02/08/17 Peterborough MusicFest
- Kaylin M
- Aug 29, 2017
- 3 min read
If you are ever in the Peterborough area during the summer, make sure that you attend a performance at MusicFest. Each year, from July 1st to the end of August, Peterborough holds their MusicFest that showcases a variety of musical guests. MusicFest is a free outdoor concert experience held every Wednesday and Friday at Del Crary Park down by the Marina. The festival has occurred for over 30 years and have entertained locals with popular performers such as Carly Rae Jepsen, Tegan and Sara, Chad Brownlee, Walk off the Earth, and many more. This year was no exception with fantastic performances from Ruth B and Our Lady Peace.
On August 2, I went to go see Our Lady Peace at the Peterborough Music Fest. I think the rest of Peterborough attended this concert with me - it was packed! They were the only band to have 2 opening acts and it seemed they pulled out all the stops. They had 2 giant screens so that the people in the back were able to enjoy the experience as much as the front row. As well, they moved the VIP area over so that they could create a standing/dancing/moshing area at the front of the stage. People had their spots chosen and seats reserved that morning! Lucky for us, we have connections to the Marina so we were able to have reserved spots without worrying about getting there early.
Similar to the Ruth B concert (Ruth B is extremely talented by the way and I would encourage everyone to see her if you get the chance), it rained right up until the first band performed...it poured rain at the Ruth B concert. The first band was a country group called River Town Saints and they were amazing. I'm slowly beginning to enjoy country music since moving to Peterborough and these guys did not disappoint! They were great at hyping up the crowd and encouraging the audience to dance. The group performed a medley to popular songs from other artists and it was very well done and so much fun!
Afterwards, Coleman Hell performed. You may know some of his songs such as “Devotion” and “Fireproof”. He's a unique performer. I have to be honest and say that, his voice didn't match the quality of his songs. It's always disappointing to realize that some good songs have been manipulated to make the artists sound better. I mean the songs are still good, whenever I hear them on the radio I turn them up. One thing I did like is that he was calling the crowd "Peterbros and Petersistas" - I liked it, I'll definitely have to use that one. Unfortunately, the whole performance brought my energy back down to a 2 out of 10. It just wasn't my "cup of tea" I guess you could say.
Which was unfortunate because the headliner Our Lady Peace was up next!! Our Lady Peace put on a great show! When I first agreed to go to this concert, I had heard of Our Lady Peace, but I was afraid that I wasn't going to know any of their songs. My friend Mollie assured me that I would definitely know some of their songs and I definitely did! The audience was so excited when they came on stage. Everyone was singing along and dancing. I had to say, after all these years, Our Lady Peace looks good - and their singing wasn't too shabby either. They've still got it! The concert went until about 11pm, but Mollie and I left early. I was on call that evening and very paranoid that I was going to get called in and have to walk the lengthy distance back to our cars alone. Luckily (and unluckily - call in = $$$) I didn't get called in during the performances or that night for a matter of fact. We still had a great time though!
Again, I would definitely 100% recommend that if anyone plans to come to Peterborough during the summer, attending a MusicFest performance is a MUST! That and the Peterborough Farmer's Market ... Blake and I love a good Farmer's Market; but that's a post for another day. Again, GO to the MusicFest - I can't say it enough! I'll see you there!
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