Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas 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, August 1 to Wednesday, August 7.

If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.

Growing up in Hialeah in Florida, Barry Davis had two passions: sports and music.

While those areas of interest have been, and remain, far from uncommon for countless youths around the globe, fortunate indeed are those who are able to have success pursuing both in their adult years.

For Davis, a broadcasting career — first with Sportsnet covering both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays before hosting his own hugely baseball-related podcast — more than fulfilled his sports passion.

As for the music half of the equation, his impressive tribute to the music of American singer-songwriter Tom Petty has more than fit the bill.

On Saturday, August 3rd at Del Crary Park, Davis will front Petty tribute band We Ain’t Petty as Peterborough Musicfest’s 33rd season continues. Admission to the 8 p.m. concert is free, thanks to the support of sponsors.

Formed in 2016, We Ain’t Petty pays homage to Davis’ fellow Floridian native who, as the lead singer of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, as a member of The Traveling Wilburys, and as a solo artist sold more than 80 million albums before his death in October 2017.

“One of the first albums I remember having as a kid was Damn The Torpedoes (The Heartbreakers’ third album),” Davis says in an October 2017 interview with Matthew Strader of the Caledon Enterprise.

“I remember my older brother playing it over and over again. All of those songs became ingrained in my brain. As I grew older, I started to have a deep appreciation for anything Tom Petty did in his career.”

There was much to take in.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, Petty recorded 13 albums with The Heartbreakers, the aforementioned Damn The Torpedoes a platinum-selling breakthrough in 1979 on the strength of the hit singles “Don’t Do Me Like That”, “Here Comes My Girl”, and “Refugee”.

The following decade saw Petty’s star continue to rise, a period which produced the singles “The Waiting” and “Don’t Come Around Here No More” and, in 1989, the release of his first solo album Full Moon Fever with the hit singles “I Won’t Back Down”, “Free Fallin'”, and “Runnin’ Down A Dream”.

VIDEO: We Ain’t Petty promo

During the same time, Petty hooked up with Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne to form supergroup The Traveling Wilburys — a union that produced two albums, their biggest hit “Handle With Care”, and brought a new generation of fans to each member of the super group.

In 1991, Petty reunited with The Heartbreakers and didn’t miss a step, releasing Into The Great Wide Open, with the title track and “Learning To Fly” returning the band to music chart prominence. Five more albums took the band into 2014.

It was just a few weeks after The Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour in 2017 and just two weeks before his 67th birthday that Petty died — the cause of death later ruled accidental as a result of mixed drug toxicity.

“I was sitting in my basement, guitar in hand, hearing myself in headphones singing a Tom Petty song at the exact moment a tweet came to me asking if I had heard the news … it hit me like a ton of bricks,” recalls Davis of learning of Petty’s death.

“We were paying tribute to great music. Now we’re paying tribute to an artist, someone who meant so much to so many people. Someone I’ve been living with for 40 years now. Your heroes always seem to be immortal. When they pass, it really hits you.”

Prior to beginning his broadcasting career in 1992 as a technical operator at CJCL 1430 in Toronto (currently 590 The Fan), music was a huge part of Davis’ life. By age 16, he was playing bass and gigging across Ontario with his band Fusion.

VIDEO: “American Girl” performed by We Ain’t Petty

VIDEO: “Don’t Come Around Here” performed by We Ain’t Petty

The formation of We Ain’t Petty marked a return to the stage for Davis, after a 25-year break during which he became best known as the on-field face and voice of Blue Jays baseball, reporting from Rogers Centre during the Jays’ 2015 and 2016 playoff runs.

The following year, Davis and Sportsnet parted ways. He started his own media company, No Suit Required Media, and his Outta The Park podcast that boasts some 50,000 Twitter followers.

Free of his Sportsnet obligations, Davis has been able to set his own schedule, of which performing with We Ain’t Petty is a very big part.

“To sit and listen to the music is one thing, but it’s deceptively challenging to play and perform.”

Along with Davis, who plays rhythm guitar, We Ain’t Petty band members are Ken ‘Smog’ O’Gorman (lead guitar), Emilio Lamorte (bass), Armin Leonard (keyboards)m and Matt McFarland (drums).

VIDEO: “Won’t Back Down” performed by We Ain’t Petty

Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission, sponsor-supported concerts featuring a total of 21 acts during its 33rd season — each concert staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights at Del Crary Park.

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

For more information on this concert or the entire 2019 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.

Even though we’re heading into the dog days of summer, there’s no shortage of amazing music to go check out in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

There’s something for everybody, whether it’s large free events — including the Hootenanny on Hunter Street (August 10), the Peterborough Folk Festival (August 15 to 18), and Peterborough Musicfest (every Wednesday and Saturday night) — or local and touring bands performing in one of the area’s excellent live music bars and venues.

Here are just a few of the excellent upcoming chances to tickle your ear drums.

Emily Burgess and The Emburys at Memorial Park in Port Hope on August 1

Rockin’ blues will fill Port Hope’s Memorial Park (56 Queen St., Port Hope) on Thursday, August 1st when Emily Burgess and The Emburys perform a free concert.

Burgess is a Peterborough singer-songwriter and spectacular guitarist who won a Maple Blues award earlier this year. She’ll be performing with her band, brothers Rico and Marcus Browne on bass and drums.

The music will begin at 7 p.m. and admission is free.

VIDEO: “Perdy Thing” – Emily Burgess & The Emburys

We Ain’t Petty at Musicfest in Peterborough on August 3

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t miss Tom Petty? His music was the go-to for many people’s summer road trips since his first record in the 1970s.

On Saturday, August 3rd, Peterborough Musicfest presents Petty tribute band We Ain’t Petty. Head there for a bunch of the best-loved Petty tunes and, for a couple of hours, pretend that one of rock and roll’s coolest dudes is still with us.

As always, Musicfest shows are free and happen at Del Crary Park on the shores of Little Lake in Peterborough. Showtime is 8 p.m.

VIDEO: We Ain’t Petty promo

The Lucky Ones at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on August 6

Elmhirst’s Resort continues its Tuned Up Tuesdays series in August with some excellent live music at the Wild Blue Yonder Pub & Patio (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940) on the boardwalk right beside Rice Lake.

On August 6th, The Lucky Ones, a country-roots group all the way from the Yukon, will be performing (they’ll also be playing on August 4th at Marley’s Bar & Grill in Buckhorn, on August 5th at The Garnet in downtown Peterborough, on August 10th at the Arlington Pub in Maynooth, and later in the month at the Peterborough Folk Festival).

August 13th features popular singer/songwriter Ty Wilson. August 20th will be the return of Fewings and Son (yes, that’s me and my dad). And last but not least on August 27th will be local favourites Fred Stillman and Keene Country.

The music, which is always free, starts at 7 p.m. There is an unreal southern BBQ buffet available for purchase as well as refreshing beverages.

VIDEO: “The Old 98” – The Lucky Ones

Hootenanny on Hunter Street in Peterborough on August 10

The Hootenanny on Hunter Street is a favourite event for most folks in the city of Peterborough. Hunter Street is closed from Aylmer to George Streets to make way for a full stage setup, expanded bar and restaurant patios, and a great selection of arts and craft vendors.

This year’s Hoot takes place on Saturday, August 10th. While there is a lot to see and do from noon to 11 p.m. that day, it’s really all about the music. Musical acts this year include Paper Shakers, The Lohrwoods, Dylan Ireland, House of David Gang, Crystal Shawanda, Lindsay Barr, Stacey Kay, and a special tribute to the late Hootenanny originator Jon Hall by The Dreamboats. See you on Hunter Street!

VIDEO: “You Can’t Let Go” – Crystal Shawanda

Dave McEathron at Millennium Park in Bancroft on August 14

Bancroft is a lovely place to be in the summer and there’s nothing like a free concert in a park to really put the icing on the cake. On Wednesday, August 14th, Mineral Capitol Concerts presents Dave McEathron in concert at Millennium Park 166 Hasting St. N., Bancroft)

McEathron was the lead singer of a great Canadian alt-country/rock band called The Warped 45’s and this past spring he toured Ireland with David Francey.

The show begins at 7 p.m.

VIDEO: “Hell to the Heavens” – Dave McEathron

William Prince and Donovan Woods at the Market Hall in Peterborough on August 15 and 16

Everybody get ready for the Peterborough Folk Festival at Nicholls Oval Park! This year is a big one, as the festival celebrates its 30th year. This year taking place over four days, the festival continues to grow and to be one of the highlights of the summer in Peterborough.

The otherwise-free festival begins with two ticketed concerts at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).

Thursday, August 15th features the raw songwriting and powerful voice of Winnipeg-based Juno award-winning singer-songwriter William Prince, followed on Friday, August 16th by another Juno award winner, roots-rocker Donovan Woods performing with his band The Opposition.

VIDEO: “Leave It By The Sea” – William Prince

VIDEO: “Truck Full Of Money” – Donovan Woods

If you’ve seen Donovan Woods live, or if you follow his Twitter account, you’ll know he’s also a pretty funny guy. He describes himself as “Canada’s answer to Paul Simon except taller and not as good”.

Both shows begin at 8 p.m., with the Prince show costing $30 including fees and the Woods show costing $40 including fees (assigned seating for both concerts). Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org

Peterborough Folk Festival at Nicholls Oval Park in Peterborough on August 17 and 18

The free portion of the Peterborough Folk Festival takes place on Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th at Nicholls Oval Park in Peterborough.

There’s a lot of music to check out on those two days. Some of the acts on Saturday, August 17th include A Tribe Called Red, Narcy, Tim Baker (Hey Rosetta), and many more. On Sunday, August 18th, it’s another day of heavy hitters from the Canadian music scene including the recently unretired Kathleen Edwards, Matt Mays, Fred Penner, and a whole host of local talent.

If you’ve never been, it’s sure to become a favourite of yours as well.

VIDEO: “All Hands” – Tim Baker

VIDEO: “Station Out of Range” – Matt Mays

VIDEO: “Change The Sheets” – Kathleen Edwards

Lucas Chaisson at The Garnet in Peterborough on August 21

Edmonton musician Lucas Chaisson is worth checking out at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Wednesday, August 21st.

He’s worked with the likes of Colin Linden on a record (Telling Time) and that’s not a bad place to start.

Head out and hear some really great songwriting and guitar work. The show begins at 8 p.m. and is $10 at the door.

VIDEO: “Losing Game” – Lucas Chaisson

Missy Knott at the Red Dog in Peterborough on August 29

The Weber Brothers continue their series at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) this month with featured acts every Thursday.

On Thursday, August 29th, the guest will be Curve Lake singer-songwriter Missy Knott. A lovely singer and performer, she captures the hearts of audiences with earnest performance and a dazzling stage presence.

These shows begin at 8 p.m. and feature a bit of a cabaret feel. Perfect for a night out during the week, each show is $10 at the door.

VIDEO: “My Sister’s Heart” – Missy Knott

Baque de Bamba at Haliburton DrumFest at Head Lake Park in Haliburton on August 31

Drum out August in cottage country when Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre presents Baque de Bamba at Haliburton DrumFest at Head Lake Park (13 York St. Haliburton) on Saturday, August 31st.

The Toronto-based Afro-Brazilian percussion group, led by Brazilian artist and Juno nominee Aline Morales, performs a style of music from northeastern Brazil known as maracatu. The group is best known for it high-energy and captivating performances, which feature drumming, singing, and dancing.

Haliburton DrumFest runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes percussionists, drums, dancing, food, a vendor market, family-friendly activities, learn-to-drum experiences and drum circles;, and a costumed parade through the park.

Baque de Bamba will be joining the parade and then giving a mid-afternoon performance, sponsored by the Haliburton County Folk Society. The Rhythmeers, the Rails End drum troupe, will open for Baque de Bamba.

Admission to Haliburton DrumFest is free, but donations are encouraged.

VIDEO: “Temporal” performed by Baque de Bamba

This August, the Art Gallery of Northumberland has two interesting shows on display featuring Op Art artist Victor Vasarely and Canadian-Chinese artist Xiaojing Yan, and the Art Gallery of Peterborough will partner with Finer Things to bring a fun summer show and sale to Del Crary Park.

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington hosts its annual Kids Outdoor Art Festival, the latest paintings by Cynthia Fox will be featured at The Annex Gallery in Bancroft, and, on Friday and Saturday evenings during the month, there will be an immersive art project called ‘Reunion’ happening at a secret location just outside Lakefield,

Sunday Drive presents ‘Reunion’, a new immersive experience near Lakefield

‘Reunion’ is the newest in a series of immersive art experiences in which contemporary art is presented to audiences in unconventional often rural settings.

The project remains a bit of a mystery so far — what we know is that it consists of a 90-minute show beginning at sundown in open fields and wooded areas on a private farm in the Douro-Dummer area, and that the artistic collaborators include Karl Skene, Max Streicher, Joseph Murray, Reza Nik, Sasha Leigh Henry, Tania Thompson, Garrett Gilbart, Jacob Irish, Julie Hall, Sam Shahsavani, Pavel Iodine, and Amina Moon.

So far, there are two dates scheduled — Friday, August 8th and Friday, August 16th — with more dates promised on Friday and Saturday evenings in August as shows get filled. Priced at $20, tickets are available online at www.universe.com/events/reunion-tickets-harcourt-1NWJ7F.

The show begins at 2 Smith Street in Lakefield where a bus, hosted by the farm’s owners, will take visitors to Reunion (10 minutes away).

“This short ride provides time for us to give visitors the full backstory of how Reunion came to be, to meet the artists who own the farm,and deepen the experience they are about to have,” explains Sunday Drive’s creative director Tania Thompson.

There is more in the works from Sunday Drive, which has been working with the Akin Collective and Parks Canada with the goal of eventually turning a decommissioned maintenance yard in Lakefield into an arts and culture hub! More information about this will be available at a later date.

To learn about Sunday Drive, call 416-985-3369, email media@sundaydrive.org, visit www.sundaydrive.org, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @sundaydriveart.

‘A Wanderer’s Mind’ by Xiaojing Yan at Art Gallery of Northumberland

This exhibit focuses on identity as Markham-based Chinese Canadian artist Xiaojing Yan explores her experience of ‘being’ both Chinese and Canadian, the ambiguity behind these notions and the immigrant experience.

In this collection of four series of work by Yan — ‘Face to Face’, ‘Marking’, ‘Morning Glory’, and ‘Naturally Natural’ — these themes are represented in various ways. Featuring painting, installation, sculpture, and ink paintings, this poetic body of work uses traditional Chinese techniques and presents them with a contemporary aesthetic.

The show, which opened in July, will be on display until Sunday, September 15th.

The Art Gallery of Northumberland is located at on the third floor of the west wing of Victoria Hall (55 King St. W., Cobourg). Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit www.artgalleryofnorthumberland.com.

‘Op Art in Motion’, a series of work by Victor Vasarely, at Art Gallery of Northumberland

Another exhibition currently on display at the Art Gallery of Northumberland featuring work by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely (1906-1997), one of the progenitors of the Op Art movement.

The Op Art style is named for the optical and often psychedelic effects (optical illusions) achieved through meticulously planned and executed drawings and paintings. During the 1960s, Vasarely’s style became a universal vocabulary for graphic art.

The gallery has a large display of Vasarely’s work on display until Sunday, September 29th. The pieces are a combination of work from the gallery’s permanent collection and selections from a private collection, and feature the ‘Vegaseries’ in which it appears that pressure is being applied to the image from behind creating various effects as seen above.

If you are interested in creating your own Op Art work, the gallery is hosting a workshop with instructors Shelagh and Kyle Stewart from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21st. Collage techniques will be demonstrated and supplies will be provided (participants are asked to bring a small pair of scissors, an exacto knife with cutting board if preferred, and a glue brush or two). The workshop costs $20, and registration is required as space is limited (email Victoria Towrie at vtowrie@agncobourg.ca).

The Art Gallery of Northumberland is located at on the third floor of the west wing of Victoria Hall (55 King St. W., Cobourg). Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit www.artgalleryofnorthumberland.com.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough partners with Finer Things for a summer show and sale

Finer Things has been running a successful winter pop-up market in Peterborough for the last five years, and has now partnered with the Art Gallery of Peterborough to create a fun summer event in a similar style, promoting professional craftspeople and artists and fostering the local creative community.

The summer show and sale will begin at noon on Saturday, August 24th and run until 8 p.m. that evening, with live performances and refreshments beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free to the public until 6 p.m., when there will be a cover charge of $10 for performances by Rick Fines, Little Fire, and Justin Million and refreshments offered.

On Sunday, August 25th, the show will continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend.

The summer show will be in Del Crary Park Adjacent to the Art Gallery of Peterborough. For more information, follow Finer Things on Instagram and Facebook.

The Annex Gallery in Bancroft presents ‘Creations Alive’ by Cynthia Fox

Fox works from her home studio in Peterborough, which is open to the public by appointment. If you can’t make it out to this show, give her a call at 705-741-6674 or visit her website at www.cynthiafoxstudio.com.

You can also see her work on display in Peterborough at Amandala’s Restaurant, Ashburnham Ale House, Haaseltons Café, and J & J Kawartha Massage Therapy.

The Annex Gallery at A Place for the Arts is located at 23 Bridge Street West in Bancroft. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. For more information, visit www.apfta.ca.

Visual Arts Centre of Clarington hosts Kids Outdoor Art Festival on August 24

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington is hosting its eighth annual Kids Outdoor Art Festival (previously Picasso’s Picnic) on Saturday, August 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

The festival aims to encourage and connect young artists from the area. There will be lots to do and see including activities, workshops, a youth art market, and live performances.

The festival is a free event that accepts donations. The suggested donation is $10 per family or pay what you can (cash only). All donations are much appreciated.

For more information about the Kids Outdoor Art Festival, visit www.vac.ca/koaf.html.

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington is located at 143 Simpson Avenue in Bowmanville. Hours of operation are 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. Admission to exhibits and artist talks is free. For more information, visit www.vac.ca.

Organizers of the Peterborough Folk Festival have announced the full lineup for the annual music festival, which runs this year on Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th at Nicholls Oval Park in Peterborough’s East City.

Joining already-announced headliners A Tribe Called Red, Kathleen Edwards, Matt Mays, and Fred Penner are Tim Baker (Hey Rosetta!) and Iraqi-Canadian hip-hop musician Narcy. Organizers also announced Missy Knott and Mayhemingways will be joining the list of local performers.

Tim Baker will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th at the Peterborough Subaru main stage, sponsored by kawarthaNOW.com. Baker was the principal songwriter and lead vocalist of Hey Rosetta!, a seven-piece indie rock band from St. John’s in Newfoundland.

After the band went on an “indefinite hiatus” in December 2017, Baker pursued his solo career, releasing his debut solo album Forever Overhead in April of this year. In June, the album was named to the initial long list for the 2019 Polaris Music Prize.

Baker will also be headlining the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival Folk Festival the weekend before his Peterborough appearance.

VIDEO: “All Hands” – Tim Baker

Also performing on Saturday, August 17th is Narcy — the stage name of Iraqi-Canadian musician and multimedia artist Yassin Alsalman of Montreal. Presented by the United Way Peterborough & District Neighbourhood Fund, Narcy is considered a pioneer of the Arab hip-hop movement. He released his most recent album, SpaceTime, in November 2018.

Formerly known as the Narcicyst, Alsalman has done voice-over work for the video game Assassin’s Creed Origins, won Video of The Year at the 2017 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards for his directorial debut with indigenous electronic group A Tribe Called Red featuring Yasiin Bey, earned a Juno Nomination for Best Music Video in 2017, starred in the Ali F. Mostafa’s film City of Life in 2009, and has had his music featured in films including Fast and Furious 7. As well as being a musician, director, and actor, Alsalman is a professor of fine arts at Concordia University.

Narcy will perform at 8:45 p.m. on the Peterborough Subaru Main stage. Earlier in the afternoon, he will also be leading an open workshop on hip hop and social change.

VIDEO: “Animal” – Narcy

Other visiting performers at the free weekend festival include Hamilton alt-country and roots band The Redhill Valleys, Niagara folk rocker Katey Gatta, Yukon country-roots band The Lucky Ones, Victoria B.C. alt-folk singer-songwriter Kerry Jayne, and Peterborough-formed Toronto band I, The Mountain.

Along with Missy Knott and Mayhemingways, other local musicians performing at the festival are Peachykine, Say Ritual, Oberge, Cellar Door, Lauryn Macfarlane, a tribute to the late Joe Hall (hosted by Jay Swinnerton), Sista Jill & The Fam Jam, and Irish Millie.

Prior to the free portion of the festival, there are two ticketed kick-off concerts taking place at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre featuring two Juno Award-winning musicians: William Prince on Thursday, August 15th and Donovan Woods & The Opposition on Friday, August 16th. Both concerts begin at 8 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at markethall.org.

Also as part of the festival, Rock Camp for Girls (RC4G) Peterborough is also hosting a “big show” from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, August 16th at Showplace Performance Centre.

While the four stages of live music at Nicholls Oval Park are the focus of the Peterborough Folk Festival, the family-friendly event has a lot more to offer. There will be food, a beer tent, more than 50 artisan vendors, workshops, a children’s village and lots of kid-friendly activities including family yoga, drum circles, face painting, and more.

There will also be after-parties at the Historic Red Dog in downtown Peterborough on Saturday and Sunday night at 11 p.m. following each day’s events. The after-parties feature performances by select festival musicians (to be announced).

For a full schedule of performances and events, check out the festival’s brand new website at www.peterboroughfolkfest.com.

Note that the festival is still seeking volunteers and sponsors. If interested, visit the website.