A wonderful afternoon of music was provided by the 16th Line Strummers, the ukulele group of Wesley United Church, and emerging local talent Irish Millie.

While the Strummers opened the afternoon on Dec. 7 at Wesley United Church, Irish Millie stole the show with her music, sincerity and candour. Her father Murray on his guitar provided great support.

Irish Millie was six when she first picked up a fiddle. Her first teacher was Sally Pirie, who died in December 2024 and was well known in Peterborough for teaching fiddle and piano and starting the group Fid-l-styx. Millie has a written a song, “Allison,” to thank Sally. It is on her latest EP “Between Then and Now.”

Alanna Jenish followed as Irish Millie’s next teacher. Irish Millie believes she has been fortunate to learn from various mentors along the way, including Tim Chaisson and other musicians she has met in workshops and sessions.

Irish Millie began performing locally at age eight, starting at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market before gradually expanding to community events and regional festivals. She says performing feels natural to her but can sometimes be physically taxing.

During her performance at Wesley United Church, she played a song for her brother called “Ghosts,” written after her brother had left for Toronto for an electrician’s life. You can hear it on Spotify.

Millie’s dad, Murray, quietly supported her on many of the songs. They revealed a strong mutual support system.

“You Were There” from “Between Then and Now” is up for a Canadian Folk Music Award for Single of the Year. She revealed in a recent CBC interview that she and her boyfriend wrote it and sing it on the recording.

Millie, who recently turned 19, is also nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award (CFMA) in the category of Young Performer of the Year. This is her fifth time to be nominated for the award in five years, and seventh CFMA nomination altogether.

Those gathered at Wesley stood in line to chat with her after the show. They were filled with musical joy. Her original music from the acclaimed album “GRACE” to songs released on “Between Then and Now” showcase a vibrant, modern take on Canadian tradition. Expect energy. Expect heart. Expect to remember her name.

’Tis the season for school concerts. The Buckhorn Public School Christmas concert did not disappoint.

The kindergarten children of Ms. Hill and Ms. Pomeroy opened this show. These five year olds were focused on singing and dancing and reciting a poem. The kindergarten children of Ms. Moroney and Ms. Roorda followed doing the “The Reindeer Hokey Pokey.”

Ms. Moncrief’s Grade 1 class sang “The Happiest Christmas Tree.” Ms. Couper’s Grade 1/2 class performed an original song, “Winter Bells Are Ringing,” using bells. Ms. Cavanagh’s Grade 5/6 class performed the Stomp which was an excerpt from a class play “Home Alone.”

The Grade 3/4 class of Miss Davidson did bucket drumming with the use of buckets, suitcases and wrapped presents. Some students had drum sticks and performed a very complicated rhythm watching the conductor, listening for their part and ending together. All great accomplishments for a musical group. 

The Deck/Noriega Grade 2/3 class and Ms. Henson’s Grade 4/5 class presented an Old Jack Frost song and dance.

One child hollered to his grandma as his class left the stage — you are the best darn grandma in the whole wide world. Perhaps that was one of the most heartfelt performances in the show.

© Peterborough Examiner