Jazz in Peterborough, organized by Craig Patterson, presents its next concert featuring bassist Paul Novotny and pianist Robi Botos in a duo at St. James Players, 221 Romaine St. on Saturday, March 14. The show is from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 at www.eventbrite.ca/e/paul-novotny-and-robi-botos-tickets-1982219366485?aff=oddtdtcreator.

“Paul Novotny grew up in Peterborough and is a well-known bassist who has worked with a myriad of musicians, including Jo Anne Brakeen, Junior Mance, Don Thompson, Joe Sealy, Phil Nimmons, Kenny Wheeler and Reg Schwager,” says Patterson.

“Both musicians have played in Peterborough several times, always creating intense and creative music. Their albums, ‘Look Ahead’ and ‘Summertime in Leith’ also reflect their sympatico and talent. Both of them are very talented musicians.”

As a composer and member of the Guild of Canadian Film Composers, Novotny creates music for television, commercials and film. He has composed music for CBC’s “The National,” “The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos,” Newsworld’s “News Now,” “Space for Living” on the HGTV Network and on many commercials. He composed the music to the 2011 documentary “A People Uncounted.”

A protégé of legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, Botos is a Hungarian-Canadian jazz pianist who won the TD Grand Jazz Award at the 2012 Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Juno Award for Best Jazz Album of the Year (solo) for his recording of “Movin’ Forward” in 2016.

Another jazz concert will take place on Wednesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at the Theatre On King, 171 King St. Saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, drummer Anders Mogensonn, pianist Carl Winther and bassist Neil Swainson will perform in a quartet, playing original compositions and jazz standards. Tickets are $45 and are available at TTOK.ca.

Poet Laurie D. Graham hosts a poetry workshop entitled “Beyond Lore” at Take Cover Books, 59 Hunter St. E., on Thursday, March 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. She will explore poetry in family stories. Participants are invited to bring an heirloom, a photograph, or a piece of family lore, along with something to write with.

Graham has lived in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough since 2018, where she is a poet, an editor and the publisher of Brick magazine. Her first book “Rove” was shortlisted for the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award, and her second and third books “Settler Education” and “Fast Commute” were both nominated for the Trillium Award for Poetry. Her new collection “Calling It Back to Me” will be released by McClelland & Stewart on March 24.

This is first of a series called “Poems in Progress.”

All experience levels are welcome. A registration fee of $20 is payable in advance by e-transfer to ecitylit@gmail.com.

Fashion, food and fun at Mapleridge

Mapleridge Recreation Centre will host a fashion fundraiser on Sunday, April 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1085 Brealey Dr.


“The Classy Closet by Sue from Lakefield is teaming up with Mapleridge and Rubidge Retirement Residence to feature upscale women’s consignment clothing and accessories,” says Susan King, finance associate. “Models will take to the catwalk as they showcase previously loved formal and casual clothing.”


Comedian Jen Grant will be the keynote speaker. Guests will be treated to savoury hors d’oeuvres. Limited VIP passes feature early entry, parking services, front row seating and access to the on-site marketplace. Tickets are available at Mapleridge, Rubidge Retirement Residence and Classy Closet by Sue and are $35 for general admission and $50 for the VIP package.

For more information, call 705-742-1481 or email: susan.king@mapleridgerecreationcentre.com.

© Peterborough Examiner