Peterborough Musicfest has announced three more concerts for the 38th season of the free-admission summer outdoor music festival, all with an Irish theme in recognition of the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson emigration of Irish settlers to the Peterborough region.
The three Irish-themed concerts take place during August 1 to 10, a week selected to be the focus of the bicentennial celebrations by Nine Ships 1825 Inc., a non-profit organization named after the the nine ships that carried the Irish emigrants across the Atlantic in 1825. The organization chose the week in part because the Civic Holiday, long recognized as Peter Robinson Day in Peterborough, is on August 4.
“We’re thrilled to see Musicfest join the city-wide tribute to our Irish heritage with such an outstanding musical line up,” Nine Ships board chair Brendan Moher in a media release. “This week of Irish music enhances the commemorative spirit of the Nine Ships event, offering residents and visitors an engaging way to honour the legacy of the Peter Robinson settlers.”
On Saturday, August 2, the Toronto-based U2 tribute band Acrobat — named after the famous Irish rock band’s second album — will take to the stage in Del Crary Park.
Then, on Wednesday, August 6, Canadian Celtic rockers Mudmen will perform, with local fiddler Irish Millie opening thanks to sponsorship by Nine Ships 1825.
Musicfest will complete its Irish music hat trick by bringing internationally renowned The Celtic Tenors from Ireland to Peterborough on Saturday, August 9. Formed in Dublin, the trio of Matthew “Gilly” Gilsenan, George Hutton, and Daryl Simpson blends opera, classical, Irish traditional, and pop influences in their signature harmony-rich style.
VIDEO: “Red is the Rose” – The Celtic Tenors
“This is a fantastic opportunity to honour our community’s Irish heritage through music, and align our programming with a moment of shared historical reflection,” says Peterborough Musicfest executive director Tracey Randall. “The Musicfest team is thrilled to be part of this cultural moment.”
Peterborough Musicfest runs from June 28 until August 16 with concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night in Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough. All concerts are free and open to the public.
The 38th season will open and close with concerts by two famous Canadian musicians who are each making their fifth Musicfest appearance.
Juno award-winning Millbrook native Serena Ryder will open the season on Saturday, June 28, and Juno award-winning Sarnia native Kim Mitchell will close out the season Saturday, August 16.
Musicfest will be announcing additional concerts in the weeks leading up to the season. For concert details and updates, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca.
This story has been updated: James Nelson has been replaced by George Hutton in The Celtic Tenors.
