Canadian alternative rock icon set to perform at Del Crary Park on July 22
PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — Canadian singer-songwriter Matthew Good and his band will headline Peterborough Musicfest on Wednesday, July 22, marking the artist’s first appearance at the long-running outdoor concert series.
The performance will take place on the Fred Anderson Stage at Del Crary Park and is expected to draw a significant crowd as one of the marquee events of the summer festival season.
For more than 30 years, Good has remained one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Canadian rock music, building a career that spans chart-topping releases, critically acclaimed albums and a reputation for socially conscious songwriting.
First rising to prominence as the frontman of the Matthew Good Band in the 1990s, Good became known for blending alternative rock with politically and emotionally charged lyrics. The band produced a series of successful releases that helped define Canadian rock during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Songs including “Hello Timebomb,” “Load Me Up,” “Apparitions,” “Everything Is Automatic,” and “Indestructible” became staples on Canadian radio, helping the group earn widespread commercial success and critical recognition.
Career spans decades of commercial and critical success
The Matthew Good Band earned JUNO Awards for Best Group and Best Rock Album for Beautiful Midnight, while also establishing itself as one of the country’s leading live acts.
Following the band’s breakup in 2002, Good launched a solo career that further expanded his artistic profile. Albums such as Avalanche and Vancouver reinforced his standing within the Canadian music industry and contributed to a total of 21 JUNO Award nominations over the course of his career.
Throughout both his band and solo work, Good has frequently explored political, social and mental health themes in his music, balancing introspective songwriting with broader cultural commentary.
Organizers say his appearance at Peterborough Musicfest reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to presenting established Canadian talent alongside emerging performers.
Future Sound Series to feature Graeme Jonez
Before the main stage performance, audiences will also have the opportunity to see Indigenous artist Graeme Jonez perform at 6:30 p.m. on the side stage as part of the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco.
Graeme Jonez’s appearance is supported through The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, an organization focused on amplifying Indigenous voices and stories through music, arts and education initiatives.
Festival organizers say the Future Sound Series continues to provide a platform for developing artists while strengthening community engagement through diverse musical programming.
Organizers expect strong attendance
Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to secure viewing spots and take part in the evening’s activities at Del Crary Park.
Food vendors will open at 5 p.m., offering a range of local food options, while volunteers will also be selling tickets for the Peterborough Musicfest 50/50 fundraising raffle draw throughout the evening.
With Matthew Good making his debut appearance at the festival, organizers anticipate attendance levels similar to previous high-profile headline events.
Concert schedule
Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco
Graeme Jonez
6:30 p.m. | Side Stage
Main Stage Performance
Matthew Good and His Band
8:00 p.m. | Fred Anderson Stage
Long-running festival remains free to the public
Peterborough Musicfest, held annually at Del Crary Park, is recognized as Canada’s longest-running free-admission outdoor concert series.
Festival organizers noted that admission to all concerts continues to be offered free of charge through the support of sponsors, donors, government funding partners and community organizations.
The addition of Matthew Good and his band to this year’s lineup is expected to further strengthen the festival’s position as one of Ontario’s leading summer live music events, while also highlighting the continued demand for established Canadian artists on the national touring circuit.