The Kawarthas Tourism

ininige / s/he holds
2024-06-12 12:00 - 2024-08-10 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Artspace, 3-378 Aylmer Street N, Peterborough, ON, K9H 3V8, Canada
Guest curated by Lori Beavis, ininige examines the work of five contemporary women artists each of whom carry knowledge, memory and skills developed across time and through their art practice. They may be carrying skills learned at a young age, holding the vestige of a love of textiles and patterning from childhood; skills acquired in an academic or group setting; or skills that carry forward from life experience. Each artist is looking backwards and forwards in time – they are relearning and bringing forward material, cultural, and artistic practices, relearning, and teaching these art practices to others –inter-generationally or peer-to-peer. And, they are working in a variety of media as they explore culture, identity, and memory, often as these elements are held in the body.
What does it mean to hold something?
What do we hold from the past that carries us into the future?
The Anishinaabemowin, ininige is a transitive verb meaning, “s/he holds, handles things a certain way; s/he points in a certain direction.” In the English language this word ‘hold’, can be associated as a verb with various adverbs –to hold on, hold to, hold out, hold in – there is also to hold hands, to hold something or someone.
These action words are based in both knowing the past and retaining knowledge/ something for the future. Both are actions that resonates across time. In Anishinaabemowin there is another transitive verb, gashkin or gashkinan that means, ‘to be able to hold, lift, carry it.’
In one of the early stages of thinking through the curatorial thematic for this exhibition – the idea of Indigenous Futurisms was floated. Anishinaabe cultural critic, Grace Dillon first wrote of “Indigenous Futurisms”, in her book, Walking the Clouds: An Anthology of Indigenous Science Fiction (2003). She was actively thinking through perspectives on narrative – in science fiction but also in speculative story-telling and as an imagining of all artistic forms and creativity in order to imagine and visualize all the possible futures for Indigenous people.
From this, there are many ways to consider this genre, but I have come to the idea of Indigenous Futurisms as the way we look to the future – as women, daughters, sisters, mothers, carers, grandmothers by looking both backwards and forward.
I am appreciative of the words of Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe scholar, writer, and author Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, who writes in As We Have Always Done, “The idea of my arms encircling my grandchildren, and their arms embracing their grandchildren is communicated in the Nishinaabeg word, kobade. According to Elder, Edna Manitowabi, kobade is a word we use to refer to our great-grandparents and our great-grandchildren. It means a link in a chain – a link in a chain between generations, between Nations, between states of being, between individuals.”
In this exhibition, these five artists are holding on to one another across generational paths. They are making art that is a transference of influences, knowledge, and techniques. One generation is taking up from the past, holding, building, and carrying into the future.
These five artists – Shelley Niro, Alice Williams, Sandra (Sam) Moore, Dehmin Osawamick Cleland, and Teresa Vander Meer-Chasse – are part of a continuum, some with Artspace itself, and others with the Michi Saagiig territory that Artspace is on and others taking up the mantle of those who have gone before as they move into the future. It is generational and it is a reinforcement of strength.
Shelley Niro and Alice Williams, both established artists, are among the first Indigenous artists to have exhibited at Artspace. In 1997, Niro was one of the artists in Native Love, a group exhibition that the Nation to Nation collective toured across the country. Williams’ textile work has been shown at Artspace, in solo exhibitions, at different points from the late 1990s onwards. Sandra (Sam) Moore is a community-based artist and pedagogue who is responsible in many ways for the revitalization of traditional arts, such as porcupine quillwork, tufting, hide and fish tanning and pine needle work on her home territory. Dehmin Osawamick Cleland is an emerging Anishinaabe-kwe artist whose work while planted in the present looks both to the past and forward to an Indigenous future that is strengthened through sovereignty.
This exhibition brings together artists who each incorporate the knowledges they have been taught. Through their practices they have built relationships that hold them, that they use as a means to carry their knowledge across the generations. They know the histories and have developed strong and sustaining relationships with the land, their materials, and the people. Each artist explores their identity through their own connection to territory, the land, family, stories and history, culture, language/ song, community, and memory. Each in their own way tells stories of reclamation and continuity by looking both backwards and forward to the future.
Regular Visiting Hours
Wed 12 – 4pm
Thu 12 – 4pm
Fri 10am – 4pm
Sat 10am – 4pm

Watershed
2024-06-26 11:00 - 2024-10-06 17:00 | Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough, ON, K9J 2G1, Canada
“In waterways, there is a constant flow of intergenerational knowledge passing through the lakes, rivers and oceans; every body of water holds a spirit, a history and informs the land.” – Shannon Webb-Campbell
“Watershed,” is a group exhibition at the Art Gallery of Peterborough featuring the work of Mary Anne Barkhouse, John Boyle, Brad Copping, Liz Magor, Stan Olthuis, Amanda Strong, and Olivia Whetung.
Contemplating wetlands and beaver dams, the Trent-Severn Waterway and canoes, “Watershed” considers the ways in which power dynamics teeter at the surface of the water.

Figuring Identity: declarations and dreams
2024-06-26 11:00 - 2024-10-06 17:00 | Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough, ON, K9J 2G1, Canada
Works from the Youth Art Mentorship Program
Featuring local youth artists: Masinjah Aloh, Ruby Carbert, Annabelle Diamond, Artemis Lishman, and Jace McIntyre
This exhibition is the culmination of the 2023/24 Youth Art Mentorship Program. Now in its third year, this program provides an opportunity for artists at the end of their high school careers to work with an artist-mentor, developing work for exhibition at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
“Figuring Identity: declarations and dreams” includes paintings and sculptural works speaking to where these artists have come from, where they’re going, and how it feels to be here now.
Funding for this project was made possible by a grant from the PCVS Legacy Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.

40th Anniversary: KAST Selections Exhibition
2024-07-06 11:00 - 2024-09-29 17:00 | Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough, ON, K9J 2G1, Canada
Featuring one work by each of this year’s participating artists, the 40th Anniversary: KAST Selection Exhibition seeks to capture the outstanding quality, spirit, and variety available on this year’s tour.
These works display an eager exploration of our surroundings, a love for the region, and a talent for pushing boundaries. Playful, strong, and considered, the artists exhibited here utilize their materials to the fullest advantage and consider composition, texture, and line. Offering a wide range of mediums and processes, the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour has something for everyone. Unexpected, honest, striking, delicate, whimsical, and contemplative, this group of artists exemplifies our strong and vital community.
With many new and returning artists, this year’s tour offers a chance to connect with and support the region’s creative community. Pick your favourites and plan your route using our printed maps or the Toureka app.

Splash Pad Get Together
2024-07-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Barnardo Park, 955 Barnardo Avenue, Peterborough, ON, K9H 5W9
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED & IT’S FREE!
Dive into fun at our Splash Pad Get Together! Join us for a delightful couple of hours of water play and community at Barnardo Park’s splash pad and playground.
Bring along your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes for the little ones as they splash and play to their heart’s content. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and plenty of water to keep everyone energized and hydrated throughout the day.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Classic Car & Truck Night
2024-07-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Buckhorn Community Centre, 1782 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn, ON, K0L 1J0, Canada
Join us at the BCC every Tuesday evening for a classic cars & truck show!

Bring your classic car or drop by to have a look!
The BBQ is fired up from 5pm – 6:30pm
Live music & fifty fifty draw!

Weather permitting 5pm – 7pm, June 4 – September 10.

Texty Tuesdays at Artspace
2024-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Artspace, 3-378 Aylmer Street N, Peterborough, ON, K9H 3V8, Canada
Texty Tuesdays are here! Join Artspace in this exciting five-part series where we learn about all things text.
Get ready to dive into the world of text through creativity and expression. Each Texty Tuesday session includes interactive writing exercises, group discussions, drawing, and other forms of artistic expression. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow wordsmiths, share ideas, and feel inspired.
Don’t worry if you’re new to writing or if you’re a seasoned pro – everyone is welcome! We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and this event is all about celebrating the power of words.
Session Calendar:

April 16th: National Poetry Month (NaPoMo)
NaPoMo 2024 has the theme of “weather”. Join this national movement, and come make your own poetry ‘zine or chapbook on the theme. We will read poems about weather, we will write poems about the weather, and produce, on-the-spot, illustrated ‘zines and chapbooks.
June 18th: Pride in Poetry, with special guests!
July 16th: TBD

Patio Pints
2024-07-17 18:30 - 21:30 | Farmhill Weddings, 2709 Dillon Road, Peterborough, K9J 6X8
PATIO PINTS – free concert series offered every Wednesday from JUNE – SEPTEMBER 6:30 – 9:30 pm (open from 5:30 – 10:30 pm)
First come first serve, pub style. Reservations are only accepted for groups over 8.
Cafe at Millen + Smith acres will be offering food truck style food options + cool treats!
July Artists
17th – Ty Wilson
24th – Homestead Elite
31st – Erin Blackstock
August Artists
7th – Jeff Biggar
14th – Cadence Grace
21st – Ty Wilson
28th – Rachel & Ayden
September Artists
4th – Kevin Foster
11th – Deanna Earle
18th – Joanna & Danny Bonson
25th – Alyssa & Kyler

Peterborough Musicfest Presents: Metric
2024-07-17 20:00 - 21:30 | Del Crary Park, 2 George Street, Peterborough, ON, K9J 3H1, Canada
Peterborough Musicfest is excited to welcome Metric to Del Crary Park on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. This is one of many acts that will be featured during Musicfest’s 37th year at the park overlooking Little Lake in downtown Peterborough.
In 1998, songwriting and production duo Emily Haines & Jimmy Shaw formed Metric and left Toronto for New York City in search of like-minded artists. In 2001/2002, they were joined by drummer Joules Scott Key & bassist Joshua Winstead, and found themselves at the centre of the city’s burgeoning alt-rock scene alongside bands like LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes, TV On the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol and more.
Their latest LP, Formentera II, was released in October, 2023, via their label MMI & Thirty Tigers. It is a testament to Metric’s singular purpose and stands among their best and most genre-defying work. The album closes the 18-song cycle started by 2022’s critically acclaimed Formentera.
A few quick Peterborough related Metric facts: Metric last appeared in Peterborough back in 2010 at the Memorial Centre and lead singer Emily Haines’ brother Tim Haines operates local record store Blue Streak records in downtown Peterborough located on George Street.
Peterborough Musicfest’s 37th season runs from, June 29 to August 17, 2024 with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night.

Lakefield Farmers' Market
2024-07-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, 20 Concession St, Lakefield, Lakefield, K0L 2H0
Lakefield Farmers’ Market
May 16 – October 10, 2024
This seasonal market brings together farmers offering locally grown food, talented artisans providing crafts & entertainment and food vendors who used locally grown produce in the delicacies they serve.
The market provides locals a fun, friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to mingle, enjoy music, try a variety of foods and shop for local produce.

Date: Thursdays (mid-May to October – Rain or Shine)
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Address: Lakefield Arena Parking Lot – 20 Concession Street, Lakefield
Email: info@lakefieldfarmersmarket.net
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Summer Workshops- Puppets
2024-07-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Hutchison House Museum, 270 Brock Street, Peterborough, Ontario, K9H 2P9, Canada
Puppets come in all shapes and sizes and are a great source of entertainment for all ages. In this hands-on activity, children can let their imaginations run wild while practicing a number of craft making skills. Not only are they fun to make, but the end result will provide them with hours of fun. Programs run from 9:30am – 12pm. The cost is $25 per attendant and pre-registration is required. For ages 6-12. Children are encouraged to bring their own snacks.
For more information phone 705-743-9710 or visit the website at www.hutchisonhouse.ca or visit us on Facebook!

Afternoon Tea at Lang Pioneer Village
2024-07-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-07-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-07-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Lang Pioneer Village Museum, 104 Lang Road, Keene, K0L1C0
Throughout our summer season, have a seat and visit with us in our Keene Hotel for a traditional afternoon tea experience. Enjoy a warm or cold beverage and a variety of freshly-baked treats served by our knowledgeable interpreters.
Afternoon tea is offered in July and August from 1 pm to 3 pm, Wednesday to Sunday (excluding special event weekends) at a cost of $6 per person. Advance booking is required. Admission to the site is not included.

Pub Night Thursdays
2024-07-18 18:30 - 21:30 | Chemong Lodge, 764 Hunter Street, Bridgenorth, Ontario, K0L1H0, Canada
Join us every Thursday in the Pub for live music, classic pub fare and cold beers!
Feeling peckish? We will be releasing our pub-approved $13 bites menu, filled with classics like devilled eggs, cheeseburger sliders, tacos & more, alongside beverage specials that will be available exclusively in the pub.
Come one, come all and join us for Pub Night Thursdays at the Lodge

2024 Lakefield Literary Festival
2024-07-19 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-20 08:00 - 21:00 | Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School, 4391 County Rd 29, Lakefield, Ontario, K0L 2H0, Canada
The Lakefield Literary Festival is a cherished annual event that honours the magic of literature in Canada. For almost 30 years, it has provided a platform for Canadian writers and readers to connect and exchange ideas.
Immerse yourself in the words of our talented writers and then take some time to breathe and explore the natural beauty of summer in the Kawartha Lakes. You’re sure to feel inspired.
The next Lakefield Literary Festival will take place on July 19 and 20, 2024 in the beautiful Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School. Two authors will be presented on Friday evening; the Children’s Tent will offer its popular program on Saturday morning at Lakefield’s downtown Cenotaph Park; two authors will be presented on Saturday afternoon; and multiple authors will be presented on Saturday.

Ennismore Curling Club Annual Garage & Bake Sale
2024-07-19 15:00 - 19:00, 2024-07-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Ennismore Community Centre, 553 Ennis Rd, Ennismore, ON, K0L 1T0
The Ennismore Curling Club hosts its annual garage and bake sale during the Ennismore Shamrock Festival, Friday July 19th 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, and Saturday July 20, 2024 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
We have books, puzzles, toys, jewelry household and gardening items, and much more. Home-baked treats are plentiful at the bake sale. Plus, come give Street Curling a try!

Weiner Dog Racing
2024-07-19 19:00 | Kawartha Downs, 1328 County Road 28, Fraserville, ON, K0L 1V0
Meet the Derby Dogs up close and personal as they try their luck at scoring big in our first ever WEINER DOG DERBY…
Meet and Greet with Peterborough Pete’s Mascot Roger as he helps keep all the pup’s in line.
Guests are encouraged to take part in guessing the TOP DOG for a Prize.
Hot Dog Special at the Concession Stands.
Help raise money for the Local Peterborough Humane Society.
Try out the Harness Racing virtual reality Simulator.

Peterborough Perpetrators
2024-07-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Confederation Park, 499 George Street North, Peterborough, Ontario, K9H 7E7, Canada
Join true crime enthusiast and historian Maddie More as she tells you about the robberies, murders, and other crimes that captivated the attention of the Peterborough community in the 19th and 20th centuries. This is a walking tour that covers several blocks in the downtown core. The tour sticks to the main sidewalks and is on primarily flat ground, but may not be accessible to everyone. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour will run rain or shine. The tour begins in front of the cenotaph in Confederation Park.

Harness Racing Live
2024-07-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Kawartha Downs, 1328 County Road 28, Fraserville, ON, K0L 1V0
Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.
Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.
The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.
When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.
The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage, etc.

FREE ADMISSION
Learn more about Harness Racing here.
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The 32nd Giant Indoor Flea Market
2024-07-20 08:30 - 14:00 | North Kawartha Community Centre, 340 McFadden Rd, Apsley, K0L 1A0
On the third Saturday in July (20/24), the Apsley Lions Club hosts the Giant Flea Market, which features bargain prices on everything from toys to TVs, furniture, appliances, sporting goods, and all manner of things you didn’t know you needed. There are also vendors and auctions (silent and otherwise). This is a one-day-only event, so plan your strategy, and be prepared to line up around the NKCC, early in the morning, to have a chance of getting the best bargain. There is bound to be something for everyone. Don’t miss out!
Donations of items are accepted prior to the event.

2024 Ennismore Shamrock Festival
2024-07-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Robert E. Young Recreation Complex, 553 Ennis Road, Ennismore, Ontario, K0L 1T0, Canada
The Ennismore Shamrock Festival is a long standing tradition in the heart of Ennismore that began in 1967 as a Centennial year celebration.
FREE Family Fun Day from 10:00AM-2:00PM at the Robert E. Young Recreation Complex (553 Ennis Road, Ennismore)

Pancake Breakfast hosted by MPP Dave Smith from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
BBQ, hosted by the Shamrock Festival Committee – including peameal bacon on a bun, burgers, hot dogs & drinks
Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Games & Obstacle Courses
Petting Zoo – Miniature farm animals look forward to meeting you! Critter Visits packs up & goes to where the people are.
Sno Cones
Beavertails
Central Smith Ice Cream
Garage Sale from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM , hosted by the Ennismore Curling Club
Ennismore Optimist Club Youth Soccer Tournament (outdoors at the soccer fields)
Ennismore Optimist Club Youth Rookie Ball Tournament (outdoors at ball diamond)
and so much more!

Hat Decorating
2024-07-20 12:00 - 15:00 | Kawartha Country Wines, 2452 County Road 36, Buckhorn, ON, K0L 1J0
Join us for a unique and creative hat decorating class where you can let your imagination run wild! Choose from a wide selection of hat styles and colours, then pick from a variety of trims and accessories to create a one-of-a-kind personalized hat that reflects your personal style.
Not only will you have a blast designing your own hat, but you’ll also enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or cider and indulge in our snack table. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon expressing your creativity and having fun with friends.
Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to create a wearable piece of art that is as unique as you are. Sign up now and get ready to unleash your inner fashion designer at our hat decorating class!

Healing in the Lavender
2024-07-20 12:00 - 18:00 | Rocky Meadows Lavender, 2295 County Rd 38, Asphodel-Norwood, K0L 2B0, Canada
Healing sessions are available to book at Rocky Meadows Lavender farm during the month of July.
Owners Kara & Chris are amazing people to talk to. Their products are beautiful, natural, and smell amazing. An afternoon at their farm is always a lovely visit! Highly recommend stopping by after your session and meeting Kara to try out her beautiful line of lavender-infused items as well as an amazing array of gift items anyone would love.
Lavender flowers and oils have a popular scent that are also used as medicine. Lavender contains an oil that seems to have calming effects and might relax certain muscles. It also has been said to have antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Monster Trucks Daytime Show
2024-07-20 13:00 | Kawartha Downs, 1328 County Road 28, Fraserville, ON, K0L 1V0
THE MONSTER MADNESS TOUR BRINGS GIANT MONSTER TRUCKS AND DEATH DEFYING FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS TO KAWARTHA DOWNS!
1:00 pm pit party and 2:30 pm show time
$40 for Adults – $20 for Kids

Lock & Paddle 2024
2024-07-20 13:00 - 17:30 | Peterborough Lift Lock, 353 Hunter Street E, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Join Parks Canada and hundreds of your fellow paddlers across Ontario and Quebec for this free mass paddling event on the historic canals and waterways. Paddlers of all skills levels and backgrounds will come together July 20 at three participating national historic sites in Peterborough, Ottawa and Montreal for a special event celebrating our colourful community of paddlers. Launch your canoe or kayak alongside new friends and family and come experience this one-of-a-kind event with Parks Canada.
This year’s theme ‘Lift Your Spirits,’ invites paddlers and attendees to show us what makes them happy! Paddlers get to experience going down the Lift Locks and paddling through the canal. This free all-ages event invites anyone to decorate their vessel, wear a costume or have fun.
What is Lock & Paddle?
Since 2017, Lock & Paddle has been a signature community paddling event held annually on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lock & Paddle is best described as a ‘flash mob’ or ‘critical mass’ of canoes and kayaks. Visitors of all skills and backgrounds are invited to come together and pack the locks for this one-day event celebrating these historic treasures. Paddlers from all around will travel to be a part of this unique show.
Beginners or those with accessibility needs can enter the waterway at the Visitor Centre on-site at the event. Canoes can be launched at the following places:

Beavermead Campground – 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough (Five-minute paddle to Lock 20)
Rogers Cove – 131 Maria Street, Peterborough (Five-minute paddle to Lock 20)
Millennium Park – 130 King Street, Peterborough (20-minute paddle to Lock 20)
Del Crary Park – 100 George Street, Peterborough (35-minute paddle to Lock 20)
Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre – 353 Hunter Street East, Peterborough (Drop-off only)

There is no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (except for vehicles with Handicapped Accessible signage). A paddle craft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre.
Parking options nearby:

Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters (2155 Ashburnham Dr.)
Eastgate Memorial Park (2150 Ashburnham Dr.)
Beavermead Campground (2011 Ashburnham Dr.)
Rogers Cove (131 Maria St.)

This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event that will happen rain or shine.
Don’t have your own boat or gear but still want to make a splash? Check out these local rental options:

Kawartha Outfitters
(Millennium Park near the Silver Bean, 1 King Street, Peterborough, Ontario)
Wild Rock Outfitters
(169 Charlotte Street, Peterborough, Ontario)
Liftlock Paddle Co
(Online registration only)
Beavermead Campground
(2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, Ontario)
Adventure Outfitters
(1828 8th Line, Lakefield, Ontario)
Cottage Toys
(37 Concession Street, Lakefield, Ontario)

Monster Trucks Evening Show
2024-07-20 17:00 | Kawartha Downs, 1328 County Road 28, Fraserville, ON, K0L 1V0
THE MONSTER MADNESS TOUR BRINGS GIANT MONSTER TRUCKS AND DEATH DEFYING FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS TO KAWARTHA DOWNS!
5:00pm pit party and 6:30pm show time
$40 for Adults – $20 for Kids

Peterborough Musicfest Presents: Beau Dixon Band
2024-07-20 20:00 - 21:30 | Del Crary Park, 2 George Street, Peterborough, ON, K9J 3H1, Canada
Born in Detroit, Michigan, the birthplace of Motown, Beau Dixon developed a passion for music in his formative years after discovering the sound of Stevie Wonder in his parents’ record collection. Insisting on taking piano lessons at age six, his first gig came at age twelve, playing piano for his father’s church services in London, Ontario. After high school, he pursued music full time as a multi-instrumentalist and lead singer for rock bands, touring in the United States, Canada and Europe. He has written and produced songs for radio and television and has appeared on numerous albums. In 2000, Beau started his own recording studio (Sound Kitchen Studio) in Peterborough, Ontario and will be gracing the Musicfest stage with his eponymous band July 20th.
As a sound designer, he was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for the production of Rifles at the Shaw Festival and Praxis Theatre. Beau has recently taken on the role of music director for Sheridan College and Lakefield College School, and in summer of 2021 he was curator and music director for the Stratford Festival’s production of Freedom: The Spirit and Legacy of Black Music.
As an artist of mixed race, Beau proudly carves the legacy of his ancestors into all of his work and publicly advocates racial inclusion.

Listen to Beau Dixon HERE
