PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — A new chapter in Peterborough’s live music legacy hit all the right notes this summer as the city’s inaugural Future Sound Series, presented by Cogeco, wrapped up its debut season to strong crowds and community acclaim.
Hosted at Del Crary Park as part of Peterborough Musicfest’s 38th season, the series was designed to spotlight emerging musical talent from Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Across nine shows, ten local and regional artists took the stage, earning enthusiastic applause and a wave of new fans.
A Fresh Stage for Homegrown Talent
The Future Sound Series launched as a pre-show experience before Musicfest’s mainstage concerts, giving festivalgoers an opportunity to discover up-and-coming performers while enjoying food vendors and summer evenings by the water.
Performers included a lineup of rising regional acts such as Cale Crowe, Nickola Magnolia, Ryan Scott, VANCAMP, and Caitlin O’Connor. Blues rock artist Emily Burgess also took the Future Sound stage as 93.3 myFM’s Emerging Artist — a partnership that underscored the festival’s community-driven approach to nurturing new talent.
Cogeco Applauds Local Artists and Community Spirit
David Feeley, Manager, Central Ontario at Cogeco, said the collaboration between the telecommunications company and Peterborough Musicfest has already made a meaningful impact on the region’s arts scene.
“At Cogeco, we are incredibly proud to have partnered with Peterborough Musicfest to bring the Future Sound Series to life,” said Feeley. “The inaugural season has exceeded all expectations, and it has been truly inspiring to see the immense talent of local artists showcased on this new platform. The series perfectly aligns with our commitment to supporting the communities we serve, and we are thrilled to have played a part in providing these emerging musicians with a stage to share their passion. The success of this series is a testament to the thriving arts and culture scene in Peterborough, and we are excited to see what the future holds for these talented performers.”
Feeley noted that initiatives like the Future Sound Series help connect local creativity with broader opportunities, while reinforcing Cogeco’s role as a community partner supporting cultural and economic vitality.
A Dream Realized for Musicfest
For Peterborough Musicfest, now celebrating 38 years as Canada’s longest-running free-admission music festival, the addition of a second stage has been a long-time ambition. Executive Director Tracey Randall said the success of the new series was beyond expectation.
“The Future Sound Series was an incredible addition to Season 38,” Randall said. “A second stage has been something we’ve dreamed about at Musicfest for years, and thanks to Cogeco’s partnership, we were finally able to bring it to life. Our community embraced it from day one — showing up early, celebrating these incredible artists, and creating a buzz that carried into the mainstage shows. It’s proof that there’s an appetite for discovering and supporting local talent, and we’re so excited to keep building on that momentum.”
Randall emphasized that the response from festivalgoers and artists alike has validated the organization’s belief that investing in emerging talent strengthens both the local music ecosystem and the broader cultural economy of Peterborough.
Musicfest’s Cultural and Economic Impact
Season 38 of Peterborough Musicfest drew more than 100,000 fans to Del Crary Park over the summer, offering barrier-free concerts that mixed established Canadian acts with homegrown talent. Performances from artists such as Serena Ryder and Kim Mitchell highlighted a season that blended nostalgia with discovery, reinforcing the festival’s status as a regional cultural cornerstone.
As the festival prepares for its 39th season in 2026, the Future Sound Series is expected to grow into a key pillar of its programming. Organizers say the initiative will continue to offer local performers a professional platform while enhancing the overall audience experience.
About Peterborough Musicfest
Founded and sustained through a combination of local sponsorships, government support, fundraising initiatives, and private donations, Peterborough Musicfest remains proudly free to the public. The festival’s mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
Over the years, the festival has hosted performances by some of Canada’s most celebrated artists, including Dallas Green, Blue Rodeo, Metric, Terri Clark, Gordon Lightfoot, and Our Lady Peace.
The event is overseen by Executive Director Tracey Randall, her team, and a volunteer board of directors. Organizers continue to invite local businesses and individuals to become sponsors to ensure the festival’s ongoing success and accessibility.
For more information on upcoming programming or sponsorship opportunities, visit ptbomusicfest.ca or contact Peterborough Musicfest at 705-755-1111.
