Peterborough, ON — August 11, 2025 — As Peterborough Musicfest’s 38th season enters its final week, the festival is closing out with two high-profile performances on the Fred Anderson Stage that organizers expect will draw some of the summer’s largest audiences.
On Wednesday, August 13, internationally acclaimed singing duo Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman — known collectively as Choir! Choir! Choir! — return to Peterborough for what they promise will be another unforgettable night of mass community singing. Two nights later, on Saturday, August 16, Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell will deliver the season finale, marking his fifth appearance at the free-admission event.
The midweek performance, billed as “We Will CHOIR! You!: An EPIC QUEEN Sing-Along,” is expected to replicate the atmosphere that made the group’s 2024 debut a standout moment for the festival. Last year, the combination of warm summer air and thousands of voices singing in unison created what organizers and attendees described as a magical evening.
This time, the duo will lead the crowd through Queen’s most iconic hits — including Bohemian Rhapsody and Don’t Stop Me Now — as well as other fan favourites. The show’s format requires no prior singing experience. “Whether you sing in the shower, hum while doing dishes, or belt out tunes on your commute, everyone is invited to come as they are and join in the fun,” the group says.
Founded in 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! has gained global recognition for breaking down the barriers between performers and audiences. They have collaborated with major artists including Patti Smith, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Rick Astley, and Rufus Wainwright — as well as a whimsical performance alongside Kermit the Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center. Their viral performances have been viewed millions of times online, but the core appeal remains the live, interactive experience.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of Happy Hour food deals from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., a feature the festival has offered throughout the season to encourage community gathering before the music begins.
Two days later, Kim Mitchell will take the stage in what Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Tracey Randall calls a perfect way to close the summer program. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kim Mitchell back to Peterborough for another incredible show. With his legendary career and electric live performances, there’s no better way to wrap up what has been an amazing season for the festival,” she said.
Mitchell’s history with the Musicfest dates back nearly three decades, with previous shows in 1997, 2002, 2012 — including a rainout rescheduled performance — and a 2017 concert marking Canada’s 150th anniversary.
The Sarnia-born musician’s career spans his early years as frontman of Max Webster, a group known for its gold and platinum albums and energetic touring presence. Co-founded with lyricist Pye Dubois, Max Webster became a mainstay of Canadian rock in the late ’70s and ’80s. Gene Simmons of KISS once remarked to the band, “We were terrified of you guys, you could actually play.”
Mitchell launched his solo career in 1982, achieving international recognition with Akimbo Alogo and the single Go For A Soda, which charted in the U.S. and appeared in television series Miami Vice and a Mr. Pibb commercial. His 1986 album Shakin’ Like A Human Being remains his most commercially successful, featuring hits such as Easy To Tame, Alana Loves Me, and Patio Lanterns.
With over 1.5 million albums sold, Mitchell says his live shows continue to evolve. “I’m all about customer service,” he explained. “People come out to hear certain songs and hear me playing them. But they have been morphing and going through some changes. So Go For A Soda sounds a little different the way we play it on a given night. And we will start to jam out on some of the songs and be a little freer with the arrangements. I like to give people what they want.”
Saturday’s performance is expected to attract the festival’s largest crowd of the season. Organizers recommend arriving early both to secure a good viewing spot and to enjoy food offerings from local vendors.
Peterborough Musicfest remains one of Canada’s longest-running free-admission music festivals, a feat made possible through a mix of corporate sponsorships — primarily from locally owned businesses — as well as government funding, private donations, and fundraising initiatives. Past performers have included Dallas Green, Little River Band, Metric, Our Lady Peace, Serena Ryder, Gordon Lightfoot, 54-40, and Blue Rodeo.
The festival’s mission, as stated by its board and staff, is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.” To maintain that mandate and continue attracting top-tier artists, the organization invites businesses and individuals to consider sponsorship opportunities.
Both the Choir! Choir! Choir! sing-along and the Kim Mitchell concert will take place on the Fred Anderson Stage at Del Crary Park. Admission is free for both events.
For further information, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or follow @ptbomusicfest on social media. Media representatives planning to cover the shows are encouraged to request passes in advance to ensure access and accommodations.