After wolfing down the meal, Stephen Stanley is savouring the dessert.

“I didn’t really appreciate it in the moment … it was a blur,” says Stanley of co-founding and performing with The Lowest of the Low, one of the most influential bands on the Canadian alternative rock landscape in the early to mid 1990s.

“That was a wide-eyed adventure. We didn’t expect anything was going to happen. Having been in Lowest of the Low and several bands before and after that, I do know when something feels good and something feels like ‘I’m not sure about this.’ This one I feel 100 percent sure about.”

VIDEO: “Birthday Clown” – Stephen Stanley Band

“This one” is The Stephen Stanley Band which, along with Lindsay-based The Kents, will take to Del Crary Park’s Fred Anderson Stage on Wednesday, July 19th as the 31st season of Peterborough Musicfest continues with a double shot of rock.

Backed by guitarist Chris Bennett, bassist Chris Rellinger [Editor’s note: Chris is Paul’s nephew], and drummer Gregor Beresford, and joined by multi-instrumentalist Chris Brown, Stanley’s recharged creativity will be fully evident in his actions and his words. Simply put, he’s in a happy place and enjoying every minute of it.

“Lowest of the Low wasn’t really a vehicle for me to grow as a songwriter,” says Stanley of his previous musical life which produced four studio albums, including 1991 debut Shakespeare My Butt — still one of the best-selling independent releases in Canadian recorded music history.

“It was a real on-again, off-again relationship. We started the band in about 1990. The first round was 1990 to 1995. The second round was 2000 to 2007. Some time around 2010 we got back together for what would be a really cool 20th anniversary tour. Then the wheels kind of fell off for me. It was a good run, for sure, and I enjoyed all the time I was there — but it’s over.”

Not so with his new musical venture.

“There’s something about this group of four people getting together and being so in tune with the songs and so supportive of each other. It’s something I’ve not experienced in a long time. That part of it is just mind-blowing to me. Being in a band at this stage of life is a tough venture but the pure part of arranging and playing live has been spectacular.”

VIDEO: Stephen Stanley Band 2016 Indiegogo Campaign Video

What has Stanley most excited is the scheduled fall release of the band’s debut album, tentatively titled Jimmy And The Moon. Produced by bandmate Brown at his Post Office Studio on Wolfe Island near Kingston — “I trust him implicitly” — its 11 tracks will be provide clear evidence of Stanley’s continued growth as a songwriter.

“Songwriting is not an easy thing, but it’s a thing I love doing. I don’t have the discipline; you know, ‘this is my two hours a day that I write’. When I’m moved to write, I write like mad.

“Most of the time it comes from a lyrical place first. I need to have some sort of the idea mulling around in my head that I have to get out. Once something starts to roll, it’s just a completely joyous experience. Then I’m like a dog with a bone.”

VIDEO: “The Same Old Joint” – Stephen Stanley Band

But make no mistake. As satisfying as the album’s release will be, it’s the dynamic of the band that’s making this go-round nothing short of pure bliss for Stanley.

“This is a pretty heavy group of musicians. That’s a pinch-yourself moment for me. They all respect my songwriting, which is amazing, and we all get along great. To have that calibre of players around you makes you work harder, dig a little deeper. I’m having the best time of my life. Whatever happens, happens. We’ll keep playing and keep developing because we love playing together.”

The Kents

For The Kents — Warren Frank (vocals), Freddy Kwon (guitar), Luke Shauf (bass) and Tanner Paré (drums) — a high school guitar class provided the springboard for good things to come (Paré, from Peterborough, joined the band in 2016 to replace original drummer Nathan Truax).

In June 2016, with the release of debut five-track EP Waking and the single “The Stakes”, the Lindsay-based quartet found itself in demand; a heavier workload aided by “The Stakes” being featured on Apple Music’s 2016 Rising Stars and Spotify’s Best of 2016 Viral Hits.

“The response has been very humbling,” says Frank in a November 2016 interview with Jenna Melanson of Canadian Beats Media at www.canadianbeats.ca.

“As this was our debut release, we weren’t too sure what to expect when it came to response, but we’ve been really taken by how many people have gone out of their way to talk to us about it. Whether it be through social media or talking to us after a show, we’ve been lucky to get to hear from a lot of people about it and we’re very thankful for that.”

VIDEO: “The Stakes” – The Kents

Produced by Derek Hoffman at Fox Sounds in Toronto, Waking, according to The Kents’ Facebook page, “encapsulates lyrical explorations of family, loss and separation from the comfort of adolescence with a hook-hungry, pop filter that controls the chaos.”

“We were comfortable working with him (Hoffman) from the beginning,” Frank says. “He truly helped us achieve the EP we hoped to create.

“His creativity, paired with his technical and musical skills, makes him a serious threat. He also went for burritos with us. We can’t overstate how much we like that.”

The Kents no doubt also like sharing the stage with Canadian music heavyweights and have done so with the likes of The Trews, The Strumbellas, and Hollerado. As for music industry watchers, critical acclaim has followed, including praise as “one of Canada’s best young guitar-based bands” by FYI Music.

VIDEO: The Kents – “Something About Her”

Still, according to Frank, all four members know where their bread is buttered and are grateful.

“We wouldn’t have progressed as a band at all if it weren’t for the encouragement that people have given us over the years,” he says.

“Coming out to our shows and sharing our earliest versions of our songs, the belief they had in us helped us believe in ourselves. To anyone who has just discovered us recently, we hope we get to meet you. New stuff is on the way.”

Ahead for the Kents is a busy performance schedule, including a turn at the Wolfe Island Music Festival on August 11th and, on September 22nd, a homecoming gig at the Lindsay Exhibition.

The Stephen Stanley Band and The Kents appearance at Musicfest is sponsored by Oldies 96.7.

Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 17 free-admission concerts featuring a total of 22 acts during its 31st season — each staged every Wednesday and Saturday night until August 26th.

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 and/or the 2017 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.

Guy talk, old friends, and 18 rounds of golf mark the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. It’s also the perfect set up for the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s latest production of Norm Foster’s The Foursome, being performed on the Guild stage until Saturday, July 22nd.

The first of a double shot of Norm Foster plays being presented by the Guild this summer, The Foursome is directed by Ray Henderson and features Mike Judson, Dan Smith, Aaron Goedhuis, and Sean Quinlan in a fast and witty comedy filled with friendships, rivalries, and lots of laughter.

First staged in 1998, The Foursome has become one of Norm Foster’s most famous and performed productions. Taking place the morning after their 15-year university class reunion, four friends assemble for a seven a.m. tee time at the local golf course: Rick (Mike Judson), an over-confident bachelor who is a boat salesman in Florida; Cam (Aaron Goedhuis), an anxiety-ridden TV ad salesman; Ted (Dan Smith), a dour-faced cynic who sells computers despite knowing nothing about them; and Donnie (Sean Quinlan), a sweet-natured family-oriented man who lives vicariously through his five children.

Upon first coming together, it seems the four men have little in common other than faded memories of the past. However, as the game begins, testosterone takes over and old rivalries resurface. As the men go from hole to hole, the stories of their lives are soon revealed to the audience, as they engage in various topics including kids, wives, lovers, Buddhism, vasectomies, and Brazilian Pepper Trees.

Director Ray Henderson has developed a large following of fans, primarily through his work headlining local improv group The Citiots. If you’re a fan of Ray’s work, then you know what to expect and you are obviously going to enjoy The Foursome. But even if you aren’t a fan, you will find The Foursome to be enjoyable summer theatre. The show is entertaining and a real crowd pleaser.

The success of The Foursome comes from Foster’s quirky script combined with the cast’s top-notch performances.

While Mike Judson and Dan Smith are Ray’s long-time collaborators in The Citiots, Aaron Goedhuis and Sean Quinlan are fantastic additions to the cast that round out the group perfectly. Together, the four actors form a well-oiled quartet. Each of them not only supports one another on stage, but plays off of one another with ease, creating their own unique camaraderie.

Although Mike is best known in Peterborough as the former weatherman at CHEX, over the last few years he has proven himself to be a capable actor who I always enjoy watching on stage. Mike plays Rick, the overconfident leader of the foursome. Likeably unlikeable, Rick is charismatic and quick witted but also arrogant and smug.

We all have known people like Rick in our lives — guys who stick in your craw but somehow have enough charm and charisma that you still hang around with them. Mike makes the character work by creating a sort of hyper-parody of his former television persona, which is entertaining to watch and prevents Rick from being completely repugnant. It’s a great role for Mike, and another solid contribution to his ever-growing theatrical resume.

Dan Smith gets a great character part in the role of Ted, tailor made to fit Dan’s brand of physical and vocal comedy. Filled with dead-pan delivery and hot one-liners, Dan is another of my favourites who the audience loves to watch him perform.

Because it’s a character part, Ted often goes over the top, but a hint of Dan’s dramatic abilities peek through the comedic antics, especially during a poignant moment in the second act. Energetic, naturally funny, and always entertaining, Dan gives another excellent performance.

Aaron Goedhuis’ character Cam is more of a supportive role, but he has key moments in the plot, making him a fully charged lightning rod of crackling anxiety ready to go off at any moment with dramatic results. Aaron’s character has the most surprises, and is also the one that seems to actually grow as the show goes on. When you think you have Cam figured out, you probably don’t.

Sean Quinlan gives the stand-out performance of the night as Donnie, the true heart of the show. This is the first time I’ve seen Sean on stage and hopefully not the last. The most natural of the four performers in the show, Sean seems to drift through the show as if he is truly living it.

An instant audience favourite, Sean gives the most endearing performance, including a moment during the second act where the audience breaks out in applause. Sean steals every scene with his good-natured and seamless performance. His performance is wonderful, and I look forward to seeing what Sean does next.

Traditionally, The Foursome is performed as a comedy tempered by high drama created through year-old tensions between the four characters, including poignant reveals that take place during the 18 holes. Part of the journey of The Foursome is how the four characters evolve from the first to the final hole. In the Guild production, despite the fantastic performances by the cast and the moments filled with dramatic pause, the drama takes a backseat to the big laughs, muting the character evolution.

While the choice to focus more on the punchy comedy over the drama perhaps changes the tone of the play from its original intentions, this mattered little to the appreciative opening night audience. Director and cast deliver an engaging and entertaining show filled with genuine laughter and show-stopping applause. The character’s personal stories are consistently entertaining, the actors are always enjoyable to watch, and the dialogue is quick and witty and executed with superb comic timing.

Light-hearted summer theatre fare, The Foursome scores a hole in one and will not disappoint. The production runs through until July 22nd at the Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St., Peterborough, 705-745-4211). Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $11 for students, available at the Guild box office or online theatreguild.org.

For the fourth season in a row, performer Leisa Way and her band return to the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon with Leisa’s newest show Oh, Canada, We Sing For Thee!. A celebration of the history of Canadian pop music, Leisa and the Wayward Wind Band perform more than 50 songs by 45 different Canadian artists.

Bobcaygeon is one of the first stops for this lively and highly enjoyable musical revue, which Leisa is performing in 28 cities across the country during Canada’s sesquicentennial year.

Leisa’s visits to Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon have become an annual event drawing crowds since she brought her tribute to Dolly Parton here in 2014. Audiences love Leisa, a gifted performer with a likeable and high-energy stage presence, and patrons return year after year just to catch her latest show.

VIDEO: “Oh, Canada, We Sing For Thee!”

Oh, Canada, We Sing For Thee! is the eighth show that Leisa has developed with The Wayward Wind Band. However, unlike previous shows that focused on the careers of single performers — including Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, and Patsy Cline — Oh, Canada profiles a plethora of stars and the music of an entire nation.

“Out of the eight shows I’ve written, this one has been the most different,” Leisa says. “I enjoy writing the story of one person. I love to research the heck out of them, and then write a two-hour show about that artist. I can sink my teeth into the research. You’re looking for those little tidbits of information that you can share. Oh Canada is more of a revue, but I was still able to find a way to take those tidbits of information and create something entertaining for the audience.”

With a massive catalogue of music to choose from, Leisa manages to pack a lot of artists into the show. Oh, Canada features songs by a wide range of artists including Bryan Adams, Paul Anka, Barenaked Ladies, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Anne Murray, kd lang, The Guess Who, Valdy, and many more too numerous to mention.

During the development of the show, one of Leisa’s greatest challenges was deciding which artists to include and which to leave behind.

“When choosing songs for Oh Canada, I just put all my favourite songs on paper and then I started whittling down,” she says. “I got enough songs for a three-and-a-half hour show and realized I need to whittle down some more. When we debuted the show, it was nearly three hours long. The audience loved it but it was too long, so we had to cut it even more to make it a two-and-a-half-hour show with intermission.”

Leisa says it was difficult to cut songs from some of her favourite performers, but she decided to stick with iconic artists and big hits.

“For instance, Tommy Hunter was in the original show, but he never had a number one hit so I had to cut him out. Meanwhile, Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell was only a number four hit, but Joni Mitchell is a big icon. Four Strong Winds by Ian and Sylvia wasn’t a hit, but it’s iconic. So I had to look at what songs were absolutely iconic where people could sing along because they knew the words, as well as what songs I love.”

For the most part, Leisa and the band only sing one song per artist, with the exception of Gordon Lightfoot and Celine Dion who are represented more than once. With some artists like Stompin’ Tom Connors, who have multiple iconic songs that represent their career, it became another challenge to pick only a single song to represent their entire career.

“Wherever we go in Canada, we could change the Stompin’ Tom song because he wrote about so many places,” Leisa says. “Picking a single Stompin’ Tom song is hard, but I chose The Hockey Song because it’s so universal. Even people who don’t like hockey sing and clap along with it. It’s such a part of our fiber. Even if you say you’re not a fan of Stompin’ Tom, you still know the words.”

During the development of the show, Leisa found new appreciation for some of the songwriters she encountered through her research and song selection.

“Rita MacNeil was a surprise for me,” Leisa says of the late East Coast songstress. “I love her music, but when you actually listen to the lyrics of Working Man, with the spots on the lumps and talking about the coal dust, it’s just such a powerful visual where you can picture these miners covered in dust and breathing it into their lungs.

“It’s very powerful because, while people have heard the song before, a lot of people haven’t really paid attention to the lyrics. The general public doesn’t really realize how good of a writer Rita was. Rita represented the underdog who made a career despite people saying she’d never make it.”

Another entertaining factor in Oh, Canada is that Leisa, as in in her previous shows, assumes the roles of famous artists. While she dons costumes and wigs to transform herself into iconic musicians at the peaks of their careers, Leisa is not an impersonator but instead pays tribute to the appearance of the artist using her own singing style.

In Oh, Canada, Leisa has 12 costume changes and transforms herself into a number of different artists including Anne Murray, Joni Mitchell, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Sylvia Tyson, Celine Dion and, in a show-stopping moment, Shania Twain.

“When I opened my Dolly Parton show in 2010, I was so scared,” Leisa recalls about transforming herself into the musical icon. “But my husband said ‘Don’t be scared. The magic of theatre will make you look like Dolly. Go out there and tell her story and have her heart.’

“I really love the women I perform as, and I can’t be them but I can evoke the feeling of them. The costumes and the wigs help a lot. I put them on and I look in the mirror and then I say “Okay, I’m this person.” For Shania Twain I put on the boots and the cape and suddenly I’m Shania.”

The biggest change to Leisa’s show this year is that, unlike previous performances, Oh, Canada is not a one-woman show. Instead of putting herself in front of the audience as the star, Leisa brings in Wayward Wind Band members Fred Smith, Bobby Prochaska and Nathan Smith to perform the show as a quartet. The band is rounded out by drummer Sam Cino — who also gets a few front-and-centre moments — and music director Bruce Ley on piano.

However, it’s Leisa, Fred, Bobby, and Nathan who take on the bulk of the show, with the guys doing as many solo numbers as Leisa, allowing the show to continue interrupted while Leisa changes costumes. The audience really gets to discover the individual personalities of the band members, all talented musicians and vocalists in their own right, and each member has his outstanding moment.

With a golden voice and a dark sense of humor, Bobby Prochaska takes on Michael Buble, as well as the heavy persona of Andrea Bocelli to accompany Leisa’s Celine Dion in a performance of “The Prayer”. Meanwhile Fred Smith is warm and witty, and a hell of a guitarist who rips it up with “American Woman”, while Nathan Smith creates musical miracles with his prowess on the fiddle.

“Without my band I’m nothing,” Leisa explains. “With the Dolly and Patsy shows, I carry the performances by being in front of the audience talking. But this show is not all about me, and that is really a cool thing. It’s been really nice to share. I’m so lucky that I found these guys. Every show that I write from now on will feature them more. As we prepare to go on this 28-city tour, we’ll be spending a lot of time in a van together, but they are really nice guys. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

A wonderful and spirited concert filled with amazing tributes and high-energy performances, Oh, Canada is a perfect way to celebrate the history of Canadian music during Canada 150 celebrations. Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band are top-notch performers who bring a sense of fun to the stage. Sure, some of the jokes are a bit corny, but it only adds to the fun of this show. It’s impossible to leave unsatisfied, or without a dozen songs stuck in your head.

Through the music, Leisa hopes to deliver a deeper message to the audience about our identity as Canadians.

“This is a show that celebrates the iconic Canadian songs,” she says. “These are the songs that we grew up with. So listening to the songs I asked myself what was the picture I wanted to paint as we go across the country. I started to listen to songs and asking ‘What’s the message?’ I wanted to choose songs that really meant something.

“Canadians are so amazing and they need to be reminded of that. They really need to be reminded that everybody in the world loves Canadians. We are held up to a standard of being the best people in the world, and that’s something to be so proud of.”

Leisa Way is one of my favourite performers, and her annual visit to Globus Theatre at the Lakeview Arts Band is one of my favourite summer traditions. It is worth the short drive to Bobcaygeon to see this wonderful concert by such excellent performers. This is the perfect show to celebrate Canada and its music.

Oh, Canada, We Sing For Thee! runs until Saturday, July 22nd. Tickets are $31.50 for adults and $20 for students for the show only, or $65.50 for adults and $54 for students if you want the dinner and the show. For tickets, visit the box office at Lakeview Arts Barn or call 705-738-2037.

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, July 13 to Wednesday, July 19.

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.