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Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell are joint recipients of Peterborough Folk Festival’s 2023 Emerging Artist Award

By kawarthaNOW -
Peterborough musicians Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell are the joint recipients of the Peterborough Folk Festival's 2023 Emerging Artist Award. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)

The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced two local musicians, Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell, are the recipients of the festival’s 2023 Emerging Artist Award.

This is the first time in the history of the annual award, created in 2001 to recognize emerging young local talent deserving of attention, that the festival has selected joint recipients.

Applicants for the award may be solo artists, groups, or bands and must live in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, including Hiawatha, Curve Lake, and Alderville First Nations, and be under the age of 30. A committee assesses applicants on skill, dedication, and artistic merit.

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“With the record number and high calibre of submissions, the festival has decided to award two emerging artists for 2023: Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell,” reads a media release issued on Tuesday (June 27).

The 2023 Emerging Artist Award is sponsored by Cambium Consulting and Engineering, Engage Engineering Ltd., and Part Time CFO Services.

Going by the stage name of Irish Millie, Peterborough’s Amelia “Millie” Shadgett is a 16-year-old fiddle player who loves to play east coast, bluegrass, and contemporary traditional styles, particularly driving and up-beat tunes that get the crowd up on their feet.

VIDEO: “Meals By Maurice” by The Receivers

She was only three years old when she heard Canadian fiddling icon Natalie MacMaster perform at a square-dancing event and, three years later, got her first fiddle. As a youngster, she busked every Saturday along with her guitar-playing father and collaborator Murray Shadgett at the local farmers’ market to gain experience and help pay for music camp.

The Lakefield College School student, who performs regularly at local venues with her father and with Ottawa-area sisters Fern and Willow Marwood in their trio The Receivers, has already received nominations for two Canadian Folk Music Awards as Young Performer of the Year. She was nominated in 2022 for her debut album Thirteen and in 2023 for her work with The Receivers.

In addition to regularly playing in the Peterborough area, Millie has toured in Denmark and is touring Canada’s east coast of Canada this summer. She also toured with The Receivers in Vermont this past spring.

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“It is truly an incredible feeling to be recognized for my art in this beautiful city that I call home,” Millie says. “I am grateful and honoured to be receiving Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Award alongside the very talented Nicholas Campbell. I have been very lucky to have the full force of the Peterborough community behind me from a very young age. I can not wait to get up on that stage and make you proud — see you there!”

Another local musical prodigy, Peterborough resident Nicholas Campbell first picked up the guitar at the age of 10, inspired by musicians of the last century including honky-tonk singer-songwriter and guitarist Faron Young and rockabilly singer-songwriter guitarist Brian Setzer (Stray Cats, Brian Setzer Orchestra) and began performing at the age of 11.

In 2021, Nicholas released his debut album Livin’ and Other Western Ideas, backed by his band The Two Meter Cheaters, featuring his own original rockabilly, western swing, and classic honky tonk tunes. The album received airplay from western Canada to Spain and Italy and beyond. Along with fronting The Two Meter Cheaters, Nicholas has also played lead guitar for Melissa Payne, Pat Temple, Jane Archer, and other musicians.

“Hot Rod Daddy” – Nicholas Campbell & The Two Metre Cheaters

With their upcoming new album Gonna Have A Ball Tonight, Nicholas and his band have embraced a more rock n’ roll-centric sound, adding renewed energy to Campbell’s signature country sensibilities.

“I’m very grateful to be part of such a supportive music scene and I feel very fortunate to be recognized as emerging artist”, Nicholas says. “It’s very humbling to be recognized on a list with so many other great artists.”

Millie and Nicholas join a long list of Peterborough-area musicians who have received the Emerging Artist Award, starting with Millbrook’s Serena Ryder in 2001.

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Recipients of the award are given showcase spots at the festival and receive a trip to the Folk Music Ontario annual conference, where they have the opportunity to meet artistic directors, festival organizers, agents and publicists, and other musicians.

Here’s the full list of recipients (no award was given in 2020 due to the pandemic):

  • 2023 – Irish Millie / Nicholas Campbell
  • 2022 – Nathan Truax
  • 2021 – Lauryn Macfarlane
  • 2020 – No award
  • 2019 – Paper Shakers
  • 2018 – Hillary Dumoulin
  • 2017 – Mary-Kate Edwards
  • 2016 – Nick Procyshyn
  • 2015 – Evangeline Gentle
  • 2014 – The Lonely Parade
  • 2013 – Dylan Ireland
  • 2012 – Jos Fortin
  • 2011 – Melissa Payne
  • 2010 – Kate LeDeuce
  • 2009 – Missy Knott
  • 2008 – Sean Conway
  • 2007 – Dave Simard & Kelly McMichael
  • 2006 – Drea Nasager
  • 2005 – Benj Rowland
  • 2004 – Beau Dixon
  • 2003 – Jill Staveley
  • 2002 – James McKenty
  • 2001 – Serena Ryder
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Related stories

Canadian Celtic musician Loreena McKennitt to headline Peterborough Folk Festival on August 20

Juno-winning children’s music duo Splash’N Boots to perform at Peterborough Folk Festival on August 20

Acclaimed alt-rockers Broken Social Scene to headline Peterborough Folk Festival on August 19

The 2023 Peterborough Folk Festival kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18th at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by an admission-by-donation weekend of music and more on Saturday, August 19th and Sunday, August 20th at Nicholls Oval Park.

The festival has already announced acclaimed alt-rockers Broken Social Scene will be the Saturday headliner and renowned Canadian singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt will be the Sunday headliner, with Juno award-winning children’s music duo Splash’N Boots also performing on Sunday.

Organizers will be announcing the complete line-up of performers soon.

The festival is currently seeking additional food vendors. For more information about the festival, including how to get involved as an artist, volunteer, or vendor, visit www.peterboroughfolkfest.com.

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the 2023 Peterborough Folk Festival.

Peterborough GreenUP’s Summer Ride Club invites youth to cruise into summer with nine weeks of bike challenges

By GreenUP -
Families and trusted adults are encouraged to participate in Peterborough GreenUP's Summer Ride Club and are invited to the kick-off event at Quaker Foods City Square on June 29, 2023 from 2 to 6 p.m. While Summer Ride Club offers something for everyone, a trusted adult will be required to sign up participants for an online community, where they can have a chance to win prizes. (Photo: Jessica Todd / GreenUP)

This week in Peterborough, GreenUP’s Summer Ride Club is set to get rolling!

Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s column is by Natalie Stephenson, Director of Programs, GreenUP.

Join us for the Summer Ride Club Kick-Off, a drop-in cycling celebration at Quaker Foods City Square on Thursday, June 29th from 2 to 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us at the kick-off. Come ride the bike playgrounds, get tips on bike maintenance and helmet fitting, and get ready to join Summer Ride Club.

Summer Ride Club is a new self-directed club where participants embark on nine unique club challenges throughout the summer. Families and kids are invited to complete a new challenge each week of summer, explore new places, and document their experiences in the Ride Club passport.

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The Summer Ride Club passport features destination ideas, bike safety tips, and space to record your biking journey like a journal. The challenges are designed to be inclusive, allowing people of all ages and skill levels to participate.

From pedalling to playgrounds, biking to a beach, or biking to a buddy, each challenge also features a safety tip or information essential to a successful ride.

Club participants can complete their Summer Ride Club rides in any order and at their own pace. There are options for everyone to ride, whether cruising through familiar neighbourhood spaces or pedalling to new places.

Participants in Peterborough GreenUP's Summer Ride Club have a chance to bike to the beach, as one of the nine destinations is Rogers Cove. Participants can pick up a Summer Ride Club passport at the Summer Ride Club Kick-Off at Quaker Foods City Square on June 29, 2023 from 2 to 6 p.m. and afterwards from GreenUP and B!KE. (Photo: Natalie Stephenson / GreenUP)
Participants in Peterborough GreenUP’s Summer Ride Club have a chance to bike to the beach, as one of the nine destinations is Rogers Cove. Participants can pick up a Summer Ride Club passport at the Summer Ride Club Kick-Off at Quaker Foods City Square on June 29, 2023 from 2 to 6 p.m. and afterwards from GreenUP and B!KE. (Photo: Natalie Stephenson / GreenUP)

Cycling this summer is not only fun, but healthy too.

Only 39 per cent of children and youth meet the recommended guidelines to complete 60 minutes of physical activity per day, according to the 2017 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Summer Ride Club will encourage children and youth to have fun while reaching their activity goals this summer.

Ten-year-old Denver, young bike advocate, gives his public appraisal for the program. “This is a great idea to get kids back on their bikes,” he says.

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Summer Ride Club emphasizes the importance of route planning. This program and the passport itself highlight locations with dedicated bikeways and separated multi-use trails in the city. Planning with a trusted adult or biking buddy to select the safest route is encouraged and helps support young riders to develop spatial orientation, gain confidence, and become safer, more competent cyclists.

Tegan Moss, executive director of GreenUP and previous executive director at B!KE: The Community Bike Shop, encourages young riders to take advantage of this free resource to gain agency on the roads.

“Not only will Summer Ride Club teach independence, but it will also provide a healthy reason for young people to explore their community,” she says. “We look forward to seeing more kids using the sidewalks, trails, and cycling facilities.”

Otonabee Conservation's Jackson Creek trail system is a 4.2-kilometre multi-use flat and wide trail bed that offers young cyclists a safe, structured path to learning stability, navigation, and route-planning. (Photo: Natalie Stephenson / GreenUP)
Otonabee Conservation’s Jackson Creek trail system is a 4.2-kilometre multi-use flat and wide trail bed that offers young cyclists a safe, structured path to learning stability, navigation, and route-planning. (Photo: Natalie Stephenson / GreenUP)

Summer Ride Club introduces Peterborough kids to the many places to explore in the Peterborough area this summer. Participants are invited to use maps that specifically highlight cycling infrastructure or to select the “biking” layer on Google Maps.

Kids and families may particularly enjoy cycling to the Library via the new Bethune street bike boulevard, or head to Rogers Cove on a section of the Trans-Canada Trail.

For older kids who might be working toward independence, some additional “hard mode” rides are included in the passport. For these challenges, a suggested route on Strava (an app that allows riders to track and share their trips) is mapped out.

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To join the club, younger participants need assistance from an adult. Together kids and their adults can register their passport, unlock weekly newsletters, prize draws, and an invitation to the end-of-summer celebration.

Summer Ride Club Kick-Off day on Thursday, June 29th is also the first official day of summer break for all students served by Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board. GreenUP is encouraging school-age kids and their trusted adults to come out for an afternoon of fun and activity to mark the start of summer.

The kick-off will feature bike safety check-ups with B!KE, DIY bike button making with the Peterborough Public Library’s book bike, space activation from Peterborough Recreation, and the Peterborough Cycling Club’s new portable bike park features.

Join Peterborough GreenUP at the Summer Ride Club Kick-Off at Quaker Foods City Square on June 29, 2023 from 2 to 6 p.m.to get bike checks, explore the bike playground and track, and join the club. (Photo: Jessica Todd, GreenUP)
Join Peterborough GreenUP at the Summer Ride Club Kick-Off at Quaker Foods City Square on June 29, 2023 from 2 to 6 p.m.to get bike checks, explore the bike playground and track, and join the club. (Photo: Jessica Todd, GreenUP)

The Summer Ride Club Kick-Off event is proud to be part of the nation-wide ParticipACTION Community Challenge throughout June and is funded in part by the Government of Canada. GreenUP is also excited to have the support of Hydro One’s Energizing Life Community Fund.

“As a proud member of the Peterborough community, Hydro One is committed to supporting local organizations that are working tirelessly to build a better and brighter future,” says Teri French, executive vice president of operations and customer experience at Hydro One. “We’re incredibly proud to support GreenUP’s Summer Ride Club which encourages the youth of the community to keep themselves active and healthy while exploring their city.”

Join the club, explore the city, and make lasting memories on two wheels. GreenUP’s web resource at greenup.on.ca/summer-ride-club has more details on how to join and RSVP for the kick-off event.

If there’s a face to Five Counties Children’s Centre, it’s Adam White

By Five Counties Children's Centre -
Five Counties' director of clinical services Darlene Callan (left) shares a moment of reflection with her one-time client, Adam White, whom she's known since he was a pre-schooler. Adam has since become a strong advocate and promoter of the life-changing work at Five Counties, serving as a volunteer, former board member, and past board chair. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)

Look up “ambassador” and Adam White’s picture may show up beside it. In the case of Five Counties Children’s Centre, Adam defines that term.

Every month, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides a story about the work of the charitable organization. This month’s story is Darlene Callan, Director of Clinical Services.

Adam is a strong advocate and promoter of the life-changing work that goes on here for kids and youth receiving treatment for physical, developmental, and communications challenges. Adam brings a unique perspective, as a Five Counties volunteer, former board member, past chair and — perhaps most significantly — a client who received treatment at Five Counties for many years.

At nine months of age, Adam was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and it was for that reason he came to Five Counties. I’ve known Adam since he was a pre-schooler, as he was my very first client when I started at Five Counties as a new therapist in 1982.

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Adam describes “growing up at Five Counties,” and he sure knew his way around (and to) the Centre. During our treatment sessions, he could tell you the exact route (street-by-street, including directional turns) to get to Five Counties. His attention to detail was evident even back then.

Adam was always very articulate, and it was obvious that he was very bright, even at the age of four. In fact, he used his verbal skills to distract staff and clinicians away from his therapy sessions, which truthfully were hard work for him.

He was blessed with supportive parents who had expectations for him, and were able to keep him focused on both his therapy and life goals. They supported him, pushed him, and knew when to let him go.

Adam White has a lifelong association with Five Counties Children's Centre. As a child, he received treatment at the centre and went on to become a youth volunteer supporting some of the same recreational programs in which he took part. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
Adam White has a lifelong association with Five Counties Children’s Centre. As a child, he received treatment at the centre and went on to become a youth volunteer supporting some of the same recreational programs in which he took part. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)

Adam received treatment for several years at Five Counties, took part in many of our recreational programs like sledge hockey, and eventually volunteered in those same programs.

As an adult, he became an educator and returned to Five Counties as a volunteer and board member.

Adam’s experience as a client at Five Counties has brought a unique perspective to the board. His insight as a former client and current teacher and educator has been invaluable. Adam served many years on Five Counties’ program and services advisory committee and, in that forum, his input and ideas were very helpful to me in my current position.

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Like others, Adam realizes that with changes in medical research and diagnoses, the needs of kids being seen at Five Counties change constantly. Adam supports the notion that, to meet a changing caseload, Five Counties must work smarter to be there for clients and their families at the right time, in the right place, with the right kind of service and intervention.

It is bittersweet to see Adam stepping away from the board at Five Counties this year, but perhaps timely given the new role he starts this fall as an elementary school vice-principal.

Fittingly, Adam was the keynote speaker at our recent annual general meeting. It’s always emotional to hear him speak, given the passion, poignancy and personal stories he relates about Five Counties. That was in evidence in comments he made in a recent video recording.

VIDEO: Adam’s Story

“Growing up at Five Counties really meant that I had a place to come to where I felt very welcomed, where I felt a lot of joy, but on the other hand, I also felt like I was coming to a place where people had high expectations for me,” Adam says in the video. “Early on in my life, that gave me the sense that really I could do anything I put my mind to. My parents told me that, and the staff at Five Counties told me that. When you take that atmosphere as the foundation and for your life, you can’t help but benefit.”

As a clinician working day-to-day with a child, it’s hard to picture them all grown up. In Adam’s case, I feel fortunate to have an ongoing connection and see all that he’s achieved.

When Adam talks about all that Five Counties has done for him, let’s not forget all he has done for us. Our staff feel a strong sense of pride and satisfaction from any role Five Counties may have played contributing to Adam’s success.

Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company announces its biggest season yet

By kawarthaNOW -
Peterborough's New Stages Theatre Company has announced its 2023-24 season, which includes an all-star cabaret tribute to founding artistic director Randy Read, pictured here performing in a 2017 production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. Read stepped down as artistic director at the end of 2022, passing the reins to Mark Wallace. (Photo: Andy Carroll)

Having completed its 25th anniversary season earlier in June, Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company has already announced its next season — and it’s the biggest one yet, with eight productions taking place from October 2023 to June 2024.

Established in 1997, New Stages Theatre is a not-for-profit charitable organization with a mission is to bring the best of contemporary professional theatre to Peterborough-Nogojiwanong.

The 2023-2024 season includes New Stages Theatre’s very popular staged reading series, an outrageous cabaret tribute to founding artistic director Randy Read, a week-long festival of exciting new work (appropriately entitled “Brand New Stages”) and, for the first time in the theatre company’s history, a joyous holiday production in December.

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While individual tickets are not yet available, you can now purchase one of two early-bird subscription packages at www.newstages.ca.

The 2023-2024 season kicks off at 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 1st at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre with a staged reading of This Is How We Got Here, Keith Barker’s heartbreaking yet heartwarming play following a close-knit family as they deal with an unexpected loss. Nominated in 2018 for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the play won the Playwrights Guild of Canada’s Carol Bolt Award in 2020.

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17th, New Stages Theatre will be honouring founding artistic director Randy Read with Let’s Get Randy, an outrageously fun cabaret tribute with all-star performers gathering from near and far to sing and sling stories. Read stepped down as artistic director at the end of 2022, passing the reins to Mark Wallace, although he has continued to be involved in the theatre company, including performing in The Secret Mask this past May after recovering from a serious injury.

Dance-theatre artist Dreda Blow (left) and puppeteer Brad Brackenridge (right) presented "The Lear Project" at the Erring at King George multi-arts festival in May 2022. As part of its week-long Brand New Stages festival in February and March 2024, Blow and Brackenridge will perform "Looking for Lear" at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Dance-theatre artist Dreda Blow (left) and puppeteer Brad Brackenridge (right) presented “The Lear Project” at the Erring at King George multi-arts festival in May 2022. As part of its week-long Brand New Stages festival in February and March 2024, Blow and Brackenridge will perform “Looking for Lear” at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)

New Stages Theatre will celebrate the holiday season from Wednesday, December 13th to Sunday, December 17th with It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. This unique production of the beloved classic is set in a 1940s radio studio, with five actors playing all the roles and creating all the sound effects in front of the live “studio” audience.

From Tuesday, February 27th to Sunday, March 3th, New Stages Theatre is presenting Brand New Stages, a festival of exciting new work including from local artists:

Looking for Lear by Dreda Blow and Brad Brackenridge is a workshop production at Market Hall arising from their acclaimed puppetry and dance production The Lear Project presented at Erring at King George in May 2022.

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Life Without by Steve Ross, the Stratford actor who is well known to New Stages Theatre audiences, will be presented as a staged reading at Market Hall. The play, about the journey of a close-knit family moving forward after a tragedy, will premiere in August at the 2023 Here For Now open-air festival behind the Stratford Perth Museum.

Tussaud/Antoinette, written and directed by New York-based artist Jody Christopherson, will be presented as a staged reading at The Theatre On King. The solo performance is a gothic horror re-imagining of the historical fantasy of Madame Marie Tussaud’s relationship with one of her most famous subjects, Marie Antoinette. Before Tussaud achieved wax museum fame, she was a sculptor who was nearly guillotined during the French Revolution but escaped the Reign of Terror by using her talents and went on to not only document history but to become it.

On Mother’s Day weekend (Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th), New Stages Theatre will present a staged reading of Love, Loss, and What I Wore by the late Nora Ephron (Silkwood, When Harry Met Sally) and her sister and screenwriting collaborator Delia Ephron (Mixed Nuts, You’ve Got Mail). Based on the 1995 book of the same name by Ilene Beckerman, the play is an intimate collection of monologues by women about pivotal moments in their lives and how they were shaped by the clothes that they wore. Linda Kash will direct the staged reading at Market Hall.

Nora and Delia Ephron's "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" debuted Off-Broadway in 2009 with a cast featuring Rosie O'Donnell, Tyne Daly, Samantha Bee, Natasha Lyonne, and Katie Finneran. New Stages Theatre Company will present a staged reading directed by Linda Kash on Mother's Day weekend in 2024. (Photo: Carol Rosegg)
Nora and Delia Ephron’s “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” debuted Off-Broadway in 2009 with a cast featuring Rosie O’Donnell, Tyne Daly, Samantha Bee, Natasha Lyonne, and Katie Finneran. New Stages Theatre Company will present a staged reading directed by Linda Kash on Mother’s Day weekend in 2024. (Photo: Carol Rosegg)

The season will wrap up at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9th with a staged reading at Market Hall of Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang. The semi-autobiographical play satirizes the once-common practice of casting White actors to play Asian roles on stage and screen.

Two early bird subscription packages are now available for New Stages Theatre’s 2023-24 season. The regular package includes all five mainstage shows and one of the Brand New Stages shows for $150 plus venue fees. The limited-quantity premium package includes all eight shows for $170 plus venue fees.

Subscription packages are available online now at www.newstages.ca.

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of New Stages Theatre Company’s 2023-24 season.

Peterborough Musicfest celebrates Canada Day with Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy

By Paul Rellinger -
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will perform a free-admission concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 1st at Del Crary Park to open Peterborough Musicfest's 36th summer season. (Publicity photo)
Peterborough Musicfest presents
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

When: Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 8 p.m.
Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough)
How much: Free admission

Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.

More than a few families are well acquainted with the day-to-day challenges presented when both parents work outside the home.

Juggling schedules is an art form that calls upon the dexterity of a seasoned circus performer while simply being there for the kids is a task in itself.

When Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy married in 2002, each brought a busy and successful musical career to the union. Over the years that followed, they also brought seven children to the mix — all while touring and recording as Canada’s reigning power couple of fiddle-infused Celtic music, often with their very musical children in tow.

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While the couple has no doubt sacrificed, passing on gigs and other professional obligations with the family front of mind, such will not be the case on Saturday, July 1st when MacMaster and Leahy open the 36th season of Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park.

As has been the case since the late Moe Koffman headlined on Canada Day in 1987, admission to the 8 p.m. concert is free. The concert will run until around 9:30 p.m., with the City of Peterborough providing a Canada Day fireworks display over Little Lake following the concert.

MacMaster and Leahy arrive in Peterborough just a few months removed from the release of their third album together. Canvas is aptly titled, with its addition of rock, pop, Latin and classical influences to their trademark Celtic sound.

VIDEO: “The Chase” – Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

The duo’s latest studio collaboration comes eight years after the release of their million-selling debut album One, which was followed by 2016’s A Celtic Family Christmas.

Nova Scotia born, MacMaster picked up a fiddle at age nine and never put it down, no doubt influenced at the time by her uncle Buddy MacMaster, a Cape Breton fiddler of considerable renown.

“I never intended to make a career out of it (music), mostly because I didn’t think it was possible,” says MacMaster in an interview provided by their management.

“Even the most adored fiddlers in Cape Breton had day jobs. And yet, here I am. I’m continually amazed by what the fiddle has brought to my life It has carried me through my childhood, through my teens, my young adult life, my married life and now motherhood. And I still love it as much as ever. Same with Donnell. It’s unexpected and awesome.”

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Leahy, meanwhile, cut his musical chops as a fiddler with the much-loved Lakefield family band of the same name.

“The fiddle was definitely common ground for us when we first got together,” recalls MacMaster.

“I was so in awe of Donnell’s family; of 11 siblings who could play and had a family band. And here I am now doing almost exactly the same thing. Well, kind of.”

Early on, the couple realized being on the road without their kids was more difficult than touring with them by their side. The fact that they were already being homeschooled by MacMaster, who has a teaching degree, made that decision all the more palatable.

VIDEO: A Celtic Family Christmas with Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

“Initially, we were reluctant to let the kids perform; we worried the expectations might be too much,” adds Leahy.

“But then one night, we put Mary Frances on stage. Soon after that, Michael wanted to play. And you must reward practice.”

And practice brings rewards, as both parents well know.

MacMaster’s resumé is peppered with a number of Canadian music awards, including several Artist of the Year nods from the East Coast Music Association and two Juno Awards for Best Instrumental Album. Fourteen years after she made a member of the Order of Canada, her home province named her a member of the Order of Nova Scotia in 2020.

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Meanwhile, Leahy shared in the family’s musical success of the late 1990s — a period which saw three Juno Awards come their way as Canadians fell in love with the siblings’ step-dancing ways and fiddle-heavy musicianship.

As central to the family’s dynamic as the stage is the 120-acre farm that dates back through generations of Leahys. It too has played a key role in their children’s development and education.

“Running the farm is a great counterpoint to life on the road,” says Leahy, adding “We believe in work and the farm is a wonderful place for the kids to learn through their chores.”

VIDEO: “Colour Theory” – Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy featuring Brian Finnegan

With their Musicfest appearance marking the start of a busy summer ahead, the family continues to do what it has done so very well to date — be together, whether that’s at the farm or on the road or any point in between.

“This whole thing — first playing music by myself, then playing music with Donnell, then touring with Donnell and the children and all of us playing music together — has evolved in a very natural way,” says MacMaster. “We feel incredibly lucky to be together as a family and to be letting our children develop their musical talent.”

“The only downside is that we can’t do all we’re asked to do and might like to do in other circumstances because we are parents first,” adds Leahy. “You think about touring Australia and Ireland and The Netherland. But then you remember the kids’ math homework has to get done.”

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Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 15 free-admission concerts during its 36th season, each staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights until August 19th, and supported by more than 100 sponsors, kawarthaNOW among them.

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

For more information on this concert or the entire 2023 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.

VIDEO: “Fiddler’s Despair” – Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2023 season.

19-year-old man drowns in Otonabee River in Peterborough on Sunday night

By kawarthaNOW -

A 19-year-old man who had recently arrived in Peterborough to study at Fleming College drowned on Sunday night (June 25).

At around 8:30 p.m., Peterborough police, fire services, and paramedics responded to a 9-1-1 call for help off Turtle Island on the Otonabee River south of Parkhill Road East. The man had gone into the Otonabee River but did not resurface.

Police searched the shoreline and deployed the remotely piloted aircraft system, while firefighters deployed resources including two boats to help in the search.

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About an hour later, firefighters located the missing man in the water.

While lifesaving measures were started and continued by paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

The man had just recently arrived in Peterborough as an international student and was attending Fleming College. His next of kin have been notified.

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Calling the student’s death “an immense tragedy for our college community,” Fleming College is providing support for students, staff, and faculty, with counsellors directly supporting the student’s friends and classmates.

Havelock dog mom turns fight to save fur baby’s leg into fast-growing healthy pet treat business

By Megan Gallant -
Havelock resident Meg Kynock, founder and owner of muttmixx, with her beloved powderpuff Kevin Bacon on June 18, 2023 at the Quinte Ride for Paws Poker Run fundraiser. Kynock developed her muttmixx pet treats two years ago to help Kevin recover after he was attacked by another dog and almost lost his leg. (Photo courtesy of Amy Deroche www.derochesportsphotography.com)

Any dog mom and dad would know that a love for a fur baby will make you do all kinds of things you never thought you’d do, like let them eat off your plate or sit on the couch.

For Meg Kynock, the love for her pooch named Kevin Bacon led to muttmixx, a small business centred on healthy pet treats.

Though Kynock now spends upwards of 40 or 50 hours per week baking healthy, natural, vegan treats for dogs in her Havelock home kitchen, opening a business wasn’t her plan. She has always been a full-time foster mom to teenagers — something she loves and says will always come first.

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But Kynock’s life changed direction one afternoon two years ago when she watched her beloved then three-year-old powderpuff suffer a severe dog attack. Kynock sat in the vet’s waiting room for nine hours as Kevin underwent surgery to repair the torn tissue in his leg, which he almost lost.

“I was so mortified,” she recalls. “He’s such a happy spirit. He’s always a go-go guy. He almost lost his leg, and I just couldn’t do that to him. I wasn’t ready to take it off.”

A cross between a Mexican hairless dog and a Chinese Crested dog, Kevin Bacon is described affectionately by Kynock as a “cool little dude” who is always wanting to adventure and go for runs with her. Kynock was told it would be a long time before he was back to himself again and able to exude the same energy as he once did before the attack.

Meg Kynock's powderpuff Kevin Bacon, a cross between a Mexican hairless dog and a Chinese Crested dog, poses with a bag of Kynock's muttmixx healthy pet treats. After Kevin was seriously injured in a dog attack, she developed muttmixx to bring him back to health. (Photo courtesy of Meg Kynock)
Meg Kynock’s powderpuff Kevin Bacon, a cross between a Mexican hairless dog and a Chinese Crested dog, poses with a bag of Kynock’s muttmixx healthy pet treats. After Kevin was seriously injured in a dog attack, she developed muttmixx to bring him back to health. (Photo courtesy of Meg Kynock)

But miraculously, last October, Kynock watched as Kevin jumped off a dock, swam across Rice Lake, and jumped into her kayak. Now Kevin runs 10 kilometres per week, takes 40-minute walks each night, and is fully healed. And he’s never needed arthritis medication or pain medication beyond the initial recovery from his long surgery.

Instead, he was given daily doses of Kynock’s healthy treats. As a long-time dog owner, she has always kept her dogs on holistic, raw pet food diets and wanted to continue this throughout Kevin’s recovery.

“I think it’s important we understand that dogs aren’t supposed to eat what we eat,” she explains. “You don’t see a coyote going into the forest and cooking his rabbit or getting sprinkles on his cake. So I try and keep everything as rustic and raw as possible.”

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To keep him on a healthy diet, Kynock began feeding Kevin little cookies, or “concoctions”, that she made with the help of a friend. They were simply made with hemp seed, turmeric, and carrot. It didn’t take long for Kynock to see the change it was making in Kevin, who was healing despite not being on any medication.

She thought she should share her treats and Kevin’s story, made a social media post, and texted a few friends offering samples. By the next day Kynock had 40 orders and nine hours of deliveries to make for dog owners who wanted to sample the cookies.

That’s when she noticed there really was a demand for her natural dog food products. Last May, she took on the business on her own and learned to bake in 24 hours. Though hemp and turmeric remain the main ingredients, she began researching and experimenting with other ingredients to add to the original recipes.

“I did research on chia seed. I did research on flaxseed. I did research on all the seeds that are healthy, all the things that are safe. I found out that carrots, when frozen, are natural tartar removers, so I added shredded carrots. Everything that I have done has health benefits. It’s not just a cookie that tastes good — everything is a healthy product.”

Meg Kynock's muttmixx currently come in three different flavours: carrot and chai, pureed pumpkin and flaxseed, and peanut butter and banana. Though the originals are soft and chewy, muttmixx also comes as dehydrated treats. The healthy pet food brand also offers an all-natural food topper. All products are vegan and free of sugar, salt, gluten, and dairy. (Photo courtesy of Meg Kynock)
Meg Kynock’s muttmixx currently come in three different flavours: carrot and chai, pureed pumpkin and flaxseed, and peanut butter and banana. Though the originals are soft and chewy, muttmixx also comes as dehydrated treats. The healthy pet food brand also offers an all-natural food topper. All products are vegan and free of sugar, salt, gluten, and dairy. (Photo courtesy of Meg Kynock)

Now muttmixx comes in three different flavours: carrot and chia, pumpkin flax, and peanut butter banana. While the fresh-baked cookies are soft and chewy, muttmixx also offers dehydrated treats for those preferring treats with a longer shelf life.

All products are vegan and free of sugar, salt, gluten, and dairy. Kynock explains she adds a specific seed or nut to every cookie to get the proper omegas and healthy fats. And, she notes, dogs love them.

In the year since muttmixx has been on the market, Kynock says health benefits to various dogs have included decreased pain and inflammation, allergies for skin and coat, weight management, joint care, digestive relief, and even cancer prevention.

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The treats help Kynock’s other dog, a beagle named Elvis Presley (yes, both her dogs are famously named), with his fear of fireworks. She’ll give him some on Canada Day or when she knows there will be fireworks, and it puts him in a more relaxed state.

According to Kynock, other success stories include dogs with hip dysplasia being unable to walk up the stairs prior to regularly consuming muttmixx, and lessened inflammation for older dogs with cancerous cysts.

She says all of the ingredients are sourced from local farms, including fresh carrots, organic and pureed pumpkin, and organic bananas.

In the year since she’s launched muttmixx on her own, Kynock has set up at markets and festivals across Ontario, including the recent Ride for Paws in Quinte (where she raised and donated $120 for Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward and other animal care organizations) and Slobberfest 2023 in Toronto. She’s been doing events since the beginning and has no intention to stop, no matter how much muttmixx grows.

“I’ll never stop doing events on weekends,” she says. “I love going out and meeting all the dogs and the people and hearing the stories they share with me.”

Meg Kynock gets a big kiss from muttmixx mascot Kevin Bacon. A full-time foster mom, Kynock had never baked before creating muttmixx, a healthy and natural treat that she says provides a variety of health benefits to dogs, including for Kevin after he almost lost his leg two years ago after being attacked by another dog and has now fully recovered. (Photo courtesy of Meg Kynock)
Meg Kynock gets a big kiss from muttmixx mascot Kevin Bacon. A full-time foster mom, Kynock had never baked before creating muttmixx, a healthy and natural treat that she says provides a variety of health benefits to dogs, including for Kevin after he almost lost his leg two years ago after being attacked by another dog and has now fully recovered. (Photo courtesy of Meg Kynock)

As of now, her products are featured on 10 ‘pawtio’ menus in downtown Toronto, as well as dog-friendly restaurants in Campbellford and Kingston. muttmixx can also be found in eight independent stores and is distributed across the province from Woodland Raw Pet Food.

According to Kynock, however, most of her reach actually comes from word of mouth.

“I am more referral than I am anything else, which is a super-amazing thing to be in a small town and a small business.”

She uses her Facebook group to keep her regular customers connected and to tell them about upcoming delivery dates. The group, which she describes as “fun, light, and educational,” currently has over 800 members.

“People are just connecting, and I just love the fact that it’s all about dogs,” she says. “They’re making friends and connecting with each other about their dog. And some people have made friends with each other — they’re doing dog walks together because their dogs have high anxiety. I just love the fact there’s that opportunity for connection.”

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She even says she’s formed her own friendships that she never would have expected, and has heard from members of the Facebook group who admit they don’t even have a dog — they just join for the connections and “fun energy” of the group.

They also come to see pictures of muttmixx’s mascot Kevin, which doesn’t even surprise Kynock.

“If I go to an event and I don’t bring him because it’s too hot, someone will come say ‘OK, well, we came to see Kevin. We don’t have a dog, but I’m on your page and I just wanted to see Kevin.'”

Meg Kynock's muttmixx healthy dog treat business is growing fast and her products can be found at dog-friendly restaurants in Toronto, Campbellford, and Kingston, as well as in eight independent stores. muttmixx is distributed across Ontario through Woodland Raw Pet Food, and Kynock hopes to open her own brick-and-mortar location in the future. (Photo courtesy of Meg Kynock)
Meg Kynock’s muttmixx healthy dog treat business is growing fast and her products can be found at dog-friendly restaurants in Toronto, Campbellford, and Kingston, as well as in eight independent stores. muttmixx is distributed across Ontario through Woodland Raw Pet Food, and Kynock hopes to open her own brick-and-mortar location in the future. (Photo courtesy of Meg Kynock)

While Kynock’s “big goal” is to open a brick-and-mortar storefront to share muttmixx while also having access to a larger baking space, her aim for next year is to get muttmixx into Whole Foods.

Despite these very achievable goals that showcase how much muttmixx has grown in the past year, Kynock admits she never anticipated any of it.

“I honestly had no idea this was going to happen. I really just did it for Kevin.”

You can purchase muttmixx online at www.muttmixx.ca. For pictures of Kevin, you can follow muttmixx on Instagram or join the muttmixx Facebook group.

Air quality statement for smoke in effect for northern Kawarthas Sunday

By kawarthaNOW -
Smoke from forest fires in Quebec hangs over the Township of Highlands East in Haliburton County on June 25, 2023. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement because of smoke for the northern Kawarthas region on Sunday (June 25).

The special air quality statement is in effect for Haliburton County, Hastings Highlands, northern Kawartha Lakes, and northern Peterborough County.

Smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec moved into the area early Sunday morning, resulting in high levels of air pollution and deteriorated air quality.

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Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

People respond differently to smoke. Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.

Conditions are expected to improve on Monday.

 

This story has been updated to include northern Peterborough County in the special air quality statement.

One person dead after ATV rollover in Haliburton County Saturday afternoon

By kawarthaNOW -

One person is dead after an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rolled over in Haliburton County late Saturday afternoon (June 24).

Shortly before 6 p.m., Haliburton Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded to the collision on Madill Road near Glamor Lake Road, west of Tory Hill in Highlands East Township.

The driver, the lone occupant of the ATV, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Madill Road will remain closed for several hours will police document the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage and has not yet spoken with police is asked to call the Haliburton Highlands OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Two hours earlier, a passenger vehicle rolled over on Highway 35 in Minden Hills Township, sending two people to hospital with serious injuries.

Two people seriously injured after vehicle rollover on Highway 35 in Haliburton County Saturday afternoon

By kawarthaNOW -

Two people were seriously injured in a single-vehicle rollover on Highway 35 in Haliburton County late Saturday afternoon (June 24).

Shortly after 4 p.m., Haliburton Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded to the collision in Minden Hills Township.

A passenger vehicle travelling southbound on Highway 35 crossed into the northbound lanes and rolled, coming to a rest on Moore Lake Estates Road.

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Two occupants, including one who was extricated from the vehicle, suffered serious injuries. They were transported to Haliburton hospital before being airlifted by Ornge air ambulance to a Toronto-area trauma centre.

Highway 35 northbound was reduced to one lane while police investigated and has since reopened.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage and has not yet spoken with police is asked to call the Haliburton Highlands OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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