What started as a pre-pandemic conversation over coffee between David Goyette and Paul Rellinger has since secured its place as a perennial fundraiser for those who find themselves, for whatever reason, without a permanent roof over their head.
Peterborough Performs – Musicians United Against Homelessness is returning for its fifth time from 7 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26th at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.
It was in late 2019 at the Water Street Tim Horton’s that Goyette — then United Way Peterborough & District campaign chair — ran his idea past Rellinger: present, for one night only at Showplace, multiple local singers and musicians on two stages simultaneously, with all proceeds going to United Way partner agencies that provide emergency shelter and temporary housing.
“I was immediately intrigued,” recalls Rellinger, who was asked by Goyette to come up with a two-stage performance lineup for the inaugural event.
“There were a couple of things at play. First, it’s hard to say no to David, who can be very persuasive, and, second, it was a live music concept that, to my knowledge, hadn’t been done locally at an indoor venue. That got me excited. Add in the cause it was benefiting and it was something I wanted in on.”
On March 5, 2020, just days before the pandemic was declared and related restrictions were put in place, 16 local music acts came together at Showplace for that first Peterborough Performs fundraiser. Three more have been staged since — in 2022, 2023, and 2024 — with the result being nearly $110,000 raised for local agencies on the front lines of homelessness.
VIDEO: “Wild as the Wild Dogs” – The Weber Brothers (Peterborough Performs, 2023)
For Peterborough Performs V, 14 musical acts — both bands and solo performers — will be performing on the David Goyette stage in the Erica Cherney Theatre and in the lower level Cogeco Studio.
Making their Peterborough Performs debut are The Spades, Little Fire Collective, Alyssa Morrissey (with Kyler Tapscott), Georgia Rose, Lizeh Basciano (with Michael Bell for a Adele and Michael Bublé tribute), and Joanna Bronson (with her dad Danny).
Also in the mix are returning Peterborough Performs acts The Weber Brothers Band, Rick and Gailie Young with their Peterborough All-Star Band, The Hippie Chicks (Tami J. Wilde and Joslynn Burford), Dan Hick, Bread & Soul (Ester Mayer and Shelby Crego), Phil Stephenson, Glen Caradus and Ron Kervin, Jacques Graveline, and Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, Nicholas Campbell, and Kate Brioux joined by Paul Crough and Brandon Monroe.
General admission tickets, which allow holders to seamlessly go between the main theatre and the lower-level studio as they please, cost $50 each, with a two-tickets-for-$80 deal in place. To order online, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca/peterborough-performs or showplace.org.
“Some prefer the intimacy of the downstairs lounge, which really has a kitchen party feel, and some like the big theatre sound, but many like to experience both and do just that,” explains Rellinger. “Both rooms will provide full evidence of what we already know full well: the musical talent that calls Peterborough home is in a league of its own.”
“But that talent aside, it’s the local live music community’s continued support of their neighbours in need that really sets it apart. Since the inaugural Peterborough Performs, not one musician that I’ve approached has said ‘No’, but rather asked ‘What time do you need me there?’ That selflessness, that level of caring, has inspired and motivated me, and the United Way, to bring the event back for a fifth year.”
VIDEO: “Hot Rod Daddy” – Nicholas Campbell (Peterborough Performs, 2023)
Rellinger says, in total, the first four Peterborough Performs have brought in excess of 40 acts together, comprising well more than 60 singers and musicians. Several of those acts are set to make their fifth event appearance.
Also returning to support the event are kawarthaNOW as exclusive digital media sponsor and Long & McQuade with the in-kind donation of stage audio equipment.
As for financial supporters, Goyette is again stepping up in a big way as a generous patron. Past dollar support has come from LLF Lawyers, Miskin Law, Stephan Ragaz, Brian Mulligan of Desjardins Insurance, Sullivan Law, and McDougall Insurance and Financial.
As of this writing, additional financial support is being sought, with varying support options available. To learn more, contact United Way Development Officer Jocelyne Stone at 705-742-8839 ext. 32 or email her directly at jstone@uwpeterborough.ca.
Also returning this year is a virtual silent auction, which will be held over the month leading up to the event. More details on that will be revealed in the new year.
As for Rellinger, he says he greatly appreciates the continued support and trust of the United Way for the annual fundraiser.
“I’m so grateful that United Way CEO Jim Russell and the Campaign Cabinet, led by chair Shirley Turner, has seen fit to bring Peterborough Performs back for a fifth year. It has been and remains an all-hands-on-deck affair when it comes to United Way staff and volunteers. It indeed takes a village, and this village of caring people walks the walk every day.”
Looking at this year’s stage lineup, Rellinger asks the same question he posed back in 2020 before the first Peterborough Performs: where else can you enjoy the talents of this many local musical acts for an affordable price while helping to put a serious dent in the scourge that is homelessness in Peterborough?
“Not unlike climate change reversal, eradicating homelessness is an overwhelming challenge,” Rellinger points out.
“As individuals, the tendency is to think that’s there’s nothing we can do to reverse it or ease the plight of those affected. Peterborough Performs offers a way we can do something tangible: buy a ticket, of which more than 95 per cent of the cost will go exactly where it needs to go and make a marked difference in the process.”
Although the event is still over three months away, Rellinger is encouraging everyone to buy their tickets now, noting they make a great Christmas present or stocking stuffer by gifting both a live music experience and a donation to a worthy cause.
“Who knew something so good would grow out of that chat over coffee back in 2019? I sure didn’t. But here we are, and now sees me not only wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season but also hopeful that you’ll see fit to purchase a ticket or two, for yourself and that live local music fan.”
Watch kawarthaNOW for more details on Peterborough Performs V as the event date draws nearer.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be exclusive digital media sponsor for Peterborough Performs V.
