Get ready for an unforgettable night as Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell returns to Peterborough Musicfest to close out the 38th2025 season! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM, when Mitchell takes the stage at Del Crary Park for a high-energy performance that promises to be one for the books.
Few artists have inhabited the Canadian musical landscape consistently and prominently over the last 45 years as Classic Rock legend Kim Mitchell. His band, Max Webster, was founded with fellow Sarnia native Pye Dubois, and saw significant success in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, with its albums achieving gold and platinum status. The band became a staple on the Canadian tour scene as Mitchell and his mates honed their craft. When iconic rocker Gene Simmons was asked if Mitchell’s outfit should open for his act, the long-in-the-tongue KISS frontman rejected the notion—not because he didn’t like Max Webster, but because, “We were terrified of you guys—you could actually play.”
It wasn’t until Mitchell went solo in 1982, however, that the talent Simmons saw began to yield results on an international scale with the album Akimbo Aloga. The hit single “Go For A Soda” climbed to number 12 on the U.S. pop charts, landing an appearance on an episode of the wildly popular ‘80s drama Miami Vice and was featured in a soft drink commercial for Mr. Pibb. Mitchell even made a guest appearance on The Kids in the Hall, instructing an elderly character on how to play guitar.
His follow-up album, 1986’s Shakin’ Like A Human Being, became his most successful, featuring memorable tracks such as “Easy To Tame,” “Alana Loves Me,” and the incomparable “Patio Lanterns.”
Kim has remained a popular live act over the years, not only because of his immense talent and 1.5 million albums sold, but also because of his approach to performing:
“I’m all about customer service. People are coming 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.”- Kim Mitchell
Executive Director Tracey Randall expressed her enthusiasm about Mitchell’s return and the excitement of the festival’s upcoming season: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kim Mitchell back to Musicfest for our closing night! He’s a Canadian rock legend, and we know this will be an incredible show. In times when the news is often heavy, it’s great to have something like Musicfest to look forward to. Being able to offer world-class live music to our community—completely free of charge thanks to our sponsors—is something we are incredibly proud of.”
This highly anticipated concert marks Mitchell’s fifth appearance on the Fred Anderson Stage, a testament to his enduring legacy and deep connection with Peterborough’s music lovers. His previous performances at Musicfest have been nothing short of legendary, with notable appearances in 1997, 2002, 2012 (which was famously rebooked after a rainout for an electrifying show on August 21), and a special 2017 performance celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.
Fans won’t want to miss this monumental return to Peterborough Musicfest, as Kim Mitchell brings his signature energy, musicianship, and beloved hits to the Fred Anderson Stage once again.
Admission to the show is FREE, thanks to the generous support of sponsors and community partners. Come out and celebrate a night of pure Canadian rock under the stars!
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