There’s no reason to believe that what worked well once can’t work well again.
That in mind, Peterborough Musicfest has again turned to a touring retro rock tribute band that brought the heat to Del Crary Park on Canada Day last year, and kept the thermostat on high until fireworks over neighbouring Little Lake closed out Canada’s birthday in style.
On Wednesday (July 1), the same script will be followed as Neon Nostalgic headlines the second show of Musicfest’s 39th summer concert series. Admission to the 8 p.m. concert is free.
Billed as “the world’s only live television music show,” Neon Nostalgic brings a unique twist to its tribute show, performing hit songs from the 1980s and 1990s that are in synch with the artists’ original music videos that are screened as a stage backdrop.
With a musical arsenal of more that 100 songs, Neon Nostalgic — Shawn Brady, Kevin Strom, Grant Strom, and John Johnstone — recapture the period when music videos ruled the television landscape, initially offered by MTV starting in 1981 and, three years later, by CHUM Limited-owned MuchMusic.
For pop and rock music stars, both new and long established, it was no longer simply good enough to simply release a vinyl record or, later in the decade, a CD. For their songs to gain any serious hit traction with their target audience, they had to be accompanied by a corresponding music video. More often than not, music videos were big productions — think Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
VIDEO: “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol – Neon Nostalgic
For more than 10 years now, Neon Nostalgic has sparked new interest in the music video craze that was so popular through the 1980s and well into the following decade.
Prince, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, U2, Michael Jackson, INXS, The Cure, Oasis, and Pearl Jam are but a few of the top-selling acts they pay tribute to as their audience views the original video that was released for each song.
Following a July 2024 Neon Nostalgic performance at Toronto’s Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside music festival, Joe Taylor of Blast Toronto wrote “This was one hell of a good party.”
“Shawn (Brady), the lead singer, took it upon himself to come off the stage and get into everybody’s face while he sang (David Bowie and) Queen’s ‘Under Pressure.’ Now the crowd was waking up. He took it a step further and got people to move forward to the fun heavy metal anthem from Twisted Sister, ‘We’re Not Going To Take it.’ People walked towards the stage while belting out the song of rebellion from their youth.”
Belanger’s review seems to pay truth to the band promoter’s claim that Neon Nostalgic “isn’t just a show; it’s an invitation to dance, sing and relive the magic of the past.”
And way back in 2017, the Bermuda Sun hailed Neon Nostalgic’s New Year’s Eve sold-out performance in that country as “a musical and visual triumph.” Since then, the quartet has brought their unique spin on the video craze to more than 15 countries. As it happens, Neon Nostalgic is returning to Peterborough on the heels of a June 26 show in Hamilton, Bermuda.
VIDEO: “Bobcaygeon” by The Tragically Hip – Neon Nostalgic
When all is said and done, a Neon Nostalgic show is a wide-open invitation to sing, dance and relive the past. On a day when we celebrate this country’s storied history, that seems like pretty good fit. Again.
Prior to Neon Nostalgic taking the stage at 8 p.m., Musicfest’s Future Sound Series will see Ty Wilson perform from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. near the food trucks at the George Street entrance to Del Crary Park. The Peterborough alt-country singer-songwriter just released his debut album Northern Heart, Southern Soul.
Following the concert, fireworks will again light up the night sky over Little Lake to celebrate Canada Day, starting at around 9:30 p.m.
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its 39th season, staged in Del Crary Park on Wednesday and Saturday nights until August 19.
Overseen by executive director Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission remains “to provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the 2026 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or call the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2026 season.
