Market Hall music series returns
Sass Jordan, Skydiggers, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings among highlights of 2017-18 season
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre revealed its 2017-18 fall concert series Thursday.
It’s the second consecutive year that Market Hall has held its own series. Before that, it was simply a rental space.
Chad Hogan, general manager of Market Hall, said he was pushing for Market Hall to present its own series since he joined the team.
“I feel a responsibility to Peterborough to try and leverage who and what we are to bring these people in,” he said.
This year’s series has about 18 performances booked so far, with another 15 or so to be announced after Christmas.
It’s made up of a mixed bag of performances, from punk to folk and jazz to kid’s entertainers.
“I’m really, really trying to diversify what’s happening in here, not just the type of music, but the people playing it, too,” said Hogan.
Some big names coming this year are Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Sass Jordan, Skydiggers and Séan McCann of Great Big Sea.
Meanwhile, there are a few lesserknown musicians too, that Hogan said shouldn’t be missed. They include Chloe Charles, Sonia Aimy and Sarah MacDougall.
The general manager said he’s also been working on expanding kids programming at Market Hall. There are already three children’s shows on the 2017-18 lineup and Market Hall is hosting kids drama camps all summer.
Hogan said art is often lacking in kids’ lives these days, yet it’s equally as important as other activities.
“It’s something that enhances kids lives, it’s as an imperative function as sports are, it helps them develop, think critically and it allows them to start and finish and how to build something,” he said.
The general manager pointed out that a punk band probably hasn’t played at Market Hall in 10 years.
Ska-punk-rock band the Voodoo Glow Skulls will kick off the concert series on Sept. 13 and then The Creepshow later that month.
Bringing in different genres to perform is a win-win for audience members and musicians, Hogan said.
“It’s about getting people into the room that might not otherwise be here and also giving those bands a room that worthy of the calibre that they’re playing at.”
Public Energy, New Stages and Folk Under the Clock also announced their line up at Market Hall this year, with a handful of performances to be presented by each group.
As for Market Hall’s series, Hogan said he’s confident in the artists who’ve been selected for this year.
In fact, Hogan is putting his money where his mouth is, offering a money back guarantee on Market Hall presenting-series shows.
But after the amount of work he’s put into the series, he doesn’t think anyone will be disappointed.
“So much time and research goes into booking people that are the right people.” Tickets go on sale on Monday.
NOTE: To check out the entire Market Hall fall concert series, go to www.markethall.org