There’s a certain kind of country artist who doesn’t need to shout to be heard—and Tyler Joe Miller has built his career in that space, where craft carries more weight than spectacle.

Since breaking through with his Gold-certified, #1 debut single “Pillow Talkin’,” Miller has built one of the more impressive résumés in Canadian country. He became the first independent Canadian country artist to land back-to-back #1 hits with “I Would Be Over Me Too,” and has since earned nine Top 10 singles, a 2021 SiriusXM Top of the Country win, and multiple JUNO and CCMA nominations. His latest EP, Going Home—nominated for 2025 CCMA Album of the Year—continues that trajectory, grounded in themes of love, loss, and resilience.

What to Expect Live

On stage, his songs open up. They stretch out, settle in, and before long, the crowd is right there with him. It’s the kind of set that feels easy to fall into—where the connection builds naturally and the night takes on its own rhythm.

With an upcoming appearance at the CCMA Awards this September—and nominations for Male Artist of the Year and Fans’ Choice—Miller’s Musicfest debut comes at the right time. He’s firmly established, but still very much on the rise.

Make a Night of It

Arrive early to take in the full Musicfest experience, including the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco, a lineup of local food vendors, and the always-popular 50/50 raffle draw.

Each summer, Peterborough Musicfest draws more than 100,000 attendees to Del Crary Park, offering free access to live music in one of the most scenic waterfront settings in the region.

Event Details found HERE

Peterborough Musicfest – Season 39
Dates: June 27 – August 19, 2026
When: Every Wednesday & Saturday at 8:00 PM

For updates, lineup announcements, and more information follow along on social media @ptbomusicfest.

The post Tyler Joe Miller Makes His Musicfest Debut on July 15 appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

Peterborough Musicfest is thrilled to launch something brand new for Season 38 — the Future Sound Series, proudly presented by Cogeco!

This exciting new addition to the festival is a platform dedicated to spotlighting emerging local talent from right here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. For the very first time, we’ll be featuring nine incredible local artists performing on a second stage throughout the summer. This new stage will be located under the Cogeco tent, right near the food vendors at the entrance to Del Crary Park — the perfect place to grab a bite and enjoy some live music before the main show begins.

The series kicks off Saturday, June 28 at 6:15 PM with a powerful performance from local sensation VANCAMP. Future dates will feature artists such as Cale Crowe, Nickola Magnolia, and more — each bringing their unique sound and energy to the pre-show lineup.

Whether you’re a long-time festivalgoer or checking out Musicfest for the first time, arriving early to catch the Future Sound Series is the perfect way to enjoy even more free, live music in the park.

When & Where:
🎤 Saturdays & Wednesdays before the mainstage show- check out the Lineup for dates!
🕓 June 28 at 6:15 PM (launch night)
🕗 6:30 PM on remaining dates
📍 Del Crary Park (under the Cogeco tent near the food vendors)
🎟️ Still completely FREE

Support the next generation of local artists and help us celebrate the music community that makes this city so vibrant.

See you at the park!

#ptbomusicfest #FutureSoundSeries #LoveLocalPTBOKawarthas #LiveConcert #LiveMusic #Cogeco

The post Introducing the Future Sound Series Presented by Cogeco – Showcasing Local Talent at Peterborough Musicfest! appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

From chart-topping pop and country stars to indie rock icons and hometown heroes, this season is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet. All concerts take place at Del Crary Park and are 100% free to attend thanks to our generous sponsors, making Peterborough Musicfest Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival.

When & Where

Concerts take place every Wednesday and Saturday night at 8:00 PM, from June 28 through August 16, 2025, at the Fred Anderson Stage in Del Crary Park — right in the heart of downtown Peterborough.

We’re also hosting a special Canada Day show on Tuesday, July 1, featuring a full evening of entertainment capped off by fireworks over Little Lake.

Season Highlights

There’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup. Here are just a few of the must-see shows:

• Serena Ryder opens the season with powerhouse vocals on June 28
• William Prince with Missy Knott headline our Woven Stories celebration on July 2
• Preston Pablo with special guest noelle bring the pop heat on July 5
• The Jim Cuddy Band returns on July 9
• The Spades & The Weber Brothers team up for a rocking local double bill on July 26
• Jess Moskaluke hits the stage with country favourites on July 30
• Kim Mitchell closes the season on a high note on August 16
• And don’t miss Canada Day with Neon Nostalgic and fireworks, courtesy of The City of Peterborough on July 1.

What’s New This Year

In addition to this incredible artist lineup, we’re rolling out some exciting new features for the 2025 season:

• Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco: A brand-new second stage highlighting emerging local talent before the headliner begins.
• Woven Stories: A night of Indigenous music, culture, and celebration on July 2.
• Expanded food vending: More food trucks and vendors than ever — many offering Happy Hour deals from 5:00–6:00 PM to encourage early arrivals.
• 50/50 Raffle: Back by popular demand, our fundraising raffle gives you the chance to win big while supporting barrier-free live music in Peterborough.

Start Planning Your Summer

With 16 nights of live music — all by the lake and all for free — Peterborough Musicfest continues to bring the community together through unforgettable shared experiences. We are Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival!

Check out the full lineup and concert details at ptbomusicfest.ca/concerts and follow us on social media (@ptbomusicfest) for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and artist spotlights.

We can’t wait to see you at the park this summer! 🎶🎙

The post The Full 2025 Peterborough Musicfest Lineup Is Here! appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

Peterborough Musicfest is proud to present a full week of Irish-themed concerts at Del Crary Park from Saturday, August 2 to Saturday, August 9, 2025, in celebration of Bicentennial 2025 and the Nine Ships 1825 commemorative event. This special series of performances honours the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Peter Robinson settlers from Ireland, a defining moment in Peterborough’s cultural heritage.

While independently programmed, this musical tribute beautifully complements the Nine Ships 1825 Bicentennial celebrations, highlighting the shared respect and connection between Musicfest and this significant historical milestone.

🎶 Irish Music Lineup:

• Saturday, August 2: Acrobat – A U2 Tribute Band brings the high-energy, unmistakable sound of one of Ireland’s greatest rock exports.
• Wednesday, August 6: Irish Millie, a rising local fiddle sensation, takes the stage before Mudmen, Canadian Celtic-rock legends known for their unforgettable live performances.
• Saturday, August 9: Internationally acclaimed Celtic Tenors fly in straight from Ireland to close out the week with a world-class performance on the shores of Little Lake.

Peterborough Musicfest gratefully acknowledges the support of Nine Ships 1825, whose sponsorship is helping to bring Irish Millie to the stage for this special occasion.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to honour our community’s Irish heritage through music, and align our programming with a moment of shared historical reflection,” says Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. “The Musicfest team is thrilled to be part of this cultural moment.”

“We’re thrilled to see Musicfest join the city-wide tribute to our Irish heritage with such an outstanding musical lineup,” adds Brendan Moher, Chair of the Nine Ships 1825 Board. “This week of Irish music enhances the commemorative spirit of the Nine Ships event, offering residents and visitors an engaging way to honour the legacy of the Peter Robinson settlers.”

🌿 Free & Family-Friendly

All concerts are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, gather with friends, and enjoy a festive week of celebration through music in the heart of Peterborough.

📍 Learn more at ptbomusicfest.ca
🔗 Discover more about Nine Ships 1825 and the Bicentennial 2025 at nineships1825.com

The post 🇮🇪 Irish Rhythms Take Centre Stage at Del Crary Park for Bicentennial 2025 appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

Get ready for an unforgettable night as Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell returns to Peterborough Musicfest to close out the 38th2025 season! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM, when Mitchell takes the stage at Del Crary Park for a high-energy performance that promises to be one for the books. 

Few artists have inhabited the Canadian musical landscape consistently and prominently over the last 45 years as Classic Rock legend Kim Mitchell. His band, Max Webster, was founded with fellow Sarnia native Pye Dubois, and saw significant success in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, with its albums achieving gold and platinum status. The band became a staple on the Canadian tour scene as Mitchell and his mates honed their craft. When iconic rocker Gene Simmons was asked if Mitchell’s outfit should open for his act, the long-in-the-tongue KISS frontman rejected the notion—not because he didn’t like Max Webster, but because, “We were terrified of you guys—you could actually play.” 

It wasn’t until Mitchell went solo in 1982, however, that the talent Simmons saw began to yield results on an international scale with the album Akimbo Aloga. The hit single “Go For A Soda” climbed to number 12 on the U.S. pop charts, landing an appearance on an episode of the wildly popular ‘80s drama Miami Vice and was featured in a soft drink commercial for Mr. Pibb. Mitchell even made a guest appearance on The Kids in the Hall, instructing an elderly character on how to play guitar. 

His follow-up album, 1986’s Shakin’ Like A Human Being, became his most successful, featuring memorable tracks such as “Easy To Tame,” “Alana Loves Me,” and the incomparable “Patio Lanterns.” 

Kim has remained a popular live act over the years, not only because of his immense talent and 1.5 million albums sold, but also because of his approach to performing: 

“I’m all about customer service. People are coming out to hear certain songs and hear me playing them. But they have been morphing and going through some changes. So ‘Go For A Soda’ sounds a little different the way we play it on a given night. And we will start to jam out on some of the songs and be a little freer with the arrangements. I like to give people what they want.”- Kim Mitchell 

Executive Director Tracey Randall expressed her enthusiasm about Mitchell’s return and the excitement of the festival’s upcoming season: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kim Mitchell back to Musicfest for our closing night! He’s a Canadian rock legend, and we know this will be an incredible show. In times when the news is often heavy, it’s great to have something like Musicfest to look forward to. Being able to offer world-class live music to our community—completely free of charge thanks to our sponsors—is something we are incredibly proud of.” 

This highly anticipated concert marks Mitchell’s fifth appearance on the Fred Anderson Stage, a testament to his enduring legacy and deep connection with Peterborough’s music lovers. His previous performances at Musicfest have been nothing short of legendary, with notable appearances in 1997, 2002, 2012 (which was famously rebooked after a rainout for an electrifying show on August 21), and a special 2017 performance celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday. 

Fans won’t want to miss this monumental return to Peterborough Musicfest, as Kim Mitchell brings his signature energy, musicianship, and beloved hits to the Fred Anderson Stage once again.  

Admission to the show is FREE, thanks to the generous support of sponsors and community partners. Come out and celebrate a night of pure Canadian rock under the stars! 

Plan Your Visit 🔗 Peterborough Musicfest FAQ

Listen to Kim Mitchell HERE

#KimMitchell #FreeConcert #PeterboroughMusicfest #LiveMusic #DelCraryPark #OntarioEvents

The post Kim Mitchell Returns to Peterborough Musicfest for a Legendary Closing Night Performance!  appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

In 1998, a staging of Gone With the Wind took place in Peterborough. Local record producer Damon de Szegheo was in attendance when, during a set change, a voice—like a ray of light piercing through a cloud—burst out. Mime Radio’s de Szegheo didn’t “discover” Serena Ryder; the young singer’s talent struck him like a thunderbolt.

Ryder, who grew up in Millbrook and graduated from Peterborough Collegiate’s Integrated Arts Program, first gained national acclaim with her ballad Weak in the Knees in 2007. The following year, she won the first of her seven Juno Awards, taking home Best New Artist of the Year in April 2008. By July 2010, she was performing at the prestigious Lilith Fair. In February 2011, she toured across Canada with none other than Melissa Etheridge.

Her first single, Stompa, from the 2012 album Harmony, was featured on the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. The song’s success propelled her to The Tonight Show, where she performed it live for Jay Leno in the summer of 2013.

In 2014, Ryder performed the Canadian national anthem ahead of the NBA All-Star Game and lent her vocals to In the Morning on the fifth studio album by Canadian rock band The Trews. That same year, she co-hosted the Juno Awards and won Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. In May 2015, she recorded Together We Are One, the official theme song for the 2015 Pan American Games, which she also performed at the closing ceremony.

Ryder headlined the opening night of Peterborough Musicfest in 2016, captivating audiences on the Fred Anderson Stage with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Now, she returns to kick off Season 38 of Peterborough Musicfest, promising another unforgettable night at Del Crary Park, showcasing the talent and energy that have made her one of Canada’s most celebrated artists. This marks Ryder’s fifth appearance on the Fred Anderson stage and her seventh performance for Peterborough Musicfest.

An ardent advocate for mental wellness, Ryder has shared her own experiences with depression and neurodivergence, speaking to thousands of people across the country each year. Her song What I Wouldn’t Do was reimagined for Kids Help Phone’s Feel Out Loud 2023 campaign—the largest mental health initiative in Canadian history. Additionally, through her non-profit ArtHaus Community, she supports emerging musicians and industry professionals, equipping them with the creative, entrepreneurial, and wellness skills needed to thrive in today’s music and media landscape.

Plan Your Visit 🔗 Peterborough Musicfest FAQ

Don’t miss your chance to see Serena Ryder live for free at Peterborough Musicfest! Share with your concert crew and mark your calendars for June 28, 2025!

Listen to Serena Ryder HERE

#SerenaRyder #FreeConcert #PeterboroughMusicfest #LiveMusic #DelCraryPark #OntarioEvents

The post Serena Ryder to Headline Opening Night of Peterborough Musicfest’s 38th Season! appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

Five- time reigning Female Artist of the Year at the CCMA’s  Country music star Tenille Townes will kick off the 37th annual Peterborough Musicfest with a free concert at Del Crary Park on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

As a little girl growing up in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Townes first fell in love with music thanks to the eclectic mix of artists her parents played at home. She then discovered her passion for songwriting at age 14.

“My grandparents gave me a guitar, and I started learning the chords I needed to make songs out of what I was writing in my journal,” she recalls, naming 

singer/songwriters like Patty Griffin and Lori McKenna among her enduring influences.

Since then, her musical journey has been quite incredible, to say the least. She’s toured with legends like Stevie Nicks, Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Reba, Zac Brown Band, and Dierks Bentley. Townes has won two 

JUNO Awards — all while building up a globe-spanning fanbase irresistibly drawn to her intensely honest storytelling.

Townes’ accolades also include 17 Canadian Country Music Association Awards, and two Academy Of Country Music Awards. Tenille’s remarkable tally of CCMA Awards places her among the all-time top award winners. Additionally, she has become a familiar presence on the esteemed stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Her debut album, The Lemonade Stand, a 2020 LP, delivered standouts like “Jersey on The Wall (I’m Just Asking),” a profoundly moving track inspired by Townes’ experience in performing at a New Brunswick high school and learning of a then-recent car crash that took the life of the star of the school’s basketball team. That album won Country Album of the Year at the 2021 JUNO Awards. Townes followed that up with the release of Masquerades in 2022, which won the coveted prize again.

The Nashville-based star now begins a bold new chapter with her most fully realized work to date: a gorgeously sculpted batch of songs that bring a moodier and more unfettered sound to her compassionate lyrical outpouring.

Townes’ latest body of work, “As You Are,” released in February 2024, strays sonically from past hits like her gold-certified, chart-topping smash “Somebody’s Daughter” and leans toward a more spacious and hypnotic breed of Americana.

Written by Townes, Maggie Chapman (The Highwomen, Wafia), and David Pramik (Joy Oladokun, LANY), “As You Are” ultimately matches its mesmerizing sound with a tender meditation on shame, acceptance, and unconditional love.

Townes will bring her show to Del Crary Park on Saturday, June 29. This is her first appearance in the Peterborough area.

Peterborough Musicfest is celebrating its 37th season and has been providing free summer concerts in Del Crary Park, a picturesque space in Peterborough on the shores of Little Lake since 1987.  Peterborough Musicfest’s 2024 season runs from June 29 to Aug.17, 2024, with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night and on Canada Day. 

The post Peterborough Musicfest presents Tenille Townes on Saturday, June 29, 2024 appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

Peterborough Musicfest is proud to announce our 2nd concert of the 2024 season by welcoming the high-energy Toronto-based rap/rock band Down With Webster to the Del Crary Park stage

Down With Webster’s electrifying performances have won them a rabid fanbase from coast to coast. From their first performance at a junior high talent show, Down With Webster created their own style of genre-bending rap and rock sounds, and have blown away audiences ever since. Their songs have charted on Top 40 Radio, sold millions of singles, and amassed hundreds of millions of streams. They have wowed crowds during performances at the Much Music Video Awards, Junos, and festivals across the country. 

The band first achieved commercial success with the release of the 2009 EP, Time to Win, Vol. I which consisted of the singles “Rich Girl$”, “Your Man” and “Whoa Is Me.” Their major-label debut album, Time to Win, Vol. II (2011) featured the track “She’s Dope.” The 2014 follow-up album, Party for Your Life, included the songs “One in a Million” and “Chills.” Down With Webster has been nominated for Juno Awards, MuchMusic Video Awards, and Canadian Radio Music Awards. 

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of their breakthrough album “Time To Win Vol. 1,” Down With Webster is reuniting for a limited number of shows in the summer of 2024, including Peterborough Musicfest on Wednesday, July 31 at 8 p.m. This will be the band’s first appearance on the Fred Anderson stage. Down With Webster last played in Peterborough at the Peterborough Memorial Centre in 2013 alongside Marianas Trench and Anami Vice.

This is the 37th year Peterborough Musicfest has been providing free summer concerts in Del Crary Park, a picturesque space in Peterborough on the shores of Little Lake. Peterborough Musicfest’s 2024 season runs from June 29 to Aug.17, 2024 and with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night, as well as Canada Day July 1, 2024.                         

The post Peterborough Musicfest welcomes Down With Webster to the stage on Wednesday July 31, 2024 appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

In 1998, songwriting and production duo Emily Haines & Jimmy Shaw formed Metric and left Toronto for New York City in search of like-minded artists. In 2001/2002, they were joined by drummer Joules Scott Key & bassist Joshua Winstead, and found themselves at the centre of the city’s burgeoning alt-rock scene alongside bands like LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes, TV On the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol and more. 

Unlike their peers, Metric resisted major label offers, releasing albums that pushed boundaries on their own terms.

“Metric’s relentless pursuit of timeless songwriting and fiercely independent ethos have cemented their place as one of the most essential and ahead-of-the-curve bands of the last two decades,” 

By constantly upping themselves across nine unpredictable and adventurous studio albums, the trailblazing Toronto outfit is proof that you can amass an untouchable catalog without signing to a major label or changing your lineup.

According to their Apple Music bio, Metric is inspired by “sleek ‘80s synth-pop and new wave bands like New Order and Blondie.

“Their eclectic sound is exemplified on moody and futuristically catchy singles like “Monster Hospital and “Gimme Sympathy.”

Their latest LP, Formentera II, was released in October, 2023, via their label MMI & Thirty Tigers. It is a testament to Metric’s singular purpose and stands among their best and most genre-defying work. The album closes the 18-song cycle started by 2022’s critically acclaimed Formentera. 

A few quick Peterborough related Metric facts: Metric last appeared in Peterborough back in 2010 at the Memorial Centre and lead singer Emily Haines’ brother Tim Haines operates local record store Blue Streak records in downtown Peterborough located on George Street. 

Metric has played Coachella, one of the world’s largest and most famous music festivals. 

Metric is the first of many musical acts scheduled for the 2024 Peterborough Musicfest season. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks, along with a Lineup Reveal press conference in May. More details about this will be available shortly.

Peterborough Musicfest’s 37th season runs from, June 29 to August 17, 2024 with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night.

The post Peterborough Musicfest brings Metric to the stage on Wednesday July 17, 2024 appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.

MacMaster, a native of Nova Scotia, and Leahy, lead fiddler for the famed musical family from Lakefield, married in 2002 and remain Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music. Often performing with their musical children, they have been awarded numerous honours, including Juno and East Coast Music awards.

MacMaster and Leahy have recorded just three albums together but quality over quantity holds true.

In 2015, their debut album One, produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin, was released. The following year saw the release of A Celtic Family Christmas. There things sat until earlier this year and the release of Canvas, which introduced rock, pop, Latin and classical influences to their trademark Celtic sound, featuring guest support from Rhiannon Giddens, Yo-Yo Ma and Brian Finnegan.

“The fiddle was definitely common ground for us when we first got together,” reflects MacMaster, a member of the Order of Canada since 2006.

“I was so in awe of Donnell’s family, of 11 siblings who could play and had a family band. And here I am now doing almost exactly the same thing. Well, kind of. This whole thing – first playing music by myself, then playing music with Donnell, then touring with Donnell and the children and all of us playing
music together – has evolved in a very natural way. We feel incredibly lucky to be together as a family and to be letting our children develop their musical talent.”

“The only downside is that we can’t do all we’re asked to do and might like to do in other circumstances because we are parents first,” adds Leahy.

“You think about touring Australia and Ireland and The Netherlands, where we’ve been invited to play. But then you remember the kids’ math homework has to get done.”

With Canadian jazz music great Moe Koffman headlining, Peterborough Musicfest debuted July 1, 1987 under the name Peterborough Festival of Lights with concert series founder Fred Anderson at the helm. Over the years since, artists representing virtually every genre of music have headlined, bringing thousands to Del Crary Park.

Peterborough Musicfest is funded by corporate sponsorships – most of those being locally owned businesses – multiple levels of government support, fundraising initiatives and private donations and, as a result, has been, and steadfastly remains, a uniquely free admission event. Dallas Green, Our Lady Peace, Serena Ryder, Gordon Lightfoot, 54-40 and Blue Rodeo are just a few of the sensational music acts that have appeared over the years.

Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, and a board of directors, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community. In order to fulfill this mandate and keep attracting legendary musicians to our stage, Peterborough Musicfest encourages any individual or business interested in sponsoring the festival to reach out at www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone 705-755- 1111.
For more information, contact: 

Lagni Patel, Marketing Assistant
Peterborough Musicfest – 705-755-1111 marketing@ptbomusicfest.ca

The post Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Open Peterborough Musicfest July 1st appeared first on Ptbo Musicfest.