The holidays may be a little different this year, but they can still feel the same. Connect with Kingston’s makers, chefs, and musicians to experience a bit of the Limestone City and make some merry at home this holiday season.
Presented in partnership with the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts and The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning.
Funding provided by the Government of Ontario.
Miss Emily
Miss Emily’s performances are foot-stomping, heart-wrenching adventures in rhythm, blues, jazz, and rock and roll. For 15 years she has captivated listeners across Canada, the US, and the United Kingdom with her unique combination of passion and talent. In early 2020, Miss Emily won two Maple Blues Awards for new artist and female vocalist of the year. Join Miss Emily as she shares her remarkable artistry and a few holiday tunes.
Leonid Nediak
Recognized as one of the top ten pianists of his age group in the world, Kingston’s Leonid Nediak has been a featured soloist with l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the Toronto Symphony, and the Kingston Symphony, all while collecting Canadian and international prizes. Named by CBC as one of the “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30,” join Leonid as he captivates with Bach, Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev.
Abby Stewart
Abby Stewart is a young singer-songwriter from Kingston. She has performed at some of Canada’s biggest fairs and music festivals, including Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Havelock Country Jamboree, Ottawa Bluesfest, and Trackside Music Fest. Several trips to Nashville have gained her recognition in the field, as she hones her craft. Join Abby as she showcases her talent, performing original tracks and several holiday hits.
Cameron Wyatt, Kasador
Kingston-based Kasador spent their first years cutting their teeth on the road, garnering attention from their engaging and high-energy live performances. Duelling vocals and dynamic guitars delivered by Will Hunter and Cam Wyatt offer depth and versatility, while Boris Baker and Stephen Adubofuor provide a strong base for the band. In this performance, Cam serves up a mix of originals, covers, and some holiday cheer.
Fresh Outdoor Wreath Décor
Join artist Rhonda Evans to learn how to make your own fresh outdoor wreath. Rhonda is an artist, a designer, a teacher, and an entrepreneur. She is influenced by her home province of Newfoundland’s warm, rugged spirit, as well as her family farm here in Kingston.
Supplies: greenery of your choice (cedar, spruce, white pine, juniper), wreath décor (pinecones, berries, icicles), wreath form, wired ribbon, wire, clippers
Family Holiday Dance Class
Join Kingston School of Dance instructors Camille Spencer and Amy Booth from the comfort of your living room as we celebrate the magic of the holidays with music and dance. This 30-minute creative dance class is suitable for all generations and family members.
Supplies: a clear space in your home, chair if you prefer to sit, your bubble or just dance it out yourself
Holiday Ornaments
Join instructor Linda Wolfram Fraser from Kingston Potters’ Guild to create your own holiday ornaments by rolling clay, imprinting a pattern, and cutting out the shape. The Kingston Potters’ Guild, one of the oldest pottery guilds in Ontario, offers classes and workshops.
Supplies: air-dry clay, rolling pin, cookie cutter, lace (or other textured material), pin tool or skewer, water, paint, Mod Podge, ribbon or yarn
Learn to Weave at Home
Kingston Handloom Weavers & Spinners
Join Nancy from the Kingston Handloom Weavers & Spinners to learn how to make your own loom and weave a small mat or decorative wall art using everyday items. The guild promotes an interest and education in weaving, spinning, and related fiber arts, and welcomes all levels.
Supplies: firm cardboard, ruler, pencil, scissors, yarn, darning needle (optional – can use a skewer or your fingers), dowel or knitting needle, fork
Spiced Ginger Cookies
Join Tarryn from the Juniper Café and learn how to make their famous fresh Spiced Ginger Cookies – a perfect treat for the holiday season. Juniper Café, located in The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, believes in making great food and great coffee accessible to all.
Supplies: cloves, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, salt, baking soda, flour, butter, sugar, molasses, baking sheet, mixing bowls, measuring cups, large spoon, mixer
How to Make Charcuterie
Join Chef Rikki from the Black Dog Tavern to learn how to design a beautiful – and delicious – charcuterie board featuring local meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and accompaniments. Black Dog Tavern is a casual tavern that serves eclectic upscale pub grub.
Supplies: your favourite meats, cheeses, and accompaniments such as grapes, almonds, olives and pickles, fruits and vegetables, crackers, and spreads, charcuterie board, knife
Holiday Dips
Mitch, co-owner of Mesa Fresca, shows you how to make yummy guacamole and pico de gallo, perfect snacks for sharing with your bubble. Mesa Fresca is a Mexican-inspired restaurant that uses local producers to bring the freshest and finest quality ingredients to table.
Supplies: avocadoes, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, salt, cumin, limes, cilantro, knife, bowl, juicer, tortilla chips for dipping
Cocktails and Mocktails
Join Bellen, co-founder of Miss Bao, to learn how to make three of her favourite drinks, an Appletini, Earl Grey French 75, and homemade ginger ale. Miss Bao is an Asian-fusion restaurant with a menu that uses the freshest ingredients and evolves with the seasons.
Supplies: vodka, apple liqueur, apple brandy, tea-infused gin, sparkling wine, simple syrup lemon juice, ginger, water, sparkling water, cranberry juice, ice, shaker, glasses
A Very YGK Holiday
The perfect playlist for decorating, wrapping, and cooking this holiday season—with your favourite Kingston musicians.
Featuring Miss Emily, Leonid Nediak, Cameron Wyatt from Kasador, and Abby Stewart.
