Peterborough police have charged 34-year-old Bryan Townson with first degree murder in the death of 43-year-old Paul Atchison — Peterborough’s first homicide of 2017.
On Wednesday, February 8th at around 12:30 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received about a man needing medical assistance in the area of Dalhousie and Stewart Streets in Peterborough.
After responding to the call, a man was found collapsed on the sidewalk suffering from obvious injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Peterborough Regional Health Centre where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was identified as 43-year-old Paul Atchison of Stewart Street in Peterborough.
According to witness reports, Atchison had been stabbed multiple times. A a blood trail led from the scene of the crime to the location where Atchison was found. Police say they have what they believe is the murder weapon, but haven’t confirmed the nature of the weapon.
Shortly after police arrived in response to the initial call, they located a man and woman a couple of blocks north of where Atchison was found. Police arrested both people in connection with the case, but have since determined the woman was not criminally responsible for Atchison’s death and have released her with no charges.
The male suspect, 34-year-old Bryan Townson of Stewart Street, has been charged with first degree murder. He is being held in custody and expected to appear in court the afternoon of February 8th.
Police have confirmed that Paul Atchison, Bryan Townson, and the women initially arrested and later released were all known to each other. According to witness reports, the woman was Atchison’s ex-girlfriend and Townson was her new boyfriend. Police are not looking for any other suspects.
A post-mortem examination will take place on February 9th to determine the cause of Atchison’s death.
Although streets in the area of the crime have been reopened to traffic, there will be a police presence in the area of Stewart and Dalhousie Street for the next couple of days while they continue the investigation.
Anyone with further information related to this case is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.stopcrimehere.ca.
It's a festival of love for events in February, including a Valentine's Day concert with Lakefield's native son Royal Wood at Showplace in Peterborough (publicity photo)
Oh February, you can be such a challenge! There are about 40 days until spring, but who’s counting? We’ve got lots of snowthusiast readers — which is great, and that’s why we make sure our outdoor event columns are always current. But at this time of year, let’s face it — extreme cold and freezing rain can put a damper on anyone’s spirits.
This is why I write this column; to bring you positive news about both indoor events (there are many!) and a few hand selected outdoor events (for Family Day Weekend!). There’s a lot to look forward to in February. And when we reach February 28, there will be 22 days until spring. Not that I am counting.
We’ve got Valentine’s Day and Family Day weekend to look forward to this month, so let’s share some love for local events.
For the love of animals: Max Mouse and The Gorillas
Max Mouse and The Gorillas perform on Sunday afternoon on February 12, raising funds for the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society. On Sunday, February 12th, Max Mouse and the Gorillas will take the stage at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, K9H 2L1) to raise funds for the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS)
It’s an all ages Valentine’s Dance from 3 to 6 p.m. with this legendary band made up of local greats Buzz Thompson, Bobby Watson, JP Hovercraft, Jim Leslie, John Lang, and Cris Cuddy.
Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance, available at The Hank to Hendrix Guitar Co. (280 Perry St., Peterborough, 705-740-0965), Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425), and the LAWS shelter (2887 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield, 705-652-0588).
kawarthaNOW kudos to Max Mouse and the Gorillas for often supporting events for the animals.
Fur Ball 2017 is “Top Hats & Tails” and a class act
Signe and Stu Harrison, who have owned several rescue animals, are the honourary chairs for this year’s Fur Ball gala, a fundraiser for the Peterborough Humane Society (photo: Niki Allday)
Here’s another big event for animal lovers! On Saturday February 25th, the annual Fur Ball gala takes place at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough) to support The Peterborough Humane Society.
Kicking off at 6 p.m., the event will feature hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a gourmet dinner, chocolate, cheese, aperitifs, live music by 4Front, dancing, a live and silent auction, and a photo booth. VIP tickets include an exclusive cocktail hour with private entertainment and exclusive access to the photo booth.
Gala tickets are $75 per person or $100 for a VIP ticket (which include an exclusive cocktail hour with private entertainment and exclusive access to the photo booth). Tables for 10 are also available for $750 ($1,000 for a VIP table). Tickets are available at the Peterborough Humane Society (385 Lansdowne Street East, across from Morello’s Your Independent Grocer) or online through snapd Peterborough. You can also download and print a ticket order form.
Royal Wood brings local love to Showplace on February 14th
Here’s one of my favourite recent Royal Wood videos, “Forever and Ever” from his previous album The Burning Bright. How to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day: buy yourself tickets to Royal Wood and tell your partner where he’s taking you that evening. Hey, it worked for me and I recommend it.
Whether you’ve seen Royal Wood before or not, plan to give yourself and your special someone this treat for Valentine’s Day. Despite the fact this show is in the main theatre at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469), I can promise you that it will feel intimate, up close and personal with this rising Canadian star.
You can read more about Royal’s thoughts on that, and his local farm, in our recent interview with him by Josh Fewings.
There are many great seats left as of this story, but don’t delay to get yours. Tickets are $34.50 and are available at the Showplace box office or online at www.showplace.org.
This Valentine date night could be the perfect bullseye
This event caught my eye for the originality factor. New to Peterborough last year, the popular Peterborough Axe Club is presenting “Dinner & Axes” at 6 p.m. at Peterborough Axe Club (280 Perry Street, Unit 1, Peterborough).
They are billing this as an evening of combining two of the world’s greatest pleasures; delicious food and chucking axes. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind event with a catered sit-down meal followed by an evening of axe throwing. Tickets are $65 per person and must be purchased in advance (no tickets available at the door).
For more information, see our event listing. They get JT picks points for originality on this one!
Plan ahead for the Family Day Long Weekend
One of the great things about the Family Day Long Weekend is the emergence of events that truly are focussed on family and group activities. And we’ve got an event column for that. Check out our full list of regional Family Day Weekend local events which is chock full of indoor and outdoor fun. Here are a few you might want to check out on Family Day weekend.
Local musician Missy Knott is releasing her new EP on February 17 at the Market Hall with a concert featuring lots of musical guests (photo: Missy Knott)
Kick off the long weekend with a concert by local musician Missy Knott, who is celebrating the release of her new EP at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 17th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146). Missy is an accomplished Aboriginal songwriter from Curve Lake. Her musical guests will include Kate Suhr, Jace Martin, Cody Carslake, Gary Williams, Hillary Dumoulin, Mary Kate Edwards, Brian Mehlenbachr, and more. Tickets are $20 plus fees ($15 plus fees for students) and are available at the Market Hall. For more info, see our event listing.
If you’re yearning to get outside, maybe enjoy some great local food, and fit in some shopping, then be sure to plan to head to Bobcaygeon. Local business group Impact 32 has organized their first annual “Family FrostFest” to take place all weekend at the Gazebo at Lock 32 (1 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon). Volunteers will be on hand (with hot chocolate!) from noon to 3 p.m. each day over the long weekend. Join in on their snow sculpture contest and enter win a $100 gift certificate for the Bobcaygeon retailer of your choice. Judging will be by people’s choice award online. Be sure to save some time to visit lovely downtown Bobcaygeon for great shopping and food! See our event listing for more details.
Enjoy Family Day at The Canadian Canoe Museum with activities, crafts, games, a photo booth, demonstrations, and more (photo: The Canadian Canoe Museum)
On holiday Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Canadian Canoe Museum (910 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough) is hosting its 3rd Annual Great Canadian Family Day, where you can enjoy 10 pop-up activity stations throughout the galleries for kids of all ages, including crafts, games, a water table, and a photo booth (I love their photo booths!). There will also be a Kawartha Marine Modellers model boat display, artisan demonstrations, Morse Telegraph Club demonstrations, and more. This event is free for Museum members or $25 per family (two adults and up to four kids). See our event listing for more information.
Double love this year for Empty Bowls YWCA on Friday, February 24th
Some of the bowls made for last year’s Empty Bowls YWCA fundraiser (photo: Daniel Morris Photography)
I’ve always loved the idea of this event: attend, eat great food, and take a local hand-crafted bowl home with you! Oh, and did I mention you’re supporting the YWCA too? Well, this year they tugged even further on my hearstrings when they announced that their new “Empty Bowls” title sponsor is the Peterborough and District Dental Society, in memory of Dr. Judith Buys, who passed away last summer following a tragic accident.
“We’re so pleased to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Judith Buys by supporting YWCA Food Programs through Empty Bowls,” says the Peterborough and District Dental Society. “Good nutrition is the foundation of good general health and dental health. Helping members of our community achieve these goals is our duty as health professionals.”
Empty Bowls will take place on Friday, February 24th. For $25, members of the community are invited to enjoy a delicious lunch, donated by local Peterborough restaurants and businesses, and receive an original handcrafted bowl created by a local artisan. Proceeds from Empty Bowls directly support YWCA Food Programs which help women and their families move toward thriving by providing access to healthy food, increasing food literacy and creating new and meaningful connections within their communities.
New this year, Empty Bowls offers two dining options: dine at the Venue or pick up your lunch “to go” from Black Honey Cafe (pick-up orders must be made in advance at the YWCA by February 20th).
kawarthaNOW kudos to the Kawartha Potters Guild, Kawartha Woodturners Guild, and Artisans Centre Peterborough for donating the beautiful, handcrafted bowls for this annual event.
February finishes with a lot of love for music and local theatre
If you’re a patron of local music and theatre, I’m sorry to let you know you’ve got some tough choices to make on Saturday, February 25th as several great events are happening at the same time. As is often the case with these “everything collides” evenings, the important thing is to get out and support at least one of these events! With so much to choose from, be sure to choose at least one and give them our local love support.
Crime City moves to the Gordon Best Theatre for “The Private Eye Effect” on February 25th
Parody detective radio serial Crime City moves to the Gordon Best for an expanded episode on February 25 (photo: Adam Martignetti)
Fans of Andrew Root’s Crime City series will know that the pulp detective radio drama parody is moving to the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) in February for an expanded episode called “The Private Eye Effect”. While they’ll be returning to the Theatre on King as their regular venue, this evening will provide opportunity for an expanded and hopefully new audience to see their local genius.
This show will star Mike Judson, Marsala Lukianchuk, Kenn Gibb, Dan Smith, Adam Martignetti, Melanie Dubois, and Ray Henderson. A fun ascpect of this evening is the “choose your own adventure” with eight possible endings where the audience will choose the direction of the play. With live sound effects by Melissa Post and special guests Caitlin Currie and Danny Bronson. If you’re at all curious about this local hit, head to the Gordon Best Theatre at 8 p.m. on February 25th. Tickets are only $10 at the door.
Local fans may also know that writer/director Andrew is pitching the series to CBC Comedy. Read more about that in our interview with Andrew by Sam Tweedle.
Peterborough Folk Festival’s February Folk Folly is returning to downtown Peterborough on February 24 and 25
Rick Fines performing at a pop-up concert during the family friendly February Folk Folly in 2016 (photo: Peterborough Folk Festival)
The Peterborough Folk Festival isn’t just a summer event. They host regular concerts throughout the year at the Gordon Best as well as the annual “Folk Folly” during February.
Launching this year’s event will be a performance by Ontario folk/rock favourites Elliott Brood at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 24th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146). Elliott Brood are a much celebrated band with acclaimed live performances, constant tours, and a number of critically enjoyed records. Opening the show will be local show-stopper Melissa Payne.
Tickets for the show are $20, or $17 for students, plus fees, and are available now at the Market Hall Box Office, online at www.markethall.org,, and (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
After Friday’s kick-off concert, the real Folk Folly begins on Saturday, Febuary 25th. Businesses in downtown Peterborough will be hosting concerts from 1 to 6 p.m., while The Red Dog and The Pig’s Ear will be hosting after-parties later in the evening. Some of the performers for the free pop-up concerts on Saturday in downtown Peterborough are Murder Murder, Jadea Kelly, Luke Nicholson, Evangeline Gentle, and Melissa Payne (five more acts are to be announced). The pop-up concerts are free and great for all ages!
Murray McLauchlan at Showplace in Peterborough on February 25
Canadian folk music icon Murray McLauchlan performs at Showplace in Peterborough on February 25 (publicity photo)
Last but not least is a rare Peterborough performance by Canadian folk icon Murray McLauchlan, who’ll be taking the stage at 8 p.m. Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469). McLauchlan’s list of achievements are too long to list here but with numerous albums, awards, and countless great songs, he’s always worth the price of admission. Tickets are $45 and are available at Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
If you’d like to have your event considered as a top pick, your first step is to make sure to submit it to our event system.
If you want to be in the know about what’s coming up (and maybe win tickets!), you should subscribe to our VIP Enews which will arrive in your inbox every Wednesday morning — along with a link to the most recent version of this column. Sign up for our VIP Enews here.
Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think by posting a comment below.
Two young soup fans enjoy the offerings at last year's Lindsay SoupFest. This year's event takes place on February 25 at the Victoria Park Armoury. (Photo: Youth Unlimited SoupFest Committee)
This month Eva Fisher grabs a bowl at Lindsay Soupfest, embraces local history through food with Viamede Resort’s Chef Jay Nutt, samples the spirits at Peterborough’s own Persian Empire Distillery and Liquor Store, and discovers one of the more unusual romantic dinners being offered this Valentine’s Day at the Peterborough Axe Club.
Around 400 to 500 people are expected to head to the Victoria Park Armoury (210 Kent St. W., Lindsay, 705-324-9411 x1226) on Saturday, February 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the fifth annual Lindsay Soupfest. Approximately 15 restaurants will compete to win the titles of best tasting, most unique and best overall soup. The event is a fundraiser for Youth Unlimited.
According to organizer and founder Victor Gayed, the competition is tough.
“The chefs really take this seriously. There’s a rivalry between the restaurants.”
Local restaurants, including the Olympia, will compete to make great tasting and unique soups at Lindsay SoupFest (photo: Youth Unlimited SoupFest Committee)
That rivalry has led to some innovative creations. According to Victor, attendees can expect much more than your typical chowders and bisques.
“The dessert soups are really interesting. One year there was a chocolate soup. It was unbelievable.”
Attendees vote in two categories: best tasting and most unique soup. New to this year’s competition, the best overall soup will be determined by a professional culinary panel featuring a guest appearance by local MP Jamie Schmale.
Last year, Chaba Thai took home the prize for the best tasting soup with their coconut chicken soup. The Durham Cafe created the most unique soup: a martini glass fruit soup.
Victor credits the participating restaurants for making the event such a success.
“The restaurants are giving up their time and their staff to help out with this. They’re always giving back to the community in many ways and I really appreciate all of the restaurants that are involved.”
Chef Jay Nutt brings winter memories to Viamede’s tables
Chef Jay Nutt serves duck breast on fresh greens with poached pears, duck fat croutons, and blueberry gastrique at Mount Julian at Viamede Resort (photo: Jay Nutt)
Viamede Resort (595 Mt Julian Viamede Rd, Woodview, 705-654-3344) is welcoming a new chef to the kitchen.
Jay Nutt, former owner of the Nuttshell Next Door, will be overseeing all of the restaurants at Viamede. Jay has been hired as an interim replacement for outgoing Chef Kevin McKenna.
Jay has already brought his own philosophy to the menu at Viamede’s Mount Julian restturant. His dishes have regional and personal significance.
“I like the idea of local food to reflect local culture and history,” he explains.
An example: his warm apple fritter with butter tart ice cream. The fritter is a tribute to his grandmother, who would make him fresh cake donuts as a child.
“We’d have to let them cool before we could eat them. She’d take them out of the hot lard and let them sit, then she’d toss them in sugar and cinnamon. We’d have to sit and wait before we were allowed to dunk them in our milk.”
The butter tart ice cream is Jay’s nod to the regional history of the Kawarthas.
“The butter tart is more integral to this area of Ontario than anywhere else in Canada. That’s very reflective of at the time in winters in Canada that’s what you had on hand: corn syrup or molasses or maple syrup, dried nuts or raisins or currants.”
Viamede’s farm-grown preserves will be featured in the next Gathering feast (photo: Jay Nutt)
Jay will further embrace winter fare at The Gathering, a regular feast held at Viamede. The next event will be held on February 10th, and has the theme “Preserving Memories”. Guests will eat family style at a large table by a fireplace.
Jay envisions a hearty feast made with ingredients stored from the farm.
“Small platters and cast iron pans of cassoulet, variations of a tourtiere, our stored and dried wild mushroom streudel, roasted heirloom carrots and potatoes, all of it coming out in small pans with everybody sharing and socializing.”
Mount Julian is open from Friday to Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Monday to Thursday by special arrangement. Guests can choose from five, seven, and nine course tasting menus. For more information, visit viamede.com/eat/mount-julian/.
Variety at Persian Empire Distillery continues to grow
Persian Empire’s Saggi took a gold medal at California’s Sip Awards last year. Persian Empire offers a broad selection of spirits. (Photo: R. Kris McNeely)
Persian Empire Distillery and Liquor Store (636 Queensway Ct., Peterborough, 705-750-0662) produces a huge selection of liquor on site: vodka, rum, gin, sour cherry liqueur, Irish cream, and turkish coffee liquer.
A carboy of rum sits on the production floor, infusing with large chunks of fresh coconut. New barrels are ready to age rye whiskey.
I asked owner Bruce Khabbazi how he learned all of these recipes.
“Bad friends,” he jokes, although he acknowledges that it may have more to do with the 125 years that his family has been in the food business.
Within the month, Bruce’s wife Sarah Khabbazi will launch a new line of liqueurs, “Sarah’s Secret”, beginning with an orange liqueur. Bruce says that the emphasis is on natural ingredients and low sugar content.
“She’s using the peels, the colour is from the skin and the flavour is from the juice. While Persian Empire liqueurs are 10 percent sugar, Sarah’s Secret will be lower at six percent.”
Owner Bruce Khabazzi is pictured in Persian Empire’s event space, which is available for rental (photo: Eva Fisher)
Persian Empire also makes an outstanding selection of international spirits. They offer Fenni, a Cashew liquor that Bruce says is made for the Indian market.
“That’s their drink, like Canadians with Rye.”
They also make Arak, made with anise and popular among the Turkish and Lebanese community. When you add it to water, it turns white.
Their Saggi, a raisin liquer popular in Iran, won gold in the grappa category at California’s Sip Awards last year. It’s very smooth with a true raisin flavour.
Persian Empire offers tastings in store. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.persianempire1.com.
Find romance by the glint of a throwing axe this Valentine’s Day
What better way to impress your partner on Valentine’s Day than by throwing an axe?Picture a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. You and your loved one sit down to a Moroccan-themed meal followed by … axe throwing, of course.
Carlo Raponi, owner and general manager of the Peterborough Axe Club (280 Perry Street #1, Peterborough, 705-768-2846) saw Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to have some fun with his customers.
“Sort of like chocolate and peanut butter, we thought that axe throwing and dinner ought to go together.”
So began Dinner and Axes, a Valentine’s Day event to be held on February 14th.
The meal will be catered by BE Catering. They are planning a Moroccan-themed dinner with spiced organic chicken, pork skewers, and a surprise dessert.
Carlo thinks that axe throwing is a great way to impress your partner.
“You want to show that bravado … not just the guys but the girls as well.”
This event is a first for the Peterborough Axe Club, but according to Carlo they will be holding more culinary events in the future.
“We want to have a lot of fun with our guests. We’re trying new things out all the time as we learn to define ourselves.”
The cost for the evening is $65 per person. Reserve your spot for Dinner and Axes by calling the axe club at 705-768-2846.
Toque Tuesday has raised more than $7 million for over 180 community agencies across Canada since 1997 (photo: Raising the Roof)
Volunteers from YES Shelter for Youth and Families will be at Plush Boutique in downtown Peterborough this afternoon (February 7) to raise funds for the 20th anniversary of National Toque Tuesday.
Toque Tuesday is an annual initiative from Raising the Roof, a Canadian national charity focused on long-term solutions to homelessness. Since 1997, the annual Toque Campaign has raised more than $7 million for over 180 community agencies across Canada to help support long-term solutions to end homelessness.
“The only thing more Canadian than a toque is the generosity of our people who understand that homelessness is unacceptable, and a problem that can be solved,” says Stephen Gaetz, Board President and Director of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness.
How buying a toque helps address homelessness (infographic: Raising the Roof)
YES volunteers will be at Plush Boutique (384 George St. N., Peterborough) from noon until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7th, selling toques, mittens, and sport socks. Funds raised will go to support youth and families who use YES services.
The YES Shelter for Youth and Families provides a safe haven and support to move forward for hundreds of youth and families. As well as emergency shelter, YES provides transitional supports and housing, life skills and other training, an on-site high school classroom, and a food cupboard.
Last year, YES provided 7,220 nights of shelter for 223 people, including 23 families. It supported 14 youth through its transitional housing program at Abbott House and 37 students at the Carriage House School. The YES food cupboard was used by 233 households, with 895 people being fed.
If you can’t make it to Plush Boutique today to buy a toque, you can order one online at www.raisingtheroof.org.
Bancroft music teacher Dianne Winmill has won the 2017 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. In addition to the solid crystal statuette, based on the JUNO Award design created by the late Canadian glass artist Shirley Elford, Winmill wins $10,000 for herself, $10,000 for her high school, and an all-expenses-paid trip to this year's JUNO Awards. (Photo: Barry Roden / musiCounts)
Dianne Winmill, a teacher at North Hastings High School in Bancroft, is the recipient of the 2017 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award.
Winmill was in Toronto last Wednesday (February 1) with several of her students to accept the annual award from MusicCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the JUNO awards.
Dianne Winmill and her students with the 2017 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award (photo: Barry Roden / musiCounts)
Members of Blue Rodeo, who are the sponsors of this year’s award, surprised her by presenting the award in person. It was a special treat for Winmill, as Blue Rodeo is her favourite band.
“I feel completely blessed to be selected by MusicCounts for this remarkable award that recognizes music education across the country,” Winmill said. “I would also like to thank Blue Rodeo for sponsoring the award. I am truly honoured and share this with all the music teachers who are making a difference.”
Music teacher Dianne Winmill gets surprised in her classroom at North Hastings High School on January 20 with the announcement she had won the 2017 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award (photo: North Hastings High School / Twitter)
Winmill has been a music teacher for 20 years, with 16 years spent teaching at North Hastings High School. Her passion for music is demonstrated through her tireless work to promote music education in both her school and community. Winmill developed a first of its kind Royal Conservatory music program for her students, is involved in several community music organizations, and through her guidance the school band has also performed for numerous feeder schools and community groups.
As winner of the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, Winmill receives a personal prize of $10,000, as well as a $10,000 contribution to the music program at North Hastings High School. She also receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the JUNO Awards, with VIP treatment during JUNO week (March 27 to April 2). She will attend the Chairman’s Reception and the JUNO Gala Dinner and Awards and will walk the red carpet at the JUNO Awards Broadcast on Sunday, April 2nd in Ottawa.
Members of Blue Rodeo (Jim Cuddy, Bazil Donovan, and Colin Cripps) presented Winmill with the award. Following the presentation, her students had an exclusive opportunity to record in the band’s Toronto studio.
Bazil Donovan, Colin Cripps, and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, which sponsored this year’s award, with winner Dianne Winmill (photo: Barry Roden / musiCounts)
“We are thrilled to sponsor this award as teachers like Dianne do endless work to inspire their students and keep music alive in schools,” Cuddy said. “That is very important to us.”
“I think the value of music programs is immeasurable in the development of a young person’s identity in being part of a community,” added Cripps.
Each year, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored or presented by an artist. Past presenters have included The Rolling Stones, Michael Bublé, Céline Dion, Shania Twain, Tragically Hip, Anne Murray, Billy Talent, Johnny Reid, Gord Bamford and MAGIC!
“We are honoured to have an iconic band like Blue Rodeo sponsor this year’s MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award,” said Kristy Fletcher, director of MusiCounts. “Music education was an important part of their lives, and Dianne’s dedication to enhancing the lives of her students through music, both inside the classroom and out is truly inspiring.”
VIDEO: Bancroft woman honoured as music teacher of the year (CTV Toronto)
Members of the RCE Coordinating Committee: Linda Slavin of For Our Grandchildren, Jane Gray of Fleming College, Cam Douglas (Secondary School Teacher), Jacob Rodenburg of Camp Kawartha, and Brianna Salmon of GreenUP (photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Peterborough-Kawarthas-Haliburton Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development
Peterborough-Kawarthas-Haliburton has received a prestigious designation from the UNESCO-endorsed United Nations University.
The area is now a Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development! The honour recognizes regions from around the world that demonstrate leadership in addressing sustainability challenges and works to network these communities internationally. We are only their third region in Ontario and the eighth in Canada to receive the designation. Congratulations to the RCE Coordinating Committee.
Radon is a colourless and odourless gas that can cause lung cancer
Paula Anderson recently launched RN Testing.
Radon gas is everywhere, and trapped in a house or business it becomes a health concern. That’s where RN Testing comes in. Paula employs specialized equipment to measure the radon levels in any building and can then provide mitigation.
Classic Catering to Go delivers fresh or frozen meals (photo: Classic Catering to Go)
Parkway Banquet Hall has expanded its services to include Classic Catering to Go.
Manager Tammy Laroche is providing fresh or frozen meals delivered free for in-town seniors. Featuring both senior- and regular-size portions, Tammy is offering everything from roast beef with mashed potatoes to turkey, chicken, lasagnas, cabbage rolls, Irish Stew to fish and stir fries, as well as soup and desserts.
Peterborough Business Exchange with The Peterborough Petes
Upcoming events include the Chamber of Commerce Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX), this month with The Peterborough Petes and a number of businesses within the local sports and fitness community.
It’s tomorrow (Tuesday, February 7) from 4 to 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Memorial Centre. Everyone is welcome.
International Women’s Day Conference Peterborough
Keynote speakers at the International Women’s Day Conference Peterborough are Candy Palmater, Sarah Vermunt, and Linda Kash
And the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough is planning a big day on March 8th. They’ll be marking International Women’s Day with a day-long conference.
Open to everyone, the day will feature CBC radio host Candy Palmater, coach and career expert Sarah Vermunt, and Peterborough’s own veteran actress and improv impresario Linda Kash, as well as six workshops.
Royal Wood's concert at Showplace in Peterborough on February 14th is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day (publicity photo)
Royal Wood is about to head off on two different tours in the U.S. and Canada, but he’s taking time to spend Valentine’s Day in Peterborough.
Showplace presents Royal Wood
When: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 8 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $34.50
With special guest Diana Chittester. Tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
He’ll be taking the stage at 8 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre on Tuesday, February 14th, supporting his latest release Ghost Light which came out in Canada last April. It was just released worldwide last month — and it’s been getting a great response from across the globe.
The Toronto-based musician is originally from Lakefield, where he still returns to visit his mom, relax, and record at the family farm. The relaxing part is important, because the Juno-nominated singer-songwriter is one busy man.
He’s touring the northeastern U.S. in February and March with Cleveland-based indie folk songwriter Diana Chittester (who’ll be a special guest at his Showplace concert). Then, in late May and June, he’ll be opening for American blues singer-songwriter and musician Bonnie Raitt as she embarks on a cross-Canada tour in support of her new record Dig In Deep.
In between the tours, he’ll be working on recording his next album — coming out in the fall or early next year — as well as continuing to write for other musicians and developing artists for his own label.
In advance of his concert at Showplace, I had a chance to chat with Royal in Nashville, where he’s been working on songs for the next record.
So you’re in Nashville right now?
I am in Nashville. It’s sunny and beautiful and kind of cool. I’ve been doing a bunch of writing sessions and a little bit of recording.
As I was doing some research, I saw a tweet from you of Colin Linden with a bottle of wine. So that’s a good sign!
(Laughing) Yeah, it’s been good so far for sure.
VIDEO: “Good To Be Young” – Royal Wood
VIDEO: Diana Chittester
Have you worked with Colin before?
I have. I know him and have known about him for a long time. It’s nice. We’re starting to come back to Nashville pretty often.
I have some good relationships and good friends here. It’s amazing how small the music industry in the world is. No matter what country you go to, you just go a couple times and you start realizing that everybody knows everybody.
Your latest album Ghost Light came out officially a week or so ago?
It came out in April in Canada, but it just came out worldwide on January 27th. I’m excited about that; lots of U.S. touring and Europe touring coming for it, and some Canadian dates with Bonnie (Raitt).
The Peterborough show just fell in the perfect time, when I was going to be home. I’ll get to see the family and get some farm time and Valentine’s. My lady’s coming in, so it’s perfect.
It’s all coming up Royal there!
(Laughing) It’s a Royal day.
You purchased your family farm near Lakefield a few years ago?
I did actually. It was somewhere around 2012 where it all sort of happened. It’s such a blessing. It wasn’t even something that I ever thought about when I was a kid; it just kind of came up that it was going to be gone. I was the only one in the position to take it on and it’s been amazing.
I’ve got so many more family memories that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t get it. So much time with my folks and my dad before he passed away, and it’s perfect. My studio is out there now. I’m working towards having it be a place that, twenty years from now, I’ll be at all the time.
A very young Royal Wood at the piano in his Lakefield family home. Named after his great grandfather Royal Rufus Wood (who was an avid amateur musician), Royal began playing piano by ear at the age of four and started lessons at age eight. (Photo: Royal Wood / Facebook)
Nice. I suppose you’re definitely on the go as much as you can be right now?
Yeah. I definitely don’t get to be there that much. But my mom manages the property which has been amazing. So I can’t complain.
How’s the new album been going? Pretty good response from radio?
The response has been great. I’m definitely proud of it and appreciating the support and feedback that’s coming from other markets because I haven’t had a release there.
Ireland gave it some love and now we’re heading to Germany.
VIDEO: “Long Way Out” – Royal Wood
Was your process making Ghost Light any different than your previous records? How did that unfold?
Every record is definitely different. The process is different, you’re at a different point in your life. You’re not the same person you were two years before, so the subject matter that you’re connecting to and the music you’re connecting to is different.
I’m always trying to make things sound different. I never want things to sound the same as they did on the record before, or I might as well just retire because that would get boring to me.
Even with artists I loved when I was growing up, I never wanted their records to sound exactly the same. You want to be challenged, to have to listen a few times.
I’m so glad that Radiohead doesn’t make OK Computer all over again, as much as it’s a brilliant record. With Kid A [the record released after OK Computer], I was like “Wow! Where did that come from?” Those kind of moments are great as a fan.
Royal Wood’s latest record, Ghost Light, was released last year in Canada and in January worldwide. He’s already hard at work on his next album.
It’s obviously a unique time in history at this moment. What do you think the role of musicians is in times like this?
I think the role of the artist has always been the same. You’re supposed to tap into the zeitgeist of the moment, express yourself, and not hold back. You’re supposed to speak from your heart.
As an artist, you get to say things you might not be able to say in general conversation with someone you’ve never met. If you write a song, you have this open forum for anyone who chooses to listen to you. That’s a unique position, because you can’t just stand on a street corner and shout out your opinions or beliefs. People will just not want to listen.
If you put it in a song, you definitely have an audience.
Is there much talk of what’s going on down there in Nashville?
It’s definitely a daily conversation. It’s not something you shout loudly in every single place you’re in, but among friends it’s a big topic of conversation.
There’s such a division in political life in the States. It’s so hard right and so hard left, there doesn’t seem to be a middle any more. There was a little more discourse — polite discourse — when we were kids, but it’s definitely one or the other right now.
It’s a strange time, but maybe it has to get worse before it gets better.
You hope that people will just stay engaged, stay watching.
There’s also the philosophy “Don’t just tell me what you’re against, tell me what you’re for.” It’s very easy to criticize and very easy to say “I would never do X/Y/Z,” but at least suggest what the solution is. That’s what I think is sorely lacking right now.
VIDEO: “I Want Your Love” – Royal Wood
Do you have a timeline for your next record? I know Ghost Light just came out worldwide, but I’m just curious.
There’s a lot of touring coming up with the Bonnie Raitt dates, and there’s a bunch of dates coming up in the fall. Obviously, there will be a few summer festivals (too).
I have a plan to have something ready for this fall. But there’s so much involved with the team, radio, the label, publicists, and touring; it all has to line up. So it’s possible it won’t come out until Spring 2018.
If you have it done early then you can release it properly, but I never like to rush those kinds of things.
What’s your process like? Do you usually bring a bunch of songs with you to recording sessions or do you have your album in your mind going in?
When I was a kid and I just started, I would have just enough songs to make a record. Then around the time of We Were Born to Glory or The Burning Bright, I would have 30, 40, 50 songs and kind of work backwards [to create a record].
I think it’s a better way to work. Not everything you write is great, and not everything you write goes together as a record either.
I think [my records] are far more cohesive now and I feel like they’re actually more of a statement than a moment in time. There are definitely a lot of songs to choose from for this next record. and there certainly were on the last one too.
For the Peterborough show, will you have any accompaniment?
I’m bringing my upright bass player. I’ll switch between acoustic piano and acoustic guitar, ukelele, but he’ll be there beside me.
At his Peterborough show, Royal Wood will be performing on piano, acoustic guitar, and more, accompanied by a stand-up bass player (publicity photo)
How did the Bonnie Raitt tour come to be? Have you met her ever?
I’ve never met her but I’ve been a fan since I was a kid. She was actually the first cassette tape that I ever bought, Nick of Time.
The promoter for her tour in Canada put my name forward as one of a few ideas. Obviously my team was fully behind it and my agent was behind it. Bonnie’s camp, including her, signed off on it and said I was the one they wanted. We’re definitely excited, that’s for sure.
What else are you working on these days? Or are you just focused on new songs and getting for the road?
I’m focused on my own record and I’m also writing for other people, their records and their singles, and I’m producing a few things and developing a couple of artists. I’m trying to get a couple of artists onto my label, probably into next year.
There’s lots going on, the days are definitely full. The hard part these days is finding the balance and taking time off now and again.
It must be nice knowing that the farm is there, a place to unwind and get away.
It is definitely my favourite place to be, without a doubt.
There’s something that happens to my shoulders when I pull off onto the 115. It’s like “OK, I’m almost there. I’m almost at the farm.”
Fan and cancer survivor Julia Tanner and Petes Assistant Coach Kurtis Foster were the honourary co-chairs for this year's Pink in the Rink game, which raised over $70,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society (photo credit: Kelsey Saunders / Peterborough Petes)
The eighth annual Pink in the Rink game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre last night (February 4) raised $70,412.39 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Peterborough Petes took on the Oshawa Generals, who won 3-2 in overtime.
Proceeds raised at Saturday night’s game bring the eight-year total of Pink in the Rink to over $530,000.
The Petes on the blue line wearing their Pink in the Rink fundraising sweaters (photo credit: Kelsey Saunders / Peterborough Petes)
Petes players wore special Pink in the Rink fundraising sweaters, which were sold in a post-game live jersey auction. Other fundraising initiatives at the game included a chuck-a-ball, silent auction, and bucket pass, combined with prior t-shirt sales and an online fundraiser.
Highlights of Saturday’s fundraiser included Petes captain Brandon Prophet’s game-worn jersey selling for $1,050, and a Toronto Maple Leafs package including memorabilia and tickets raising $800 in the silent auction.
Petes Assistant Coach Kurtis Foster and long-time fan, billet, and cancer survivor Julia Tanner were the honourary co-chairs.
The cast of Crime City, Andrew Root's loving parody of old-time radio dramas and pulp detective stories. The show is recorded live before a studio audience and then released as a podcast produced by Adam Martignetti. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)
Since its debut in October 2015, Crime City has proven itself to be one of Peterborough’s most original and popular continuing theatrical projects. From the mind of Andrew Root, Crime City is a tribute to the radio dramas of yesteryear and a loving parody of hard-boiled detective stories.
Crime City: “The Private Eye Effect”
When: Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 8 p.m. Where: Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) How much: $10 at the door
Starring Mike Judson, Marsala Lukianchuk, Kenn Gibb, Dan Smith, Adam Martignetti, Melanie Dubois, and Ray Henderson. A multiple-path adventure with eight possible endings, chosen by the audience. With live sound effects by Melissa Post and special guests Caitlin Currie and Danny Bronson.
Starring Mike Judson as detective Victor Marshall, Kenn Gibb as his 10-year-old sidekick Brad Bramble, and Marsala Lukianchuk as former spy Lillian Steel, the series also features supporting roles by Dan Smith and Mélanie Dubois. Performed live and in full costume by the players, Crime City is subsequently produced as a podcast by Adam Martignetti and made available to the public via SoundCloud.
Now in its second series, Crime City continues to attract new audience members each month. But on Saturday, February 25th, Crime City goes big when it moves from its home from The Theatre on King (TTOK) to the Gordon Best Theatre for an expanded night of musical performances, storytelling, and comedy.
“The move to the Gordon Best is not a calculated thing,” explains writer/director Andrew Root.
“It’s not us completing our business plan. We’ll be back at TTOK in March. We had a scheduling snafu. A couple of cast members were not available on our regular date at TTOK. It turned out the Gordon Best was available.”
“We’ve been toying with expanding the show, and adding some opening acts and making it more into a variety show, with Crime City as the main event. So we decided to turn onions into apples and just go for it.”
Andrew Root, writer and director of Crime City, has pitched the popular Peterborough series to CBC Comedy. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)
The regular cast will be on board to perform Episode 16, called “The Private Eye Effect”, at the Gorden Best. However, Andrew has opened up the night to include a musical set by local songwriter Caitlin Currie and guest star Danny Bronson providing live improvised background music for the episode.
The title of Episode 16 — a reference to “The Butterfly Effect”, in which small causes can have large effects — is a multiple-path adventure with eight possible endings depending on choices made by the audience.
Originally slated to be only 10 episodes, the continued popularity of Crime City among both the performers and the audience has kept it going long beyond what Andrew had originally envisioned for the series.
“I thought it was going to go for the first year of maybe nine or 10 episodes,” Andrew says. “We did the first series as one big long story, and the gang just wanted to do more. I was getting messages from the cast about when the next one was coming.”
“We ended the first series in June 2016 and took the summer off, but I was getting messages from everyone with their schedules. We’re doing the second season episodic; just one offs. It’s much easier to write — you just need to come up with a funny idea.”
CHEX TV personality Mike Judson plays hardboiled private detective Victor Marshall. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)
At the forefront of Crime City is local TV personality Mike Judson exercising his acting chops in the role of Victor Marshall. Andrew has much a lot of praise for his star, who has proved his versatility in 2016.
“Mike’s really good. He’s confident on stage, because of his years of broadcasting, but he does things very unexpectedly. His private persona and his public persona are pretty different, so when you see some of the private stuff kick into the public it’s very surprising. He’s a very interesting guy.”
“Victor Marshall is the character who has changed the most over the series. He started off as the audience’s entry way into this weird story. He was the everyman. But Mike plays frustrated so well. Victor started off as a realist, where he figured it wouldn’t make a difference but he’d do it anyway. Now it’s just so fun to play the character as frustrated all the time, by putting him in the most impossible situations. He’s sort of the world’s punching bag, but he’s so sympathetic.”
Kenn Gibb is Brad Bramble, Victor Marshall’s 10-year-old sidekick. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)Marsala Lukianchuk is former spy Lillian Steel. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)Mélanie Dubois is Peggy Sparks. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)Daniel Smith is The Narrator. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)
Over the course of the series, Crime City has featured a plethora of Peterborough’s favourite performers in guest-star roles, including Linda Kash, Kate Story, Brad Breckenridge, and Megan Murphy. This has not only provided the series with a lot of great performers, but has helped solidify it into the local arts landscape.
“The show is based around the fact that I want to work with all these amazing talented people,” Andrew says. “But everyone is so busy, so this show is built in with the idea that if we can get them for one night, and they don’t have to rehearse a lot, then we can do all these amazing things.”
“It’s an interesting world-building kind of thing. We’ve been tinkering with the idea of doing more shows on the same fictional radio network. Over the Christmas break we did a lifestyle show, a super gentle radio show. It was all improvised.”
Crime City even has its own spin-off series called Dr. Lady Pilot, featuring Megan Murphy. Originally created for one of Crime City‘s popular fake advertisements, an actual episode of Dr. Lady Pilot was produced late in 2016, and proved to be one of the series most popular episodes.
Megan Murphy on set, with Kate Ethier and Mike Judson, from the “Dr. Lady Pilot” episode (photo: Sarah Tye)
“We had intended to do an episode based around Lillian, but Marci got a paying gig and I can’t compete with that,” Andrew says. “She couldn’t make it and Megan Murphy was available, so we threw together Dr. Lady Pilot. I think it’s one of our better episodes. She’s great, and Megan plays her so perfectly.”
Andrew explains how he used the Dr. Lady Pilot episode to mock his own creation, by making Crime City the least popular show on the fictional radio network that broadcasts it.
“As part of our Dr. Lady Pilot episode, we did commercials for Crime City. We established that it comes on at 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning, so it’s the least popular show on the worst popular time slot. It’s so much fun to kick your own creation when it’s down.”
With 16 episodes under their belt, and the special variety show being held on February 25th, what does the future hold for Crime City? Andrew has some big plans that could take the series beyond Peterborough and to a far larger audience.
“We’re trying to sell Crime City to the CBC,” Andrew reveals. “CBC Comedy held a town hall meeting at the head of their comedy division. They are revamping and rebranding CBC Comedy, and they invited a bunch of comedians in to consult about what they can do better. CBC is really interested in making relations with people.”
“So after the show, Adam Martignetti and I went to the people in charge of scripted podcasts because they apparently got zero pitches. We gave them a bunch of pictures and audios of the show. We’ve been emailing them every so often and, just before the holidays, we heard back that they will be reviewing the whole series.”
Andrew Root (photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
So if Crime City does get the green light with CBC will it be leaving Peterborough? Not necessarily.
“The charm of our show that it’s a live show,” Andrew says. “It can be recorded anywhere. It doesn’t need to be recorded in a studio in Toronto. You can record here, or Montreal, or wherever you want … as long as it’s in front of an audience.”
Whether you take it in live, or listen to the podcast via SoundCloud, Crime City delivers the best in local comedy month after month. Clever, witty, and filled with fun and endearing characters, this throwback to old-time radio is among the best that Peterborough has to offer.
If you haven’t taken in a live performance of Crime City yet, the expanded version on February 25th at the Gordon Best is a great opportunity to see the show and much more.
Despite the expanded entertainment, tickets are still the same price ($10 at the door) and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Public Energy presents "Music Creates Opportunity", a performance by Ottawa/Gatineau dance company Bboyizm, on February 11 at Peterborough's Market Hall. Bboyizm artistic director, choreographer, and dancer Crazy Smooth will participate in a Q&A after the performance.
Yvon Soglo (aka Crazy Smooth, or Smooth to his friends), the Artistic Director of Ottawa/Gatineau dance company Bboyizm, grew up with dance — but not the way you might think.
Public Energy presents “Music Creates Opportunity”
When: Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) How much: $24 ($17 students/underwaged, $8 high school students)
A performance by Crazy Smooth and his Bboyzim dance company. Tickets available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org. Win a pair of tickets!
He listened to funk and hip hop. He watched cyphers form at school dances, but never joined in. He didn’t consider himself a dancer; he was an athlete.
In 1984, a movie came out that changed everything: Breakin’ staring Lucinda Dickey, Adolfo Quinones, and Michael Chambers. Smooth saw street dance on screen like he had never seen it, and it sparked something in him. He started to practice obsessively in the basement, watching recorded videos of street dance on VHS over and over again.
In 1999, Crazy Smooth (not yet honoured with his street dance name) went to New York for the Rock Steady Anniversary. There he saw live hip hop culture for the first time, beyond TV and VHS. These were real live dancers, performing in front of him.
From this point on he never stopped dancing. He was given the name Crazy Smooth by his street dance peers, out of respect. The best words to describe his style are exactly that: crazy, smooth.
He began to explore the subtleties of street dance, what he calls “the izm”. Smooth was interested in bboying beyond tricks. He wanted to go beyond athleticism and dynamic movement and wanted his audiences to feel the dance. Smooth’s interest in Bboying grew to include other styles like Rocking, House, and Pantsula.
Crazy Smooth and his company Bboyizm, based out of Ottawa/Gatineau, are doing something different than many other Canadian dance troupes. Contemporary dance companies often borrow elements from street dance, specifically ‘tricks,’ athletic feats of dynamic movement, without taking the time to study the styles in depth.
B-boy is a short form of “break boy”, a practitioner of breaking (called breakdancing in popular culture), a style of street dancing that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s. The term “B-boy” or “B-boying” was created by Kool Herc, a DJ spinning at block parties in the Bronx.
At times, this results in ’empty’ movements and gestures, dance elements which are not grounded by context, history, and a sense of origin. Crazy Smooth is critical of street dance which has been diluted in the name of fusion and hybrids.
For this reason, Bboyizm’s brand of street dance is aimed at preserving the purity, individuality, and authenticity of original street dance styles such as: Bboying, House, Rocking, and Pantsula — originating from Soweto, South Africa.
Another question in street dance is whether or not these dances should be performed for the stage. Some street dance artists are critical of dancers who perform these styles on stage in front of audiences, citing that true street dance belongs in its original setting, in neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces.
Bboyizm in performance
Other dance artists such as Crazy Smooth disagree. He believes that street dance, for him, is a vehicle to deliver a broader message, and when you are trying to communicate something, wider audiences are important. The stage becomes a platform. A chance to speak to new audiences through movement, to resonate with new minds, and to declare “this is what I’m saying.”
Win a pair of tickets!
kawarthaNOW is giving away a pair of tickets to see “Music Creates Opportunity” performed by Bboyizm, courtesy of Public Energy.
Bboyizm performs “Music Creates Opportunity” on Saturday, February 11th at 8 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough). There’ll be a question-and-answer session with choreographer Crazy Smooth immediately following the performance.
Tickets are $24 for general admission ($17 for students or the underwaged, and $8 for high school students).
To order tickets, visit the Market Hall Box Office, call 705-749-1146, or order online at markethall.org. Note: high school student tickets are not available online.
For more information about Public Energy and other upcoming performances, visit publicenergy.ca.
VIDEO: “All day i dream about dance” – Bboyizm
This guest post is by Victoria Mohr-Blakeney, Performance Curator and 2016-2017 Metcalf Foundation Intern at Public Energy. All photos courtesy of Bboyizm.
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