Canadian music legend Neil Young is set to grace the stage for a rare outdoor benefit concert at Lakefield College School’s Northcote Campus on Friday, May 23. The iconic singer-songwriter, whose career has spanned over six decades and produced timeless hits like “Heart of Gold” and “Harvest Moon,” will perform to an intimate crowd of approximately 2,000 to raise funds for the restoration of the historic farmhouse on the Northcote property. For local fans, this event is not just a chance to see a rock ‘n’ roll icon but a bit of a homecoming for a man with deep ties to the region.
Young, born in Toronto in 1945, spent his formative childhood years in Omemee, a small village just 20 kilometers west of Peterborough. From age four to eleven, he lived in the tight-knit community, a place he later immortalized in the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young classic “Helpless” with the line, “There is a town in north Ontario.” His father, Scott Young, a celebrated journalist and novelist, kept the family farm until the late 1980s, and the local Scott Young Public School stands as a testament to the family’s legacy. Neil’s connection to the area deepened in recent years when he and his wife, actress Daryl Hannah, relocated to a 116-year-old cottage near Lakefield in September 2020. According to updates on his Neil Young Archives website, the couple winterized the property and spent nearly six months there during the pandemic, embracing the solitude of the Kawarthas.
Now, Young is bringing his singular voice and guitar wizardry to Lakefield College School’s Northcote Campus, a 160-acre parcel of land donated to the school in 2007, located just north of the village of Lakefield. The concert, scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m., will see gates open at 6:00 p.m., giving fans ample time to settle in for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Proceeds will support the restoration of the Northcote farmhouse, a project that aligns with Young’s long-standing commitment to preserving history and community—a theme evident in both his music and his personal life.
Ticket sales kicked off today through Live Nation, with presale opportunities for the Lakefield College School (LCS) community and VIP package buyers. General public ticket sales start Monday at 10:00 a.m., while VIP packages will remain available from Monday until May 23.
For those looking to elevate their experience, the VIP Package includes reserved seating in the first seven rows, access to a dedicated VIP section for concessions and washrooms, complimentary food, and entry to a special reception. With only 2,000 tickets available, demand is expected to be fierce for this intimate performance by a global icon.
Young’s last major appearance in the area was his 2017 “Home Town” concert at Omemee’s Coronation Hall, a solo acoustic set livestreamed worldwide that raised $15,000 for Scott Young Public School’s music program. His return to the Peterborough region underscores his enduring connection to the Kawarthas, where he has been spotted in recent years, including at the Norwood Fair in 2022 and even during a quiet visit to Peterborough that same Thanksgiving weekend.
This intimate performance will honour the enduring legacy of the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy winner, and proud Canadian, whose deep roots in Omemee and retreat near Peterborough continue to resonate in his music and artistic legacy.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
