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Young Canadian Superstar to Take on Over 100 years of Russian Music with 88 Keys!

The Kingston Symphony welcomes 27-year-old pianist Avan Yu for an all-Russian program next Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the Grand Theatre. Mr. Yu will be performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which he first debuted with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) at the age of 14. This debut led to his role as the featured soloist for the VSO’s national tour of Canada in 2009. Mr. Yu was then immediately re-engaged by Music Director Bramwell Tovey to perform the same work for a gala summer concert before an audience of 8,000 people.

The afternoon’s concert will also include Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique), and will mark the return of SoundSync, which debuted last October to rave reviews.

Hailed as one of the top innovations in 2013 by CBC, SoundSync is a program that delivers short bits of information directly to audience members’ smartphones as the concert is happening. Its exclusive digital media content takes audience members beyond the music onstage by providing concert program notes, a musical glossary and information about the orchestra. Slides automatically advance with the music on a mobile device’s screen during a concert, providing key highlights and engaging details relating to the composition. As critical or notable parts of the music are played, the pops up notes that might explain anything from the historical significance of a movement to the subtle reprisal of a melody you should be listening for.

A critical feature of SoundSync is that it has been developed to have minimal impact on concertgoers in the hall. The application is designed with white text on a black background specifically to minimize light and disruption. The content is custom designed for each piece to optimize the experience of hearing the work without distraction.

About the Soloist

One of Canada’s most exciting young pianists, Avan Yu achieved international recognition when he triumphed at the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2012, winning First Prize along with nine special awards. Hailed as a “pianistic force with an astonishing sensitivity far beyond his years”, Mr. Yu has appeared as soloist with orchestras and conductors around the world, including Rafael Fruehbeck de Burgos and the Dresden Philharmonic, Pinchas Zukerman and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, and Christian Arming and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Yu has won a number of prizes including Missouri Southern International Piano Competition, and the XVI Paloma O'Shea International Piano Competition. In July 2012, he won the 10th Sydney International Piano Competition.
Yu has won a number of prizes including Missouri Southern International Piano Competition, and the XVI Paloma O’Shea International Piano Competition. In July 2012, he won the 10th Sydney International Piano Competition. Photo Credit: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Born in Hong Kong, Mr. Yu moved at the age of nine to Vancouver with his family. He studied with Kenneth Broadway and Ralph Markham in Vancouver, before moving to Berlin to study with Klaus Hellwig at the Berlin University of the Arts.

Mr. Yu won the Gold Medal at the Canadian Chopin Competition at the age of 17, and the Silver Medal and People’s Choice Award at the Santander International Piano Competition in 2008. His performances have been broadcast on WQXR Radio in New York, Bayerischer Rundfunk, the CBC, Radio Nacional de España, and the Südwestrundfunk. He has just recorded a CD of Liszt/Schubert Transcriptions for NAXOS which will be released in April 2015.

Tickets

The Kingston Symphony presents ‘Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky’ on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the Grand Theatre. Tickets range in price from $10 to $50 and are available at the Grand Theatre Box Office, 218 Princess Street, by phone at 613-530-2050 or online at www.kingstonsymphony.on.ca.

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Where Chefs Eat in Kingston

It’s thought that Kingston has the most restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada, and whether that’s true or not, anyone who’s been hungry here can at least agree that K-town is packed with delicious eats no matter what your taste. There are over 100 eateries within a nine-block area of downtown alone, and when you get out of downtown that number grows exponentially.

The only problem, of course, is which restaurant to choose. To help narrow it down, I tracked down three chefs who know this city’s restos well: Marc Halverson, the Executive Chef at Woodenheads; Clark Day, Executive Chef at Bayview Farms Restaurant; and James Atkinson, a cook at Atomica. Here are their current faves, and details about a few recent food experiences that knocked their socks off.

 

Marc Halverson, Woodenheads

Q: What are your go-to restaurants right now, Marc?
I have a couple of favourites. I go to Casa quite often because it’s just always good. It’s fine food, it’s really good and it’s friendly. I order different stuff all the time there because I like the adventure; they have a great range every time I go in. I like Curry Original quite a bit as well. I always mix it up when I go there, too, and I’m always with different people there, so I’m willing to check out a lot of different dishes.

Q: Have you had a recent rest restaurant experience that still sticks out in your mind?
I had a great experience at Days on Front not that long ago. I took my family, and I know Matt Day, so we went there and he looked after us real good. I had the short ribs, and they were just delicious.

Clark Day, Bayview Farms

Q: What are a few of your favourite restaurants?
East Side Village, a Chinese place is one which is just amazing. The spicy mango vegetable dish there is one of my favourites for sure. Days on Front is another favourite, of course. For pizza, I like Atomica, and I move around with my pizzas there. I like Tango Nuevo as well; it’s just great.

Q: Did you have any restaurant experiences over the holidays that really wowed you?
Yes. Before Christmas, we did a thing at East Side Village, where we had a great blow out, a big meal with the family. There were some great choices, and there’s so much available there. The owners are Vietnamese and Cambodian, I believe, so you have all kinds of different influences, and we had a really great time there.

 

James Atkinson, Atomica

Q: What are you favourite Kingston restaurants?
It’s pretty variable actually. Dianne’s is one of my favourite places to go to, and I’m a huge Thai and Cambodian, and Royal Angkor is my go-to. Their Pad Thai is great. For Italian, I’d have to say right here at Atomica.

Q: Have you had any memorable meals or dishes recently at a Kingston restaurant?
I’d have to say a recent one was at Dianne’s, where I had their tequila shrimp appetizer. It’s a pretty standard go-to dish for me. It’s like a spicy tequila Pomodoro sauce with blue tiger shrimp that are sautéed and brought out to you on a skillet. That’s the one that sticks out for me.

 

 

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A Quest for the Best Ice

I got a phone call at work a week before Christmas. It was the school. My youngest son, who was on a field trip at the INVISTA centre had fallen; he needed to go to the hospital. 4 hours and three stiches later, he asked when we go could skating again.  Two more field trips weren’t enough: he still wanted more. I’m not a huge fan of indoor skating, so I decided we should go on our own field trip, and check out the outdoor opportunities Kingston has to offer!

Free Skating at market Square!
Free Skating at market Square!

We started downtown at Springer Market Square, probably one of the more popular outdoor rinks in Kingston. With a belly full of poutine from Morrison’s Restaurant (which by the way was a great poutine!) we crossed the street for a few laps around the rink, where in the summer time we like to buy fresh, local produce. We were lucky on this day, as we only shared the rink with maybe a dozen other people. I have seen it super packed at times.

We then found ourselves at Victoria Park (Brock St, between Albert & Alfred). This is a park I have walked through many times in the spring & summer, often passing by active tennis courts and children playing in the playground. This day however the rinks were alive with some friendly neighbourhood “shinny”. As Iain and worked our way towards a bench across from one of the rinks, we slipped on some ice. We were delighted to discover that this park not only floods two rinks, BUT also a “path” that meanders through and around the rinks! Being that we are not hockey players, the opportunity to casually skate around, under the trees was delightful. I spoke with one of the shovel-wielding neighbourhood Mom’s, who told me that a Zamboni comes through on occasion, but it had not yet since yesterday’s snowfall, so the community often shows up with shovels.

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Shinny in the park!
Practicing speed work through the snow!
Practicing speed work through the snow!
Hockey sticks, shovels & skates… oh my!
Hockey sticks, shovels & skates… oh my!

After a few laps, and watching some good ole’ fashioned hockey, we packed up our skates to head to our next destination; City Park. The rink is located on Bagot Street, between Barrie & West right across from the Frontenac County Court House. At first, we were delighted; it appeared that no one was skating, we would have the entire rink to ourselves! But when we got closer, all we saw was a snow covered ice rink, with a couple of abandoned hockey nets. Oh well……at least the park has swings!

No shinny today…
No shinny today…
Kids can’t resist swings, even in the chilly air!
Kids can’t resist swings, even in the chilly air!

There are a few other free, outdoor community rinks that we did not visit on our field trip including McBurney Park, Polson Park and Woodbine Park.

Personally, I love skating on lakes, of which there are many north of town. (Please be sure conditions are safe before heading out on any lake!) If you were in Kingston mid- January this year, you may have been one of the lucky (and numerous) people who experienced the most pristine ice conditions on Lake Ontario. I was one of them. On a Friday morning before work I recruited a friend (and rented some skates from Trailhead!) and went to check out the lake; I had heard that the ice was great…..and free of snow! It was unreal. We could see bottom, and skate along the shore, from the Pier down to the Yacht Club. Facebook & Instagram were littered with photographs of other skaters out and enjoying the almost once in a lifetime experience. It lasted about a week, and then we got snow, which opens up many other great winter activity, like skiing and snowshoeing!

The cool green ice of Lake Ontario.
The cool green ice of Lake Ontario.
Skating with no boundaries!
Skating with no boundaries!
Sunset skate on Lake Ontario-Photo courtesy of Suzy Lamont
Sunset skate on Lake Ontario-Photo courtesy of Suzy Lamont
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What’s Happening at Modern Fuel Gallery

AESTHETIC ALCHEMY
with Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens:

Wednesday, February 11 & Thursday February 1

Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre is very pleased to present acclaimed collaborative duo Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens as part of our 2014-15 series of Media Arts talks and screenings called Aesthetic Alchemy. In 2014, Ibghy & Lemmens exhibited extensively, including the La Biennale de Montréal, L’avenir (looking forward) (Montreal, 2014), 27th Images Festival (Toronto, 2014), and Manif d’art 7: Quebec City Biennial (Quebec City, 2014).  Recently, they contributed a catalogue essay for the publication accompanying La Biennale de Montréal (2014).
This event is comprised of three elements over two days: a talk and screening on Wednesday, February 11 (7PM) and a workshop on Thursday, February 12 (7PM). All events are at Modern Fuel-Artist Run Centre. The talk and screening are free, and the workshop will have a fee of $10 for Modern Fuel members and students, and $15 for General Admission.
Wednesday, February 11 at 7PM:
 Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens will present an artists’ talk and a screening of selected work.
Thursday, February 12 at 7PM: Taking the notion of ‘performance’ as a starting point, the artists will guide a practical workshop focusing on performative uses of the body and improvised actions to explore the practice of making. It will also involve excursions in and around the ideas of laziness and play, labour and emancipation. To register for the workshop please email artistic@modernfuel.org or call 613.548.4883.
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VAPOURS EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC SERIES:
TALK AND PERFORMANCE

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Modern Fuel, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts, is pleased to present the latest instalment in its Vapours series of experimental music featuring Mas Aya (Toronto), IC/JC/VC (Toronto) and Raissa Simone (Kingston). This eclectic group of performers are all active in the arts, from being involved in collectives to running record labels. Accompanying this performance will be an afternoon talk/conversation between IC/JC/VC members Jennifer Castle and Victoria Cheong on their artistic practices, collaboration and the aesthetic of the label Cheong runs with Wolfgang Nessel in Toronto called Healing Power Records.
Doors open at 8:30pm. Show at 9pm. Tickets $8 for members of Modern Fuel; $10 General Admission. Talk by Victoria Cheong and Jennifer Castle at 4pm. This talk will take place at Modern Fuel, and is Free.
Note: The concert will be held in the Rehearsal Hall at the Tett Centre, on the second floor below Modern Fuel. 

 

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS at MODERN FUEL

On until February 21, 2015

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Taking social and political disruption as a departure point for imagined new worlds, Jennifer Dorner and David Poolman examine our relationships to objects, each other and future homes should we have to leave this earth. Through their paintings and sculptures the artists present a quiet and absurd place, where balance and instability are placed alongside imminent planetary collapse.
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Nancy Douglas’ photo and collage project Murphys in Griffintown questions our manipulation of history and memory. Her work will utilized archival and new material–both public and family history–and examine the dismantling of a neighbourhood in Montreal.

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Journey Comes to Kingston; Sets 2015 Canadian Tour

JOURNEY has set an extensive Canadian tour starting Monday, July 6, 2015 in Winnipeg, Manitoba with concerts scheduled through August 2nd in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. This marks the first time the American rock greats will perform a Canada-only tour, including markets in which band has never previously performed such as Penticton; Prince George; and Dawson Creek, British Columbia; and Lethbridge, Alberta. See below for a complete list of tour dates.

Tickets go on sale for the Penticton and Prince George concerts Friday, February 6; all other Canadian shows will go on sale Friday, February 27. A special pre-sale through journeymusic.com starts Tuesday, February 3 at 10 a.m.

VIP Packages will be available through VIP Nation including premium seats, exclusive merchandise and more, starting Tuesday, February 3. For more information, please visit VIPNation.com.

Blazing hotter than ever with the lineup of founder Neal Schon (lead guitar and backing vocals), Jonathan Cain (keyboards and backing vocals), co-founder Ross Valory (bass and backing vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, percussion and backing vocals) and Arnel Pineda (lead vocals), Journey has created some of the best-known songs in music, such as “Wheel In The Sky,” “Separate Ways,” and “Faithfully.”

journey_band

The group’s seminal anthem – “Don’t Stop Believin’” – is one of the top-selling catalog tracks in digital history, after being featured in the last scene of the electrifying series finale of HBO’s ‘The Sopranos’ and then reaching another level of stratospheric success when it was covered by the cast of FOX’s wildly successful series ‘Glee.’ Three decades after its original release, “Don’t Stop Believin'”has reached a new class of young fans and multiple generations are welcoming this legendary band, as it continues to bring its signature sound of classic hits and new favourites around the world.

Over the years Journey has earned multiple accolades, including 19 Top 40 singles; producing 25 Gold and Platinum albums; and receiving a Diamond certification for its Greatest Hits album, marking U.S. sales in excess of 15 million. In 2011, they drew nearly a million fans to their Eclipse World Tour and was awarded the prestigious “Legend Of Live Award” at the Billboard Touring Awards in honour of their significant and lasting contributions to live music and the touring business, and in acknowledgement of their commitment to the fans and the art of performing live.

JOURNEY’S 2015 CANADIAN TOUR DATES:

July 6: Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre

July 10: Penticton, BC South Okanagan Events Centre

July 11: Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena

July 13: Victoria, BC Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre

July 15: Prince George, BC CN Centre

July 16: Dawson Creek, BC EnCana Events Centre

July 18: Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

July 19: Lethbridge, AB ENMAX Centre

July 21: Regina, SK Brandt Centre

July 22: Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre

July 25: Hamilton, ON FirstOntario Centre

July 26: Kingston, ON Rogers K-Rock Centre

July 28: Montréal, QC Centre Bell

July 30: Moncton, NB Moncton Coliseum

July 31: Dartmouth, NS Alderney Landing

August 2: St. John’s, NL Mile One Centre

For more information, please visit journeymusic.com, facebook.com/journey, or twitter.com/journeyofficial.

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50 Things to do in Kingston: February Edition 2015

Will you be finding yourself in or around Limestone City in February? As always, there’s plenty happening in Kingston – FebFest kicks off February 5th and promises to be another great year, there are a ton of unique performances at The Grand Theatre, The Isabel and the Domino Theatre that you won’t want to miss, two esteemed film festivals, legendary Canadian concerts and so much more!

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2. Get a head start on your wedding planning at the 95.3 Fly FM Bridal Festival & Kingston Wedding Show
3. Invite someone home to Kingston this year by sending them a free postcard!
4. Check out Dvorak and Brahms at The Grand Theatre
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6. Watch two women take on Jane Austen’s famous love story in an historic Kingston mansion in Elizabeth-Darcy at the Kingston Frontenac Club Inn
7. Check out The Old View From Nowhere at Modern Fuel Gallery
8. Go experience the many displays, some hands-on, from the early years of military communication to the present at the Military Communication and Electronics Museum
9. Go see Stars and Hey Rosetta! at the Kingston Grand
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11. Listen to some folk music at the Centre Culturel Frontenac
12. Get your hockey fix with the Carr-Harris Cup At Rogers K-Rock Centre
13. Go see If We Were Birds at the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts
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15. Try some maple candy in Confederation Park!
16. Explore the fascinating Museum of Health Care
17. Cheer on the Kingston Fronts as they take on the Bellevllle Bulls
18. Go antiquing at the Kingston Winter Antique Show at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
19. Check out Nancy Douglas’ photo and collage project Murphys in Griffintown at the Modern Fuel Gallery
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21. Take the Polar Plunge at Crawford Wharf
22. Win some art at Cezanne’s Closet Gala Fundraiser
23. Join the Kingston Symphony at The Grand Theatre for The Great Outdoors
24. Check out the Veterans of Saturday Night Live at the Grand Theatre
25. Drink like some of Kingston’s greatest bartenders
26. Grab your sweetheart for a Valentine’s Skate
27. Spoil yourself with shome shopping at Blueprint Clothing Store
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29. Get your karaoke on at Blu Martini
30. Experience an evening of the Toronto Dance Theatre’s dance repertoire at the Grand Theatre
31. Buy some delicious cheese and don’t share it with anybody
32. Go see Florida Georgia Line at the K-Rock Centre
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34. Take the kids for some fun on an ice slide at FebFest
35. Put on a mask for the Next Gen Masquerade at the Renaissance Event Venue
36. Discover what animals have been visiting the Little Cataraqui Trails with a Scat and Tracks Hike
37. Check out Dan Mangan + Blacksmith at the Grand Theatre
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39. See some great films at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival
40. Go see the Gaels Men’s & Women’s Basketball teams take on the Carleton Ravens!
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42. Venture just off the beaten path and discover Thai House Cuisine
43. Check out the Family Day Skate at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
44. Experience a starlight snowshoe hike
45. See what’s happening at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
46. Go check out Mom’s the Word at the Domino Theatre
47. Go see Sarah Chang at the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts
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49. Check out the Kiwanis Music Festival
50. Buy some games for the kids at Minotaur Games and Gifts

Do you have an event that you want featured in March’s 50 Things to Do in Kingston? Send us an email at info@kingstonlobby.com!

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An Inexpensive and Classy Evening—at the Symphony

If you are under 35 years old, you can sign up for a free Backstage Pass at the Kingston Symphony and get $10 tickets to a classy show. With regular tickets ranging from $20 to $50, this is an incredible deal. I need not say more if you already love classical music. If you are unfamiliar, below is a very quick summary of the next five shows to convince you. In the meantime, shine your shoes and find a date!

Dvorak and Brahms

Sunday, February 1, 2015 | 2:30 p.m

Brahms3
Photo credit, Brittany Moore

Dvorak and Brahms were contemporaries in late 18th century Prague and Berlin, respectively. This was the age following the Industrial Revolution, and art’s response was Romanticism: return to nature, longing for the supernatural, embracing the emotions. We have at this time also the rise of the middle class, and the need for composers to entertain large crowds of common people instead of small crowds of educated upper class. The melodies are less technical, more focused on a primal pathos, recalling old world folk dances and gypsy song.

Pause between performances for a glass of wine at the fancy bar on the second floor. Backstage Pass ticket holders usually have seats on the balcony, which offers you both a great view of the show and in between a great venue for mingling and people watching.

Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky

Sunday, March 1, 2015 | 2:30 p.m

Tchaikovsky
Photo credit Brittany Moore

Rachmaninoff is a Russian romanticist, and considered one of the best pianists of his time. A member of the Russian bourgeoisie, Rachmaninoff was forced to leave his homeland after the Revolution of 1917. Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is one of his best known works, and was composed in his time of exile. Listen carefully to his piece for reminisces of Russian Orthodox liturgical chants and bells. Rachmaninoff will be interpreted by young and internationally acclaimed pianist, Avan Yu.

Symphony No. 6 was Tchaikovsky’s final completed composition before his death, and its Russian title means “passionate” or “emotional”. Lauded as the great romantic, Tchaikovsky’s flair for drama and romanticism will be seen in the magnanimity of this piece, which is in four parts: the first three being allegro or fast, and the last slowing down to an adagio. Watch how you feel as the symphony slows and mellows, giving you a chance for reflection after all the height of emotions. Tchaikovsky wrote: “The ultimate essence … of the symphony is Life.” Don’t miss Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky at The Grand Theatre!

Mendelssohn’s Elijah

Sunday, March 15, 2015 | 2:30 p.m

Elijah
Photo credit Brittany Moore

This is a sung performance as well as an orchestral one, and it is considered by some to be the greatest oratorio since the alleluia’s of Handel’s Messiah. The Grand Theatre is a relatively small space, and witnessing the power of a group of professional singers is something to experience or to write on your bucket list.

While we are often used to listening to music for what is being said, at an oratorio like this one, you can get a gist of the story from the program and listen to the powerful emotion of the words rather than the words themselves. There is nothing quite like a performance like Mendelssohn’s Elijah, to experience the music surrounding you in the theatre is to participate in a way that you cannot by watching the same piece on YouTube.

O’Callaghan sings Cohen

Sunday, April 12, 2015 | 2:30 p.m

Cohen
Photo credit Brittany Moore

If you have watched Shrek, you have heard Cohen’s soulful “Hallelujah”: “I heard there was a secret chord/ That David played and it pleased the Lord/ But you don’t really care for music, do you?” Cohen is a poet who became a performer, accompanying his playful words of love and cultural angst with music which made him comparable to Bob Dylan. Though Cohen has an extremely deep and gruff voice, O’Callaghan’s sweet singing soprano will give Cohen’s music a clarity and flair that will have you caught on the meaning of his words.

Shostakovich and Schubert

Sunday, April 12, 2015 | 2:30 p.m

Denise Djokic is an internationally renowned Canadian cellist. Photo credit Anna Keenan.
Denise Djokic is an internationally renowned Canadian cellist. Photo credit Anna Keenan.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s first cello Concerto is considered to be one of the most difficult works for the cello. That being said, his friend and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich memorized the piece in just four days. Both of their joy over the piece caused them to celebrate by drinking vodka and playing the piece over three times.

The tense harmonies recall sad folk melodies and a Russia under Soviet rule, a place often hostile to artists’ creativity. As the four movements progress, listen for the punctuating sounds of the tympani, and the lonely sound of a single brass horn.

In Kingston, this famous concerto will be played by Denise Djokic, who has been named one of the top “25 Canadians Who Are Changing Our World” by Maclean’s Magazine and one of “Canada’s Most Powerful Women” by Elle Magazine.

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Kingston to Host International Ice Yacht Racing Championships

Tourism Kingston and the Kingston Yacht Club are pleased to announce that Kingston will host the International Detroit News Ice Yacht Racing Association (IDNIYRA) World Championships and North American Championships from January 25-31.

Over 100 participants from up to 15 countries including Canada, USA, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Russia and France are expected to attend the championship events which will take place on Lake Ontario with event headquarters at the Kingston Yacht Club, located at 1 Maitland Street. Each year, the location for the IDNIYRA Championships is rotated between Europe and North America, with the North American location rotating between Eastern, Central and Western Regions. Kingston was determined as a location for the 2015 IDNIYRA Championships due to its location within the North American Eastern Region and its available ice, which is required to be smooth and free of snow.

A modern ice yacht is made of a single-piece backbone the entire length of the boat, and a runner-plank upon which it rests at right angles, the two forming a kite-shaped frame.
A modern ice yacht is made of a single-piece backbone the entire length of the boat, and a runner-plank upon which it rests at right angles, the two forming a kite-shaped frame.

Ice yacht racing involves an ice boat comprised of a hull attached to a perpendicular cross piece called a runner plank, with three runners attached to the boat, one on each end of the plank and at the front end of the hull (bow). The race course consists of two markers anchored to the ice and set approximately one and a half miles apart, directly parallel to the wind direction. Participants are required to complete the length of the course three times to finish the race. Ice yachts are wind powered and can reach speeds of up to five times the speed of wind.

“We are excited that Kingston has been chosen to host the 2015 IDNIYRA Championship events for the first time,” Brandon Pickard, Sport Tourism Development Officer with Tourism Kingston notes. “It is a great opportunity to showcase Kingston as a four season sailing destination to international athletes and we look forward to hosting future ice yachting events.”

John Curtis, President of Wind Athletics adds, “Weather and ice conditions across North America conspired to give Kingston the best ice and weather forecast the IDNIYRA Championship organizers could ask for. Spectators are invited to attend the events at the Kingston Yacht Club throughout the week.”

“The Kingston Yacht Club is honoured to host this prestigious event,” Greg Bates, General Manager of the Kingston Yacht Club, states. “We are looking forward to a great week of ice yachting events.”

The economic Impact from this event is estimated to be $225,000 for the seven day event. Kingston will also host the IDNIYRA Canadian Championships on February 14-15.

For more information please visit www.kingstonyachtclub.com.

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50 Things to Do in Kingston: January Edition 2015

January is shaping up to be a very busy month in Kingston! 2015 marks the bicentenary of Sir John A. Macdonald’s birth and the City of Kingston has planned a number of projects, programs and events throughout the month (and rest of the year!) to mark the occasion and start a conversation. As a Father of Confederation and Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald has had a lasting impact on how we view ourselves as Canadians. January of 2015 offers a unique opportunity to explore the man and his life, as a new Canadian, a Kingston resident, a practicing lawyer and City alderman as well as a lightning rod for debate.
But that’s not all! There are lots of other special events and things you should check out this month long after the Sir John A. celebrations have wound down!
1. Check out the Military Communication & Electronics Museum
2. See what’s happening at the Skate Canada 2015 National Skating Championships
3. See the Kingston Fronts take on the Barrie Colts
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5. Attend the book signing of award winning autor Perry Prete!
6. Have a drink at the Sir John A. Whisky Ceilidh at the Renaissance Event Venue
7. Check out the Reelout Queer Film + Video Festival
8. Discover Rembrandt and other cutting edge contemporary art in eight stunning galleries at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre
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10. Attend Macdonald at 200: An Exclusive Book Launch at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library
11. Experience the Sir John A. Macdonald Short Film Showcase at The Screening Room
12. Witness some incredible Sculpture Creation at Salon Macdonald
13. Learn something interesting at the Museum of Health Care
14. Watch as Luis Munoz creates a Sir John A. Macdonald Comic Book at Salon Macdonald
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16. Attend a lively political debate at The Grand Theatre
17. Enjoy a Night of Commemorative Entertainment at Sir John’s Public House
18. Watch as young artists create portrait paintings of Sir John A. Macdonald at Salon Macdonald
19. Join in on the historical Market Square skating party
20. Enjoy a costumed high-tea celebration
21. Celebrate Sir John A. Macdonald’s birthday with dinner at the Senior Officer’s Mess
22. Go see Theatre Kingston’s Elizabeth Darcy!
23. Attend the official bicentennial birthday bash of Sir John A. Macdonald at City Hall
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25. Get in on the fun with Scottish Country Dance & Kilt Parade at St. Andrew’s Hall
26. Check out Sir John Eh: The Roadshow, a performance of the brand new touring kids’ show, focusing on the early years of our first Prime Minister
27. Go see Bahamas at The Grand Theatre
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29. Experience a Celtic Journey at The Grand Theatre
30. Attend a Sing-along with Cantabile at Sydenham Street United Church
31. Go see St. Vincent at The Screening Room
32. Go see The Glass Menagerie at the Domino Theatre
33. Go skating in Springer Market Square (weather permitting)
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35. Check out the Manulife Bicentennial birthday bash for Sir John A!
36. Go see Legally Blonde: The Musical
37. Check out the John A. Macdonald Spiritual Séance at Salon Macdonald
38. Grab a pint at Kingston Brewing Company
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40. Go antiquing at End of the Thread Antique Emporium
41. Make your own paperweight at Kingston Glass & Studio Gallery
42. Spoil yourself and spend a night at a charming bed and breakfast
43. Treat yourself to an amazing meal at Chez Piggy
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45. Throw caution to the wind and play some bingo
46. Grab the kids and spend a day at Playtrium
47. See what Kingston (and the 1000 Islands) looks like by air
48. Check out Gone Girl at The Screening Room
49. Go see Cédric Tiberghien at the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts
50. See what’s happening at Modern Fuel Gallery

Do you have an event for February that could be included in next month’s 50 Things to Do in Kingston? Send us an email at info@kingstonlobby.com!

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Laying Tracks around Limestone City

The snow has my household pretty anxious to get out cross country skiing. I know what you’re thinking; “Cross country skiing? Here in Kingston?!” While Kingston may not a cross country skiing destination, we do have a number of great spots to ski; you just need to know where to look. And I’m willing to share some of our favourite spots….but just a few!

I started to cross country ski as a child. Growing up in Toronto, we would often head north to Algonquin Park to spend the weekend back country skiing. When I “grew up”, moved to Kingston and bought some property north of town, my husband and I would spend our winters exploring the lakes we paddled in summer on skis. And then we had kids. With our first son, we made our own ski pulk, out of an old sled and a bassinet, with which we pulled our son around on our explorations. We even made a harness for our dog so we could try out skijoring; a term derived from the Norwegian word skikjøring meaning ski driving. Jake wore a harness, we wore a harness, and the two of us were connected by a rope. It was win-win. He got to run, and we harnessed his energy for speed!

Skijoring. Photo from Wikipedia
Skijoring. Photo from Wikipedia

As our sons have grown, they also developed a love for cross country skiing. Last year, they outgrew the course we set around our back yard, so we had to venture out in search of places to ski in our neighbourhood. Skiing on backcountry lakes is fine, but not always the safest, and with deeper snow, or driving winds, not always a positive experience.

A great day out breaking trail on a backcountry lake north of Kingston.
A great day out breaking trail on a backcountry lake north of Kingston.
Backcountry skiing just outside Frontenac Provincial Park (thanks to Leslie Kirby-Olvet for the photo!)
Backcountry skiing just outside Frontenac Provincial Park (thanks to Leslie Kirby-Olvet for the photo!)

One of our favourite (and close to home) spots is on the Cataraqui Trail. The 103 km trail follows a section of abandoned CN Railway running from Strathcona near Napanee to Smiths Falls. There are 4 access points within a 30 minute drive of downtown Kingston. For us, this trail is great, as it is free, close to home (we live 2 km from 2 different access points) and very easy for our kids (or any other beginner) as it is very flat, and with the snowmobile use permitted, the snow is always packed, so we’re not slogging through deep snow. We can actually skate ski to some degree on the Catarqui trail. The downside to snowmobile use is often having to pull over when we hear them coming, and if there is not a lot of snow, they tend to expose the gravel which can scratch up your skis.

Cataraqui Trail
Cataraqui Trail
Shawn & the boys on the Cataraqui Trail. It looks groomed, but those are my tracks!
Shawn & the boys on the Cataraqui Trail. It looks groomed, but those are my tracks!

Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation area is another great destianation for cross country skiing. Just a few minutes north of the 401 on Divison Street, this conservation area is very popular for all winter sports. It is the only spot in Kingston boasting “groomed trails”; where a track is set into the snow that will fit your ski. Skiing on a groomed trail is very efficient, and can be argued that it is better to ski on and easier to learn on groomed trails. There is a small day use fee (season passes are also available) to ski at the conservation area, and they also offer rentals and lessons.

Trails at “Little Cat” (photo courtesy of CRCA)
Trails at “Little Cat” (photo courtesy of CRCA)
Skiing at “Little Cat” (photo courtesy of CRCA)
Skiing at “Little Cat” (photo courtesy of CRCA)
A lesson underway (photo courtesy of CRCA)
A lesson underway (photo courtesy of CRCA)
A break in an afternoon of skiing to feed the chickadees. (photo courtesy of CRCA)
A break in an afternoon of skiing to feed the chickadees. (photo courtesy of CRCA)

Frontenac Provincial Park is a 45 minute drive north of the city. You can ski on any of their trails that you may have enjoyed hiking during the rest of the year. However, many of their trails would be challenging for any backcountry skier, so they have marked about 10km of trails for skiing, including Big Salmon Lake road which is closed to vehicles for the winter. Instead, skiers can enjoy this 3.5 km section of road that is often quasi-groomed by park staff.

Exploring off trail in Frontenac Park
Exploring off trail in Frontenac Park

If you decide to venture out and try skiing this winter in the Kingston area, and do not own your own skis, there are a few places you can rent. Two stores right downtown, Sepp’s & Trailhead offer daily rentals, and Trailhead also sell skis. Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation area offers hourly rental rates; but the equipment must remain on the property.

These are just a few spots that my family and I enjoy laying tracks too. If you live here, next time you decide to head out for a ski, before jumping in your car for the drive to Ottawa, check out our “secret” spots closer to home! And if you’re coming to Kingston for a winter vacation, make sure you include some cross country skiing into your plans!

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Where Bartenders Drink in Kingston

There are few who know a city’s bars quite like the people who work behind them. That’s why I went straight to the source to hear where some of K-town’s finest bartenders go when they’re off the clock and thirsty for a cocktail, beer or glass of wine.
Have a bar recommendation of your own? Let us know in the comments section.

Joel Lockerbie, Tango Nuevo

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What’s your favourite bar in Kingston?

My bar of choice is so dependent on my mood, time of day and who I’m with or whether I’m solo. The Toucan has been a popular industry spot for years downtown. I’ve sipped many a Guinness on my own there while writing cocktail and wine lists and pondering the great questions of the universe, yet I’ve also had so many fun, exciting social nights with so many groups of wonderful and interesting people there!

Where do you like to go for a drink after work?

It’s all about proximity! I’m rather spoiled given that I both work and live steps from each other in the heart of downtown Kingston. My local watering hole has definitely become Red House. Steps from my door aside, the staff are awesome, the beers are great, and it has an awesome look and really open, social atmosphere to it.

Where do you go for the best cocktail or beer in the city?

I may or may not mix myself an absolutely dynamite cocktail now and again at my evening’s end, but that doesn’t count! Shout outs go to Atomica, Dianne’s and the Island Grill [Wolfe Island] on the cocktail side of things. Beer is tough. I love a bar that switches things up and throws you some curveballs now and again. Red House carries some cool options, and I love their cask festivals, but I can’t not mention great tap choice bars like The Iron Duke, The Brew Pub and Stone City.

 Sophie Saxe: Red House

Photo by Suzy Lamont]
Photo by Suzy Lamont] 
What’s your favourite watering hole in K-town?

I spend a bit of time mainly at Wooden Heads for dinner and after dinner drinks. I like it because of the great food, a good environment, it’s nice and warm, and, what, hot staff [laughs]!

How about after work drinks?

If I can make last call, I’ll spend most of my time at The Toucan for drinks after work. I like the staff there again (definitely not the ambiance). I’m a downtown girl, so I don’t venture too far past Wellington Street.

Who serves the best cocktails?

I’m mainly a wine drinker, but I think the cocktails at Tango Nuevo are terrific. They do some really interesting things. One cocktail I really like there is the Campfire Manhattan, which has some interesting smoky and maple flavours.

Casey Grant, Kingston Brewing Company

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Do you have a favourite bar?

I have a couple of spots. One is The Pilot House; I really enjoy that it is small, quiet, and that the staff are really outgoing and know everyone that comes in, so it feels homey. The other spot is The Brew Pub; I really like the beer selection, the atmosphere is relaxed and once again the staff get to know the customers that come in.

The craft beer scene is really taking off in Kingston right now. Where do you go for the best craft suds?

One spot is Stone City Ales, a new brew pub in town that’s experimenting with new beers. The Alibi is another great one to go to. They have been serving craft beer since they opened up, and the staff are really knowledgeable about the beer they serve. But the craft brew industry is big right now in Kingston, so you can find great beer all over this city.

Are you a cocktail fan?

I’m not one for mixed drinks, but the best places would be the chain restaurants and a few mom and pop spots like Tango Nuevo, Red House and The Iron Duke.

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December at The Grand

Since opening in 1879, the Grand Theatre has provided locals and visitors with a wealth of cultural opportunities. Performances by such noted artists as Tommy Hunter, Chantal Kreviazuk, Rita McNeil, Michael Burgess, Sarah Harmer and Randy Bachman have graced its stage. In addition, many local arts organizations — such as the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, the Kinsmen Club, Queens Musical Theatre, Kingston Meistersingers, Rogue and Peasant Theatre and Dramatic Impact have staged productions at the Grand.
December’s offerings are sure to entice you to spend an evening taking in a show or two!

Danú: A Christmas Gathering
December 2, 2014 @ 7:30pm


Celebrate Christmas with the acclaimed Irish ensemble Danú, with Féile Na Nollag’ (A Christmas Gathering). Christmas in Ireland is one of the most important times of year for friends and family, with many of Irish heritage living abroad returning home to celebrate the holidays. In both rural and urban communities, music and dance gatherings have often combined for generations to offer a great variety of songs, music and stories for the holidays.
Danú’s Christmas Gathering takes you inside these extraordinary events, which have taken place across Ireland for centuries. Celtic music lovers around the world have enjoyed their virtuoso players on flutes, fiddle, button accordion, percussion and the breathtaking voice of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, along with an all-star line-up of guest dancers.
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Classic Albums Live presents: The Beatles – Abbey Road
December 5, 2014 @ 7:30pm


Just hearing the name Abbey Road likely invokes feelings of nostalgia – a time when music was new, exciting and mattered. The Beatles crafted Abbey Road with the intentions of creating something that was eternal and timeless, and that would end their legacy on a high note.
Simply put, there are no other albums like Abbey Road. Despite their break-up, The Beatles start off the album by inviting us to Come Together with the first track, and they tip their hats to say goodbye with a nod to philosophy that is not only timeless, but tattoos itself onto our hearts: “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.”
They were still young men when they created Abbey Road. We’ve all read about some of the infighting and disagreements. And yet they still leant themselves so lovingly to each other’s songs. That defines character.
When Classic Albums Live performs Abbey Road, we go deeper than just playing it note for note and cut for cut. We’ve had that part down for years. We go deep. We go into the album and fuse our DNA with it. There’s a beauty that needs to accompany every performance of Abbey Road.
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Art of Time Ensemble & Madeleine Peyroux
December 11, 2014 @ 7:30pm


Madeleine Peyroux has been labelled “the 21st century Billie Holiday” thanks to her distinct voice and style taken from her early days of busking on the streets of Paris to her collaborations with Rolling Stone’s Bill Wyman and Steely Dan’s Walter Becker. Art of Time has invited multi-million album seller Madeleine to select songs by her favourite performers (including the likes of Billy Joel, Elvis Presley and George & Ira Gershwin) and perform them in arrangements by Canada’s best composers.
Art of Time Ensemble is one of Canada’s premiere innovative and artistically accomplished music ensembles. With a mandate of giving classical music the contemporary relevance and context it needs to reach a broader audience and survive, Art of Time Ensemble has steadily amassed a following and elevated their reputation as an ensembled that undertakes and delivers programs that are both thought-provoking and engaging.
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The State Ballet Theatre of Russia – The Nutcracker
December 13, 2014 @ 3:00 & 7:30pm


Don’t miss your chance to experience this timeliness traditional ballet that has been a holiday tradition for so many families around the world!
Returning to the Grand is the always-impressive State Ballet Theatre of Russia, presenting the beloved classic, The Nutcracker, with traditional choreography and stunning imagery. Through elegant costumes, beguiling set design and entrancing dances set to a familiar musical score, the internationally-recognized State Ballet Theatre of Russia breathes new life into a familiar story.
The company is dedicated to maintaining a solid tradition of superior Russian classical dance. With a company over 65 dancers, they have drawn critical acclaim in performances throughout Europe, India and Africa, as well as the United States. The State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s Nutcracker is sure to make some magical memories this holiday season.
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Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games
December 21, 2014 @ 1:00 & 4:00pm

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Best friends Toopy and Binno return with their zaniness to the live stage in an all-new theatrical production, Toopy and Binoo: Fun & Games. Families across Canada will sing and dance along with Koba Entertainment’s latest musical extravaganza jam-packed with quirky enthusiasm.
In their quest to find the best game ever, our dynamic duo blends positivity, spontaneity and wild imaginations when a toy chest full of mismatched game and puzzle pieces ignite a curious imagination. Follow Toopy and Binoo as they dance with X’s and O’s, wiggle with smiling snakes and try to outwit a gang of dancing ladders!
Along with tea-partying cats, energetic Dusteroos and fun-loving sheep, Toopy and Binoo embark on their wackiest and most interactive adventure yet!
Entertaining and unpredictable, Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games integrates music, theatre, dance, puppetry and innovative multimedia technology to create an off-the-wall experience that will delight the entire family!
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