All Creatures Great and Small in Cobourg was the recipient of the inaugural Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Award at the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce's 23rd annual Business Achievement Awards in partnership with the Town of Cobourg. One of nine awards presented on March 27, 2026, the IDEA Award recognizes businesses that have taken proactive steps to raise awareness about the importance of welcoming and accommodating all. (Photo courtesy of Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce)
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Town of Cobourg, has announced the winners of the 23rd annual Business Achievement Awards.
The winners were celebrated at an awards ceremony on Friday night (March 27) at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre in Cobourg.
This year’s awards featured nine updated and new categories, with other award categories returning next year.
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“By moving to a two-year awards cycle, we have been able to divide some of the broader categories into more specific awards, ensuring that every nominee competes on a truly level playing field,” said Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce board chair Tanya Colford when announcing a call for nominations in January.
To qualify for a Business Achievement Award, businesses must be located in the Town of Cobourg, the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, or the Township of Hamilton, and must have been operating for a minimum of two years.
This year’s winners are:
Entrepreneurship Award: Kerry Viggiani of Here She Creates Studio
IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) Award:- All Creatures Great and Small
Farming & Agribusiness Award: Dirty Dog Cider and Unique Eats & Garden Treats
Health & Wellness Sector Award: Five Counties Children’s Centre
Not-For-Profit Community Services Award: Northumberland United Way
Outstanding Customer Experience Award: Vandermeer Toyota
Professional Services Award: Baker Tilly Cobourg KDN LLP
Small Retail Trade Award (9 or fewer employees): Spark – Smart Toys for Cool Kids
Sarah Batley (with the ball) and Zoe King of the Peterborough Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), a co-ed Gaelic football club established in 2022. King is one of four female members of the club who have been selected to play for the Canada 1 Team at the 2026 Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) World Games from July 13 to 17 in Waterford, Ireland. The newly established PTBO Women's Initiative Network (PTBO WIN) is hosting a series of spring fundraisers to cover the costs of sending the four amateur athletes to Ireland. In addition, Batley will be joining the Canada 1 team in Ireland where Peterborough GAA founder Tracy Campbell will be the assistant coach. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough GAA)
Four female Gaelic football athletes in Peterborough are going to compete internationally at the Gaelic World Games in Ireland this summer, with a new network that supports local women aiming to raise funds to help cover costs.
The PTBO Women’s Initiative Network (PTBO WIN) has launched with the long-term vision of advocating for and supporting women as they pursue their goals in sport, business, and beyond.
According to a media release, the network’s mission is to “create inclusive spaces where women can grow personally, professionally, share resources, and support one another while strengthening the wellbeing and leadership of women.”
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“What started as a couple of women meeting at a networking breakfast quickly turned into a dedicated group of women committed to supporting other women in the community,” says PTBO WIN President Kelly Carbajal in the release. “We recognized very quickly that there is a real need in the area for women pursuing their goals and dreams. Our hope is that the Ptbo Women’s Initiative Network can make a meaningful difference for these incredible athletes and for so many more women in the future.”
In their first project, the network will be supporting four local athletes who have been selected to play for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) Canada 2 Team at the 2026 Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) World Games, being held July 13 to 17 in Waterford, a city in southeast Ireland. Held every three years, the five-day event will see over 2,000 players from more than 25 countries compete in men’s and ladies’ Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie.
The local athletes chosen to compete on the team are Zoe King, Ciara Gunn, Michelle Schevers, and Tash Ennis. All four athletes are members of the Peterborough GAA, a co-ed Gaelic football club officially established by Tracy Campbell in 2022.
Zoe King, Ciara Gunn, Michelle Schevers, and Tash Ennis of the Peterborough Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) have been selected to play for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) Canada 2 Team at the 2026 GAA World Games, being held July 13 to 17 in Waterford, Ireland. (Graphics courtesy of Peterborough GAA)
“It really just started off as a small group of people who were athletic and wanted to play and learn a new sport,” says King. “It’s spiralled and grown and developed into a major club here in Peterborough, and now we go to tournaments in Montréal, Ottawa, and Toronto. We’re competing with a team of upwards of 30 or 40 members right now. It’s really amazing to be part of a team that has such a strong community focus and has really grown and developed.”
Also headed to Ireland, Peterborough GAA member Sarah Batley will be joining the Canada 1 team, as will Peterborough GAA founder Tracy Campbell, who will be the assistant coach.
While some of the women representing Peterborough this year have previously played at the World Games, they were representing a different city’s club at the time. Batley is the only Peterborough GAA athlete to have ever competed in the competition. That was in 2023, when the national team earned a silver medal — losing by just one point.
“I think a lot of the girls, both one and two teams, are really out for revenge now,” King says. “We’re out to take that championship back home this World Games.”
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For those unfamiliar with Gaelic football, King describes it as “almost like rugby and soccer combined.” It is a fast-paced team sport in which both teams aim to kick or punch the ball into the net for three points, or over the crossbar for one point.
Players can move the ball up the field by kicking, hand-passing, dribbling, or soloing (kicking it back up to themselves like a game of hacky sack), but can only take four steps before they must pass or solo.
“It’s a very niche and unique sport here in Canada, but in Ireland it is everything,” says King. “It’s the hockey of Canada to them. It’s the most played sport and it’s the most watched sport, and people really are passionate about the sport because it has those really close ties to Ireland and culture of the Gaelic revival.”
VIDEO: An example of Gaelic football (with commentators speaking Gaelic)
Despite the game being so beloved (or, more likely, because it is so beloved), Gaelic football is an entirely amateur sport. Even the best players are not being paid.
“It makes it harder to progress in sports when you are never going to be paid,” says King. “Even if you’re playing at the very top tier level in all Ireland finals, you’re never going to get paid, so having support from the community to cover these costs is so important.”
With about $60,000 required for each team to cover travel, registration, training, and other costs, PTBO WIN is aiming to support the women by raising $20,000 through local fundraising events.
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These events include:
PTBO WIN 100 x 100 Campaign: Until July 1, PTBO WIN is seeking 100 community members or businesses to contribute $100 each.
PTBO WIN Launch Food Festival: On Saturday, June 6, PTBO WIN will be hosting a festival in the Peterborough Square courtyard from 2 to 7 p.m. that will include food vendors, live music, shopping booths, and opportunities to meet the athletes and PTBO WIN members.
PTBO WIN World Games Send Off: On Sunday, June 28, from noon to 4 p.m., PTBO WIN will be sending off the athletes with a celebration at 100 Acres Brewing Co. in Peterborough. The afternoon will include food and drink sales, a silent auction, live music, and Gaelic football demonstrations. Guests will have the chance to participate in interactive challenges, win prizes, and wish their best to the competing athletes. Tickets will be priced at $20 per entry, which includes a free drink, or $40 for families.
The Peterborough Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is a co-ed club founded in 2022 by Tracy Campbell that supports and develops Gaelic football locally. The newly established PTBO Women’s Initiative Network (PTBO WIN) aims to raise $20,000 to help cover travel, registration, training, and other costs for four amateur female athletes who have been selected to play for Canada at the 2026 GAA World Games from July 13 to 17 in Waterford, Ireland. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough GAA)
Local athletes of the Canada 2 team are also hosting a series of local events on their own to contribute to their fundraising. These include:
On online raffle that will support both the Canada 1 Team and Canada 2 Team, on now until Friday, May 1. Prizes include a $1,000 flight voucher, a signed Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, and more. Tickets can be purchased through individual athletes or at local events.
A square dancing event, including live music and a raffle draw, held at The Social Pub in downtown Peterborough on Friday, April 10 from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets will be $15 at the door.
An indoor co-ed volleyball tournament held on Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School in Peterborough. Registration is now open at www.arribavolleyball.com/coed-tourney-registration-may-2/.
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The Canada 2 team is also still looking for sponsors, including the main sponsor whose logo will be displayed on their jerseys at the World Games.
“To be able to go and compete at this international level is such an honour and it comes with a cost, so every little penny of support that we can fundraise from our local community is so meaningful and important,” King says, expressing her gratitude for PTBO WIN and the community.
“We’re really thankful to this group of amazing women that want to come together and help, but also the community that’s going to help us get there at the end of the day. We’re so thankful and hope these events are successful.”
Victoria Shepherd became the general manager of FLATO Academy Theatre in Lindsay in March 2025. She previously had a 20-year career in the music industry as well as over 35 years of experience as a freelance theatre director in Toronto. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Over the course of several decades, those who have assumed the role of general manager of FLATO Academy Theatre have shared a common but unstated objective: get and remain on Mary’s good side.
And so it is for Victoria Shepherd who, just more than one year on the job at the historic performing arts venue in Lindsay, has made her acquaintance with the ghost that calls the 134-year-old building home.
When the 900-seat theatre opened its doors in 1893, it was billed as the most technically perfect theatre in Canada. However, it was heated by three furnaces that needed to be fed coal constantly, a task completed by a couple who lived in an apartment on the third floor. Local legend has it that, one day, the female half of the couple lost her footing on the stairs while heading down to the furnaces and died as a result.
Since then, it is said that her spirit — affectionately named Mary — has made her presence known by moving objects, lowering the lights, opening and closing doors, and habitually occupying her favourite seat in the front row.
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“Over the first few months, I would go into the theatre when nobody else was there and, because the acoustics are so great, I would hang out in front of the stage and sing a little song,” says Shepherd.
“One night, I was getting ready to do my solo concert and I heard some banging. I didn’t have the courage to go in. I feel like I was judged a little harshly. I feel she exercised some quality control about my singing. I was a little hurt, but I get it.”
Describing the ghost as “mischievous but never malevolent,” Shepherd says whether or not Mary approves of her hiring “is a good question but gosh, I hope so.”
What matters more is the Academy Theatre’s board did, and so here she is.
“I was looking for a new role,” recalls Shepherd, adding “I had been doing some chief of staff stuff, not particularly enjoying it but really enjoying the money. I had this fabulous recruiter who said to me ‘Is this really filling your cup? Your resume is arts leadership. Go do something you want that you’re going to love.'”
“I saw this job posting and I thought ‘Wow.’ It almost seemed like a gift from the gods. I did some googling of the theatre and fell a little bit in love with her age, and her ghost, and very fortuitously got the opportunity to interview for the job.”
Designed by Peterborough architect W. Blackwell, the 900-seat Academy Theatre in Lindsay opened its doors in 1893. Famous performers included a five-year-old Marie Dressler, a young Sammy Davis Jr. and the Marx Brothers. Pictured is the theatre circa 1940, showing the films “It All Came True” and “Pride of the Blue Grass.” In 1953, the theatre began to struggle after the opening of tje new movie show-house The Century Theatre and, over the next decade, the theatre was often closed and eventually was put up for sale. (Photo: FLATO Academy Theatre)
At that point, Shepherd says, she “did the thing you’re never supposed to do — I fangirled over a board member.”
That board member is Erica Ehm, the writer, actor, songwriter, entrepreneur, and TV host who is best known as a pioneering video jockey at MuchMusic during the 1980s and early ’90s. After Ehm purchased a property outside of Lindsay, she was invited to become a member of the non-profit theatre’s board of directors.
“Erica Ehm reached out to me and asked me for some information,” Shepherd recalls. “I emailed her ‘I know this is maybe unorthodox, but I have to tell you that you were a huge part of my young womanhood. I’d come home from high school every day, go down to the basement and watch my MuchMusic.'”
While Shepherd wonders if that was a prudent move, what isn’t in doubt is the Academy’s board chose wisely in naming her the theatre’s general manager.
From 2010 to 2016, Shepherd was executive director of CONNECT Music Licensing Services Inc., which administers licences in Canada for the reproduction of sound recordings, and the reproduction and broadcast of music videos on behalf of their copyright owners.
After a one-year-stint as a strategic consultant for the same company, 2017 saw Shepherd take on the role of director of operations for the Canadian Live Music Association, which advances and promotes the economic, social and cultural benefits of Canada’s live music industry.
Come 2022, Shepherd was executive director of Visual Arts Mississauga, a not-for-profit that is one of that municipality’s pillar arts and culture organizations focused on community engagement in the arts education and exhibition realms.
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“As soon as I dove into the website and saw its history and who had graced its stage, I thought ‘There’s so much opportunity to do amazing things here,'” says Shepherd of her initial draw to the Academy Theatre.
“I’ve always had a little bit of a love affair with the Kawartha Lakes. Many years ago, we used to cottage here and, and at one point, it was a dream of ours to live here. My husband and I had been thinking about what life looks like for us. He’s a country boy and he had done his time in Toronto, and then this job came up. It checked some very important boxes.”
After a few months commuting, learning “to hate the 401” in the process, Shepherd and her husband moved to Lindsay in January.
Long before then, in the downstairs office she shares with assistant manager Vangi Patton and administrator Alan Couttreau, Shepherd contemplated the job at hand.
“When you come in as the new kid, you don’t want to create upheaval right away,” she says.
“I was really lucky. Allan is a fantastic resource of institutional knowledge. He sort of held my hand and let me know the state of the nation. The board is absolutely brilliant. We have 12 committees that keep this place running.”
“I spent my first six months learning the lay of the land. As time went on, one of the things I realized I really want to focus on is community involvement with the theatre. She’s such a gem.”
“I honestly thought I would never find another job that I loved, but here I am,” says FLATO Academy Theatre general manager Victoria Shepherd. “I still get a thrill every time I walk into the theatre.” (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Crediting board member Andrew Archibald and the programming committee he heads up, Shepherd says the theatre is seeing increased use by local groups. She cites a Remembrance Day-themed play presented in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion as one example, but there are many more.
“We’re really want the community to feel like this place has always been here overlooking Kent Street,” she says, the goal being “to welcome more people through its doors so it becomes a no-brainer — ‘It’s Friday night. What am I doing? I’m going to the Academy to see a show.'”
Another aim, says Shepherd, is convincing seasonal residents and visitors that “this is a must-attend while they’re here vacationing.”
Anchoring Shepherd’s confidence over attracting new audiences on a scale never seen before is her conviction that “there’s something really magical about this place” — and that’s not just a good-natured spirit named Mary.
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Not unlike every performance venue manager, Shepherd’s challenge lies in striking the right balance between bringing in big-name acts that virtually guarantee a full house and making the venue more accessible to local events as per her stated desire. After all, the theatre, which is owned by a foundation, has to be viable when all is said and done.
Based on her track record in past roles meeting challenges head on and overcoming them, the safe money is on Shepherd doing likewise at the Academy.
In the meantime, one year on and one week on, she’s more convinced than ever that this is where she belongs; where she’s meant to be at this point of her life.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” she reflects. “I worked at my first industry job for 19 years … loved it. I eventually chose to leave it and I honestly thought I would never find another job that I loved, but here I am. I still get a thrill every time I walk into the theatre.”
In 1963, the Academy Theatre Foundation was formed and bought the then-stuggling venue for $18,000, with the community raising $40,000 for renovations. In 2021, FLATO Developments Inc. acquired naming rights for the theatre with a 15-year $1.375 million sponsorship agreement. (Photo: FLATO Academy Theatre)
“One of the things I’m really excited about is we have a brilliant board member who is an actor and leads the theatre committee,” Shepherd says. “In the fall, we’re bringing our own theatre company back with a production of Clue.”
“And we have an amazing woman in our community, Beth Wilson, who does a fall musical for us every year. She is just a shining star. She did A Christmas Story for us last November. She had 45 cast members and she sold almost 2,000 tickets.”
“For many years, there was summer theatre here. It’s always been a dream of this particular board member, and myself, to bring theatre back here. I do have my eye on directing here on our stage one day.”
An admirable ambition, for sure, but first things first, and that includes a crystal ball-like look into the future.
“Here’s where the Academy is going to be in 10 or 15 years. We will have a full season of at least three to four plays produced by the Academy Theatre Company. We will continue to welcome the community through our doors. Things like Music Monday and the open mic series will be beloved traditions.”
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“We’re going to get to the point where people’s agents reach out to us asking for the opportunity to perform here,” Shepherd affirms. “And we’re going to expand our membership program offerings so people are here in the theatre, and they’re bringing business colleagues, friends, and family, and the theatre is full every night. Not sold out — I’m realistic — but at least 75 per cent.”
Ambitious? For sure. Achievable? Absolutely in Shepherd’s view, which is what really matters. That, and ensuring all who come to the Academy have a great experience thanks to the theatre’s volunteers and staff.
“We have this incredible army of volunteers and they make everything magic,” says Shepherd, adding “There’s a personal greeting. ‘Did you have a good time? Can I help you find your seat? How can I help you?'”
“Last week, we had the Snowed In Comedy Tour. I came in after and there were emails from audience members saying ‘We had so much fun. Please book them again.’ But my favourite emails are the ones complimenting the staff and volunteers. Those make me smile.”
For more information about the FLATO Academy Theatre and for details of upcoming shows, visit www.flatoacademytheatre.com.
Trent Valley Archives Theatre has announced the 14-member cast of its third history play, "The Kid from Simcoe Street," which runs from June 4 to 7, 2026 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. In the play, which is based on the memoir of retired justice and poet James Clarke of his childhood in Peterborough, three actors will portray Clarke as a child, teen, and senior, including Charlie Harris, Zoe Shufelt (top right) and Jim Mills (bottom right). (Poster and photos courtesy of Trent Valley Archives Theatre)
Trent Valley Archives Theatre has announced the 14-member cast of The Kid from Simcoe Street, its latest fundraising history play which will have its world premiere in June at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough, including the three actors who will play the main character at different times in his life.
That character is James Clarke, a Peterborough native who overcame childhood adversity before, during, and after the Second World War to eventually become an esteemed lawyer, judge, and poet.
The play is a coming-of-age story based on Clarke’s 2012 memoir of the same name, in which he recounts a childhood growing up in poverty in a Peterborough neighbourhood. His father abandons his family — Clarke and his mother and two sisters — to volunteer to fight overseas in the Second World War and when he returns, wounded and likely suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, becomes an alcoholic, shattering his wife’s dreams and casting a shadow of violence over Clarke’s childhood.
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Surviving a dysfunctional family, Clarke goes on to attend McGill University and Osgoode Hall, practising law in Cobourg for many years before his appointment to the bench in 1983. Clarke served on the Ontario Court of Justice from 1990 to 1999 and the Superior Court of Justice from 1999 until his retirement in 2008. He is also the author of more than 20 books of poetry, and he includes a selection of his poems in his memoir.
The Trent Valley Archives Theatre stage adaptation of Clarke’s memoir was written by Ed Schroeter and Gerry McBride, who co-wrote last year’s Crossing Over, along with David Frances Clarke — James Clarke’s grandson.
In a media release, Schroeter says the decision to cast three actors to portray Clarke at the ages of 10, 18, and 72 was made as it would be “extremely challenging” for one actor to convincingly do.
“I’ve seen it done that way before, but it can leave the audience cold,” Schroeter adds.
VIDEO: “The Kid from Simcoe Street” – Trent Valley Archives Theatre
The youngest iteration of Clarke, “Jimmy,” will be played by Charlie Harris, a 13-year-old Grade 8 student at Adam Scott Intermediate School. While he has performed with Showmakers PTBO, a musical theatre program for children and teens, The Kid from Simcoe Street is his first foray into adult theatre.
Zoe Shufelt, who plays Clarke as a teenager named “Jimbo,” is a Grade 12 student at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School who recently directed Clue at the school’s drama program and will be performing in the St. James Players production of The Addams Family in April. A volunteer at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Shufelt’s first-ever acting role was in the St. Peter’s production of Newsies: The Musical last February, before going on to perform the role of Francis Young in Crossing Over last May.
Portraying Clarke in his later years is veteran actor Jim Mills, who has been involved in theatre since he was six years old. The Donwood resident, who most recently performed in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company’s production of Frozen, has appeared in more than 30 productions, commercials, short films, and music videos. Some of his most memorable roles are Dr. Scott (Rocky Horror, 2013), Henry (Criminals in Love, 2015), a cross-dressing wolf (Shrek, 2018), and Grandpa Joe (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2025).
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Trent Valley Archives Theatre has also announced 11 other cast members, including seven who have performed in either one or both of Trent Valley’s two previous productions, Tide of Hope and Crossing Over: Lily Faulkner (Jim’s sister Shirl), Nathan Govier (Fire Chief Virgil Frazer / Michael), June Govier (Pete), Kaza Hesselink (Josh / DD Potts), Lauren Murphy (Jim’s mom Florie), Ashley Parker (Firefighter Hank), and Kalla Tahon (housekeeper Gabby).
New to Trent Valley Archives Theatre are Trudy Connor (as Jim’s kid sister Babe), Ron Jewer (Jim’s father Sam), Sarah Myles (Albert / Father Leo / Sister Mary), and Kelly O’Dwyer-Manuel (Newsman / Alice / Coach Johnny).
Directed and cast by Drew Mills and stage-managed by Barb Mills for the second year in a row, The Kid from Simcoe Street will be staged from June 4 to 7 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on June 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinee performances on June 6 and 7.
The play is recommended for audiences aged 14 and older due to some challenging content and runs approximately 90 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.
VIDEO: James Clarke on his memoir “The Kid from Simcoe Street”
Tickets cost $40 for assigned cabaret table seating or $30 for regular assigned seating and are available online at www.markethall.org.
Trent Valley Archives launched Trent Valley Archives Theatre in 2023 to raise funds by staging theatrical productions about local historical events and to lay a foundation for developing new members, volunteers, and audiences.
The Kid from Simcoe Street is the company’s third production, with its inaugural production Tide of Hope staged in 2024 followed by Crossing Over in 2025.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the non-profit charitable organization, which houses an extensive and growing collection of local historical resources and makes them available to the public. Trent Valley Archives also encourages local and family history research, operates a facility, and raises awareness of local history through historical tours, events, publications, and presentations.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor for The Kid from Simcoe Street.
Engaging in fibre arts is proven to have a number of substantial mental, emotional, and physical health benefits including reducing stress, improving motor skills, and enhancing cognitive function. Deanna Guttman, owner of Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough, is offering a series of classes in crocheting, knitting, weaving, and macrame this spring for both beginners and advanced fibre artists. (Photo courtesy of Needles in the Hay)
Did you know that there are numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits to engaging in fibre arts? Stress relief, improved motor skills, and enhanced cognitive function are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy by taking a class at Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough this spring.
Selling a curated collection of unique products and premium natural fibre yarns, Deanna Guttman’s boutique store also hosts single-day and multi-day classes for various fibre arts in The Hayloft, a workshop space located above the shop.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking for more advanced lessons, prefer learning in a one-on-one session, or want to build a community of other enthusiasts, the experienced staff will support you so you can get hooked on all the benefits of fibre arts.
“I hear all the time from people who come to classes because they want to stop doom-scrolling and keep their hands busy in some other ways,” says Guttman. “It’s great for taking our minds off everything going on in the world, and a bit like meditation because it helps you change your thought patterns.”
Since spring is the season of crochet, you can take a beginner-friendly, no-experience-required class that will guide you on making a stylish storage basket using basic stitches. For those who already have the basics covered, take on a challenge by learning something new with the two-day classes that will walk you through the art of making granny squares or a summer-ready handbag.
Since it’s more three-dimensional than knitting, crocheting is great for making home décor items, tote bags, and sunhats. Because true crochet can’t be done by machine, it will be obvious how much time and care you have put into every stitch.
Weaving a tapestry wall hanging and crocheting granny squares are just two skills you can learn by taking beginner or intermediate fibre arts classes hosted by Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough. Selling a curated collection of unique products and premium natural fibre yarns, Deanna Guttman’s boutique store also hosts single-day and multi-day classes for various fibre arts in The Hayloft, a workshop space located above the shop. (Photos courtesy of Needles in the Hay)
If you have never touched a knitting needle in your life, you’re in luck as Guttman is once again leading a two-part beginner class. Those who already know how to knit and purl can join the Next Step in Knitting classes to gain confidence in other knitting techniques, including making a basic cable, blocking, and long tail cast-on and joining in the round.
Intermediate knitters ready to level up can join Needles in the Hay for classes on knitting a pair of socks or on the essentials of fair isle colour work. An all-new class being offered this year, Lace Knitting 101 will provide you with the foundational skills of lace knitting and top-down triangular shawl shaping, while you follow a deceptively simple shawl pattern.
For those interested in a more relaxed activity that requires no prior experience and is not skill-intensive, Needles in The Hay is also leading tapestry weaving and macrame classes that will offer basic techniques and guide you on making one-of-a-kind wall hangings.
While Guttman notes the many benefits of engaging in fibre arts, she cautions they do have a learning curve and require dedication.
“It’s not like you’re going to pick up a hook and start crocheting,” she says. “I promise you that, if you come to my class and you do the homework, by the end of week two you will know how to crochet — but you have to work at it. Once you get the muscle memory, that’s when you get all the benefits.”
Needles in the Hay is open at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about upcoming classes, visit needlesinthehay.ca/collections/classes or call 705-740-0667.
Know Your Locals™ is a branded editorial feature about locally owned independent businesses and locally operated organizations, and supported by them. If your business or organization is interested in being featured in a future “Know Your Locals” branded editorial, contact Jeannine Taylor at 705-742-6404 or jt@kawarthanow.com or visit our Advertise with kawarthaNOW page.
Peterborough native Chloë Black meets two dogs during a stint with Ukrainian Patriot in early 2023, when she helped deliver humanitarian aid packages to frontline soldiers and civilians in Ukraine. Her volunteer work in Ukraine followed a trip to Romainia in April 2022 when she volunteered with a group building a shelter for 800 animals displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of Chloë Black)
As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues into its fifth year, Peterborough’s Chloë Black is making it clear through her continued selfless actions that she’s in it for the long haul.
Since April 2022, two months after Russia invaded the country, Chloë has made five humanitarian trips to Ukraine and is now there once again, volunteering with a local animal shelter in Kharkiv as well as in Kyiv where she’s helping children impacted by the war as a volunteer with Ukrainian Patriot, a non-profit organization committed to making Ukraine “a safer and freer place to live.”
Such aid costs money and, to that end, “Blues for Ukraine” will be held Thursday, June 11 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough as a fundraiser for Ukrainian Patriot.
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The event will see Chloë back home to narrate a slide show presentation as well as to share some of what she has seen and experienced during her time in the war-ravaged country. In addition, a concert featuring top Canadian blues musicians, organized by her dad, drummer Al Black, will also take place.
Featured performers will include Tony D of Ottawa-based MonkeyJunk, Fathead founder and multi-instrumentalist Al Lerman, Fathead bassist Bob “Omar” Tunnoch, and Gary Peeples, who performed with Al Black for years as part of two-time Juno award-nominated Jackson Delta alongside Rick Fines. Tickets to the 7 p.m. event cost $39 at www.markethall.org.
“I am completely humbled and grateful for everything my dad and his friends are doing,” notes Chloë via email from Vinnytsia, Ukraine. “The funds raised will help with animal welfare and with mental health programs for children who have lived close to the frontline, or are internally displaced from occupied territories.”
Peterborough native Chloë Black (right) with Ukrainian Patriot in Kharkiv, Ukraine in March 2023. Founded by Saskatoon native Lana Nicole Niland, the group is comprised of Ukrainians and internationals working to aid volunteers defending Ukraine and civilians caught in the crossfire. (Photo courtesy of Chloë Black)
This is the second such event Black has organized in support of his daughter’s humanitarian work.
In late April 2023, the first Blues for Ukraine fundraiser was held in Showplace Performance Centre’s Cogeco Studio and featured music by Dennis O’Toole and Dave Mowat with The Steady Band, and Nicholas Campbell and The Two Metre Cheaters. In addition, a video presentation done by Chloë was screened.
“I didn’t know how well she would do with all this but she put on a great presentation,” recalls Black of his daughter, adding that Ukrainian Patriot is “hurting” as the war drags on.
“This war has gone on way too long. Everyone is way out of energy. Getting people involved is losing momentum. People are getting weary. Chloë is really looking forward to sending them some money. Having people there helping is great, but with money you can do things that are completely necessary.”
“I didn’t really have to ask them,” Black notes of the musicians who are performing on June 11. “Tony D told me if there’s ever a fundraising event for Chloë’s group, to count him in. They were all sort of waiting on the sidelines. I didn’t have to convince anyone. I just called them up and said ‘We’re doing this event on June 11. Are you available?’ and they all jumped on it.”
“Chloë knows all of them personally. Gary is like her uncle, and Tony D is one of her best friends. This all came together so easily and so quickly.”
Due to return to Peterborough on May 6, Chloë will have stories of her experiences volunteering with Animal Rescue Kharkiv, her engagement of kids impacted by the war, and her assisting frontline defenders and civilians. As a former competitive cyclist inducted into the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame for excellence in her sport, she’ll also be organizing a cycling workshop in Kyiv before coming home.
“I’ve found the last two trips very difficult,” writes Chloë in her email. “The Russians are hitting Kyiv and Kharkiv very hard, as well as many other larger cities. We have more power now but it has been a difficult winter, not only because of the constant attacks but also with the intense cold and unpredictable power outages.”
“Last summer and this winter, the attacks have been incredibly close. They are random, and they are absolutely directed at civilians and those supporting them. I plan to share images of how close these attacks have been to where I’ve been.”
Peterborough native Chloë Black (second from right) with frontline defenders in Ukraine while on a humanitarian aid mission. Though she has no military background, Black always held a deep appreciation for and respect for people who serve for their country. She felt inspired to begin her volunteer efforts after Russia’s first attacks in Ukraine in 2022 when the world wasn’t quickly responding in the way she thought they would. (Photo courtesy of Chloë Black)
As a father who lives daily with worry about his daughter’s wellbeing, these are not words that Black wants to hear.
“I can’t say that I’m used to it, but I’m getting a little more comfortable with it perhaps,” says Black.
“When she first told me she was going to do this, I pushed back on her for about five minutes. I’ve had many discussions-slash-arguments with my daughter. After about five minutes, I knew I was not going to change her mind and that my only option was to support her in every way I could.”
“When she was doing her cycling, she went to Colombia. There was a war going on there; a revolution. It wasn’t until years later she said ‘I didn’t know it was so serious there.’ She was going all over the place. Cuba, New Zealand, Europe. She’s used to living out of a suitcase. She’s a really good traveller. She is totally self-contained with all the technology at her fingertips. She sent me information about who she was volunteering with and it was the best situation she could be in.”
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Still, despite his admiration for a daughter who is “independent, determined and has a real strong moral compass,” Black still worries.
“She’s not the kind of person to sit around and watch something bad happen,” assesses Black, adding “If she can get in there, even a little bit, she will.”
As an animal lover, Chloë’s first trip overseas in April 2022 was to Arad, Romania in eastern Europe where she helped a volunteer group build a shelter capable of housing 800 animals displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She later travelled to Ukraine where, as a volunteer with Ukrainian Patriot, she helped deliver humanitarian aid packages to frontline soldiers and civilians living with the constant threat of shelling.
Missile and drone attacks outside Peterborough native Chloë Black’s apartment while living in Ukraine in the summer of 2025. Black explains that, in some of urban centres, air-raid alarms have become so commonplace that most people don’t run to shelters anymore. Though she continues to see resilience from Ukrainians, she notes that the constant attacks and related power outages are wearing people down. (Photo: Chloë Black)
“She originally went there to help rescue animals, and then she eventually became a driver,” Black says. “She’d drive supplies to civilians and soldiers near the front lines and, on her way back, she’d bring animals and people looking to get away.”
“Kids who have lost their parents or are in the cities, they bring them out of the cities, away from where all the bombing is happening, to a sort of summer camp situation to give them a break from the violence that’s going on.”
“They give them an opportunity to hang out with other kids and leave that behind them. They’re not living in a bomb shelter. There are animals there. There’s art and music and dance.”
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For her part, Chloë has two messages in advance of returning from her sixth trip to Ukraine.
“It is absolutely critical for global security that Russia de-occupy Ukraine, and that Ukraine be supported as its people recover and rebuild. When I say we have a lot to learn from Ukraine, I mean of course militarily, but also how to live in a complicated democracy but still unify, regardless of religion, background, language, location, and so on.”
“Ukrainians are incredibly tired, but no less determined. I feel their disappointment but, like them, I am determined to not allow the passage of time, nor the brutality of Russia, to alter my commitment.”
During her time in Ukraine, Peterborough native Chloë Black has witnessed the physical and human devastation from Russia’s invasion of the country, including this father who walks an hour every day to this bombed building where his son lost his life. As part of the Blues for Ukraine fundraising concert, Chloë will give a presentation detailing her trips and the important relief work she has been involved with. (Photo courtesy of Chloë Black)
If you’re guessing such views make Black incredibly proud of his daughter, you’ve guessed right.
“I told all my kids ‘All I want is for you to be happy. I don’t have a lot of money. I can’t help you with that. I just want you to be happy. No matter what you do, I’ll support you.’ I know she’s happy. That makes me happy.”
“I can’t clip her wings. She’s got to do what she’s got to do, but I can help her with this (Blues for Ukraine). She was so happy when I told I’ve got Market Hall and I’ve got the guys together. It’s not something she can do on her own, especially from over there. That’s all I can do for her. I hope she makes a little bit of money for her group.”
For more information about Ukrainian Patriot, and to make a donation toward its continuing efforts in relief of Ukraine, visit ukrainianpatriot.org.
The “Blues for Ukraine” fundraiser takes place at 7 p.m. on June 11, 2026 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough, and features a slide show presented by Chloë Black and a blues concert featuring Tony D., Al Lerman, Omar Tunnoch, Gary Peeoples, and Chloë’s dad Al Black. Funds raised will support non-profit organization Ukrainian Patriot. (Poster courtesy of Al Black)
Artist David Geene in his home studio with two 12 by 16 inch paintings of existing buildings that will be featured in his "Economies of Scale?" solo exhibit at Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough from April 4 to 25, 2026. Titled (left to right) "196 Hunter Street East" and "212 Brock Street from Hunter W. and Aylmer Streets," the works are two of the 12 acrylic paintings that aim to explore the politics and ethics of two proposed high-rise structures in Peterborough, at 90 Hunter Street and on Crescent Street. Including interpretations of the proposed buildings, the exhibit will launch with an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. (Photo courtesy of David Geene)
Amongst the varied conversations and widespread debate following the City of Peterborough’s recent approval of two proposed high rises, one resident is exploring the implications through art.
Multi-disciplinary artist David Geene’s new “Economies of Scale? The Ethics and Politics of High Density Housing” interactive solo exhibit will be on display at Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough until Saturday, April 25, following an opening reception on Saturday, April 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.
It’s not the first time Geene, who is a visual artist, set designer, actor, and retired educator, has explored historical and contemporary architecture in his visual works. Rather than just portraying the buildings, he aims to express how he feels about the structures, as he did in a series called “Blockade” that was exhibited last year.
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“I think there’s something about the shapes, forms, and the interesting ways those angles interact with other buildings and the shadows that they cause,” Geene says. “It’s an attraction to the heritage of buildings, what role they played when they were built and what role they play now, how they fit in with their neighbourhoods, the impact they have on the neighbourhood — all that stuff has always intrigued me.”
Given this innate interest, Geene was listening closely to the conversations around a 17-storey residential development proposed by TVM Group for a site at 90 Hunter Street East beside the historic Mark Street United Church.
In September, city council voted 7-4 in support of the zoning by-law amendment for the building, which will be visible from Geene’s home in East City. Less than two weeks after it was approved, Ashburnham Realty proposed a 17-storey mixed-use building on Crescent Street behind the Art Gallery of Peterborough beside Del Crary Park. Once built, both will be the tallest buildings currently in the city.
Architectural drawings and renderings of two proposed 17-storey high-rise buildings in Peterborough, one at 90 Hunter Street East in East City (top) and one on Crescent Street behind the Art Gallery of Peterborough beside Del Crary Park (bottom), with the rendering including a now-abandoned proposal to integrate the gallery into the building. David Geene’s artistic interpretation of the two buildings will be revealed at his “Economies of Scale?” exhibit at Watson & Lou on Water Street in downtown Peterborough from April 4 to 25, 2026. (kawarthaNOW collage)
“I started thinking this is an efficient way of housing people, to build an apartment building. You can put a lot more people on a smaller footprint. It’s more economical to build,” Geene says, before pointing to arguments against the build.
“What is it that we value? Does the city have the infrastructure to support that many people living in those spaces?”
Grappling with the concerns being discussed in public consultations and forums — which include shadows in neighbouring yards, the aesthetics of the builds, the capacity for parking, traffic, and services, among many more — led Geene to think about the buildings already in Peterborough. He started taking photos and painting these buildings.
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“I walk the dog a lot and we go into the city and walk around, and I had never noticed that one (building) before or this building or how that one sits beside it,” Geene says. “These are here, they house a lot of people, and they’re integrated in their neighbourhoods now. Maybe people didn’t want them at first, but they’re there now and we’ve all adjusted.”
Geene’s exhibit will feature 12 by 16 inch paintings of existing buildings, alongside three larger 48 by 36 inch works of the proposed buildings (two of 90 Hunter Street and one of 223 Crescent Street). Each painting is vibrantly coloured, taking liberties with proportions and finding creative angles to abstractly “interpret” the buildings, rather than representing them in precise detail based on their architectural renderings.
“While I’m doing this and painting, I’m processing all this stuff,” he says. “I’m not saying we don’t need this, or that it should or shouldn’t be there. I have all these questions and, by painting them, I guess it’s a way for me to explore the positives and negatives.”
“212 Brock Street from Hunter W. and Aylmer Streets” (12 x 16″, acrylic and other media on paper, mounted on maple panel) is one of 12 paintings that will be featured in Peterborough artist David Geene’s solo exhibit at Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough from April 4 to 25, 2026. Each of the works incorporate the 1932 poem “Towers” by James J. Ryan, which offers a more powerful description of high-rise towers to challenge how they are typically viewed. (Photo courtesy of David Geene)
As he has done in other works, Geene has combined his visuals with script. Each painting integrates a 1932 poem written by James J. Ryan called “Towers.” With lines like “Now the great city glimmers in the sun / Stretching gold-ledged into gray distances,” the poem, Geene says, represents his own ambivalence about Peterborough’s proposed high-rise structures.
“The poem portrays them as these, not beautiful exactly, but powerful things that are reaching up to the gods and comparing them to ‘flame-tipped pines upon a (cliff’s sheer) ledge,'” he says.
“We need places for people to live, we also need jobs for them to have, and all that kind of stuff, so maybe we could think about these buildings differently and that poem kind of did that. That’s part of why I chose it, because it wasn’t saying ‘These are awful things.’ They become part of our environment.”
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His paintings represent this, too, as Geene intentionally painted a cityscape horizon layered behind the focal point.
“I added that to sort of say ‘Maybe in Peterborough, we need to start envisioning this city a little bit differently and finding more beauty in some of these things,'” he says.
Also integrated into the paintings are quotes from academic works and articles about economies of scales, including work by Adam Smith, the Scottish economist credited with describing the phrase Geene has used to title his exhibit.
“195 Hunter Street East, Peterborough” (12 x 16″, acrylic and other media on paper mounted on maple panel) is one of 12 paintings that will be featured in Peterborough artist David Geene’s solo exhibit at Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough from April 4 to 25, 2026. The exhibit will included information available about the two proposed 17-storey buildings in Peterborough, as well as opportunities for visitors to record their own thoughts and questions about the structures. (Photo courtesy of David Geene)
The question mark in the title of Geene’s exhibit, however, represents his admission that he doesn’t have all the answers.
“Wherever there’s a question, there’s curiosity and there’s lack of certainty, and I’m not certain what the answer is,” he says. “I think certainty is kind of an evil thing in this day and age. We need to live with ambivalence, uncertainty, find a way through it, talk about it, negotiate it. But when you’re on this side or this side, then that creates tension.”
At Watson & Lou, Geene will also have an interactive component set up where visitors can read through information packages about the proposed developments and can offer their own responses, thoughts, and questions.
Though Geene is not sure what he will do with the responses, his only goal right now is to get people thinking by sharing how he sees the towers.
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“A democracy is supposed to be individual voices that come together and find a compromise that works for the benefit of the most people,” Geene says. “That’s not necessarily the way democracy works these days, but it’s how it’s supposed to work. I think art does that because it connects not only with what you’re thinking but also with your emotions, with the way you feel.”
Through his artist’s eye, Geene hopes to offer a different perspective on buildings.
“You might see something that you never thought of as beautiful become beautiful all of a sudden — just because angles changed, or the colour has changed, or there’s something different about it. That’s part of why I make what I make, so I can show people at least how I see something and maybe urge them to consider looking at things from a different angle too.”
Peterborough artist David Geene’s new exhibit “Economies of Scale? The Ethics and Politics of High Density Housing” runs at Watson & Lou on Water Street in downtown Peterborough from April 4 to 25, 2026. The exhibit features 12 paintings of existing and proposed buildings, including the recently approved 17-storey high rise at 90 Hunter St. E. in East City. (Poster courtesy of David Geene)
Canadian Armed Forces vehicles travelling on a highway. (Photo: Department of National Defence, Canadian Armed Forces)
If you see military vehicles on highways in the Kawarthas region on Friday (March 27) and again on Sunday (March 29), there’s no reason to be alarmed.
Canadian Army Reserve personnel from 33 Canadian Brigade Group, a military formation made up of 16 Army Reserve Force units located throughout eastern Ontario, will be conducting conduct transport and supply convoys on roads and highways between multiple Ontario communities and Petawawa on Friday and Sunday.
They are among Canadian Army Reserve members from across northern, central, and eastern Ontario who are participating in a major training exercise called “Wolf Ambush” at Garrison Petawawa. Featuring simulated combat operations, the exercise is part of the Canadian Army’s mission for preparedness and readiness to support international operations when called upon.
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Canadian Army troops from various Ontario communities will be participate in Wolf Ambush, including infantry, artillery, engineer, and signals units from 33 Canadian Brigade Group units in North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Peterborough, Kingston, Belleville, Oshawa, Cornwall, Brockville, and Ottawa.
Members of the public may see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles following pre-planned routes to and from Petawawa on various area roads including Ontario Highways 7, 17, 26, 41, 55, 115, 401, 416, and 417.
The convoys will be transporting around 300 soldiers and their equipment in Canadian Armed Forces vehicles and buses, which will be stopping along the routes for rest, fuel, and scheduled maintenance. Participating soldiers will not be carrying any weapons or ammunition while making public stops along the routes.
Residents are asked to use extra caution when approaching military vehicles.
The cast of the Capitol Theatre's production of the Broadway smash-hit musical "Come From Away," which runs from July 10 to August 2, 2026 at the historic venue in Port Hope, includes (front) Beau Dixon and Julie Lumsden and (back) Melissa Payne, Kyle Blair, Kyle Golemba, and Donna Garner. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre has revealed the casting of its four mainstage ensemble productions running from mid-May through early September, with single tickets going on sale on Tuesday (March 31).
Using the theme “Where Our Stories Begin,” the 2026 season includes the Tony Award-winning musical You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (May 15 to 31), Canadian playwright Sophia Fabiilli’s popular comedy Liars at a Funeral (June 12 to 28), the Broadway smash-hit musical Come From Away (July 10 to August 2), and a brand new Canadian adaptation of the suspense thriller Gaslight (August 21 to September 6).
“This summer the Capitol welcomes a large company of incredibly talented artists to Port Hope to bring our shows and concerts to life, with beloved returning folks and notable new faces,” says artistic director Rob Kempson, who will also be directing two of the mainstage shows.
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“There is a deep breadth of artistic talent across the country, so we are thrilled to showcase stars from Stratford, Shaw, Mirvish, and Canada’s indie theatre scene in a predominantly Canadian season that runs from major musicals to intimate dramas,” Kempson adds.
Performing artists returning to the Capitol Theatre this season include Scott Carmichael, Beau Dixon, Donna Garner, Kyle Golemba, Amir Haidar, Ben Kopp, Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster, Aaron Macpherson, Taylor Lovelace, Melissa Payne, Matt Pilipiak, and more, while AP Bautista, Kyle Blair, Aidan deSalaiz, Jane Luk, Julie Lumsden, Monique Lund, Glynis Ranney, Daniel Reale, Annika Tupper, and Brendan Wall are among those making their Capitol debut.
Single tickets for all the mainstage productions go on sale at 10 a.m. on March 31 at capitoltheatre.com or by calling the box office at 905-885-1071. Full season subscriptions are also still available.
VIDEO: “Where Our Stories Begin” 2026 season promotion
Below are more details about the four mainstage ensemble productions.
“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”
May 15 to 31, 2026
Amir Haidar will perform in the title role of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” from May 15 to 31, 2026 at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre. Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, the Tony award-winning musical comedy also features Jillian Mitsuko Cooper as Sally Brown, AP Bautista as Lucy Van Pelt, Matt Pilipiak as Snoopy, Kyle Golemba as Schroeder, and Ben Kopp as Linus Van Pelt. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this Tony award-winning musical comedy with book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gesner chronicles the adventure of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang.
Directed and choreographed by Rob Kempson with music direction by Shane O’Regan, the Capitol Theatre production features Amir Haidar in the title role, with Jillian Mitsuko Cooper as Sally Brown, AP Bautista as Lucy Van Pelt, Matt Pilipiak as Snoopy, Kyle Golemba as Schroeder, and Ben Kopp as Linus Van Pelt.
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“Liars At A Funeral”
June 12 to 28, 2026
Gregory Solomon, Aidan deSalaiz, Jane Luk, and Ericka Leobrer (with Carolyn Fe in photo) star in Sophia Fabiilli’s comedy “Liars At A Funeral” from June 12 to 28, 2026 at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
In Sophia Fabiilli’s play, when an estranged family gathers to mourn the passing of Mavis, the family matriarch, the funeral erupts into a more dysfunctional family reunion than any of them could have imagined. If everyone can keep it together, they might just break the intergenerational curse and make it out alive.
Directed by Aaron Jan, the Capitol Theatre production stars Aidan deSalaiz, Carolyn Fe, Ericka Leobrera, Jane Luk, and Gregory Solomon.
“Come From Away”
July 10 to August 2, 2026
Julie Lumsden, Kyle Golemba, Donna Garner, Beau Dixon, Melissa Payne, and Kyle Blair perform in the Broadway smash-hit musical “Come From Away,” which runs from July 10 to August 2, 2026 at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
This global sensation with book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein takes you into the centre of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed them during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Directed by Rob Kempson with music direction by Jeff Newberry and choreography by Genny Sermonia, and featuring live music performed by the company, the Capitol Theatre production features Donna Garner as Diane, Tat Austrie as Hannah, Annika Tupper as Janice, Monique Lund as Beulah, Melissa Payne as Bonnie, Julie Lumsden as Beverley, Beau Dixon as Oz, real-life couple Kyle Blair and Kyle Golemba playing Kevin T and Kevin J (respectively), Charlie Clark as Bob, Brendan Wall as Claude, and Scott Carmichael as Nick.
“Gaslight”
August 21 to September 6, 2026
Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster stars as the psychologically tortured Bella Manningham in Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson’s adaptation of “Gaslight” from August 21 to September 6, 2026 at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
In this adaptation by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson of Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play — later made into a 1940 British film and then the more well-known 1944 American version starring Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman — Bella Manningham thinks she’s losing her mind. In the evenings, she hears strange sounds and the gas lights dim for no apparent reason. Is she losing her grip on reality, or is it being loosened for her?
Directed by Marie Farsi, the Capitol Theatre production stars Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster as Bella, Darren Martens as Jack, Mallory James as Nancy, and Glynis Ranney as Elizabeth.
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Running in tandem with the mainstage productions is the Capitol Theatre’s Second Stage Series in the more intimate Sculthorpe Theatre, along with the Music Lovers’ Series.
The Second Stage Series includes three world premieres: Chris Tsujiuchi’s Big Gay Cabaret from June 4 to 7, Born To Be Bad: The Villains of Broadway written and performed by Tahirih Vejdani from June 30 to July 5, and Farley Mowat’s And No Birds Sang by Peterborough native Dave Carley from August 14 to September 6.
Farley Mowat’s And No Birds Sang was developed through the Capitol Theatre’s Creators Unit, established in 2023 for new play development, as was I’m Every Woman: The Whitney Houston Songbook, written and performed by Taylor Lovelace, which will see its world premiere from October 23 to 25.
Tristan Konkle, recently named the Peterborough Folk Festival's 2026 Emerging Artist and best known for his work with Tapes in Motion, is performing his first solo show at Jethro's Bar + Stage in downtown Peterborough at 10 p.m. on Friday night. (Photo: Luke Best)
Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, March 26 to Wednesday, April 1.
If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).
7:30-9:30pm - Local talent night ft Brian Richardson
Bancroft Brew Pub
4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450
Friday, March 27
7-10pm - Near The Open
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, March 26
7-10pm - Jazz & Blues Night ft. Carling Stephen & Rob Phillips
Friday, March 27
7-10pm - Keith Guy Band
Saturday, March 28
5-8pm - Dennis O'Toole & Old Soul; 9pm-12am - Juju Kings
Sunday, March 29
4-7pm - Brennen Sloan
Monday, March 30
7-10pm - Crash & Burn w/ Rick & Gailie
Tuesday, March 31
6-10pm - Open mic w/ Joslynn Burford
Coming Soon
Friday, April 3 7-10pm - Charlie Horse
Saturday, April 4 5-8pm - Joslynn Burford; 9pm-12am - Odd Man Rush
Sunday, April 5 4-7pm - Bradley McAree
The Blue Room Coboconk
6666 Highway 35, Coboconk
613-553-4699
Friday, March 27
7-11pm - Vortexans tribute to The Grateful Dead ($25)
Boston Pizza Lindsay
435 Kent St. W., Lindsay
705-328-0008
Friday, March 27
8-11pm - Kevin Foster
Burleigh Falls Inn
4791 Highway 28, Burleigh Falls
(705) 654-3441
Coming Soon
Saturday, April 25 7:30-9pm - This is Tom Jones ft Dave Lafame ($75 for dinner & show or $35 for show only, in advance at https://square.link/u/FjZjfTOq)
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Claymore Pub & Table
95 King St. W., Cobourg
905-372-5231
Thursday, March 26
7-10pm - Karaoke w/ host Crazy Ray
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Friday, March 27
10pm - Karaoke w/ DJ Ross
Saturday, March 28
2pm - Bonny & Gramps; 10pm - Karaoke w/ DJ Ross
The Cow & Sow Eatery
38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111
Saturday, March 28
7-10pm - Open mic w/ host Shannon Roszell
Crook & Coffer
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
705-876-0505
Thursday, March 26
7-9:30pm - OG open stage w/ Diamond Dave (originals only, no covers)
Friday, March 27
8-11pm - Bradley McAcree
Saturday, March 28
2:30pm-4:30pm - The Skelligs; 8-11pm - Tim Bastmeyer
Dusk to Dawn Brewing Co.
38 King St. E., Millbrook
705-932-2337
Friday, March 27
7-10pm - Steve Waters
Ganaraska Brewing Company
33 Mill St., Port Hope
905-885-9029
Friday, March 27
6-8pm - TJ Shirk
Saturday, March 28
7-9pm - Kevin Foster
Sunday, March 29
2-5pm - Open mic w/ host Ryan Scott
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Saturday, March 28
2-6pm - North of 49
Sunday, March 29
2-6pm - Open mic w/ host Ed Smith, house band The Bashy Brothers, and special guest Lou Moore
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Graz Restobar
38 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
705-738-6343
Friday, March 27
8pm - Jam Night
Saturday, March 28
7:30-9:30pm - Four Lanes Wide
Honkey Tonk Angel Bar (Golden Wheel)
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Friday, March 27
7-11pm - Open mic hosted by Ian Clement
Jethro's Bar + Stage
137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
705-931-0617
Thursday, March 26
8-10pm - Jeanne Truax & Friends; 10pm-12am - The Union
Friday, March 27
6-8pm - Chester Babcock Trio; 8-10pm - Andrew Queen & Not Dead Yet; 10pm-12am - Tristan Konkle
VIDEO: "Killing Time" - Tristan Konkle
Saturday, March 28
6-8pm - Newberry Family Variety Hours; 8-10pm - Peter Graham Band; 10pm-12am - Dave Tough & The Scholars
Sunday, March 29
3pm - Blues Jam w/ special guest Beau Dixon
Wednesday, April 1
8-10pm - A Stavely Project; 10pm - The Space Heaters
The John at Sadleir House
751 George St. N., Peterborough
705-742-3686
Coming Soon
Friday, April 3 8pm - Knitting w/ Beached Out "Average Weekends" album release, Hit N Run ($20 in advance at Bluestreak Records or PWYC at the door)
Saturday, April 18 8pm - Ascension Blacklist w/ The Struggles Over, No Small Affair, Lock 21 ($20 in advance at Bluestreak Records or at the door)
Kawartha Country Wines
2452 County Road 36,, Buckhorn
705-657-9916
Saturday, March 28
CANCELLED - 6-8:30pm - 4-Course Dinner & Jazz Music Night ft Rob Phillips & Carling Stephen ($79+HST in advance at https://kawarthacountrywines.ca/)
Kelly's Homelike Inn
205 3rd Street, Cobourg
905-372-3234
Friday, March 27
7:30pm - Karaoke w/ host Cait Sheppard.
Saturday, March 28
4-8pm - Harley and the Howlers
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Friday, March 27
9pm - Chris Collins
Saturday, March 28
9pm - Jordan Thomas
Sunday, March 29
8pm - Karaoke and open mic
Tuesday, March 31
8pm - Joanna & Danny Bronson
Wednesday, April 1
8pm - Kevin Foster
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Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100
Friday, March 27
7:30pm - Michael Evans
Olympia Restaurant
106 Kent St. W., Lindsay
705-328-1444
Saturday, March 28
5-8:30pm - Live jazz
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 772-9010
Saturday, March 28
8-11pm - Jake Dudas ($10)
Pig's Ear Tavern
144 Brock St., Peterborough
(705) 745-7255
Friday, March 27
6-8pm - Hoperfilly, HitNRun, Odd Men Out (PWYC)
Saturday, March 28
4pm - Dave MacQuarrie & Friends; 9pm - Garage Cult
Tuesday, March 31
8pm - Open stage
Wednesday, April 1
6-9pm - Backroom Old Time Jam; 9pm - Karaoinke
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Friday, March 27
7pm - Andy & The Boys
Saturday, March 28
8pm - High Waters Band
Coming Soon
Tuesday, April 7 7-10pm - Singer Songwriter Series Open Mic
Rolling Grape Vineyard
260 County Rd 2, Bailieboro
705-991-5876
Saturday, March 28
5:30-8:30pm - TJ Shirk
Coming Soon
Saturday, April 4 11am - Detention Club
Royal Crown Pub & Grill
4 King St. E., Colborne
905-355-1900
Saturday, March 28
8-11pm - Kent Swan
Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro - Campbellford
18-22 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 947-2333
Thursday, March 26
7-10pm - Kevin Weaver
Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro - Marmora
16 Forsyth St., Marmora
613-666-9767
Thursday, March 26
7-10pm - Bobby Cameron
Wednesday, April 1
7pm - Karaoke
TheBack40 Smoke House
217 Fairbairn Rd., Bobcaygeon
705-928-0270
Thursday, March 26
6-9pm - Ian Clement
Saturday, March 28
8pm - Shaune Walt and Adam Genge of Farewell Radio, Dylan Ireland, Joan Lamore ($5)
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