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The Strumbellas headline May 25 benefit concert for BGC Kawarthas ‘celebrating and standing guard for Canada’

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
The Strumbellas are headlining the "O Canada" benefit concert for BGC Kawarthas at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay on May 25, 2025. Hosted by Erica Ehm, the concert celebrating Canadian music will also feature other all-Canadian performers including Tyler Kyte and Nick Rose (members of Dwayne Gretzky), Russell deCarle (former frontman of Prairie Oyster), Melissa Payne, Cassie Noble, Cale Crowe, Gamekeeper, and local youth punk band Mis-Hap, with a house band featuring Frazer Turk, D'Arcy Mason, Graeme Morrison, and Andy McNeilly. (Photo: Stephanie Montani)

Musicians are uniting in May for a concert celebrating Canada while supporting a local charity for children and youth.

BGC Kawarthas is inviting residents of the Kawarthas to gather at FLATO Academy Theatre in Lindsay on May 25 and celebrate civic pride together with prominent names of the local music scene, including headliners The Strumbellas.

“Canadian pride and identity have never been stronger than they are today,” BGC Kawarthas stated in a media release. “In the midst of international tension, Canadians across the country are taking action to buy and support Canadian products and to protect what makes us unique. For many, Canadian culture is one of the things that sets us apart — our songs and stories express what’s distinct about living in this country.”

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Called “O Canada”, the concert is intended to be a way to celebrate the country’s distinctive culture, compassion, and perseverance.

“We’re excited to do something different — it just seems like the right time to celebrate some of the greatest Canadian hits of all time,” said BGC Kawarthas executive director Amy Terrill.

“We want to bring the community together to celebrate our cultural uniqueness at a time when many people are feeling anxious,” Terrill told kawarthaNOW. “Our line-up features artists with a strong connection to the Kawarthas.”

VIDEO: “Spirits” by The Strumbellas at Peterborough Musicfest (2022)

That includes the Juno award-winning band The Strumbellas, best known for their 2016 hit “Spirits”. Four of the band’s members — chief songwriter and former lead singer Simon Ward (Jimmy Chauveau is now the lead singer), lead guitarist Jon Hembrey, bassist Darryl James, and drummer Jeremy Drury — hail from Lindsay. The Strumbellas last performed at the Academy Theatre on December 19.

Other performers in the line-up include Tyler Kyte and Nick Rose (members of Dwayne Gretzky), Russell deCarle (former frontman of Prairie Oyster), Melissa Payne, Cassie Noble, Cale Crowe, Gamekeeper, and local youth punk band Mis-Hap, with a house band featuring Frazer Turk, D’Arcy Mason, Graeme Morrison, and Andy McNeilly.

“We’ve asked each of them to share with the audience a song — or a dance — that represents something Canadian to them, as well as to share something original,” Terrill says. “For us, it’s an opportunity to showcase these artists as well as to celebrate the songs and stories that knit us together.”

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The concert’s host is another Canadian icon, former Much Music VJ Erica Ehm, who has a home at Pleasant Point on Sturgeon Lake in Kawartha Lakes.

The show begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 25 at FLATO Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay). Tickets are $62, including fees, and are available at www.flatoacademytheatre.com.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the BGC Kawarthas Foundation in support of BGC Kawarthas music programs, which offer children and youth various opportunities to learn instruments, sing, compose, and record songs, and more.

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“A sell-out show will allow us to support the music programs at BGC Kawarthas, which help children and youth build confidence and skills, and access all the proven benefits of music,” Terrill said.

Concert sponsors include Marquis Snow & Ice, Russell West Optometry, Mackey Funeral Home, Matty G Digital, and Celebrations. Additional sponsorships are available by emailing Heather McCullough at hmcullough@bgckawarthas.com.

BGC Kawarthas (formerly Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes) is a registered non-profit charitable organization that serves 4,000 children and youth throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough annually. Established in 1970, it provides summer camps, before and after school programs, early learning, licensed childcare, child and youth counselling, infant development, music, sports, and recreation and adventure programs.

20 Peterborough-area businesses selected for 2025 Starter Company Plus program

By Bruce Head -
The entrepreneurs representing 20 small businesses in the city and county of Peterborough that have been selected to participate in the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program administered by the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough, during an announcement in the lobby of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough on April 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)

The Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough has announced the 20 local businesses selected to participate in the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program.

The participating businesses range from handcrafted smoothies and live event painting to holistic wellness, mobile dog training, and even a travelling dinosaur exhibit.

The announcement was made on Wednesday morning (April 23) in the lobby of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough, with the City of Peterborough’s economic development director Darryl Julott and Peterborough County’s community and economic development manager Sarah Budd among those congratulating the successful entrepreneurs.

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Administered locally by the Business Advisory Centre, Starter Company Plus offers entrepreneurs access to expert guidance, networking opportunities, and up to $5,000 in grant funding each to take their businesses to the next level upon successful completion of the program.

Following the 2024 program, which saw 21 entrepreneurs graduate last fall and receive micro-grants, the Business Advisory Centre received 70 applications for the 2025 program.

“The quality of applications this year was exceptional, and our selected entrepreneurs represent some of the most committed and determined founders we’ve seen,” says Business Advisory Centre manager Rosalea Terry in a media release. “We are proud to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.”

Tim Jeffries of the National Touring Museum and Angela Demeester of The Willow Studio are two of the 20 small businesses in the city and county of Peterborough that have been selected to participate in the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program administered by the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. (Photos courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)
Tim Jeffries of the National Touring Museum and Angela Demeester of The Willow Studio are two of the 20 small businesses in the city and county of Peterborough that have been selected to participate in the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program administered by the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. (Photos courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)

Of the 20 businesses selected for the spring cohort, 12 are based in the City of Peterborough and eight are based in Peterborough County. The entrepreneurs and their businesses are listed below.

City of Peterborough participants

  • Kara Ainsworth of Groovy Little Smoothie Co.
  • Julie Anastasia McMillan of Stoney Island Studio Live Event Painting and Creative Services
  • Angela Demeester of The Willow Studio
  • Jackie Orsetto of Architecture of Wellness
  • Maggie O’Rourke of Wild Woman Ayurveda
  • Millie Kingston of Doody Call
  • Kelly Clark of Home and Well Inc. (Home & Well)
  • Kait Howell of Common Thread Films
  • Dennal Leya Miller of Miller Exterior Painting
  • Brianna Burkitt of Burkitt Solutions Co
  • Alexis Mills of Heeling Souls K9 Training
  • Krista Charette of Layin’ Divots
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County of Peterborough participants

  • Kelly Gower and Roselyn Rodriquez of Transitions (Tentative Name)
  • Jacqueline Lyons of The Forest Hill Lodge
  • Amanda O’Rourke of Belmont Farmstead
  • Karen Kearney of Urban Roots 47 Salon and Spa
  • Kristen Offen of Lark and Lemon
  • Brent Morrison of Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company
  • Timothy Jeffries of National Touring Museum
  • David Lundrigan of Millbrook Fit
Alexis Mills of Heeling Souls K9 Training, with her service dog Phoebe, is one of the 20 small businesses in the city and county of Peterborough that have been selected to participate in the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program administered by the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. (Photos courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough
Alexis Mills of Heeling Souls K9 Training, with her service dog Phoebe, is one of the 20 small businesses in the city and county of Peterborough that have been selected to participate in the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program administered by the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. (Photos courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough

“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group of entrepreneurs into the 2025 Starter Company Plus program,” says Community Futures Peterborough executive director Devon Girard. “Their creativity, drive, and commitment to growth embody the spirit of entrepreneurship we aim to support. We’re excited to be part of their journey and look forward to their impact on our city and county.”

One of the successful entrepreneurs is Tim Jeffries, a dinosaur expert and amateur paleontologist who founded the National Touring Museum, a touring exhibition program for dinosaur enthusiasts.

“It is an amazing opportunity for myself and for my business to grow and learn to better serve the community and my country,” Jeffries says.

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Over the coming months, Jeffries and the other participants will refine their business strategies, enhance their marketing, and gain the knowledge and skills they need to sustainably grow their businesses. A total of $89,000 in provincial grant funding will be available to the graduates, with each eligible for up to $5,000.

“Small businesses are essential to our economy, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and generating jobs throughout Peterborough-Kawartha,” says Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith in congratulating the participants. “Every small business is backed by an entrepreneur who embodies vision, passion, and purpose, showcasing the best of the Ontario spirit.”

For more information about the Starter Company Plus Program or the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough, visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca.

Peterborough’s East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale offers bargains while building community

By Megan Gallant -
One of the 100 homes that participated in last year's East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale. The 2025 event takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, with individual homes selling everything from clothing and furniture to books, toys, and hidden treasures. As well as offering bargains, the annual event is an opportunity to connect with neighbours and help build a resilient community. (Photo: Ashley Bonner)

With the seemingly never-ending winter finally behind us, Peterborough residents are eagerly anticipating the return of a new spring tradition: the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale.

Eager participants and yard sale connoisseurs have been asking about it for months, says organizer Ashley Bonner.

“Some people are starting to spring clean, and they’ve marked their calendars,” she says. “Neighbours are ready to jump in and help out because they love it. It’s a chance to connect with other community members.”

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On Saturday, May 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., East City will become a bargain hunter’s paradise as residents host individual yard sales full of furniture, books, toys, artwork, clothing, and who knows what other hidden gems. A map of all participating locations will be available leading up to the event date.

This year’s sale will mark the fourth time Bonner has hosted the “beautiful family event” over the Mother’s Day weekend. When she first organized it in 2021, she did so to pay tribute to her mother Brenda Bonner, who had passed away the year prior.

“She was a diehard yard saler, and she would actually map out the yard sales prior to going out so she could get the most amount done in the shortest time on a Saturday morning,” she says. “The whole map feature is a tribute to her. It was just something we always did together, so this was a good way of honouring her.”

East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale organizer Ashley Bonner says the annual event encourages neighbours to connect, helping to build a resilient community during times of crisis and when neighbours need to rely on one another. (Photo: Leigh Ramsay)
East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale organizer Ashley Bonner says the annual event encourages neighbours to connect, helping to build a resilient community during times of crisis and when neighbours need to rely on one another. (Photo: Leigh Ramsay)

Though the first event saw about 20 homes getting involved, over the years, it has continued to grow with last year’s event featuring 100 yard sales. Given the eager early registrations, Bonner anticipates this year to have just as large of a turnout — as of the date of this story, over 75 houses have registered.

“It’s all spread out, so the streets are just packed, and it’s bustling over here in East City,” she says. “We might get 100 people registered, but there’s always extra people who just set up on the day too.”

Most of the yard sales are typically set up on properties located between Maria Street and Parkhill Road, though there are always a few stragglers like those near Beavermead Park or farther north on Armour Road.

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For many people, the annual event is also an opportunity to connect with neighbours. Bonner has heard from participants in past years that hosting a sale gave them the chance to speak with neighbours they had never spoken to before despite years of living on the same street.

“These yard sales are nodes of contact and connection and that is really the core of building a resilient community,” she says. “Neighbours get out, they’re shopping, they see who’s on their street, and they connect with their direct neighbours. I do find this has a ripple effect when it comes to connecting during crisis or other big things where neighbours rely on each other.”

Many participants also use the yard sale as an opportunity to support the community by hosting fundraisers for local organizations. Last year, Leigh Ramsay’s sale raised about $800 for the YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

Launched in 2021 by Ashley Bonner in tribute to her late mother, a "diehard yard saler," the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale has grown from 20 participating homes to 100, mainly between Maria Street and Parkhill Road but also in other areas of East City. (Photo: Ashley Bonner)
Launched in 2021 by Ashley Bonner in tribute to her late mother, a “diehard yard saler,” the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale has grown from 20 participating homes to 100, mainly between Maria Street and Parkhill Road but also in other areas of East City. (Photo: Ashley Bonner)

The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group will similarly have a booth set up again this year to provide information and take donations, while the Quaker Park Tennis Club will host their annual garage and plant sale fundraiser for the organization on the same afternoon (the club is currently seeking plants to be donated for the cause.)

Bonner has also invited businesses on Hunter Street East to partake by offering sales or other events in store.

“It’s a really good chance for businesses to meet their neighbours as well while they’re out shopping,” says Bonner. “It really goes back to having that tight community where the more we know the business, and the business knows us, there’s a tightness and trust.”

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Bonner adds that the local businesses have the chance to take advantage of visitors coming to Peterborough for the neighbourhood yard sale. In past years, bargain hunters have come from outside the city and even from neighbouring regions.

“There’s not a lot of neighbourhood yard sales of this magnitude,” she notes.

“All those diehard yard salers in other cities are scanning the internet for what’s in their local area that they could go to, and if they see 90 to 100 yard sales, people know it’s worth it to come for the day.”

Some participants in the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale use the opportunity to support community organizations. In 2024, Leigh Ramsay raised about $800 for YES Shelter for Youth and Families. (Photo: Leigh Ramsay)
Some participants in the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale use the opportunity to support community organizations. In 2024, Leigh Ramsay raised about $800 for YES Shelter for Youth and Families. (Photo: Leigh Ramsay)

Bonner says her late mother would have been thrilled with how many homes are participating in the community-run event.

“I could have never imagined that it would grow to be this size and have so much of a positive impact,” she says. “She would have loved this yard sale. This would have been her dream.”

East City residents who want to host a yard sale and have their address included on the map distributed to the public can complete a registration form.

For more information about the event, including when the yard sale map is available, visit the East City Ptbo Facebook page or email eastcityptbo@gmail.com.

Peterborough city council endorses 52% raise for councillors and 60% raise for mayor

By Bruce Head -
Peterborough city councillor Kevin Duguay speaks in support of a city staff report recommending a 60% raise for the mayor and a 52% raise for councillors starting in the next term of council from 2026-2030. The only other councillor to address the report was Gary Baldwin, who voted against the report after his motion to defer the report failed. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Peterborough video)

With almost no debate, Peterborough city council has voted to endorse a staff report proposing a 60 per cent raise for the mayor and a 52 per cent raise councillors for the next term of council.

Related story

City of Peterborough staff propose 60% raise for the mayor and 52% raise for councillors next term

Meeting as general committee on Tuesday night (April 22), council voted almost unanimously in favour of the report from Richard Freymond, the city’s commissioner or finance and corporate services, which recommends a “reset” of base compensation for council.

Comparing 2023 pay rates for mayors and councillors in 14 other single, upper, and lower-tier municipalities across Ontario, the report recommends that remuneration for Peterborough city council be based on the 75th percentile of the 2023 pay rates in those municipalities.

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When adjusted for inflation using CUPE collective bargaining settlements, that would result in compensation for the mayor of $147,631 in 2026, an increase of 59.8 per cent over what the mayor will be paid in 2025, and $54,991 for each councillor in 2026, an increase of 52 per cent over what each councillor will be paid in 2025.

When the item came forward for consideration, councillor Gary Baldwin made a motion to defer the report.

“I’m not comfortable with some of the comparables in the report,” Baldwin said, referring to the list of comparator municipalities. “I’d like it to go back to Mr. Freymond to see if we could bring perhaps a few more comparables and have a redo of this, and bring it back for council’s consideration.”

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Councillor Keith Riel immediately called the question on Baldwin’s motion, a procedural move to cut off any discussion and bring the motion to an immediate vote.

After voting 8-3 in support of calling the question (councillors Baldwin, Andrew Beamer, and Kevin Duguay voted against it), councillors voted 11-2 against Baldwin’s motion to defer the report, with only Baldwin and Mayor Jeff Leal voting in favour.

Councillors then discussed the report itself, with only Duguay and Baldwin making comments.

“I know this will be and has been a sensitive subject with some community members, but not all,” Duguay said. “This (council’s) remuneration is not at par with comparable municipalities having comparable and similar responsibilities.”

Duguay added that, if additional comparator municipalities were included in the report as Baldwin requested, “we would have probably found more of the same.”

“(We would have) probably found that mayors and councillors in medium-sized, small-sized city, large cities are as a rule generally paid more than this council is paid,” Duguay said.

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In his comments, Baldwin said his “greatest concern” was moving to a 75th percentile and doing so in a single year.

“A 50th percentile I think is the median, and I think that’s where Peterborough fits,” he said. “It’s not the fact that I was in opposition to the recommendations (to council), it was getting to the 75th percentile in the first year.”

Baldwin added that he thinks the increase should be “staged over a four-year period of time.”

With no further discussion, council voted 10-1 in favour of the report, with only Baldwin voting against it.

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In addition to the pay increase, which would only take effect for the 2026-2030 term of council starting in December 2026, the report also recommends that compensation for the mayor and councillors be increased each December for the remainder of council’s term, equal to the inflationary increase provided to CUPE staff bargaining groups.

The report also recommends a 17.4 per cent increase for the vehicle/transportation allowance for both the mayor and councillors, from $5,112 to $6,000 for the mayor and from to $2,556 to $3,000 for each councillor.

Items endorsed by general committee will be considered by council for final approval next Monday (April 28).

Northumberland County says it is working to comply with Town of Cobourg’s order for Transition House emergency shelter

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Cobourg's homeless shelter at 310 Division Street opened in late 2024 with a warming/cooling room and laundry, washroom and shower, and dining facilities on the first floor, 35 emergency shelter beds on the second and third floors, and 10 transitional housing units on the fourth floor. (Photo: Northumberland County)

Northumberland County and Transition House are continuing their work to meet requirements related to the fire safety plan and staffing levels at Cobourg’s emergency shelter, after being issued an order by the Town of Cobourg to comply with certain regulations, the county says.

Glenn Dees, director of health and human services for Northumberland County, told kawarthaNOW the county and Transition House are taking steps to ensure they’re in compliance with by-laws around the operation of the shelter at 310 Division St.

The Town of Cobourg announced last Monday (April 14) that its municipal law enforcement and licensing department had issued an order on the operator of Transition House and property owner, Northumberland County, to be compliant with requirements of the town’s emergency care establishments (ECE) and ensure the fire safety plan is followed.

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“Transition House and Northumberland County are working hard to ensure that people who find themselves in a housing crisis and require accommodation can find safe and welcoming services at 310 Division St., and that these services will be offered in a way that ensures a strong standard of health, safety, and personal dignity is always maintained,” Dees told kawarthaNOW in a statement.

“Based on regular by-law inspections since opening, staff have made prompt changes such as enhanced client sign-in processes, maintenance, and property standards-related enhancements. In response to nearly daily inspections over the last week, as well as orders issued on Friday, April 11, staff have once again taken action to adjust practices.”

One of the requirements of the order entails having one staff member on duty for every 10 occupants.

“In planning for the opening of 310 Division St., Northumberland County and Transition House sought to deliver a high standard of service by striving for a low ratio of 10 clients to every one staff member,” Dees noted.

“There are no provincial standards for shelter staffing; however, it is typical for staffing ratios in shelters to be between 10 to 20 clients for every one staff member, and the goal for 310 Division St. was to achieve the lower end of this range.”

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Based on the current staffing model for the shelter, this means there could be up to four staff and 40 clients total at any given time between shelter spaces and the warming hub, although the building’s actual capacity, under applicable laws, is higher, Dees said.

“Historically, in exceptional circumstances such as inclement weather or a client presenting in crisis, admission to shelter would be permitted temporarily, beyond the ideal staffing ratio, so long as the total number did not exceed capacity requirements for the building under the fire code along with other resourcing considerations. During the by-law inspection on April 11, four on-duty shelter staff were supporting 43 clients, or a ratio of 10.75 clients to one staff member.”

“Because this was higher than the 10 clients to one staff member ratio that the county and Transition House indicated in the fire safety plan, orders and administrative penalties were issued. Going forward, the staff-to-client ratios will be strictly upheld while staff engage the fire department to review the fire safety plan,” Dees noted.

Secondly, the town’s order stated that the main floor warming room/cooling centre in Transition House is only to be used as a relief space for people escaping the elements and not as a sleeping area.

The county said the warming room/cooling centre is not being used as a space for sleeping.

“The county and Transition House understand sleeping area to mean a room designed for sleeping and used primarily for that purpose,” Dees noted. “The warming hub contains no beds, cots, couches, or other furniture designed for sleeping. The lights are always on, and it is always occupied by active people including trained staff.”

“Like any living area in any private home, people may occasionally fall asleep for short periods even in places not designed primarily for that purpose, but the warming hub is never used for long-term or overnight sleeping,” Dees pointed out.

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However, during the by-law inspection, municipal law enforcement officers noted some clients were asleep in provided armchairs, which was viewed as being in contravention of the fire safety plan, prompting an order.

“After much discussion, shelter staff removed the armchairs from this space the following day and replaced them with more table settings,” Dees said. “In so doing, Transition House hopes to maintain a welcoming space for clients while addressing (by-law) requirements. The county and Transition House will be engaging further with by-law and fire about possible alternative remedies, and hope to be able to restore armchairs in the future to ensure a comfortable drop-in space for people seeking rest and safety from the elements.”

Thirdly, the order noted that the on-duty manager must at all times carry the key required to activate the two-stage fire alarm, and that there must at all times be an on-duty manager. Dees said all Transition House staff are considered “supervisory staff” and carry keys for access to all client rooms and common areas.

“All staff are trained on the fire safety plan and emergency response,” he said.

On-site security also has a master key for the entire building, Dees added, including the key to access the fire panel to activate the two-stage fire alarm.

“On-duty staff are present at all times at 310 Division St., in addition to at least one security person, and an on-call manager/supervisor is available 24/7. Staff have determined that this order resulted from a miscommunication during the inspection.”

In conclusion, Dees said, “Northumberland County and Transition House will continue to collaborate with the Town of Cobourg and Cobourg Fire Department to overcome challenges and ensure the mutual goal of safe and dignified services for people experiencing homelessness, and the well-being of the community.”

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The Town of Cobourg’s media release noted the town “is working hard” to ensure people who are in crisis and require accommodation services from an emergency care establishment (ECE), can reasonably expect that such ECE services meet basic health and safety standards of operation.

The Town of Cobourg’s municipal law enforcement and licensing department issued the order as a means “to gain compliance with applicable law and ensure the fire safety plan is followed,” noted the release.

“My number-one priority remains on improving the safety and security for all Cobourg residents,” said Town of Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland.

“As a council, we owe it to the residents of 310 Division St., and the greater Cobourg community to let staff independently and at their discretion enforce the provisions and expectations of our ECE by-law and all rules and regulations as set by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, and the Building Code Act so we can ensure that the needs of ECE residents are met.”

Following several warnings, communication, and advisements given, the Town of Cobourg “has had to place an order and issue a penalty notice due to continued non-compliance,” the release stated.

The Division Street facility, which the county purchased in 2023 in partnership with Transition House, is intended to modernize shelter services.

Located on the main floor, the warming room offers respite from the cold (and will offer respite from the heat in the summer), along with laundry and shower facilities and food.

The second and third floors, which feature 35 emergency shelter beds, opened in mid-December of 2024. In addition to the short-term beds, the shelter was designed to offer 10 longer-term transitional housing units on the fourth floor.

Police officers rescue seriously injured woman from her submerged vehicle in Rice Lake

By kawarthaNOW -

Police rescued a seriously injured woman from her submerged vehicle in Rice Lake early Tuesday morning (April 22).

Just before 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, officers with the Peterborough Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with fire and emergency medical services responded to a call on Wood Duck Drive on the shores of Rice Lake in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township.

The caller said that a vehicle had left the road at what appeared to be full speed and had gone directly into the water. The caller also advised that they had not seen anyone emerge from the vehicle, which was sinking into the water.

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Officers arrived just minutes after the call. After quickly assessing the situation, three officers located a small boat and paddled out to where the taillights were still visible from the submerged vehicle.

Officers entered the water and managed to pull the driver from the vehicle, taking her to shore where paramedics and firefighters took over life-saving efforts.

The driver, a 45-year-old woman from Port Elgin, was transported to a local hospital and subsequently taken to a Toronto trauma centre with life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle was later removed from the lake.

Peterborough Theatre Guild closes out its season with ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

By Paul Rellinger -
Macayla Vaughan as the Narrator with the children's chorus during a media rehearsal for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, which is bringing the famous musical to the stage at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for eight performances from April 25 to May 4, 2025. Director Robert Ainsworth has written an introduction to the play, which is based on the character of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis, featuring a teacher telling the story to her class. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild)

If there was ever a perfect time to take in a stage musical, now is that time.

That’s the belief of Robert Ainsworth who, as director of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s season-closing production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is well aware of the much-needed boost to our collective spirits that the musical promises to provide.

Opening Friday (April 25) at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough with seven performances to follow until May 4, tickets are available at www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com.

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Featuring a massive cast and crew of over 50 community members, the Tony award-nominated romp would seem the perfect medicine for what ails us during this stressful turbulent time of heightened financial worry and dismay over world events.

In short, it’s time to tear ourselves away from the news channels’ talking heads and virulent social media posts, sit back, and be wholly entertained.

“We’re in bleak, dark times at the moment with what’s going on with the United States and everything,” assesses Ainsworth during a chat at the Guild Hall on Rogers Street.

“The world needs shows like this right now — the familiarity of the songs and people dancing and smiling and whooping and throwing things in the air. And then you have an incredible story. Whether you believe in the Bible or not is inconsequential. It’s just a really good, fun story.”

Donny Osmond as Joseph in a scene from the 1999 film version of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", an adaption of the 1972 stage musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, based on the character of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis, which was first staged on Broadway in 1982. (Photo via IMDb)
Donny Osmond as Joseph in a scene from the 1999 film version of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, an adaption of the 1972 stage musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, based on the character of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis, which was first staged on Broadway in 1982. (Photo via IMDb)

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber set to Tim Rice’s lyrics, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis. Although it was written in 1972 with various stagings over the next decade, the musical only came to Broadway in 1982 when its themes and music became a huge hit, with the production receiving six Tony Award nominations. In 1999, the musical came to the big screen, with singer Donny Osmond in the lead role.

Told entirely through song with the help of a narrator, the story follows Joseph who, after being sold into slavery by his brothers, befriends Egyptian noble Potiphar.

After being jailed for refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph discovers an ability to interpret dreams. That brings him in front of the Elvis-inspired Pharaoh, where Joseph’s insight into Egypt’s impending famine elevates him to a position of power as the Pharaoh’s trusted advisor and, ultimately, reunites him with his long-lost family.

Great musicals have one thing in common: signature songs that become instant favourites. Webber and Rice certainly delivered, with “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door To Me,” “There’s One More Angel In Heaven,” and “Go, Go Joseph” still ringing very familiar with many.

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In tapping Ainsworth to direct the famous musical, the Guild has gone with a proven winner.

A 2012 Peterborough Pathway of Fame inductee for his significant contributions as a director, playwright, and actor, the native of England has won several accolades for his work, most notably for The Mouse House, which won seven awards from Theatre Ontario, including best director for its creator.

“I wrote another play for the Guild to do, called That’s The Spirit,” notes Ainsworth. “It takes place in an English pub that’s haunted. It was accepted by the Guild, which was going to go through with it, but all of a sudden they called me and said ‘Oh, we kind of need a musical now. Would you do a musical?'”

“I’ve always wanted to do Joseph. I had approached St. James Players about doing it but there never seemed to be the time slot to do that. The Guild heard about that and asked ‘How would feel about doing Joseph?’ How could I pass that up? I’ve tried to do it for 15 years.”

Award-winning playwright, director, and actor Robert Ainsworth is directing the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", which runs at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for eight performances from April 25 to May 4, 2025. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Award-winning playwright, director, and actor Robert Ainsworth is directing the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, which runs at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for eight performances from April 25 to May 4, 2025. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)

At the suggestion that this staging of Joseph and Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be familiar to audiences, Ainsworth answers yes and no.

“Joseph is a short play,” he notes. “We added in some dancing, but you can’t change the story. I’ve written a 10-minute introduction — it’s a classroom being told the story by the teacher. Then the play starts as written. We can’t change anything, but that introduction stretches it out to about an hour and a half.”

It’s no surprise that a production that’s so dependent on its central character calls for a stage performer who not only has captivating presence, but can deliver the musical’s demanding music numbers.

In his portrayal of Joseph, Brayden Ellis checks all the boxes, raves Ainsworth. Having recently directed the Anne Shirley Theatre’s Company staging of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ellis nailed his audition.

“When you decide to do a show like this, you say to yourself ‘Please let Joseph walk in the door’,” says Ainsworth.

“He came in and said ‘My name’s Brayden’ and was very low key. He sang ‘Close Every Door To Me’ and that was it. Done deal. He’s a seasoned performer. He listens. There’s no ego there at all. That’s just fantastic for a director.”

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Also exciting to no end for Ainsworth is the opportunity to work with the 17 children and youth who form the chorus.

“They are the future of theatre in Peterborough,” he says. “If we make this as pleasant as we can, they’ll become the future actors.”

“Peterborough is a sports town. That becomes so obvious when we try to raise funds. Hockey, lacrosse — it’s wonderful, but not every child is into sports. They need another outlet. Theatre used to be done in schools all the time. Not so much anymore.”

“Years ago, I worked with a school production. There was one child the kids sort of picked on. I made him the king in the play — ‘You’re the king. You’ve got to tell everyone what to do.’ For the first time in this kid’s life, he became empowered. The others played along and they were great with him. I thought how important theatre is to give that child an opportunity.”

VIDEO: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Peterborough Theatre Guild

Community theatre, adds Ainsworth, is a gem that must be supported.

“This Peterborough production is Peterborough people — the actors and the crew,” he says, adding “This is ours.”

“Very often you go to see a play or musical, and you go ‘I think I know that guy. He lives just down the road’ or ‘He served me at the store.’ You see familiar people. And eventually, they get a following.”

“Brayden is a great example of that. Also Macayla (Vaughan), the Narrator. I first met her when we did Mary Poppins years ago when she was like 10 (years old). She’s grown into this incredible character who’s just been accepted into Sheridan College’s theatre program.”

“We have three welders in this show who have never done theatre before. One got the others to come along. They are on stage alongside seasoned performers. It’s fantastic.”

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Over the years since Ainsworth’s first involvement with local theatre, actors have come and gone, lines have been recited and forgotten, and applause has risen and subsided. Add Ainsworth’s continued excitement to that list of constants.

“What fuels that is the enthusiasm of the people around you,” he says. “I might be, like last night, awake most of the night worrying about everything. They’re not. They’re thinking ‘Oh I can’t wait until the next rehearsal.’ That gives me fuel.”

“We have one young man who I’ve given a role to. When he sang his little song a few days ago, the cast was at the side and they all clapped. That brought tears to my eyes — the encouragement that he got. That’s the cast we have. Everybody gets along so well. It’s so important to me that they enjoy this so they’ll go on and become the future of theatre.”

The Peterborough Theatre Guild production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", which runs at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for eight performances from April 25 to May 4, 2025, features a cast and crew of more than 50 community members, including the leading cast of Brayden Ellis (Joseph), Macayla Vaughan (Narrator), Mark Hiscox (Jacob), Brian McDonald (Reuben), Keevin Carter (Simeon), Harry Clark (Judah), Keith Goranson (Potiphar), Patty Best (Merimit, Potiphar's wife), and James Burrell (Pharaoh, Levi). (Photos courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild)
The Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, which runs at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for eight performances from April 25 to May 4, 2025, features a cast and crew of more than 50 community members, including the leading cast of Brayden Ellis (Joseph), Macayla Vaughan (Narrator), Mark Hiscox (Jacob), Brian McDonald (Reuben), Keevin Carter (Simeon), Harry Clark (Judah), Keith Goranson (Potiphar), Patty Best (Merimit, Potiphar’s wife), and James Burrell (Pharaoh, Levi). (Photos courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild)

Joining Brayden Ellis and Macayla Vaughan as leading cast members are Mark Hiscox (Jacob), Brian McDonald (Reuben), Keevin Carter (Simeon), Harry Clark (Judah), Keith Goranson (Potiphar), Patty Best (Merimit, Potiphar’s wife), and James Burrell (Pharaoh, Levi).

Other named roles are performed by Carter Wells (Issachar, Butler), Charlie Mundell (Benjamin), Christine Helferty (Adinah), Delaney Cameron (Uzit), Emily Beamish (Elflalet), Erik Feldcamp (Napthtali/Baker), Erinn Burke (Marosha/Mime), Faith Williams (Alit), Gord Costain (Ishmaelite, Prisoner), Heather Boyd (Elyoram), Jason Camp (Dan), Julie Fallis (Dinah), Laura Collings (Asher’s wife), Mike Miller (Gad), Rebecca Mansfield (Arbat), Rourke Stevenson (Asher), Shelley Moody (Rachel, Joseph’s mother), and Travis Edge (Zebulun).

Young actors performing as members of the chorus are Alex Hodson, Ava Meehan, Avila Callaghan, Darragh O’Connell, Emerson Malloy, Esther Malone, Faustina Dubonnet, Grace Malone, Jasper Chesser, Joseph Canning, Kiera Thurston, Miriam Callaghan, Molly Malone, Natalia Kitney, Rio Meehan, Rose Canning, and Theo Greisman-Blank.

Some of the 17 young performers in the chorus for the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", which runs at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for eight performances from April 25 to May 4, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild)
Some of the 17 young performers in the chorus for the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, which runs at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for eight performances from April 25 to May 4, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild)

The show’s production manager is Margaret Pieper, with musical direction by Brian McDonald and choreography by Julie Fallis. Other members of the crew including Sharon McLeod and Lyn Braun as stage managers, Kate Braun as assistant stage manager, Justin Hiscox as music supervisor, and Andrew Woodhouse as set designer.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed are at 7:30 p.m. on April 25 and 26 and May 1 to 3, with 2 p.m. matinees on April 27 and May 4. Assigned seating tickets are $42 for adults, $37 for seniors, and $27 for students.

Advance tickets can be ordered online at www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com.

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2024-25 season.

The Local Advantage in Peterborough County: Kawartha Country Wines is pouring local pride

By Megan Gallant -
John Rufa (middle) with his daughter Donna and her husband Daryl Coombs in July 2024 celebrating the 20th anniversary of their award-winning family-owned business Kawartha Country Wines. Located just north of Buckhorn in Peterborough County, the winery has always made it a priority to support local by sourcing fruits and berries from Ontario farms, selling its products to local restaurants and businesses, stocking the gift shop with products from local makers, and inviting local small business owners, artists, and musicians to lead events and workshops in their event space. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Country Wines)

When Kawartha Country Wines founder and co-owner John Rufa began making wine at home over two decades ago, he couldn’t have imagined that his passion would lead to one of the most successful businesses in Peterborough County and, in doing so, also end up supporting other local businesses by selling their products and hosting events and workshops.

Specializing in fruit wines and ciders, wine coolers, vinegars, and gourmet preserves, the award-winning winery is located near Buckhorn in the Municipality of Trent Lakes — one of the eight townships in Peterborough County. The four-season destination is open seven days a week, welcoming residents and tourists alike to enjoy its charm all year long.

It offers a truly Canadian experience, with its wine-making facilities, tasting room, and gift shop housed in an 1866 authentic pioneer log cabin and 1889 board and batton house, complete with the original square hewn logs and pine floors.

Whether you’re taste-testing the specialty wines, dropping in to enjoy live music, registering for a yoga class, or buying handmade honey and candles from the gift shop, when you spend the day at Kawartha Country Wines, you can be certain you are supporting more than one local business.

The wines and ciders at Kawartha Country Wines are all made with Ontario-grown fruit and berries — peaches, apples, pears, blueberries, black currants, and much more.

“Almost any fruit you can think of, we make a wine out of it,” says co-owner Donna Rufa.

Kawartha Country Wines sources its strawberries, black currants, and pumpkins from McLean’s Berry Farm in Peterborough County’s Selwyn Township, with cider apples coming from Allen’s Orchards in Newcastle in nearby Clarington. The company sources warmer-climate fruits from as close to home as possible, including the Niagara region.

Kawartha Country Wines is a destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a truly Canadian experience with its wine-making facilities, tasting room, and gift shop housed in an 1866 authentic pioneer log cabin and 1889 board and batton house, complete with the original square hewn logs and pine floors. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Country Wines)
Kawartha Country Wines is a destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a truly Canadian experience with its wine-making facilities, tasting room, and gift shop housed in an 1866 authentic pioneer log cabin and 1889 board and batton house, complete with the original square hewn logs and pine floors. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Country Wines)

As well as selling its products to international visitors from the U.S. and Europe who come to the winery, Kawartha County Wines also supplies regional businesses. The company sells cider kegs to restaurants including Old Dog Brewery and Just For The Halibut in Bobcaygeon and Gusto Grande in Lindsay, and produces a specialty cider for Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene in Peterborough County’s Otonabee–South Monaghan Township. Closer to home, Shambhala Bed and Breakfast in Buckhorn uses the winery’s locally made jams.

Extending the local love, the gift shop at Kawartha Country Wines is stocked with honey, maple syrup, soaps, jewellery, and more handmade products from over 25 local makers and artisans. An event space also offers the opportunity for both private and public events, with the Rufas often inviting regional musicians to take to the stage, as well as yoga instructors, artists, mediums, reflexologists, and other local experts to lead events and workshops.

As with most local business owners, the Rufas are concerned about the current economic uncertainty but remain confident in the community that has supported them for over two decades.

“We wouldn’t be here for twenty years without the support of our community,” Donna says. “Despite everything going on in the global economy, our town and The Kawarthas come out to support us. We’re looking forward to continuing to expand our offerings and bring a great experience to our community.”

Kawartha Country Wines is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2452 County Road 36 north of Buckhorn. For more information, visit kawarthacountrywines.ca and follow Kawartha Country Wines on Facebook and Instagram.

 

The Local Advantage in Peterborough County is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in Peterborough County, created in partnership with Peterborough County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division.

Peterborough County logo.

As part of its response to the impact of U.S. tariffs, Peterborough County is showcasing the many unique businesses located in the county, both by sharing their stories of success and how they support both residents and other businesses in their communities.

Whether by shopping at local businesses, dining at local restaurants, staying at local accommodation, or enjoying local experiences, residents and visitors can enhance the economic resilience of Peterborough County during these challenging times and help establish a sustainable foundation for the future.

For more information about economic development and tourism in Peterborough County, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev and The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.

Families can build their own solar power kit for free at Earth Week event in Lindsay

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Social enterprise Ampere is inviting community members of all ages to a workshop in Lindsay on April 26, 2025 where they'll be be among the first to test and build Ampere's new solar power kit, valued at $150. Registered participants will be able to take the kit home at no cost. (Photo: Ampere)

Community members can get “amped” for the Earth by learning about sustainable energy and building their own solar power kit during a free family-friendly workshop in Lindsay during Earth Week.

Ampere is inviting people of all ages to attend the not-for-profit organization’s Lindsay Makerspace on Saturday (April 26) for a renewable energy-themed event during which attendees can be among the first to test and build Ampere’s new solar power kit.

Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12 Peel St. in Lindsay, the “Amped for Earth” workshop offers those who attend the chance to learn about, build, and take home a kit at no cost, while supplies last. There will be a limit of one kit per family.

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“We’re hoping to see our Makerspace full of curious minds, learners of all ages, eager to explore the new kits and engage with solar energy in a way they haven’t yet had the chance,” Jamie Steel, Ampere’s senior lead of community relations, told kawarthaNOW.

“Our goal for the event is to share these kits with as many people as possible, working alongside our friends, families, and neighbours as we collectively learn about solar energy and the various aspects of STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and math — that contributed to the development of the device.”

Ampere designed and developed the solar kit in collaboration with community subject matter experts, manufacturing partners, component suppliers, Makerspace educators, community participants, end users, and innovators.

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“These kits are an excellent example of how science, technology, engineering, art, and math can create something with a meaningful impact,” said Ampere CEO and founder Ryan Oliver.

“The development of the kit incorporated every aspect of STEAM and assembling the kits offers users a chance to see those components up close.”

Each kit is valued at $150. Once built, the kit is small enough to take camping, on road trips, to the office, or keep at home in case of a power outage.

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Although the kits were designed for learners ages 11 and older, Ampere says the event will also offer hands-on activities for younger children. However, this is not a drop-off event and parents must stay with the children.

While registering for the event isn’t mandatory, doing so will ensure a family receives one of the limited number of kits available to take home. Families can register at go.amp.ca/earth_general.

If you miss the event but are interested in obtaining one of the solar power kits, Ampere will be making them available for purchase at a future date.

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Founded in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, and formerly known as the Pinnguaq Association, Ampere is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has partnered with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to provide access to STEAM education and opportunities for more than a decade.

Ampere says it applies “a lifecycle approach” to support learners at every age and every stage of life, and offers programming directly through makerspaces in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and in the Kawartha Lakes. The organization works directly with community partners, social organizations, governmental funders, and educational institutions across the country.

For more information about Ampere, visit amp.ca.

encoreNOW – April 21, 2025

By Paul Rellinger -
encoreNOW for April 21, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Colin Linden, Tak Kwan with the Kawartha String Orchestra, "Menopause The Musical", Caity Gyorgy, "The Boy in the Moon", and The Shuffle Demons. (kawarthaNOW collage)

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 Colin Linden’s return to Market Hall, Stage and Symphony featuring the Kawartha String Orchestra, a musical about menopause in Lindsay, live music in Peterborough and Cobourg celebrating International Jazz Day, New Stages Theatre’s reading of a highly-acclaimed play, and The Shuffle Demons presented by Performing Arts Lakefield.

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Blues-roots music treasure Colin Linden still getting it done

VIDEO: “Until The Heat Leaves Town” – Colin Linden

In 1971 at Toronto’s Colonial Tavern, Mississippi-born bluesman Howlin’ Wolf made time for an 11-year-old boy who had a lot of questions.

During the course of that encounter, the boy and the legend posed for a photograph. Before parting ways, Howlin’ Wolf told his starstruck admirer “I’m an old man now. I won’t be around much longer. It’s up to you to carry it on.”

To this day, Colin Linden’s wallet is home to that now well-worn photo — a reminder of the passing of the blues torch from his boyhood hero who, just five years after their chat, was no more.

That Linden took those words to heart is not in question.

Over the course of his near five decades-plus performing and producing blues and roots music, the singer and electric/slide guitarist has released 14 albums, won multiple Juno Awards, and performed alongside everybody who’s a somebody in the genre, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Cockburn, Colin James and, since 1996, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson as one-third of the beloved roots-rock trio Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

On April 24, Linden returns to a familiar haunt in the form of Peterborough’s Market Hall. While his primary residence has been Nashville for quite some time, Canada is home, much to the delight of what remains a fervent fan base that rarely leaves a concert seat empty.

Linden arrives in Peterborough as part of his Ride On Tour, which is billed as the start of his second half century of touring. Tickets to Linden’s 8 p.m. performance cost $44 at markethall.org.

Howlin’ Wolf is smiling for sure, as broadly as he no doubt did in 1999 when A Tribute to Howlin’ Wolf, to which Linden contributed, was nominated for a Grammy Award. Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words. For Linden, it’s been worth infinitely more.

 

Kawartha String Orchestra presents another feast for the ears

VIDEO: Tak Kwan of Kawartha String Orchestra speaks with Marcus Quin

When musical talent collides with the unifying power of community, something wonderful almost always evolves.

In 2017, local string musicians, under the direction of Tak Kwan, came together to form the Kawartha String Orchestra. Since then, members’ shared love of playing music and giving back to their community has seen the ensemble give numerous performances, the musical menu ranging from Vivaldi to popular movie tunes.

In Kwan, the orchestra is in most capable hands. Having learned to play violin at age seven, his career as a soloist and chamber musician led him to serve as concertmaster of both the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir. In 2010 in Toronto, Kwan performed before Queen Elizabeth. No pressure there.

On April 27 at St. James United Church in Peterborough, the Kawartha String Orchestra presents Stage and Symphony, a 2 p.m. concert featuring the music of Mozart, favourites from The Sound of Music and Les Miserables, and selections from KSO bassist Marcus Quin. Guest soloists are Quin (clarinet) and Kwan (violin).

As a fundraiser for Upbeat! Downtown, an after-school music program for Peterborough kids interested in music but faced with barriers accessing music education, admission is by donation at the door.

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Lindsay-bound hit musical tackles all things hot flashes et al

VIDEO: “Menopause the Musical” promo

As a typically typical male with no idea beyond my next meal and which team is playing for what and when, I have little to no understanding of what women have to endure. I’m working on it, but it is what it is, and what it is I’m reminded of daily by my wife.

Yes, I’ve heard of menopause, but it’s shrouded in mystery for me. I know what brings it on but have no idea of its effects. That’s a lived experience that only those to who experience it can attest to. What I do know is while the effects of menopause are far from funny, women, by virtue of coming together over a shared challenge, find a way to not only endure its effects but show their strength and resiliency in doing so.

In 2001, Menopause The Musical, with book and lyrics by Jeanie Linders, premiered in Orlando. Its storyline, centred around four women shopping for lingerie set to a soundtrack comprised of classic hit songs, resonated in a very big way in the form of more than 1,500 performances off Broadway and, since 2006, where it remains the longest-running scripted musical ever staged in Las Vegas.

Now we’re all invited to “come celebrate womanhood” April 27 at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre where Menopause The Musical, featuring an all-Canadian cast, takes to the stage for two shows, at 2 and 5 p.m.

Bonding over hot flashes, mood swings, memory loss and other menopausal symptoms, its central characters create a fun and wholly relatable celebration of the life stage. With the production rated as “man-datory viewing for men,” there’s a welcome seat for those who have an idea, but really have no idea at all.

Tickets cost $67 at www.flatoacademytheatre.com.

 

International Jazz Day marked in Peterborough and Cobourg

VIDEO: “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” – Caity Gyorgy Quartet

Back in 2011, April 30 was proclaimed International Jazz Day by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to “highlight jazz and its diplomatic role in uniting people in all corners of the globe.”

The idea came from legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, who is chair of the day with his Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz being the lead organizational partner.

Over the years, International Jazz Day has been marked locally in some way and this year is no different, with several jazz concerts of note scheduled.

In Peterborough, the day is being celebrated the prior weekend. Although the headline concert featuring Juno award-winning jazz singer Holly Cole at the Market Hall on April 27 is sold out, the Curtis Cronkwright Quartet will be performing a free show at the Black Horse Pub from 9 p.m. to midnight on April 26.

Earlier that same evening, the “Dine with Jazz” series will see four jazz duos perform from 6 to 8 p.m. at four downtown Peterborough establishments: Pete Woolidge and Craig Paterson at La Hacienda, Mike Graham and Victoria Yeh at Amandala’s, Michael Monis and Paco Luviano at Agave, and Rob Phillips and Carling Stephen at The Black Horse.

Meanwhile, the Caity Gyorgy Quartet — featuring three-time Juno award-winning vocalist Caity Gyorgy — will perform at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall in Cobourg on April 30. Local promoter Ken Prue calls booking Gyorgy for International Jazz Day “a coup.”

Tickets for the Caity Gyorgy Quartet’s 7 p.m. concert cost $50 (plus taxes and fees) and are available at tickets.cobourg.ca.

Jazz is, admittedly by those who love it, an acquired taste, but those who gravitate to the genre are fiercely loyal to it, and most protective of it being presented in its purest form. But any jazz aficionado I’ve talked to has been clear on one point: the door is wide open for discovery of jazz, and appreciation for its longstanding and revered place in the cultures of not just North America but worldwide.

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New Stages Theatre hosting a reading of an acclaimed play

If you’re going to present a staged reading of a beautifully-written drama, it’s vital to secure the talent of a dynamic lineup of actors to deliver its lines.

In preparation for its May 3 presentation of Emil Sher’s The Boy In The Moon, Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre has done just that.

Directed by New Stages’ artistic director Mark Wallace, reading parts are being delivered by Cliff Saunders, a veteran of both Stratford and Broadway, the very captivating Linda Kash and recent Randolph School of Performing Arts grad Sydney Marion. Also in the mix are local well-known performers Kate Suhr, Hilary Wear, Laura Lawson and Maria Luisa Belmes.

Based on the book by Ian Brown, The Boy In The Moon is a Dora Award-nominated play centred around Walker, the son of Brown and Joanna Schneller, who was born with a rare genetic mutation. The story relates their raising of their severely disabled son, the result, according to Sher, is a story “not just about raising a child with a disability, but any child.”

When it was staged at Toronto’s Crow Theatre, artistic director Chris Abraham praised the play as “generous, funny and deeply moving in a way I’ve rarely encountered.” Quite an endorsement.

General admission tickets for the 7 p.m. reading at the Market Hall cost $28 ($14 for arts workers, students, and the underwaged) at markethall.org. As of this writing, fewer than 50 tickets remained, so jump on it quick.

 

Performing Arts Lakefield continues to do what it does so well

VIDEO: “Money Is My Only Religion” – The Shuffle Demons

I remain intrigued by the high calibre of entertainment that Performing Arts Lakefield (PAL) consistently brings to its home of Lakefield United Church.

That trend will continue on May 4 when PAL brings The Shuffle Demons to its stage as the penultimate concert of its 2024-25 season.

Formed in 1984 by saxophonist Richard Underhill in collaboration with a number of Toronto-area jazz musicians, The Shuffle Demons enjoyed success early, with the 1986 single “Spadina Bus” bringing an unexpected Top 40 hit.

The debut album on which it was featured, Streetniks, was the best-selling independent release in Canadian music history up to that time, eclipsed for that honour five years later by The Barenaked Ladies’ Yellow Tape. The single’s success helped Streetnik be nominated for a 1987 Juno Award as Best Jazz Album.

Over the years since, The Shuffle Demons have toured extensively, both in Canada and overseas, their jazz and funk sound accentuated by eye-catching costumes and over-the-top stage antics. Simply put, there’s never a dull moment when this band is in the house.

Full marks to PAL which, since 1981, has in a big way delivered the goods in the form of music, mime, dance, comedy, theatre, and storytelling. Quite the gem for a community the size of Lakefield and a testament to the dedication of many.

Tickets to the 3 p.m. concert cost $40 ($15 for students) and are available online at performingartslakefield.org or in person at Happenstance Books and Yarns in Lakefield. Of note, this concert was originally scheduled for May 18, but has since been moved to May 4.

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Encore

  • What does Peterborough’s Irish Millie have to do to bring home some hardware from the Canadian Folk Music Awards? Stand on her head and kill it on the fiddle? Recently returned from the 2025 ceremony in Ottawa where she was nominated for two awards related her album Grace, the Peterborough performer was denied yet again. That brings to five the number of times she has been nominated. Disappointing for her, for sure, but she’s not dwelling on that, instead taking to Facebook to laud about what a great experience it was to again be in the company of other artists and to be nominated in the first place. Very commendable, for sure, but c’mon to those doing the judging — it’s high time Millie’s talent and dedication to her craft is duly recognized as second to none.
  • Having said all that, Irish Millie will be getting her due this summer at Peterborough Musicfest, which continues to roll out announcements about the performers for its 2025 summer season of concerts in Del Crary Park. Having already announced Serena Ryder as the season opener on June 28 and Kim Mitchell as the season closer on August 16, organizers have revealed three Irish-themed concerts in August that coincide with the week of bicentennial celebrations for the Peter Robinson emigration: U2 tribute band Acrobat on August 2, Mudmen on August 6 with Irish Millie opening, and The Celtic Tenors on August 9. We still don’t know, but will find out at some point in May, who the remaining performs will be. That annually remains the most anticipated live music-related announcement for thousands. I, for one, cannot wait.
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