Newmarket musician Daren Ciemins has been a wrestling fan for most of his life.
Growing up watching it, Ciemins said it was one of his passions, alongside his love of music. That musical love led him to form the band New Anthem, which has played in the Newmarket area.
Now, he is preparing to merge his interests into one show.
“Being able to combine your two favourite interests is a pretty exciting thing,” he said. “Do something completely different.”
New Anthem will perform alongside KAOS Pro Wrestling for a duel show called Days of the Phoenix Aug. 11 outside the Ten Gallon Bar and Grill in Newmarket. Visitors will get an outdoor show that will feature both the locally led band alongside a wrestling show with performers from across the GTA.
Ciemins said he and KAOS have looked for a chance to bring a show to Newmarket for some time.
“I can’t remember the last time Newmarket has had a pro wrestling show,” he said, adding they were more popular in the early 2000s. “Newmarket hasn’t had one in years and years and years, so it’s something new to the community and new to the area.”
Great Canadian Wrestling recently visited Aurora for a charity show, but Ciemins said it has been some time since Newmarket has hosted an event.
The show bills itself as offering “nonstop, family-friendly entertainment that will leave you on the edge of your seat.” It features wrestlers from all over Ontario, including some local Newmarket talent, Ciemins said.
Meanwhile, New Anthem is a pop punk band that has played around the area, including a noteworthy drive-in show in Newmarket during the pandemic. Ciemins said their audience intertwines well with wrestling.
“It’s kind of a way to expand both of our audiences a bit at the same time,” he said.
The show will take place at 446 Davis Dr. at 4 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through Eventbrite or at the door. The show will be outdoors in a parking lot, with viewers encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
“You never know what to expect at a wrestling show,” Ciemens said.
