When William Shakespeare penned “all the world’s a stage” for his comedy As You Like It in 1599, we can be fairly certain he didn’t consider the opposite would ring true 400-plus years later.

Yet here we are, set to welcome the world music mastery of Sultans of String as the band makes its Peterborough Musicfest debut this Saturday (July 9) at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

Hailed by Maverick Magazine (UK) as “an energetic and exciting band with talent to burn,” Sultans of String features an eclectic mix of Celtic reels, flamenco and gypsy jazz grooves, and Arabic, Cuban and South Asian rhythms.

The end result remains a generous helping of international music sounds, styles and influences that will indeed bring the world to the Fred Anderson Stage.

“We both actually love trying out crazy ideas and seeing what sticks,” noted Sultans of String co-founder and six-string violinist Chris McKhool in a 2013 www.JazzMonthly.com interview, referring to his relationship with musical partner and flamenco guitarist Kevin Laliberté.

“When we saw the power of this style of music on the listening public, we knew we had to do more of it. We were happy to pick up gigs here and there, happy to make $75 a man to play all night in a theatre lobby or any club. Neither of us was married or had kids at the time, so we were footloose and fancy free. Then, in 2007, we honed in and decided to take it to the next level. We became pickier about our repertoire, putting together an actual set list of songs that would engage audiences rather than just entertain ourselves.”

“Journey To Freedom” – Sultans of String

So it was that McKhool and Laliberté added Eddie Paton (flamenco guitar), Drew Birston (bass) and Chendy Leon (percussion) to the mix and headed into the studio. The result was Sultans of String’s debut album, Luna.

But it was the follow-up to that recording, 2009’s Yalla Yalla, that set the band on its way. Nominated for a 2010 Juno Award in the Instrumental Album of the Year category, Yalla Yalla enjoyed #1 status on Canadian Top Ten radio charts while earning the band two Independent Music Award nominations.

“The most important thing in creating the Sultan sound was creating shorter, more focused tunes with memorable song titles and strong arrangements that would be palatable to listen to on a recording. But we also never liked the idea of being nailed down to one genre, so there is a lot of variety,” explained McKhool.

“It’s exciting music that is a great tool to tell our stories. The variety keeps me going because each of the different styles can lead to a different kind of mood, bring out different elements of our personalities and allow us to engage in a variety of physical antics while performing live.”

In September 2011, the band’s third album, MOVE, brought continued Top Ten radio airplay but it was 2013’s Symphony! that resulted in a return to the Juno Awards, earning Sultans of String a second Instrumental Album of the Year nomination as well as SiriusXM’s nod as World Group of the Year.

It also opened the door to a very busy touring schedule that continues to this day. In fact, earlier in the day of its inaugural Musicfest appearance, Sultans of String is performing at the Taste of Lawrence Festival in Toronto.

Sultans of String arrives in Peterborough on the strength of its latest album, Subcontinental Drift, which features sitar master Anwar Khurshid.

“Enter The Gate” – Sultans of String

Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 19 free-admission concerts during its milestone 30th anniversary season, each staged Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”

For more information on this concert and/or the 2016 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.

Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of July 7th to July 13th.

If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.

July is a fine time for music in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. I’ve been busy touring and I’m finally am off stage, out of the van, and not asleep. I’m a week late, but I now present to you the “better-late-than-never edition” of my monthly live music column. I’m only scratching the surface of the music happening in the area but I like to feature an eclectic range of events, so here we go.

Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival on the River on July 9

On Saturday, July 9th you will definitely want to hit the Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival on the River — a long title because it’s full of great stuff.

An eclectic mix of jazz will be featured among all of the art, from gypsy jazz, to big band, to something rooted more in folk/rock.

Music is all day, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. There will also be great art, and food and beverages for sale.

Tickets are only $5. The festival happens at Isabel Morris Park (20 Concession St., Lakefield)

Artists include Ron Marenger Band,Blackburn, Jane Bunnett Cuban Rhapsody, and more. Blackburn will also be playing at Holiday Inn’s Riverside Grill and Gazebo on Friday, July 15th at 6 p.m.

Blackburn at Beaches International Jazz Festival 2010

Jane Bunnett and Maqueque: Tormenta

Sean Conway at The Pig’s Ear in Peterborough on July 9

Meanwhile in Peterborough you can go check out Sean Conway at The Pig’s Ear Tavern (144 Brock St., Peterborough, 705-745-7255) on July 9th.

Conway’s music drifts between a few genres and always make for a great night out. Rock/new wave/country combine for something brand new. The show begins at 10 p.m. and is $3 at the door.

Sean Conway at Gilmour Street Music Hall – The Blue Acre

Al Black and the Steady Trio at Elmirst’s Resort in Keene on July 12

Every Tuesday in the summer there is music at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940).

On Tuesday, July 12th you can catch the always imitable Al Black and the Steady Trio. Blues, roots, and beyond.

The shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in July and 7 p.m. in August, and finish up around sunset.

It’s in the running for most beautiful stage in the area, as it sits on the boardwalk just steps from Rice Lake.

“She’s Winning” – Al Black and the Steady Band

Hey Rosetta! at Peterborough Musicfest on July 13

One of Canada’s great up-and-coming rock bands comes to Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park on Wednesday, July 13th.

Hey Rosetta! from St. John’s, Newfoundland will bring their infectious and layered form of rock. It’s not necessarily your dad’s rock music, but I bet he’ll like it.

As always at Musicfest, admission is free.

“Young Glass” – Hey Rosetta!

Max Mouse and the Gorillas at the Red Dog in Peterborough on July 16

It will be a rock and roll reunion on Saturday, July 16th at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) with Peterborough-area legends Max Mouse and the Gorillas returning to the stage.

The band features Cris Cuddy, Buzz Thompson, JP Hovercraft, Jim Leslie and special guest Clifford Maynes.

Opening the show is another icon of Peteborough music, Joe Hall and Friends.

Tickets are $10 and $15 for couples. Doors at 7 p.m. and show starts around 8 p.m.

“Steppin’ Out” – Max Mouse and the Gorillas

Basia Bulat at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on July 20

The always awesome folk/pop/eclectic artist Basia Bulat plays the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884) on Wednesday, July 20th.

The Canadian songstress has received much acclaim for her latest record, Good Advice. She writes and performs great tunes that have some pop to them but also sharp depth.

Peterborough’s own Evangeline Gentle opens up the show.

Presented by the Peterborough Folk Festival, tickets are $25 (plus service charge). Doors open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m.

“Infamous” – Basia Bulat

“River Road” by Evangeline Gentle featuring Kate Gentle

Rob Phillips and Marsala Lukianchuk at Peterborough Square on July 22

Peterborough’s DBIA presents its “Live and Local Lunch” series in the courtyard of Peterborough Square in downtown Peterborough every Friday in the summer from noon to 1 p.m.

On Friday, July 22nd, Rob Phillips, one of Peterborough’s great piano players, teams up with the singing talent of Marsala Lukianchuk to bring jazz standards and more to your lunch hour.

“Ain’t Misbehavin'” – Rob Phillips with Michael Bell

DREA at The Garnet in Peterborough on July 28

It’ll be fun on Thursday, July 28th at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107). It’s always fun when a former Peterborough musician comes back to play a show.

Now based in the Yukon, DREA returns with her full voice and songs that go from clever to heartbreaking, with melodies that sound hand-made and genuine.

The show begins at 9 p.m. and tickets will be available at the door.

“Hearts Parts” – Drea and The Naysayers

Gord Magee and The Blue Sky Fliers at Lindsay’s Victoria Park on July 31

Enjoy a concert in Lindsay’s Victoria Park (210 Kent St. W., Lindsay) as part of the Concerts in the Park series.

There will be toe-tapping, knee slapping music on Sunday, July 31st at 2 p.m. when Gord Magee and The Blue Sky Fliers will perform.

Magee has toured the world with tenor John McDermott and many others, and his band is made up of virtuosic guitar, percussion, and sax players.

The show is absolutely free and perfect for a Sunday family outing.

It’s been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is only fitting then that both traditional painting and street art have their places in society.

This month, there are at least two shows up in local galleries Artspace and Gallery in the Attic that can be linked to outsider art. Other shows and artists featured this month have unique styles that span the chasm between abstract and representational. Whether you consider yourself a member of the classic school, or you are on the outs with traditional artistic practices, you should find something of interest.

Outsider art is an umbrella term for a number of artistic practices categorised by either the artist’s lack of formal training or failure to conform to societal norms. Outsider artists are often self-taught and isolated. Folk art falls into this category, though one could argue that folk artists are the ultimate insiders, working from within their cultures and communities.

Street art shows us many examples of outsider art, as do underground comics and graphic novels. On the other hand, comics that enforce cultural stereotypes (such as Archie comics) do not qualify.

JERM IX Under the Microscope: an interview with JERM IX

If you frequent the highways and byways of Peterborough Ontario, you will have come across the tag JERM IX. The alleyways, bridges and city walls of our town are currently sporting the work of this “urban decorator”.

Right now, he has a show at Gallery in the Attic, on display until Friday, July 15th. Whether you are curious or enraged by the defiant act of tagging, this show provides insight into the troubled world of JERM IX. His poetry reveals an inner world frought with pain. It seems sharing his story of abuse and his struggle with mental health and addiction is both an act of bravery and a way of hanging on for JERM IX.

The opportunity arose to ask him a few questions about his relationship with Graffiti. Here is what he said.

S: How and when did you first come up with alias Jerm IX? Is there a meaning behind it?

J: The nickname Jerm was given to me in grade 9 when a friend’s mother referred to me as a germ and a bad influence on other youth and the nickname just stuck. The IX, which are Roman numerals for the number 9, represent the 9 lives, or rather incarnations of Jerm. It was originally derived from my wife’s initials.

S: How/when did you begin to graffiti? Can you describe your first graffiti experience?

J: I fell in love with graffiti when I discovered the work of uber-talented artist Thesis Sahib in the alleys of London Ontario in 2001. From there, I went on to spend a few years scouring and photographing every nook and cranny of Vancouver’s scene before finally beginning to put up my own work in 2006. I spent four years baring my soul in the form of pasted poetry scrolls on the walls of Vancouver before returning home to Peterborough and spreading my work across Ontario.

S: I hear you have tagged Vancouver as well? Where else have you “left your mark”?

J: I lived in beautiful Vancouver for 6 years and definitely did a whole lot of urban decorating, yes. I’ve also put up my work all across Ontario and into Quebec. Also, I send my work to other street artist friends globally and they do me the generous favour of pasting it up. My work has been seen on the streets of Colombia, Afghanistan, Iran, USA, UK, Germany, and more.

S: Do you intend to keep your identity a secret? Will you wear a disguise to your opening?

J: Not at all. I’ll be there, fully exposed, amongst walls draped in would-be suicide notes.

S: Who is your favourite artist or celebrity?

J: I’m not remotely into celebrity culture, but my favourite artist and graffiti icon is Calgary-based Grominate.

S: The words you have written invoke empathy and understanding, whereas tags on their own do not have that effect. How do you feel about the fact that people get angry about tagging?

J: People have always gotten angry about tagging. This is a phenomenon that dates way back to etchings on cave walls. Today, graffiti is an indication of a vibrant community, where even the disenfranchised have a voice. Every tagger has his or her reason or motivation that drives them to get their name up. Mine is personal. As a man living with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and constant suicidal ideation, I had never felt like I belonged. I felt out of place in someone else’s world. That is until I began tagging. It isn’t for you, it’s for me. Seeing a JERM IX tag makes me feel connected to my community. A part of it. I touched that surface, felt its texture. I’ve walked every square inch of this city several times over and truly experienced it, became one with it. If it offends or bothers you, I’m truly sorry for that, but we share this space together with the freedom to make our own decisions and take our own risks and follow our own path. This is the path I’m walking.

Take what you will from this, kawarthaNOW reader, and maybe you will have a new response next time you are faced with some incarnation of JERM IX in your day-to-day travels.

GITA will also have a member’s show opening on Friday, July 8th from 7 to 10 p.m., on display until July 30th.

Gallery In The Attic / The Peterborough Darkroom Project offers free admission, and is located up two flights of stairs at 140-1/2 Hunter St. W. in Peterborough. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

This month, the sun will set sideways at Artpace: find out what it’s all about at curator’s talk by Jon Lockyer

“The Sun Sets Sideways” is a new collection of drawings, sculpture, installation and video. The exhibition encapsulates the fragmented elements of a narrative around Spike — a dog-shaped television writer living in the town of Sideways.

Walter is best known for his comic book series Wendy which has garnered international attention and been both published by and featured in numerous publications in Canada, the United States and Japan.

The position of the outsider and shape shifter are central to this body of work, as are the influence of feminist icons such as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and artist, punk poet, experimental novelist and filmmaker Kathy Acker lingers.

The sequel, Wendy’s Revenge, will be published by Koyama Press in the fall of 2016. For more information about Walter’s work, please visit www.artspace-arc.org.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 15th from 7 to 10 p.m., with a corresponding curator’s talk by Jon Lockyer on Thursday, August 4th. The show will be on display until August 20th.

Artspace is located at 378 Aylmer Street in Peterborough (705-748-3883). Hours of operation are Tuesday to Friday from 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m.

Christensen Fine Art launches summer group show

Christensen Fine Art is pleased to celebrate the summer months with a revolving exhibition of new works by gallery artists. Shown above are pieces by Paul Shilling, Rebecca Last, and Susan Scott.

This popular exhibition showcases a changing selection of works in a variety of styles and mediums. The show will also include work by Melanie Browne, Joellen Brydon, Peer Christensen, Eugenie Fernandez, Sarah Gibeault, Marilyn Goslin, Christy Haldane, Spencer Harrison, Lisa Martini-Dunk, Anne Renouf, and Shannon Taylor.

A reception will be held on Friday, July 15th from 6 to 9 p.m. with artists in attendance.

Christensen Fine Art is located at 432 George Street N. in Peterborough. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, please call Peer Christensen at 705-876-9623.

David Hickey: featured Artist at Proximity Fine Art

Up on Stony Lake at Proximity Fine Art (426 Carveth’s Marina Rd., Lakefield, 705-931-0855), the featured artist for July is David Hickey.

David is a multidisciplinary artist who creates metal sculptures and paintings that capture our Canadian landscape. To learn more about David and his process, visit Proximity Fine Art’s blog at www.proximityfineart.com, or stop into the shop at Carveth’s Marina and see the work for yourself — you just might discover a few locally made treasures.

You can also find David’s work online at www.davidhickeyartist.com.

Proximity Fine Art is open from noon to 5 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday, or by appointment.

Art Around Town: what’s up in local shops and restaurants

Exciting news: it is officially summer! So break out the pool noodles and swimsuits and, as you amble down Hunter Street in Peterborough, you will be able to appreciate art all day long — while you run errands, grab a healthy snack, and maybe even get a haircut.

The shops and restaurants of downtown Peterborough are full of art by local artists, and this July at least two of them are called Patrick.

Patrick Moore at Chasing the Cheese

Chasing the Cheese, currently located at 372 Water St., Peterborough (705-755-0525), will have just what you’re looking for in the cheese department, and maybe something you didn’t know you were looking for until you found it!

Chasing the Cheese is currently featuring artwork by Patrick Moore — a winter landscape sure is a refreshing sight in the heat of summer. Some would say so anyhow, but if the thought gives you the shivers,there are some more summery scenes to enjoy further down the wall.

This will be the last art show hosted by Chasing the Cheese, as they are moving soon to an exciting new location at the corner of Charlotte and Reid.

Patrick is also currently showing an impressive site-specific piece, “Song of the Cataract”, at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Sarah Gibeault at Union Studio

Why not stop in for a trim at Union Studio, a cutting-edge hair salon in the heart of downtown Peterborough (391 Water St., 705-740-2682)? There you can view the contemporary art of Sarah Gibeault while becoming more stylish by the second.

Sarah, a multidisciplinary artist living in downtown Peterborough, is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with a major in drawing. Her work ranges from representational to abstract.

Her studio practice has been composed of drawing, craft, painting, sound, sculpture and performance. Sarah also shows work at Proximity Fine Art, Christensen Fine Art, and the Art Gallery of Peterborough — both in the gift shop and in the show currently featured from the AGP’s permanent collection.

Patrick Holland at Food Forest

You might pop into Food Forest (135 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-1888) to buy a healthy snack and check out Patrick Holland’s artwork while you’re at it.

Patrick specializes in abstracted portraits of people and animals in his signature style featuring intricate designs that create abstract patterns that also make up the features of his subjects.

To see more of Patrick Holland’s work or to purchase prints, find him on Facebook at Patrick Holland Art, or on his website www.partickhollandart.com.

Mossworks Photography at Elements Restaurant

If you are into fine dining, you can now sample some local photography while you eat. Elements Restaurant (140 King St, Peterborough, 705-876-1116) is now hosting monthly photography shows, an idea ignited by the SPARK photo festival this April.

Samantha Moss of Mossworks Photography will be featured this month. This show features a series of black-and-white multiple exposure photographs like “Urban Owl” shown above. They are made up of multiple images layered on top of one another, resulting in interesting and unexpected effects.

This is officially Samantha’s first photography show, and she will be contributing a portion of sales to the local Humane Society. An opening reception will be held at Elements on Thursday, July 7th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

To see more of Samantha’s work, visit www.mossworksphotography.com.

4th Line Theatre launches art show in celebration of 25th anniversary at Black Honey

4th Line Theatre (779 Zion Line, Millbrook, 705-932-4445) has undertaken an epic project this summer.

They have built a 30-foot replica of the Peterborough clock tower for their production The Hero of Hunter Street, a play based on the infamous 1916 explosion at Quaker Oats, which claimed the lives of 24 workers and had far-reaching effects on the local community.

In “Sense of Place”, pictured above, artist Paul Nabuurs of Above Water Studio depicts this very clock tower standing tall at Winslow Farm under a colourful summer sky. This is one of a series of paintings done by local artists in celebration of the 4th Line Theatre’s 25th anniversary.

All paintings in the show are based on the history of the theatre company. They are on display at Black Honey (221 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) until July 24th. The show will then move to the Pastry Peddler (17 King St. E., Millbrook) where it will be on display from August 2nd to 28th — coinciding with the theatre’s second summer production, The Bad Luck Bank Robbers.

An opening will be held at Black Honey on Wednesday, July 6th from 1 to 2 pm. All proceeds from art sales will go directly to contributing artists. Artists include Emma Hesse, Andrew Ihamaki, Valerie Kent, Dianne Latchford, Esperanca Melo and Paul Nabuurs.

For more information about 4th Line Theatre and their summer season, visit www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

For all his rock/pop music success, Gowan remains the personification of one not knowing where life will lead him or her.

Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of June 30th to July 6th.

If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.

The further removed we are from the way things were, the more we long for the original.