases included Broken Social Scene presents …, two albums in 2007 and 2008 featuring the solo efforts of Drew (Spirit If) and Canning (Something for All of Us) assisted by fellow Broken Social Scene members, along with 2010’s Forgiveness Rock Record, 2017’s Hug of Thunder, and 2019’s two-volume EP Let’s Try the After.
During their career, Broken Social Scene have performed multiple times on Late Night with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Late Night with Stephen Colbert, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
VIDEO: “Halfway Home” – Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene’s evolving sound over the years has been described as everything from alt-rock to baroque pop and noise pop to experimental rock and soul music. However, one thing has remained constant: at the end of every show, Drew tells the audience to “enjoy your lives” — a call to action to get out there and be part of your own social scene.
Broken Social Scene’s appearance at the Peterborough Folk Festival will mark their first-ever performance in Peterborough.
“Inclusivity, belonging, and community are at the heart of Peterborough Folk Festival,” says Ryan Kemp, the festival’s artistic director, in a media release. “I can barely express how thrilled we are to have this iconic Canadian band take the main stage as the Peterborough Folk Festival 2023 headliner on August 19th.”
The 2023 Peterborough Folk Festival kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18th at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by an admission-by-donation weekend of music and more on Saturday, August 19th and Sunday, August 20th at Nicholls Oval Park.
The festival has already announced renowned Canadian singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt will be the Sunday headliner, with Juno award-winning children’s music duo Splash’N Boots also performing on Sunday.
“We’ve been building momentum with our festival partners, sponsors, and volunteer-run board to create a memorable event for everyone in Peterborough and across the region to enjoy,” Kemp says.
VIDEO: “Cause=Time” – Broken Social Scene
“It’s incredible to have this come together with the announcement of these fantastic performers,” Kemp adds.
Organizers will be making additional announcements during June, including the complete line-up of performers and the festival’s annual emerging artist.
For more information about the festival, including how to get involved as an artist, volunteer, or vendor, visit www.peterboroughfolkfest.com.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the 2023 Peterborough Folk Festival.
