If you're a budget-conscious post-secondary school student, you might be tempted to buy cheaper, single-use items. But it's more cost-effective in the long term to invest in eco-friendly reusable items, such as these plastic-free storage bags. Not only are they long-lasting, durable, and microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven safe, but they are easier to store when space is at a premium, unlike plastic storage containers. (Photo: Benjamin Hargreaves)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Benjamin Hargreaves, GreenUP Communications and Marketing Support Staff.
We often associate sustainable products with a higher price tag, making it quite easy to pick up single-use items as you say to yourself “I’m on a student budget”. While it may seem less expensive to purchase single-use items in the short term, the payoff period for investing in something that can be reused again and again is often much shorter than the length of the undergrad you’re pursuing.
Gen Zs and millennials are becoming increasingly interested in tackling the very real issue of climate change. Our passion is evident in everything from protesting political decisions, to campaigning on social media, to implementing small changes in our daily lives that help us use less and conserve more.
VIDEO: 10-year-old launches anti-straw campaign
And, while we all know about the campaign against single-use plastic straws, fewer may know the role our generation had in initiating that change.
But we can take it further than straws, and to help us do just that, here’s a list of affordable and sustainable alternatives to wasteful items that are commonly used by students.
Advertisement - content continues below
Coffee: the lifeblood of post-secondary students
Whether you homebrew or have a favourite coffee shop, this any-time-of-day beverage can create quite a bit of waste.
Diehard brewers should consider investing in a French press, a zero-waste option is often cheaper than its electric drip counterpart.
Reusable coffee filters are a must-have for any environmentally conscious student. You simply dump the grounds into the compost, rinse the coffee filter out and leave it to dry so it’s ready for tomorrow’s brew. (Photo: Benjamin Hargreaves)
Grosche, the B-Corp certified tea and coffee company based in Cambridge, has a net-negative carbon footprint and supports numerous global and local initiatives. They even provide over 50 days worth of safe drinking water to someone in need and plant a tree when you buy their Terra sustainable press. And it’s made with 75 per cent recycled material. Really, what more could you want?
Kyoto Coffee in Lakefield offers organic coffee made locally from beans harvested in a manner that sustainably supports farmers and their land. Sobeys Towerhill in Peterborough recently started carrying Kyoto Coffee. (Photo: Kyoto Coffee / Facebook)
Okay, so maybe you’re not ready to give up the convenience of automatic drip-coffee machines.
If this is your vice, consider reusable coffee filters, like the ones made by Coffee Sock, which each replace about 500 paper filters.
For a bit more money up front, you can use these for years and you can ditch the single-use filters and their plastic packaging for good.
There is also no shortage of reputable, transparent coffee companies with socially and environmentally conscious mandates — you should explore brands that best exemplify this ethic and that pique your interest before you shell out your hard-earned, part-time wage.
We recommend Kyoto Coffee (kyotocoffee.ca) in Lakefield — coffee that’s organic, fair trade, and roasted locally in small batches.
Finally, for the love of all things green, if you plan on sitting in a coffee shop for a while, ask for a mug and if you’re in a hurry, don’t forget that reusable coffee vessel at home. Lots of shops (including large companies like Starbucks) even give you a discount if you bring your own cup.
Advertisement - content continues below
Leftovers: saver of stomachs, healer of headaches, fuel of the fatigued
As a student, or anyone for that matter, I’m sure you know what a blessing leftovers are. Unfortunately, ensuring that the remnants of the Thanksgiving dinner remain delicious often depends on things like plastic wrap, plastic bags, or plastic containers.
While some of these things are a step in the right direction because of their reusability, even reusable plastics degrade over time, releasing micro plastics into our environment. These plastic particles can absorb into the body’s tissue and are polluting our lands and waters.
The less plastic you use in your day-to-day routine, the healthier you and our planet will be. Things like silicone, glass, and stainless steel are great plastic-free alternatives. And similar to the coffee filters, they are an investment that will easily replace a year’s worth of plastic products.
Beeswax food wraps are a popular and sustainable alternative to plastic cling wrap, as well as a little more stylish if you ask us. (Photo: Benjamin Hargreaves)
There are also other food preservation options to help you shift away from plastics, including my favourite short-term preservation tool: beeswax wraps. These beeswax-coated cotton cloths can be cut, moulded, and folded any which way you desire to preserve your veggies, sandwiches, snacks, and leftovers.
Say peace out to plastic wrap with these all-natural alternatives that last more than a year with regular use!
Advertisement - content continues below
Personal hygiene: as any parent of a post-secondary student knows, this sometimes takes a backseat to, well, everything
Self-care can be hard to prioritize for students during the marathon months of September to April. But having a regular self-care routine is important — not only for personal cleanliness, but also for general well-being and mental health.
However, the plastic that comes with bath products, face masks, moisturizers, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and disposable razors can be astonishing. Fortunately, there are some great low-waste solutions to be found.
Simply Natural Canada (simplynaturalcanada.ca), an artisan soap company based in Peterborough, makes zero-waste shampoo and body soap bars in a variety of scents using ingredients like essential oils and coconut milk.
Peterborough artisan soap company Simply Natural Canada makes zero-waste shampoo and body soap bars in a variety of scents using ingredients like essential oils and coconut milk. (Photo: Simply Natural Canada / Facebook)
If you prefer your shampoo and conditioners in containers, there are some wonderful waste-free bulk options, where you can bring in your preferred vessel of any size and refill it as many times as you like. There are also plastic-free safety razors with replacement blades, and bamboo toothbrush options for students who are looking to reduce as much disposable plastic as possible from their hygiene routine.
Each of these things are marginally more expensive than their single-use, waste-creating counterparts — but with each these items, you can care for your mind as you care for your body because you know that you’re making positive strides toward decreasing your plastic footprint.
Many of these products, including refillable bulk soaps and cleaning products, are available at the GreenUP Store, which sources well-researched, sustainable, and locally produced goods that help you to achieve your waste-free goals. Proceeds from the GreenUP Store also support vital environmental programming in this community — programming that helps to educate the next generation of waste-conscious students!
The GreenUP Store is located at 378 Aylmer Street, near the corner of Hunter and Aylmer in downtown Peterboroughs, and is open Monday through Saturday.
Nova Scotia rocker Matt Mays is one of several big names in Canadian music performing at the free Peterborough Folk Festival at Nicholls Oval on August 16 and 17, 2019. (Photo: Lindsay Duncan)
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
Advertisement - content continues below
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
Advertisement - content continues below
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
Advertisement - content continues below
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.
Frankie Michaels has been located safe and sound and is back with his family.
The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a six-year-old boy who has been missing since 10 a.m. on Wednesday (July 31).
Frankie Michaels is described as being 4’8″, 81 lbs with light brown short hair. He was last seen wearing black track pants and a black shirt.
He will be riding a silver and green bike with no helmet.
He was last seen in the area of Park Place and Wolfe Street.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.stopcrimehere.ca.
There's lots to do during August at The Canadian Canoe Museum, including the popular Voyageur Canoe Tour, a one-of-a-kind guided tour where you help paddle a 36-foot Montreal canoe along the Trent-Severn Waterway and through the Peterborough Lift Lock. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum)
Now that we’re halfway through summer, the kids might be looking for something new that’s fun and different (and maybe the grown-ups too). Or perhaps you have some family and friends visiting Peterborough and you’d like to show them a unique experience.
In either case, The Canadian Canoe Museum is encouraging residents and visitors alike to “make, paddle, play, and connect” at the museum during August by offering a range of activities for both individuals and families.
“This summer we’re thrilled to be welcoming visitors from near and far”, says the museum’s director of programs Karen Taylor. “And we’re rolling out the red carpet with an array of offerings for all ages.”
The Canadian Canoe Museum has a new collection of canoe-themed items including sheet music, records, and beautiful vintage postcards. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum)
There are ongoing events like a new drop-in-to-draw activity, a new interactive water station, and pop-up exhibits throughout the summer. The museum also has artisan workshops, paddling courses, meet and greets with artisans and authors, and more.
“Whether you’re visiting us for the first time, or already know and love the museum, there are so many new reasons to spend time with us this summer,” Taylor says. “Make, paddle, play, and connect right here.”
Here are some highlights of what’s going on at The Canadian Canoe Museum for the rest of the summer:
Advertisement - content continues below
Make at the museum
Draw something. Using an artist-quality kit, explore the artifacts and stories that connect us all by canoe. Drop-in-to-draw anytime during regular museum hours. The cost is $2 (free for members).
Create your own postcard. Discover a new collection of canoe-themed items including sheet music, records, and beautiful vintage postcards. Included with museum admission or membership.
Make a one-of-a-kind woodburned paddle at an artisan workshop on Saturday, August 17th at The Canadian Canoe Museum. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum)
Make a one-of-a-kind woodburned paddle. This artisan workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th. The cost of the workshop is $180.
Help create a 14-foot wire and textile canoe. Beginning on Thursday, August 22nd, you can take part in a collaborative community art project led by Ottawa-based textile artist Vanessa Goldschiff. For ages 8 to adult. Included with museum admission or membership.
Make a cross-stitch bookmark. In this drop-in craft workshop on the Labour Day weekend, be inspired by designs and patterns on the canoes in the museum’s collection to create your bookmark. Workshops take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 2nd. Included with museum admission or membership.
Advertisement - content continues below
Paddle with the museum
Learn to paddle a canoe. The museum’s introductory-level safe canoeing evening program runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12th. For ages 16 to adult, no experience is necessary, and all equipment will be provided. The cost for the course is $175.
Learn to paddle or hone your paddling skills at one of the on-water courses offered by The Canadian Canoe Museum. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum)
Hone your paddling skills. If you want to advance your paddling skills even more, take a Ontario Recreational Canoeing And Kayaking Association (ORCKA) course. An ORCKA Level 1 course takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on August 13th and 14th, with a Level 2 course on August 15th and 16th. For ages 16 to adult. Each course costs $185.
Experience the Peterborough Lift Lock by Voyageur Canoe. This is a 90-minute guided tour by canoe of this National Historic Site. No experience is necessary. The cost is $25 per person, of you can book the whole boat (up to 16 paddlers) for a private tour for $300. The tours runs every Sunday in August (except for August 18th).
Advertisement - content continues below
Play at the museum
Race canoes along the museum’s new interactive water station. Included with museum admission or membership.
The little ones can create a magnetic fishing rod and felted fish to play with in the museum’s “pool” in a s drop-in craft workshop on the Civic Holiday. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum)
Go ‘fishing’ on the Civic Holiday. In this drop-in craft workshop, kids can create a magnetic fishing rod and felted fish to play with in the museum’s “pool” and take them home after their visit. For ages 6+ or younger (with help). The workshop takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 5th. Included with museum admission or membership.
Go ‘retro camping’. Explore the museum’s collection of canoeing accessories in the interactive pop-up ‘Retro Camping’ exhibit, beginning Thursday, August 8th. Included with museum admission or membership.
Connect at the museum
Victoria Jason (1945 – 2000) was the first woman to kayak the Northwest Passage, a journey she described in her bestselling book “Kabloona in the Yellow Kayak”. In August, The Canadian Canoe Museum is re-installing a mini-exhibition featuring her story.
Connect with the museum’s collection. Make a connection with the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft through the new interactive ‘Collection Highlights’ tours, which run daily at 2:30 p.m. Each tour is 45 minutes and is first come, first served (maximum of 10 people per tour).
Connect to a local canoe story. See see a unique canoe never before on display: Daniel Herald’s patent canoe from the Rice Lake Canoe Company, donated by Peterborough paddler Doris Vallery. Included with museum admission or membership.
Connect with the first woman to kayak the Northwest Passage. Learn about Victoria Jason’s incredible paddling story. Jason was known to help others whenever she could, including during her travels. Beginning Thursday, August 22nd, the museum is re-installing a mini-exhibition featuring her story. Included with museum admission or membership.
Advertisement - content continues below
Connect with Indigenous filmmakers. Wapikoni’s Cinema on Wheels, featuring award-winning short films directed by budding Indigenous filmmakers, is coming to the museum at 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 29th. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free.
Connect with local artisans, artists, and authors. The museum’s Tumblehome Shop presents Trading Post Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings, where you can have one-on-one conversations, ask questions, and see the creative process in action.
On August 1st, meet Stephen Kitchen, an Oshawa-based artisan formally trained in woodworking and later specializing in wooden boat restoration. On August 8th, meet Cara Jordan, paddler, pyrographer, and long-time Tumblehome artisan. On August 15th, meet Andrew Boire, a Peterborough-based beekeeper and jack of all trades.
For more information about summer events at The Canadian Canoe Museum and to register for upcoming workshops or courses, visit canoemuseum.ca.
The Voyageur Canoe Tour along the Trent-Severn Waterway and through the Peterborough Lift Lock runs evey Sunday in August (except for August 18). (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum)
'#Nature', an installation by Toronto-based interdisciplinary artist and designer Sean Martindale that was part of a past Sunday Drive art project. This August, Sunday Drive is presenting its latest art project, 'Reunion', at a private farm near Lakefield. (Photo: Dustin Rabin / Sunday Drive Art Projects)
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
Sunday Drive’s ‘Reunion’ will run during August at a secret location outside of Lakefield. (Graphic: Sunday Drive)
‘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.
Six of the artistic collaborators participating in Sunday Drive’s Reunion show at a farm outside of Lakefield: Amina Moon, Pavel Iodine, Sasha Henry, Reza Nik, Max Streicher, and Karl Skene. Shows will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings in August. (Photo: Sunday Drive)
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
‘Marking’ (2016, bronze, 35″ x 25″) by Xiaojing Yan. (Photo courtesy of the artist)
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.
Advertisement - content continues below
‘Op Art in Motion’, a series of work by Victor Vasarely, at Art Gallery of Northumberland
‘Vancouver Portfolio’ (1981, Serigraph, 30cm x 30cm) and ‘Koround’ (1966, Serigraph, 69.1cm x 65.2cm) by Victor Vasarely. (Photos courtesy of the 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
Karen Cameron of Bella Grey Jewellery Design combines Georgian Bay beach stones with colourful paper decoupage and lead-free silver solder. She is one of the vendors who will be participating in the Finer Things summer show and sale at Del Crary Park in August. (Photo courtesy of Finer Things)
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.
Advertisement - content continues below
The Annex Gallery in Bancroft presents ‘Creations Alive’ by Cynthia Fox
Peterborough painter Cynthia Fox with her easel. (Photo courtesy of the artist)
Cynthia Fox’s large and lifelike paintings will be on display in a solo show at The Annex Gallery at A Place for The Arts in Bancroft beginning on Wednesday, July 31st and running until Sunday, September 1st.
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 Kids Outdoor Art Festival is a free event on August 24, 2019 at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington in Bowmanville. (Graphic courtesy of Visual Arts Centre of Clarington)
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.
Former Hey Rosetta! songwriter and lead vocalist Tim Baker and Iraqi-Canadian musician and multimedia artist Narcy (Yassin Alsalman) will perform at the Peterborough Folk Festival on August 17, 2019. Local musicians Missy Knott and Mayhemingways will also be performing. (Publicity photos)
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.
The lineup for the 2019 Peterborough Folk Festival. (Poster: Peterborough Folk Festival)
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.
Tragically Hipp owner Evelyne Derkinderen and her partner Peter Osborne are the proud owners of 60 Queen Street in Lakefield. Derkinderen learned several months ago that the building was going to be sold, which could have potentially forced her to close her popular women's fashion shop at its iconic location. (Photo: Tragically Hipp / Facebook)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
This week’s business and organizational news includes Lakefield’s Tragically Hipp purchasing their building at 60 Queen Street, Port Hope’s Dancing Bee Inc. receiving $65,000 through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario fund, and Leora Berman of The Land Between and Sherri Owen of Camp Kawartha receiving Canadian Wildlife Federation awards.
Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Also featured this week are local business and entrepreneurship being celebrated at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough, the grand opening of Pedego Kawartha Lakes Lindsay, and the closure of Frank’s Pasta and Grill in Cobourg.
New regional business events added this week include Comfort Keepers Peterborough hosting its grand opening in Peterborough on August 22nd.
Boutique fashion shop Tragically Hipp Fashion Gallery has purchased its landmark building at 60 Queen Street in Lakefield.
Canadian singer-songwriter and musician Murray McLauchlan and his wife Denise Donlon (not pictured) dropped by Tragically Hipp on July 26, 2019. (Photo: Tragically Hipp / Facebook)
In the post, she explains that she learned four months ago the building was going to be sold and — with no lease or renewal option — Tragically Hipp would possibly lose the location and the business.
Derkindere goes on to say that, “with patience and persistence”, she and her partner Peter Osborne were able to secure financing and purchase the building.
To add icing to the cake, iconic Canadian singer-songwriter and musician Murray McLauchlan and his wife Denise Donlon (business executive, television producer, host, and member of the Order of Canada) dropped by Tragically Hipp last Friday (July 26).
Tragically Hipp, which offers affordable and everyday apparel and accessories for women who see themselves as unique and authentic, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday (closed on Sunday).
Port Hope’s Dancing Bee Inc. receives $65,000 through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario fund
Dancing bee founder and CEO Todd Kalisz with Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd during the announcement of $65,000 for the beekeeping equipment business in Port Hope on July 29, 2019. (Photo: Office of Kim Rudd)
Port Hope beekeeping equipment business Dancing Bee Inc. will receive $65,000 in funding through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario fund.
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd made the announcement on Monday (July 29) at the company’s location at 3384 Loyalist Road.
In operation for nine years, Dancing Bee is the market leader for commercial and residential beekeeping equipment, medication, safety gear, and training.
The funding will support Dancing Bee’s purchase and installation of a new innovative extraction line, allowing the company to process a higher volume of honey more efficiently, and will create as many as four new full-time and two part-time jobs in Northumberland County.
“This expansion will be monumental in the next phase of Dancing Bee such as supporting the community with new jobs and attracting tourism to Port Hope, while delivering outstanding results that we can be proud of,” says Dancing bee founder, CEO, and master beekeeper Todd Kalisz.
“Expanding our business will allow increased opportunities to collaborate with and grow other small vendors within the community, along with our own business.”
Leora Berman of The Land Between and Sherri Owen of Camp Kawartha receive Canadian Wildlife Federation awards
Leora Berman of The Land Between has received the Roland Michener Conservation Award from the Canadian Wildlife Federation. (Photo: Canadian Wildlife Federation)
The Land Between founder and Chief Operating Officer Leora Berman of Haliburton and Camp Kawartha outdoor educator Sherri Owen of Lakefield have each been honoured with awards from the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
Berman received the Roland Michener Conservation Award, named after Canada’s former Governor General, which is awarded to “any individual who has demonstrated a commitment to conservation through effective and responsible activities that promote, enhance and further the conservation of Canada’s natural resources”. Berman shared the award with the Marine Animal Rescue Service (MARS), a charity established to rescue beached marine mammals on the east coast.
Along with The Land Between, a grassroots environmental non-governmental organization focused on a 12,000-square-kilometre bioregion in central Ontario, Berman is the founder of Turtle Guardians, a collaborative program to advance citizen science and conservation of species at risk. She has also worked for Ducks Unlimited Canada, Wildlife Habitat Canada, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Sherri Owen of Lakefield has received the Wild Educator of the Year Award from the Canadian Wildlife Federation. (Photo: Canadian Wildlife Federation)
Sherri Owen of Lakefield received the Wild Educator of the Year Award, which is presented to an educator who uses the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s education programming “to provide innovative and meaningful experiences for youth that focus on wildlife and the building of a conservation ethic.
Owen has been an outdoor educator for more than 20 years, including as an instructor at Camp Kawartha. As a wilderness guide, she has taught thousands of students about the pleasures and responsibilities of loving the wild. A a facilitator in the federation’s Project Wild teacher training, she has also shared her passion and creativity with hundreds of Ontario educators.
Berman and Owen, along with four other award recipients, are profiled in the July/August issue of Canadian Wildlife and Biosphère magazines available on newsstands and by subscription.
Advertisement - content continues below
Local business and entrepreneurship celebrated at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough
Innovation Cluster client Chimp Treats serves up its dairy-free frozen dessert products to people attending the July 26, 2019 open house at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Local business and entrepreneurship was celebrated at an open house last Friday (July 26) at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough.
The open house provided an opportunity for the public to explore the building at 270 George Street North, which is a business hub for economic development organizations including the Innovation Cluster, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Junior Achievement for Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka.
“This event was a great opportunity for the public to get an idea of what goes on in the VentureNorth Building,” says Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis.
“It’s important for the community to see the organizations and startups that work to make Peterborough and the Kawarthas a thriving place for business.”
Following the open house, a BBQ was held in the VentureNorth parking with live music provided by Peterborough band Paper Shakers.
Pedego Kawartha Lakes Lindsay held its grand opening on July 27
Pedego Kawartha Lakes is located at 66 William Street North in Lindsay. (Photo: Pedego Kawartha Lakes / Facebook)
Lindsay electric bike business Pedego Kawartha Lakes hosted its grand openeing last Saturday (July 27).
Owned by Allen Hussey, Pedego Kawartha Lakes Lindsay (66 William St. N., Lindsay) is a franchise of the company originally founded in California in 2008 and in Canada two years later. Hussey also runs a Pedego location at 47 William Street in Bobcaygeon that he opened in 2018.
City of Kawartha Lakes Police Chief Mark Mitchell (left) and Constable Kevin Walden (right) with an electric mountain bike donated by Allen Hussey of Pedego Kawartha Lakes (centre). (Photo: Kawartha Lakes Police Service)
Attending the grand opening, which included a group ride, was a constable from Kawartha Lakes Police Service. Earlier this summer, Hussey donated a high-performance electric mountain bike to the police service to assist police in patrolling the community while reducing their carbon footprint.
Frank’s Pasta and Grill in Cobourg. (Photo: Frank’s Pasta and Grill / Facebook)
After seven years, Frank’s Pasta and Grill in Cobourg has closed for good effective July 20th.
The popular family-owned restaurant located at 426 King Street East also featured live music every week.
The closure of Frank’s came one day after the closure of another popular Cobourg restaurant, The Cat & Fiddle.
Advertisement - content continues below
Lindsay Chamber hosts breakfast networking meeting in Lindsay on July 31
The Lindsay & District Chamber Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next M2M Breakfast Meet Up from 8 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31st at Smittys Family Restaurant (370 Kent St., Lindsay).
Bring your business cards and chat with other like-minded people while enjoying a breakfast you order from the Smitty’s menu.
No registration required and this is a free event (just pay for what you order).
Port Hope Chamber hosts Women in Business Breakfast Series in Port Hope on August 6
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the next seminar in its Women in Business Breakfast Series from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Jack Burger Sports Complex (60 Highland Dr., Port Hope).
Local women in business are invited to attend the session, which will focus on the importance of self care and resources available locally.
The cost for the session is $5 per person, in advance or at the door.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on August 13
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast orders taken at The Edison at 7:30 a.m. At 7:45 a.m., you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by a mystery guest speaker at 8 a.m.
There is no cost for the event (order what you like and pay for what you order).
Rebound Child & Youth Services hosts Northumberland Chamber’s next networking event in Cobourg on August 13
The Northumberland Central Chamber Of Commerce’s next Meet and Greet event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland (700 D’Arcy St. N., Unit 20).
The monthly business networking events are hosted by Chamber members on the second Tuesday of every month. This is an opportunity both for networking and to learn more about the services provided by the host Chamber member.
FastStart Peterborough hosts “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship” seminar in Peterborough on August 13
The next FastStart E-Connect seminar, “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship!”, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at the Silver Bean Cafe in Millennium Park (1130 King St., Peterborough).
Donna Floyd, founder and CEO of Cottage Toys, and Jillian Scates, sales and operations analyst with Central Smith Creamery, will discuss family business and working in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
FastStart Peterborough is a partnership between Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster.
Innovation Cluster hosts “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur” workshops in Peterborough starting on August 14
On Wednesdays in August, the Innovation Cluster is hosting “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur”, a three-part series emphasizing mindfulness for entrepreneurs.
“No Stress Zone: Pilates with the Healthy Sweet Potato” is a Pilates class at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough) on August 14th, followed by “Managing Stress and Burnout with Legendary Coaching” on August 21st, and “Pause for Paws – Therapy Dogs” on August 28th, when East Central Therapy Dogs will bring in volunteers to do an hour of de-stressing with their dogs.
All workshops will have a limited amount of space and registration is mandatory. Registration for the series will open in August, and businessNOW will have all the details when available.
Port Hope Young Professionals and Port Hope Chamber host a “house party” in Port Hope on August 16
Port Hope Young Professionals and the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce are hosting a “house party” starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 16th at the Penryn Park at the Port Hope Golf & Country Club (82 Victoria St. S., Port Hope).
The event for the Port Hope business community will feature live music by the Brown Bag Tour Company, local food, a cash bar, and more.
More details will be available closer to the event date.
Venture13 hosts The Employer Event in Cobourg on August 20
The Community Employment Resource Partnership, Northumberland County, and the millennial team of Canada Summer Jobs students at the Community Training and Development Centre are presenting “The Employer Event” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20th in the lecture hall at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The focus of the event is how to recruit, retain, and train millennials (employees aged 20 to 45) who, by 2025, will make up 75 per cent of the workforce. You will learn information from experts in recruitment, retention, and training, explore a variety of techniques and resource, and discover innovative ideas, insights, and strategies.
Comfort Keepers Peterborough hosts its grand opening in Peterborough on August 22
Corey and Alyssa Rowe are the owners of Comfort Keepers Peterborough. (Photo: Comfort Keepers Peterborough)
Comfort Keepers Peterborough will be hosting a grand opening from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 22nd at Peterborough Business Hub (398 McDonnel St., Peterborough).
Corey and Alyssa Rowe are the owners of the local franchise, which offers senior care, dementia/Alzheimer care, personal care and grooming, meal preparation, transportation services, palliative and end-of-life care, new mother services, brain injury support, post-surgery or car accident support, and more.
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and light refreshments will be available.
Bancroft Chamber hosting Mineral Collecting Tours now until August 31
The Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting Mineral Collecting Tours now until Saturday, August 31st at various locations in Hastings County.
Registration is held at 9 a.m. at the Chamber office (51 Hastings St. N., Bancroft) on the day of each tour, with tours departing at 9:30 a.m. The tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with each tour lasting around five hours.
Participants are responsible for their own equipment (mandatory safety glasses and closed-in footwear and rockhounding equipment) and transportation. The cost is $17 for adults, $12 for youth aged 16 and under, or $50 for a family of up to five people. Additional fees are required for specific sites.
Iconic Canadian alt-rockers 54-40 (Dave Genn, Neil Osborne, Brad Merritt, Matt Johnson) are performing from their extensive catalogue of songs from the past 38 years at Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough on July 31, 2019. (Publicity photo)
With eight Juno Award nominations listed on its resumé, including two for Group of the Year, but no wins, it would be easy to label Canadian alt-rock band 54-40 a bridesmaid and never a bride.
Peterborough Musicfest presents 54-40
When: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent for $4/chair). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
But 38 years and 14 studio albums after its first gig in Vancouver, other more telling benchmarks have served to remind us that 54-40 has been, and remains, a tour de force on the Canadian music scene.
Take, for example, 54-40’s three consecutive platinum-certified albums in the 1990s or any one of its Top Ten singles and it becomes abundantly clear that while bestowed honours are sweet, they’re not definitive validation of a band’s success.
The people have something to say about that and countless 54-40 followers have spoken loud and clear for close to four decades now.
On Wednesday, July 31st at Del Crary Park, 54-40 returns once again to the Fred Anderson Stage, headlining Peterborough Musicfest. Admission to the 8 p.m. concert is, as always, free.
Advertisement - content continues below
While selling records and getting radio airplay was the name of the game in the early 1980s when 54-40 was finding its way, founding member and bassist Brad Merritt, in an October 2018 interview with the Prince Albert The Daily Herald, nots “artistic integrity” is now the name of the game for him and band mates Neil Osborne, Dave Genn, and Matt Johnson.
“It’s all about creating this piece of work, or body of work, which reflects your state, just like any artist would — doing a painting, choreography or creating a symphony that pleases us as creators,” he explains. “Then it’s about making a connection with the thousands of people who still care about what it is that we do.”
54-40 certainly has the body of work part of that equation well covered.
VIDEO: “Baby Ran” – 54-40
VIDEO: “I Go Blind” – 54-40
High school friends Merritt and Osborne formed 54-40 in 1981, with their first gig an opening spin for D.O.A. at a Vancouver club. Three years later, the band released its debut album Set The Fire and then followed that up in 1986 with a self-titled release that featured the songs “Baby Ran” and “I Go Blind”. While neither charted, those two songs resonated with music fans and today are popular staples of their live performances.
Show Me, released in 1987, produced the single “One Day In Your Life” that cracked the Canadian singles chart, a commercial breakthrough for the band that was fully realized in 1992 with Dear Dear. That album was certified platinum — a success repeated in 1994 and again in 1996 by the albums Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret and Trusted By Millions.
During that period, high-charting singles “Nice To Luv You”, “She La”, “Ocean Pearl”, “Love You All”, and “Lies To Me” cemented 54-40’s position as a first-rate Canadian music act.
Advertisement - content continues below
Since 1998’s gold-certified Since When and its hit title track, 54-40 has recorded six albums, the latest being 2018’s Keep On Walking.
“There’s continuity when you look at our records,” Merritt says.
“We’ve quite often put something out and then the next thing we do is turn 180 degrees and say ‘This is a rock record. We’re going to do something a little more personal singer-songwriter style. This one we’re going to heavy jams and build it up that way and the next is going to be an eclectic thing just to see where the music takes us.”
VIDEO: “One Day In Your Life” – 54-40
VIDEO: “Nice to Luv You” – 54-40
While 54-40 has taken different approaches on its albums, performing live isn’t something the quartet has messed around with.
“We figure there are about 10 or 11 songs we have to play no matter what,” says Merritt.
“Generally we’re doing at least 50 per cent more than that, if not twice as many songs. We certainly pull songs from various records that reflect the way we’re thinking, the way we represent ourselves, and what we want to do.”
Advertisement - content continues below
“Rock has become a sub-genre … a sub-culture,” Merritt adds. “It’s not the music of the day. It’s not pop culture music anymore. Because of that, there are young people who appreciate rock or rock and roll or classic rock or punk or post-punk — whatever it is — and they like what 54-40 does. They don’t care that we’ve around 30-odd years. They think that’s really cool.”
In an April 2018 interview with The Cascade, Genn notes 54-40’s staying power is rooted in extensive catalogue of music.
“We had a meeting in Toronto years back where we were looking for different ways to market and brand the band,” he recalls. “We met with a branding expert who worked outside of the music industry. He was talking about how important it is to have a short, concise statement about your brand. So he said we have to come up with a statement about 54-40 that sums up the essence of our brand.”
VIDEO: “She-La” – 54-40
VIDEO: “Ocean Pearl” – 54-40
VIDEO: “Lies To Me” – 54-40
“We thought about what people say when they come to our shows and the thing we hear the most is ‘I had no idea you guys played so many songs that I know.’ It’s kind of a blessing and a curse. It’s testament to the fact that we have this catalogue and so many songs that people are familiar with and that people love. On the other hand, they haven’t necessarily put a band name or a face to those songs.”
As for that elusive Juno Award, yes, 54-40 has been down the aisle eight times and come away empty-handed. But many recipients of that honour have come and gone while Genn et al continue to tour, record new music, and win new fans close to 40 years on.
One thing about being a bridesmaid — there’s no threat of a pending divorce.
Advertisement - content continues below
Win VIP passes to MusicFest!
As a returning sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest, kawarthaNOW.com will be giving away VIP seats to every one of this summer’s concerts again this year.
While the concerts are free to all, VIP seats are not available to the general public — only to festival sponsors. You are guaranteed a chair near to the stage for the best view.
The giveaways are exclusive to subscribers to our weekly e-news. For your chance to win, sign-up to our weekly e-news at k-n.ca/subscribe.
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.
Highway 28 is closed between Mt. Julian Viamede Road and Northey’s Bay Road in Woodview as police investigate a fatal accident on July 29, 2019. Pictured is a closure of Highway 28 following another head-on collision in February 2019 on the same stretch of highway. (Photo courtesy of Geri-Lynn Cajindos)
One person is dead following an accident on Highway 28 near Butler Drive between Mt. Julian Viamede Road and Northey’s Bay Road in Woodview, north of Burleigh Falls.
The accident happened at around 7:45 a.m. on Monday (July 29). Police say a northbound cement truck struck and killed a pedestrian who was walking along the roadway. No other injuries were reported.
Highway 28 was closed between Northey’s Bay Road and Mt. Julian-Viamede Road for most of the day while OPP members trained in collision reconstruction measure and document the scene.
Police have identified the victim as 40-year-old Aaron Leveck of Peterborough. His body has been transported to Toronto for a post-mortem examination.
There have been several serious accidents on this stretch of highway this year alone: a head-on collision on February 3, another head-on collision on March 13 (killing a woman), and, most recently, a head-on collision on July 24 that sent two people to hospital.
An earlier version of this story indicated that Leveck was “walking on the highway”. This has now been corrected to match the wording from the police media release, which states he was “walking along the roadway”. The story will be updated with further details about the accident if or when they are released by the police.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Sunday (July 28) for much of the Kawarthas, including Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland.
A weak cold front slowly moving in from the north may trigger severe thunderstorms with torrential downpours and local rainfall amounts of 50 mm in an hour or less and wind gusts to 90 km/h this afternoon into Sunday evening.
Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Environment Canada issues severe thunderstorm watches when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
Submit your event for FREE!
Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free.
To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.
