While multiple live music performances are at the centre of a March 7th benefit concert at Showplace Performance Centre, organizers urge that the purpose of the event — easing the plight of those on the streets — be kept front of mind.
At a media gathering announcing details of Peterborough Performs IV held Thursday (February 22) at the downtown venue, United Way of Peterborough & District representatives spoke to the need to keep campaign momentum going as the organization’s annual appeal enters the home stretch.
“With five weeks left in the 2023-24 campaign, we are in the extended home stretch,” said United Way campaign cabinet chair Jim Hendry. “The finish line is in sight, but there is still work to do to reach the $1.45 million campaign goal.”
“Peterborough Performs is the final event of this year’s campaign,” Hendry added. “Funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and the virtual auction will help us reach that goal, and give our partner agencies the money they need to deliver much needed social programs.”
United Way director of philanthropy Anne Ondercin reinforced that message.
“As we continue to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, many of our friends, family, and neighbours continue to experience ongoing hardship, struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “Donations from the community are invested locally, and fund trusted programs and initiatives helping those who are homeless or under-housed access the resources they need when they need them most.”
Set for Thursday, March 7th from 7 to 11 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre, Peterborough Performs IV will see 16 acts perform on two stages — the David Goyette Stage in the main theatre and in the more intimate lower level Nexicom Studio.
As the fundraiser’s name indicates, this is the fourth Peterborough Performs event. The first was staged in March 2020 just before the COVID pandemic shut things down. Subsequent events were staged in March of 2022 and 2023, raising more than $84,000 for United Way partner agencies that provide temporary shelter and housing solutions.
Former United Way campaign chair David Goyette, who founded the event, has jumped fully on board as an event patron and sponsor. He said the event continues to foster “a great and noble tradition.”
“I’m delighted to sponsor the United Way in its ongoing efforts to provide improved support for the homeless and under-housed in our community,” he said.
Meanwhile, United Way campaign cabinet member and kawarthaNOW writer Paul Rellinger, who Goyette brought on to organize the first Peterborough Performs, remains very much in the mix. He outlined the logistics of the event, taking time to thank financial and in-kind donation supporters.
“Without the caring and so very talented music community we’re blessed to have in this city, Peterborough Performs simply wouldn’t be possible to stage,” said Rellinger, thanking musician Dan Hick who performed a few songs at the event.
“Dan is a shining example of the creativity and superb musicianship that will grace two stage over four hours — a total of 16 acts. My debt of gratitude to those musicians and sponsors who willingly step up for this event can never be repaid.”
“This, in every way, is Local Love in its purest form,” Rellinger added, referring to the United Way’s campaign slogan.
VIDEO: “Wild as the Wild Dogs” – The Weber Brothers at Peterborough Performs III
Taking to the main stage, in order, will be Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, the Cheryl Casselman Trio, Sarah-Jayne Riley, the Austin Carson Band, Emily Burgess, and the Weber Brothers Band.
During breaks between sets, a Peterborough Performs first will see stand-up comedy featured, with Tim Burnie making with the funny. Serving as emcee is social media influencer and podcaster Tiffany Arcari.
Meanwhile, in the downstairs lounge, nine acts will keep the party rolling, starting with Dan Hick and continuing with Michaela Hetherington, Jacques Graveline, Bread & Soul (Ester Mayer and Shelby Crego), Phil Stephenson and Glen Caradus joined by Ron Kervin, Irish Mille, The Hippie Chicks (Tami. J. Wilde and Joslyn Burford), Chris Collins, and Tom Eastland.
Of all the acts, four — Tim Burnie, Dan Hick, Bread & Soul, and the Cheryl Casselman Trio — are making their Peterborough Performs debut. While Emily Burgess has performed at all three events with the Weber Brothers Band, this time around she’ll do double duty, also performing her own music as well backed by Dawson McManus and Marcus Browne.
The February 22nd media event also promoted the Peterborough Performs IV virtual auction, again sponsored by LLF Lawyers, represented by Joe Grant at the gathering.
Grant said the local firm is delighted to be part of an event “that harnesses the power of music to bring our community together, to entertain, to educate, and to raise funds to help address the root causes of homelessness in our community.”
The virtual auction features 52 items with a combined value of more than $15,000, ranging from art and collectibles, to clothing and apparel, to tickets to local events and experiences. Bids can be placed up to and on the night of the event, where the auction items will be displayed. You can view the items up for auction and make bids at events.readysetauction.com/unitedwaypeterboroughdistrict/ppiv/.
Rellinger also thanked artist sponsors Miskin Law and Dr. Stephan Ragaz (a United Way campaign cabinet member) and Local Love sponsors Ashburnham Realty, Sullivan Law, Brian Mulligan Desjardin Insurance, Lancer Electric, McDougall Insurance, and Swish.
Meanwhile, in thanking in-kind donation sponsors Andy Tough of RMS Events, Porter Sound, Long and McQuade, Showplace, and kawarthaNOW (the exclusive digital media sponsor), Rellinger said their contributions “allow us to maximize the event’s return.”
In closing, Rellinger also spoke to event’s overriding aim.
“According to United Way research, an average of 306 people experienced homelessness monthly in 2022 — that’s 306 too many,” he said. “The good news is 37 per cent of campaign funds were invested in shelters and homelessness initiatives that same year, enabling, among other things, 7,142 nights of safe shelter for families, adults, and young people.”
“Peterborough Performs allow us, as individuals, to say homelessness is unacceptable in our city,” Rellinger added. “Yes, Peterborough Performs offers a great night out featuring the best live music anywhere, but each ticket bought is a definitive response to a huge challenge.”
“This is not a time to point fingers, making assumptions as to why people are homeless. This is a time to say enough and play a part in not only the easing of conditions experienced by far too many, but also play a part in what will ultimately be long-term responses and solutions.”
Noting this year’s event will push the total raised to date well past $100,000, Rellinger thanked Goyette for bringing him into the mix, and the United Way for staying the course in bringing it back.
“David taught me one thing that has stayed with me — go big or go home,” he said. “Peterborough Performs is big in every way. I can’t wait. Let’s go.”
Tickets are $50 and available at the Showplace box office and online at www.showplace.org.
Until February 29, a special offer of two tickets for $80 is in effect. To get the $20 discount on two tickets when ordering online, use the promo code LoveLocal.
For more information about Peterborough Performs IV and details of other United Way initiatives, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the exclusive digital media sponsor for Peterborough Performs IV.
