As the world evolves (or devolves, depending on your point of view), some things never get old. Take, for example, the exhilarating feel-good feeling that comes to the forefront when people come together in support of those in need of our help.
However, combine such compassion with the gifted talents of multiple local musical acts and, well, you’re onto something really special.
For a fourth time, Peterborough Performs: Musicians United To End Homelessness will be staged on Thursday, March 7th at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough, presenting 15 acts — full bands as well as solo performers — on two stages simultaneously.
From 7 to 11 p.m., the big stage in the Erica Cherney Theatre will host The Weber Brothers Band, SJ Riley, The Austin Carson Band, Rick and Gailie Young’s Peterborough All-Star Band, The Cheryl Casselman Trio, and Emily Burgess.
During the same time frame, in the more intimate Nexicom Studio, performances by Tom Eastland, Irish Millie, Wylie Harold, Chris Collins, Michaela Hetherington, Dan Hick, Jacques Graveline, The Hippie Chicks (Tami J. Wilde and Joslyn Burford), and Phil Stephenson and Glen Caradus will be presented back-to-back.
Until January, early bird general admission tickets cost $40, with all proceeds going to United Way of Peterborough and District-supported agencies provide emergency shelter for those in need of safe refuge. Tickets are available at the Showplace box office and online at www.showplace.org.
Ticket holders have the choice of catching all the main stage performances or all the lounge acts or, ideally, go back and forth to both rooms as they please.
VIDEO: “Message of Love” – Rick and Gailie at Peterborough Performs III
United Way director of philanthropy Anne Ondercin says Peterborough Performs will again be “a catalyst, bringing together hundreds of music lovers and community supporters to enjoy incredible local talent and give back to their community.”
“Proceeds from Peterborough Performs will help move people from poverty to possibility by funding local programs and initiatives that support those experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and underemployment.”
Ondercin terms the United Way “a safety net that helps catch those who might otherwise fall through the cracks,” noting last year saw United Way funding support 900 people in find housing in Peterborough, and provided 794 food cards and 24 employment support sessions through six funded partners.
Returning for Peterborough Performs fourth staging as the exclusive digital media sponsor is kawarthaNOW while Long & McQuade is again providing stage audio equipment with Porter Sound handling sound and lighting production.
Also back in the fold is Andy Tough of RMS Events, who will again work his magic to ensure the audience in each space can see (and hear, during breaks) who’s performing in the other space.
Meanwhile, United Way Campaign Cabinet member and kawarthaNOW writer Paul Rellinger is again organizing and producing the show.
Rellinger helped then campaign cabinet chair David Goyette stage the inaugural Peterborough Performs benefit in March 2020 — just days before the emergence of COVID-19 put a stop to pretty much everything.
Since then, two more have been held — in March 2022 and March 2023. Combined, Peterborough Performs has raised close to $80,000 for the benefiting agencies’ work.
VIDEO: “Wild as the Wild Dogs” – The Weber Brothers at Peterborough Performs III
“From the very first note struck at the very first Peterborough Performs, I knew we were onto something very special and I’m so grateful the United Way has seen fit to continue with this event,” says Rellinger, expressing equal gratitude to RBC, the presenting sponsor of each Peterborough Performs to date, and LLF Lawyers, the sponsor of past event-associated virtual auctions.
“Those who were there in March 2019 know what a great buzz there was in both rooms. They were wholly entertained, all while contributing toward the eradication of what is an ongoing scourge in this city. I’m hopeful they’ll return but not before telling their friends to buy a $40 ticket for what is a terrific night out.”
Rellinger says that while most of the acts are of the returning variety, he does try to mix it up year to year. To that end, Dan Hick and The Cheryl Casselman Trio will make their Peterborough Performs debut, along with stand-up comic Tim Burnie.
Emily Burgess, meanwhile, has played past Peterborough Performs events with The Weber Brothers Band, and is doing so again, but is also performing her original music with a full band, including selections from her new album Arrow.
“Stand-up comedy is a new element for us; I’m thrilled Tim, a longtime friend, is on board, making with the funny during breaks between main stage acts,” says Rellinger.
“I cannot say enough about all our performers. We need a theatre of Showplace’s size to contain hearts so big. Without them, there is no show, and with no show, there is no opportunity for so many to gather and say, in one loud collective voice, ‘Homelessness isn’t acceptable — period.’
Also returning for the event is The Austin Carson Band, reprising its 2020 and 2022 appearances.
“It’s rare that you get the opportunity to share the stage with so many of Peterborough’s top local acts,” says Carson. “Each time we walked away feeling more united with the community than before. The big reason for that is we are all there for the same reason, coming together to fight homelessness in our city.”
“We can’t wait to present a snippet of the show we’ve crafted for our 2024 touring season. We’ve spent the last couple years playing across the province, from headlining Toronto’s legendary Horseshoe Tavern to playing resorts and campgrounds throughout cottage country. Peterborough Performs will mark our first public hometown show since June 2022 and we can’t wait.”
Also chomping at the bit is folk/alternative artist Dan Hick, whose single “Armour Hill” has seen his star rise quickly in indie music circles.
He admits to being “extremely excited” for his inaugural Peterborough Performs appearance.
“In buying tickets for this show, you’re not only going to see an amazing concert but you’ll make a big difference for those in our community who are in need. I will be donating 100 per cent of my merchandise profits from the night of the show to help out.”
VIDEO: “Armour Hill” – Dan Hick
Meanwhile, thrilled to be back for his fourth Peterborough Performs event, alongside longtime musical partner Glen Cardus, is Phil Stephenson.
“This event is like old home week for me,” says Stephenson who, this Friday night (December 15), will host his annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Party at Jethro’s (137 Hunter St.) at 10 p.m., preceded by Irish Millie, another Peterborough Performs regular.
“It’s always great to reconnect with old friends and fellow musicians,” Stephenson says. “I enjoy watching the other performers when I’m not playing. The vibe is always positive. It feels good knowing we’re all collectively helping to make a difference in this great city of ours.”
Rellinger says with the holiday season shopping frenzy in full swing, there’s no better affordable gift for the live music lover on your list than a Peterborough Performs ticket.
“Peterborough Performs is full value for your money,” he says. “Grocery prices have gone through the roof. Fuelling your car requires a loan. Here we are with an early bird ticket price of $40 — $10 off the regular $50 ticket price. You tell me where I can see 15 stellar Peterborough music acts perform for $2.67 per act, all while helping the most vulnerable among us, and I’ll buy a ticket tomorrow.”
Tickets for Peterborough Performs IV are available now at the Showplace box office and online at www.showplace.org. For Peterborough Performs updates, including virtual action details as they become known and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the exclusive digital media sponsor for Peterborough Performs IV.
