More K-Rock Controversy
Just when you thought that we were finished hearing about the Krock in the news, another story pops up:
Former city counselor and unsuccessful mayoral candidate Rick Downes has filed a conflict of interest lawsuit against current mayor Harvey Rosen. It’s no secret that there is some bad blood between these two men as was evident from their mayoral debates in 2006, and their frequent “blow-ups” at each other in council (often in regards to the Downtown Sports and Entertainment Centre). Read more
Kingston in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a national initiative that promotes action by citizens, the government and local organizations and businesses to help beautify the city. Kingston has participated for the last three years and will be involved again for the 2008 competition. Read more
Detection Services
On a recent stroll down Kingston’s main drag, I was drawn towards a small crowd that was gathered in front of the old arcade, located just down from the corner of Princess and Montreal. Since the arcade closed it’s doors a few years ago, the space has served as a temporary exhibition venue, whereby local artisans have been permitted to display their works over the course of a weekend. Most recently, people are being drawn to the building, which is displaying a different message that’s centred around a new business called Detection Services. Complete with official signage, and a loudspeaker that spouts random security announcements, this unique installation has got people talking. Read more
Feeling Blue?
A trio of bald men painted in blue are bringing their unusual mix of theatre, rock concert and visual euphoria to Kingston this Fall. Tickets to see the internationally renowned Blue Man Group are now on sale at the Krock, leaving ample time for sales to meet the magical, break even number, and ultimately guarantee the show goes on. These blue weirdoes have been popular for over a decade, and although some might dismiss their performance art as mere spectacle, the show is much deeper than it might appear on the surface. Is Kingston ready for such an experience? Read more
It’s the Weekend!
What are you up to this weekend? Let us know what else is going on! Here are some things that have been brought to our attention.
Friday, April 11, 8pm: The Kingston Symphony presents A Tribute to Broadway at The Kingston Gospel Temple. Come see the KSA perform major numbers from dozens of hit musicals from throughout the 20th century. You’ll hear tunes like Sara Lee, Luck be a Lady, Maria, Marion the Librarian, If I were a Rich Man, Music of the Night and many, many more.
Saturday, April 12, 2pm: the Kingston regional Spelling Bee of Canada competition for kids age 6 to 14 takes place at KCVI auditorium. For more information, call 613-634-9805.
Saturday, April 12 and Sunday April 13: Sesame Street Live at the K-Rock Centre! Three shows will be performed over the course of the weekend.
Saturday, April 12, 6:30pm: Epilepsy Kingston’s Sixth Annual Starry Night. This fundraising event will take place at Confederation Place Hotel and all money raised will go towards Epilepsy Kingston. Come for live silent auctions, dinner and live music provided by Kyra and Tully. Tickets are $40 per person or a table of 8 for $300. For tickets and more information, call 613-542-6222.
Saturday, April 12, 7pm: The Abrams Brothers and The Proverbs will be playing at a “Together we Can” fundraiser to support a medical mission to Tanzania. The concert is being held at the Kingston Gospel Temple, 2295 Princess Street, while tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children at the door.
Sunday, April 13, 2pm: Steve Dawson (from Zubot and Dawson) is playing an intimate concert at the Leopard Frog Studio at 267 Queen Street. Seating it somewhat limited, and tickets are $15 at the door.
Sunday, April 13: Sheesham and Lotus perform old time fiddle and banjo tunes at The Kingston Brew Pub. You do not want to miss this crazy, energetic duo. For a taste, check ‘em out on YouTube.
In addition to these events, there are lots of regular weekly events to check out. See Emily Fennell on Friday and Ianspotting and Greg Ball on Saturday at The Merchant, have a look at the latest photography exhibit at Modern Fuel or check out the Haunted Walk Winter Pub Tour.
Got something else going on? Be sure to let us know by commenting below, which will qualify you for our monthly contest. It only takes two seconds!
A Grand Sneak Peak
Earlier on in the week, we featured an article regarding the upcoming completion of renovations to the Grand Theatre. As promised, we’ve got a few sneak peak images of what the inside looks like. Although the seats are still wrapped in plastic, and some fixtures are not yet installed, the vast majority of outstanding work is purely cosmetic. Enough build up, check out the new Flickr set, and let us know what you think of the Grand.
Bus Damn Tour
Well, Avril’s Best Damn Tour rolled into town yesterday and things went off without a hitch. The local superstarlet brought with her over six tour buses and just as many tractor trailers filling the city with excitement, and draining the fuel supply at local gas stations. Teenage fans were lined up as early as 2pm for the 7:30 show which was opened by Boston’s Boys Like Girls. I find it hard to believe that so many young students had afternoon spare periods yesterday, but good concerts tend to have that effect. On that note, perhaps the headline should read “High Truancy Rate Linked to Lavigne Concert”, but I digress. Read more
Urban Capture the Flag
I must admit that I am getting extremely tired with people saying: “you know it’s Spring because…”, insert something Spring-like here Captain Obvious. Hence it pains me to say it, but the ultimate sign that Spring has arrived has finally surfaced, and it will once and for all signify the commencement of 1 of the 3 best seasons this planet has going. This Thursday, April the 10th, Kingston’s first Spring session of Urban Capture the Flag will turn a small part of our city into a massive playground. Just what is Urban Capture the Flag you ask? Read more
How Grand it is
Back in my elementary school days, I boarded a bus for a field trip to watch a live performance at the Grand Theatre in downtown Kingston. Everything seemed bigger to me back then, so it’s no coincidence that I was taken aback by the magnificence and shear size of this historic building. To be honest I can’t even remember what show we took in that day, but the space left a lasting impression with my classmates and I. Many years later I returned to the theatre, and discovered that it’s grandeur and elegance had faded slightly. Soon thereafter, the theatre closed it’s doors in 2005 to undergo massive renovations in an effort to preserve the Grand, and provide critical upgrades. Three years later, after numerous delays and budget increases, she’s nearly ready to reopen and amaze another generation of starry-eyed youths. Read more
April Comment Contest
As promised, Kingstonist is continuing to encourage reader feedback with our second monthly comment contest. We received a respectable number of comments in March, however we’re hoping April will be even better. The rules are simple. Each time you comment on one of our posts, your name will be automatically entered into a draw for a locally flavored prize. This month, the winner will receive (drum roll please), the newly released Skeleton Park CD. This album is a compilation featuring local artists including Kyra and Tully, Sheesham and Lotus, Slaves of Spanky, The Gertrudes and many, many more! So register if you already haven’t done so, and let us know how we’re doing. If you’re hankering to make a more substantial contribution to Kingstonist.com, please give us a shout as we’re always looking for creative individuals to write, and wander around taking pictures and video of the Limestone City.
-
Friends & Supporters
