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9 Festivals to Hit This September 2019 in Kingston

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.

Photo via Impact Events Group, Facebook

Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer Show

Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 8, 2019

Memorial Centre Park

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)

Photo via Flickr Creative Commons – Nathan Rupert

Garrison Kingston Family Fun Fest

Saturday, September 7 – Sunday, September 8, 2019

Kingston Military Community Sports Centre

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

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

Sunday, September 8, 2019, 11:30 am – 5:30 pm

Confederation Park

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.

Free admission

Photo via Flickr Creative Commons – James

Kingston Poutine Feast

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.

Free admission

Photo via Mark Podolsky

CORK Fall Regatta

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.

Photo via Punch Photographic

Kingston WritersFest

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.

Varying prices

Photo via The Great Waterway

Fall Art After Dark

Friday, September 27, 2019, 7 pm – 10 pm

Downtown

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.

Free admission

Photo via Claire Bouvier

Culture Days

Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29, 2019

Multiple venues

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.

Free admission

Photo via Flickr Creative Commons – Robin Dawes

Princess Street Promenade

Saturday, September 28, 2019, 10 am – 5 pm

Princess Street

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.

Free admission

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10 Stunning Spots in Kingston to Take an Instagram

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.

 

 

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1. Queen’s University // 99 University Avenue

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!

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

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3. Rocheleau Court

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.

 

 

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4. Martello Alley // 203 B Wellington Street

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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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6. Fort Henry // 1 Fort Henry Drive

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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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8. Waterfront Pathway

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.

 

 

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9. Sydenham Ward Neighborhood

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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20 Fall Events to Satisfy Your Culture Craving 2019

Fall in Kingston is a near-perfect time of year. The city is far enough north that we’re graced with beautiful fall colours as the leaves turn, but not so far that those reds, yellows, and oranges are accompanied by immediate freezing cold weather like in other places (sorry, Ottawa and Montreal). Apart from enjoying the beautiful change of season or cozying up to some local fall fare from any of the city’s exciting restaurants, pubs, and cafés—Kingston’s arts and culture scene this fall has loads to offer!

From performances to paintings, here are 20 events this fall that are sure to feed your culture needs.

Image: Agnes Etherington Art Centre

1. Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges

Until December 1 at Agnes

All season long, you can see works by the Dutch master Rembrandt and his network of colleagues and students as they found their artistic stride early in their careers in a special exhibition at the Bader Gallery at Agnes Etherington Art Centre. This exhibition is not-to-be-missed and will begin its national tour across Canada after December 1.

Admission to Agnes is always free.

2. Scottish Superstars: BREABACH

October 4 at The Isabel

Don’t miss one of the UK’s most dynamic and influential bands—Breabach. Their new spin on traditional Scottish folk music combines twin bagpipes, fiddle, bass, and guitar with Gaelic vocals and step dance, and has given them a strong foothold on the world stage.

Tickets

3. Lighthouse: 50th Anniversary Tour

October 4 at The Grand

If you’re after some iconically Canadian nostalgia then you can catch horn-rock legends, Lighthouse, at the Grand Theatre. Original founders Paul Hoffert and Ralph Cole lead an all-star line-up that includes original members Russ Little and Steve Kennedy with Chris Howells, Simon Wallis, Doug Moore, Don Paulton, Jamie Prokop and dynamic lead vocalist Dan Clancy.

Tickets

4. QAGGIAVUUT presents: Arctic Song

October 5 at The Isabel

Part of the Children’s Series at the Isabel, QAGGIAVUUT’s Arctic Song combines Inuit drum dance, throat singing, and contemporary music followed by a workshop on storytelling and throat music—sure to be an enriching family outing!

Tickets

5. Tarantella: Viva Napoli! Vesuvius Ensemble

October 7 at The Isabel

Francesco Pellegrino and the Vesuvius Ensemble will transport you through song to the sunny countryside of Southern Italy with energetic Italian folk songs played on traditional instruments. The beautiful tones of the tammorra, chitarra battente, ciaramella, and colascione, along with the chitarrone, guitars, and lutes will warm your heart and soul.

Tickets

6. Distinguished Lecturer Johnnetta Cole

October 10 at Agnes

In conjunction with The Art of African Ivory exhibition, ongoing at the Agnes until April 12, 2020, this free public lecture by international scholar, educator and humanitarian Dr. Johnnetta Cole will discuss historical African ivory art, wildlife conservation, and museum responsibility. A reception will follow the lecture.

More info

Photo: The Isabel

7. Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Jan Lisiecki

October 16 at The Isabel

Kicking off the Bader and Overton Virtuosi Festival, the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra will be joined by Canadian virtuoso pianist Jan Lisiecki in a program including a 2016 commission by Jessie Montgomery, Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No. 1, and Mendelssohn’s virtuosic and sunny Italian Symphony.

Tickets

8. Deathtrap

October 17–November 2 (Thursday–Saturday) at Domino Theatre

This award-winning 1978 Broadway favourite will keep you enthralled with its devilish cleverness, abundant twists and turns, and have you laughing from when it starts until its startling conclusion.

Tickets

9. Homecoming Showcase Concert

October 18 at The Isabel

Enjoy a musical review from the DAN School Ensembles including the Choral Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Polyhymnia, and the Music Theatre Ensemble. A reception with light refreshments and a cash bar will follow the concert.

Tickets

Image: The Grand Theatre

10. Vic’s Mix by RUBBERBAND

October 19 at The Grand 

In an evening of exquisite modern dance, RUBBERBAND dance company explore the vastly creative choreography of Victor Quijada in a clash of urban pop and classical composition that will defy audience expectations.

Tickets

11. Beethoven 3 & Brahms MW2

October 20 at The Isabel

The Kingston Symphony Orchestra featuring Violinist Robert Uchida conducted by Evan Mitchell explores the bond between two of music history’s greatest—Brahms and Beethoven—in an evening of classical symphonic music sure to dazzle.

Tickets

12. World of Dance Live Tour

October 20 at Leon’s Centre

On tour from NBC’s hit competitive dance series World of Dance, this cross-country spectacular will feature some of the world’s best and most celebrated dancers—including this season’s champions The Kings, all the way from India.

Tickets

13. Bruce Cockburn

October 22 at The Grand

Ottawa legend Bruce Cockburn takes the stage at Kingston’s Grand Theatre for a concert that is sure to leave a mark! As one of Canada’s most decorated and critically acclaimed songwriters, this evening of eclectic rock music is one to look forward to!

Tickets

Photo: The Isabel

14. Jazz Guitar Heroes: Dave Barton Trio

October 26 at The Isabel

Join Dave Barton and his band for an evening of jazz standards spanning the decades and music from the great guitarists who’ve influenced his musical journey including Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, Ed Bickert, John Scofield, Lennie Breau, and more!

Tickets

15. Enchanted Isle: Voces8

October 28 at The Isabel

This British acapella 8-piece vocal ensemble will show you a wonderful time with their unique and hauntingly beautiful renditions spanning an eclectic mix of songs and musical expression throughout the ages.  

Tickets

Image: The Grand Theatre

16. Rossini & Rock Stars

November 3 at The Grand

This interactive, family-friendly performance by the Kingston Symphony Orchestra is sure to have audience members young and old entertained. Explore some of the rock stars of the classical world including Rossini, Beethoven, Estacio, and more!

Tickets

17. Chamber Music Virtuosity: Fine Arts Quartet & Stewart Goodyear

November 7 at The Isabel

An evening of Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Brahms that’s sure to impress—the Fine Arts Quartet and Stewart Goodyear together, are a phenomenon. These spectacular musicians bring the concert to a spectacular close with Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor.

Tickets

18. Sinatra with Matt Dusk

November 9 at The Grand

If you’re after a charming serenade, award-winning and multi-platinum selling Canadian crooner Matt Dusk will have you swooning to Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits. You’ll be charmed as Dusk puts his charismatic signature on your Sinatra favourites including Come Fly With Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, The Way You Look Tonight and so many more.

Tickets

19. Spirit & Soul: Measha Brueggergosman

November 12 at The Isabel

From the soulful anthems of the powerful black women who have inspired Measha throughout her career to the stirring spirituals from her recent multi-award-nominated album—you will be stunned by the vocal talent of Measha Brueggergosman. 

Tickets

20. Arkells – Rally Cry Tour with special guest COIN

November 16 at Leon’s Centre

Returning to the Leon’s Centre for the first time in almost two years, the multiple Juno Award-winning rock band are sure to put on a killer concert. Limited VIP tickets include a pre-show acoustic set and meet-and-greet with the band that true superfans of Arkells won’t want to miss!

Tickets

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Rembrandt Emerges at Agnes

REMBRANDT VAN RIJN Leiden, Netherlands 1606-Amsterdam, Netherlands 1669 Head of an Old Man in a Cap around 1630

Agnes Etherington Art Centre is the proud home of the largest public collection of authenticated Rembrandt paintings in Canada—that’s four in total!

Rembrandt sits at the head of the table that is Agnes’ Historical European Collection, comprised of more than 2,500 objects ranging from the 14th through the 20th centuries. The Bader Collection makes up about 85% of the larger Historical European Collection of paintings and includes Dutch and Flemish art from the Baroque era—you’ll recognize this style in incredibly realistic portraits, luxurious-looking still life and picturesque landscapes displayed in heavily ornate frames.

Photo: Forbes Photographer

Does that clear things up? No? Luckily, the Agnes gallery is open year-round and parts of the Historical European Collection are always on view so that you can get the full picture and appreciate the achievement of the masterpieces right here in Kingston, for free.

One exhibition that won’t be around forever is the brand new Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges.

Commemorating the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt’s death, this exhibition looks back on the Dutch master’s life, zeroing in on his early days as an artist where his unique, distinctive style took hold.

We’re invited to meet Rembrandt before he became “Rembrandt” in a space designed to give context to the artist. He worked closely with his so-called network of colleagues and students in the city of Leiden in the Netherlands to establish himself and his style.

REMBRANDT VAN RIJN Leiden, Netherlands 1606-Amsterdam, Netherlands 1669 Head of an Old Man in a Cap around 1630
Head of an Old Man in a Cap, around 1630 Photo: Agnes Etherington Art Centre

Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges, will feature Rembrandt’s Head of an Old Man in a Cap, a character study, also known as a tronie in art circles, according to Bader Curator and Researcher of European Art Jacquelyn Coutré.

“Rembrandt was about 24 when he made this painting,” says Dr. Coutré. “Other artists were making these character studies at the same time but it was Rembrandt who managed to capture the wrinkles and the softness of the old man with incredible sensitivity. This young artist was so attuned to the signs of old age and rendered them in such a life-like way. He really took it to another level.”

Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges debuted at Agnes on August 24, 2019, and will be up until December 1, 2019, before beginning its national tour with stops at the Art Gallery of Alberta, MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, and the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

The official season, however, launches on Thursday, September 19 with a Members’ Preview from 5–6 pm followed up by the Public Reception from 6–7:30 pm. Agnes curators and the director will be on-site during the reception to discuss the exhibitions and answer questions. The Public Reception will feature the Melos Choir and Period Instruments performing pieces by 16th- and 17th-century northern European composers.

To further animate the exhibition, there are two multimedia components, an interactive map and a short film to offer more information on the city of Leiden and the lifestyle the artists in Rembrandt’s network would have enjoyed.

Photo: Forbes Photographer

Admission is always free at Agnes, so this is a wonderful opportunity to take in some true masterpieces right here in Kingston. Plus, Dr. Coutré let us in on a secret that some of the pieces in Leiden circa 1630 have been loaned exclusively to Agnes for this exhibition—you definitely can’t miss it.

Book your stay in Kingston, and experience this exhibition before it begins its tour across Canada.

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The Power of Rembrandt with Dr. Jacquelyn Coutré

Ahead of the season launch of the Agnes exhibition Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges, we spoke with Dr. Jacquelyn Coutré, Bader Curator and Researcher of European Art at Agnes Etherington Art Centre to discuss the brand new exhibition and find out why Rembrandt?

In the heart of the Queen’s campus, in Kingston, Ontario, Agnes Etherington Art Centre has a robust collection of historical European paintings—over 200 pieces—and at its core are now four works from the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, but we know him today simply as Rembrandt.

“The Bader Collection of European painting is a wonderful collection and quite distinctive in its focus on Rembrandt and his school,” says Dr. Coutré.

Photo: Agnes Etherington Art Centre

Obtaining works of art by Rembrandt was part of the late Dr. Alfred Bader’s vision. Dr. Bader had developed a deep fondness for the Old Masters of art in particular—especially after taking his first art history classes when he did his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Harvard, studying under Jakob Rosenberg, a major Rembrandt scholar in the early and mid-20th century. He travelled the world for business as a chemist but always took the time to visit auction houses and meet with art historians, often in Europe.

“There were no art history classes at Queen’s when Alfred was a student, and there was no Agnes. So, I think during his time at Harvard, he became aware of the power of having a high-quality collection of paintings on a university campus for students to learn from and enjoy.”

An on-campus gallery definitely struck a chord with Dr. Bader, and so the collection at Agnes began to take form. Many works have been donated to Agnes from Dr. Bader and his family, with the first donation in 1967. He wanted to acquire and share as many works by Rembrandt and his colleagues as possible.

What we get from Rembrandt’s work are masterpieces that feel real. He depicted human beings and he rendered Old Testament scenes and figures that were complex and full of character flaws—Dr. Bader believed people could really identify with that. “He liked seeing images of people who had complex emotions,” says Dr. Coutré. “Rembrandt, I think, was the master of depicting the emotional intensity of people.”

It’s a skill Rembrandt seems to have always possessed. In the current exhibition at Agnes, Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges, we journey back to the artist’s early days before he became a household name. As he worked closely in the Dutch city of Leiden with his network of artists, competing against and learning from, his distinct style was emerging.

REMBRANDT VAN RIJN Leiden, Netherlands 1606-Amsterdam, Netherlands 1669 Head of an Old Man in a Cap around 1630
Head of an Old Man in a Cap, around 1630 Photo: Agnes Etherington Art Centre

The focus of the show centres around Rembrandt’s piece Head of an Old Man in a Cap. The piece is not a classic commissioned portrait, but its more affordable cousin, a character study or tronie. When people wanted something to hang on their wall, but couldn’t afford a portrait, they could buy something like this and it suited them just fine. It was accessible and affordable art, which is ironic given how revered a Rembrandt piece is today.

“Rembrandt was about 24 when he made this painting,” says Dr. Coutré. “Other artists were making these character studies at the same time but it was Rembrandt who managed to capture the wrinkles and the softness of the old man with incredible sensitivity. This young artist was so attuned to the signs of old age and rendered them in such a life-like way.”

It’s a piece that should be seen in person to truly appreciate.

Photo: Forbes Photographer

“It’s really a powerful experience to be in front of a work of art,” says Dr. Coutré. “You have a better appreciation of its basic components from scale to colour to proportion.”

Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges debuted at Agnes on August 24, 2019, and will be up until December 1, 2019, before beginning its national tour with stops at the Art Gallery of Alberta, MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, and the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

The season launches with a Public Reception from 6 pm–7:30 pm on September 19, with the director and curators in attendance, an interactive map and film, and the Melos Choir and Period Instruments performing pieces by 16th- and 17th-century northern European composers to further animate the exhibition.

Photo: Forbes Photographer

Want to see more Rembrandt at Agnes? The other paintings now in storage will be back in the gallery starting in January 2020.

“You can just drop into the Agnes any time, we’re free to everyone,” says Dr. Coutré. “Spend time with your favourite Rembrandt, where else can you do that? It’s really unique.”

Don’t miss a chance to experience the Leiden circa 1630 exhibition before it moves on. Book your stay in Kingston.

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Athletes of Kingston: Samuel Lavoie

Coastal rowing is one of Canada’s fastest growing competitive and recreational water sports and the Limestone City has one of its biggest promoters and current Canadian champion in its midst.

Samuel Lavoie, 39, a personal trainer at Good Life Fitness in downtown Kingston and a member of the Kingston Rowing Club, has been using a coastal rowing boat since 2010.

Coastal boat shells are wider than a traditional racing shell. The wider shells allow the boats to be rowed in more windy and wavy conditions and are more user-friendly than the traditional flat water shells. With its durability it is also a boat that is easy to learn and control. Coastal boats come as a single, double or quad vessel.

Photo Credit: Ian MacAlpine

Although the Cataraqui River in Kingston is a great venue for traditional rowers, many of which have gone on to represent Kingston and Canada at the Olympics, Lavoie said the mostly calm water on the Cataraqui is a bit boring for a coastal rower like himself.

“Coastal rowing brings the fun because when its windy you can go in the water and it’s fun. When the water is flat rowing is hard,” Lavoie said in an interview recently at the Kingston Rowing Club next to the Woolen Mill.

Once Lavoie gets off of the Cataraqui River and into Lake Ontario past Kingston’s downtown that’s where the fun begins for him.

“Late in the afternoon you pass that bridge (LaSalle Causeway) there and it’s paradise for coastal rowing,” he said. “We have the best places for coastal rowing.”

Lavoie likes to row along Kingston’s shores west of the Causeway and to Wolfe Island and back in his coastal rowing shell.

“I love rowing just to enjoy the water.”

Canadian rower Samuel Lavoie demonstrates a coastal shell in an undated file photo. Submitted Photo/Kingston Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network

Lavoie, a native of northern Quebec, who has been living in Kingston with his wife for the last year, likes the fact that coastal rowing can be done in most weather conditions. It’s even more fun when it’s windy out and the water is wavy.

Traditional rowing, Lavoie said, is a demanding sport and not for everybody.

“You have to push hard and it’s very challenging. Coastal rowing is open for everybody, people that know how to row they can transfer to coastal rowing.”

Lavoie said if the water is rough traditional rowers go inside to work on the rowing machine but coastal rowers love those tough conditions.

“When you’re out on the water, there’s nature around you, you’re having fun,” he said. “I just want people to discover this sport that is amazing.”

Lavoie is the current Canadian champion in the single coastal rowing event having won the B-Final in the World Championships last fall on Vancouver Island. Being the highest-finishing Canadian competitor at the worlds gave him the national title. Canada doesn’t yet have a national championship in the sport.

Lavoie hopes to compete in the 2019 World Championships in Hong Kong in November.

Photo Credit: Ian MacAlpine

Races at the world championships are traditionally four or six kilometers in length and feature men’s and women’s singles, mixed doubles or quad competitions.

In mid-August Lavoie competed in another event, beach sprint, in St. Catharines. The event featured a 50 metre sprint on the beach followed by a 250 metre row in a in open water on a coastal rowing boat followed by a another 50 metre sprint on the beach to finish the race.

Lavoie finished fourth in the solo competition and second in the mixed-doubles sprint race.

Lavoie hopes people can contact him through the Kingston Rowing Club and try out one of their two coastal boats.

“I’ve always been into coastal rowing, I just love the sport of rowing in general,” he said. “I’m 39-years-old but I’ve never felt as young as I feel right now. I feel very lucky to be able to practice what I love.”

To give coastal boating a try email info@kingstonrowing.com.

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Insider Itineraries: Tianna Edwards

If you’ve read anything on this site, the name Tianna Edwards is sure to ring a bell. Besides contributing to the great content here, she also runs Keep Up With Kingston a blog she started up after returning home to Kingston after 10 years in Toronto.

Follow her adventures as she explores the latest tastes, sounds, and events popping up around the city—with a focus on locally owned establishments. Her writing has taken her all over Kingston and she shares with us a few of her favourite things about the limestone city.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmxGr3nEdu/

1. Burgers at Bella Bistro

Burger Night at west end restaurant, Bella Bistro, is one of my favourite things to enjoy mid-week with girlfriends. They support local farmers and curate as much as they can locally so everything tastes so fresh. They also make their own milk buns in house and words can’t express how delicious they are. Burger Night is on Wednesdays and it never disappoints.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfjRvuAHpOx/

2. Brunch at NORTHSIDE Espresso + Kitchen

Jess and Cade, owners of NORTHSIDE, know how to do brunch. Together with their chef Marty, they’ve created the most thoughtful menu inspired by the cafe culture of Melbourne, Australia. They use as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible. I am obsessed with the chai tea latte as well as their turmeric latte. Besides the incredible food and drink, the space is absolutely stunning and filled with lots of beautiful green plants. I just love it here.

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3. The Kingston art scene

Anything that the art community has to offer in Kingston is worth checking out. The beautiful exhibits at The Agnes Etherington Art Centre or Modern Fuel in the Tett Centre. As well as any show that is performed at the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts (the acoustics are amazing!) or The Grand Theatre and any performance by Blue Canoe Productions. Kingston is filled with incredible artists who are a thrill to watch and curators who have the knowledge to bring amazing talent from around the world to Kingston.

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4. Ferries!

Both the ferry to Prince Edward County and the ferry to Wolfe Island are my favourite in the summer.  On a slow summer day is just feels right to glide along the water and take in the views. Bonus if you catch the ferry in the evening and get to enjoy the sunset on the water.

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5. Hot Yoga at Modo

This hot yoga studio is the perfect place to find balance. It’s a beautiful, big space with great instructors that lead the classes in a way that makes yogis of all levels feel welcome.

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6. The markets!

The Sunday Memorial Market is the best! The sweet potato buns from the Goaty Girls are my favourite—especially with their chevre for spreading. I also love picking up the fresh produce and baked goods offered by all of the amazing local vendors. The Kingston Public Market in Springer Market Square is also a gem. Especially in the height of summer. Not just for the food on Saturday but also the antique goodies market on Sunday. Sunday’s antique market offers prints, furniture and vintage knick-knacks. Love it.

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7. The Kingston Food Tours

These tours capture Kingston’s food culture in the most wonderful way. Our restaurants’ awesome ability to use the freshest ingredients, harness the innovative ideas of our talented, young chefs and celebrate local ingredients provided by our amazing farmers. They give a thorough history of Kingston and its culinary scene. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of Kingston and fill your belly, too.

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8. Parks in the summertime

Kingston has the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the summer. City Park, Lake Ontario Park, Skeleton Park, Douglas Fluhrer. I love to grab a picnic and go to any of these parks, They are well taken care of and offer the most serene views.

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9. Comfort Food From Pat’s

The #11 (shrimp red curry) at Pat’s Restaurant with veg is my go-to comfort food. Pat’s is a Cambodian restaurant on Princess, west of Division that serves the most consistent, authentic dishes. Yum.

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10. Breakfast at Juniper Cafe

Getting a breakfast sandwich and ginger lemon tea (made in house) on the patio at Juniper Cafe is my absolute favourite summer activity. It is located at the back of the Tett Centre and has a beautiful, unobstructed view of Lake Ontario. It’s so quiet and wonderful. They make sure to source their ingredients locally and bake everything in-house. It’s just the best. Plus, if you visit right before the sun sets it’s a great experience.

Describe Kingston in 3 words:

community-based, friendly, pretty

If Kingston had a theme song, what would it be?

Come On Get Happy — The Partridge Family

Complete the sentence:

Kingston makes me… proud to call it my home.

Featured photo taken by Rob Whalen

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Meet the Maker: Paul Fortier of Jessup Food & Heritage

Kingston has a rich history. It was Canada’s first capital, home to Canada’s first Prime Minister, and the location of Fort Henry, which to this day is the largest military fortification west of Quebec City. It’s also a serious foodie town—but how are Kingston’s food and history related?

Local entrepreneur Paul Fortier has owned and operated Jessup Food & Heritage since 1989, when he opened his first restaurant in Prescott, Ontario in a heritage building that was used as a barracks during the war of 1812. “A handful of the neighbours objected and then so did the municipality and the matter went to the Ontario Municipal Board.” Fortier recounts. “It was the story of David and Goliath.”

Photo via Paul Fortier: Cajun on King dining room

Since then, Fortier has accomplished a great deal in Kingston including being the sole food service provider at Kingston’s Fort Henry from 1994 to 2017. Jessup Food & Heritage now comprises 3 unique venues: The Public House, located in the one-time law office of Sir John A. MacDonald, Cajun on King directly upstairs, and Renaissance Event Venue in the oldest surviving church structure in Kingston (built in 1837).

Photo via Paul Fortier: The Public House Patio

Paul’s background in history and museum studies couldn’t quell his nurtured passion for food. “Both of my parents were excellent home cooks and one of my grandmothers operated a lunch restaurant […] between Kingston and Montreal during the 1930s and 40s.” He continues: “After having spent more than 20 years working for the federal government I was drawn to food service by the camaraderie and the instant gratification I observed in the hospitality industry.”

People in the foodservice industry talk about their work as a labour of love—but the labour is present and intense. On the notion of instant gratification in the industry Paul says: “When […] talking to guests it is always gratifying to hear how much they enjoyed the food, service, and ambiance.” Fortier continues, “You get that immediate feedback and it can be constant.”

Photo via Paul Fortier: Renaissance Event Venue upper salon from the balcony

Paul’s receptiveness to feedback has made The Public House a local favourite as well as a cornerstone of Kingston’s LGBTQ Community: “My partner and I have always made our venues available to support LGBTQ events as well as sponsor them in other ways when possible.” Jessup Food & Heritage hosts all kinds of events, says Fortier. ”We are open to anything and like to be as flexible as possible hosting dance parties, weddings, vegan food shows, fashion shows, drag shows, and an annual kink festival.” 

Paul’s businesses offer varied elements of Canadian cuisine. His previous career as an historian comes through when he talks about the early influences on food in Canada; Indigenous hunting and fishing traditions combined with the culinary influence of the French, English, Irish, and Scottish immigrants. “More recently,” says Fortier, “Canada has become a haven of immigrants from around the world and their international food traditions have become very much of Canada.” 

Photo via Paul Fortier: Grilled vegetable & chèvre tart – The Public House

“Examining the role of food and hospitality in our cultures,” he continues, “helps us understand who we are today.” To Paul Fortier, food and history are inextricably linked, and though it is more ubiquitous now, foodie culture and ideas about farm-to-table eating have been around for centuries. “We have recipe books from Roman times,” says Fortier. “While in the past the world of the gourmand may have been restricted to the rich and the ruling elite, it was something that crossed all periods of history.”  

Fortier says, “Local and seasonal food is a reality of the past that we are just re-learning.” Kingston’s proximity to local farms gives him access to a great local food supply: “We use locally-sourced food including most of our meats from Quinn’s Meats in Yarker and local cheeses from the Wilton Cheese Factory.”

Photo via Paul Fortier: Cajun Crawfish Boil – Cajun on King

Paul hopes Kingston’s downtown food scene continues to grow and evolve. “Kingston is a small town with a big city feel,” says Fortier. “The downtown and local attractions like Fort Henry make it a delight for locals and visitors.” 

Even though Kingston and the service industry have changed, Paul Fortier and Jessup Food & Heritage are helping to keep Kingston well-fed, and connected to its roots. If you’d like to learn more about Jessup Food & Heritage, visit The Public House or Cajun on King, or book your next event at the Renaissance Event Venue—you can visit their website.

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Insider Itinerary: Dave McNamara

My name is Dave, and I’m the owner of the Merchant Tap House, a downtown Kingston favourite, and co-owner of the new restaurant Union Kitchen and Cocktails.

14 years ago, I moved back to Kingston from Vancouver to be closer to family—and because I love this city. There are many things to love about Kingston, but some highlights for me are how many great musicians call Kingston home, I love to take in their shows. And you can’t beat the beautiful waterfront views.

Below are ten of my favourite things about Kingston.

 

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1. Awesome restaurants

I love Kingston’s amazing locally-owned restaurants. A few of my favourites are Casa Domenico, Woodenheads, Days on Front, Tango Nuevo, Chien Noir, and the Wolfe Island Grill (which is just a short ferry ride away). There are so many great options.

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2. The historic buildings

If you take a walk downtown, you can admire them everywhere you look.

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3. The Waterfront

There are so many opportunities to take in the beautiful views of Kingston’s waterfront and surrounding lakes. You can live in the city and take a 10-minute drive to some of the best lakes in Ontario.

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4. Wolfe Island

At no charge, you can drive onto the Wolfe Island Ferry, have a great meal, and take a scenic drive on the island. Hopping over to Wolfe Island is a perfect way to spend a summer day.

5. Live music

Kingston’s live music scene and amazing local bands can’t be missed. I always enjoy live music at my own place (The Merchant) but I really enjoy seeing bands at the Toucan and the Mansion.

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6. Beautiful City Hall

I’ve travelled around the world and we have one of the nicest city halls
I’ve seen. The city also puts on so many great events in Springer Market Square and Confederation Park which are right next to City Hall.

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7. Top-notch sports programs and facilities

We have great coaches and volunteers here in Kingston. The fields and arenas at the Invista Centre are amazing. And I love that the Leon’s Centre—home to the Frontenacs and a stop to many touring performers—is located downtown.

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8. Music legends

I am proud that The Tragically Hip and Glorious Sons are from Kingston. There are so many amazing bands and singers and many great acts touring that love Kingston and stop in to play at small venues. The Trews are always popping in to play at small venues.

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9. That small-town feeling

Even as we grow, Kingston still holds onto a charming know-your-neighbours kind of vibe that I love.

 

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10. Hidden gems

I love that we still have a drive-in movie theatre.

Describe Kingston in 3 words

Friendly, historic and clean.

If Kingston had a theme song, what would it be?

So Much Love to Give by the Glorious Sons (maybe not the lyrics but the song title seems right.)

Complete the sentence: Kingston makes me…

Proud to live in Canada. I’d recommend this city to anyone to visit.

 

Want more Insider info? Check out Kingston artist Danielle Folkerts’ top 10 picks.

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Athletes of Kingston: Andrew Maciel

Kingston’s Andrew Maciel is not yet old enough to drive a car on local streets but that doesn’t stop the soft-spoken 15-year-old from pursuing his dream of being Canada’s next great Indy Car driver and following the tread marks of Canadian Indy Car racers James Hinchcliffe, Robert Wickens and Paul Tracy.

“When I was little I used to watch Lightning McQueen (an animated race car from the 2006 Pixar movie Cars) and I said I wanted to become like him, I wanted to start racing.” He said in a recent interview in his west-end home. “Later when I got older I started to watch Indy Car, Formula One and I thought these drivers are very talented I want to become like them.”

Maciel was born in Toronto but has lived in Brazil and Ecuador. He moved to Kingston four years ago. Maciel can speak three languages; English, French and Portuguese. He’s going into grade 10 in the fall at Ecole Marie-Rivier.

Maciel started racing when he was nine-years-old when he lived in Ecuador.

The car he currently drives a Tommy Kart, a high end go kart but can go as fast as a street car, about 115 km/h., Maciel said.

He usually races at the Mosport Kartways, a track facility in Bowmanville. As of early August Maciel was leading his junior racing division after eight races. The season which runs from mid-April to mid-October has four races left.

In mid-August he was to compete in the Canadian Karting Championships against racers from Canada and the United States.

Maciel also races in Quebec and parts of the United States including Florida.

He couldn’t do what he does without the support of his family.

“My dad (Adriano), my mom (Juliana) and sister (10 year-old sister Vivian), always support me since they come to all my races even though there long and tiring weekends,” he said. “My Dad is actually my mechanic, he helps me out a lot by getting the parts on properly,” he said. “He’s sort of new at it but he’s starting to catch it.”

In the 2020 season when he turns 16 Maciel hopes to move on from go kart racing and drive a real race car.

Photo Credit: Ian MacAlpine

“Now I’m looking forward to move on to car (racing) the USF 2000 which is part of the ‘Road to Indy’ series. Then could go towards another class like ProMazda class, then Indy Lites, then you actually realize your dream, Indy Car.”

Maciel hopes to reach the Indy Car circuit by the time he’s 20-years-old.

But to get there he’ll need support from sponsors to cover the high costs related to his racing. To that end, his family has put out an ambitious sponsorship proposal looking for funds to support his dream.

“With the support of sponsors, one of my goals is to is to actually help the sponsors achieve their goals first and then with the sponsorship help it’ll help me get to Indy Cars as well,” he said.

What does he like best about racing?

“I always enjoy the adrenaline that is put into the sport, racing close, inches from each other, hard racing, inside dives and it’s just a great sport to be around,” he said.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Maciel at 613-217-2526 or via email andrewnevesmaciel@yahoo.com. He’s also on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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Athletes of Kingston: Matt Brash

Matt Brash, only the second baseball player from Kingston to be drafted by a major league baseball club, is enjoying his first season of professional baseball.

A dominant pitcher for the Kingston Thunder and Bayridge Secondary School, Brash, six-foot-one and 170 lbs., grew up only a long throw from Woodbine Park in Kingston’s west end where he honed his craft to a point now where he can throw a baseball over 95 miles an hour. He’s also developed a slider, change up and curve ball.

On June 4 Brash, 21, was selected in the fourth round, 113th overall, in the Major League Baseball Amateur draft.

He’s only the second Kingston baseball player to be drafted by a major league team. The Montreal Expos in the 41st round drafted Johnny Mazzeo, also a pitcher, in 1999.

Only a few days after getting drafted Brash got to experience a brief moment of life in the major leagues when he and the other top three Padres drafts picks got to throw out the first pitch before a game at Petco Park in San Diego.

“It’s pretty exciting.” Brash said in an interview with the Whig-Standard the day he was drafted. “I couldn’t be happier.”

Photo Credit: Ian MacAlpine

Brash was hoping the Padres would select him after a mound session in front of scouts and coaches at Petco Park a week before the draft.

“I really liked all the people there and everybody was super friendly and I was kind of hoping they’d pick me and they did so I couldn’t be happier about it,” he said.

Brash has been working hard on his craft this summer in the heat of the Arizona desert and in Fort Wayne, Indiana pitching for the Class A TinCaps.

After reporting to the Padres Instructional League team in Arizona in mid-June Brash was quickly called up to the TinCaps where he posted some good numbers in his brief stint with the club. Brash gave up just three hits in 4.1 innings of work (.188 opponent batting average), all in relief while striking out six batters. His WHIP (walks & hits per inning pitched) was 0.69 and he didn’t walk a batter. His earned run average was a slim 2.08.

Brash was sent back to the Padres Instructional League team in mid-July ostensibly to rest his right arm after a busy spring with his NCAA team, the Niagara Purple Eagles.

Brash finished the 2019 college season with a record of 4-5 and a 2.43 ERA for Niagara. He was also recently named the pitcher of the year in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and a first-team league all-star.

“I’m definitely taking care of my arm and just making sure I’m healthy and getting stronger right now,” he said in a recent interview. “I’ve pitched over 100 innings this year so they don’t like us to go over that so I’m shut down at the moment.”

“I’m sure I’ll be throwing again here soon but I’m not going to be logging big innings obviously but I’m looking forward to getting back on the mound.”

Kingston’s Matt Brash pitches during the 2019 season for the Niagara University Purple Eagles. He was recently named the Pitcher of the Year in the NCAA’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Photo Credit: Niagara University

Brash said he’s fine with that as long as he’s getting stronger and improving.

“They’re saying they like my stuff and I don’t have to change too much which is nice.”

Brash hopes to move up in the Padres system next year but at this point doesn’t know what level he’ll be playing in the 2020 season.

“I know they like my stuff and I know if I keep getting stronger, better and add more miles to my fastball I think I’ll be moving up next year.”

Brash said he wouldn’t be in the position he’s in if it weren’t for the support of his family – dad Jamie, mother Sandra and sister Carlye – as well as the Kingston community including coach Randy Casford and the Casford family along with his coaches at Niagara.

“They gave me an opportunity to expand my game and there was never a doubt in my mind of their belief in my ability.”

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Athletes of Kingston: Ali ten Hove

When Kingston’s Ali ten Hove takes to the water in early August with sailing partner and crew Mariah Millen on their 49er FX sailboat at the Pan Am Games; she’s not only representing her country, she’s representing her city, the Kingston Yacht Club and everyone who supported her and her love of sailing along the way.

“I have traveled a lot with my sailing,” she said in an email exchange. “I have seen a lot of different yacht clubs and communities. I can honestly say that there is something so special and unique about Kingston and the sailing community here,  the unconditional support through highs and lows, the advice passed down from experienced members of the community, and the contagious love and passion for the sport of sailing. It is so special to be a part of such an amazing community, and I know that I would not be where I am today without their continued support.” 

ten Hove and Millen recently completed some training in San Francisco where the winds were very strong which are similar to the conditions they’ll experience in Paracas, Peru where the competition goes on from Aug 3 to Aug 10.

Although ten Hove feels healthy heading into the games Millen is nursing a sore back but ten Hove said they’re managing the injury and feeling strong leading up to the games. 

The challenge that ten Hove and Millen face at the Pan Ams is not only attempting to place high at the games but they need a result which will qualify the country for the sailing events at the 2020 Toyko Olympics. If they don’t make the grade at the Pan Ams they’ll have one last chance or at the 2019 Worlds in Auckland, New Zealand this December.

“Once the country is qualified – there will be a competition between the Canadian teams to see which team gets sent to Tokyo 2020,” she said. 

ten Hove and Millen have sailing in their blood

“Both our fathers competed in the Olympics,” she said. “They both crewed for skipper Frank McLaughlin. My father, Martin ten Hove, won a bronze medal in the 1983 Pan Am Games in Caracas, Venezuela. I hope to follow in his footsteps!” 

ten Hove, a graduate of Kingston Collegiate and has an engineering degree from Queen’s University, enjoys competing with Millen in their quick boat.

“The speed of the boat is amazing,” ten Hove said. “Reaching top speeds of 25 knots [over 45 km/h land speed]. “It is a very physical boat – and the harder you work the faster you will go,” she said.  “I always tell people that there is never a bad day when racing 49er’s. You are always going super fast and having such a great time.” 

Ali ten Hove and Robert Davis | Photo Credit: Ian MacAlpine

Shortly before leaving for the games the Kingston Yacht Club held a community send-off for her and Laser sailor Robert Davis which was attended by about 50 people and former Kingston Pan Am and Olympic sailors wish the local sailors good luck at the games.

“I take a lot of pride in representing Kingston as well as my home club KYC at each competition and in each country I visit.” ten Hove said. “I hope my Olympic pursuit doesn’t just bring me closer to the Games, but brings the community closer as well. I hope everyone can feel apart of my journey.”