Page 55 – Visit Kingston

May 8, 2015March 30, 2023

A Free Mother’s Day Weekend Event at the Tett

Located on Kingston’s waterfront and just a short pace from downtown, our beautiful new Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning is open and ready for visitors. What a great way for the centre to welcome the public by offering a free mother’s day event this weekend May 9-10.

There will be music, dance workshops, and also the Tett’s first annual craft sale. Peruse and buy handiwork crafted by members of Kingston Handloom Weavers & Spinners, Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club, and Kingston Potters’ Guild.

Handlooms are used over the world for making fabric, though only a few loom artisans remain in the world today. © Amartyabag

As you wander into each of the studios this weekend, you will find at the Kingston Handloom Weavers & Spinners massive looms the size of tables set with threads that are interlaced in a weave as they are guided by the weaver’s hands. Every piece of fabric created on the loom tells a story of its own, and artisans are encouraged by KHWS to keep a high quality of production in terms of uniqueness in colour and design.

A piece of yellow and purple fluorite can be altered into a work of art. © The Arkenstone

A “lapidary” is an artist who works with stone, minerals, or gems to create art objects such as engraved gems or cabochons (a shaped and polished gemstone). The technique involves cutting, grinding and polishing the stone. The Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club, as well as hosting workshops, also conducts field trips to discover fossils, gems, and geological formations in southern Ontario and Quebec.

A potter places the clay on the spinning wheel and delicately shapes it into an object. In Ancient Egyptian mythology, humans were thought to have been created at the potter’s wheel. Photo Credit Oliver Kurmis

The Kingston Potters’ Guild encompasses all artists in the area who work with clay, and there are many. Jane Thelwell is an engineer by trade, and her pots, plates and cups reflect the raw earthiness that inspired their creation. Florence Chik-Lau makes animal sculptures that are whimsical and poetic, each crafted individually without the use of a mold. Patty Pektovich was inspired by Greek and Roman pottery, and her work is both functional and aesthetic, expressed in a range of deep cobalt blues to rich reds.

The Tett Centre offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages and abilities and hopes to foster a vibrant art community in Kingston. Photo credit: Jocelyne Kilpatrick

The arts and crafts sale runs all day, but main events for the Mother’s Day weekend start on Saturday at 2pm with Lemon Bucket Orkestra & DJ Bluestocking, presented by the Kingston Arts Council and Homegrown. Lemon Bucket Orkestra is self-proclaimed Canada’s only “balkan-klezmer-gypsy-party-punk-super-band.” If you can’t quite imagine their sound, listen to their incredible demo. This eclectic musical ensemble was born on the streets of Toronto and has been recently nominated for several awards. Their new album, Moorka, combines folk songs that the band learned in Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, and Macedonia.
The Kingston School of Dance will be taking over the afternoon with two workshops on Hip-Hop and Afro Cuban Dance. These events are $5 each.
The Sunday brunch is sold out, but come by at 11am for Latin Jazz dancing and stay tuned at 3pm for a free sneak peak on all the featured dance genres. It’s sure to be a great way to explore something new and have some fun with your mum. Not to mention, what a great reason to check out the beautiful new Tett Centre on the Kingston waterfront at this spring time of year.

Enjoy the waterfront views at the Tett Centre this Mother’s Day weekend. Photo credit: Jocelyne Kilpatrick

As well as workshops for dance and art, the Tett Centre rooms can also be reserved for weddings.

April 24, 2015March 20, 2023

50 Things to Do in Kingston: May Edition 2015

For the most recent 25 things to do list in May, please visit this link.

With the cold weather (hopefully) behind us and summer just around the corner, things are starting to pick up once again in beautiful Kingston! Like always, there are a number of live theatrical performances that should be appreciated, and several outdoor activities and events to take part in. Check out one of the many exhibits at art galleries all over town, treat yourself to some great local meals, and browse the many unique events happening this month!

May 1

1. Go shopping at the Pottery Show & Sale at the Tett Centre
2. Go see La Cadence du Conteur at The Octave Theatre

4. Check out Silver Dagger by David French at the Domino Theatre

May 2

5. Be a friend to nature and the environment and plant some trees at Lemoine Point
6. Get introduced to hiking courtesy of The Rideau Trail Club (Registration required)
7. Get Shaken and Stirred at the Union Gallery

9. Grab you favourite 50’s attire and join Elvis and the gang at Jailhouse Rock
10. Take a beginner course in silversmithing at The Tett Centre

May 3

11. Experience music from the 14th and 17th centuries with Melos Choir at St. George’s Cathedral

May 5

12. Enjoy some great food and live music with Tuesday Night Jazz at Olivea

May 6

14. See what’s shakin’ at the MacLachan Woodworking Museum

May 7

15. Check out the Shakespearean classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Rotunda Theatre

May 8

17. Get involved at the Canadian Women Artists History Initiative (CWAHI) Conference

19. Reflect on the legacy of From Curatorial Eyes at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre
20. Celebrate the Spring and Summer 2015 Season Launch at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre

22. Go see the host of CBC’s The Debaters, Steve Patterson, at the Grand Theatre
23. Learn the importance of science for FREE at the Science Rendezvous at the K-Rock Centre
24. Don’t miss A Collaboration of Musical Ensembles at The Isabel

May 9

26. Celebrate local talent at the 7th Annual Homegrown Live Music Festival

28. Experience the Photo + Steel exhibit at Studio 22
29. Raise some funds for local breast cancer research with the Breast Cancer Action Kingston Walk/Run

May 10

31. Go on a Heart of the Islands Lunch Cruise with Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

May 12

32. Take a guided tour of a fascinating self-portraits accompanied by delicious tea at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre (For Seniors)
33. Spend some time at the Pump House Steam Museum

May 13

35. Go see Whitehorse on their 2015 National Tour at the Grand Theatre

May 14

36. Go see a free screening of The Mask You Live In at The Screening Room
37. Check out Robin Hood: A Merry Musical at The Domino Theatre

May 15

May 22

39. Take the tour of downtown Kingston’s finest galleries under the cover of darkness
40. Take the Official Kingston Trivia Challenge to win contest entries for a $15,000 VIP Kingston Weekend for 10

May 23

41. Take a music-lover’s house tour through Kingston

43. Nominate someone who provided you with exceptional customer service for a Kingston Crown

May 24

44. Paint a self-portrait in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to expressionistic at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre
45. Support a great cause and participate in the 2015 Kingston-Napanee Mandarin MS Walk

May 29

47. Check out Green River Revival at The Grand Theatre
48. Get your MONSTER TRUCK ON at the Monster Truck Spectacular at the K-Rock Centre

May 30

49. Go see the Bronze and Silver Equine Canada Sanctioned Hunter Jumper Horse and Pony Competition
50. Check out Frank Sinatra – The Man, His Fans and His Music at the Grand Theatre

Do you have an event that you want included in next month’s 50 Things to Do in Kingston article? Send us an email!

April 7, 2015March 29, 2023

Kingston’s Kimball Theatre Pipe Organ

The Kimball theatre pipe organ in Kingston Ontario is the largest pipe organ in Canada. It was built by the Chicago Kimball Pipe Organ factory in 1928 for installation in the State Theatre in Youngstown Ohio to accompany silent movies of the era. It served there for many years until it was removed as the theatre changed hands and purpose.

In 1979, a group of theatre organ enthusiasts purchased the organ, moved it to Kingston and formed the Kingston Theatre Organ Society. After there long years and many thousand man-hours of work, the first public concert was presented in September 1981.

The Theatre organ is capable of bringing a wide variety of music to life

The theatre organ is a unique instrument and is very different from a church organ. The Kimball theatre pipe organ boasts 28 ranks of pipes voiced to simulate instruments of an orchestra: trumpets, tubas, violins, cellos, clarinets, French horns, oboes, and flutes to name a few. It also has an array of percussion instrument, among them: the xylophone, celesta, marimba harp, chrsyoglott, glockenspiel, drums, cymbals, bells, chimes, piano and a variety of sound effects. These sounds aren’t digitally produced – the actual pipes and all the percussion can be viewed behind the shutters at the front of the church (except the piano, which is in clear view). All this is controlled by a three manual white console to create a one man or woman orchestra.

Top professional theatre organists are brought in from around the world to play on the Kimball organ. Visitors who attend a concert may hear a variety of music such as songs from the 1920’s up to present day, waltzes, ballads, marches, overtures from operas and popular classical pieces. The Theatre organ is capable of bringing a wide variety of music to life. The experience is enhanced by a video projection system with two cameras mounted on the console so audiences can watch the artists’ fingers dance over the three keyboards or their feet deftly play the metal keys.

If you enjoy live musical performances, the Kingston Theatre Organ Society invites you to join them at one of their concerts – it will be a musical experience you won’t forget!

Head over to prizemax.net and enter for your chance to win 4 tickets to an upcoming performance!

Upcoming Performances

Friday April 10, 7:30 pm
Silent movie Girl Shy

Friday May 1, 7:30 pm
Nathan Avakian

All performances are held at 89 Kirkpatrick Street.

To find out more about the Kingston Theatre Organ Society, visit their website or call Roy Young at 613.386.7295. For more information about the American Theatre Organ Society, visit their website.

March 27, 2015March 21, 2023

50 Things to Do in Kingston: April Edition 2015

April 2015 is shaping up to be an exciting month in Kingston! Check out the list below of some great events and activities that you won’t want to miss out on!

UPDATE for 2017: “25 Things To Do In April 2017“

1. Check out Lumpys Lullabyes at the Tir nan Óg
2. Spend an Evening with Harry at the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts
3. Go see Dogfight

5. Take a tour of the new Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
6. Round up the kids and go see Mike the Knight Live! at The Grand Theatre
7. Check out some incredible acrobatics, dance and martial arts!
8. Take in some classical music, courtesy of Shostakovich and Schubert

10. Discover klezmer music with The Klezmatics and special guest Joshua Nelson
11. Go see the Newfoundland-based trio, The Once, at The Grand Theatre
12. Laugh until you cry at the Just for Laughs Roadshow
13. Help Dora the Explorer search for her lost toys
14. Experience Evensong at St. George’s Cathedral
15. Enjoy a Leonard Cohen Evening at the RCHA Club
16. Experience an evening of adultery, blackmail and murder with David Fincher’s Silver Dagger at the Domino Theatre
17. See three living legends together on stage on The Blues Hall of Fame Tour

19. Revisit an essential piece of WWI literature at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
20. Get moving and challenge yourself in Kingston’s most scenic 5km, 10km and Half Marathon races
21. Head to 4/20 Kingston’s Vapour Lounge for games and over $2,000 in giveaways
22. Go on a nautical adventure of the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

24. Go see Charles Stankievech: Monument as Ruin at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre
25. Check out some incredible works of watercolour and sketches by British-born artists who worked in Canada during the 19th century
26. See what’s happening at the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum
27. Get transported back to a simpler time at the Frontenac County Schools Museum
28. Check out Lorna Bauer’s exhibition Soleil at Modern Fuel Gallery
29. Go see Derek Sullivan’s Four Notable Booksellers Exhibit at Modern Fuel Gallery

31. Enter to win one of two $10,000 VIP Weekends in Kingston for yourself and nine friends
32. Treat yourself to a spa day at Rosemount Inn & Spa

34. Go for a stroll in Lake Ontario Park
35. Try some sinfully delicious treats at Sipps Coffee and Dessert Bar

37. Spend some time with the family at Kingston Family Fun World

39. Check out the feature documentary Red Army at The Screening Room
40. Pick up some quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar at Kingston Olive Oil Co.
41. Enjoy the delicious tapas offerings at Tango Nuevo Tapas & Wine
42. Head to Lemoine Pointe for fresh spring nature walk
43. Find something new to read at Novel Idea

45. Go see what’s happening at the Military Communications & Electronics Museum
46. Go exploring at the now-open Pump House Steam Museum
47. Enjoy some wobbly-pops at Stone City Ales
48. Laugh your face off at Absolute Comedy

50. Go see some live music at The Toucan

Do you have an event that you would like included for next month’s 50 Things to Do in May? Send us an email before April 15th to info@kingstonlobby.com!

March 23, 2015March 29, 2023

Exercise Your Creativity With These Five Classes in Kingston

Guest Post by Evelyn Kembel

I’m sure we all know the saying “You never know until you try”. That’s why you should go out there, pick a medium you’ve never touched and explore the knowledge our local Kingston artisans have to offer.
Kingston is rich in creative spirit. Our community works together to bring amazing events to our front step and we’re abundant with galleries supplying inspiration! Kingston is a city with a variety of festivals and promenades to bring us together and connect. With such a culturally rich community it’s no doubt that you’ll find heaps of amazing classes to learn, explore and play with a new medium. No pressure to go invest money in a material you don’t yet know how to use. Many artists and individuals have opened their workshops and studios to the public to come and get creative.

Glass Blowing at Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery

To think you can mould glass by blowing into a tube!
Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery not only promote their own work, but also an abundance of work by other artists who are skilled in many mediums. Here you can poke, prod, tweeze, turn and blow a beautiful new piece to take home and admire. Located downtown on Queen Street near the corner of King, the teachers at Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery are impactful, tactful and resourceful, making your foray into the world of glass blowing a welcoming one. They invite any beginner above the age of 16 to get creative in their studio – all materials are provided and there’s nothing like having such a solid transparent work done by your own newly expanded creative mind.
Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery
kgsgkingston@gmail.com
613.547.9149

Encaustic Workshops with Julie Davidson Smith

Julie Davidson Smith is a creative force in the Kingston community who creates workshops and classes open to everyone.
Knowing we’ve all made a mud pie and have drawn outside the lines with crayons, Smith works to inform and inspire creative growth, supplying visitors with the skills, confidence and knowledge that they need to continue their experience with encaustics at home. Smith has opened up her life to the world with a video diary on her website, and by opening up her studio to anyone and everyone who wants to get creative and have some fun.
Julie Davidson Smith
juliedavidsonsmith@gmail.com
613.531.8901

Pottery Classes at Amaranth Stoneware

Amaranth Stoneware is a quirky pottery studio in the west-end that has been serving Kingston for over 25 years. Not only will you find their gorgeous pieces throughout the community, they can be found all throughout North America as well.
Now in a studio space open to the public, throwing classes have been an excellent resource for beginner and intermediate potters alike. With everything included and a small class size, you’re bound to learn some new techniques, meet some new friends and create stunning pieces you’ve always wanted to try your hand at making.
Amaranth Stoneware
clay@amaranthstoneware.ca
613.541.1156

Knitting at KnitTraders

When learning a new skill like knitting, sometimes a hands-on approach is best. When YouTube videos have lost their lustre and you crave some interaction, consider checking out KnitTraders. Not only does KnitTraders carry an extensive collection of yarn, tools, and patterns for knitting and crocheting, they also offer classes and workshops to help beginners to experts take their crafting to the next level. Their friendly and experienced staff and instructors will ensure that your projects are a success!
Knit Traders
shop@knittraders.com
613.384.3951

Silversmithing with Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club

Adorn yourself with your own work. With a group of artists like the members of the Lapidary and Mineral Club, you’re bound to learn lots and become engaged.The Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club provides a positive environment for local rockhounds, lapidary enthusiasts and silversmiths. Members gather to develop their interests, share information and ideas, and socialize with others interested in the earth sciences. The Club is a very active one; in addition to diverse monthly meetings, weekly lapidary instruction and frequent silversmithing courses are provided in our workshop. Courses are either for beginners or those looking to grow and focus on a particular skill. Their new home at the Tett Centre makes for a creative feed while creating.
Kingston Lapidary & Mineral Club
swatts_3@sympatico.ca
613.546.5973

March 13, 2015March 29, 2023

Kingston Social Irish Dancing

Face your partner, do a gypsy, retire, and go around the house!
Those are some of the directions you might hear if you try Irish set dancing, which is similar to American square dancing. But be careful, if you’re not holding on fast enough, you might just fall off the wheelbarrow; this is some quick, energetic dancing!
Irish dancing is a great way to socialize and meet new people. That may be one reason why the Kingston club is so popular with students. At the monthly Ceilis, students make up almost half of the attendees. There are, however, a wide variety of people who come as well, and it makes for a great family event.

Young and old come and enjoy some lively Ceili dancing at Ecole Cathedrale School. Photo credit Julie Bowes.

Dancers form small groups called sets and every dance move is called a figure. All the dancing is lively and quick. Photo credit Jack Hickman.

Ceili (pronounced kay-lee) is the Irish word for a party or dance. Ceilis originated as something like a kitchen party where everyone would come together to share a talent whether dancing, music, or reciting a favourite poem. These dances are still primarily for amusement, so even if you are completely new to dancing, you are sure to have a good time (have fun or don’t come back, as the Irish would say!).

This lively Irish group has been active in Kingston since 1978, and its musicians have traveled across the country for different folk festivals.

The moves are easy to pick up, and there is a quick walkthrough even before the music begins to play. You don’t need to bring a partner, and you certainly don’t need to be Irish, but you do need to wear shoes (as I unhappily discovered!). And what more, it’s free. Harp of Tara is the short name of the group, a branch of the of the Society of Irish Musicians, which originated in Ireland. (The group also has a very long and convincing Irish name – Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann).

A monthly Siamsa (sheem-sa) welcomes musicians to try out their party pieces. Photo credit Jack Hickman.

Harp of Tara also offers musical get-togethers and Irish language lessons. In fact, you can even attend a full immersion weekend (where only Irish is spoken) right here in Kingston this April. These gaeltacht attract people from all over Canada and the northern United States, and you might just find yourself speaking to a beginner or to a fully fluent speaker. A full week session is offered in Tamworth in the summer.
Any beginner musician may attend a slow session, or seisiún. Every Tuesday night at the Brew Pub, there is a simple repertoire to learn and to join in on with the other fiddlers and flutists. If you are just looking to listen, later on that same Tuesday evening there is a faster session with more experienced musicians.
The Kingston Ceili Band also plays live at every Ceili session, which happens monthly. The next one is due this Saturday, March 14th and with St. Patrick’s Day as its theme, it’s expected to welcome over a hundred people at Ecole Cathedrale School. The final Ceili of the year is on April 18th, but when the nicer weather comes around, dancers will meet at Richardson Gazebo on Wednesday evenings “until the mosquitoes come out,” chairman Stephen Rayner explains.
It’s almost overwhelming with the amount of Irish things that are happening in our city! And they’re great fun if you’re feeling a little Irish and want to move, dance, or play. To see everything that is happening at Harp of Tara, visit their website.

March 9, 2015March 27, 2023

March Break Staycation

I have a dream. It involves my family and I on a beach holiday over March Break (with two school-aged kids, and a husband who works for the school board, March Break is kind of a deal in our home). It’s good to have dreams.
And then there’s reality. Home improvements. Trips to the dentist. A new windshield because the snowplough in front of me threw up a stone. Not really wanting to spend our break on a busy beach with hundreds of other families fighting for a spot in the sun.

Day 1

After a hard weekend of preparing for the week ahead, we’ll start with a morning sleep-in. Oh, wait — we have young kids; scratch the sleeping in. Instead, we’ll head over to Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area for a ski (or hike, depending on conditions!) and check out their annual Maple Madness. We’ll check out how maple syrup is made, feast on pancakes and feed the chickadees. Maybe partake in a wagon ride too!

Or we could take the wagon ride! (photo from the CRCA pinterest page) — Or we could take the wagon ride! (photo from the CRCA Pinterest page)

The sugar shack, where we watch the syrup being made, then feast on pancakes! (photo from the CRCA Pinterest page)

Day 2

First, we’ll head over to Queen’s University and take a tour at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. After that, we’ll head over to the Miller Museum of Geology (which will make my budding paleontologist and rock lover super happy). Once we’ve had our fill of art and fossils, it seems only right to treat ourselves to lunch around the corner at Juniper Cafe!

One of the best places in Kingston to experience some art!

Day 3

After the second cup of morning coffee, we’ll head into town. Our first stop will be in Barriefield to check out the Frontenac County School Museum. After we tour the small museum and reflect on how it was to be a student in the early 1900s, we’ll head back over the LaSalle Causeway (Fun Fact: the lift bridge was designed by Joseph Strauss who also designed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco).
We’ll burn some energy enjoying a swim at the RMC pool which will make us hungry; we have recently discovered that The Iron Duke on Wellington has a great, well priced (if secret) kids menu! We’ll end the day with a climb at the Boiler Room climbing gym (we’ll wait until after 4pm due to the March Break day camp).

The classroom we can visit at the Frontenac County School Museums (photo from the museum’s Facebook page)

Housed in the old Woolen Mill, The Boiler Room features Canada’s tallest indoor climb through the historic chimney. Check out another Kingston Lobby contributor’s experience at the Boiler Room!

Day 4

Wheww……this staycation idea is tiring work! Perhaps we’ll have a lazy morning at home, pack our overnight bags and treat ourselves to an overnight stay at the Ambassador, which of course will include a few visits to their indoor water park. Maybe order in some room service? Or better yet, pizza delivered from Atomica (we live in the country, so we don’t get to experience pizza delivery at home!)

Day 5

After a hotel breakfast and a final visit to the water park, we’ll head over to Putt N’ Blast for a round of mini golf and perhaps a game of laser tag. And to wrap up? All you can eat sushi lunch at Sima Sushi before heading back home.

Psychedelic mini putt (photo from Putt N’ Blast’s Facebook page)

I think we’ll need the weekend to rest up from our Kingston staycation. Maybe one night during the weekend my husband and I will take advantage of the free babysitting service offered by Nana and Grampa and treat ourselves to a child-free evening out at the Red House or catch a flick at The Screening Room and a growler from Stone City Ales.

February 27, 2015March 21, 2023

50 Things to Do in Kingston: March Edition 2015

A new month means a new list of 50 things to do in Kingston!
There’s plenty happening in March like special March Break Programming at the Tett Centre, the arrival of musical greats like ZZ Top, Patricia O’Callaghan, The Once and Jann Arden, a ton of spectacular live performances at venues like The Grand Theatre and the Domino Theatre, community initiatives that benefit some wonderful causes and some great outdoor events that aren’t very far to venture to. If you’re looking for a reason to visit Kingston this month, we have 50 of them!
1. Go see Scorched at the Rotunda Theatre
2. Swap some seeds on Seedy Saturday
3. Check out a Men’s Motorcycle Boot Camp
4. Play some board games at Strategies Cafe
5. Head to Absolute Comedy for dinner and show

7. Check out the March Break Programming at the Tett Centre
8. Check out Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky at The Grand Theatre
9. Go see Mom’s The Word at the Domino Theatre

11. Head to Aunt Lucy’s for some afternoon tea
12. See the Kingston Frontenacs take on the Mississauga Ice Dogs
13. Check out Rites, Revels and Romance at Melos Tavern
14. Celebrate International Women’s Day with the Italo-Canadian Club Ladies Association

16. Enjoy some familiar British folk tunes with the Orchestra Kingston Concert: The British Isles at Salvation Army Citadel
17. Marvel at the fast finger work of Jake Shimabukuro at the Grand Theatre
18. Experience Wish You Were Here presented by The Cantabile Adult and Teen Choirs
19. Explore the Military Communication and Electronics Museum

22. Unleash your inner train conductor at Rail O Rama Model Train Show at the Ambassador Hotel
23. Get transported to the French Quarter of New Orleans with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band
24. Go see Mendelssohn’s choral masterpiece Elijah
25. Check out the programming at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre
26. See what’s happening at the Miller Museum of Geology
27. Spend an afternoon at the largest home and cottage show between Ottawa and Toronto
28. Take part in the Butter Tart Fun Shoot
29. Explore Kingston’s Museum of Health Care

31. Check out the Vogue Charity Fashion Show’s Revival: Art Through The Ages
32. Head to the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts and see the sensational Jeanine De Bique
33. Make your way to the Tett Centre for the Soul Shakedown for Kids
34. Support the Kids for Kids Annual Hockey Tournament

36. Show your support for Women and Wellness
37. Have some fun bowling for a great cause at the MS Strike for a Cure event
38. Check out a Two-Piano Concert by Luba and Ireneus Zuk
39. Spend some time at the Kiwanis Music Festival

41. Experience the sheer awesomeness of the Vienna Boys Choir
42. Go for a skate in Springer Market Square
43. Discover a new Kingston skating rink to enjoy
44. Check out The Almost Trigger Happy at The Mansion
45. Experience The Buddy Holly Show and The Rockabilly Riot

47. Travel back in time and check out a book from the Kingston Frontenac Public Library
48. Check out the new menu at Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse
49. Spend some time at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning

Do you have an event that you want featured in April’s 50 Things to Do in Kingston? Send us an email at info@kingstonlobby.com!

February 24, 2015April 4, 2023

The Superpower of Art & Ice

Guest post written by Lori Kallay
When opportunity rings your doorbell, or in my case, Facebook messenger, you should always answer.
The best ideas start from a grain of a thought, a kernel of inspiration, and then – if you are determined and focused – they become more than a bloom; they can become the entire garden. That was the case when David Dossett messaged me with an idea: a wonderful concept designed to get us outside and have something meaningful to experience other than frigid temperatures and knee deep snow.
Don’t get me wrong, we can’t escape those elements that are intrinsic to our national culture, but the journey surely must be able to inspire more than cold wet feet and hands that seem to have lost the feeling in a more than a few fingers.
No, we are talking about a reason to walk, drive, or cycle with a purpose. So in an effort to get the boring out of winter, David conceived Froid’Art. It is a brilliant display of work by a dozen artists scattered about the central area of downtown Kingston (and a special surprise for Napanee). David’s concept gave us this super power to embrace winter; a power we hope to share with all the folks of Kingston. This sounds exciting doesn’t it? That’s because it is!
We (the artists) all started with the same basic tools ~ a 16” x 36” piece of clear Mylar, some Sharpie markers or acrylic paint and a desire to contribute. There were no rules on our imagery; we could go where our inspirations took us. We imagined summer farm fields and whales and flowers. Pretty birch trees and sassy girls donned our Mylar, but the outcome would be more than we believed.
David took our work and had them frozen solid into 300 pound (136.078 kilograms for the purists out there) blocks of crystal clear ice. There is a depth and beauty to the finished work that we could not have envisioned. There, suspended, embedded, enshrined within this perfect ice, was our work. A frame of embracing cold that somehow could make you feel warm. The work took on new dimensions. It gained a holographic quality, it gleamed!

This public art project is designed to get us out of the house and really look around our neighbourhoods. As a landscape artist I embrace the outdoors, it is my muse. The Froid’Art project took my philosophy to a whole new level.
I think what I love the most is the intention to get people outside; to have a dual experience of enjoying the winter air and seeing amazing art. It is very compelling, the idea that around the next corner is a new surprise. It creates an environment to observe, to forget about the daily mundane things we all face and gain a renewed sense of community. They are like giant paper weights that have the superpower to unite a community, to bring a smile to our cold cheeks, and inspire us to really see what surrounds us.
Oh, and they help us know that there is beauty in all of our wonderful seasons. A reason to get up, get out and engage; now that is what I consider a superpower!

More Information

Follow Froid d’art Kingston on their Facebook page! They would appreciate comments/feedback so please like and comment. Should they do this again next year?

February 20, 2015April 12, 2023

Young Canadian Superstar to Take on Over 100 years of Russian Music with 88 Keys!

The Kingston Symphony welcomes 27-year-old pianist Avan Yu for an all-Russian program next Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the Grand Theatre. Mr. Yu will be performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which he first debuted with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) at the age of 14. This debut led to his role as the featured soloist for the VSO’s national tour of Canada in 2009. Mr. Yu was then immediately re-engaged by Music Director Bramwell Tovey to perform the same work for a gala summer concert before an audience of 8,000 people.

The afternoon’s concert will also include Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique), and will mark the return of SoundSync, which debuted last October to rave reviews.

Hailed as one of the top innovations in 2013 by CBC, SoundSync is a program that delivers short bits of information directly to audience members’ smartphones as the concert is happening. Its exclusive digital media content takes audience members beyond the music onstage by providing concert program notes, a musical glossary and information about the orchestra. Slides automatically advance with the music on a mobile device’s screen during a concert, providing key highlights and engaging details relating to the composition. As critical or notable parts of the music are played, the pops up notes that might explain anything from the historical significance of a movement to the subtle reprisal of a melody you should be listening for.

A critical feature of SoundSync is that it has been developed to have minimal impact on concertgoers in the hall. The application is designed with white text on a black background specifically to minimize light and disruption. The content is custom designed for each piece to optimize the experience of hearing the work without distraction.

About the Soloist

One of Canada’s most exciting young pianists, Avan Yu achieved international recognition when he triumphed at the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2012, winning First Prize along with nine special awards. Hailed as a “pianistic force with an astonishing sensitivity far beyond his years”, Mr. Yu has appeared as soloist with orchestras and conductors around the world, including Rafael Fruehbeck de Burgos and the Dresden Philharmonic, Pinchas Zukerman and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, and Christian Arming and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Yu has won a number of prizes including Missouri Southern International Piano Competition, and the XVI Paloma O'Shea International Piano Competition. In July 2012, he won the 10th Sydney International Piano Competition. — Yu has won a number of prizes including Missouri Southern International Piano Competition, and the XVI Paloma O’Shea International Piano Competition. In July 2012, he won the 10th Sydney International Piano Competition. Photo Credit: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Born in Hong Kong, Mr. Yu moved at the age of nine to Vancouver with his family. He studied with Kenneth Broadway and Ralph Markham in Vancouver, before moving to Berlin to study with Klaus Hellwig at the Berlin University of the Arts.

Mr. Yu won the Gold Medal at the Canadian Chopin Competition at the age of 17, and the Silver Medal and People’s Choice Award at the Santander International Piano Competition in 2008. His performances have been broadcast on WQXR Radio in New York, Bayerischer Rundfunk, the CBC, Radio Nacional de España, and the Südwestrundfunk. He has just recorded a CD of Liszt/Schubert Transcriptions for NAXOS which will be released in April 2015.

Tickets

The Kingston Symphony presents ‘Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky’ on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the Grand Theatre. Tickets range in price from $10 to $50 and are available at the Grand Theatre Box Office, 218 Princess Street, by phone at 613-530-2050 or online at www.kingstonsymphony.on.ca.

February 19, 2015March 20, 2023

Where Chefs Eat in Kingston

It’s thought that Kingston has the most restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada, and whether that’s true or not, anyone who’s been hungry here can at least agree that K-town is packed with delicious eats no matter what your taste. There are over 100 eateries within a nine-block area of downtown alone, and when you get out of downtown that number grows exponentially.

The only problem, of course, is which restaurant to choose. To help narrow it down, I tracked down three chefs who know this city’s restos well: Marc Halverson, the Executive Chef at Woodenheads; Clark Day, Executive Chef at Bayview Farms Restaurant; and James Atkinson, a cook at Atomica. Here are their current faves, and details about a few recent food experiences that knocked their socks off.

Marc Halverson, Woodenheads

Q: What are your go-to restaurants right now, Marc?
I have a couple of favourites. I go to Casa quite often because it’s just always good. It’s fine food, it’s really good and it’s friendly. I order different stuff all the time there because I like the adventure; they have a great range every time I go in. I like Curry Original quite a bit as well. I always mix it up when I go there, too, and I’m always with different people there, so I’m willing to check out a lot of different dishes.

Q: Have you had a recent rest restaurant experience that still sticks out in your mind?
I had a great experience at Days on Front not that long ago. I took my family, and I know Matt Day, so we went there and he looked after us real good. I had the short ribs, and they were just delicious.

Clark Day, Bayview Farms

Q: What are a few of your favourite restaurants?
East Side Village, a Chinese place is one which is just amazing. The spicy mango vegetable dish there is one of my favourites for sure. Days on Front is another favourite, of course. For pizza, I like Atomica, and I move around with my pizzas there. I like Tango Nuevo as well; it’s just great.

Q: Did you have any restaurant experiences over the holidays that really wowed you?
Yes. Before Christmas, we did a thing at East Side Village, where we had a great blow out, a big meal with the family. There were some great choices, and there’s so much available there. The owners are Vietnamese and Cambodian, I believe, so you have all kinds of different influences, and we had a really great time there.

James Atkinson, Atomica

Q: What are you favourite Kingston restaurants?
It’s pretty variable actually. Dianne’s is one of my favourite places to go to, and I’m a huge Thai and Cambodian, and Royal Angkor is my go-to. Their Pad Thai is great. For Italian, I’d have to say right here at Atomica.

Q: Have you had any memorable meals or dishes recently at a Kingston restaurant?
I’d have to say a recent one was at Dianne’s, where I had their tequila shrimp appetizer. It’s a pretty standard go-to dish for me. It’s like a spicy tequila Pomodoro sauce with blue tiger shrimp that are sautéed and brought out to you on a skillet. That’s the one that sticks out for me.

February 13, 2015July 15, 2024

A Quest for the Best Ice

I got a phone call at work a week before Christmas. It was the school. My youngest son, who was on a field trip at the INVISTA centre had fallen; he needed to go to the hospital. 4 hours and three stiches later, he asked when we go could skating again. Two more field trips weren’t enough: he still wanted more. I’m not a huge fan of indoor skating, so I decided we should go on our own field trip, and check out the outdoor opportunities Kingston has to offer!

We started downtown at Springer Market Square, probably one of the more popular outdoor rinks in Kingston. With a belly full of poutine from Morrison’s Restaurant (which by the way was a great poutine!) we crossed the street for a few laps around the rink, where in the summer time we like to buy fresh, local produce. We were lucky on this day, as we only shared the rink with maybe a dozen other people. I have seen it super packed at times.

We then found ourselves at Victoria Park (Brock St, between Albert & Alfred). This is a park I have walked through many times in the spring & summer, often passing by active tennis courts and children playing in the playground. This day however the rinks were alive with some friendly neighbourhood “shinny”. As Iain and worked our way towards a bench across from one of the rinks, we slipped on some ice. We were delighted to discover that this park not only floods two rinks, BUT also a “path” that meanders through and around the rinks! Being that we are not hockey players, the opportunity to casually skate around, under the trees was delightful. I spoke with one of the shovel-wielding neighbourhood Mom’s, who told me that a Zamboni comes through on occasion, but it had not yet since yesterday’s snowfall, so the community often shows up with shovels.

After a few laps, and watching some good ole’ fashioned hockey, we packed up our skates to head to our next destination; City Park. The rink is located on Bagot Street, between Barrie & West right across from the Frontenac County Court House. At first, we were delighted; it appeared that no one was skating, we would have the entire rink to ourselves! But when we got closer, all we saw was a snow covered ice rink, with a couple of abandoned hockey nets. Oh well……at least the park has swings!

Kids can’t resist swings, even in the chilly air!

There are a few other free, outdoor community rinks that we did not visit on our field trip including McBurney Park, Polson Park and Woodbine Park.

Personally, I love skating on lakes, of which there are many north of town. (Please be sure conditions are safe before heading out on any lake!) If you were in Kingston mid- January this year, you may have been one of the lucky (and numerous) people who experienced the most pristine ice conditions on Lake Ontario. I was one of them. On a Friday morning before work I recruited a friend (and rented some skates from Trailhead!) and went to check out the lake; I had heard that the ice was great…..and free of snow! It was unreal. We could see bottom, and skate along the shore, from the Pier down to the Yacht Club. Facebook & Instagram were littered with photographs of other skaters out and enjoying the almost once in a lifetime experience. It lasted about a week, and then we got snow, which opens up many other great winter activity, like skiing and snowshoeing!