ROB DRAL The Standard

UXBRIDGE: Fair season is in full swing, and the next stop is Uxbridge.

The 2016 Uxbridge Fall Fair comes to town on Friday, Sept. 9th to the 11th.  Organizers are excited to bounce back from inclement weather last year, to bring the community the best fall fair to date.

 The Uxbridge Fall Fair has something for everyone. It starts on Friday, Sept. 9th, at 5:00 p.m., with the Midway and the Tractor Pull at 7 p.m.

John Park, President of the Uxbridge Fair Board, told The Standard, this year’s Tractor Pull features pullers from all over Ontario, The United States, and Quebec. “We’ve got the multi-engine, we’ve got the big stuff!”

Saturday, Sept. 10th is a full day of events, starting with The Uxbridge Horseman’s Association Fun Games at 10 a.m. The sheep, dairy, and pet show kicks off at 11 a.m.

John told The Standard one of the new events this year is “Leaf Blower Soccer.” It was briefly demonstrated at last year’s fair and is exactly what it sounds like; Soccer using industrial-sized leaf blowers to advance the ball, instead of kicking it. Leaf blower soccer begins at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Demolition Derby begins.

John Park said this year, the board decided to keep the Derby local, instead of bringing in a third party contractor to hold the derby, in order to facilitate as much local participation as possible. When a contractor puts on a Demolition Derby, competitors usually come from all over the continent, with cars that are just too reinforced and expensive for local competitors to compete with. John said by putting on the Demolition Derby themselves, locals from the community are given a chance to enjoy a derby and compete with other locals.

Sunday, Sept. 11th, is also a full day of activities, beginning with the Heavy Horse Show, at 9:00 a.m. Popular events such as the Cruise-In Car Show, poultry show, and baby show begin at 11:00 a.m. There will also be cow milking, sheep shearing, and Mounted Equine Game demonstrations, throughout the afternoon.

The Midway rides are open all three days. Midway tickets are $25, with discount bracelets available until Thursday, Sept. 8th. Advance sale is for Friday only.

Fall Fair admission is $12 daily, for anyone over the age of 13. Those of ages 13 and under get in for free all weekend! Parking is also free. Money raised at this year’s Fall Fair goes back to pay the winner’s of this year’s Fall Fair contests, and to support many different charitable initiatives in Uxbridge.

The Uxbridge Fall Fair will be held at Elgin Park in Uxbridge. For more information, visit The Uxbridge Fall Fair website at www.uxbridgefair.ca or look them up on Facebook, by searching ‘Uxbridge Fall Fair.’

NORTH DURHAM: Durham region based concert promoter, Black Moon Entertainment, is once again bringing their Ultimate Artists Live concert series to the Town Hall 1873 theatre in Port Perry.

On Friday, September 16th, The Bon Jovi Show comes to town. This show features North America's most authentic Bon Jovi tribute band, covering hits that span the entire Bon Jovi discography.

On Saturday, November 5th, The Neil Young Show will be performing on the Town Hall stage. This tribute, to the iconic Canadian legend, will perform songs such as: Cinnamon Girl, Hey Hey My My and Southern Man to name a few.

Tickets for both shows are $34 (incl tax) and are available for pick up, at the Town Hall 1873 box office, or can be purchased online, at www.townhall1873.ca

The Ultimate Artists Live concert series produces authentic tribute shows, that truly encompass The Look, The Sound, and The Hits! Join Black Moon Entertainment and Ultimate Artists Live on Facebook, to receive upcoming concert announcements and information.

SCUGOG: Expand your cultural perspective and explore the artistic process, with the new exhibit “It’s Academic” by artist Nancy R. Chalut.

The Opening Reception will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10th. The show will run from Sept. 10th to Thursday, Oct. 13th, in the Kent Farndale Gallery in the Scugog Memorial Public Library, at 231 Water St., in Port Perry.

Nancy R. Chalut is a local artist who specializes in the realism style of the Renaissance masters, and her exhibit, “It’s Academic”, is a visual journey into an artistic process that has its roots in Renaissance art.

Visitors will gain insight into academic realism, through the study of various drawing techniques and media forms. The exhibition will include works in graphite, charcoal and oils, and will display various graphite studies, that may or may not make it to the easel for painting.

The Kent Farndale Gallery is open 7 days a week during library hours. Please call 905-985-7686 for more information.

DAN CEARNS The Standard

SCUGOG: Woodville native James Barker and his band will be hoping for a positive reaction from the crowd, when they take to the stage for the Port Perry Fair concert on Sunday, Sept. 4.

The band will be performing as the opener for country music band Cold Creek County.

“We’ve played with Cold Creek before and they are great guys. We just can’t wait to play for them, and to get the crowd fired up,” Mr. Barker said.

Mr. Barker’s love of music started when he was just four years-old, while he was learning how to play the violin.

“I think you could say [the band members] were born musicians. We all played instruments at a young age, and it escalated into us becoming professionals,” Mr. Barker said.

Growing up on a farm, Mr. Barker said it was just natural that he ended up choosing country music.
“The subjects are so relatable since we experienced them,” he said.

Mr. Barker also described the band’s music as country with funk and groove influences. In the past few years, the band has opened up for names such as: Kira Isabella, Emerson Drive, Leah Daniels and Tim Hicks.

Mr. Barker mentioned one of the more memorable performances for him was when the band opened for Thomas Rhett, at the Boots and Hearts festival last year.

“There was just over 40,000 people there. You can’t describe how many people that is unless you experience it. No picture will ever do that justice,” he said.

The James Barker band last performed in Port Perry at the first ever Port Perry Ribfest.

“Since it was the first Ribfest, we weren’t sure what kind of a turnout we would get, but the place was packed.”            

Mr. Barker shared that the group is really excited about the opportunity to perform at the fair.

“We’ve been there to see the acts the last few years, and it is always a great show.”

The concert will start at 8 p.m., at the entertainment shelter. The fairgrounds are located at 15835 Old Simcoe Rd.

Port Perry ON, - WISP - High Speed Internet is pleased to announce their title sponsorship of the Winding Roads Country Music Festival, to be held September 24th, at Sunnybrae Golf Club. The music festival is in support of Big Brothers & Big Sisters of North Durham.

Wisp President Chris Evelyn said - “I am delighted to contribute our support to one of the area’s greatest events. Winding Roads Country Festival provides our company with a unique opportunity to entertain and inform, which is our core purpose in business. We look forward to seeing everyone during the event, and invite you to stop by and meet our friendly staff. We’re thrilled to be able to provide information about our unlimited broadband internet service & Tower Lease program, and how we can enhance your entertainment & communications experience”

 The WISP sponsorship will enable the Winding Roads Country Music Festival to achieve it's sponsorship targets, adding more fun for the enthusiast and fans, the headlining act Aaron Pritchett will certainly be a crowd-pleaser.

Tickets can be purchased through Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Durham, 15585 Simcoe Street, Port Perry, ON, L9L 1A8 - 905-985-3733

About WISP : Established in 2000, its head office in Port Perry, the company provides affordable leading edge broadband internet service via air to air transmission, and is expanding its service coverage area rapidly, now offering full service to Port Perry and surrounding area. For more information consult the website, at www.wisponline.ca, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wisponline/, or call at 877-955-9477

SCUGOG: The headline act for the Port Perry Fair concert, being held on Sunday, Sept. 4th, will be Cold Creek County.

The James Barker Band will also be performing at the concert. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at the entertainment shelter on the fairgrounds. Last year, the Port Perry Fair concert featured the Small Town Pistols and local Uxbridge artist Julien Kelland.

The Port Perry Fair runs from Saturday, Sept. 3rd until Monday, Sept. 5th. The fairgrounds are located at 15835 Old Simcoe Rd.

Cold Creek County
Cold Creek County came by their name naturally. Cold Creek, after all, runs through the rolling hills, apple orchards and villages in central Ontario, near locations the band members call home.
Nestled in the rural in-betweens of Peterborough and Belleville, Ontario, (lead vocals/acoustic guitar) calls Brighton, population 4,800, home. The Drummer is from nearby Hastings and its 1,200 populace. Josh Lester (guitar/vocals) and (bass/vocals), by the sons of bluegrass master, Emory Lester, hail from the outskirts of Frankford, population 2,500. Lead guitarist, the relative city slicker in the group, is originally from Stratford, Ontario, population 30,000. Band members literally cross Cold Creek to get to each other’s homes.

“I’m a small town guy and I love it,” says Oliver. “Because I’ve been here so much and my community has been so supportive, everyone is loving and small towns have that I’ve-got-your-back vibe no matter what.”

“Our Town”, the first single from the band’s debut release, is a rousing singalong that celebrates what happens when everyone in town lets loose on Friday night.

“Our Town”, Cold Creek County’s debut single was produced by Scott Cooke (Chase Rice, assistant engineer on Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Dallas Smith) and co-produced by Oliver, who also co-manages the band with Chief, the titular head of Chief Music (Florida-Georgia Line, Dallas Smith, Chris Lane and Joey Moi).

“Til The Wheels Come Off”, the second single from the band’s debut release, is a country anthem that all country fans can belt out, whether in their truck or at their concert. It was produced by Scott Cooke (Chase Rice, assistant engineer on Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Dallas Smith) and co-produced by Oliver.

Chief believes Cold Creek County, who’ve already opened for the likes of Tim Hicks, Kira Isabella, Travis Tritt and Jason Blain in their short time together, have what it takes to touch country fans, be they from Cold Creek County or not. They deliver a powerful, dynamic sound that’s already captured a sizeable fan base. Being heavily influenced by Country and Rock, the band brings both worlds together, in a way that’s sure to get your feet stomping. Cold Creek County spent 2014 honing their sound and performances, winning at the 2014 Wire Awards and opening for country stars, including Dallas Smith, Emerson Drive, Kira Isabella and Jason Blain.

“It’s our roots,” says lead singer Brandon Scott. “We grew up with rock and country.”

Be sure to check out their latest single “Beer Weather” on your local radio station today!

James Barker
Singer-songwriter and recording artist, James Barker's love of music started at age 4 with his first instrument, the fiddle. Playing at churches and fall fairs at such a young age, made James comfortable on the stage, and solidified where he was destined to be. At age 12, James picked up his first guitar and knew this held his future.

Many long days on a tractor, working on the farm, didn’t bother this country boy, he used the hours to write his catchy country tunes. Influenced by everyone from George Strait to Led Zeppelin, has led to James' unique charismatic style.

In the past few years James Barker has spent extensive time writing in Nashville, and touring across Ontario opening for Emerson Drive, Tim Hicks, Tebey, Kira Isabella and Leah Daniels. Without a doubt, they provide an energetic and diverse show, playing a wide variety of musical styles, incorporating influences from classic and new country.

The development of the Country music industry has encouraged artists to think outside of the box for promotions. James accredits social media as part of their rise in popularity in the Country music scene. Their followers and fans have steadily been increasing over the past couple of years. Fans and industry representatives selected the band to perform on the main stage, at the 2015 Havelock Jamboree, during The Next Country Music Star Search.

The Sirius Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Online Showcase competition has helped James Barker band achieve over 10,000 online votes. The enormous online support has led them to receive the 1st place peak performance slot, at Boots & Hearts 2015.

They were recently selected by The Country Music of Ontario Board of Directors, to Showcase with Michelle Wright, at The New Faces Going Places Conference, held during the CMAO Award Show, in Markham, ON.

Durham Region based concert promoter, Black Moon Entertainment, is once again bringing their Ultimate Artists Live concert series to the Town Hall 1873 theatre in Port Perry.

On Friday, September 16th The Bon Jovi Show comes to town. This show features North America`s most authentic Bon Jovi tribute band covering hits that span the entire Bon Jovi discography.

On Saturday, November 5th The Neil Young Show will be performing on the Town Hall stage. This tribute to the iconic Canadian legend will perform songs such as: Cinnamon Girl, Hey Hey My My and Southern Man to name a few.

Tickets for both shows are $34 (incl tax) and are available for pick up at the Town Hall 1873 box office or can be purchased at www.townhall1873.ca.

The Ultimate Artists Live concert series produces authentic tribute shows that truly encompass The Look, The Sound, and The Hits!

Join Black Moon Entertainment and Ultimate Artists Live on Facebook to receive upcoming concert announcements and information.

ROB DRAL The Standard

UXBRIDGE: For the last 21 years, Uxbridge has put art in the forefront of summer celebrations.

The 22nd annual Uxbridge Lions ‘Art in the Park’ festival, takes place at Elgin Park on, Saturday, Aug. 20th and Sunday, Aug. 21st. The free event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

Over 100 artists, from all across Ontario will be on hand to share their knowledge and love of art with the community.

Come out and learn about the art that shapes our culture from the various types of artists and artisans, while strolling through the beautiful landscape of Elgin Park, which lends itself perfectly to the wonderful works of art on display.

All types of art will be on display, including works in: acrylic, watercolour, oil, photography, jewellery, pottery, wood, metalwork, fabric, and much more.

In addition to the eclectic art on display, ‘Art in the Park’ also features free draws throughout the day, and a silent auction to raise money for charity.

The attending artists donate all auction items, and proceeds from the silent auction go to Dog Guides Canada, to help Canadians with disabilities connect with a guide dog.

Last year, ‘Art in the Park’ raised $2,478 for Dog Guides Canada.

What better way to spend to enjoying a summer weekend, then learning from some of the best artists in Ontario, for a great and worthy cause? Donations are encouraged to support The Uxbridge Lions Club.

The Lions Club is the largest service club in the world. The Uxbridge Lions Club was formed in 1974 and supports all kinds of projects in Uxbridge that help those in need, including, but not limited to: Precious Minds, Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, and Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity.

Elgin Park is located at, 180 Main St. South, in the south central part of the town of Uxbridge. There will be plenty of free parking options available for attendees on the day of the event. For more information, contact Lions Club President, Bob Armitage, at 905-852-4648 or by email at, lions@uxbridge.com.

DAN CEARNS The Standard

SCUGOG: The 29th annual Musicians Corn Roast will be returning to Blackstock this Sunday, Aug. 21st.
The event will once again be held at 4790 McKee Rd. and will start at noon. The annual event, created in memory of Larry Dee, promises a full day of talented country music acts, food and fun.

As well, there will also be a motorcycle show and shine, face painting for kids, raffles and a 50/50 draw. During the event, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn and pop will be sold.  People are being asked to bring their own lawn chairs.

Admission is $10, but kids ages 12 and under get in free with an adult admission. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Blackstock and Port Perry Lions Clubs.

KAWARTHAS: The Goodwin Experience celebrates the artistic legacy of William A. Goodwin, one of Lindsay’s late 19th century artists.

On Saturday, Aug. 13th, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., local plein air (“open air”) painters will be stationed amid the rustic settings surrounding Cherry Tree Lodge, Goodwin’s beloved cottage at 19 Third St., Sturgeon Point. You’re invited to come and enjoy the experience - watch the artists translate the wonders of nature to canvas, while enjoying refreshments based on the recipes of Emma Clements Goodwin and take a walk through Cherry Tree Lodge – Goodwin’s original cottage.

 The newly-redesigned exhibit showcasing of Goodwin’s work will also be open on Saturday, at the Olde Gaol Museum in Lindsay, with admission to the museum being by donation. The Goodwin Experience is a collaborative effort, between the Victoria County Historical Society and the Kawartha Art Gallery. For more information please contact the Olde Gaol Museum, at 705-324-3404, or at info@oldegaolmuseum.ca or go to:
www.oldegaolmuseum.ca/events.

Cherry Tree Lodge is one of the latest destinations to the new Kawartha Lakes Arts and Heritage Trail.

For more information on the Arts and Heritage Trail please go to, www.artsandheritagetrail.com or contact Debra Soule, Arts, Culture and Heritage Development Officer, Economic Development, at, dsoule@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca or phone: 705 324 9411, extension 1498.