Bruce Cockburn, one of Canada’s most revered and respected songwriters and musicians, is returning to Peterborough this fall as part of a North American tour supporting his new record.

The September 25th concert at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) also features Hamilton’s Terra Lightfoot, who will be opening with a solo performance.

Tickets for the show, the debut concert in Folk Under The Clock’s 31st season, are $58 (includes HST and a $3 service fee) and go on sale Friday, April 7th, at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.

The 71-year-old Cockburn is releasing his new record, Bone On Bone, on September 8th. His first release since 2011’s Small Source of Comfort, Cockburn says “there’s a lot of rhythm on this album”, with blues, Latin folk, and a “touch of jazz”.

Produced by Colin Linden, Bone On Bone also features bassist John Dymond (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, k.d. lang, Wilkinsons), drummer Gary Craig (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), and Cockburn’s nephew and accordionist John Aaron Cockburn. All three musicians will be backing Cockburn during his tour.

Born in 1945 in Ottawa, Cockburn started playing guitar as a child, playing along to the music of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. After leaving high school, he travelled around Europe busking (he was arrested in Paris for performing without a license). When he returned to Canada, he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston for two years before dropping out. Back in Ottawa, he met local poet and musician Bill Hawkins, who encouraged Cockburn to write his own songs.

In 1969, after years of playing in area bands and honing his chops, Cockburn decided to pursue a solo career.

Then living in Toronto, he met Bernie Finkelstein. who helped Cockburn create his first solo record in 1970 — the self-titled Bruce Cockburn. Finkelstein eventually became his manager and Cockburn was the first artist he signed to his True North record label (where Cockburn remains to this day, although Finkelstein sold the label in 2007).

The year 1969 was also when Cockburn encountered musician David “Fox” Watson, who would become a major influence on Cockburn’s guitar-playing style. Cockburn was performing with Colleen Peterson at a coffeehouse at the University of North Carolina where he met Watson, who performed fiddle tunes on guitar using a fingerstyle technique. Cockburn was already playing fingerstyle, but he also absorbed Watson’s technique; he named “Foxglove”, his most well-known fingerstyle tune, after Watson.

Over the next four years, Cockburn released an additional four records: High Winds White Sky, Sunwheel Dance, Night Vision, and Salt, Sun And Time. He also scored music for the iconic Canadian film Goin’ Down the Road .

In 1974, Cockburn converted to Christianity — although he was more spiritual than evangelical, his religious beliefs would prove to be a major influence on his future lyrics as well as his social conscience.

VIDEO: “Wondering Where The Lions Are” – Bruce Cockburn

In 1979, Cockburn had his first hit with “Wondering Where The Lions Are” from Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws. When he performed the song on Saturday Night Live in 1980, he found a wide U.S. audience.

This was also when he divorced from his wife of 21 years, and Cockburn’s sound moved away from folk towards electrified rock.

After a 1983 trip to Central America as a representative for Oxfam, where he witnessed Guatemalan refugee camps in Mexico being attacked by Guatemalan military helicopters, he wrote “If I Had A Rocket Launcher” on Stealing Fire. It became his second hit, receiving heavy radio play throughout the U.S. and Canada. It has since become a staple of activist music.

In the 1990s, Cockburn returned to his folk roots, writing more introspective and roots-rock music, recording another hit with “Last Night of the World” from 1999’s Breakfast in New Orleans, Dinner in Timbuktu.

VIDEO: “If I Had A Rocket Launcher” – Bruce Cockburn

VIDEO: “Last Night of the World” – Bruce Cockburn

In all, Cockburn has written more than 310 songs on 31 albums, selling more than seven million records worldwide. He’s won 13 Juno Awards, the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, nine honorary doctorates, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and is an Officer of the Order of Canada.

In 2011, Canada Post issued a Bruce Cockburn stamp. Pacing the Cage, a documentary film about his life, music, and politics was released in 2013. His memoir, Rumours of Glory, was published by Harper Collins in 2014.

Cockburn has been an influence for many musicians, and his songs have been covered by artists such as Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Buffett, Anne Murray, Ani DiFranco, k.d. lang, and many more.

Acoustic guitarists like the late Michael Hedges and Canada’s own Don Ross were inspired by Cockburn’s fingerstyle playing, particularly by instrumental tunes from earlier in his career like “Foxglove”, “Sunwheel Dance”, “Cader Idris”, and “Islands In A Black Sky.”

The Ottawa Folklore Centre even published a much-sought-after collection of Cockburn guitar tablature in 1986, called All The Diamonds – Selected Songs from 1967-1979, reprinting it again in 2013. Unfortunately, the book is out of print again as The Ottawa Folklore Centre went bankrupt and closed its doors in 2015.

VIDEO: Acoustic Guitar Sessions Presents Bruce Cockburn

Most recently, Cockburn hosted the 2017 Juno Songwriters’ Circle at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on April 2nd — where the audience greeted him with a standing ovation — before joining Juno nominees Chantal Kreviazuk, Colin Linden, Daniel Caesar, Donovan Woods, Lisa LeBlanc, and Paul Murphy for a series of performances. The sets from this concert are being broadcast on CBC Radio this week.

Cockburn, who currently lives in San Francisco, is also well known as a social activist. He has visited Mozambique, Nepal, Vietnam, Baghdad, Nicaragua, and Guatemala to protest refugee camps, landmines, and Third World debt. He has been tirelessly vocal in support of native rights, the environment, the promotion of peace, and has highlighted the work of Oxfam, the UN Summit for Climate Control, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, and Friends of the Earth.

In February 2017, singer Kris Kristofferson presented Cockburn with the Folk Alliance International conference’s inaugural People’s Voice Award, in recognition of Cockburn’s role in social and political commentary. While accepting the honour, Cockburn took the opportunity to encourage other musicians to protect free speech under the Donald Trump administration.

“It seems evident that the current administration is not much interested in democracy … they are trying to stifle opposition across the board by a range of means. Looks to me like they’re just getting started. Who will end up being the last line in the defence of truth? Maybe you and me. It doesn’t mean we can’t sing love songs, but if you think you can keep your head down and ignore the political side of things, it’s liable to be waiting for you with a blackjack in the alley when you come out the stage door.”

“We could be in for a rough couple of years. We may get tired, but we have to keep singing, keep sharing.”

Terra Lightfoot

Opening for Cockburn at the September 25th show in Peterborough is Hamilton singer-songwriter Terra Lightfoot (no relation to Gordon) in a solo performance.

Previously a member of the alt-country band Dinner Belles, Lightfoot’s solo career took off with the release of her acclaimed sophomore record Every Time My Mind Runs Wild in 2015. Her soulful roots-rock sound is evident in that record’s hit, “Never Will”, which was shortlisted for the 2016 SOCAN Songwriting Prize.

VIDEO: “Never Will” – Terra Lightfoot

Since the release of that album, Lightfoot has toured relentlessly across North America, the UK, and Europe, playing hundreds of live dates. She’s performed alongside Emmylou Harris, Gordon Lightfoot (again, no relation), Ron Sexsmith, Built to Spill, Guided by Voices, The Both, Albert Lee, James Burton, Grace Potter, Bettye Lavette, Blue Rodeo, Randy Bachman, The Sadies, The Wood Brothers. and Daniel Lanois.

She received a Road Gold certification from the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), an honour reserved for artists who sell at least 25,000 concert tickets within a 12-month period.

VIDEO: “Lily’s Fair” – Terra Lightfoot

In February, Lightfoot released her new album Live In Concert, which features orchestral arrangements of her original songs, through collaborations with the National Academy Orchestra of Canada. Those collaborations were staged and recorded in two hour-long shows on one night at McMaster University’s LIVELab, where Lightfoot was joined by special guest John-Angus MacDonald of The Trews.

As for supporting Bruce Cockburn on his current tour, that opportunity likely arose from the Vancouver Folk Music Fest in July 2016, when she performed just before he did.

“Bruce is an incredible talent and an amazing force live,” Lightfoot writes on her Facebook page. “I’m thrilled to now be joining him on tour.”

VIDEO: “No Hurry” – Terra Lightfoot

For the uninitiated, the best way to encapsulate the essence of jazz is akin to the art of conversation, with little sense of predetermined structure beyond that first ‘hello.’ To that end, the jazz world will reverberate with musical conversation on April 30th during the UN-sanctioned International Jazz Day, with concerts and events throughout the globe.

Peterborough is no exception, with the small but loyal jazz community staging its third event in as many years at the end of the month.

International Jazz Day Peterborough, which is to be officially proclaimed by His Worship Mayor Daryl Bennett for the last day of the month, will be preceded by the weekly ‘jazz jam’ at the Black Horse Pub on the evening of Thursday, April 27th, followed on Saturday by ‘Dine with Jazz’ at a collection of downtown restaurants on Saturday as well as a jazz film and vinyl event.

The primary concert on the evening of International Jazz Day itself, on Sunday, will be staged downstairs in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469).

“Some of the best players in the country are coming up,” says Craig Paterson, a local musician and retired teacher who co-founded the series in 2015 with Chelsea Bennett. Paterson notes that a fifth restaurant has been added this year.

Organizers have also chosen to take a cue from the 100th anniversary of the birth of a jazz legend with the screening of Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser at Catalina’s (131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-5972) on the Saturday at 8:45 p.m.

The International Jazz Day show at the Nexicom Studio will also showcase the music of Thelonious Monk exclusively, with a tribute performed by The Steve Wallace Quintet.

Bassist Steve Wallace will be joined by Perry White on saxophone, Terry Clarke on the skins, Mark Eisenman tickling the ivories, and Kevin Turcotte blowing trumpet. Turcotte, as it turns out, was the featured player on the soundtrack of Born to Be Blue, the 2015 feature film starring Ethan Hawke based on the life and career of jazz legend Chet Baker, and his comeback in the 1960s. The trumpet you hear in the film is pure Turcotte.

VIDEO: Ethan Hawke as Chet Baker in “Born to be Blue”, with trumpet by Kevin Turcotte

Steve Wallace — no stranger to the Peterborough jazz scene — serves as band leader this time around. Wallace has played with the likes of Oscar Peterson, Rob McConnell, and Ed Bickert — and back in the 1980s as a sideman during recording sessions with Rosemary Clooney and Mel Torme, among others. Wallace collected a Juno in 2000 as a founding member of the Mike Murley Trio.

Drummer Terry Clarke also has a Juno on his shelf for “It’s About Time” released in 2010. But the Toronto-based Clarke originally cut his chops in the 1960s, playing with the legendary John Handy in San Francisco. His career has taken him through New York City and beyond.

Toronto-based Mark Eisenman (piano) has performed and toured with everybody from Ed Bickert and Rob McConnell, to Blue Mitchell and Woody Shaw.

Perry White (sax) has played with Holly Cole, The Shuffle Demons, Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass and David Foster, among others.

The musicians featured at the five restaurants during the Dine with Jazz event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday are no slouches, either.

Biff Hannon (piano), who now calls Peterborough home, has toured with Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and Doc Severinson. He’ll be joined by accomplished Peterborough singer Donna Collison at Curry Village (306 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-1432).

At The Lounge by Lignum (442 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-775-9463), Dave Young (bass), who has played with the likes of Oscar Peterson, will back Steve Holt (piano), who has led his own trios and quartets over the years while tickling the ivories with Pat LaBarbera and Archie Shepp.

Mike Francis (guitar) has recorded with everybody from Joe Sealey and Jackie Richardson, to Nelly Furtado and Natalie McMaster. He’ll be joined by bassist Neal Davis at La Hacienda (90 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-742-1559).

Peterborough’s own Pete Woolidge will be on the keys at Hot Belly Mama’s (378 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-745-3544) with Federico Pontani on guitar.

Guitarist Mike Graham will be accompanied at Brio Gusto (182 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-745-6100) by bassist Dennis Pendrith — a name any fan of CBC’s Vinyl Café with the late Stuart McLean will know well.

Paterson stresses the wisdom in making reservations at your restaurant of choice well in advance.

Tickets for the Sunday performance are $30 and can be purchased in advance at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the show but, given the pedigree of the musicians performing, booking tickets in advance would be a wise choice.

Tickets for the 8:45 p.m. film screening of the Monk documentary at Catalina’s are $10 at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. There will also be a ‘vinyl spinning’ session following the film. Enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their fave jazz vinyl along.

VIDEO: “‘Round Midnight” performed by Thelonious Monk

Paterson, who co-chairs the event this year with John Fautley, notes that they decided to separate the Dine with Jazz event and the marquee concert by a day, as they found in the past that patrons were rushing through their dinner to get to the show.

“It’s a great way to introduce patrons to jazz,” Paterson says, “as the musicians will be playing more mainstream fare. The Sunday show at the Nexicom Studio will be a little more challenging.”

But that’s the thing about jazz: the spontaneity that comes with improvisation. Jazz, in its purest form, notes Paterson, is “a spontaneous, creative process that is unique.

“Musicians will agree to play a certain way, to a certain form but that’s the only template. The rest is a form of improvisation and unless it happens to be recorded, that performance will never be re-created exactly.”

Paterson is the first to admit that jazz doesn’t appeal to everybody.

“It can be challenging music to both play and enjoy,” he says. But fans “who get it” are loyal and revel in the genre.

Remembering back to his student days, Paterson muses about the feasibility of adding an educational component to the event in future years, with perhaps a showcase of performances from high school jazz bands, or workshops involving visiting musicians and budding jazz enthusiasts.

For now, the stand-up bass player is looking forward to Peterborough’s contribution to International Jazz Day in the unique setting that is the city’s cherished downtown core, with its funky and eclectic mix of restaurants and performance venues that lends itself so well to an event such as this.

The last word goes to Chick Corea: “It’s the spirit of this music that we play,” said the legendary jazz pianist during the Kongsberg Jazz Festival in 1989.

“Improvised — always something new, something that isn’t planned. It’s always a surprise.”

For more information about International Jazz Day Peterborough, visit www.facebook.com/pg/internationaljazzdaypeterborough/.

It’s April and spring is in the air — and so is excellent music. There’s something for everybody in Peterborough and the Kawarthas during the course of the month. Here are some interesting concerts to check out in April.

Jason Petty as Hank Williams at Showplace in Peterborough on April 4

Fans of Hank Williams can relive his greatest songs at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Tuesday, April 4th when “Hank Williams: The Lonesome Tour” takes the stage.

Jason Petty transforms into the old-school country music legend, telling intimate stories about the man and singing his tunes. Petty began portraying Williams in 1996 at the world famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, which led to several tours across the U.S. and Canada. Don Helms, Hank William’s best friend and steel guitar player, says “Jason’s singing of Williams’ classic songs is the best there’s ever been”.

The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $52.50, available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org

VIDEO: “Hank Williams: The Lonesome Tour” promo

La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra at the Calvary Pentecostal Church in Port Hope on April 8

A unique event combines food with classical music on Saturday, April 8th at the Calvary Pentecostal Church (401 Croft St., Port Hope).

“Soup and Symphony” offers a selection of delicious soups donated by local restaurants and a silent auction, with brilliant music provided by La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra.

The luncheon runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is a fundraiser for the orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and are available at the door or in advance by calling 1-866-460-5596.

VIDEO: La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra

Classic Albums Live: “Are You Experienced” at Showplace in Peterborough on April 8

Fans of classic rock and electric guitar will want to head to Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Saturday, April 8th when guitarist Clifton David Broadbridge comes to town to perform The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1967 record “Are You Experienced” in its entirety, note for note, as part of the Classic Albums Live series.

Broadbridge is considered one of the best performers of Hendrix’s music — he’s perfected the feedback and distortion technique Hendrix’s playing is known for. Along with a drummer and bass player, Broadbridge will be performing classic Hendrix tunes including “Purple Haze”, “Manic Depression”, “Hey Joe”, “The Wind Cries Mary”, “Fire”, and “Foxy Lady”.

Tickets are $35.50 and are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org

VIDEO: Clifton David Broadbridge plays Jimi Hendrix

Hillary Dumoulin at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on April 8

Local singer-songwriter Hillary Dumoulin will play a show at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884) on Saturday, April 8th, along with Steve Dumoulin, Michaela Hetherington, Everett Payne, and powerhouse band Broken Harmony,

Tickets are $10 and are available in advance at ticketscene.ca or from any of the performers.

It’s general admission and the doors open at 7 p.m. with the music starting at 8 p.m.

VIDEO: “Mom’s Song” – Hillary Dumoulin

Martin Barre of Jethro Tull at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 11

Then’s even more music for fans of classic rock just few days later, when the Martin Barre Band fills Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) with the sounds of pioneer rock band Jethro Tull on Tuesday, April 11th at 8 p.m.

Barre, who was the lead guitarist for the English progressive rockers since 1969, has been touring solidly for a few years now playing classic Tull hits like “Thick as a Brick”, “Sweet Dream”, and “Locomotive Breath” and bringing to the fore some of his own original music. There will be great music with some surprise twists thrown in for good measure.

Tickets range from $35 to $75 and are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) for Row C annd Tables 8 and 18 at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

VIDEO: “Thick as a Brick” – Martin Barre Band

Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 14

Acclaimed Vancouver duo Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer (Shawn Hall and Matthew Rogers) roll into town on Friday, April 14th with a performance at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146)

Don’t be thrown off by the band’s unusual name (“harpoon” and “axe” are nicknames for the harmonica and guitar): Hall and Rogers’ music simmers with a raw blues style infused with some unique sounds. Electric guitar, an “arsenal of harmonicas”, and a whole lot of foot percussion bring their music to life.

The show has an 8 p.m. start. Tickets are $25 for regular seats, $20 for students, and $30 for a cabaret table seat. Get your tickets at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

VIDEO: Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer

Jackson Delta at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 15

Just a night later it’s Peterborough’s own iconic blues group Jackson Delta reuniting and taking the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Saturday, April 15th.

The three-headed monster includes the great Rick Fines, Gary Peeples, and Al Black. For one night only, you can catch a rare performance by the acoustic blues group that made waves in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Jackson Delta toured the folk and blues festival circuit in North America and the UK extensively, being nominated for and winning a host of awards.

Tickets are $30 plus fees for regular seats and $40 plus fees for table seats. Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org and for cash only at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

VIDEO: Jackson Delta – Slight Return

Ron Hawkins at the Garnet in Peterborough on April 22

Talk about intimate and interactive!

Ron Hawkins, from 1990s rock band The Lowest of the Low, will be performing solo at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, April 22nd.

Great tunes from a big catalog of music will combine with stories of life on the road and a career in music. The revered contemporary songwriter weaves smart lyrics around catchy numbers.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, available at The Garnet, or $15 at the door. There are very limited tickets so get yours soon.

VIDEO: “Peace and Quiet” – Ron Hawkins

Owen Meany’s Batting Stance at the Garnet in Peterborough on April 24

Owen Meany’s Batting Stance (a.k.a. Daniel Walker) is coming to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Monday, April 24th.

Halifax has a long history of turning out great music from a wide array of genres. There is a certain Halifax sound and Owen Meany’s Batting Stance represents it very well. It is sort of scrappy, yet heartfelt sound, which Walker describes as “engaged, electrically charged acoustic guitar, teeming with emotive energy rounded by percussion and bass.”

Tickets are available at the door and the show begins around 9 p.m.

VIDEO: “Dissonance” – Owen Meany’s Batting Stance

Whiskey Jack at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope on April 28

There’s no better way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday than by singing along with the songs of legendary Canadian musician Stompin’ Tom Connors.

Although Stompin’ Tom passed away in 2013, his long-time touring band Whiskey Jack continues to perform his tunes. They’ll be presenting the stories and songs of Stompin’ Tom at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope, 905-885-1071) at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 28th.

It’ll be a night of truly Canadian patriotism with tunes like “Bud the Spud”, “Sudbury Saturday Night”, “It’s Canada Day”, “Confederation Bridge”, “Believe in your Country”, and “The Hockey Song”.

Tickets are $39 and are available at the Capitol Box Office or online at www.capitoltheatre.com.

VIDEO: “The Hockey Song” by Stompin’ Tom performed by Whiskey Jack

The Writes of Spring at the Market Hall in Peterborough on April 27

Songs and stories will be at the forefront on Thursday, April 27th when four iconic Canadian songwriters descend on Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) for “The Writes of Spring”.

The show features great lyricist and singer Tim Baker (songwriter and frontman for St. John’s group Hey Rosetta!), fellow Newfoundlander and Juno winner Amelia Curran, Polaris and Juno nominee Donovan Woods, and performer, artist, and writer extraordinaire Hawksley Workman. Talk about a great group of talent!

Tickets are $39.50 plus fees and the show begins at 8 p.m. Get your tickets at the Market Hall Box Office or online at www.markethall.org. Tickets for Row C and H are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

VIDEO: “Seventeen” – Tim Baker

VIDEO: “Gravity” – Amelia Curran

VIDEO: “What They Mean” – Donovan Woods

VIDEO: “Almost A Full Moon” – Hawksley Workman