This is a tale of two Canadian pop rock success stories that, while similar in some respects, remain significantly different enough to stand very much on their own.

In one corner, you have JJ Wilde, whose 2020 debut album brought her a Juno Award in 2021 just two years after she launched her music career. Opposite her stands Suzie McNeil, a 2008 Juno Award nominee for Best New Artist of the Year whose work as both a solo artist and collaborator has held our collective attention for close to 20 years.

On their own, each is a musical force to be reckoned with. But bring them together on one stage for one night, well, now you’re onto something really special.

On Wednesday, August 3 at Del Crary Park, the latter will be the case as Wilde and McNeil co-headline another chapter of Peterborough Musicfest’s milestone 35th season. Admission to the 8 p.m. concert, as always, is free.

Kitchener-born JJ Wilde — Jillian Dowding in another life — made quite the first impression in 2019 with the release of her debut EP Wilde Eyes, Steady Hands and the single “The Rush,” which, in May 2020, simultaneously attained the top spot on Canada’s modern rock, active rock, and mainstream rock charts — one of a handful of songs to achieve that feat.

Any doubts about Wilde’s rock prowess after that remarkable debut were put to rest when her 2020 debut studio album Ruthless followed a similar trajectory. Nominated for a 2021 Juno award as Rock Album of the Year, Ruthless brought Wilde her first statue. Not since 1996, when Alanis Morissette took home a Juno for Jagged Little Pill, had a female performer won in that category.

Wilde arrives in Peterborough with new material courtesy of her second EP Wilde, released just last year. The six-song collection includes her powerful cover of the Stevie Nicks/Tom Petty classic “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” featuring Brett Emmons of The Glorious Sons, who Wilde has recently been touring with in Canada — she opened for them at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this past April — along with The Scorpions in Europe.

VIDEO: “The Rush” – JJ Wilde

“This EP (Wilde) was created during the pandemic so there is definitely some frustration that leaked into this project from not being able to play shows,” reflected Wilde during a June 2021 interview with Rob Laing of MusicRadar.

“But having the time off to do more writing influenced this record in a very positive way as well. I had more time to sit with the songs than I usually do; to refine and make changes. I also had more time to write just for me. I think there’s a real honesty that comes from that.”

Asked to describe her sound, which has resonated with so many so very fast, Wilde admits to being stumped.

“It’s always hard for me as a musician to describe my sound because music means so many different things to different people,” Wilde said. “It’s all up for interpretation. I would say my music is raw, emotional and from the heart. My songs are all very personal to me. The sound is rock … heavy guitars, big booming drums, and a rumbling bass line.”

While a quickly growing legion of fans eagerly awaits what’s next from Wilde, her commitment is to “keep evolving and growing.”

“I just want my songs to continue to come from a genuine place. The sound will naturally evolve with the songwriting. As I grow as a person, my interests in sounds will change.”

VIDEO: “Wired” – JJ Wilde

Post-Musicfest, Wilde will headline August 5 at the Kitchener Blues Festival and then take a breather before undertaking a busy fall of performances across Canada.

Wilde is walking a path not unlike one well travelled by Suzie McNeil since 2005 when the Mississauga native placed fourth on Rock Star: INXS, subsequently reaping the benefits of a successful and diversified careers as a solo artist and as a collaborator with the likes of INXS, Clay Aiken, Foreigner, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.

McNeil has recorded three studio albums, with her 2007 debut album Broken & Beautiful featuring the singles “Hung Up” and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics anthem “Believe” and earning her a 2008 Juno Award nomination as Best New Artist of the Year.

Subsequent albums Rock-n-Roller (2008) and Dear Love (2012) followed, the former spawning her top charting hit “Supergirl” and the latter bringing McNeil more commercial success via the singles “Drama Queen” and “Merry Go Round.”

In addition to her Juno Award nomination, McNeil won a 2008 Independent Music Award as Favourite Pop Artist and, in the same year, was shortlisted for two Canadian Radio Music Awards.

Diversity has been the name of the game for McNeil, her varied musical pursuits including using her multi-instrumental talents as a member of her own Nashville-based country-rock band, forays into the Broadway-level musical theatre realm, and commercial jingle recording work.

VIDEO: “Supergirl” – Suzie McNeil

Rarely standing still, she has dipped her toe into a number of new musical waters, ranging from singing backing vocals for Pink on her North American tour to entertaining troops in Afghanistan to performing at the 2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies.

“I love doing this so much,” she told Jim Barber in a November 2018 interview with Music Life Magazine, adding “I love getting paid for it. I love being able to support myself doing something that I love. To me, that was always the goal.”

“I do kind of get bored and like to have new challenges and different experiences. I love musical theatre, so I loved being able to do that with We Will Rock You (in 2007 at Toronto’s Canon Theatre). I love 1970s music, so I loved doing that show. When I look back at my life, I am very proud, and very proud of all the different experiences I have had and people I have been able to meet and work with.”

One of those new challenges manifested itself in 2014 when McNeil teamed up with Elisha Hoffman, Rebecca Lynn Howard, and Marti Fredericksen to form the country rock quartet Loving Mary. That union brought forth the EP Loving Mary – Live in 2015, and a stint with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler as the backup band on his debut country solo studio album We’re All Somebody from Somewhere and its supporting “Out On A Limb” tour in the U.S. and Japan.

Unsurprisingly, working with Tyler remains a career highlight for McNeil.

“He is a very, very generous man,” she said. “He loves music; he is like a little kid with music. He has more energy than I do. He is just a beautiful soul.”

VIDEO: “Hung Up” – Suzie McNeil

“He cares a lot about the small stuff, like people’s birthdays, and I don’t know if that’s because he has been famous for so long that he probably appreciates all those little things more than we do because they feel mundane for us. I do think people who have had fabulousness for so long appreciate the simpler things in life.”

Ahead for McNeil is a fourth solo album that, as indicated on her Twitter feed, “is already written.”

Bet on her fans chomping at the bit to hear what’s next from the singer who has done nothing but surprise over the course of her career.

Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its milestone 35th anniversary season, each staged Wednesday and Saturday nights at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough.

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 2022 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.

Every Thursday, we publish live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, July 28 to Wednesday, August 3.

If you’re a pub or restaurant owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.

The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced six additional musical acts who will be performing at the free festival in Nicholls Oval Park on the weekend of August 20 and 21, including Julian Taylor, The Colton Sisters, I, the Mountain, Murder Murder, Kellie Loder, and — for the kids — Sharon Hampson (of Sharon, Lois & Bram) with her daughter Randi.

Musicians previously announced in early July include headliners Bahamas, The Trews Acoustic, and Kathleen Edwards — with the latter performing at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 19th in a ticketed concert at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. Reserved seating tickets for Kathleen Edwards are $50 each and are available online at markethall.org.

On the free weekend, the festival opens at noon on Saturday, August 20th with Bahamas performing at 9:20 p.m. and The Trews Acoustic closing out the festival at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 21st.

Along with the headliners, other musicians announced in early July include Odario, AHI, My Son The Hurricane, Georgia Harmer, and Adria Kain, along with local musicians Joyful Joyful, Michael C Duguay, Lauryn Macfarlane, Kayla Mohammed, Nathan Truax, and Kelly McMichael — whose album Waves has been shortlisted for the 2022 Polaris Music Prize, with the winner to be revealed on September 19.

Recently announced musicians performing at Nicholls Oval Park on Saturday, August 20th include:

Julian Taylor

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor has built an unimpeachable reputation as a truly independent artist and entrepreneur over his 25-year career in music. From the formative rock of Staggered Crossing to the genre fusion of Julian Taylor Band, and now revered as a solo singer-songwriter, Taylor won the Solo Artist of the Year honour at the Canadian Folk Music Awards (and a nomination in the English Songwriter category) and was nominated for two Juno Awards in 2021, as well as a Polaris Music Prize nomination.

VIDEO: “Ballad Of A Young Troubadour” – Julian Taylor

I, the Mountain

Based in Kitchener, Ontario, I, the Mountain is a four piece indie-folk band known for their joyous harmonies, high-energy performances, and infectious song writing. The band has built a passionate fan base of “Mountaineers” from their hard work, never-quit attitude, and genuine love for music and community.

VIDEO: “Wildflowers” – I, the Mountain

Murder Murder

Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Murder Murder is a full string band with suitcase percussion who create a unique blend of bluegrass and outlaw country. The bad demonstrates virtuosic musicianship and evocative songwriting. backed by a wealth of original and traditional ballads.

VIDEO: “Movin On” – Murder Murder

The Colton Sisters

Mary and Martha Colton — The Colton Sisters — are twins who grew up on a farm just outside of Peterborough, Ontario. They began singing at the age of 14 and, at 16, learned to play guitar and took an interest in songwriting. Passionate songwriters whose harmonies create a unique and captivating sound, they were one of three winners of the inaugural round of the Don Skuce Memorial Music Collective Songwriting Contest in February 2021, with their winning song “Make It” recorded by James McKenty and mastered by Grammy award winning Peterborough native Greg Wells.

VIDEO: “Make It” – The Colton Sisters

Recently announced performers on Sunday, August 21st include:

Kellie Loder

An independent singer-songwriter from Newfoundland who plays drums, guitar, and piano, Kellie Loder was nominated for a 2012 Juno Award and as Contemporary Singer of the Year as the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards. More recently, they were named the 2021 Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year at the Music NL Awards, won a 2021 East Coast Music Association (ECMA) for their groundbreaking music video and song “Molded Like A Monster,” were nominated forthe 2022 ECMA Songwriter of the Year as well as Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year, and were awarded first runner-up on the 2022 season of Canada’s Got Talent.

VIDEO: “Molded Like a Monster” – Kellie Loder

Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi

Following Bramwell “Bram” Morrison’s retirement from the 1978-founded Canadian children’s music group Sharon, Lois & Bram, and with his encouragement, Sharon Hampson and her daughter Randi continue to share the music of Sharon, Lois & Bram with fans and friends (after Lois Lilienstein passed away in 2015, Hampson and Morrison continued to perform as Sharon & Bram until 2018). This singalong gathering is a real family affair featuring Sharon & Randi, Randi’s sons Ethan and Elijah, and Randi’s beau Jim. Singalong highlights will include such beloved Sharon, Lois & Bram favourites as “ABCD Jig,” “Hey Dum Diddeley Dum,” “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain,” and, of course, “Skinnamarink.”

VIDEO: Carrying on the Sharon, Lois & Bram legacy

Festival organizers will be releasing a full list of performers and a performance schedule soon. In the interim, the festival is still seeking volunteers to help with this year’s event.

To become a volunteer, donate or sponsor the festival, or become an artisan vendor, visit peterboroughfolkfest.com.

kawarthaNOW is pleased to be a major media sponsor of the 2022 Peterborough Folk Festival.

Over the years since he graduated from Adam Scott Collegiate in Peterborough, Michael Bell has worn many hats: singer and musician, tabloid publisher, political candidate, and probably a few things we don’t even know about.

That noted, Bell’s reverence for the late musician David Bowie, a man who pivoted numerous times over his own lifetime, is not only understandable but also a staunch prerequisite for what has kept him busy most recently.

Now in his fifth year of fronting The Bowie Lives, his stunning tribute to the music and many personas of the late glam rock-pop singer, Bell and company will perform in Del Crary Park on Saturday, July 30th as Peterborough Musicfest’s milestone 35th season continues.

As always, admission to the 8 p.m. concert is free.

“The thing about David Bowie that was super clever is how he reinvented himself,” noted Bell in a January 2020 interview with kawarthaNOW.

“He (Bowie) comes out of Berlin and he’s working with Brian Eno, so he picks up a whole generation of new fans. In the 1980s, he reinvents himself by picking up Nile Rogers, who’s producing all of the top dance stuff of the day. He then reinvents himself again in the 1990s with Nine Inch Nails. A lesson I’ve taken away from his life is find good people, let them do their thing and fit in to what they’re on about.”

Debuting in 2017, The Bowie Lives is a sequential presentation of Bowie’s extensive catalogue, ranging from his early hits, such as “Ziggy Stardust” and “Suffragette City,” through the 1980s and 1990s when songs such as “Fame,” “Golden Years,” “China Girl,” “Modern Love,” and “Let’s Dance” dominated music charts around the globe.

VIDEO: “The Bowie Lives” promo video

Born David Robert Jones in Brixton, England in 1947, Bowie embarked on a musical career in 1963. He exploded to a huge following with the 1972 release of the single “Space Oddity” and never looked back, selling an estimated 140 million albums worldwide on the strength of 11 number one charting albums.

In addition, Bowie was an actor in several films and stage productions, his first major film role being his critically acclaimed portrayal of an alien from a dying planet in the 1976 film The Man Who Fell To Earth. In 1996, his diversified and game-changing sound earned him induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Bowie died of liver cancer in January 2016, shocking millions of his fans around the globe — one of them being Bell.

A Peterborough resident since moving to the city at a young age, Bell’s passion for music flourished in his teens.

With Adam Scott pals John Crown, Rick Kemp, and Alex Stangl, he formed and fronted New Wave/punk band Strobic Axe in 1980. One of Bell’s cherished memories of that time was performing with Strobic Axe in a very different Del Crary Park.

Bell eventually found himself in Toronto, first performing as one half of a folk music duo before fronting club bands Trixie Goes Hollywood and Eye Eye — the latter winning the highly-touted Q107 Homegrown Contest in 1984. What followed was his first go-round doing the Bowie thing.

“The (Bowie) show in the 1980s was a bit of weirdo show,” recalled Bell during his 2020 chat with kawarthaNOW. “My heart wasn’t really into doing the show. It was the idea of my agent. I had just won the Q107 thing and then it was like ‘OK, what are we going to do in the midst of waiting for a record deal?’ The tribute thing was just starting to happen in a big way. My agent was booking a lot of stuff, so I went with it.”

VIDEO: “Heroes” performed by The Bowie Lives

In the early ’90s, Bell — who in his own words, “hung up his Ziggy” — came back to Peterborough, got married, and founded The Wire Megazine, a monthly tabloid that broached political and social issues as well as focused on city’s arts scene. In addition, he stood for federal election twice, both times under the Green Party banner, first in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock and then in Peterborough-Kawartha.

Despite these diversions, Bell’s first love — music — was never not on his radar. He released five CDs as NumberOneWorld, enjoying success on Internet music listings. He also mentored and promoted a number of music acts. Soon enough, Bowie — and more specifically the production of a fitting tribute — was again lurking in his mind.

“I knew people loved Bowie, but the question was ‘Am I going to be able to have a band that’s capable of doing this?’,” he recalled, adding “There’s a reason there aren’t a lot of Bowie tributes.”

“There’s an even bigger reason why a lot of the Bowie tributes just focus on the Ziggy period. The material is a lot easier to play. But once you get into stuff like Young Americans and Ashes To Ashes, there’s a lot of stuff going on. When I put the show together the first time in the 1980s, my problem was I wasn’t connected enough. I didn’t know where to look for players.”

Enter musical Michael Beauclerc, who helped Bell gather stellar players.

“We got together for a couple of rehearsals in Peterborough. It was ‘Here’s the YouTube channel, here’s the arrangements … learn them.'”

VIDEO: “Young Americans” and “The Jean Genie” performed by The Bowie Lives

Upon the staging of the first few shows, critical acclaim followed, including a five-star rating from Richard Crouse, the host of CTV’s PopLife, who deemed Bell and Beauclerc’s creation “unbelievable … by far the best and coolest Bowie tribute I’ve ever seen.”

“Doing Bowie has really pushed me,” Bell says. “I’ve got big chops. On a good day, I’ve got a full three-octave range. I’m singing stronger now than I’ve ever sung. I don’t want to sound flippant, but it’s effortless for me.”

“As we’ve grown the show, rather than a tribute, I’m calling it a Bowie spectacular. It’s a happening. It’s an immersive experience. The multimedia offering has an educational bent to it. The show itself is chronological. It’s a progression. People watching the show will recognize the progression of fashion, the progression of the music, and the progression of the sound.”

Ahead for Bell in 2022, besides more performance bookings, is the release of a documentary film titled Being David Bowie. For more information on The Bowie Lives, visit www.thebowielives.com.

Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its milestone 35th anniversary season, each staged Wednesday and Saturday nights at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough.

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 2022 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.