Peterborough Musicfest – Lighthouse (Main Stage) & Carling Stephen (Future Sound Series)

Lighthouse burst on the scene in 1969 with an explosive sound that defied all conventions. Their unique blend of rock, jazz and classical influences made them one of the most dynamic concert acts of their time. Between 1970 and 1974 they were awarded 4 Junos, 9 gold records and 3 platinum while hits such as One Fine Morning, Sunny Days, Hats Off to the Stranger, 1849 and Pretty Lady raced to the top of Canadian and International charts.

Lighthouse was the first Canadian rock band asked to headline the Newport, Monterey and Boston Globe Jazz Festivals; the first to perform with Symphony Orchestras and the first to collaborate with a Classical Ballet Company. Lighthouse was the only act invited to perform a second night at the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight Festival among acts that included The Who, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, Chicago and The Doors.

Back home in Toronto, the band’s free concerts at Nathan Phillip’s Square attracted one hundred thousand people.  Lighthouse toured up to three hundred days a year performing to standing ovations across North America, Europe and Asia with an emphasis on concerts in the cities, towns and small hamlets of every province across the country. It would be hard to find a person who lived in Canada through the 1970s who didn’t see the group live. They were, and remain, Canada’s band.

After regrouping several times, Lighthouse permanently reunited in 1990. The band continues to record and tour, performing with the same free-wheeling, hard-driving sound that has kept them on the airwaves and in the hearts of fans for more than 50 years. Recent honours include inductions into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. The band’s newest release is a vinyl double-album Anniversary Edition of One Fine Morning, remixed and remastered, and a second album of never-released demos.

Lighthouse features co-founder Paul Hoffert leading an all-star line-up that includes 1970 original member Russ Little with Dan Clancy, Doug Moore, Marc Ganetakos, Chris Howells, Simon Wallis, Michael Stuart, Peter Kadar and Paul DeLong.

Peterborough Musicfest is one of Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival and a highlight of the summer season for visitors exploring Peterborough County and the Kawarthas. The series takes place at Del Crary Park on the shores of Little Lake, offering a scenic waterfront setting for live music under the stars.

Held every Wednesday and Saturday evening from late June to mid August, Peterborough Musicfest features a dynamic mix of Canadian and international artists across genres including rock, pop, country, indie, folk, and roots. Each concert evening begins with the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco starting at 6:30 pm, followed by the headline performance at 8:00 pm on the Fred Anderson Stage.

Musicfest is proudly free, barrier-free, and family-friendly, making it an easy addition to a regional getaway. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a relaxed summer evening by the water. On-site food vendors and nearby dining options enhance the experience, while accommodations, lakes, trails, beaches, and cycling routes throughout Peterborough County make it simple to plan a full day or weekend around a concert night.

For travellers staying across the County, Peterborough Musicfest offers a memorable evening experience that pairs perfectly with the region’s outdoor adventures and small-town charm — bringing people together through live music all summer long.