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 2 to Wednesday, August 8.

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.

Peterborough native Sebastian Bach is playing a hometown concert this November — his first show in Peterborough in 28 years.

Presented by The Wolf 101.5 and The Diamond Mine Agency, the former frontman for Skid Row will be performing at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough) on Saturday, November 17th.

Tickets for the show will cost $40, with early bird tickets going on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 3rd at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21740/. VIP meet & greet packages will be available soon via Bach’s website at www.sebastianbachlive.com.

The oldest son of the late local artist David Bierk, Bach (that’s his professional name) was born in The Bahamas and raised in Peterborough and area.

He achieved fame as the frontman of heavy metal band Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. He has since continued a solo career, has acted on Broadway, and has made appearances in film and television.

He’s currently working on a follow up to his 2014 solo album Give ‘Em Hell, with rumours that he is going to sign a deal with a U.S.-based heavy metal record label. He published his autobiography, 18 And Life On Skid Row, in December 2016.

On the Facebook event page announcing the concert, Bach writes:

Special musical guests joining Bach for his November 2018 show are still to be announced.

August is a beautiful month and it is always one of the busiest months on the music calendar in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Along with one-off and regular shows at venues and parks across the area, there are also special events including the Hootenanny on Hunter Street, the Peterborough Folk Festival, and the Greenbridge Celtic Folk Fest.

Here are just a few of the awesome performances you will be able to catch this month.

JJ and The Pillars and Dwayne Gretzky at Peterborough Musicfest on August 1

There will be a double shot of awesomeness on Wednesday, August 1st at Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) as part of Peterborough Musicfest.

Formed in Peterborough, JJ and The Pillars are becoming a going concern in Canada’s rock scene. They won The Edge’s Next Big Thing contest and have had their single “The Wolves” on 102.1 and other indie stations.

Also performing is a band made up of Toronto ringers. Dwayne Gretzky is a household name in how to make a cover band fun and inventive. ‘From Bowie to Beyoncé, Springsteen to Spears, The Supremes to The Strokes.’

Sounds like the makings of a wicked Wednesday night. The show begins at 8 p.m. and is free.

VIDEO: “You Can Call Me Al” (Paul Simon) performed by Dwayne Gretzky

VIDEO: “The Wolves” – JJ and The Pillars

The Quickshifters at Port Hope’s Memorial Park on August 2

Check out some fun rockabilly in Port Hope on Thursday, August 2nd with The Quickshifters. The show takes place as part of the Summer Band Shell Concert Series at Memorial Park (56 Queen St, Port Hope0.

The Quickshifters play a pretty wide variety of tunes within the rockabilly realm. Usually you can catch them on Wednesdays at The Ganny in Port Hope and on Thursdays at Hot Belly Mama’s in Peterborough, but this is a great chance to check them out under the evening summer sky.

The show is free and begins at 7 p.m.

VIDEO: “California Blues” – The Quickshifters

Daniel Romano and Aaron Goldstein with Charlotte Cornfield at The Garnet in Peterborough on August 4

Have a chance to see one of Canada’s most prolific new(ish) singer-songwriters in an intimate setting on Saturday, August 4th, as Daniel Romano comes to town to play The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).

His music has ranged from country to mod to rock and continues to morph as his career unfolds. Joining him for his set will be Canada’s pedal-steel guru Aaron Goldstein. Opening the show is super talented singer/songwriter Charlotte Cornfield.

Tickets are available only at the door, so it’s first come, first served. Showtime is listed as 8 p.m.

VIDEO: “Human Touch” – Daniel Romano

Matt Mays with Modern Space at The Venue in Peterborough on August 7

Nova Scotia’s Matt Mays has worn a few hats in his musical career; however, rock and roll has always been close at hand.

On Tuesday, August 7th he’ll bring his band of rockers and descend upon Peterborough at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008). Opening will be Newmarket-based indie alternative quintet Modern Space.

Tickets are $12.99 to $22.50 and are available online at Ticketfly. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins around 9 p.m.

VIDEO: “Travellin'” – Matt Mays

VIDEO: “Flip for It” – Modern Space

Alan Doyle at Peterborough Musicfest on August 8

The hits just keep on coming! Peterborough Musicfest continues on Wednesday, August 8th when Newfoundland artist Alan Doyle comes to the stage at Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough).

Doyle was lead singer of famous Celtic rock group Great Big Sea. He’ll sing old songs, new songs, and other songs. His positive persona and high-energy stage presence should make for a fun show.

As always the evening is free, with the music getting under way at 8 p.m.

VIDEO: “Come Out With Me” – Alan Doyle

Kim Doolittle at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay on August 9

Kim Doolittle has been in the Peterborough area for a long time, but she is originally from the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. She has a golden voice and you can check out her performance at the beautiful Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-9111) on Thursday, August 9th.

During her musical career, she has shared stages with the late Jeff Healey and Rita MacNeil, as well as Millbrook-born superstar Serena Ryder. Joined by Ted Staunton, Kim will be sharing stories and performing tunes from her latest record Into the Blue, along with some traditional folk and blues tunes.

The music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Box Office, by phone at 705-324-9111, or online at www.academytheatre.ca.

VIDEO: “Let The River Run” – Kim Doolittle

Hootenanny on Hunter Street in Peterborough featuring Sloan and many more on August 11

Hunter Street is a big part of Peterborough’s great entertainment scene: bars, restaurants, and music venues abound. But there’s something even more special when Hunter Street itself becomes one big venue. That happens each year at the annual Hootenanny on Hunter Street, which takes place this year on Saturday, August 11th.

During the afternoon and evening event, craft vendors hock their wares, restaurants set up special patios, and we all hope for nice weather so that maximum enjoyment of the music can be reached.

There’s a lot of music to dig into at this year’s Hoot. Headliners Sloan were rained out two years ago and have decided to come back in good faith to give folks a make-up show. Other artists include Yuka, Secret Broadcast, Blue Sky Miners, Band of People, Gene Hardy & Sparkjiver, Charmie, and two excellent local ladies, Lindsay Barr and Missy Knott.

This should be an epic show in Peterborough’s “Entertainment District.” Come one, come all. The music begins at noon and it’s free.

VIDEO: “Spin Our Wheels”, “The Day Will Be Mine”, “Right to Roam”, “Year Zero” – Sloan

Peterborough Folk Festival featuring Bedouin Soundclash, The Spades, Basia Bulat, and many more from August 17 to 19

The Peterborough Folk Festival has been a tradition for decades and will celebrate its 29th year on August 17th, 18th, and 19th. This year’s lineup features some really interesting acts.

The kick-off show on Friday, August 17th will feature Hamilton’s bluesy rocker Terra Lightfoot and 2018 Emerging Artist Award winner Hilary Dumoulin at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146). This is the only portion of the show that has a ticket, and it will be well worth it. Tickets are $30 and are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.

The remainder of the music takes place at Nichols Oval Park on Saturday and Sunday and is free. There is a wide swath of excellent acts including Bedouin Soundclash, Basia Bulat, Chad Vangaalen, a triumphant return of local heroes The Spades (who last performed at the 2013 Hootenanny on Hunter Street), The Weather Station, Jennifer Castle, Logan Staats, and many more.

There’ll also be after-parties on Saturday and Sunday night featuring some of each day’s performers, taking place at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710).

For full information on the festival, head to peterboroughfolkfestival.com.

VIDEO: “See You When The Weather Breaks” – The Spades

Greenbridge Celtic Folk Fest featuring Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and many more in Keene on August 24 and 25

Check out the Greenbridge Celtic Folk Fest just south of Keene on Friday, August 24th and Saturday, August 25th as some amazing Celtic and roots musicians from around Canada come to perform.

Musicians include Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, J.P. Cormier, The Ennis Sisters, Evans & Doherty, 8 Wing Pipes and Drums, and many more. The festival takes place at 2097 Heritage Liney. Onsite camping is available (RVs and camping trailers only, no tents).

A two-day pass costs $115 plus taxes and fees. For passes and more information, visit greenbridgecelticfolkfest.com.

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

Friends Peterborough Benefit Concert in Peterborough on August 26

Come on out and support Friends Peterborough with a benefit concert from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 26th at Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough).

Friends Peterborough is a humanitarian agency in downtown Peterborough that offers “help, home, and a hand up.”

Musical entertainment will include Pete Gauthier, Washboard Hank & the Wringers, and the McDonnel Street Gospel Quartet (Dianne Latchford, Curtis Driedge, Sweet Mountain Muriel, and Colin MacAdam).

The show is free, but folks are encourage to bring donations. Also bring a lawn chair to fully enjoy the event.

VIDEO: “Love song of the dump” – Washboard Hank with Benj Rowland

This August, we have ‘Repercussions’ by Paul Kelly at the Arts and Heritage Centre in Warkworth, ‘Landscape Reflections’ by Paul Chester at the Art Gallery of Bancroft, sculptor Tutani Mgabazi at ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery, the ‘Figuratively Speaking’ show at Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio, a show of young talented artists from Curve Lake featured at the Kawartha Art Gallery in Lindsay, and the Quality of Life Festival happening at Evans Contemporary in Peterborough.

A Place for the Arts in Bancroft is hosting monthly open studio workshops, and Mary Catherine Newcomb is currently showing at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington. Newcomb’s exhibit will be followed by “If You go Down to the Woods Today’, a show of Gerald Banting’s work.

Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth presents ‘Repercussions’ by Paul Kelly

‘Repercussions’ is the latest body of work by Paul Kelly, whose career has led him to become recognized in a variety of fields: landscape painting, semiotics, design, art education, and art history.

This latest series of paintings, prints, and drawings incorporates both representative and non-representative processes. The series explores modern design practices in the context of fine art surfaces.

The opening reception featuring the artist will be held on Saturday, August 4th, from noon until 4 p.m. On Sunday, August 26th, Kelly will give a talk at the Arts and Heritage Centre from 1 to 2 p.m.

The show runs until Sunday, September 9th.

Ah! Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth is located at 35 Church Street in downtown Warkworth. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For more information, visit ahcentre.ca.

ZimArt presents ‘Rice Lake 19’ featuring artist-in-residence Tutani Mgabazi

ZimArt is a lovely sculpture garden and studio located in rural Ontario.

From August 4th to September 2nd, ZimArt is hosting ‘Rice Lake 19’, the 19th annual exhibition and sale of Zimbabwean stone sculpture.

If you have yet to visit, be sure to stop by and see the work of talented Zimabwean sculptor Tutani Mgabazi, ZimArt’s 2018 artist-in-residence. You can meet the artist and learn about his process. He will be there working and giving workshops for the month of August.

An opening party will be held on Saturday, August 4th from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring traditional Zimbabwean music and festivities. The exhibition will run until Sunday, September 2nd, and a closing party will be held on that date from 2 to 5 p.m.

During the course of the exhibition, there will be carving workshops run by Mgabazi, who is an experienced instructor and sculptor. In addition, there will be craft markets every weekend, with all proceeds going to Zimbabwean children in need. This exhibit boasts work of over 50 sculptors, including Mgabazi. All the pieces on display have been hand selected by curator Fran Fearnley.

For further information or to book a preview appointment. e-mail zimart@sympatico.ca or call 705-939-6144.

ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery is located at 855 Second Line Road in Bailieboro. The gallery is open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 1st until Thanksgiving (all other times by appointment). Reach them by phone at 705-939-6144 or find them online at zimart.ca.

Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio in Peterborough presents ‘Figuratively Speaking’ show and sale

The Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio is presenting ‘Figuratively Speaking’, an all-members show and sale, from Wednesday, August 8th until Sunday, September 9th.

An opening reception will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 12th, where you can meet many of the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and take in a multimedia art show of figurative and portrait works.

Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio is a not-for-profit artist’s co-operative, located at 420 O’Connell Road in Peterborough. Hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.kawarthaartists.org.

Art Gallery of Bancroft presents ‘Landscape Reflections’ by Paul Chester

‘Landscape Reflections’, a show of contemporary impressionist landscapes by painter Paul Chester, will be on display at Art Gallery of Bancroft as of Wednesday, August 1st and will continue until Saturday, September 1st.

The paintings depict various landscapes from memory, of places the artist knows or has experienced, depicted in his dreamy yet striking signature style.

“My paintings are an emotional response to what I see in the natural landscape in the area that surrounds my home and studio,” Chester writes. “Somewhat ethereal in nature, images of landscapes and water are painted from memory and the experience of that moment. I enjoy using oil paint because it lends itself to being scraped and scratched, cutting into the paint to reveal the colours beneath.”

An opening reception will be held on Friday, August 3rd at 7:30 p.m.

The Art Gallery of Bancroft is located at 10 Flint Avenue in Bancroft. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For more information, visit www.artgallerybancroft.ca.

Evans Contemporary in Peterborough presents the Quality of Life Festival featuring garbageface

Doom rapper garbageface (Karol Orzechowski) wll be the artist-in-residence at Evans Contemporary this August.

garbageface will put on a month of workshops, film screenings, spoken word, music, discussion, and cultural exchange. Looks like an action-packed month at Evans!

The festival begins on Wednesday, August 1st with a film screening of the 1979 coming-of-age crime drama film Over the Edge, the film debut of Matt Dillon, at 8 p.m. There will be events or workshops almost every day, with the month culminating in a dance party on Friday, August 31st featuring Dopewolf.

All music shows and performances will be $5 to $10, with all proceeds going to the performers. Film screenings and other events will be by donation.

For a full schedule of events, check in at the gallery or visit the Quality of Life events page on Facebook.

Evans Contemporary is located at #2 Banker’s Common in downtown Peterborough. For more information, visit www.evanscontemporary.com or contact Paolo Fortin at evanscontemporary@gmail.com.

Visual Arts Centre of Clarington currently showing ‘Bread and Bones’ by Mary Catherine Newcomb

A fascinating show is on now at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington. ‘Bread and Bones’ by sculptor Mary Catherine Newcomb is a contemplation of life and death.

Using bones, such as the intricately decorated cow bone in ‘Miss Real Silver’, Newcomb creates a sculptural landscape that makes us think about mortality and the cycles of life. This show will be on display until Sunday, August 12th, so stop in and see it if you are in the neighbourhood.

Coming up at the end of the month, there will be an opening for the next show ‘If You Go Down To The Woods Today’ by painter Gerald Banting. The opening for Banting’s show will be held on Sunday. August 26th, and the show will be on display until September 23rd. There will be an artist’s talk happening in September, please monitor www.vac.ca for details.

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

Kawartha Art Gallery in Lindsay hosts Curve Lake Young Artists’ Exhibit

Now on at the Kawartha Art Gallery is a juried show of young artists from 15 to 30 years old from Curve Lake First Nation.

On display until Saturday, August 11th, this is a great showcase of local talent and supports young artists in the community.

The exhibit is juried by Clayton Samuel King, whose own work is also on display along with pieces from the Kawartha Art Gallery Permanent Collection.

Stop in and see it while you still can! A reception will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1st.

The Kawartha Art Gallery is located at 190 Kent Street West, 2nd Floor, in Lindsay. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please visit kawarthagallery.com.

A Place for the Arts in Bancroft hosts ‘Creative Splash’

On the third Saturday of each month, A Place for the Arts in Bancroft hosts an art workshop. Participants are encouraged to play and explore various processes and techniques. All are welcome.

The non-profit artists’ collective is always looking for new members and new projects. If you are in the area, drop in for a coffee and see what is currently on display. If you are around on a Friday, you can also take in some live music at the Partista Café from 4 to 6 p.m.

A Place for the Arts is located at 23 Bridge Street in Bancroft. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday (closed on Tuesdays) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.apfta.ca.