Local Legends Vol. #3: Derek Downham Duo Series with Melissa Payne Friday, May 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM

ABEE Live Music presents: Local Legends Vol. #3: Derek Downham Duo Series with Melissa Payne

Friday, May 24, 2024 at 7:00 pm

Victoria Hall's Citizens Forum

Derek Downham & Melissa Payne Derek brings his Duo series to Cobourg’s Citizens Forum Room at Victoria Hall. He and Melissa will be performing together for this very special performance.

Derek Downham

Derek grew up in the Port Hope/ Cobourg area in his teen years. He attended both Port Hope High School and St. Mary’s in Cobourg. “The teachers I had there were wonderfully encouraging and shaped my career in ways I can never thank them enough for. I look back at my time in Port Hope and Cobourg with great fondness. I played in my first bands there and forged friendships for life.”

He has played with a staggering amount of top Canadian artists from a myriad of genres and performed shows from The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern to Massey Hall, from The Bell Centre in Montreal to reserves in the beautiful far North. He has performed in every great venue large or small across Canada.

He wrote the international song for UNICEF and has written songs with the late Gordon Downie, Ron Sexsmith, Serena Ryder, Broken Social Scene and many, many more. He’s played with Lou Reed’s band. He’s making a movie with Tom Waits. He was the drummer/keyboardist/singer in legendary Dakota Tavern house band The Beauties. He played at Zack Galafanakis’ wedding. He has a Juno. He has produced songs and albums for over 100 different artists and garnered top 10 rankings and critical acclaim all over the world. In the early 2000’s the band he fronted, Grindig, had a top 10 single on Much Music. He was legendary songwriter Andy Kim’s musical director for 15 years. He has played on The Late Show. He has played with Elvis Presley’s guitarist. He met Bruce Springsteen after Bruce played his band on his podcast. He plays in an all-star country band. He grew up playing everything from punk rock to western swing. He composes music for film and television.

Melissa Payne

Melissa Payne, a musician hailing from Ennismore, Ontario, has made a lasting impact on the music scene. Rooted in old-time fiddle and traditional Celtic music, Melissa has blossomed into a successful solo artist with three full-length albums. Her live performances have garnered critical acclaim, and she has collaborated with renowned artists like Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor, James McKenty, Matt Mays, Natalie MacMaster, cellist Nathaniel Smith, and Jimmy Bowskill. Melissa's latest single, "So Real," showcases her honest and vulnerable approach to songwriting. As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, Melissa is actively involved in the LGBTQ music community, using her platform to promote inclusivity and equality. With her talent and notable collaborations, Melissa Payne continues to leave her mark on the musical landscape.

Brought to you by Local Legends, ABEE Live Music.

Tickets are $30 plus service fee and available at the VH Box Office: 855-372-2210