Gearing up for its 39th season as Canada’s longest-running free-admission music festival, Peterborough Musicfest has announced two audience favourites who will be returning to the Fred Anderson Stage at Del Crary Park this summer.
Juno award-winning pop-rock musician Gowan will be making his fourth appearance when he opens Musicfest at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, with popular Toronto-based pop-rock cover band Dwayne Gretzky returning for the sixth time on Wednesday, July 29.
Born in Scotland and raised in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough, singer-songwriter and keyboardist Lawrence “Larry” Gowan earned a diploma in classical piano from The Royal Conservatory of Music when he was 19, and performed in his first band, the progressive-theatrical-rock group Rhinegold, from 1976 to 1980.
He launched his solo career in 1982 with a self-titled debut album, but his breakthrough album came with 1985’s Strange Animal, which spawned the hit singles “A Criminal Mind” and “(You’re a) Strange Animal” — the videos for both songs won Juno awards — with his 1987 follow-up Great Dirty World producing the hit single “Moonlight Desires.”
In 1999, he joined the legendary rock band Styx as their lead vocalist and keyboardist, where he has since played a key role in continuing the band’s legacy while still maintaining his solo career.
Gowan is known for his virtuosic piano playing, blend of progressive rock and pop, and elaborate stage performances.
VIDEO: “Strange Animal” – Gowan (2025)
As for Dwayne Gretzky, the Toronto-based collective is known for breathing new life into classic pop and rock hits, and has amassed a catalogue of more than 800 songs from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
Formed on a whim by friends in 2011, Dwayne Gretzky began with a residency at Toronto’s Dakota Tavern followed by a regular gig at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern. As the band became more well-known and popular, they began performing outside of Toronto.
Over the past 15 years, Dwayne Gretzky has earned a reputation for their unique versions of well-known hits, each delivered with a high-energy performance designed to entertain big crowds and encourage sing-alongs and dancing.
Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky are only the first two acts announced for Peterborough Musicfest’s 39th season, which runs in Del Crary Park every Wednesday and Saturday night from June 27 until August 19, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.
“This is just the starting point for what’s shaping up to be a strong 39th season,” says Peterborough Musicfest executive director Tracey Randall in a media release. “We’re focused on building a full summer experience — great live music, a vibrant park atmosphere, and reasons for people to come back week after week. There’s a lot more to come.”
Also returning for the 39th season is the Cogeco-presented Future Sound Series highlighting emerging Canadian talent, the 50/50 draw, and on-site food vendors. Thanks to sponsors including kawarthaNOW, admission to every Peterborough Musicfest concert is free.
VIDEO: “You Can Call Me Al” (Paul Simon) – Dwayne Gretzky
