Back on May 13, when Peterborough Musicfest revealed most of the stage lineup for its 39th annual free summer music festival, the season-ending finale felt so very distant.
There was good reason for that. After Gowan sang his final encore song at the season-opening concert on June 27, there were still 15 concerts to come over what then seemed an endless summer ahead. Now, just like that, here we are as Del Crary Park readies to welcome yet another tribute act — this one honouring a music era that hasn’t received nearly the attention it deserves.
On Wednesday (August 19), Peterborough Musicfest closes out the season by welcoming the 1950s/1960s be-bop and sha-boom infused sound of The Dreamboats. Admission to the 8 p.m. concert is free, due mostly to the support of numerous sponsors including kawarthaNOW.
With slick harmonies, energetic dance moves, and heartthrob charisma, The Dreamboats — Chris Hummel (aka Ritchie Hummins), Johnny Fiacconi (aka Johnny G. Wiz), Justin Zoltek. and Adam Brik — exude rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia accentuated by their dapper matching suits. As for their musicianship, well, it’s off the charts as much as the hit music they play it was on it.
According to AXS.com, “If you take the charisma of The Beatles, combine it with the fresh beats of the fictional band The Wonders from the 1996 Tom Hanks hit film ‘That Thing You Do,’ throw in some attitude from Dion and the Belmonts, and pour in a whole lotta pop hooks from Weezer, you’d have the blistering vintage yet contemporary sound of Canadian rockers, The Dreamboats.”
Musically, the greats of yesteryear are well-represented: Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Buddy Holly … the list goes on and on. The end result will undoubtedly see a good number depart the show in search of the malt shop they’ll never find.
VIDEO: The Dreamboats Sizzle Reel
Founded in 2009 in Mississauga by Hummel and Fiacconi who shared a love of 1950s and 1960s music, and particularly that of The Beatles, The Dreamboats have since toured internationally. A highlight came in 2015 when the band headlined at the Cavern Club in Liverpool where the Fab Four got their start.
Recording-wise, The Dreamboats have released compilations of 1950s/1960s hits as well as some of their own material with the same throwback feel. That discography includes 2023’s Invasion, which includes Herman Hermits’ “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” and The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” and 2024’s Millions, featuring the music of Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley.
In an interview from this past June, Hummel spoke about the early experiences and influences that ultimately led to his co-formation of The Dreamboats.
“I was about to perform ‘When I Come Around’ by Green Day (at a Grade 12 talent show) … I was singing lead vocals from the drums,” Hummel recalled.
“I walked up to the front of the stage to grab the microphone to bring back to the drum set before I started. When I approached the microphone, something happened that I will always remember to this day. The screams and applause from the crowd and my peers was so loud that it actually hurt my ears to the point of having to cover them.”
“I will never forget that feeling. I’m a firm believer that there are moments in your life that change your course moving forward. This one was mine.”
VIDEO: “Come On, Let’s Go” by Ritchie Valens – The Dreamboats
Growing up, Hummel added, 1950s to 1970s music was a staple.
“One of my fondest memories was when we were ice fishing near Sutton, Ontario,” he said. “My dad had a strong signal coming from 1050 CHUM in the middle of the frozen lake. On that day, they had a special show on called Beatles A-to-Z. They played the whole Beatles catalogue in alphabetical order. I remember loving every single song.”
“So many moments, including this one, are reasons why I have such a deep love for the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll.”
As for his motivation to continue doing what he does, Hummel no doubt speaks for his bandmates as well.
“My favourite era of 1950s and 1960s rock ‘n’ roll reflects a time of innocence, fun, rebellion, culture, and love. No matter what’s happening in my life or in the world around me, when I listen to my favourite rock ‘n’ roll songs, I get taken to a place that is uplifting and positive.”
Still, there are challenges that keep each member of The Dreamboats fully invested.
“The hardest part is making it look easy,” Hummel said.
VIDEO: “Shake, Rattle and Roll” by Charles Calhoun – The Dreamboats
“Over the past 16 years of being in this band, I have sacrificed and endured so much to be in the position I am in,” Hummel added “Finances, physical health, mental health, important times, relationships … the list goes on.”
“If I was to go back 16 years and talk to my young self when first starting this band, I would say ‘Be very grateful for every moment you get to step on a stage. You could be doing less-fulfilling things with your time. The fact that you get to make this a career is an absolute blessing. Enjoy the ride.'”
Prior to The Dreamboats taking the stage, the Cogeco-sponsored Future Sound Series will feature Peterborough rockabilly/roots singer-songwriter Jeanne Truax from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., near the food trucks at the George Street entrance to Del Crary Park.
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.
