This month we go inside what has become one of Kingston's most treasured venues: The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. In part one of a special two-part episode, The Isabel's Director, Gordon E. Smith, explains the vision, history, development and significance of the Queen's University-run building as a public space, educational facility, cultural hub and world class performance hall.

Chapters:
0:22 Episode overview
02:04 The Isabel: A primer
04:42 The Isabel's inception
06:57 Building The Isabel
11:04 Project challenges and preserving the past
16:15 Prioritizinig diversity in programming performances
19:43 Complement don't compete: Collaborating with other cultural venues
23:10 Residencies and recording at The Isabel
27:05 Stewarding The Isabel as a place and a presence
29:24 Historical significance of The Isabel's site
32:04 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Gordon E. Smith, The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Hosts:
Pete Sanfilippo [email protected]

Cover photo:
Timothy Andrews [email protected]

Audio production:
SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

Episode Links

The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts https://kingstonlive.ca/isabel-bader-centre-for-the-performing-arts
Queen's University https://www.queensu.ca
Queen's University DAN School of Drama and Music https://sdm.queensu.ca
Queen's University Film and Media https://www.queensu.ca/filmandmedia/
Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1196399/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/

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In recent years, Kingston's reputation as a rock or blues town has eclipsed the city's legacy as a thriving hub of jazz music. Local music enthusiast and Kingston Jazz Society president George Broughton joins host Pete to talk about the past, present and future of jazz in Kingston, and how to keep it accessible for generations to come.

Chapters:
0:22 Episode overview
1:48 Kingston's musical DNA: Jazz
6:10 Discovering jazz music's difference – and magic
11:29 Kingston jazz's wartime roots
15:04 Nurturing future generations of jazz musicians
19:00 Barriers to entry: Politics and public education
24:08 All about the Kingston Jazz Society
28:21 Where to experience live jazz in Kingston
33:37 ZAMFIR: George's Zero Attitude Maximum Fun annual fest celebrates 30 years
38:13 Curating connection: The ZAMFIR and Island Jazz festival experiences
42:03 Capturing the live music and action
44:50 Future plans for the Kingston Jazz Society
48:39 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
George Broughton, Board President, Kingston Jazz Society

Hosts:
Pete Sanfilippo [email protected]

Music in this episode:
Oscar Evans (song unknown)

Audio production:
SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

Episode Links

Kingston Jazz Society https://kingstonlive.ca/kingstonjazzsociety
Chantal Thompson https://kingstonlive.ca/chantal-thompson
Oscar Evans https://kingstonlive.ca/oscarevans
Sylvain Gagnon https://sylvaingagnon6.wixsite.com/home/bio
The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library (Joe's M.I.L.L.) https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191596/view
Musiikki Café & Whiskey Bar https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view
R.C.H.A. Club
Hotel Wolfe Island https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191623/view
St. Mark's Lutheran Church https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1192338/view
The Spire https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191615/view
Little Rambunctious https://littlerambunctious.bandcamp.com
Jamstone Productions https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1192262/view
Les Royal Pickles https://lesroyalpickles.bandcamp.com/music
Savannah Shea https://kingstonlive.ca/savannah-shea
China Cat Riders https://kingstonlive.ca/the_china_cat_riders_grateful_dead_tribute
The Belleville Jazz Society https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61573620077845
The Musician's Performance Trust Fund https://musicpf.org
Inner Harbour

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Born in Dublin, singer-songwriter Frank Ryan developed his artistry between London, Toronto, New York and L.A. On this episode, Frank shares how Kingston won his heart, what makes it a truly unique live music destination, and why he believes the city deserves the distinction as Canada's premier music city.

Chapters:
0:21 Episode overview
2:46 From Dublin to Kingston: Frank's journey
6:48 The value of mentorship
8:24 How rising costs push culture out of communities
12:08 Why music thrives in Kingston
15:54 Kingston's unique geographic opportunity
17:36 The allure of Kingston's music scene
21:43 Frank's musical inspiration
24:39 Frank's "flip" from guitarist to vocalist
29:32 From busking to breakthrough to back-to-basics
33:58 Frank's surprising warm-up routine
37:18 Song: Stone Me by Frank Ryan
42:39 No compromises: Timing Frank's new album release
48:53 Leaving L.A. for Kingston: A community of "real love and support"
53:04 Excitement for the future of Kingston's music scene
57:05 How Kingston's abundance of local music creates connection
1:00:55 Live music as the magic element of community
1:04:00 Kingston's evolving musical landscape
1:07:20 Why we need a middle class of music
1:10:06 Kingston's magical live music combination
1:13:42 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan

Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected]

Music in this episode:
Stone Me by Frank Ryan

Cover photo:
Virginia Meeks https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191735/view

Audio production:
SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

Episode Links

Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan
Steve Jordan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jordan_(drummer)
Roswell Rehearsals https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191624/view
The Toucan https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view
Musiikki Café & Whiskey Bar https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/

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Tucked away just north of Kingston in the town of Westport is The Cove Inn, a hidden gem that's been quietly gaining a reputation as a legendary Canadian live music venue. Johnny and Rob visit with the historic hotel's manager and music curator, Seamus Cowan, to understand how this country-pub-turned-community-hub has become a pillar of eastern Ontario's music scene, and how Seamus crafts unique and unforgettable experiences that keep music lovers coming back for more.   

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Seamus Cowan [email protected]

Hosts:
Rob Howard [email protected]
Johnny San [email protected]

Episode Links:
The Cove Inn https://kingstonlive.ca/thecoveinn
MusicWestport https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1266840/view
WestPorch Festival https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1269740/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

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Following his departure from the iconic indie band he co-founded, Lowest of the Low, Stephen Stanley has continued writing, recording, releasing and touring his own brand of music as The Stephen Stanley Band. He also keeps busy hosting a long-running weekly radio show; reuniting with Low bandmates for occasional shows and mini-tours; collaborating with emerging Kingston artists, and organizing annual tribute concerts to his late friend, music journalist Dave Bookman. On this episode, Stephen shares his excitement for his latest project: Stephen Stanley & NoElectric, an un-plugged musical collaboration between Stephen and several top Kingston area musicians.

Chapters:
0:22 Episode overview
2:10 Looking back on Lowest of the Low
7:34 A new project: Stephen Stanley & NoElectric
13:04 Juggling multiple musical endeavours
14:24 Stephen Stanley & NoElectric's upcoming mini-tour
17:01 How unplugged aspirations sparked NoElectric
19:07 "The legacy of my left ear."
21:39 Tania Joy to join upcoming Kingston show
23:44 Embodying the spirit of indie music
25:04 Kingston's beloved Broom Factory venue
26:49 Collaborating with Kingston's Piner
30:59 Capturing a special show in Adolphustown
34:05 Song: By Her Side (Live) by Stephen Stanley & NoElectric
43:05 The magnetism of Kingston's music community
47:34 Limitations and learning to say no
51:00 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Stephen Stanley https://kingstonlive.ca/stephenstanley

Hosts:
Rob Howard [email protected]

Cover photo:
Virginia Meeks https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191735/view

Episode Links:
Stephen Stanley & NoElectric https://kingstonlive.ca/noelectric
The Stephen Stanley Band https://kingstonlive.ca/the-stephen-stanley-band
Northern Wish on Hunters Bay Radio https://www.muskokaradio.com/northern-wish/
Tania Joy http://taniajoy.com
Piner https://kingstonlive.ca/piner
Stephen Stanley & NoElectric at The Broom Factory, November 2025 https://kingstonlive.ca/show/843877/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

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Anna, Dee and Jesse of Forty Seven Teeth reunite with host Riley to reminisce about Kingston's punk and indie music scene, and share a new song from their forthcoming album. 

Chapters:
00:00:22 Episode overview
00:01:40 Fast forward to 2025
00:03:25 A new album in the works
00:05:33 Meeting your heroes… awkward!
00:06:28 Exclusivity and rebelliousness as performance draws
00:08:36 The all-ages matinee resurgence
00:09:32 Ghosts of Kingston music venues past
00:13:52 Are music compilations still key to punk?
00:15:56 Earthy, woodsy, witches: New music video
00:16:58 Song: Portland Flower by Forty Seven Teeth
00:21:54 New album release details
00:23:06 All the Feels: Amherst Island Radio show
00:25:05 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Anna Robertson
Dee Prescott
Jesse Aylesworth

Hosts:
Riley Jabour [email protected]

Episode Links:
Forty Seven Teeth https://kingstonlive.ca/forty-seven-teeth
Amherst Island Radio https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1194157/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

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Is the music industry a mental health hazard? This is one of the many questions explored in this episode, as Johnny and first-time co-host, Jermaine Marshall, explore the mental health and wellness challenges of writing, recording and performing music with local artists Ricky Brant—who writes, records and performs music as KaKaow (and hosts Musiikki Café's popular weekly open mic night)—and Rich Tyo of JukeBox County, who is also a professional psychotherapist. The conversation spans everything from substance abuse and addiction to grief and trauma, and covers topics ranging from self-care to professional help and even psychedelics treatment.

Chapters:
00:00:22 Episode overview
00:01:38 Guest and host introductions
00:03:15 Psychiatry vs. psychotherapy
00:04:44 Is the music industry a mental health hazard?
00:08:49 Music as an outlet for pain and trauma
00:12:34 Balancing artist image and authentic identity
00:15:42 Music as a mental health tool
00:18:21 The vulnerable act of making and sharing music
00:21:39 Reconciling religion and music
00:23:57 Opening the musical medicine cabinet
00:26:56 Processing feelings vs. catharsis
00:30:37 How to approach professional mental health help
00:33:55 Live music as therapeutic infrastructure
00:40:06 No substitute for connection
00:42:54 Carrying grief as an artist
00:44:50 Ricky's rebound from rock bottom
00:53:13 Psychedelic support
00:55:46 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Rich Tyo of JukeBox County https://kingstonlive.ca/jukebox-county
Ricky Brant (KaKaow) https://kingstonlive.ca/kakaow


Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected]
Jermaine Marshall https://kingstonlive.ca/jermainemarshall

Episode Links:
Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Addiction & Mental Health Services https://amhs-kfla.ca
AMHS-KFLA mental health crisis programs https://amhs-kfla.ca/programs-services/crisis/
Outside the Box Education & Psychotherapy https://www.kingstonoutsidethebox.com/
JukeBox County https://kingstonlive.ca/jukebox-county
KaKaow https://kingstonlive.ca/kakaow
Musiikki Café https://kingstonlive.ca/musiikki-cafe
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

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Amherst Island Radio embodies the spirit of community radio. Broadcasting on 101.3 FM from their CJAI "world headquarters" on Amherst Island, and powered by a small army of passionate volunteers, they've forged a staunchly loyal listenership across the greater Kingston area. Station Manager, Eric Tremblay, reveals the stories and secrets that continue to fuel the station's success, including their recent expansion to mainland and new media hub, their commitment to live and local music, and their fundraising initiatives that have generated nearly $200,000.

Chapters:
00:00:23 Episode overview
00:02:54 Community vs. commercial radio
00:04:52 A brief history of Amherst Island Radio
00:09:37 The unpredictability advantage
00:11:28 The local news leader
00:14:13 "Our identity IS the community."
00:16:45 Supporting live and local music
00:20:01 Recent growth and changes
00:22:08 Fundraising, revenue generation and giving back
00:26:06 Reinvesting in the radio station
00:29:14 Tapping into volunteer passion
00:32:10 Engaging the listening audience
00:33:50 Vocal volunteer advocacy
00:35:55 Setting sights on next milestones
00:40:03 Misperceptions on getting involved
00:42:15 An invitation to tune in
00:44:24 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Eric Tremblay, Station Manager [email protected]

Hosts:
Rob Howard [email protected]
Johnny San [email protected]

Episode Links:
Amherst Island Radio CJAI 101.3 FM https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1194157/view
Radio Free Stella http://www.radiofreestella.com/
Radio Queen's University CFRC 101.9 FM https://kingstonlive.ca/cfrcqueensradio
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

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Friday's Child is the musical offspring of songwriter and vocalist, Krista Van Slingerland, and multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer, Evan Massey. Ahead of their forthcoming debut album, Broken Home Vol. 1, they discuss how their musical partnership survived their marriage, the power of community, and how making music together has helped them face individual mental health challenges.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:02:13 The Lost Congregation
00:04:14 Coming together and breaking up
00:05:50 Enduring divorce
00:08:10 Healing through music
00:10:20 Redesigning, rebuilding
00:13:41 Balancing professional and musical pursuits
00:17:35 Rallying community around a record
00:21:28 Tears for Tiny Horse
00:24:13 "…the beauty of our partnership."
00:29:37 Dark places and the sanctuary of songwriting
00:31:51 Song: Carry Me Home by Friday's Child & The Lost Congregation
00:37:36 Krista and Evan's musical equation
00:42:04 Life puts Evan's passion project on hold
00:48:20 Inviting others into Friday's Child
00:49:57 Ignoring the critics
00:51:09 Upcoming live performances
00:55:23 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Krista Van Slingerland https://kingstonlive.ca/kristavanslingerland
Evan Massey https://kingstonlive.ca/evanmassey

Hosts:
Rob Howard [email protected]

Music:
Carry Me Home by Friday's Child & The Lost Congregation

Episode Links

Friday's Child & The Lost Congregation https://kingstonlive.ca/fridays-child-and-the-lost-congregation
Friday's Child http://kingstonlive.ca/fridayschild
New Moon Radio https://kingstonlive.ca/newmoonradio
Fine Country Music https://kingstonlive.ca/finecountrymusic
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

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Mark Deen of The Winter in Canada drops by the studio for a spirited discussion spanning the band's origins and interesting secrets behind the recording of their new album (out July 1, 2025), to making music in the age of AI and the essential ingredients of Kingston's thriving music scene.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:01:32 Introductions
00:02:09 Landing the band name
00:04:55 The allure of the Kingston music community
00:07:01 Band origins
00:09:55 Collaborating on the new album
00:14:12 Mark's songwriting approach
00:17:55 Capitalist realism as creative inspiration
00:20:36 Making music in the age of AI
00:23:36 Technology's influence on music format
00:26:56 Song: Wolves by The Winter in Canada
00:29:49 First generation Canadian-inspired songwriting
00:33:21 Shared experiences and false separations
00:35:45 Elements of Kingston's thriving music scene
00:38:24 Kingston music's authenticity engine
00:41:51 New album release plans revealed
00:45:18 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Mark Deen

Hosts:
Peter Sanfilippo [email protected]

Music:
Wolves by The Winter in Canada

Episode Links:
The Winter in Canada https://kingstonlive.ca/the-winter-in-canada
Joe's M.I.L.L. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191596/view
HomeGrown Live Music Festival https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191769/view
YGK Craft Beer Fest https://kingstonlive.ca/show/737713/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

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