From kimchi to Bibimbap, Korean cuisine (Hansik) has gained international popularity for its fresh seasonal ingredients and innovative flavour combinations. Sound familiar? Kingston’s culinary scene is always exploding with new dishes and fresh produce, so it’s only fitting that we have amazing Korean options to explore. Whether you live off Hoeddeok and Naengmyeon or you’re just dipping your feet into this delicious culture, your tastebuds won’t regret it.
No, it’s not that catchy song you danced to in 2012, it’s the go-to spot in Kingston for delicious Korean dishes. The menu is made of exclusively Korean dishes, but it’s the quality of the dishes, lively k-pop filled atmosphere, and friendly service that keeps people coming back. Some of our favourites? The Bibimbap, Spicy Squid on a hot grill plate, Korean Fried Chicken, or the Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup!
Don’t let the small exterior fool you, this Sushi/Korean restaurant is a local favourite for its authentic and fresh dishes. People may know them for their sushi, but their hidden gem is their Korean dishes like Bibimbap (try it with the spicy sauce for an extra kick), Bulgogi, and Hwae-Dup-Bap (sashimi rice bowl).
Specializing in Korean and Japanese dishes, Hwa-Ki is a perfect spot if you’re looking for an upscale casual Asian dinner downtown. The delicious dishes mixed with the sleek, dark wooded atmosphere will transport you off of Princess Street straight to Asia (no passport needed). Try the Bulgogi Bibimbap, Japchae Bap, Debokki for two, or kimchi fried rice!
Steps away from Market Square lies one of Kingston’s Japanese-Korean hotspots, SushiYa Zen. This hidden gem may not be so hidden any longer thanks to the rave reviews it’s getting from their customers. Hwae Dup Bap, Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Pork bone soup; we can’t get enough!
Podonamu has built a huge fanbase, attracting students and locals alike for their tasty, hearty fare. It’s an intimate spot with a warm atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to share their legendary chicken and Ddukgochi, or try out some Jeon, Kimbab, Kimchi Jigae, or Bulgogi! Pro-tip: go after 8 pm for their combo deals, each dish on the late-night menu comes with one bottle of Sou or Makgulli, or 3 bottles of beer.
Your new must-visit grocery store, KAS has everything you need to whip up a Korean dish of your own. It’s a Korean foodie’s dream come true, with a variety of hot pot ingredients (frozen and fresh), dumplings, and so much more.
After retiring from his military career, Chris Shelley, his wife Cindy, and son Brian moved back to Kingston from Ottawa for the fourth time. They launched K-Town Kups in 2014, General Brock’s Commissary in 2015 and eventually consolidated both stores in 2018. Now, visitors to the store can find the perfect mix of local food, treats, and almost any K-Cup coffee or hot chocolate flavour imaginable.
When asked about what inspired them to open the Commissary, Cindy explained, “Our son, Brian, found a hand-drawn map from the 1800s showing Brock Street with the original commissary. It was truly a hub of activity back in its day. We even found an article in an old newspaper asking local farmers to supply food to them.”
Cindy, Chris and Brian were quickly sold on the concept of local food, much like the original Commissary was in the 1800s. In fact, they have about 50 different suppliers over the course of a year.
“Before we opened the store, it took about 6 months of research on select producers and makers. Every piece out there is curated and we’re in contact with each supplier. We’ve sat in their kitchens and walked through their fields. It’s truly a farm-to-table experience.”
Shelves line the walls of General Brock’s Commissary, filled with specialty treats and artisan products. When asked about fan-favourite and best selling items, Cindy shares, “The chocolates! It’s always the chocolates.Mrs. B’s truffles are bar-none and beautiful. Each chocolate is handmade one batch at a time.”
Spending time in the shop can be compared to visiting family and friends: expect warm hospitality and tons of unique recommendations!
“A customer once walked in, took a look around and stated, ‘This store is the currency of good hospitality.’ Throughout my husband’s career in the military, we would always entertain guests. We put together simple but unique dishes and appetizers. That’s the essence of our store; when you visit, you have all the essentials within arm’s reach. Simple things like cream cheese and red pepper jelly, all the supplies for a local charcuterie board, and even tea and coffee for after supper.”
If you don’t know what to purchase when you visit the shop, try out the owners’ personal favourites.
Cindy recommends the Kawartha Dairy Black Raspberry Thunder ice cream – a smooth white chocolate ice cream with raspberries and white chocolate chunks. She also recommends the Prince Edward County Kinsip Maple Syrup aged in whiskey barrels. Meanwhile, Chris loves the Sour Cherry Jam from Harvest Brinery (located in Napanee). Even their grandson has his own product in the store – a delightful apple cinnamon peanut spread that’s the perfect complement to ice cream, pancakes, toast, and banana bread.
“During the Christmas season and when students are here for College or University, we put together themed gift baskets. Customers get to choose six things off the shelf and we put them together in a package. It’s fun seeing all of their ideas – some of them create a carnivore box with all meat products. Others go for coffee and cookies, or jams, jellies, and spreads.”
In addition to offering local foods, preserves, and treats, you can stop by for take-out and frozen meals – perfect for those nights when you don’t know what to have for supper.
“We like to focus on home-style cooking. We have everything from chicken stew, shepherd’s pie, stuffed green peppers, pulled pork sandwiches, and meatballs with mashed potatoes. If you’re ever out for lunch in Downtown Kingston, stop by the store and pick up a dish!”
You can visit General Brock’s Commissary at 86 Brock Street in Kingston, Ontario. Keep up to date with them by visiting their website, Facebook, or Twitter.
I stumbled upon a Kingston Food Tour in progress – Chris dresses up as the General and shares historic stories about Kingston. Guests get to try delicious samples of jams, jellies, and meats afterwards.
Winter in Kingston means different things to different people. If you prefer the warmer months, you might be hunkering down to hibernate at home. If you’re a winter-lover, the snowfall and sub-zero temperatures mean the start of skiing, snowshoeing, and skating in Market Square with the backdrop of our beautiful downtown. One thing winter means for all of Kingston—regardless of personal bias—is lots of cosmopolitan arts and culture events to satisfy your inner sophisticate.
Here are 20 events this winter that are sure to dazzle you:
If you like beautiful artifacts and understanding their socio-political implications, you won’t want to miss this! This exhibit showcases donated works from across Africa that tell the complex story of how Africans have used ivory to teach morality, convey social standing, heal wounds, safeguard communities, and commercially profit.
The internationally acclaimed National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Ukraine take you on an unforgettable journey filled with magic. The Nutcracker is brought to new heights with elegant sets, intricate costumes, exceptional choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s astonishing musical score. Celebrate the holiday season with a world-class rendition of this classic tale.
Enjoy an evening of masterful chamber music with Canada’s foremost piano trio and multiple Juno award-winners—the Gryphon Trio. Back by popular demand, their performances of Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvořák is sure to be full of musical emotion brought to life by the trio’s incredible skill and attention to detail.
Even though the days are getting darker, Here Comes the Sun! Classic Albums Live will dazzle you with their perfect cover-to-cover performance of the Beatles’ eleventh studio album. The second half of the show features even more of the Beatles’ greatest hits — a true celebration of their illustrious music anthology.
Brilliant singer-songwriter and multi-talented Kingston artist, David Archibald, will warm your heart just in time for the holidays. Joined by Duncan Holt, Jesse MacMillan, Doug Raensbury, and Anna Sudac, this evening of local folk music is certain to be a real treat from one of Kingston’s local favourites.
An early Christmas gift the whole family will enjoy, come sing along to your favourite carols with the Kingston Symphony and Kingston Choral Society. If you’re after a night of classical holiday jubilation, be sure to book soon because these concerts sell out every year!
Fashion, status, and fame have appealed to British citizens since the early modern era. This show explores these fundamental issues of identity through portraits by Peter Lely, Godfrey Kneller and others in the context of the ongoing evolution of national and cultural boundaries.
Enjoy an afternoon of music showcasing great surprise and originality, from three outstanding composers: Tchaikovsky’s remarkable Pezzo Capriccioso, the premiere of a brand new symphony from Ryan Trew, and finally, Beethoven’s immortal 5th symphony. The Kingston Symphony is—as always—in full form and will not disappoint!
January 16 to February 1st (Thursday–Saturday) at Domino Theatre
A drama adapted from the classic novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird will immerse you in a bygone era while exploring themes of prejudice, compassion, and the courage to do what is right. Multiple dates are available for what is sure to be an impactful performance of a timeless story.
Brad Roberts’ distinctive bass-baritone will fill you with 90s rock nostalgia as he’s joined by original band members Dan Roberts, Ellen Reid, and Mitch Dorge for a concert of fan favourites from this iconic Canadian band. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new one, this performance will be one to remember!
Safe Haven explores the influence of refugee populations on the cultures of their adopted countries during the baroque era through powerful multimedia and music performance. Renowned the world over, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra will amaze you with their skill and unique baroque era instrumentation.
If you’re a Pink Floyd fan, you won’t want to miss this. Since 1993, Comfortably Numb has been heralded as the leading Pink Floyd tribute in the world. Watch in amazement as they perform Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and Animals back to back to back in front of an interactive multimedia laser, video, and light show.
Hear the story of Canada’s oldest black community, Africville, which was destroyed in the 1960s for urban improvement. Through a fusion of sound, narration, and music spanning jazz, R&B, and gospel, Joe Sealy, Jackie Richardson, and Paul Novotny take you on a soulful journey based on Sealy’s Juno award-winning Africville Suite.
24-year-old superstar violinist and winner of the 2016 Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) Manulife Competition, Blake Pouliot showcases the breadth and depth of his musical talent with a repertoire from the 18th to the early 20th century — a truly prodigious performance!
Two-time winner of the CCMA Female Artist of the Year award and Canadian country sensation Meghan Patrick has a distinct sound that’s full of energy—think the free spirit of Emmylou Harris combined with the spark and sensuality of Tanya Tucker. The Bowmanville native returns to Kingston for what can only be yet another memorable show.
This concert features two radical and remarkably contrasting views on the love of nature. Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring is a raw, unfiltered worship and sacrifice to the earth while Beethoven’s sixth symphony, The Pastoral, is a sublime love letter to the countryside. This interesting pairing will make for an unforgettable music experience.
Another large-scale performance by the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Romeo and Juliet is set to the music of Sergey Prokofiev based on William Shakespeare’s tragedy of star crossed lovers. With a talented company of 55, this is certain to be a grand demonstration of classical ballet.
Miles Davis is credited as one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz, and Kind of Blue, as one of the best albums of all time. Join Ron Di Lauro and his six-piece band for a set of Miles’ classics from the late 50s for a full re-creation of the legendary album.
Do you like music that swings? The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s performance of Allen Toussaint’s original Big Band arrangements of hits including Southern Nights, With You In Mind, It’s Raining, Ruler of My Heart, Java, and Working in the Coal Mine will have you dreaming of the Bayou and dancing in your seat!
If you’re a film buff, this one’s for you! The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is the world’s largest festival dedicated exclusively to Canadian Film. The 2020 schedule is still in development, so stay tuned for more details on this celebration of Canadian talent.
This winter, Kingston has concerts, plays, dance performances, and laughs galore to warm your soul. Conveniently accessible along the 401 corridor, by train, or by plane—book your own sophisticated winter getaway and join in on the festivities!
The inaugural YGK Emerging Musicians Competition seeks to inspire and support Kingston’s rising musical talent and provide them with the tools they need to launch their careers in the industry. Out of the 43 submissions received for the competition, 6 talented finalists were selected to receive a prize package valued at $7,500.
Read on to learn more about the competition’s 6 finalists who will be showcasing their talent at the Isabel Bader Centre on September 20, 2019. If you haven’t already, you can purchase your tickets here.
Abby Stewart is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Kingston, Ontario. A true Canadian girl, she plays hockey and softball but feels most at home on stage, already achieving some pretty impressive success in her budding career. Abby released her EP “Firsts”in 2015 which included her radio release “I’m Still Faster”, followed by her first music video, which now has over 360,000 views on YouTube.
Alex’s first experience with music began at the age of four on her family’s organ in Sydenham, Ontario. With her dad’s guitar renditions of Clapton and McCartney classics resonating throughout the house, she would mimic the melodies on the keys, singing the names of the notes as she played along. Alex has been playing the piano and singing ever since, both through her classical training, and as a singer/songwriter.
Throughout her career, Alex has always turned to songwriting to tell her story. “When I have something to say, music is my megaphone. I love the challenge of taking an idea and sculpting it into a succinct hook or phrase. Putting each element together – the chord progression, melody, instrumentation, lyrics – the writing process is like my therapy. Everything seems to make more sense after I’ve written it into a song.”
A performer since the age of 13, Julia has grown up telling stories through song. In 2015, Julia released her first EP entitled Thoughts Collide, which received radio-play across the region and coast-to-coast across Canada on CBC Radio. She has just completed her Bachelor of Fine Art degree at Queen’s University and is now set to focus all of her energy on delivering personal portraits through her music.
She is currently working on the release of her first full-length album recorded with Jonas Bonnetta of Evening Hymns at Port William Sound.
Jazz, adult contemporary, traditional pop, easy listening
Michelle is on a journey to establish herself as a top Jazz & Adult Contemporary singer in the Canadian music scene. Commended for her rich tone and vocal command, she continues to draw praise from audiences and musicians alike, including Juno Award Winning artists Ranee Lee (Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, 2010) and Hugh Johnston (Musicounts Teacher of the Year, 2012).
Her most recent career highlights include the release of a new EP of Jazz Standards, “The Very Thought of You”, and a sold-out concert at the Kingston Grand Theatre this past Christmas 2018.
Sadaf Amini was born in Tehran, Iran, when, at the age of 12, she began studying the Santur, and later enrolled at the Tehran Music School. In 2012, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Iranian Music Performance from Tehran University.
After immigrating to Canada in 2014, she received her Master’s degree in Music Technology and Digital Media from the University of Toronto. She has performed at several music festivals across the world and received First Prize in the 2006 Fajr Music Festival for Ensembles (Iran), the 2007 Festival of Music Conservatories (Iran), the 2007 Fajr Music Festival (Iran), and the 2015 Colour of Music Festival (Vancouver, Canada).
Savannah and Michael met as choristers in Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, with their musical collaboration officially beginning in high school. Along with three other friends, Michael and Savannah started a pop cover band, playing for local talent shows and school coffee houses.
Savannah owes a great deal of her success to Kingston’s wonderful community of musicians, and she is especially thankful for the support of Musiikki Cafe, her home away from home.
Chef Michael Smith, Food Network star, James Beard Award winner, award-winning cookbook author, and Prince Edward Island food ambassador is also blessing the city of Kingston with his brilliant culinary influence and appreciation for locally-grown ingredients.
After building a working relationship with Sodexo (a food supplier for Queen’s and many other facilities) for several years — including leading a team of Sodexo Chefs in 2010 that cooked for the worlds Olympians in the Whistler Athletes Village — Chef Smith decided to take his role to the next level in an expansion of the food services offered in the Mackintosh-Corry building at Queen’s University. With the support of Sodexo, Smith opened the Canadian Grilling Company, a restaurant dedicated to highlighting Canadian ingredients through Canadian fare. The cafeteria underwent a $1.3 million dollar renovation in 2011 to include this new addition.
Photo: Canadian Grilling Company via Facebook
That’s right, student food is not what it used to be. At least not at Queen’s. A burger is not just a burger — it’s about thoughtful preparation, fine ingredients and a menu that is curated by a celebrity chef.
Smith is a sustainability advisor for Sodexo and that has influenced the creation of CGC. His mission is transparency and consumer engagement.
“What we’re trying to do is help consumers — and on campus, it’s students — help them think about where food comes from. This is one of the biggest challenges we have, engaging consumers. When consumers care, things can happen. That’s what the Grilling Company is all about, showing we can do this awesome thing in the middle of this colossal university. And make a stand for something.”
What Smith means by “make a stand for something” is honour and support our local farmers, ranchers and growers. This mentality is something he prides himself on and practices at home in Prince Edward Island as well.
“That’s what I do with my restaurant on Prince Edward Island,” he says. “We are all about connecting guests with food and making them think about where their food comes from.
“We’re not going to save the world by eating a burger but we could give some thought to where our food comes from and the conscious choices that we make. We need the industry to be transparent about what they do, where they get their ingredients and what we do with these things.”
Smith explains that his mission with CGC is to “show just how committed we are to our food sourcing and properly prepared food. The burgers are made from locally raised organic meat from Southern Ontario done the way I like it.”
And if all of this talk about a good burger has your mouth watering, Smith’s restaurant on Queen’s campus is not reserved just for students. You, too, can take a trip to campus and get your hands on one of the CGC’s farm-to-table dishes.
In case you’re wondering where else this national food influencer likes to eat when he’s in town, he listed The Rustic Spud as one of his favourite local spots.
The leaves are turning, school is back on, and the warmer layers are coming out. Let’s celebrate the changing of the seasons in Kingston with 25 exciting events touching on everything from live music, holiday markets, haunted walking and trolley tours, and, as always, the return of Fort Fright!
1. Ghost and Mystery Trolley — October 1–27, 2019
2. Dean Brody + Dallas Smith Live — October 2, 2019
3. Fort Fright — October 3–6, 10-13, 17-20, 24–31, 2019
4. Meet the Maker: Beer Dinner Series — October 4, 2019
5. Rembrandt Exhibition — until December 1, 2019
6. The Original Haunted Walk — Nightly
7. Queen’s Homecoming Football Game — October 19, 2019
8. ***NEW DATE*** World of Dance: Live Tour — October 21, 2019
9. Vinyl Records Sale — October 24, 2019
10. Wolfe Island Corn Maze — All Month Long
11. Catch a Kingston Frontenacs Game — Various Days
12. Judgement of Kingston — November 2, 2019
13. Rock the Rink — November 3, 2019
14. The Arkells Live — November 16, 2019
15. All Things Christmas Sale — November 16–17, 2019
16. Tone Deaf Festival — November 16–24, 2019
17. Santa Parade — November 16, 2109
18. Sesame Street Live — November 17, 2019
19. Paw Patrol Live — November 20, 2019
20. City & Colour Live — November 26, 2019
21. Pumpkin Parade — November 1, 2019
22. Classic Kingston Food Tour — Various Days
23. Artfest Kingston: Christmas Art & Craft Show — December 7 + 8, 2019
24. Santa in the Square — Saturdays in December
25. Ian Walsh Photography Contest: “Made in Kingston” — Submissions accepted until December 31, 2019
Scott Chadwick, Lead for Team McDonald represents Kingston on the World Curling Tour, Sportsnet Grand Slam Series, and TSN Season of Champions. We asked Scott to hand-pick ten of his favourite Kingston experiences that make for a great adventure for visitors and locals alike.
My first favourite thing is the beautiful Cataraqui Golf and Country Club. Whether you are playing the Stanley Thompson course, enjoying the clubhouse and restaurant or throwing rocks on one of the premier ice surfaces in the province, it is a warm and welcoming environment.
Visit www.cataraqui.com to sign up to try curling this winter or follow them on Facebook and Twitter @cataraqui golf and country club!
The energy, innovation and spirit that Queen’s University provides. From world-class programs and a beautiful, historic campus, the university delivers as one of the best institutions in the country.
It’s always so peaceful taking a walk through downtown. The historic buildings and market square add a charm to the city that transports you back in time. Just find a patio and grab a beer or coffee and spend the afternoon people watching.
Kingston is home to one of Ontario’s best waterfronts. Whether you are walking around Confederation Park, laying on the beach at Gord Downie Pier, swimming at Lake Ontario Park, or walking your dog at Lemoine’s Point there is something for everyone. Kingston is also located at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River and the gateway to the thousand islands.
Kingston has an amazing live music scene where bands such as The Tragically Hip, The Headstones and The Glorious Sons cut their teeth. You can’t beat listening to Smitty at The Brass or seeing what band is taking the stage at The Merchant or The Mansion.
Kingston is a premier host city for sporting events. From the ’76 summer Olympics sailing to the upcoming 2020 Tim Hortons Brier, the city is a destination for world-class events. Remember to get your tickets for the upcoming Brier as the best curlers in the world take over the city February 29th to March 8th.
There’s nothing like picking up a game of shinny at one of the several outdoor skating rinks sprinkled around the city. Or take your partner for a date night skate around the Market Square ice rink under the glow of the giant Christmas Tree.
Kingston is home to a wide variety of amazing restaurants and bars. Take the Wolfe Island Ferry over to the Wolfe Island Grill and enjoy dinner on the patio as the sun sets over the city’s skyline or enjoy an intimate setting at Bayview Farm Restaurant.
Fun Fact: Bayview Farm Restaurant is one of the many farm-to-table eateries in Kingston where almost all ingredients are sourced from local farms in the area. Check out Ontario Culinary Alliance for certified Feast On restaurants.
9. A Picnic at Kingston Mills Locks
Pack a picnic and head to Kingston Mills Locks and watch the boats travel through the locks. If you are looking for more of an adventure grab a boat and take a cruise up the Rideau Canal.
The city is surrounded with history. The historic limestone buildings are a memory of the times of Sir John A MacDonald and the initial Capital of the country. The city is guarded by Fort Henry and downtown is dotted with the Martello towers. The history of RMC and Queen’s University is also prevalent.
It’s beginning to feel a lot like…autumn! And you know what that means. Our favourite fall festivities are returning to Kingston like Fort Fright and the Wolfe Island Corn Maze. Plus we have workshops and concerts happening all over the city, and to top it all off, a mini Octoberfest! Enjoy the harvest, Kingston!
Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar for consideration!
Kingston Live is a monthly podcast that offers up behind-the-scenes insight into the Kingston music scene. If you’re looking to learn more about the city’s emerging artists and where to see them play live, you’ll find it here! If you’re a resident music lover or visitor looking for the inside scoop on Kingston’s local music scene, it’s a perfect fit for you, too.
The competition offers Kingston musicians an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of established artists. They discuss how they chose the jury members, the finalists, and what the audience can expect at the Isabel on September 20th when they perform.
The jury members are Jonas Lewis Anthony, John Burge, Moira Demorest, Emily Fennell, Cyndy Gibson, Ange Stever, and Zane Whitfield. The finalists are Sadaf Amini, Julia Finnegan, Michelle Kasaboski, Alex Mundy, Savannah and Michael and Abby Stewart.
Want tickets? Go to queensu.ca/theisabel. Or go in person to the box office Monday–Friday, 12–4:30 pm or call 613-533-2424.
They start with Megan Hamilton, post-performance, chatting about the difference between attending the last few years and performing for the first time. She touches on her favourite performances to watch and why she loves the festival.
“It bends all of the rules in a very positive way,” says Megan.
After their performance, a few of the guys from The Wilderness discuss how they’ve seen the festival evolve since the last time they performed in 2017.
“It feels like a big party with all of the best people. I could see a sea of people, 99 percent of who I know and love,” shared Jonas. They let us in on the story behind the band’s matching Adidas tracksuits.
Listeners are treated to a live performance of I Found Out by the Chris Koster followed by an interview with Chris Koster, talking about his journey as an artist, and the Kingston music scene.
“For the size of the city, there’s an amazing arts community,” he says.
Chris shares his favourite places to play, life on the road with the Sons, and how it felt to play Back to the Farm for the first time. He also drops some bleak advice to aspiring musicians: “If there’s a possibility that you won’t do it, then just don’t do it.”
Following the release of the Glorious Sons’ upcoming record A War on Everything on September 13th, Chris and the band take to the stage at Richardson Stadium in Kingston on September 21st.
Look out for new podcasts every month to stay up to date on the Kingston music scene! The Kingston Live podcast is syndicated to all major podcast platforms. Find them wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to subscribe: Soundcloud, Spotify, iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher. They also air on Wolfe Island Radio on Tuesday and Thursdays! You can also follow them on Instagram.
Didn’t nab a ticket to the now sold-out concert at Kingston Pen? Don’t worry, there’s a ton of solid shows happening all month, including The Glorious Sons at Richardson Stadium, Rufus Wainwright at The Grand, and Justin Rutledge at The Grad Club.
Local jazz singer Selina Chiarelli and flautist Caroline Kwok have been hosting these Sunday afternoon jazz shows all summer long. They’re a place for local female artists to showcase and explore their talents, and for audiences to hear a more proportional representation of the genre. Chiarelli and Kwok typically open, and then a local jazz musician takes over (Chantal Thompson, Savannah Shea, and Michelle Kasaboski have all played, for instance). The afternoon ends with an open jam session in a free-jazz format.
This hard-hitting rock fourpiece is led by Toronto indie music stalwart Ian Blurton, who started playing drums with Cowboy Junkies and A Neon Rome. He also sang and played guitar for Change Of Heart, Blurtonia, Bionic, C’mon, Public Animal, and others, as well as produce albums for artists like The Weakerthans and Rheostatics. This current solo project has influences ranging from 70s hard rock to new wave to garage rock to psychedelic. Supporting it all is Glen Milchem (Blue Rodeo) on drums, Anna Ruddick (Randy Bachman) on bass, and Aaron Goldstein (Daniel Romano) on guitar.
Get out the face paint and black hair dye — legendary KISS tribute act Destroyer is headlining the annual rock show at CFB Kingston this year. The band has been together for 25 years, and has played over 1,250 shows to date. They’re one of the most sought-after KISS tributes around, and they’ll definitely get you rock and rolling all night long with classics like Detroit Rock City, 100,000 Years, and Christine Sixteen. Helix and Prism will open the show.
This indie rock band is made up of three artists from Saskatoon with more than 30 years of combined performance time between them. It’s a new project for the trio, though, and it’s been gaining steam since last year’s release of the single “Off the Top of My Heart”. Produced and co-written by The Trews’ John-Angus MacDonald, the song would easily fit in a mix with AC/DC, Bryan Adams, and Foo Fighters. The band also plays the night before at The Merchant (Friday, September 6th).
Local legend Boag & The Braveyard Whips hosts this show every Saturday afternoon, where a rotating cast of other Kingston musicians typically play, too. Boag formed in the ashes of Kingston band The Unsung Heroes in 1991, and over the years has included various local artists playing county, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll covers and originals. The most recent reincarnation came in 2018, when a group of veteran greats that included Jack Troughton, Roger O’Handley, and Deb Schuurmans decided to get the band going again.
Since forming in 2003, Vancouver’s Five Alarm Funk says it’s had one simple goal: to make you sweat. They’ve been doing that across North America this summer with eight people playing guitars, bass, drums, congas, timbales, a sax, and a trumpet. Together, their sound is a combination of gypsy-rock, afro-punk, Latin, ska, and punk. As the band itself says, they’re a “horn-powered, percussion-fuelled sonic and visual assault.”
Richardson Stadium has hosted a few legendary Kingston concerts over the years, including The Tragically Hip’s famous 1993 show. This one should go down in history, too, as close to 16,000 people are expected to rock out with Kingston’s own The Glorious Sons. Since forming in Kingston in 2011 and honing their sound at The Merchant, the band has had eight consecutive top-10 rock radio hits in Canada. Last year they won the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year. This year their song “S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)” was number one on Billboard’s Active and Modern Rock Charts for four consecutive weeks.
Since releasing his first album in 2005, alt-country singer-songwriter Justine Rutledge has earned two Juno nominations, a Galaxy Rising Start award, and the title of Toronto’s Best Local Songwriter (NOW Magazine), among other critical accolades. His serene, spacious sound and lush harmonies have been compared to those of Ryan Adams, so no doubt he’ll find a good home in the living-room-like Grad Club.
Though they’re named after Antonio Vivaldi, Red Priest isn’t your typical baroque band. Instead, they take music of the 17th and 18th centuries and re-invent it, infusing it with more creativity, energy, and humour than you’ve probably heard before. And they’ve been successful at it, playing sold-out shows in many of the world’s biggest festivals and most prestigious concert halls. The New York Times has called them “wildly virtuosic”, “entertainingly eccentric”, and “exquisite”.
The man Elton John called “the greatest songwriter on the planet” has established himself as one of the top male vocalists of his generation. Born in New York and raised in Montreal, Rufus went on to become best known as a pop singer, but he also straddles the worlds of rock, opera, theatre, dance, and film. To date, he has released seven studio albums, 3 DVDs, and three live albums, including the Grammy nominated “Rufus Does Judy” at Carnegie Hall.
This full afternoon and evening of music will celebrate the life and legacy of Gord Downie, and benefit the Downie-Wenjack Fund and Kingston Homebase Housing. Nine local bands will perform, including the Trevor Walsh Group, Luscious, and headliner the Greg Ball Band. Tickets include a 1/2-pound of wings, an art show, a silent auction, jewellery vendors, legacy learning, psychic readings, a magician, wrestling, and Kingston School of Dance flash performances.
The summer festival season may be ending, but it’s going out on a high note with gems that include Ribfest, the Multicultural Arts Festival, and WritersFest.
Back for the seventh year, Ribfest will have seven award-winning ribbers on hand this September and 14 craft breweries, including five locals. The format is simple: for beer, buy a $6 wristband and then purchase five-ounce samples at a time for $2 each. For food, just wonder and graze on barbecued pork, chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, pretzels, ice cream, and more. Prices will range from $7 for a pulled pork sandwich to $22 for a full rack of ribs. Three cideries will be there too, as will a Kids Fun Zone and live music all weekend long.
Free admission (donations to the Partners in Mission Food Bank accepted at the gate)
This annual fest celebrates the Kingston military community and their families, but it’s open to everyone. The good times kick off on Saturday night at 6 pm with a concert headlined by Destroyer, Canada’s premier KISS tribute band ($15 + HST). On Sunday, there will be free family activities inside and out from 10 am to 5 pm, including a midway, military displays, guided trolley tours of RMC, BMX demonstrations, laser tag, axe throwing, and stunt dog shows.
Concert: $15, Sunday: Free admission
Photo via Kingston Immigration Partnership, Facebook
The Multicultural Arts Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, and it’s sticking to what’s always worked: lots of live music and dance from all over the world, arts activities for kids, and delicious food from all four corners. The cultural pavilions are also returning, where adults and kids can do crafts, take language lessons, and more. The workshops are back, too, which have in the past included learning Arabic calligraphy and making Mayan worry dolls.
Thursday, September 26 – Sunday, September 29, 2019
City Park
This travelling poutine festival was so popular last year that a Thursday was added to this year’s event. The cornerstone for all four days will be the seven poutine vendors serving up their own creative combinations of potato, cheese, and gravy. But there will be a hot dog vendor as well, plus three dessert vendors, a DJ, and games for the whole family. On Sunday, stick around for the poutine contest to see whose gooey godsend gets voted best. By the way, if you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan, you’ll have options, too.
Saturday, September 21 – Sunday, September 22, 2019
Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
A summer of world-class sailing in Kingston ends with the CORK Fall Regatta — two days of racing that will include World Sailing ranking events. CORK, which stands for Canadian Olympic Training Regatta Kingston, is an established event on the international regatta circuit that’s been happening here since 1969. To date, it’s hosted 43 world championships and more than double that number of North American and Canadian championships.
Wednesday, September 25 – Sunday, September 29, 2019
Downtown
Organizers say this will be the most diverse Kingston WritersFest yet, as the lineup includes 50 events and 60 writers — over half of them women. Some of the big names include David Bezmozgis, Emma Donoghue (pictured), Marina Endicott, M.G. Vassanji, and Kingston’s own Diane Schoemperlen. All of them will host readings, discussions, masterclasses, performances, or other special events like the lunch at Silver Wok hosted by Globe and Mail food reporter Ann Hui, whose book, “Chop Suey Nation”, chronicles the history of Chinese-Canadian food.
There are dozens of art galleries across Kingston, and this bi-annual event is a great chance to check out some of them downtown. Typically, about 20 galleries and art-loving businesses participate — some with special programming and light refreshments. As you browse, don’t forget to enter the contest to win $500 towards the purchase of original art at all participating businesses.
Culture Days is a national celebration where every year at the end of September communities across the country host participatory arts and culture events. In Kingston, the Tett Centre will be ground zero this year, as it will have dance classes, arts workshops, a drum circle, yoga, and more. The Pump House Steam Museum is also getting in on the action, letting you build a miniature Ontario Street out of Lego. Over at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, take a non-visual tour of a Rembrandt exhibit.
For the second time in two months, Princess Street will be closed to vehicle traffic downtown so that pedestrians can enjoy activities hosted by local businesses and community groups. In the past, that’s meant everything from bouncy castles to climbing walls, live music to pop-up food stalls, caricature artists to robot demonstrations. The main goal is to promote active living downtown.
Want to up that Insta game a little more? We don’t blame you. Over 300 years old, Kingston is home to stunning architecture, hidden alleyways and courtyards, and gorgeous waterfront views. Here are some of the best places to take a few “candids” in the Limestone City.
You don’t have to be a student to visit Queen’s University! Stroll the campus grounds and explore courtyards, public art and sculptures, and limestone architecture. This campus is over 175 years old and provides a great historic backdrop for photos. Bonus: drop by the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and the Union Gallery on campus to take in beautiful pieces of art!
2. Conservation Areas (Lemoine Point + Little Cataraqui Creek)
Soak up fresh air and reconnect with nature when you take a walk through a Kingston Conservation Area. Bring some birdseed to Lemoine Point and become a modern-day Snow White while chickadees eat from your palms. At Little Cataraqui Creek, you’ll find over 13 km of trails weaving in and out of marsh, fields and lush forests.
Take a right down the carriageway next to Black Dog Tavern and find yourself in a hidden courtyard. High balconies and vibrant red brickwork give off serious European vibes. In the summer, you may even stumble upon live music from surrounding shops. Notable stores and restaurants connected to this court include Modern Primitive, Chez Piggy, The Toucan, Berry & Peterson Booksellers, and Black Dog Tavern.
Nestled into a carriageway off of Wellington Street, you’ll find Martello Alley. Prints adorn their brick walls tempting you further in to stroll. You’ll end up in a charming courtyard surrounded by original works of art.
5. The Isabel, Tett Centre, and Juniper Café // 390 King Street West
The Isabel Bader Centre is a gorgeous mix of wood, glass, steel, and polished concrete. While you’re there, hop next door to the Tett Centre and visit Juniper Café! This is one of the cutest places you will ever have a latte with an epic view of Lake Ontario.
Right on top of this historic Kingston site are views for days. Go in the evening for a stunning sunset that casts a warm glow over the entire city. Bonus: stop by for a sunset ceremony every Wednesday in the summer months for military music, cannon firing, and a fireworks finale.
7. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises // 1 Brock Street
In the spring, summer, and early fall, head down to 1 Brock Street and hop on one of the tours from Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises. Snap a photo while you enjoy a meal with the sunset and lake behind you. Have other plans for lunch or dinner? Freshen up your feed with a sightseeing Discovery Cruise that passes by the Kingston Harbour, Fort Henry, shipwrecks, and even the Kingston Penitentiary. The Discovery Cruise is offered from April 16 to October, and the Sunset Dinner Tours from May to October.
There’s something picture perfect about waterfront views – and Kingston is lucky enough to have an 8km trail along the water for you. Follow it from Confederation Park, past City Park, all the way to Gord Downie Pier. Along the way, you’ll take in the views of boats teeming in harbours, Murney Tower, and the “Time” sculpture all set with a waterfront backdrop.
If you walk along Sydenham Street and the surrounding neighbourhood, you’ll find stunning historic houses and large trees that make the perfect backdrop for your “casual” fall adventure walk photo. Notable points of interest to add to your list include Hochelaga Inn, Rosemount Inn, Goreview House at the intersection of Gore Street and Bagot, and the McIntosh Castle.
10. #IinKingston Sign // 209 Ontario Street
Pose, snap, and share photos in our “I” in Kingston sign located next to the Visitor Information Centre in Confederation Park. This sign is a hit with tourists and residents alike – also the perfect way to remember your trip to Kingston.
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