Page 54 – Visit Kingston

June 9, 2015April 3, 2023

Rush to Kingston’s Fort Henry

I’m standing at the top of the hill, the fort at my back staring down a group of people charging me, bearing guns! I stay a couple of more seconds, get a few shots in myself before jumping off the hay stack out of the way…..just before the fastest of the racers reach me. I’m at the inaugural Cannonball Rush, camera in hand capturing the first of the “rushers” as they race up the Fort Henry hill.

Cannonball Rush started in 2013, and is gearing up for it’s third race on Saturday June 13, 2015. A 5km course, boasting 12 or more obstacles inspired by Fort Henry’s military history, that take you into corners of the Fort that you typically wouldn’t get to visit. Be prepared to climb, crawl, swim….and well, I can’t share too many of their secrets!
While the inspiration for Cannonball Rush may have come on the successful heels of mud-run obstacle races, this race is unique in that the terrain of Fort Henry (have you ever run or even walked or crawled up that hill?) offers great natural obstacles; with no mud pits, electric zaps or ice baths.
“Cannonball Rush takes advantage of all the different areas of Fort Henry and our surrounding grounds – the hills, the internationally renowned cross country running track, the water, the views, and all of the hidden nooks and crannies of the Fort that our regular visitors are often not able to get into, it all lends itself to one of the most unique and fun races I’ve ever come across.” Greg Gouthro, the Events and Operations Coordinator for Fort Henry tells me.
He also stresses that Cannonball Rush isn’t about being first, or being super competitive; it’s about challenging yourself, team spirit and helping others who need a hand up and over an obstacle. Which I witnessed during that first race when I watched many racers lend a hand at the wall climb and the stretcher carry.

Or as a solo racer…….Cover boy of Cannonball Rush?

A corner of the Fort you wouldn’t normally visit….and costumes are encouraged!

This year, Fort Henry is adding a “bonus” to the race. They have also decided to hold their 4th annual Beerfest & Food Truck Festival on the same day… sort of an after party for the “Rushers” The after party… I mean festival… will host local and regional craft breweries and food trucks offering samples of their products, and no festival (party) would be complete without live entertainment! And for Rushers, your ticket into the festival is included in your race fee!

On the way to the finish line….as a team

As for me and this year’s race? I think I’ll see what the race is like on the other side of the camera. I’ve been training….climbing my kids bunk bed, sprinting to the mailbox, hopping fences instead of passing through gates, and bicep curls…..with a beer glass!
Hope to see you there too! Online Registration closes on June 9th and if you’re interested in volunteering you can email me direct… I can “rush” you to the top of the list! And those guns at the beginning? Wooden replicas.

June 4, 2015March 27, 2023

A Safe Asylum for Kingston Seeds

In 1861, when Bishop E.J. Horan requested a handful of Sisters move from Montreal to establish a community of caregivers for Kingston’s elderly, poor and orphans, he could not have foreseen how far these women would take their responsibilities. Today, the Kingston home of the Sisters of Providence of St Vincent de Paul—Heathfield—also provides sanctuary for heirloom seeds.
Fifteen years ago, a Napanee farming couple—Carol and Robert Mouck—discovered that their favourite seed varieties were being replaced in the seed catalogues, with new and improved varieties. Rather than lose their precious vegetables, flowers and herbs, they decided to save seeds themselves. Up to a couple of decades ago, communities routinely built seed libraries around their native varieties, so the Moucks were merely restarting an invaluable tradition.
At retirement, the couple approached the Sisters of Providence, hoping to form a partnership, allowing their nearly four hundred seeds varieties to grow out and remain vital. Today, Cate Henderson tends the heirloom seed sanctuary, in the role of sanctuary gardener and seed saver.

Cate describes her role as a dual ministry: one part is to minister to the plants, keeping seeds fresh and vital, and the other is to minister to humans, by providing workshops that facilitate people keeping the art alive. The art of seed saving has been largely lost over the past two decades.
The Seed Sanctuary offers monthly Heirloom Seed Savers meetings, Weed Walks, Equinox and Solstice celebrations, various workshops and networking opportunities with community groups concerned with sustainability. The best news of all is that every event is free.
Varieties of seeds found on-site are entirely heirloom, meaning any variety that has been or is worthy of being passed down through generations. The key is not their age but that they’re open-pollinated, as opposed to hybrid. Open-pollinated plants grow true to type. The vegetable collection includes those common to Ontario, like tomatoes, eggplant, squash. The flower collection involves those old-fashioned types of which your grandmother was fond—zinnias, love lies bleeding, bee balm and borage (“the blue flowers attract pollinators!” Cate said). There are also a few perennials, such as echinacea, calendula and dwarf French marigolds.

About 7,000 plant species have been cultivated since agriculture began. Today only 15 plant species supply 90% of our food.

The Seed Sanctuary operates exclusively with seeds that are adapted to this area. Kingston soil is comprised of a very dense clay and the Sanctuary does not amend these conditions. Plants are watered entirely by rainfall, which exposes them to natural conditions like droughts and floods. Our harsh winters, with the repeated freeze-thaw cycles, create a hardier annual plant. All plants produce a bountiful, flavourful fruit without fertilizer.
You can also get involved through the project’s partners, which include various Kingston meal providers (like The Loving Spoonful), as well as the Kingston Area Seed System Initiative (or, KASSI), whose ultimate goal is to establish a local seed bank.
There are many reasons for saving seeds, the foremost being that you honour creation by doing so. Today’s conventional gardener, who buys seeds, plants them and harvests the fruit in season, misses an entire phase of life. When you harvest seeds, you become a midwife to the plant. Over time, you develop a reciprocal relationship: plants adapt to your growing conditions, while you experience their full life cycle.
Another excellent reason for saving seeds is that it honours our spiritual side. In certain things, nature proceeds very slowly: we should learn to participate at that pace.
Throughout history, people have sought asylum in churches. It’s reassuring that our heirloom seeds can also find safe haven.
You don’t need to be a Sister of Providence to become a seed saver. For more information, visit their website.

May 29, 2015March 27, 2023

50 Things to Do in Kingston: June Edition 2015

For the most recent June 25 things list, please visit this link.

Get out your calendars and get ready to do some pre-planning, because there are a ton of things happening in Kingston in June! We’ve gone ahead and broken the various events and activities out into different categories: History, Music, Entertainment, The Arts, Pubs & Nightlife, Family Friendly, Festivals, Shopping and Sports & Recreation for easy browsing. Some great musical acts find themselves in Kingston this month, there are five different festivals taking place, and there are plenty of options for the whole family!

History

1. Spend an afternoon exploring the Murney Tower National Historic Site of Canada (Open every day, 10am – 5pm)

3. Explore the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment Military Museum (Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm)
4. Experience a showcase of amazing architecture, design and historical collections at Doors Open Kingston (June 20)
5. Discover Egypt, Gift of the Nile at the Pump House Steam Museum (Running until August 16)

Music

6. Embrace your love of twang with The Lovelocks Band at The Mansion Goes Country (June 6)

8. Enjoy a free mid-day musical interlude at St. George’s Cathedral Summer Concert Series (Every Thursday, beginning June 11)

10. Enjoy free admission to The Ivey Handbell Ensemble from Charlotte, North Carolina (June 20)
11. Make your way to the Lions Civic Gardens for Music in the Gardens (June 24)
12. Get your fix of country music with Downtown Country in Confederation Park (June 25)
13. Tap your feet or get up and dance to the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Gene Krupa and more at Big Band Friday in the Courtyard in Springer Market Square (June 26)

Entertainment

14. Go see Closer than Ever at the Thousand Islands Playhouse (Running until June 13)
15. Don’t miss Salt of the Earth at The Screening Room (June 1 – 4)
16. Check out The Water Diviner at The Screening Room (June 2 – 4)
17. Experience A Moonlit Night in support of the Thousand Islands Playhouse (June 4)
18. Get Caught in the Net at the Domino Theatre (June 4- 20)

20. Enjoy a Hometown Country Celebration at The Grand Theatre (June 19)
21. Check out the classic, The Pirates of Penzance, at the Thousand Islands Playhouse (June 19 – July 18)

The Arts

22. Take a free guided tour of three fabulous exhibitions focusing on New Views of Female Identity at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre (Every Thursday)

24. Sculpt a portrait in air-drying clay with the new adult studio course, Sculpting a Portrait (June 29)
25. Learn the basics of throwing, altering & decoration to create stoneware masterpieces at a Get Muddy Kingston! Throw & All Pottery Class (June 4 – 25)

Pubs & Nightlife

26. Sing your heart out at Karaoke with Sally at The Portsmouth Tavern (June 5)

28. Check out The Fatones and have a pint or two at The Portsmouth Tavern (June 6)
29. Enjoy some solid music and ambiance and go see Nubs at the Tir Nan Og Pub (June 26)

Family-Friendly

30. Promote healthy growth and development by taking the kids to the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day (June 7)
31. Pair up with your family pet and raise some money for the Kingston Humane Society at Run 4 Paws (June 7)
32. Check out the Trillium Hunter/Jumper Horse Show at Gladstone Farm (June 13)
33. Take the family to the free Kingston Family Fun Fair to enjoy enjoy games, crafts, a bouncy castle, free vegetarian lunch, and much more! (June 14)

35. Take the kids to see Splash’N Boots Live at the Grand Theatre (June 21)

Festivals

37. Honour Kingston’s unique role in history with the First Capital Day Festival at City Park (June 12)
38. Celebrate Ukrainian cuisine, culture and traditions at the 2015 Lviv, Ukraine Folklore Festival (June 12-14)

40. Sample some seasonal and traditional ales plus a selection of gourmet culinary delights at the Fort Henry Beerfest and Food Truck Festival (June 13)

Shopping

41. Find your perfect quilt at the Quilts Kingston Show & Sale (June 12)
42. Treat yourself to some timeless leather goods at City + Cargo (Check for store hours)

44. Browse the beautiful stoneware at Amaranth Stoneware (Check for store hours)

Sports & Recreation

45. Support a great cause and participate (or just donate!) to the Capital One Race for Kids (June 6)
46. Finish a challenging course before the Kingston Symphony has finishes playing 50 minutes of Beethovens best music at the Beat Beethoven Run (June 7)

48. Learn how to fly fish like the pros with a Fly Casting Class for Beginners (June 14)
49. Cheer on the brave souls or participate yourself in the Garrison Triathlon (June 28)
50. Check out the Laser Canadian Sailboat Championships (June 20 & 21)

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

May 26, 2015March 27, 2023

Escape Room Phenomenon Hits Kingston

Fans of interactive games and puzzles will want to mark July 1st on their calendars, because the escape room phenomenon has made its way to Kingston, Ontario.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of escape rooms, the notion is fairly straightforward: you’re locked in a room with a group of friends and you must solve a series of clues, puzzles and riddles to escape. The premise originated in Japan and has since steadily picked up steam, gradually growing in popularity across the globe. Initially inspired by first-person video games and movies, escape rooms have since become more sophisticated in their methodology and challenges.

Enter Improbable Escapes, a young company passionate about not only providing would-be escapees with a challenge but also a team-building experience. This particular team building scenario has visitors locked into a room for 60 minutes. In that time, they will need to work with their teammates to solve logic-based puzzles in order to get through multiple locks to safety. The game has no elements of fear and is intended to be played and enjoyed by players of all ages.

I have always loved puzzles. We are looking forward to sharing our love of out of the box thinking and creatively based problem solving with Kingston. Solving puzzles gives you a sense of accomplishment, which is an amazing feeling.
Founders Susan and Caroline Conway have entered the escape room space with varied educational and professional experience. Susan is a psychology graduate interested in how groups work together, and hopes to use the escape room game aspect to create a unique way for groups to spend their time. If interested, Improbable Escapes will be offering the teams teamwork analyses as well as teamwork and leadership workshops to help them strengthen. Caroline has plenty of experience in customer service and creating puzzles in a professional capacity – it makes them the perfect team for their new venture.
“I have always loved the sense of a good mystery and the pursuit of exploration. It was my business partner and my mutual love of excitement that brought us to start an escape the room game. We wanted to bring a unique experience to customers by giving everyone small moments of success and victory. That’s not to say everyone will escape the game but having the chance search, find, and progress through a locked room is an experience most people never have.” Susan, Co-founder or Improbable Escapes.

While neither Susan or Caroline is originally from Kingston, they both fell in love with the city. “Every time we see the atmosphere of downtown, we know it’s something we want to be a part of.” Says Susan. They both consider Kingston to be a beautifully historic city that they’re lucky to be a part of and hope to become much more actively involved in the ongoings within the community.
In addition to offering their guests the chance to flex their problem-solving muscles, Improbable Escapes hopes to lure corporate teams and birthday parties with the “Vinyl Lounge”; a space that can be both booked for private events, and used by customers to play the various board games they provide.
Currently, the price for Improbable Escapes stands at $23.75 including tax per person. Susan and Carolynn will be offering a variety of different packages for cooperate teams, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and other large group events.

To learn more about Improbable Escapes, visit their website.

May 25, 2015April 4, 2023

Art and Emergence, More Than Just a Pretty Flower

Guest post written by Lori Kallay

The Canadian ground has finally embraced the glacial retreat that was our winter and wonderful things are emerging – things like grass and buds and robins. We won’t discuss the emerging pet messes left behind hidden under that blanket of ice; that isn’t the type of emergence we want to embrace.
So in celebration of being woken up by that sunbeam at 6:00 am and the kids playing outside until the streetlights come on later each day, our troupe of ‘art artists are back at it! We’re back in our now sun-filled studios creating work to enhance the “good for the soul” feelings we are filled with by the new season. We are happy to give you Jardin’Art.
As it turns out, the flora and fauna aren’t the only things emerging! We are pushing our comfort zones and working with a new medium. Art on glass with imagery visible from both sides was a challenge, and we have created such diverse pieces ranging from shimmery pond life to quiet moments, from illuminated birch trees and flowers to windows within windows! We are giving you another reason to enjoy the warmer days!
Similar to Froid’Art, our Jardin’Art project is walking tour of wonderful public art intended to set you out for a day walk or evening stroll. Full of visual surprises, and not a snowflake in sight, this is a no excuses must-see!

Jardin’Art locations as of May 17 2015:

Frankie Pestos, 167 Ontario Street
The Secret Garden Inn, 73 Sydenham Street
Cornerstone, 255 Ontario Street
Chez Piggy, 68 Princess Street
Mexico Lindo y Que Rico, 262 Sydenham Street
Olivea Restaurant, 39 Brock Street
The Queen’s Inn, 125 Brock Street
The Waterfront Restaurant, 22 Water Street West, Napanee

Visit us on our Facebook page for all the latest news stories and pictures about Jardin’Art!

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.