Peterborough LIVE returns with 100-plus acts over five days
Having grown up in the Peterborough music scene, where he performed before he was old enough to get into the bars where many musicians displayed their talents, Koty Kolter couldn’t be happier to be a part of a growing local music festival.
This year’s fourth annual Peterborough LIVE Music Festival returned Wednesday, running through Sunday with 150 to 200 artists performing at more than two dozen local venues. That’s up from more than 80 acts over three days last year.
“It’s great to see it’s still alive and well, and getting bigger,” he said during a launch that included an open mic at The Red Dog, one of the participating venues.
Events like Peterborough LIVE are critical for musicians who don’t enjoy the kind of exposure some others do, Kolter pointed out. “Stuff like this really puts local artists in the spotlight and helps their fanbase grow.”
The volunteer-driven festival was founded by high school students and their parents.
It features a range of genres including rock, metal, punk, hip hop, R&B, indie/alternative, pop, country, jazz funk, electronic dance music (EDM), big band and classical and this year, includes performances of dance, poetry and comedy.
Its focus is promoting local talent, said general manager Kirkland Sugrue, who has bee involved with the event for three years. In that time, he’s seen much growth. “It just really shows how musical of a city Peterborough really is.” A $15 all-access weekend pass gets concert-goers into any festival show they want. If they buy the pass directly from a performer, $10 goes directly to the artist. Single concert tickets are available for $5 and if purchased directly from a performer, $3 is paid toward the artist.
Passes can also be purchased at any venue, at the at the customer service desk at Lansdowne Place or on www.ticketscene.ca - where if you select the artist you are supporting, they will also earn $10 from the online sale.
Participating venues include Murray St. Baptist Church, The Venue, Hot Belly Mama’s, Dobro, Market Hall, Pappas Billiards, Dr. J’s Barbecue & Brews, The Spill, The Food Forest Cafe, Catalina’s, Black Honey, La Hacienda, Dreams of Beans, The Garnet, McThirsty’s Pint, The Only Cafe, guerrilla Studios, The Theatre on King, Sadleir House, Crazy Piano Bar Persian Grill, Sapphire Room, The Lounge By Lignum, The Black Horse Pub and The Junction Nightclub.
The festival got a new look this year thanks to artist Thalya Fortin, who moved to Peterborough about a year ago from North Bay.
She got her first look at the festival pamphlets available at each venue when she arrived at The Red Dog on Wednesday. “It’s such a great feeling to see it everywhere.”
Kolter, whose described his music as a melody-driven hiphop, will perform at The Venue Saturday night, sharing a bill headlined by Nathan Jackson.
He’s just recently began performing again after some time away from music, which helped him effect positive change in his life. In fact, he’s just released a new album – The Lazarus Effect – and plans to perform at a fundraising show May 28 in Del Crary Park.
NOTES: See the full schedule and photographs online at www. thepeterboroughexaminer.com .... The event’s website is www.peterboroughlive.ca .... For more information on Koty Kolter, visit his Facebook page at www.facebook. com/KotyKolterMusic/.