Award-winning artist Serena Ryder is set to headline the opening night of Peterborough Musicfest’s 38th season on June 28th at Del Crary Park. The performance will mark Ryder’s fifth appearance on the Fred Anderson Stage, her first since 2016, and her seventh time performing for Musicfest.
Ryder, who grew up in Millbrook and graduated from Peterborough Collegiate’s Integrated Arts Program, gained national recognition in 2007 with her ballad Weak in the Knees. She quickly rose to prominence, winning her first Juno Award for Best New Artist of the Year in 2008. Since then, she has earned a total of seven Juno Awards and performed on stages such as Lilith Fair and alongside Melissa Etheridge on a cross-country tour. Her music, including hits like Stompa, which was featured on Grey’s Anatomy, propelled her into the international spotlight, even leading to a live performance on The Tonight Show in 2013.
Ryder’s achievements extend beyond music. In 2014, she performed the Canadian national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game, and in 2015, she recorded Together We Are One, the official theme song for the Pan American Games, which she also performed at the closing ceremony. That year, she also co-hosted the Juno Awards and took home the titles of Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
In addition to her music career, Ryder is an advocate for mental health, regularly sharing her experiences with depression and neurodivergence. Her song What I Wouldn’t Do was reimagined for the 2023 Feel Out Loud campaign, a major national mental health initiative. Ryder is also the founder of ArtHaus Community, a non-profit dedicated to supporting emerging musicians and industry professionals with the tools they need to succeed.
Her return to Musicfest promises another unforgettable performance as she continues to inspire and connect with audiences across the country.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
