A new exhibit is opening in Lindsay that celebrates beloved Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery and her little-known connection to Kawartha Lakes.

Presented by Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, the “Call Me Maud” exhibit will be on display on the second floor of Kawartha Lakes City Hall at 26 Francis Street in Lindsay from July 23 until November 29 — the day before the 150th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery’s birth. Admission is free to the exhibit, which will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

L.M. Montgomery is best known for her first book Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908, and its five sequels. During her career, she published a total of 20 novels as well as 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays.

While she spent the first half of her life based in Prince Edward Island, where she was born and the home of her famous orphan character Annie Shirley, L.M. Montgomery moved to Leaskdale in Ontario’s present-day Uxbridge Township in 1911 after marrying Ewan Macdonald, a Presbyterian minister who had taken the position of minister at a local church.

L.M. Montgomery’s connection to Kirkfield comes from her father Hugh John Montgomery, whose second wife Mary Ann McRae was originally from the Kirkfield area and was the niece of Kirkfield’s most famous resident, the Canadian railway contractor and entrepreneur Sir William Mackenzie.

While L.M. Montgomery did not attend her father’s wedding, which took place in the Kirkfield Presbyterian Church in 1887, it meant that Mackenzie became her step-grand uncle. Years later, she would regularly visit the MacKenzie family’s estate in Kirkfield.

VIDEO: Heritage Minutes – Lucy Maud Montgomery

“We went for a walk through a most beautiful long lane of lombardies on the MacKenzie estate,” L.M. Montgomery wrote in her journal on July 15, 1925. “It was the part of the day I enjoyed the most. How I miss out of my life now the long intimate walks through woods and secluded fields.”

This information about L.M. Montgomery’s Kirkfield connection comes from Dr. Christy Woster’s 2005 essay L.M. Montgomery and the Railway King of Canada, written for the Shining Scroll newsletter for the L.M. Montgomery Literary Society, which also serves as the inspiration for the “Call Me Maud” exhibit.

In addition to the exhibit, Kawartha Lakes Economic Development is also presenting a virtual talk and in-person tea event at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 18th with support from the Kirkfield and District Historical Society and Museum.

“Call Me Maud – a Kirkfield Connection to Lucy Maud Montgomery” will feature virtual keynote speaker Dr. Emily Woster, a former visiting scholar at the University of Prince Edward Island’s L.M. Montgomery Institute who now serves as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Her research mainly focuses on the books and life of L.M. Montgomery.

The event, which will also include refreshments served from L.M. Montgomery’s personal recipe book, takes place at the Kirkfield and District Historical Society Museum at 992 Portage Road in Kirkfield. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be available until August 11 for $25 per person. To purchase tickets, contact Denise at events@theoldekirk.ca or 705-438-5454.

For more information about the “Call Me Maud” exhibit, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/callmemaud.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is not only celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, but also the 40th anniversary of the iconic Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour (KAST) — one of the longest running studio tours in Canada.

Taking place each fall as the colours of the Kawarthas reach their peak, the self-guided tour encourages locals and visitors to explore all the creativity the region has to offer by visiting the studios of talented artists from across the Peterborough and the Kawarthas region.

Featuring more than 40 local professional artists, this year’s special anniversary tour is taking place on Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

VIDEO: 2024 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour

“We have such a rich and vibrant arts culture here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas — it’s such a vital part of our ecosystem and local economy,” says Andrew Ihamaki, Education Programming Coordinator at the Art Gallery of Peterborough. “KAST is about building connections while highlighting and showcasing that art is all around us.”

With studio locations in the City and County of Peterborough as well as the village of Lakefield, KAST will showcase a range of artwork from classic landscape paintings and traditional woodworking to some of the more innovative and interdisciplinary styles, including some that incorporate taxidermy and augmented reality.

“There are so many varieties of mediums, techniques, and styles to see,” Ihamaki says. “No matter what kind of artwork moves you, there’s something for you on the tour.”

A map brochure of all studio locations is available at the Art Gallery of Peterborough as well as at businesses around the city. You can also download the free Toureka! app for your mobile device (available for both iOS and Android), which you can use not only to browse through artists’ bios but to create your customized route for the studios you want to visit throughout the weekend.

Whether you use the brochure or the mobile app, Ihamaki says KAST is all about making art more accessible to everyone.

“We understand there is an inherent feeling of exclusivity that comes along with art and the studio tour tries to remove that,” says Ihamaki. “Removing that rigid timeline frees it up for visitors to come and go as they please. It’s a very laid-back, welcoming approach where you can choose your own adventure and select the things that excite you without the formality.”

New this year, the Art Gallery of Peterborough is launching the KAST Passport. The more studios you visit and check off throughout the weekend, the more chances you’ll have to win the draw for prizes from the gallery shop. Studio visitors are also encouraged to share, post, and highlight their stops along the tour to their social media channels, while tagging the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

“We really want to see the community excited and engaged, telling people about their favourite works and artists,” Ihamaki says. “It’s all about connecting — with the art and artists, but also with each other. Whether you’re going with friends, or family, the studio tour is really for everybody.”

At each of the studio stops, participants can connect, chat with, and learn from the artists in their own workspace. Ihamaki says this can really “demystify the process” for tour participants and, for those interested in becoming an professional artist themselves, show that the arts is a viable career.

“The arts are such a welcoming community, and every artist is really supportive and wants to share their craft and their love and passion with anyone who’s willing and excited to learn,” Ihamaki says. “It is such a great opportunity to become a part of that community, because there’s such an amazing symbiotic relationship that happens. And maybe next year, you might be on the studio tour because you’ve taken that opportunity to work and learn from the artist.”

Painter Lucy Manley, print maker Jeffrey Macklin, and stone carver Nick Leniuk are just a few of the artists who will be demonstrating their creative processes throughout the weekend.

“Leniuk is demonstrating an intricate process for creating elaborate stone carvings of trees by hand — a lot of people might think those are CNC or machine-cut images,” says Ihamaki. “Seeing it take place in person really shifts your perspective on the act of making. Whether its visual, fine art, or crafting, there is such a labour of love that goes into creating art.”

Also new for the 40th anniversary KAST, Community Futures Peterborough has sponsored the inclusion of an Emerging Artists Hub. Guests can drop into a pop-up space located the Peterborough Public Library during the weekend and view work from emerging and mid-career artists who don’t yet have their own studio space. Artists have until Monday, August 19th to apply to participate in the Emerging Artists Hub.

“Many artists in this community might not have the means or the ability to have a studio space where they can welcome people in, so we’re trying to make that opportunity available,” Ihamaki explains. “The lets them connect with the audiences in the tour that come to visit, and it really makes it a more equitable and more accessible tour for more artists.”

Don’t know which studio stops to add to your route? Visit the Art Gallery of Peterborough until September 29 for the 40th Anniversary: KAST Selections Exhibition. One piece of artwork from each of the artists on the tour will be on display, helping viewers decide whose studios they are most excited to visit. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer (except on the August 5 civic holiday, when it is closed).

“It’s a great opportunity to come in, see a little bit of everything, pick the ones you want to see, and plan your route,” Ihamaki says. “You might be really surprised by what you see. You might even fall in love with a new artist just by seeing their work in person.”

In recognition of KAST’s 40th anniversary, the Art Gallery of Peterborough is hosting a special celebration on Thursday, August 8th from 7 to 9 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event and join current and past participating artists, sponsors, stakeholders, and supporters to celebrate 40 years of artistic excellence in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

“It’s a really big year for us and a big year for the tour,” says Ihamaki. “It’s become such a fixture and staple in our community, and we would love for it to continue to grow and for more and more people to be connected, and see the tour last for another 40 years at least.”

To learn more about this year’s tour, including a full list of participating artists, visit kast.agp.on.ca.

For updates on KAST, follow the Art Gallery of Peterborough on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Art Gallery of Peterborough. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

Elvis has left Bobcaygeon’s Lakeview Arts Barn — permanently — and its up to the audience to identify the culprit in Globus Theatre’s new summer murder mystery Who Killed the King, which runs for 10 performances from July 24 to August 3.

The comedic whodunit is written and directed by Globus Theatre’s artistic director Sarah Quick, who was inspired by the Collingwood Elvis Festival which, for 25 years until 2019, drew Elvis tribute artists and attendees from around the world.

Quick has mashed up Collingwood and Bobcaygeon to create the fictional town of Colligeon where, on the closing night of its fiercely competitive Elvis festival, the murder of one Elvis impersonator leaves the town all shook up. But unlike a traditional murder mystery, this interactive show asks audience members to turn detective and help solve the murder.

“The summer murder mystery is a real highlight in our calendar of shows,” Quick says in a media release. “It’s such a busy, fun time which sees the theatre bursting with laughter as people eat great food, drink fun cocktails, and socialize.”

Globus Theatre has brought together some of Canada’s best improvisers and performers — Kevin Sepaul, Jennine Profeta, Dave Pearce, Greg Komorowski, Globus Theatre’s own James Barrett, and Kerry Griffin — to act out the premise and engage the audience in solving the mystery.

“I had a great time writing the parts for our team of talented improvisers, imagining which type of Elvis impersonator they could be,” Quick says.

In addition to the dinner murder mystery experience, Globus is offering the family-friendly Downtown Detective Trail running outdoors along Bolton Street in Bobcaygeon, starting from the Globus Theatre box office.

Written by Canadian comedian Chris Gibbs, the Downtown Detective Trail will see youth participants in Globus Theatre’s summer performance camp act out a series of clues that attendees can gather to solve a fascinating mystery.

The Downtown Detective Trail begins at 2 p.m. on Who Killed the King performance dates (except Saturdays) and runs for around 45 minutes. Free with a purchase of a ticket to Who Killed the King, tours are otherwise $10 for adults or $5 for children. To sign up for a tour, visit globustheatre.com/2024-downtown-detective-trail.

As for Who Killed the King, seating in the Lakeview Arts Barn is set up cabaret-style (eight people per table) with audience members enjoying dinner while the performance takes place all around the dining room.

Dinner and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. from Wednesday, July 24th to Saturday, July 27th and again from Tuesday, July 30th to Saturday, August 3rd, with a 12:30 p.m. lunch and show on Saturday, July 27th. Doors open at 6 p.m. for evening performances and at noon for the matinee performance.

Tickets are $100 plus tax and fees and be ordered online at globustheatre.com/current-season/2024/whokilledtheking or by calling the box office at 705-738-2037 (toll free at 1-800-304-7897).

When Trent Radio’s “Radio From The Stage” live-to-air radio series hit the halfway point back in March, its curator and host expressed the hope that it would foster “a little bit of healing” in a Peterborough where interactions and discourse have taken on an increasingly nasty tone.

Now, with the 10-episode series set to present its finale on Sunday afternoon (July 28) at Traill College’s Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, Charlie Glasspool says it has checked that box and much more.

“The feedback I received from artists and audience members alike is they felt kind of rejuvenated and a little more optimistic about things,” says Glasspool.

Such is the healing power of performance. But when you can present that elixir not only live on air but also in person, it takes on a whole new dimension.

Backed by a grant from the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC), “Radio From The Stage” debuted late last October at The Theatre On King in downtown Peterborough. It was broadcast live on Trent Radio 92.7 FM, which has been the case for the eight performances since, including the most recent one June 30 at Jethro’s Bar + Stage on Hunter Street West.

The final episode of the series, which will be broadcast live on Trent Radio 92.7 FM and online at trentradio.ca from 1 to 5 p.m., will feature performances by Taylor Abrahamse, Copperhead, David Newland, Night Danger, Michael Eamon, and Babe Chorus.

Glasspool, a longtime Peterborough musician and co-founder of well-known local band The Silver Hearts, credits Trent Radio’s director of programming Jill Staveley and director of operations Rob Hailman for applying to the CRFC for funding, which was subsequently awarded.

“The series has been a marathon but it’s also been a sprint at same time,” assesses Glasspool of organizing and presenting 10 shows in the same number of months.

“You say ‘There’s a month until the next one’ and then, all of a sudden, it’s like ‘Oh no, it’s a week away.’ Time flies but it can also move slowly. The first episode seems like it was a long time ago. In that sense, it has been a marathon.”

But Glasspool isn’t complaining. Far from it, his enthusiasm for the series’ concept, and its core objectives, remains as high as it was when he was brought on board.

“Each episode, no matter what kind of audible or sound art, whether it was music or poetry or spoken word, got a little bit better as we rolled out the series,” he says. “It was also the experience of presenting in a lot of different venues, some that were equipped for live performance and some we had to recreate.”

“We had so many great applications (to perform) right from the beginning. By the finale, we will have been able to hire and pay more than 60 local artists which, I think, is a big feather in our cap and a big win for the project.”

“Did we learn stuff along the way?” Glasspool asks. “Yes, but the series kind of curates itself. Peterborough is pretty rich with a real array of talent and artists of all ages. That made it very easy for us to put this thing together.”

Glasspool notes that, while a number of out-of-town artists expressed interest in performing, “We really kept it close to home on purpose. Peterborough needs a win here and there. I hope this was one for the community, not just for Trent Radio.”

In a provided comment at the outset regarding the series, CFRC executive director Alex Freedman said “Radio From The Stage” is a project that “could only be done by campus radio.”

At the time, Glasspool said “It would be impossible for commercial radio” to pull it off,” citing “the freedom” the station fosters in terms of its content.

“When Jill and Rob wrote and submitted the grant application to the Community Radio Fund of Canada, they had some objectives that they wanted to hit,” says Glasspool.

“We’ve surpassed all of them, by miles and miles and miles, especially in terms of content. They envisioned something like ten hours of live radio. We’re double or more of that now, so there’s a really nice archive for our sonic time capsule for future listeners to enjoy.”

While the last episode is scheduled for July 28, there is one more series-related event planned.

On Sunday, August 25th at Jethro’s Bar + Stage, several of the series performers will come to together for a wrap party that will see a physical time capsule — to which each performer contributed — inspected one last time before being closed.

“It’s full to the brim now,” says Glasspool of that collection. “It’s a trove of all manner of trinkets and talismans and treasures, from a CD which who knows if we’ll be able to play in the future, to personal art, little books, poetry, and that sort of thing. Some people left more sentimental objects. Some of our Indigenous performers left medicine.”

“We’re going to have the official closing of it, and then we’ll have to figure out where to bury or hide it.”

Although he has been involved with music locally for most of his life, Glasspool says the series has presented “loads of surprises” for him in form of “eye and ear-opening performances.”

“Fifty per cent of the performers I know personally, but I had no idea who many of the others were. I was intrigued. I couldn’t wait to hear them and meet them, especially folks younger than I am. Peterborough’s in good shape — I will definitely say that.”

“Whether it was music or spoken work, there was something in every episode that lit a spark, or brought joy or delight. There were no disappointments. Everyone really rose to, and with, the occasion.”

As for the final series performance on July 28 taking place at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, Glasspool says choosing that location speaks to yet another objective of the project: introducing audiences to venues “that fly under the radar.”

Glasspool also notes “a reflection” on the series will be held.

“We’ll sit down when all is said and done sometime in September,” he says. “I don’t know if it’s an idea to re-apply for CRFC funding to renew this project. I would love to do that. I think the CRFC wants to keep looking at different kinds of presenting and programming, but it would great to keep this, or something like it, alive and well.”

This story was created in partnership with Trent Radio. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.

This week, Paul highlights summer family film screenings in Port Hope, Cobourg, and Bobcaygeon, a tribute to the music of Sir Elton John in Fenelon Falls, 4th Line Theatre’s second summer production at the Winslow Farm, Gabi Epstein’s personal journey through the music of Barbara Streisand, Westben’s welcoming of Campbellford-raised singer Seyblu, and a Memorial Centre three-act rock explosion with Billy Talent at its centre.

Pass the popcorn: free family movie nights in Port Hope, Cobourg, and Bobcaygeon

VIDEO: Movies in the Park – Port Hope

Many families habitually enjoy hunkering down to enjoy a movie together as a great alternative to letting Dad win at Monopoly yet again.

Camped on the couch and cuddling under a warm blanket, watching a movie brings a certain comfort, particularly during the winter season. But there’s also something to be said about taking in a movie together in the great outdoors during the summer months.

In Port Hope at quaint Memorial Park off Queen Street, every other Wednesday night sees films screened at 8 p.m., sponsored by Port Hope Rotary and Cameco Corporation. Admission is free.

There are just three dates remaining: July 24 featuring How The Grinch Stole Christmas, August 7 featuring Elemental, and August 21 feautring Trolls Band Together.

Cobourg’s themed Movies In The Park series is ongoing at Victoria Park. Again, admission is free, with remaining dates being August 3 (“Family Night”) featuring IF and August 24 (“Date Night”) featuring Fall Guy. Hosted by Experience Cobourg, films start at 8:30 p.m.

Not to be outdone is Kawartha Settlers’ Village in Bobcaygeon, which is presenting Movies In The Barn every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. until the end of August. With admission by donation, the remaining schedule sees Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie screening on July 24, Mrs. Doubtfire on July 31, Rumble on August 7, The Goonies on August 14, Barbie on August 21, and Wonka on August 28.

It’s hello, not goodbye, to the yellow brick road at The Grove in Fenelon Falls

VIDEO: “A Musical Tribute to Elton John” trailer

Even those remotely interested in pop music of the past half century are familiar with at least one Elton John/Bernie Taupin song.

There’s a reason for that. With more than 300 million albums sold, Sir Elton remains one of the top selling recording artists of all time. Then there was the boost to his popularity via the 2019 bio pic Rocketman and his three-year worldwide farewell tour that wrapped up last year. And who can forget his performance of “Goodbye England’s Rose” at the 1997 funeral of Princess Diana — a gutsy appearance that was beamed to all corners of the globe.

Fenelon Falls’ Grove Theatre knows full well that the music of the longtime British songwriting duo has enduring wide appeal, bringing A Musical Tribute to Elton John to its venue for multiple dates.

The theatre’s summer ensemble is performing John’s most popular hits — “Your Song,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Candle In The Wind,” “Crocodile Rock” … the list goes on and on. It all adds up to a celebration of an unparalleled music career with a bigger-than-life personality at its centre.

The Grove Theatre’s tribute show has proved so popular that it’s been extended into mid-August, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on July 23, 26 and 30, and August 3, 7, 15, and 23. Tickets cost $56.50. Visit www.grovetheatre.ca to order.

Fearless Jean ‘Jim’ Watts takes us on an action-filled adventure in Millbrook

If you still need proof that summer flies by way too quickly, here we are with details of the second play of 4th Line Theatre’s two-play summer season.

Running at the Winslow Farm near Millbrook Tuesdays to Saturdays from July 30 to August 24 with preview nights on July 30 and 31, Jim Watts: Girl Reporter is an exploration of trailblazing youth who, in the mid 1930s, illegally flocked to Spain to fight fascism in attempt to stop its spread across Europe.

Written by award-winning playwright Beverley Cooper and directed by longtime 4th Line managing artistic director Kim Blackwell, the central character of the world premiere is Jean “Jim” Watts, the only female member of the MacKenzie-Papineaus, the lone Canadian regiment in Spain.

Action filled, the play takes its audience from Toronto to Madrid, from political rallies to battlefields. And as if often the case with 4th Line productions, there’s a local connection in the form of Jim Higgins, a Peterborough union organizer who figures prominently in the story.

If you’ve never been to Robert Winslow’s scenic country property off Zion Line, do yourself a big favour and take in this play. There’s something about an outdoor theatre setting that an indoor venue can’t match.

Performance dates are July 30 to August 3, August 6 to 10, 13 to 17, and 20 to 24, with curtain at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 ($45 for children and youth ages five to 16), with $38 tickets available for preview nights. To order tickets, visit www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

Gabs knows her Babs and takes on a journey in the process in Port Hope

VIDEO: “Don’t Rain On My Parade” – Gabi Epstein

Yet another iconic singer is paid tribute, this time at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre where cabaret performer Gabi Epstein shares the tale of her own creative journey via the music of Barbra Streisand.

Billed as “a love letter from one artist to another,” Gabs Sings Babs will see Epstein, accompanied by pianist Mark Camilleri, give full evidence of why she’s referred to as Canada’s Barbra Streisand.

Conceived by Epstein, debuted at the Toronto Jazz Festival and since brought to stages across the country, Epstein released an album version of the show in 2022 — each track a reimagined and rearranged version of Streisand’s signature songs.

Epstein is also an accomplished actress. Her credits include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at Stratford and Fanny Brice in Funny Girl at Montreal’s Segal Theatre. She shared a Dora Mavor Moore Award with the cast of Once at Toronto’s Mirvish Theatre.

But for all Epstein’s acting credits and resulting praise, Gabs Sings Babs is her calling card; a deeply personal exploration of her own trajectory that only a seasoned and confident performer can pull off so very well.

Performance dates in the Capitol’s intimate Bob Sculthorpe Theatre are July 31, August 1 to 3, and 8 to 11. Tickets for cabaret-style seating are $45 ($35 for those under $30), with a special $70 shop, dine, & show package that also includes vouchers at participating retail shops and restaurants in downtown Port Hope. Purchase tickets online at capitoltheatre.com.

Westben welcomes one of Campbellford’s own to The Campfire

VIDEO: “Honest” – Seyblu

What’s going on at Westben that continues to attract such great acts to the Campbellford venue? Whatever it is, it’s far from broke with no fixing required.

A summer season that has already brought us The Barra MacNeils, Angela Hewitt, Steven Page, and Sarah Slean to Westben continues to impress, presenting a terrific jazz double bill on Saturday, August 3rd.

The 2 p.m. matinee in The Barn, featuring the dynamic Holly Cole, is sold out but tickets remain on sale for the 8 p.m. nightcap featuring Seyblu at The Campfire, an intimate outdoor space featuring — you guessed it — a campfire.

Seyblu is the stage name of Campbellford-raised Chelsey Bennett, a singer who, for years now, has skilfully integrated jazz and R&B into her songwriting. Many will recall her local performances with longtime stage collaborator Rob Phillips on piano.

This pared-down acoustic performance will feature unique arrangements of Seyblu’s favourite songs, such as “Backwards,” “17,” and “Honest,” as well as newly released music.

Seyblu is now rooted in Toronto, making this a homecoming well worth catching. Tickets, at $35 — $33 for seniors, $30 for under 30, and $5 for under 18 — can be ordered online at westben.ca but don’t delay as seating is limited.

Billy Talent et al will get hearts pumping in Peterborough

VIDEO: “Rusted From The Rain” – Billy Talent (2010)

For a band that has amassed seven Juno Awards from 22 total nominations, Billy Talent has strangely flown under the radar for many.

It’s not like the rock quartet hasn’t been at it for a while. Led by lead singer Benjamin Kowalewicz, the Mississauga export formed in 1993, starting as Pezz before becoming Billy Talent in 1999.

On Tuesday, August 6th, Billy Talent will headline at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, joined by Juno Award-winning duo Crown Lands from Oshawa and all-female Quebec band Nobro.

Tickets to the 7 p.m. show cost $60.99 to $90.99, and can be purchased at the box office or online at www.memorialcentre.ca.

This promises to be a head banger’s dream, with Billy Talent drawing from material featured on its six studio albums — the most recent being 2022’s Crisis of Faith. Punk rock, alternative rock, pop punk — whatever your preference, it’ll be on the menu with generous helpings. Not for the faint of heart, for sure, but that’s what will make it an event in every sense of the word.

Encore

• With the 2024 inductees to Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame now known, it’s so great to see music and the arts again well represented. Three of the 10 inductees — Melissa Payne, Earl Wilfong, and Glen Caradus — have made entertaining us their life mission. Also in the mix is artist Spencer J. Harrison and John Lewis, the latter bringing countless local musicians into our living rooms via his YourTV programs Junction 28 and The Skinny. Hats off to all the inductees, and to the Pathway of Fame for continuing to press home how much we need those who sing, play an instrument, paint, dance and act in our collective lives.
• With Beau Dixon’s July 20th appearance at Del Crary Park, Peterborough Musicfest hit the halfway mark of its 37th 16-concert summer schedule. How did that happen? It seems like it was yesterday that we gathered in Millennium Park for the line-up reveal. There’s still a load of great music until the August 17 closer featuring David Wilcox, with the remaining schedule posted at www.ptbomusicfest.ca. If you haven’t been in a bit, make a point of taking in a show. It’s free admission, and it’s fun. Late festival founder Fred Anderson is smiling somewhere. Bet on it.