Posted on

Insider Itineraries: Abroad @ Queen’s Dakota Kenwood

Abroad @ Queen’s (A@Q) is a vlog starring Dakota Kenwood, an exchange student from Brisbane, Australia, as she ventures off Queen’s campus and enjoys all that Kingston has to offer. Her goal is to provide a resource for all visitors at Queen’s University looking to discover the wide variety of activities in Kingston so that they can make the most of their time at Queen’s.

Read on to discover her favourite spots.

1. Hiking to watch the sunrise at the summit of Rock Dunder

There is no better view in Kingston than the sun cresting over the treeline at Rock Dunder, making the leaf colours glisten and glow in the morning light. This is a feel-good morning activity to do with friends. Set your alarm for 6 am, toss on your hiking boots, grab your Timmy’s breakfast, and hit the trail!

2. 50 Cent Wing Thursday’s at Stooley’s Cafe

118 Division Street

Truly our favourite day of the week… and we are not alone. The 50c wing combo is such a steal with a pitcher of beer and perfected chicken wings at your desired Scoville level, the line up is out the door in under 20 minutes. It’s also a plus that the owner and head waiter are two of the nicest guys on the planet. Go in, have a laugh, and immerse yourself in an authentic Kingston restaurant while you fill up on wings and mozzarella sticks!

3. Rock and Chimney Climbing at Boiler Room Climbing Gym

4 Cataraqui Street

Ever wanted the sensation of being a chimney sweep, like the one in Mary Poppins? Ever looked at a boulder and thought man, I would love to learn how to climb that thing? Boiler Room Climbing Gym is the place to be. Not only is it a phenomenal forearm and finger workout, but it also has an amazing atmosphere. From novice to the professional climber, the Boiler Room is for you! With the pros helping the novices and a bunch of strangers trying to achieve the same goal, the sense community cannot be beat.

4. Having a blast at Putt n’ Blast

1300 Bath Road

A personal favourite of A@Q’s! Lasers, blacklights, mini putt, laser tag, prizes, food, drinks, music. If there is one place that everyone should go to in this city, it’s Putt n’ Blast. For just $20 you get a round of golf and a round of tag, and trust us, by the end you will be sweating bullets! Very fun-filled activity if you are looking to do something completely outside of the box from your every weekend social life as a student and get a workout while you’re at it.

5. Getting lost in a Corn Maze on Wolfe Island

August 4 – Mid-November

Hop on the ferry to Wolfe Island and get your thinking caps on as one of their main attractions on the island is their infamous corn maze. The sun starts to set as you are an hour and a half down a winding path in the middle of a cornfield. You approach a fork in the road, and you’ve got nothing but your gut to tell you the right way to go. You may choose to run, you may choose to walk, but you better clear your schedules because this maze is no joke. Nevertheless, it is an extremely fun activity, and Wolfe Island is an absolutely stunning place to be.

6. Leather-back recliners at the Kingston Landmark Cinemas

120 Dalton Avenue

Have you ever eaten pizza in a La-Z-Boy with all your friends in outer space? Whether it be space, or the busy streets of New York City, a haunted house, or some fantasy world, Landmark Cinemas is a luxury theatre that all movie lovers in K-Town are lucky to have. No longer do you have to pay twice the price for VIP screening to be treated like a king or queen while you rock a groutfit and enjoy an incredibly relaxing night out with all your mates — it’s the full experience at Landmark.

7. Giving back through the Kingston SWAM program

284 Earl Street

It’s important to give back to the community that offers us all so much. The Kingston SWAM (formerly Swim Ability) program is a great place to do so. Take 30 minutes out of your week to step outside the box and teach a one-on-one swimming lesson. The SWAM program offers weekly swimming lessons to children with a wide array of cognitive and physical disabilities. Not only are the families extremely grateful, but getting to know the swimmer and empowering them with the ability to swim is one of the most rewarding activities to get involved with in Kingston. Check out their Facebook page to see how SWAM is making a difference.

8. Seeing all your new-found friends on Friday or Saturday night at Ale House

393 Princess Street

Looking for something to do on a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday night? Ale House is calling your name! Not only will you tear up the dance floor, but you will be dancing alongside everybody you have ever met on campus. Ale House is the place to be, and when you need a breather, or maybe a couple of chicken wings, swing down to Canteen just to the left of the club entrance.

9. Cheering on the home team at a Kingston Frontenacs hockey game

Leon’s Centre, 1 The Tragically Hip Way

The good ol’ hockey game is the best game you can name! Watch Canadians in their natural habitat, rinkside, as you cheer on Kingston’s local team as one. Grab a beaver tail with one hand and a Molson with the other, and enjoy the beautiful game… of hockey.

Describe Kingston in 3 words

Historical, Inviting, Diverse

If Kingston had a Theme Song, what would it be?

Mr. Brightside by The Killers

Complete the sentence: Kingston makes me…

Want to achieve my best self.

Posted on

Building on History: The Rosemount Inn

It was love at first sight when new owners Lucy and Matt first laid eyes on the Rosemount Inn. They knew then that they wanted to be a part of its rich story. In January 2019, they set out to renovate the space while preserving the unique history of the property.

We had the chance to sit down and chat with Lucy to discuss their plans. Read on to learn about the big changes happening to this historic inn.

LC: Can you talk about the biggest changes happening to the inn?

LL: The Rosemount has remained one of the most iconic B&B’s in Kingston for nearly 30 years, so there is a tremendous amount of respect for the house and its name.

We’ve set out to refresh and reimagine the guest experience with modern comforts and amenities, while preserving the unique history of the property. During this process, we’ve worked with renowned hospitality designers to create a unique Modern Victorian design that combines the lush Victorian grandeur of the estate with contemporary flare.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu9VMIXh7UQ/

The main changes include:

  • All new guest suites with modern bathrooms and luxurious finishes
  • A restoration of all interior surfaces
  • Redesigned common areas, with an emphasis on activating previously under-utilized spaces, allowing our guests to have the freedom to explore more of the house and feel more at home
  • State-of-the-art climate control, which is something many guests would not come to expect while staying at a heritage property such as ours

The whole concept is designed around coming together, finding community, and restoring some of the lost magic to staying in a modern hotel.

LC: Did you uncover anything interesting during this process?

LL: Surprisingly little. The house was in amazing shape structurally. However, it was certainly interesting to peel back all the layers and see all the marks and signs of the previous life stages of the house.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsTM2FGBrIf/

LC: What can visitors expect when they return to the Inn?

LL: We’ve set out to create a genuinely social hospitality experience, focusing on creating spaces where guests can relax and socialize. We’re not the kind of place where you bee-line straight through the lobby to your room and never interact with anyone. The whole concept is designed around coming together, finding community, and restoring some of the lost magic to staying in a modern hotel.

We’ve also updated our spa experience, so that guests can feel truly pampered.

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

LC: Can you discuss why visitors should consider staying at a historic inn?

LL: Historic inns offer all the comforts someone would expect at home, enhanced with certain indulgences like a warm welcome, freshly prepared meal, and a beautiful historic setting.  You’re also more likely to meet other guests who value similar comforts; creating a more genuine social experience.

As a member of the historic inns of Kingston, I’ve come to appreciate the uniqueness of each property and truly believe that the best way for a frequent visitor to experience Kingston is to try each inn.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwm5amyheLO/

LC: What made you choose Kingston?

LL: Kingston has always been a special place for our family. Matt is originally from Ottawa and was fortunate to spend his summers growing-up on the Rideau at his family’s cottage near Elgin. His mom’s side of the family has been in the Kingston, Harrowsmith, and Trenton region for generations, while his dad spent his formative years at RMC.

I’ve visited Kingston many times growing up with incredibly fond memories of summer festivals, walking through Queen’s, and the Thousand Islands Cruises.

We also fell in love with the Rosemount when we first saw it and wanted to be part of its history.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv0ZE81h0Ak/

LC: How are you feeling since starting this journey?

LL: We’re generally very excited to be part of greater hospitality transformation that is currently happening in Kingston. With the Frontenac Club Inn and the other developments on the horizon, visitors will have access to a broader range of hospitality experiences than ever before to best complement their time in Kingston.

The Rosemount Inn will welcome guests back on June 1st, 2019. Keep an eye on their social media for updates! More photos of the renovation below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsJ40u_B6hs/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvJqY8dhM3t/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwm6aH2h1sg/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxTLs-4h278/

Posted on

Building on History: The Frontenac Club

We all know Kingston is steeped in history, but have we ever thought about renovations? Maintaining and restoring our iconic limestone buildings is no easy feat – just ask Sean Billing, whose team has been updating the 174-year-old Frontenac Club since December 2018.

From uncovering stonework and cisterns to plans of a bar and rooftop patio, read on to discover the changes happening to this historic inn.

LC: Can you talk about the biggest changes happening to the inn?

SB: We’re transforming the space from a traditional B&B to more of a boutique hotel. Expanding 16 bedrooms to 20 all without changing the footprint of the building. We’re creating a bar, lounge, licensed patio, and rooftop patio as well. We’re looking forward to welcoming both guests and the Kingston community to experience these amenities.

The main goal is updating the interior to be more contemporary. We’re working towards the happy medium between maintaining the historic look and feel and including present-day amenities that guests come to expect.

A rendering of Frontenac Club from Ontario Street.
A rendering of Frontenac Club from Ontario Street.

LC: Did you uncover anything interesting during this process?

SB: We found some interesting artifacts! The building in its 174 year history has been renovated countless times. We found old coins, newspapers, magazines, and uncovered beautiful stonework – we even found a whole play written out by a professor at Queen’s University!

When it comes to the physical structure and piecing together how the club has been used over the years, we discovered a lot. In one room that we know was originally built in 1907 as a kitchen, we found 5 door openings! Over the history of time, that space has seen so many changes.

In the basement, we uncovered an old limestone cistern – a beautiful one with an arched ceiling that currently sits about 10-12 feet under our parking lot. There’s not a way to use it but it’s incredible to see that level of craftsmanship.

LC: What can visitors expect when they return to the Inn?

SB: We want to represent Kingston. The Frontenac Club is really of Kingston and we strive to have a high level of service and attention to detail. We have such a great story to tell and look forward to welcoming members; giving them the opportunity to become part of the story.

When I think about our loyal guests who are excited to be back… I hope they’re surprised by the new spaces and say, “I can’t believe you found that!”. We also hope they enjoy the functionality. We did listen closely to what our guests have requested and incorporated their suggestions.

“The best way to experience the city is to stay in a space that has a bit of history; a place that’s part of Kingston’s DNA.”

For new guests visiting the inn, we’d love for them to think this is a product that Kingston needed and they didn’t know existed. The sort of boutique hotel we’d see in Toronto, Quebec City, or New York – they get to have that experience in Kingston.

LC: Can you discuss why visitors should consider staying at a historic inn?

SB: It’s such a different experience. The melding of history and progressiveness is part of the reason why somebody would get hooked on Kingston. There’s a certain renewal each year that comes with new students at the colleges and university. We have beautiful structures, great stories and history, and outdoor festivals and events. The best way to experience the city is to stay in a space that has a bit of history; a place that’s part of Kingston’s DNA.

LC: Is there anything else you’d like to share with your guests?

SB: I believe that we have an opportunity to set the standard for service. When people think of the Frontenac Club, we want them to think of a level of hospitality that comes with joining a club. Although we’re keeping the name Club since it’s part of its history, you don’t have to be a member to visit and stay with us. We want people to feel like it’s their club. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, we want you to feel like a member of this community.

The Frontenac Club will welcome guests back in late Summer 2019. Keep an eye on their website for updates! More photos of the renovation below.

A rendering of the new bar and lounge.
A rendering of the new bar and lounge.
construction worker on rooftop overlooking Lake Ontario
What could go here? A rooftop patio, perhaps?
Rendering of the updated exterior on King and William Street
Rendering of the updated exterior on King and William Street

Posted on

Your Kingston Summer Festivals Guide

Back To The Farm Beer and Music Festival

Festival season has finally returned, and to get you ready here are 10 of the biggest arts parties, beer bashes and community celebrations happening in Kingston this summer, 2019.

Juvenis Festival

The Juvenis Festival

May 1 – 11, 2019
Downtown
Back for its fourth year, The Juvenis Festival is one of only two youth arts festivals in the country. Expect everything from musicals to modern dance to multimedia art to the always popular battle of the bands. There are free youth workshops and masterclasses, too, plus an art gallery in an empty downtown storefront. Everyone involved in the festival is under 30, including staff, volunteers and participants, but all ages are welcome.

Prices vary

YGK Craft Beer Fest

YGK Craft Beer Fest

June 8, 2019
Fort Henry

What better way to kick off summer in Kingston than by sipping a cold beer and chilling atop Fort Henry Hill with some live music? The brewery and entertainment lineups are still being finalized, but a few of your local favourites should be there. For eats, think food truck chow like poutine, fresh salads, jerk chicken and gelato from Ontario Street mainstay Mio Gelato.

$15 – $20, plus $3 per 6 oz beer sample

Kingston Pride Parade and Community Fair

Kingston Pride Parade and Community Fair

June 15, 2019
Downtown

In 1989, only about 15 people walked up Princess Street in what was the city’s first Pride Parade. This year, there will be hundreds on hand to celebrate gender and sexual diversity in this city. Details are still being worked out for the parade itself and the community fair, but the theme is “Remember the Past, Create the Future”. No doubt it will be the most colourful and fabulous fest of the summer.

Free

Skeleton Park Arts Festival

Skeleton Park Arts Festival

June 19 – 23, 2019
McBurney “Skeleton” Park

This family-friendly summer solstice party showcases artists from Kingston and around the world playing concerts, hosting poetry readings, participating in artisan fairs and way more. The big draws are the concerts in Skeleton Park on the Saturday and Sunday, where past artists have included The Rheostatics, Sharon and Bram, Sarah Harmer, and Fred Penner. Want to let your own creative flag fly high? Hit up the parades, square dances, drum circles and heritage activities happening throughout the week.

Free

Artfest Kingston

Artfest Kingston

June 29 – July 1, 2019
City Park

Every Canada Day weekend, 200 artists and artisans from across Ontario and Quebec set up along the shady paths of City Park to show off their creations. There’s always lots of live music, too, as well as outdoor theatre, poetry readings, art workshops and food trucks to keep you fuelled. In recent years, organizers have also added a First Nations Art Pavilion and a craft beer and wine tent.

Free

Kingston Buskers Rendezvous

Kingston Buskers Rendezvous

July 4 – 7, 2019
Downtown

The sword swallowers, acrobats and contortionists return to the streets of downtown Kingston for the 31st time this year. What started as somewhat of an afterthought to the annual sidewalk sale in 1988 is now one of the most popular festivals of the year in this city. And no wonder. Where else can you see an Australian fire ninja on one corner, a Japanese balloon artist on the next, and a local ukulele quartet playing classic rock covers on Ontario Street?

Performers are paid by audience tips

1000 Islands Poker Run

1000 Islands Poker Run

August 16 – 17, 2019
Confederation Basin

The familiar roar of powerboat engines will emanate from Confederation Basin at 10 am sharp on Saturday, August 17, as competitors begin their race up the St. Lawrence. Drivers stop at five checkpoints along the way and draw a playing card at each. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. Be there the night before to check out more than 50 of the big, beautiful hogs, all from across North America, as well as live music in Confederation Park on both the Friday and Saturday nights.

Free

Back To The Farm Beer and Music Festival

Back to the Farm Beer and Music Festival

August 18, 2019
MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, Bath

Five years on, and this annual field party at the MacKinnon bros’ brewery is showing no signs of slowing. As usual, there will be lots of tasty bevvies on hand — including some special brews no doubt — as well as food trucks and live music all day long. Stay tuned for the lineup, but recent years have included indie darlings The Rural Alberta Advantage and local legends Lost Cousins and Miss Emily.

Price not yet available

Limestone City Blues Festival

Limestone City Blues Festival

August 22 – 25, 2019
Downtown

Few festivals make Kingston come alive quite like this one, which typically features over 100 hours of live blues music in downtown parks, clubs and street stages. Stay tuned for the full lineup, but the outdoor headline shows in Confederation Park, Princess Street and Market Square have featured some of the biggest names in blues music. Last year, for instance, multiple Blues Music Award winner Victor Wainwright (pictured) electrified the Market Square crowd with his driving keyboard licks.

$20/all-access bracelet

Kingston WritersFest

Kingston WritersFest

September 25 – 29, 2019
Downtown

The lineup is still being finalized for Kingston’s annual writers’ festival, but as usual, you can expect some serious literary heavyweights. In 2018, for example, the event’s 10th anniversary, about 70 authors were there, including Peter Carey, Esi Edugyan and Thomas King. The year before, the big draws included Michael Chabon, Adam Gopnik and Kathleen Winter. Whichever wordsmiths show this year, expect lots of readings, discussions, workshops, masterclasses, special dinners and more.

Varying prices

 

Lviv, Ukraine Folklore Festival

June 14 – 16, 2019
Regiopolis Notre Dame High School

Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Lviv, Ukraine Folklore Festival has been one of Canada’s longest running Ukrainian festivals. Visitors can expect 3 days of traditional dancing, museum quality displays, delicious food, and music. Passports are $5 and can be purchased at our Visitor Information Centre, Martello Alley, or Quattrocci’s Specialty Foods. There will also be passports available at the door.

$5/all access passport

Posted on

Kingston Live, Episode 5: A Summary

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.

John and Riley have prepared a jam-packed episode for local live music lovers. Not one, not two, but three interviews plus a list of live music shows happening in the YGK from May through to August. They start with local band, Oakridge Ave (they’ve recently been named as one of the top acts to see play live in Kingston!), then move into a phone interview with Lowest of the Low’s Ron Hawkins and close the podcast with a conversation with Tanya and Céline of video production company, Velour Sessions, they provide video and photo footage to bands for self-promotion.

Oakridge Ave

The members of Oakridge Ave, Alex “Lefty” Amey, Harrison Stewart-Juby, and Sean Patterson, share the meaning behind their band name (yes, it’s named after the Kingston street), what it was like performing on their latest east coast tour and meeting and then collaborating with the Canadian producer Ian Blurton. They also talk about their favourite live music venue in Kingston (can you guess?) and give a grateful shout-out to those who supported the crowdfunding of their latest album. Plus, if you’re a budding musician, get their advice on how to get started.

Lowest of the Low’s Ron Hawkins

Lowest of the Low will be back in Kingston this May 30 and performing at the Mansion. They have a new album dropping that Ron shares details about, it has an overtly political voice and he explains why,

“Over the last couple years, I’ve been frustrated with seeing things as ridiculous as fascism on the rise. I started to get back into the bigger issues,” adding that people need to “be energized to change things” and music can help do that. Ron touches on the upcoming show and the importance of bands getting political. You can enter to win tickets to their show at the end of May if you follow Kingston Live on Instagram! Oakridge Ave will be opening.

 

Velours Sessions

Musical Videographers and founders of production company, Velours Sessions, Tanya and Céline offer an important service to musicians, the ability to make their shows live on through images and video footage for self-promotion and well as other creative video content. They talk about how they met, the details of how they can support musicians through their work, and the challenges of getting great footage as well as the challenges of being women in the video production industry. Céline shares that their work is about helping musicians creatively display who they really are. If you’re in a band and want to know how much their services cost, they give a bit of insight on their prices (a third of the corporate equivalent!).

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4wT86lPRm/

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. You can also follow them on Instagram.

Missed episode 4?
Catch the recap here.

 

Posted on

10 Can’t-Miss Concerts in Kingston This May

Lowest Of The Low

Combing through the 100-plus shows this month to come up with just a few artists you should see was tough. But here they are — a cornucopia of singer-songwriters, blues rockers, indie darlings and local jazz legends. And hey, if you disagree, there’s always the 90-artist-strong Homegrown Live Music Festival (May 4).

Jenica Rayne and Lynne Hanson

Jenica Rayne and Lynne Hanson

May 3, 2019, 5:30 pm
RCHA Club

While these two local singer-songwriters have folk music at their cores, Rayne (pictured) relies more on pop melodies and lyrics about personal and social consciousness. Hanson brings a bit more soul, a bit more sultriness not far from a Norah Jones or Alison Krauss. Both should find a good home in the RCHA Club’s intimate and unpretentious digs.

Free

HomeGrown Live Music Festival

Homegrown Live Music Festival

May 4, 2019
Downtown

If you want to get a better sense of the local music scene, definitely check out this annual festival showcasing about 90 local acts on a dozen downtown stages. Each venue typically features a different musical style like punk, folk or jazz. All proceeds go to The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library, which has received over $100,000 from the festival over the past decade.

All-access pass: $10

Dead Roots Revival

Dead Root Revival

May 10, 2019, 10:30 pm
The Toucan

This trio of Kingston blues rockers asks a good question: “Remember when music grabbed you by the ears, lifted you up, reached straight into your chest and stole your heart?” No doubt you will after they’re done afflicting you with their combination of Delta blues, jam band and guitar-driven classic rock. Think the Allman Brothers, Wilco and Muddy Waters all rolled into one.

Free

Amherst Island Radio's Night of Live Music

Amherst Island Radio’s Night of Live Music

May 11, 2019, 7 pm
Blu Martini Bar & Grill

Amherst Island Radio celebrates its 13th birthday at Blu Martini this year with local acts The Mill Rights, The Stares, Sweet Talk Jackie, BAG$=Bags Money and headliner The Blushing Brides, an internationally-touring Rolling Stones tribute band. And what a cause to celebrate. The radio station is 100% volunteer-run, 100% non-profit, and the only Canadian broadcast station located in a barn (its antenna is found high atop an 85-foot silo).

$15

Saffron A and Wax Mannequin

Saffron A and Wax Mannequin

May 17, 2019, 8 pm
Musiikki Café

It’s tough to stuff either one of these singer-songwriters into a single category, but both should be seen live. Saffron A plays the octave mandolin and mandocello to deep, dark, emotionally intimate lyrics that often start as poetry. Wax Mannequin (aka Chris Adeney, pictured) has been around since 2000, guitar in hand, honing a strange combination of folk-punk anthems that have garnered comparisons to Bruce Cockburn, Frank Zappa and Tom Waits.

Price not available

The Day Dreamers

The Day Dreamers

May 18, 2019, 8 pm
Musiikki Café

Head back to Musiikki the next night to get a sense of just how eclectic — and incredible — this tiny venue’s lineup can be. The Day Dreamers is a female-fronted indie band from Montreal that mixes pop, folk and alternative sounds using guitars, violins, drums and other unique musical accompaniments. Formed in high school, the group is now clearly a band to watch, playing bigger and better gigs throughout Ontario and Quebec, including the Grey Cup in Ottawa in 2017.

Price not available

Michelle Kasaboski

Michelle Kasaboski

May 21, 2019, 6 pm
Olivea Restaurant

Olivea’s Tuesday night jazz shows have become a tradition for jazz lovers in this city, and if you have to pick one this month, go for Michelle Kasaboski. Currently completing her bachelor of music degree at Queen’s, the Kingstonian is known for her velvety-rich voice and her versatility, easily transitioning between pop, jazz, country and classical. As Juno Award-winner Hugh Johnston put it, “her vast experience and excellent musicianship makes her an artist you want to book right away.”

Free

Desire

Desire

May 25, 2019, 10 pm
Little Texas Roadhouse Bar & Grill

When the lead singer of the actual band you cover says “I’ve always wanted to meet you,” that must mean you’re good. Such was the case for U2 tribute act Desire when Bono brought them onstage in Toronto in 2015. The Hamilton- and Toronto-based fourpiece has been around for about 20 years now, playing shows big and small across North America and internationally. No doubt this one at the rollicking Little Texas will be one to remember.

$15

Lowest Of The Low

Lowest of the Low

May 30, 2019, 7 pm
The Mansion

One of the biggest names in Canadian alternative rock music is touring again this summer, this time in the wake of a new album that will come out the day before this show at The Mansion. Formed in Toronto in 1991, the band released their most successful album, “Shakespeare My Butt”, the same year, which became one of the best-selling independent releases in Canadian history. Chart magazine later named it one of the ten greatest albums in Canadian music history.

$30

Craig Jones and The 20th Century Jazz Band

Craig Jones and The 20th Century Jazz Band

May 31, 2019, 7 pm
Montes

Most Friday nights, you’ll find Craig Jones and The 20th Century Jazz Band playing a wide blend of jazz standards in the dark and cozy confines of Montes, the small bar inside the Prince George Hotel. They’ve been doing so for the past six years, but they also invite guest singers and instrumentalists, so no two shows are every quite the same. And hey, if you think you have the jazz chops, impromptu players are always welcome, too.

Free

Need some festivals in your future?

Here are 8 festivals to hit this May in Kingston.

Posted on

Athletes of Kingston: Selena O’Hanlon

One could say the sport of Equestrian eventing is in Selena O’Hanlon’s blood.

Born in the United Kingdom, O’Hanlon moved to Kingston with her family when she was just a toddler.

Her mother, Morag O’Hanlon, an accomplished international eventing coach and former competitor, had her daughter riding at an early age and by nine-years-old O’Hanlon started her eventing career with her horse Toby.

O’Hanlon, who is based at the Balsam Hall Equestrian Centre on Gore Road in Kingston’s east end where she and her mother conduct lessons, clinics, training and boarding.

O’Hanlon is currently in the United Kingdom preparing for prestigious the 2019 Badminton Horse Trials on the grounds of the Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire from May 1-5. Before that, she spent three months this past winter in Ocala, Florida training as a prerequisite to stay with the Canadian Equestrian team.

O’Hanlon has represented Canada at the Olympics, World Equestrian games and Pan Am Games.

She said the sport of eventing has a great sense of camaraderie and everyone involved in the competition has a deep love of horses.

“My fellow competitors, team mates, sponsors, support staff, coaches basically everyone associated with the sport of eventing are always there to lend a hand, share their knowledge or just say the right thing at the right time.”

O’Hanlon was first named to the Canadian Eventing Team in 2007 with her horse Colombo. A year later the pair competed in the Beijing Olympics. O’Hanlon and Columbo placed 20th in the dressage phase of the Olympic competition before finishing 45th overall in individual eventing.

In 2010 O’Hanlon and Colombo paired up again at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky where they won Canada’s first silver medal in eventing in 32 years.

In 2011 O’Hanlon and Colombo competed at the Badminton Horse Trials in England. She then headed to the Pan Am Games in Guadalajara with a new horse, Foxwood High, to help Canada capture another team silver medal.

After not being selected to the 2012 Olympic team, Colombo was retired.

In 2014 she returned to the World Equestrian Games in Normandy with Foxwood High as Canada finished sixth in the team event to qualify for Rio 2016.

But O’Hanlon and Foxwood High were unable to compete at the 2016 Olympics.

At this point, she’s hoping to compete in the 2020 Toyko Summer Olympics.

“My current upper-level horse Foxwood High will be 17-years-old by then,” O’Hanlon said.

She added that “Woody” is currently her only horse at that level and said she has other coming up through the levels.

She has lots to do when she comes home to Kingston in addition to training, coaching and conducting clinics.

“I enjoy swimming, dancing, live music and eating at some of our fabulous restaurants.”

For more information on O’Hanlon go to www.selenaohanlon.ca

Posted on

5 Reasons to Visit the Kingston Pen in 2020

Opened in 1835, the Kingston Penitentiary was the first of its kind in Canada. The birthplace of Corrections Canada (predating Confederation), Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum security prison has once again open its door for tours in 2020. Here are 5 reasons to experience a tour (or experience one again!):

1. First-Hand Accounts

One of the most compelling features of these tours are the first-hand accounts from retired correctional officers and staff. Stationed at key locations along your route, former correctional officers (along with a knowledgeable guide) paint a vivid picture of daily prison life. Officially closing its doors in 2013, you’ll wander the halls and imagine what it was like for prisoners who resided here only a handful of years ago.

When asked about what sticks out the most during his time at the Kingston Pen, former guard Pat Boudreau answered, “It’s remembering how staff responded when there were troubles. We became such a cohesive family. And it doesn’t matter who’s in trouble, it doesn’t matter if it’s a guard or a nurse or a shop instructor. When there’s somebody in need – we have to try to get them home. Getting them home to their families, that was our number one priority.”

Read More: Inside Kingston Pen with Former Guard Pat Boudreau

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

2. Architecture and Design

Constructed from 1833-34, the Kingston Penitentiary is an impressive example of architecture and design. Vaulted, brick-laid ceilings and exposed limestone are remarkable to see. Some key locations you’ll visit on the standard tour include the muster area (visitation and correspondence area), north gate, a cell range, the main cell dome, a metal shop, recreational yard, and more.

Did you know Kingston Penitentiary’s location was chosen after Hugh Thompson (editor of the Upper Canada Herald) wrote to the government in 1826, recommending that a penitentiary be built in his rapidly growing town of Kingston? They eventually listened, buying 100 acres two miles beyond the town’s western border, which was considered far enough from the population but close enough to conduct business. They also chose the location because it combined “the advantages of perfect salubrity, ready access to the water, and abundant quantities of fine limestone.”

Read More: 7 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Kingston Pen

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmZLhEzF8b5

3. Filming at The Pen

Did you know the Kingston Penitentiary once housed Grace Marks, who was the inspiration for Margaret Atwood’s novel Alias Grace? Netflix’s adaptation of the novel was filmed in the Kingston Penitentiary and made ample use of the surrounding grounds (including King Street and the Warden’s House across the street). It’s also been said that Superman II (1980) once had a location scout at the Pen, and more recently KP has been the backdrop for DC Comic’s Titans (Netflix), CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, and CBS’s Star Trek: Discovery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BulyJ6Igwk0/

4. Accessibility & Safety

In addition to standard and extended tours, KP Tours offer accessible tours for persons with vision loss or mobility needs on request, including complimentary admission for accompanying companions. They also offer a full tour script in American Sign Language, which can be requested on arrival for your tour. Tours with ASL interpretation are also available and must be booked in advance. You can book a tour in French and in other languages, as well. Learn more.

For the 2020 season enhanced safety measures have been put in place including physical distancing, screening of guests upon arrival, and additional cleaning practices.

Read More: Behind the Iron Bars: Exploring Kingston Penitentiary

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

5. Canadian History

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, you’ll find Canada’s Penitentiary Museum (also located inside the former Warden’s residence of the prison!). Visitors are often surprised at the complexity of a penitentiary environment. It’s not just about crime and punishment. You’ll learn about the forward-thinking entertainment and art programs introduced in the 1950s as you wander through eight display rooms at your own pace.

The museum is closed for the 2020 season, but their website features some additional history and interesting facts about prisons.

Read More: Kingston is the New Black: Touring the Kingston Pen

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

You can purchase your Kingston Pen tickets for their 2020 season here!

Posted on

Meet the Maker: Happy Thoughts

Meet the Maker: Happy Thoughts

When you think of a shop named Happy Thoughts, it might be hard to envision exactly what you can find there. But when you walk into the recently opened shop at the corner of Wellington and Clarence, in downtown Kingston, you immediately get it. Filled with colourful prints, fun jewellery and witty stationery, it is hard to walk in and resist the happy vibes!

When I meet the owner, Tammy, it makes perfect sense. She welcomes me with an ear-to-ear smile, dressed in a very colourful, printed smock, and exudes positivity. Tammy explains the concept behind the curation of her shop, “The idea is that it’s things that I like, so it’s a very personal thing for me […] My friends come in who haven’t seen the store and say, ‘it’s like walking around in your brain!’”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtoQ6RPA9Z2/

What Tammy has accomplished in the last two years is a testament to what happens when hard work and a supportive community come together. Two years ago she moved from Waterloo with her six-day-old daughter (you read that correctly, six days!) to settle into a new life in Kingston with her husband who works at Queen’s. Soon, she was getting familiar with the locals and looking for storefronts.

“I started going to all of the Kingston markets to meet the makers, see who was doing what, and kind of get a sense of what the scene was like,” Tammy says, describing her first steps in her journey to opening Happy Thoughts. “And just to see if it was possible to do local here. And it is very possible. There is a lot going on in this city, and there are a lot of people making stuff!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuyUt24ASMS/

After six months of looking for spaces, Tammy and her husband were going for one of their routine walks downtown when they passed an empty storefront with the classic Kingston aesthetic — exposed limestone walls — that was vacant and up for grabs. They took possession in August of 2018 and opened the doors in September 2018.

It wasn’t long before word got out and the Kingston community started to seek out her cheerful space. Tammy credits local female entrepreneurs for how quickly store traffic picked up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGSqIxAa2A/

Tammy joined a lot of Kingston’s networking groups and says, “I was able to get to know other women and other women entrepreneurs who were doing the same things as me. It’s nice for people to say what their issues are, and where their struggles are, so you don’t feel so alone but also to celebrate each other. And Instagram is huge here [in Kingston]. People share so easily and are so supportive.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtWNJ-9AEsz/

In return, Tammy is happy to be able to provide a space for local makers to showcase their work, “I love to support our local makers and have a space where they can sell their work!”

To stay updated on Happy Thoughts, follow the shop on Facebook and Instagram.

Meet Whitney Haynes

No stranger to the journey of moving her family to Kingston to start a new business, Whitney Haynes sells her jewellery and silversmith designs in the city and at pop-up markets and collectives across Ontario.

Posted on

AquaTerra’s Afternoon Tea

*Note: AquaTerra is no longer offering Afternoon Tea. Visit their website for future updates. For Afternoon Tea, we recommend The Secret Garden Inn. Guests will be presented with house-made sweet and savory delicacies served on hand-crafted, tiered cake stands commissioned from local blacksmith Stefan Duerst and pottery maker Mark Lemieux of Black Dog Pottery. Book Afternoon Tea with The Secret Garden Inn.

Imagine overlooking the Kingston Waterfront with a fragrant pot of fine tea and a tower of sweet and savoury treats fresh for your choosing. AquaTerra’s Afternoon Tea is perfect for any special occasion for both visitors and residents alike.

Traditional Afternoon Tea was introduced in England in the 1800s to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. This pause for tea became a fashionable and social event for upper-class women in the late 1800s; many of them changing into long gowns, gloves and hats before they spilled the tea with friends.

AquaTerra’s spin on Afternoon Tea features the choice of 13 Pluck loose leaf teas, 4 tea-infused cocktails and a three-tiered serving tray of savouries, scones, and sweets. Working with local farmers, the chefs serve up a menu that’s inspired by international flavours blended with contemporary Canadian cuisine.

Read on to learn more about the Afternoon Tea experience.

Tea Choices

With tea options including Masala Chai, Apple on the Green, Harvest Mint, and Verbena Blues – there is sure to be a flavour for any palate. A great touch – the tea was brought out in a little sampling box for us to smell and test. We settled on Harvest Gold; a turmeric-based latte blend with locally milled cinnamon and ginger, and Canadian Maple; a herbal tea made with real maple syrup! Canadian Maple wasn’t too sweet and went perfectly with the treats. Harvest Gold was great for my partner, who was just getting over a cold!

If you’re feeling adventurous, try out the tea-infused cocktails instead!

Tier 1: Savoury Sandwiches

Traditional afternoon tea consisted of small sandwiches (think thinly sliced cucumbers, cooked ham, or cheese and pickles), but AquaTerra had a twist! Their spin on afternoon tea was the ideal blend of East Coast dining and British traditions; featuring delicious Smoked Salmon, Shrimp Po’Boy, Quiche, and my personal favourite, the Chicken Waldorf!

Below: Chicken Waldorf on a brioche bun with Hall’s apple butter, torched brie, and walnut dust (left), Quiche with Haanover Farms peameal bacon, spinach, and gruyere cheese (right).

Below: Smoked Salmon on Ironwood Organics red fife blini, with caper chip and dill creme fraiche (left), Shrimp Po’ Boy on a brioche roll with Atlantic shrimp, tarragon aioli, celery and shallots (right).

Tier 2: Scones, Jams + Cream

After finishing off the sandwiches, we moved on to the scones. The jam was by far the best part of this tier. A quote from my partner, “If I could just eat a bowl of this jam, that would be perfect!” The scones were soft, delicious, and complimented the homemade jam and cream wonderfully.

Tier 3: Delicious Desserts

The final tier featured sweets and was the best way to finish off our Afternoon Tea experience. The treats included Lemon Tarts, French Chocolate Macarons, Raspberry Shortbread Meringue, and Triple Chocolate Brownies. There was a great balance between sweet and tart desserts! By this tier, we were pretty stuffed and opted for a to-go container (but managed to taste a sample of each treat!). Our favourite was the Chocolate Macarons – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Below: A close-up of these delicious desserts… Are you hungry yet?

Posted on

Athletes of Kingston: Robert Davis

When the next Olympic games in Tokyo in 2020, Kingston may be represented by a sailor trained on Lake Ontario off of Kingston’s shores.

Robert Davis sails a Laser and has been competing on the world stage for the last number of years.

Davis, 29, began sailing an Optimist boat in Norway when he was six. After moving to Canada at 10 he joined the Junior Sailing program at the Kingston Yacht Club. He then joined KYC’s race team, the provincial team, the youth national team, and eventually the senior national team.

“My family has always been involved with sailing so I was always around the sport growing up, he said. “I enjoyed being out on the water, the camaraderie, and challenging myself against the elements,” said Davis who has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Queen’s.

Davis is currently training with the Canadian Sailing team in Spain preparing for the Trofeo Princesa regatta.

The event attracts all of the top international sailors and is a regular stop on the competitive sailing circuit. It’s part of the European sailing tour, which runs from late March to June.

He’s already had two major competitions this year, the U.S. National Championships and the Sailing World Cup Miami. Davis placed third at the U.S. Championships and 28th the World Cup. He was the top Canadian qualifying him for both the Pan Am Games and the Olympic Test Event.  Both events are major milestones towards the Tokyo 2020 Games, he said.

To gain a berth in the Olympics he has to be the top Canadian qualifier. If successful he’ll be one of 35 athletes representing their countries at the Olympics.

“My major focus for this year is to secure a berth for Canada,” he said. “I have been the top Canadian sailor for the past three years, but the next generation of Canadian Laser sailors are getting better quickly, and I expect them to give me a real challenge in the Canadian trials which will be completed by April 2020.”

Davis said he has little downtime away from sailing and training.

“I take some days to relax, see my friends, go to the gym, and in the summer time I like to stay active by windsurfing or biking.”

Davis said he enjoys sailing in his backyard, Lake Ontario.

“It is a fantastic place to sail in the summer time with good wind, nice weather, and a very short distance from where you launch to where you race. I am a big fan of sailing in freshwater – it is so much easier on the equipment than sailing in salt water and you don’t get covered in salt.”

The Canadian Olympic-training Regatta Kingston, known as CORK, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer. Davis has been competing at CORK since he was 13 years-old and calls it his favourite regatta.

There’s a reason Kingston is called the Freshwater Sailing Capital of the World, he said.

“The event caps off a summer of training with great racing and a chance to see all of your sailing friends. As you get a little older, CORK is still a major event on the calendar, and a place where you know you will get good racing.”

Davis likes the “home water” advantage he has during CORK. He says he feels comfortable at the venue.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnqy1ijDQ-u/

“You know where everything is, how to solve a problem if something comes up, and nothing comes as a surprise. When others come to Kingston, they need a little bit of extra time to figure some of these things out, and I think that gives me an advantage. Having confidence in knowing that you have spent more time preparing at a venue than your competitors is also huge.”

Last summer Davis won the Canadian Championships for the third straight time in Kingston.

“CORK does a fantastic job of hosting major international events. I have been lucky enough to sail in five world championships on home water, and several North American and Canadian championships. The combination of having a bit of home-water advantage and actually having major events to compete in is huge.

Davis said when he’s home in the summer he tries to spend as much time as he can on the water but does enjoy Kingston’s downtown.

“One of my favourite things to do is to boat in to downtown and make use of the boat parking meters at the foot of Johnson Street to go to one of Kingston’s many great restaurants and patios with friends.”

Posted on

Athletes of Kingston: The Rez Girls

On the third weekend of March the 22nd annual Kids for Kids Hockey Tournament took place in Kingston and Napanee. It brought 3,300 boys and girls and their families to Kingston and a tremendous economic impact to the city as well as a substantial donation to the neonatal intensive care unit and the children’s cancer clinic at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area.

For the 13 players on the Rez Girls 64 Wolves hockey team it was most likely a trip of a lifetime.

The Rez girls, from Fort Hope, a fly-in community about 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay were able to make the trip due to the volunteer work of Steve and Katie Koopman and the Kingston community who opened its wallets and hearts to help cover the $100,000 cost for the girls to compete in the tournament.

Last year the Rez Girls made a trip to Ottawa to play in a tournament, but when they almost didn’t make it due to lack of funding, Katie and Steve Koopman reached out to the local community and enough money was raised to get the girls to the tournament and to an Ottawa Senators game.

The girls played three games at the tournament, ball hockey and had a practice with members of the Kingston Ice Wolves girls hockey organization.

Kingston was a great host for the Rez Girls, Steve Koopman, a sergeant with the Kingston Police, said.

“Their first night we went to the Lone Star downtown, then went and played some laser tag and mini putt at Putt N’ Blast. The following day they were able to get a tour of the police station which was phenomenal and got to meet Chief Antje McNeely which we thought was important to show female empowerment that a woman is in position of the highest order of the police service.”

They also toured around City Hall and saw the Kingston sign by the Kingston Visitor Information Centre, went to the Catarqui Centre and fast food areas as well as had a tour of Regiopolis-Notre Dame Secondary School.

Katie Koopman said the girls took advantage of the free Kingston Tour Trolley the tournament organizers and city arranged for teams in the tournament.

“They were very grateful for that.”

Tournament officials and the Boys and Girls Club arranged for a school bus for the team to go from the Ambassador Hotel to the arenas and other trips around town during the tournament.

“Kingston made it so easy for the girls to get here and to get around our city,” she said.

Katie Koopman got involved with the team after she heard CBC documentary about their Ottawa trip last year and she and her husband provided photography services to preserve their memories of their visit.

The Koopmans visited Fort Hope last May and are planning another trip to the secluded community of 1,000 people again this May and hold a photography clinic. They have also started the Good Ally Project through the True North Aid organization, a non-indigenous, non-profit organization to build the relationship between Kingston and Fort Hope.

The project’s goals are to spread awareness about the conditions of Eabametoong First Nation, assist with projects within the community and to bridge the gap between the First Nation and Kingston in the spirit of reconciliation.

Realizing the community didn’t have a proper hockey rink, the Koopmans started a GoFundMe campaign that raised $90,000 to build a cement pad for the rink, currently a large pebble area that is flooded and freezes when it is cold enough. When the cement floor is installed the winter hockey and skating season will be longer and the facility can be used for ball hockey and other sports in the warmer months.

Katie Koopman hopes a few of the girls can attend a hockey camp in Kingston this summer.

“This is an ongoing relationship with them and we are just very grateful that Kingston has bought in to this community and they understand the love we have for this team,” she said.

Steve Koopman said the there was a tremendous feeling of inclusivity and welcome from the Kingston community during their visit.

“There wasn’t anything negative hanging over their head or anything that would bring them down,” he said. “Just the pure joy of playing hockey and interacting with other girls.”

“There can be reconciliation in these small little acts.”

The Good Ally Project, www.truenorthaid.ca/good-ally-project.html.