Westben’s world premiere presentation of “The Auction” is not a typical opera in its rural Canadian setting, yet it stays true to the essence of what opera is about. Opera is an art form often steeped in rich emotion, with each character expressing themselves fully through song. “The Auction” tells the story of how a family is impacted when farming proves to no longer be sustainable for them.

By 2000, Chris Thomas King had already established his career as a hip/hop blues musician — with seven albums, 10 million records sold and both a Grammy and a Country Music Award — when he was featured playing the part of Tommy Johnson in the Coen brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou? And yet he became more widely known from his role in the film (and a song on the soundtrack) than from his own prolific musical career.

It was more than 30 years ago that Peterborough hosted one of the largest and most vibrant international Indigenous theatre celebrations the city has ever seen, but Patti Shaughnessy still remembers the vivid impact it had on her.

“This was a remarkable festival. It was a collective gathering of Indigenous artists from all over the world, including Japan, Africa, the U.S. and Canada.”

Tim Etherington is a Peterborough writer and teacher with a long history in live performance. His newest play, Zombies Versus Bunnies, which he co-wrote with his daughter Lydia, will be performed at the Showplace Lounge on June 21st and 22nd.

Here are three brief excerpts from Tim’s short story 2nd Unit, about a small town in Southwestern Ontario that is invaded for several days by a film crew shooting a television “movie of the week”.

Fans of old-time country will be transported to the days of traveling troubadours when musical artist Petunia returns to The Garnet on Friday, June 8th (9:30pm/$10). The show will feature a set of original songs, and will feature a special tribute to Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, two of his favourite all-time performers. Inspired by both, his reverence for Hank is especially clear: “Many of his songs are timeless to me and still resonate.”

Liam Titcomb returns to Peterborough for the first time in several years to play the Red Dog Tavern on June 6th 2012. He returns with his new Extended Play single in hand, which is the forerunner to his new CD which will be out later this year. kawarthaNOW learned of Liam’s Red Dog gig and connected with him to ask about his long awaited return to Peterborough, his musical connections here, and his recent round of songwriting.

Something special will be happening at the Montreal House this Wednesday night (May 23rd).

Veteran Canadian singer-songwriter Pat Temple celebrates the release of his brand-new album “Hi Lo Silver”. The show will be a lively affair featuring Temple’s seamless mix of “rockabilly, jump blues, hillbilly jazz, gypsy swing and roadhouse soul.” Fats Waller, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bob Dylan are just a few of his influences.  Before the first song is finished these influences come alive  –  great grooves alongside thought provoking songwriting.