/



David Tuan Bui

Table of Contents

The 36th Annual Peterborough Musicfest has less than 11 days before its first concert as the organization provided updates regarding the new stage, funding and administrative affairs at a sponsorship appreciation luncheon at Del Crary Park on Tuesday afternoon.

There are ten new sponsors that are involved in this year’s Musicfest. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Fred Anderson stage was demolished in late April/early May earlier this year. Musicfest is meeting with The City of Peterborough on Wednesday to discuss the design of this year’s stage. Construction is beginning next week according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest general manager.

“We’re meeting with them tomorrow (Wednesday) just to discuss what the new stage is going to look like, how far it’s going from the backstage, make sure we have the fencing all set up and then of course, our sponsor signage has to go up,” she explained.

The stage’s removal caused minor issues but Randall says she was pleased with the process and work that went into preparing for the new stage.

“They removed a lot of the sawdust that was in the ground so we had a bit of an issue organically,” she said. “They took out all the cement and the humps and lumps around the stage so we’re hoping the sod will go in any day and then we’ll bring in our trailers in next week.”

There are some acts yet to be announced but funding is required in order to fill up the timeslots according to Randall. Musicfest has typically seen provincial funding every year though an announcement has not been made yet. Randall says they are asking for $125,000 for this year.

“With Havelock Jamboree folding, we’re thinking some of those funds were dispersed amongst other festivals in the area so we’re hoping on getting some of that chunk,” she said.

Natalie McMaster and Donald Leahy are set to open this year’s Musicfest on Canada Day, starting at 8 p.m.

The following is this year’s lineup for Musicfest:

  • July 1: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

  • July 5: Dwayne Gretzky

  • July 8: Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy

  • July 12: Five Alarm Funk

  • July 15: TBA

  • July 19: Jesse Cook

  • July 22: TBA

  • July 26: Little River Band

  • July 29: Melissa Payne & Friends

  • Aug. 2: TBA

  • Aug. 5: British Legends Tribute (Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney & Freddie Mercury)

  • Aug. 9: Glass Tiger

  • Aug. 12: TBA

  • Aug. 16: TBA

  • Aug. 19: Tim & The Glory Boys (with special guest TBA)

Musicfest is still seeking volunteers for this year and is still accepting sponsors until mid-July. Potential applicants can go to Musicfest’s website to register.