Expedia.ca used this photo of canoeists on the Trent Canal near Trent University, taken by a local photographer and shared on kawarthaNOW's Instagram, to illustrate Peterborough as one of the 21 most active cities in Canada. (Photo: @jefflionelfitz / Instagram)
Travel website Expedia.ca has named Peterborough one of the 21 most active cities in Canada — and uses a photo from a local photographer that kawarthaNOW.com shared on its Instagram account.
The photo of two people paddling a canoe on the Trent Canal near Trent University was taken in May 2016 by Instagram user @jefflionelfitz (his account no longer exists). kawarthaNOW.com shares pictures of the Kawarthas by local photographers every day on our Instagram account @kawarthanow, which has grown to almost 11,000 followers.
Expedia writer Jennifer Cuellar ranks the 21 cities by various factors: average number of marathons and hiking trails; access to bike paths, trails, and races; per capita gyms, including but not limited to CrossFit, yoga studios, rock climbing, and more; and by abundance of outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and more.
“Peterborough is all about pushing personal limits,” she tells kawarthaNOW.com. “Whether it’s biking, paddling, or even indoor rock climbing, this city is a challenge for anyone who wants to see how far they can go.”
In the story, Cuellar describes Peterborough as follows:
To paraphrase Salt-N-Pepa, you’ve got to push it when you’re in Peterborough, Ontario. This means pushing your endurance along Trent Canal when you’re riding your bike next to dozens of pros. Pushing your body up just a little higher off the safe ground at Rock and Rope Climbing Centre. And pushing your paddle skills on Little Lake to one day earn a glittering spot at the Canadian Canoe Museum in town. Or, if you’d prefer to stand up as you propel the water far behind you, sign up for a class with Peterborough SUP. Outdoor activities in Peterborough demand you bring your best. So, bring it on.
While Peterborough made the list, we expect area residents may dispute the city’s ranking of #21 — at the bottom of the list, behind Ontario cities St. Catharines (#19), Hunstville (#17), Perth (#13), London (#12), Barrie (#8), Brockville (#7), and Toronto (#6).
The remaining cities are located in Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia which, unsurprisingly, has six cities on the list — including the top ranked active city in Canada, Vancouver.
Artist Alex Bierk, the son of Artspace co-founder David Bierk, shared this 1976 photo of the artist-run art centre on Facebook.
Artist Alex Bierk recently shared a historical photo on Facebook of Peterborough’s Artspace, one of Canada’s oldest artist-run art centres.
Artspace was founded in 1974 by Dennis Tourbin and Alex’s father David Bierk, along with a collective of local artists. According to local artist Joe Stable, who was curator for Artspace when it was founded, the photo was taken in 1976. David is pictured in the front row, far left, with Joe towards the front right (in the suspenders).
Others pictured in the photo include Tobey Anderson, Eric Loder, Dorothy Caldwell, and David’s first wife Kathleen Hunter-Bierk.
Both Dennis and David died young, with Dennis passing away in 1998 from a massive stroke at the age of 53, and David — who remained director of Artspace until 1987 — passing away in 2002 at the age of 58 as a result of complications from leukemia.
The original location for Artspace, pictured in the photo, was 440 Water Street at Brock Street — a building that no longer exists.
“Earlier the building was the Boy Scouts office,” writes historian Elwood Jones on Facebook. “Later it was demolished for the St John’s Centre. The windows were rescued by Martha Kidd, as they echoed the windows in the Market Hall where Artspace later went.”
Artist Joe Stable, who was curator of Artpsace in 1974, also shared this 1977 photo of Artspace on Facebook.
Artspace, which received non-profit incorporated charitable status in 1977, was also located for several years on the second floor of 188-190 Hunter Street West (where La Hacienda and Sam’s Place are now).
An ad for Artspace from a 1980 issue of Arthur, Trent University’s student-run newspaper. (Photo: Trent University)
It relocated to, and operated, the Market Hall in the early 1980s, after the venue was converted from a gymnasium into a performing arts centre.
In all, Artspace had six locations in Peterborough before opening at its current site at 378 Aylmer Street North in 2006.
The historical photos of Artspace are an important part of Peterborough’s cultural history. While located at King and George Street, Artspace’s archives were either destroyed or badly damaged after the great flood of Peterborough in July 2004.
If you’re interested in the early history of Artspace, you can try to locate a copy of Artspace 79 : the first four years by David Bierk. A single copy is available for reference only at the Toronto Public Library.
Showplace Performance Centre general manager Emily Martin (second from right) is putting her stamp on the downtown performing arts venue, buoyed by her already extensive experience in the performing arts milieu. Here she is pictured with Showplace board members Brenda Booth and Julie Howe and Nexicom past president Paul Downs in November 2017, when the main performance space was named The Erica Cherney Theatre as a tribute to the late businesswoman and fervent arts supporter. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
When Emily Martin oversaw what was then the Peterborough Festival of Lights (now Peterborough Musicfest), she acquired and honed a skill set that would serve her in very good stead down the road.
In 2002, at just 24 years old, Martin began a 10-year tenure at the Del Crary Park concert series, with her last four years there as general manager, learning quickly that working closely with others opened the door wide to new opportunities for all.
Fast forward to 2018. Now the general manager of the Showplace Performance Centre, Martin is satisfying her thirst for collaboration on a whole other level — to the great benefit of the 640-seat performing arts centre in downtown Peterborough and those who fill many or all of its seats on any given night.
“My door is always open for new ideas and opportunities — we’re stronger as a team than in our own silos,” Martin says.
“It’s not always about money. It’s about getting people in the seats. Take the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, for example. It has an audience we love to see at Showplace. It’s in our best interest to work with the PSO to do that. That’s just one example though — there are so many amazing organizations in this city we could work with.”
Showplace’s most publicized and mutually beneficial ongoing working relationship is with the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, another not-for-profit charitable organization that shares a mission to promote a diversity of arts and music in Peterborough. Martin and Market Hall general manager Chad Hogan regularly share information and ideas with one another.
“People are a little surprised by that relationship because we are competition for each other in a sense,” Martin explains.
Martin also points to this past March’s Letterkenny show as a prime example of how one-off collaborations can also make all the difference. For that show, Martin arranged for Sudbury-based Puppers Beer — the beer of choice for the TV program’s characters — to ship cases of their product to Showplace for sale that evening.
“Audiences are looking for an experience,” she explains. “They don’t want to simply come and sit and watch a show. It’s exciting to give them a little unexpected thing they weren’t prepared for.”
Moving forward, Martin sees partnership opportunities with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and downtown restaurants.
And the opportunities for partnerships aren’t only limited to Peterborough. The slower summer season sees Showplace, via its social media channels, promote other venues such as Westben in Campbellford and 4th Line Theatre near Millbrook. Martin is also in regular contact with the general managers of venues outside Peterborough, such as those in Orillia and Brantford, exchanging ideas on how they can make their respective spaces more efficient.
One could say that, when it comes to the performing arts community, a rising tide lifts all boats.
From puppetry to theatre to music, Showplace Performance Centre is committed to presenting a diversity in the performing arts for its 2018/19 season. (Graphics courtesy of Showplace)
As Showplace prepares for its busy fall and winter season, another major focus of Martin’s is reflected in the programming schedule: diversity.
“Theatres across the province are struggling with how to attract different pieces that speak to their diverse communities,” says Martin, noting diversity isn’t limited to simply presenting varied music genres but also diverse forms of art.
“We’re presenting Roch Voisine, so there’s a French Canadian element. We’ve got The Nutcracker, so there’s dance. We have Soldiers of Song coming, so that’s theatre. And we’re doing the Golden Girls puppet show, so we’re even presenting puppetry.”
Martin says that, while Showplace has presented different genres in the past, there wasn’t the same focus there is now.
“We have an entertainment committee that we work with,” she explains. “Diversity of presentation is a starting point in our discussions as opposed to an afterthought.”
Martin admits the presentation of culturally diverse programming can sometimes be a gamble when it comes to ticket sales, but it remains a mandate of the organization. Rentals of the facilities to promoters give Showplace some flexibility to meet that mandate.
On Thursday, November 29, 2018, Showplace Performance Centre is presenting “The Nutcacker: a Canadian Tradition” by Ballet Jörgen. (Photo: Jim Orgill)
“We should, as Showplace Presents, be presenting the things that challenge us more. We have the rentals that pay for building and our HVAC system and our roof and everything else. That gives us a really good opportunity to be able to present The Nutcracker and bring in Ballet Jorgen.
“We do try to do shows that will benefit our members, but also give them something new and unique. Stratford is doing The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Whoever thought that would be on the stage at Stratford?”
Martin points out that diversity of programming can also attract new audiences, as well as those who’ve never been to Showplace before, by appealing to a wider demographic.
“Look at the work the New Canadians’ Centre is doing. Look at the work the government is doing with Truth and Reconciliation. There’s so much opportunity to present diverse programming and I think the door has opened to that. Twenty years ago, this conversation wouldn’t have happened. There was a handful of Canadian artists presented every year.
Emily Martin was appointed general manager of Showplace in April 2018, after serving as interim general manager for almost a year and, prior to that, as marketing and administrative manager for three years. She was also worked with Peterborough Musicfest for 10 years (with the last four as general manager), as well as the Sudbury Theatre Centre and Georgian Theatre Festival prior to moving to Peterborough in 2004. (Photo courtesy of Showplace)
“I was at Peterborough Musicfest on Canada Day for The Jerry Cans. I knew nothing about them. Unbelievable! We need to encourage people to come and see these artists. You may not know who they are, but they are amazing.”
With three children of her own — she and husband Scott met in a theatre setting, of course — Martin is particularly passionate about young people being exposed to the performing arts.
“That’s a huge focus. There is no real performing arts programming in the schools anymore. There’s a responsibility to provide that exposure.
“I think back on my son. He was having trouble with bullies in school and it was one teacher, Dawn Berry — she’s incredible. She would bring her guitar in from home and hold music classes. She suggested Isaac get in touch with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, so he went and did The Sound of Music and met a whole group of people there just like him. There’s room for these kids and it’s really important that be provided. Not everybody is a hockey player.”
Whether it be forging new relationships or working to expose Showplace audiences to varied programming that’s outside the box, there’s a common denominator at the foundation of Martin’s efforts. It’s one she makes no secret of being very proud of: her team of both staff and volunteers.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here one hundred times or it’s the first time — everybody is treated like family. They’re coming into our house. We have almost 250 volunteers and they all love it just as much as we do. They’re our ambassadors. They go out and talk about Showplace.
“We were facing a little bit of a financial struggle last year but our entire team pulled together. We’re a really tight team, and we’ve been able to expand that team with the addition of Bill Porter, Susan Oliver, and Bill Batten. I’m so proud of the work this team has done. We all really love this place and it’s genuine.”
Reflecting on the route she took to arrive at 290 George Street North, Martin says everything she’s done career-wise led to her current role.
“I started in the box office at the Georgian Theatre Festival when I was a teenager. From there I went to the Sudbury Theatre Centre. I was offered a job to work at Walt Disney World at the same time I was offered a job as a box office manager, and I turned it down.
“I think I was first person in the history of Disney to turn down a job there. My kids don’t let me live that one down. But it was a personal goal of mine to run a theatre.”
Calgary-based musician, visual artist, and animator Chad VanGaalen is one of the performers at the Peterborough Music Festival, taking place from August 17 to 19, 2018. (Publicity photo)
The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced the full line-up of artists for the free family-friendly music festival in August.
The Peterborough Folk Festival takes place from August 17 – 19, 2018 with a free weekend of music and more at Nicholls Oval Park. (Poster: Peterborough Folk Festival)
In addition to already-announced headliners Terra Lightfoot, Bedouin Soundclash, and Basia Bulat, and the reunion of local band The Spades, the festival will feature performances by Chad VanGaalen, Logan Staats, My Son the Hurricane, The Weather Station, Kalle Mattson, Jennifer Castle, Glen McFarlane, and Tequila Jay & Los Diablos.
Local musicians in the line-up are Mary-Kate Edwards, Broken Harmony, The Silver Hearts, Hillary Dumoulin, Kate Suhr, and Melissa Payne.
The festival kicks off with a ticketed concert featuring Terra Lightfoot on Friday, August 17th at 8 p.m. at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. Hillary Dumoulin, the 2018 Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Arts, will be opening.
Tickets are $30 for assigned seating and are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Host Body” – Performed and animated by Chad VanGaalen
The remainder of the festival takes place at Nichols Oval Park on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free and, in addition to musical performances, there will be street food, an artisan and craft village, children’s activities, and a licensed pavillon.
On Saturday, August 18th, the line-up includes Bedouin Soundclash, The Spades, Chad VanGaalen, Kalle Mattson, Mary-Kate Edwards, Broken Harmony, Hilary Dumoulin, The Weather Station, Tequila Jay & Los Diablos, Glen McFarlane, and Terra Lightfoot.
VIDEO: “The Lucky Ones” – Logan Staats
The festival continues on Sunday, August 19th with performances by Basia Bulat, Kate Suhr, Jennifer Castle, The Silver Hearts, Melissa Payne, Splash N’ Boots, Logan Staats, and My Son the Hurricane.
There will also be after-parties at the Historic Red Dog Tavern in downtown Peterborough on both Saturday and Sunday night, featuring some of each day’s performers (the full line-up is to be announced). These age of majority events are free, but the festival will be accepting donations at the door.
The Peterborough Folk Festival, which is a not-for-profit organization, is still seeking volunteers to help out. As well as a good feeling, volunteers receive a limited edition volunteer t-shirt, complimentary food and drinks during the festival, and first access to year-round festival programming. To volunteer, visit www.peterboroughfolkfest.com/volunteer.
VIDEO: “Kids On The Run” – Kalle Mattson
The story will be updated as more details become available.
In comedian Chris Gibbs' one-man show 'Like Father, Like Son? Sorry', he talks about his own experience becoming a father as well as the father figure in culture. The show runs from July 24 through August 4, 2018 at Globus Theatre at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon. (Graphic courtesy of Chris Gibbs)
British comedian Chris Gibbs has had many titles in his life. He’s been a comedian, street performer, acrobatic tumbler, author, and television and film actor. However, possibly his scariest title has been that as a father, which is the subject of Chris’ one-man show Like Father, Like Son? Sorry , opening tonight (July 24) at Globus Theatre at Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon.
Globus Theatre presents Like Father, Like Son? Sorry
When: Tuesday, July 24 to Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Tuesday, July 31 to Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 28 and Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 2 p.m. Where: Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Road, Bobcaygeon) How much: $34.50 (show only) or $71 (dinner and show)
Written and performed by Chris Gibbs. A three-course table d’hôte menu is available at 6 p.m. prior to every evening performance. For tickets, visit the box office at Lakeview Arts Barn or call 1-800-304-7897 or 705-738-2037.
Chris began his career as a street performer in the early 1990s in London’s Convent Gardens, where he combined acrobatics and comedy after years of perfecting his craft as part of an acrobatic duo called Hoopa! Chris travelled through Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, bringing his unique sense of humour to audiences everywhere.
“Street performing doesn’t have to include skill, but it very often does,” Chris says. “Your skill is your excuse to do a show, but you’re really doing a comedic show.”
Eventually Hoopa! had the opportunity to move indoors, where Chris began to experiment more with stand-up and improv. Upon moving to Canada in 2002, Chris discovered that the best way to continue his craft was by leaving stand-up behind and writing one-man comedy shows for the Fringe theatre circuit.
“I was in a weird situation where I had done stand-up in comedy clubs in London, but it all works a bit different in Canada,” Chris says. “If you do shows in the Fringes its easier … and honestly a bit more lucrative to just write a one-man show and tour it around the Fringe.”
British comedian Chris Gibb began his career as a street performer in London, and moved to Canada in 2002 where he began writing and performing his one-man shows. (Photo: David Leyes)
Chris’ first show was “a weird Canadian version” of a show he had done in New Zealand.
“It wasn’t a particularly good show, but there was a review in (Toronto’s) NOW Magazine that described it as ‘a funny one-man show about doing a bad one-man show’,” he recalls. “Well, it wasn’t that, but it was now! So I rewrote it to fit that, and then it was really fun.”
It was during a 2007 performance in Winnipeg that Chris went off book, launching the development of Like Father, Like Son? Sorry . Earlier that week, Chris had become a father and, instead of performing his one-man show, he decided to just get on stage and talk about becoming a new dad.
“I was supposed to be doing a different show,” Chris explains. “My son was born on a Saturday, and on Wednesday I was performing my first one-man show at the Winnipeg Fringe. But I got up on the stage and said ‘I want to just talk about this baby that I just had.’ The thing about stand-up shows is that you can kind of mess around with the material. So I started developing material for this show that night, but I didn’t start touring it until two years later.”
Chris explains it was his fear of becoming a father that drove him to focus on the topic.
“I found is that I spent a long time thinking that I could never be a dad,” he says. “I had put the idea of fatherhood on a pedestal, so when I found out I was going to be a father I thought this would be the most difficult job that anybody could ever do and, clearly, I am going to mess this up. There are other jobs I could do that could be difficult, and clearly I could mess them up, but the only person who would get hurt is me. But when it’s fatherhood, this could be terrible.”
Chris admits that part of his fear of his inadequacy of being a father was by attempting to measure up to the way fathers are portrayed in pop culture, as well as memories of his own father.
“I realized that the judgement I was taking was from the father (figure) in movies, like Superman’s father Jor-El, and ridiculous ideas of what fathers are. But my dad died when I was nineteen. It’s not like I didn’t know him, but we never had a chance to know each other as adults. So there was a mythical, with a small ‘m’ quality, to my father.
“I just remember my father as having an abiding sense of calm, but I never knew him well enough to ever see doubt, or all the things that now I know logically must have been there. It was just that dad knew what to do, and if there was a problem dad would take care of it.
“There is an element that I touch on in the show, when you realize your child is going to be born and you think ‘Oh no, I haven’t lived the right life for this, I’ve made terrible decisions!’. So it’s a bit about that.”
Although Chris describes the show as being just a “series of jokes,” he hints at a bigger meaning within the show the audience may or may not see.
“When I started working on this show I had something I wanted to work towards, as if it was all a deep lesson but in the end I found out that it was just a bunch of jokes,” he says coyly. “But every now and then I’d think again that it might be a deep important lesson. What’s funny is that I had somebody a month ago who said ‘I loved that point you made in that show’ and I had thought that nobody had noticed.
“The trouble is that when you do a comedy show, and you have one serious bit, you judge it like you would a comedy, and when nobody laughs you think that they didn’t like that bit.”
It’s over a decade since Chris first developed the show, and his son Beckett is now 11 years old.
“He’s almost as tall as me,” Chris says with pride. “He’s a human being. I always think about it as a show about him, but it never really was. It’s actually a show about me becoming a dad as much as it’s all about him being a baby.”
Although Beckett has seen some of his father’s work, he has yet to see his father perform Like Father, Like Son? Sorry . However, Chris says that one night during the Globus run of the show he plans to finally have Beckett in the audience to see, for the first time, the show that was written about him.
“I’ve never done it nearby where he’s been able to see it,” Chris explains. “I’ve tended to have been touring it out west. The timing had to be right and he had to be old enough to enjoy it. I’m really excited about him finally seeing it.
“I am so ridiculously smug about how cool my son is. What I took away from my parents is that you’re never going to get it right, so what I owe him is that I constantly worry about getting it right or not … as long as I’m always thinking about it, and wondering if I did it well. When he was born, all I thought was ‘If he can be happy, that’s all I want.'”
Chris Gibbs is a brilliantly funny man with a wonderful wit, and Like Father, Like Son? Sorry is a chance to see one of Canada’s most popular comedians right in our own back yard. It will be a wonderful night of comedy and storytelling.
Like Father, Like Son? Sorry runs from Tuesday, July 24th until Saturday, August 4th at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon. Shows start at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on July 28th and August 2nd.
A three-course table d’hôte menu is available at 6 p.m. prior to every evening performance. Tickets are $34.50 for the show only, or $71 if you want the dinner and the show. For tickets, visit the box office at Lakeview Arts Barn or call 1-800-304-7897 or 705-738-2037.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch today (July 24) for Peterborough and most of the Kawarthas, with the exception of Northumberland County.
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening. as a warm and humid tropical air mass remains over Eastern Ontario.
The main threat is torrential downpours, producing 50 to 100 mm of rain in one to two hours, especially in areas that receive two or more thunderstorms in a row.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
Remember that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. When thunder roars, go indoors!
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
On July 26, 2018, the "Open Mic After Party" event at The Red Dog in downtown Peterborough will celebrate the open mic, where many musicians have their first opportunity to perform in public. Pictured are Mary and Martha performing an original tune at The Stage Cafe, one of Peterborough's longest-running open stages. We have a list of all the open mics and open stages currently available in Peterborough. (Photo: The Stage Cafe / Peterborough)
Anyone who’s seen Michael Hurcomb’s 2018 music documentary The Radius Project knows that the Peterborough area is a wellspring of musicial talent, having launched the careers of musicians such as Serena Ryder, Royal Wood, The Strumbellas, Cross Dog, Three Days Grace, Thousand Foot Krutch, My Darkest Days, I Mother Earth, and more.
And in the early days of their careers, more than a few of these musicians graced at least one open mic or open stage in Peterborough (we’ll just refer to both as open mics from now on). At last count, there are at least 15 open mics in the City of Peterborough alone (listed below), not to mention those taking place in other communities across the Kawarthas.
The Open Mic After Party happens Thursday, July 26, 2019 at 9 p.m. at the Historic Red Dog Tavern in downtown Peterborough. (Poster courtesy of Wendy Fischer)
In recognition of the impact of the open mic on Peterborough’s music community, Wendy Fischer (of Peterborough LIVE fame) has organized a special evening called the “Open Mic After Party”, which takes place this Thursday night (July 26) from 9 p.m. until last call at the Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) — not coincidentally the home of an open mic every Tuesday night.
This celebration of Peterborough’s open mic culture will feature a bevy of special guests, including several open mic hosts and performers, local hip hop artists, and more. The list includes S-Ka-Paid, Billy Marks, Maceo Moreno, Van Loon, DJ Taktikill, Casey Bax, Kerry Jayne, Skrt Kobain, Anane, Muno, Randy Hill, The Boo Radley Project, Michaela Hetherington, Keigan & Whitney, Jacques Graveline, Kate Kelly, Nicholas Campbell Band, Larry Saidman, Charmaine Magumbe, Sean Hully, Washboard Hank & Sweet Muriel, Weston, Ron Christopher, and the Matt Greco Band.
Rumour has it there will also be a couple of surprises at the show. And, of course, this is also an open mic — sign up at 9 p.m. at the Red Dog for any spots that are available. Don’t delay, because the show also begins at 9 p.m.
There’s one piece of advice every musician hears at least once when they are starting out: “Play an open mic.” It’s a great way to test out your songwriting, singing, or instrumental musical chops before a friendly live audience, especially for the first time. And up-and-coming musicians have lots of opportunities to play an open mic in Peterborough — you may be surprised to learn just how many there are.
With the assistance of the aforementioned Wendy Fischer, we’ve put together the list below of all the current open mics in Peterborough. And these are just the regular ones that happen every week or every month, not any special open mic events local pubs may host throughout the year.
And while it’s not on this list below because it’s not a weekly or monthly event, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention “Stars of Tomorrow”, the series for local youth musicians started by Nogojiwanong-Peterborough musician Missy Knott.
In 2009, when she was only 19 but had already won the Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist award, Missy realized she could help put new local talent on the stage. That year, she launched the youth mentoring program to help prepare young musicians to perform publicly, and then she would invite them to perform at the biannual “Stars of Tomorrow” showcase.
Without further ado, here’s the list of open mics in Peterborough.
Sweet Muriel and Washboard Hank host the Backroom Bazaar at The Twisted Wheel every Thursday, which includes a featured guest musician each week followed by an open jam. (Photo courtesy of Washboard Hank)
Navy Clubhouse of the Peterborough Naval Association (24 Whitlaw St., Peterborough)
Fourth Saturday afternoon of every month from September to May
This is the oldest open mic in Peterborough still running, having launched in 2006. Hosted by Wava Brown, between 18 and 24 performers show up to every monthly open mic from September to May.
The Stage Cafe in the basement of Emmanuel Church (534 George St. N., Peterborough)
Second Friday evening of every month from September to June
Another one of the longest-running open mics in Peterborough, The Stage Cafe began in 2007. Billed as “a great venue for people to experience playing in front of an audience for the first time”, The Stage Cafe is coordinated by Steve Lynch, Darryl Parsons, Rick Stiles, and Ron Lowe. The monthly open mic takes place from September to June.
The Dobro (287 George St., Peterborough)
Every Wednesday night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Launched in 2008, The Dobro’s open mic on Wednesday nights is the longest-running weekly one in Peterborough. It’s hosted by Jeremy James, Shea Bailey, Mike McCurdy, Mac Palmer, and Ken Tuck.
The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough)
Every Tuesday night
Hosted by Matt Diamond, sign-up for the Tuesday open mic is at 8 p.m. and it runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough)
Third Saturday afternoon of every month
Dr. J’s now hosts the monthly Deluxe Blues Jam fundraiser (previously located at the former Pig’s Ear Tavern) for the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PBMA), a group that raises funds for local musicians who need temporary financial assistance due to injury or illness. The Deluxe Blues Jam, which takes place on the third Saturday afternoon of every month, is an open stage hosted by a different band each month.
The Black Horse (452 George St. N., Peterborough)
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night
New owner Desmond Vandenberg has continued previous owner Ray Kapoor’s musical traditions at The Black Horse, including the thrice-weekly chance for musicians to perform on an open stage.
Every Tuesday night, there’s an open mic at 7 p.m. hosted by Randy Hill. On Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Nicholas Campbell and friends perform “old soul rock ‘n’ roll”. Thursdays feature Jazz & Blues at 7:30 p.m. hosted by Marsala Lukianchuck and The Rob Phillips Trio, with an open stage at 9 p.m.
Puck’ N Pint Sports Pub (871 Chemong Rd, Peterborough)
Every Tuesday night
An open mic hosted by Bobby Watson takes place every Tuesday from 8 to 11 p.m.
McThirsty’s Pint (166 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
Every Sunday night
Ryan Van Loon hosts an open stage every Sunday night from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Champs Sports Bar (203 Simcoe St., Peterborough)
Every Thursday night
Every Thursday from 9 to 11 p.m., Champs has an open mic on the second floor party room, hosted by Brian Slack, Kate Kelly, Bobby Watson, and Ron Christopher.
Southside Pizzeria (25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough)
Every Tuesday and Friday morning
Southside Pizzeria has two open mics, one on Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon hosted by Art Lajambe, and one on Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon hosted by Jim Russell.
Black Honey (217 Hunter St. W., Peterborough)
First three Wednesdays of every month
Black Honey has an open mic hosted by Travis Sivart from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first three Wednesdays of the month.
Pappas Billiards (407 George St. N., Peterborough)
Every Thursday night and every Saturday afternoon
Pappas Billiards has an open mic hosted by Casey Bax on Thursday nights from 7 to 10 p.m.. In addition, “Shipwrecked Saturdays”, hosted by Keigan & Whitney, takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, with a featured artist from 2 to 3 p.m. (text 705-559-9488 if you want to perform).
The Twisted Wheel (379 Water St., Peterborough)
Every Thursday night
Peterborough’s newest nightclub features Backroom Bazaar every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m., with hosts Washboard Hank and Sweet Muriel performing from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by a featured artist from 8 to 9 p.m., and an open jam from 9 to 10 p.m.
Dreams of Beans (138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough)
Every Thursday night
Another newer open mic takes place at Dreams of Beans on Thursdays from 8 to 11:30 p.m., hosted by Jacques Graveline.
Beard Free Brewing (649 Unit 4 The Parkway, Peterborough)
Fourth Sunday of every month
Local microbrewery Beard Free Brewing, which also hosts local musicians every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, runs an open acoustic jam on the fourth Sunday of every month. It’s hosted by the Mathieu Murdoch duo, and all are welcome no matter the level of musical expertise.
Hot Belly Mama’s (378 George St. N., Peterborough)
Second Sunday of the month
Pete Woolidge (and sometimes Craig Paterson) hosts a jazz jam session at Hot Belly Mama’s, usually on the second Sunday of the month. A trio plays first, and then it’s open for jamming.
If we’ve missed a regular open mic taking place in Peterborough, or if any of the information above is incorrect, please email bahead@kawarthanow.com with the details.
22-year-old pop singer-songwriter Scott Helman performs a free concert at Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. (Publicity photo)
For every youth, past and present, who has had a musical dream but thought it would remain just that, we give you Scott Helman.
Peterborough Musicfest presents Scott Helman
When: Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: free
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent for $4/chair). VIP seating available for Sponsors and Fest Friends. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighborhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
Born and raised in Toronto, Helman received his first guitar at age 10. Five years later, his mind made up that he was going to be a musician come hell or high water, he performed for Warner Music Canada executives. That boardroom audition brought him an artist development deal with Warner.
Much has happened in Helman’s world since. At just 22 years of age, five Juno Award nominations dominate his resumé while critical acclaim for both his pop sound and songwriting builds. On Wednesday, July 25th at Del Crary Park, Peterborough Musicfest patrons will learn firsthand what all the excitement is about as Helman headlines the summer concert series. Admission is free to the 8 p.m. show.
“When I was 15, I had a pretty dark outlook on music,” admits Helman in a May 2018 interview with Karen Bliss of Billboard.
VIDEO: “Bungalow” – Scott Helman
“I thought everybody was out to get me and I thought that people were in the business of trying to change me or make me marketable,” he says.
“I thought it was a bunch of cigar-smoking dudes in suits driving Lexuses throwing cheques around. When I met (A&R people) like Ron Lopata or Victor Mijares, or especially (Warner Music Canada president) Steve Kane, I ws quite surprised that most of the people at my label were people that really loved music and were excited about it.”
With Helman, there was plenty for Warner to get excited about. Besides his clear musical talent, for someone so young he could write songs and write them very well. Still, he was an unknown entity. YouTube proved the perfect platform for his emerging talent and he posted his music there regularly.
“I hit the record label system at a really opportune time,” Helman recalls. “”It was the moment where I think the label started to realize that because there’s streaming and because they’re losing so much revenue through streaming, instead of trying to get pop hits on the radio, they had to develop career artists. I seemed to be one of the selections of people that wanted to try and develop into a follow-able artist, which is pretty cool.”
VIDEO: “Kinda Complicated” – Scott Helman
In October 2014, Helman recorded his debut EP Augusta, which produced the single “Bungalow”. Nominated for Best Pop Video at the 2015 MuchMusic Video Awards, the track found a place on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart for 22 weeks, peaking at #31 and certified gold for sales in excess of 500,000.
It was goodbye YouTube and hello live performance for Helman as he hit the road with Walk Off The Earth for its 2015 U.S. tour. A trek across Canada opening for Matthew Good followed later that same year.
“Walk Off The Earth, they’re really great people, so it was fun to spend that time with them,” says Helman in a July 2015 interview with Mary McComish of Under The Rockies.
VIDEO: “21 Days” – Scott Helman
“It’s really fun meeting people and seeing the world. That was a big part of wanting to be a musician, to see the world and play music to the people of the world. It gets exhausting; it is a tiring job, like anything else. It’s weird, by the middle of it, you’re like ‘OK, I’m really tired’ and then, by the end, you’re like, ‘No, I don’t want this to end.’ It’s like summer camp in that way.”
Besides the recognition that touring brought, the music industry took notice of Helman as well. In 2016, he was nominated for Juno Awards for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year. In addition, he performed “Bungalow” for the live national broadcast of the awards.
Come 2017, Helman was ready to release Hotel de Ville, his debut full-length album. It peaked at #45 on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart, powered by equally high-charting singles “21 Days”, “Kinda Complicated”, and “PDA”, with “Ripple Effect” from the same album gaining traction as of late.
The net result of a busy and successful 2017 was a trip back to the Juno Awards this past spring, where Helman was nominated for three more awards including Songwriter of the Year.
VIDEO: “PDA” – Scott Helman
“When I’m writing a record, I don’t listen to nearly as much music because I don’t want to be directly influenced by anything,” Helman says in a February 2018 chat with Australian website Spotlight Report.
“With Hôtel de Ville, I was at a time in my life where I felt I needed to tie up a lot of loose ends and make a lot of stuff right. I had moved all my music gear and personal stuff to a tiny apartment in Montreal, which influenced me tons because the music and art scene there is so particular.
“The album was about healing and letting go — at least I found out later that that’s what I was doing — and I think that rubbed off onto the music and was probably the real challenge … actually living out those experiences.”
VIDEO: “Ripple Effect” – Scott Helman
Earlier this year, Helman released PDA (Remixes), an EP featuring fives mixes of his hit song. Ahead is a major European tour in late October and November. And then there’s his work developing SolvetheSolvable.com, a platform Helman created for as an outlet for people to seek out their cause of choice to create positive change in the world.
“So much inspires me on a micro level — coffee being spilled, people sharing glances, ants,” he says. ” But the power of music has, for a long time now, been something I’m very moved by and the idea of being able to achieve that is something that drives me every day.
“In doing so, I get to stand in front of lots of people and share myself with them. In that luxury, I hope to be graceful and kind and show that life can be good.”
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 18 free-admission concerts featuring a total of 20 acts during its 32nd season — each 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 2018 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
Montreal-based Copper Branch has opened a franchise location in Peterborough, offering quick plant-based meals including rice bowls, burgers, sandwiches, smoothies, and all-day breakfasts. (Photo: Copper Branch)
This week’s business news includes the opening of vegan quick-service restaurant franchise Copper Branch in Peterborough, Heritage Vodka from Black’s Distillery in Peterborough to be available at the LCBO, the final summer for Lantern Restaurant & Grill on Stoney Lake, new partnerships for Kavtek and its home remodelling augmented reality app, and Algonquin Puzzle Company in Barry’s Bay, a student-run business that transforms wilderness art into jigsaw puzzles.
Regional business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s “Lunch Box Learning – Exceed as an Exhibitor” event on August 15th and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business After Hours event on September 19th.
We publish businessNOW every week. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Copper Branch vegan restaurant franchise opens in Peterborough
Copper Branch’s Peterborough location at at 1040 Lansdowne Street West. (Photo: Copper Branch Peterborough / Facebook)
A franchise of the Montreal-based vegan restaurant offering plant-based “fast food” opens today (July 23) at 1040 Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough.
Founded in Montreal in 2014 by entrepreneur Rio Infantino, the mission of Copper Branch is to be “the undisputed leader in healthy fast-casual foods” by not only catering to vegetarians and vegans, but everyone seeking clean and healthy meal options.
The name “Copper Branch” is intended to reflect the company’s values of high-quality cooking and energy (copper being a metal used in gourmet cookware and a conductor of electricity) with the “branch” symbolizing natural, whole food.
The company has been undertaking a major expansion over the past couple of years. There are already 16 locations in Quebec and six franchise locations now open in Ontario, including Peterborough, with 10 more in Ontario opening later this year and many more locations opening in Quebec. There are also locations opening in the next year in Alberta and France.
Copper Branch is known for offering a range of rice bowls, burgers, sandwiches, smoothies, and all-day breakfasts, made using with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Gluten-free options are also available.
Heritage vodka from Black’s Distillery in Peterborough coming to the LCBO
Black’s Distillery Heritage Vodka, shown here at Publican House Brewery, will soon be available at 25 LCBO locations as well as online. (Photo: Black’s Distillery / Facebook)
Black’s Distillery in Peterborough’s East City has announced its Heritage Vodka will soon be available at the LCBO.
Previously only available from the distillery at 99 Hunter Street East and at select local establishments like Publican House, the vodka will be sold at 25 LCBO locations, as well as online at lcbo.com. The locations will be announced soon.
Owner Robert Black makes and sells gin, heritage vodka, rye whiskey and barley whiskey. The vodka is made with local Red Fife Wheat. Black chose Red Fife Wheat because of its local significance.
“The Red Fife Wheat was locally developed here in Otonabee Township by David Fife in 1840,” he says. “That’s a marquis grain that our grains are developed from today.”
He sources his wheat from a local farmer who still grows the original heritage grain.
Lantern Restaurant & Grill on Stoney Lake is closing
Lantern Restaurant & Grill is located at 2281 McCracken’s Landing Road in Lakefield. (Photo: Lantern Restaurant & Grill)
Geoff and Lesley Kirkland, owners of the seasonal Lantern Restaurant & Grill on Stoney Lake, announced on Sunday (July 22) that this will be the restaurant’s final season, along with Firefly Bakery & Supply.
“In the past five short years, we have been continuously impressed and humbled by how graciously we were accepted and supported by the local community on the lake,” they write on Facebook. “We are so proud to live and work in a place with people who avidly support local businesses and farmers.
“You inspired us to continuously grow and better ourselves not only with our food, drink, and service, but as employers as well. We are very proud of what our team has accomplished over the years, and we are so grateful to all our employees who contributed their creativity, ingenuity and positive energy to both of our businesses.”
The pair provided no details as to why they have decided to cease operating the restaurant and bakery. However, they lease both locations from Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing (2281 McCracken’s Landing Rd., Douro-Dummer) which went up for sale earlier this year for $3.5 million. The listing is no longer available, so it’s possible the property has been sold to a new owner and this has something to do with the decision.
Peterborough tech start-up Kavtek launches home remodelling augmented reality app
Kavtek has developed an augmented reality app for real estate agents and their clients to assist in home remodelling. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
Peterborough technology start-up Kavtek has created the first augmented reality app of its kind for real estate agents and their clients.
The app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, allows users to completely remodel any home and envision future possibilities for improvement. Current features include the ability to place life-sized furniture, paint walls, change flooring, add lighting, cabinets and appliances, as a digital layer on top of the real world.
Kavtek has recently partnered with North American home furniture online retailer Wayfair to display its products in the app. Other retailers in the home improvement industry, including Dulux Paints and Monaghan Lumber, have also partnered with Kavtek to allow home remodellers access to their products.
VIDEO: Kavtek – Make a House a Dream Home
Kavtek had already partnered with RE/MAX INTEGRA, to provide access to its augmented reality platform to over 10,000 real estate agents across Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
“Millennials make up the largest segment of homebuyers today, and most of them start their search for a new home online,” says Christopher Alexander, Executive Vice President and Regional Director for RE/MAX INTEGRA in the Ontario-Atlantic Region. “Augmented reality apps like Kavtek cater to this mobile-savvy generation’s desire for instant information and customizable experiences.”
Kavtek was co-founded by Sanu Somaweera and Alexandra Campbell, who came up with the idea while showing a home to a hesitant buyer. Clients of the Innovation Cluster, they won the Innovation Stream of the Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition earlier this year.
Real estate agents can download Kavtek on the Apple App Store and Google Play store for free, and receive two weeks of unlimited home remodeling followed by a monthly subscription. Kavtek is free for home buyers and sellers who get access through their real estate agent.
Algonquin Puzzle Company transforms local wilderness art into jigsaw puzzles
Algonquin Puzzle Company’s jigsaw puzzle of “Algonquin Reflection” by Ottawa Valley artist Joyce Burkholder. (Photo: Algonquin Puzzle Company / Facebook)
This is on the edge of the region we usually cover, but it’s such a clever and unique business idea we just had to mention it.
A passion for business and a love for the cottage prompted 17-year-old Matthew Kelley of Barry’s Bay to launch Algonquin Puzzle Company, in which he transforms wilderness art from local artists into jigsaw puzzles. Kelley launched his company this past spring with the help of the Ontario government’s Summer Company program administered by Small Business Centre (Belleville, Hastings County, Lennox & Addington, Prince Edward County, Quinte West).
Kelley has already created the “Wild Women: Painters of the Wilderness” collection, featuring three 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles based on prints of works by three Ottawa Valley artists: “Algonquin Reflection” by Joyce Burkholder, “Pine Lookout” by Kathy M. Haycock, and “Life is Good” by Linda Sorensen.
As for Kelley, he plans to continue running Algonquin Puzzle Company as he pursues post-secondary education in marketing at the University of Ottawa.
The puzzles are available online at algonquinpuzzles.com and at The Old Hastings Mercantile & Gallery, Art Gallery of Bancroft, Bayberry Design, Charlie D’s, Wilno Craft Gallery, The Old School Cafe, Laundry & Greenhouses, Opeongo Outfitters, Grumblin Granny’s, Algonquin Bound Outfitters, Pinewood Inn, and Barry’s Bay Outfitters.
We can’t think of a better activity for a rainy day (or even a sunny one) at the cottage.
Application deadline for Camp Startup youth entrepreneurial bootcamp is July 26
Camp Startup will take place in September at Camp Kawartha. (Graphic: FastStart Peterborough)
Previously known as Kawartha Backcountry Entrepreneurship Experience, Camp Startup is a new adventure for young entrepreneurs to push their limits past their comfort zone and dive into the world of entrepreneurship.
In September, 20 successful applicants will experience an action-packed weekend at Camp Kawartha. The weekend is open to all aspiring and current entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and29 who want to learn about starting their own business or further develop their skills.
The costs are covered by FastStart Peterborough, but you must apply for one of the 20 spots by Thursday, July 26th at midnight. To find out more and to apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/campstartup.
Innovation Cluster hosts “Power Breakfast: Women in STEM – Building Business and Breaking Barriers” on July 27
The Innovation Cluster is hosting “Power Breakfast: Women in STEM – Building Business and Breaking Barriers” from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 27th at Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).
Over a hot breakfast, four successful female entrepreneurs will speak about their experiences in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), as well as the importance of maintaining and promoting women in STEM.
The speakers are Dr. Kate Withers (Business Development Manager for Central Ontario from Ontario Centres of Excellence), Miriam Verberg (Executive Producer of Bloom Digital Media), Dr. Andressa Lacerda (Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder of Noblegen Inc.) and Rhonda Barnet (President and Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design and National Board of Directors Chair for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters).
Northumberland chambers host accessibility workshop for businesses on August 13
The local chambers of commerce in Northumberland County are hosting the “Discover Ability Workshop” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, August 13th at Warkworth Legion (6 Norham Rd., Warkworth).
You can learn about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), how it applies to your business (including your responsibilities under the legislation), and the advantages of developing an inclusive workforce. Light refreshments will be provided.
Learn how to become a better trade show exhibitor on August 15
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Lunch Box Learning – Exceed as an Exhibitor” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15th at the CHamber office (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Chamber staff Tiffany Arcari and Siam Grobler will host an open discussion on how to excel as a trade show exhibitor.
The noon-hour series is free to Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.
Save the date: Business After Hours in Bridgenorth on September 19
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business After Hours event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th.
During the “Bridgenorth Hop”, the Chamber will visit members in Bridgenorth, including Style Boutique and TCB Office Furniture & Supplies.
More details will be announced as the date nears.
Save the date: Love Local Ptbo Business Expo on October 3
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s Love Local Business Expo will take place this year from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3rd.
The region’s largest business showcase, in previous years the Expo took place at the Morrow Building during September. While spacious, the location was also somewhat uncomfortable during the heat of late summer and required a lot of carpets to cover up the concrete floor.
This year’s Expo is taking place at the Envinrude Centre, which features air conditioning and hardwood floors.
Watch for more details as the date gets closer, but you can register for a booth now at peterboroughchamber.ca.
The annual Millbrook Ladies' Night brings more than 1,000 people to downtown Millbrook for an evening of fun and community. This year's event takes place on Thursday, August 2, 2018. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
On Thursday, August 2nd the streets of Millbrook will be bustling with people, vendors, music, and entertainment for Ladies’ Night, a popular “girls’ night out” event hosted by the Millbrook Business Improvement Area.
Now in its 14th year, the annual event consistently draws over 1,000 people to the historic town of Millbrook. This year, visitors can expect new vendors and lively entertainment.
Kate Deklerck, co-organizer of the event and owner of The Quilter’s Bolt (30 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-2120) says responses to the event have been overwhelmingly positive.
“Ladies’ Night brings the Millbrook community together, and it brings many new people into the community who get to witness the vibrant spirit of our hometown,” says Deklerck, who has been involved with planning the event for the past three years.
“Ladies’ Night brings the Millbrook community together”, says Kate DeKlerck, who owns The Quilter’s Bolt in downtown Millbrook and is one of the organizers of this year’s event. (Photo: The Quilter’s Bolt)
Ladies’ Night pioneer and veteran, Bonnie McQuarrie, says the event can be summed up in one word: fun.
McQuarrie, of Bethany Hills Interiors (12 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-1600), and Cathy Bond, former owner of the Millbrook Times, were the lead organizers of the first Ladies’ Night 14 years ago, which drew around 200 people.
“The event continues to grow and attract more people every year,” McQuarrie says. “When I send out invitation reminders now, everyone who has attended before always comments on how fun the event is. They tell me they wouldn’t miss it.”
Bonnie McQuarrie, owner of Bethany Hills Interiors, helped organize the first Ladies’ Night event 14 years ago. Since then, the event has grown to attract hundreds of residents and visitors to downtown Millbrook. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
From 4 to 9 p.m., more than 60 vendors will be participating. A new addition to look forward to this year is a caricature artist. Visitors can sit for a sketch and take a piece of the evening home with them.
This “Divalicious” event is the result of months of planning and a dedicated team of community members with the goal to provide a relaxing, enjoyable night out for women.
Here are six more reasons to visit this year’s Millbrook Ladies’ Night:
1. The best in retail therapy
As well as the more than 50 street vendors on King Street during Ladies’ Night, visitors can browse through the eclectic shops in downtown Millbrook. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
Downtown Millbrook offers a wide array of shopping choices.
Visitors can browse for gifts, antiques, fabrics, hardware items, linens, quilts, fashions, and more in the local establishments, and find unique products at the numerous vendor booths during Ladies’ Night.
Merridy Senior of Puddleduck Farms (541 Glamorgan Rd, Pontypool, 705-931-5794) will be selling maple syrup, maple sugar candies, and fresh cut flowers at her booth. She’s used to early mornings at farmers’ markets and says it’s nice to do an event in the evening.
“It’s a fun evening with lots of shopping and food options to choose from,” she says. “People can come after work and browse the local shops and booths, then get dinner and check out the Legion’s wine garden.”
Other products and services to be showcased by vendors include jewelry, pottery, home decor, clothing, alpaca sweaters, art, body sugaring, insurance advice, pet grooming, massage therapy, psychic readings, and more.
2. Wine, chocolate, ice cream … oh my!
Jackie Virtue-Flamminio of Millbrook Valley Chocolate will be selling chocolates as well as Kawartha Dairy ice cream during Ladies’ Night. (Photo: Millbrook Valley Chocolates)
A variety of food vendors and local establishments will offer delicious cuisine.
Visitors can dine at the Millbrook Legion (9 King St. E., 705-932-2837) and afterwards enjoy a beverage on the Legion’s back patio — which will be turned into a wine garden specifically for Ladies’ Night.
For something sweet, Jackie Virtue-Flamminio of Millbrook Valley Chocolates (32 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-0110) will be selling chocolates and scooping Kawartha Dairy ice cream. With increasing visitors each year, her shop usually has a line out the doorway.
Another local favourite to satisfy your sweet tooth, The Pastry Peddler (17 King St., Millbrook, 705-932-7333), is the place to go for fresh baked goods.
Other local establishments, including Moody’s Bar and Grill (3 Tupper St, Millbrook, 705-932-6663) and Jule’s Kitchen (11 Tupper St, Millbrook, 705-932-3663), will be open and ready to host Ladies’ Night visitors. Both restaurants are only a short distance from the main street and worth the walk.
3. Classic rock faves from a live band
Close Enuff will keep the crowds entertained during Ladies’ Night by performing music from The Beatles, The Eagles, Billy Joel, and more. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
Rock n’ roll cover band Close Enuff will get the party started.
Close Enuff will play from 4 to 6 p.m. After an intermission, they will start up again at 7 p.m. and play until close. The band — whose members hail from Peterborough and the Greater Toronto area — are excited for their first Ladies’ Night gig.
“It’s always fun to play outdoor venues, but the band is really looking forward to this one,” says Steve Plunkett, the band’s drummer. “Millbrook is a neat little village with a lot of character.”
With covers of The Beatles, The Eagles, Billy Joel, and many other classics, Close Enuff is sure to get people up and moving.
4. A fashion show on King Street
Oasis Boutique will be presenting an on-street fashion show during Ladies Night. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
Nancy Fallis, owner of Oasis Boutique (26 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-8267), is bringing back the Oasis Fashion Show this year.
Around 6 p.m. the band will take an intermission and the fashion show will begin.
Local women will model clothing from the boutique’s collection, and the show will feature three wardrobe changes, each introduced by Fallis.
“The ladies have fun with it,” says Fallis. “It’s always a good time.”
Oasis Boutique will also be offering one-night-only deals.
5. Info about local community services
Sales vendors won’t be the only booths that line the streets of downtown Millbrook on Ladies’ Night.
Ladies’ Night is all about having fun while supporting the Millbrook community. Among the vendors participating at Ladies’ Night will be local community organizations. (Poster: Millbrook BIA)
A few community organizations will be present to discuss the services they provide in the area.
The Old Millbrook School Family Centre (1 Dufferin Street, Millbrook, 705-932-7088), an agency that offers children and family programs, will be at Ladies’ Night, as will the Cavan Monaghan Library-Millbrook Branch (1 Dufferin St, Millbrook, 705-932-291).
Ladies’ Night is about shopping and entertainment, but it is also a chance to showcase the community resources available to individuals and families, something that is important to Deklerck.
“Including these organizations allows them to connect with people, which will have a positive impact on our community,” says Deklerck, who notes that non-profits are given a free booth space for the evening.
6. A chance to win a basket filled with Millbrook goodies
A draw will be held during Ladies’ Night for the Diva Basket, which will include gift certificates and samples from a range of Millbrook businesses. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
At the end of the night, a draw will be held for the highly coveted Diva Basket.
Throughout the evening, visitors collect ballots for the draw by shopping at the local businesses participating in Ladies’ Night. Every time you make a purchase, you receive a ballot.
Most of the businesses contribute something to the basket, whether it be gift certificates or physical items.
For all these reasons and more, August 2nd is a date you’ll want to make note of on your calendar.
Ladies’ Night runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 2nd in downtown Millbrook on King Street (which will be closed for the event). Admission is free. The event is presented by the Millbrook Business Improvement Area, Nexicom, and the Township of Cavan Monaghan.
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