On this episode, Johnny and Riley are joined by Kingston musicians Kyra Johnson (Kyra) and Sean Patterson (Nü Clarion), formerly of Oakridge Ave. Both artists share their perspectives on songwriting and recording, musical experimentation, and Kingston's music scene. Kyra shares her song from her Slaight Music Video Showcase project, and Sean shares a track from Nü Clarion's forthcoming album release, disB'lief, due out October 1, 2026.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Episode overview
00:02:25 - Introductions
00:03:48 - An evolving experience at Back to the Farm Beer & Music Festival
00:06:42 - Kyra's diverse musical inspiration
00:11:02 - Sean's Nü Clarion music project
00:13:25 - Making music in a band vs. solo
00:14:27 - Lamenting the demise of Oakridge Ave.
00:18:04 - Song: Key to the City by Nü Clarion
00:20:46 - Musical experimentation: "You can just do things."
00:23:42 - Music's analog resurgence
00:25:24 - Kyra's new Kingston perspective
00:29:53 - Song: I'm a Diamond by Kyra
00:33:43 - Sean's Kingston perspective
00:36:12 - Creativity and the "pace" of Kingston
00:39:19 - How recording turned Sean from musician to producer
00:41:29 - Album listening and respecting the artists and producers
00:46:24 - Kyra returns to the studio
00:48:29 - Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Kyra Johnson https://kingstonlive.ca/kyrajohnson
Sean Patterson https://kingstonlive.ca/seanpatterson

Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected]
Riley Jabour [email protected]

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

Episode Links

Kyra https://kingstonlive.ca/kyrajohnson
Nü Clarion https://kingstonlive.ca/nuclarion
Back to the Farm https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1415864/view
Miss Emily https://kingstonlive.ca/miss-emily
Oakridge Ave. https://kingstonlive.ca/oakridge-ave
Kingston Canadian Film Festival Slaight Music Video Showcase https://kingcanfilmfest.com/event/smvp26/
Video: I'm a Diamond by Kyra https://youtu.be/TeEpP3TYRMg?si=4vaouLCeq1TDR6M8
Kingston concerts, live music and event listings https://kingstonlive.ca/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

On September 12, 2026, Downtown Kingston will host the inaugural RoadTrip Music Festival. Its unconventional lineup warps the festival paradigm by mixing up musical styles and by blending local acts with touring acts from as far away as L.A. RoadTrip promises a refreshing, inclusive festival experience for residents and visitors alike, thanks to the vision of musical tastemakers Virginia Clark and Steve Jordan. In this episode, Steve Jordan joins Rob in studio to discuss his Kingston roots, founding the Polaris Music Prize, and why he thinks RoadTrip Music Festival is something you'll not want to miss.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Episode overview
00:02:42 - Steve Jordan's Kingston roots
00:06:05 - From Kingston to the Polaris Music Prize
00:11:57 - Applying the Polaris philosophy to RoadTrip Music Festival
00:17:15 - How Steve got involved with RoadTrip Music Festival
00:20:59 - Breaking the music festival paradigm
00:23:37 - Naming RoadTrip Music Festival
00:25:11 - Why you should come to RoadTrip Music Festival
00:28:05 - Architecting the experience: Virginia Clark and Flying V Productions
00:30:04 - A national music perspective meets a local perspective
00:31:30 - Steve's ethos: Treat the audience with respect
00:34:27 - Planning your RoadTrip Music Festival experience
00:37:11 - Future plans for RoadTrip Music Festival
00:38:22 - The Canadian music that's exciting Steve Jordan right now
00:41:55 - The ingredients for Kingston's musical richness
00:46:56 - Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Steve Jordan

Hosts:
Rob Howard [email protected]

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

Episode Links
RoadTrip Music Festival https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1395303/view
Downtown Kingston https://kingstonlive.ca/downtownkingston
Flying V Productions https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191640/view
Kasador https://kingstonlive.ca/kasador
Tiny Horse https://kingstonlive.ca/tiny-horse
Piner https://kingstonlive.ca/piner
O Green https://kingstonlive.ca/ogreen
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

Thanks to progressive musical acts like Angine de Poitrine, microtonal music is seeing a surge of interest. That's partly what's prompted Kingston musician James Mulvale to resurrect his abandoned musical recording and performance project FASTFAST. Our guest way back on episode 40, James returns to the podcast to share how a recent surprise call microtonal enthusiasts in Munich persuaded him to revive FASTFAST after a three-year hiatus for a music festival performance overseas.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:02:04 What is microtonal music?
00:04:33 Anna-Maria Hefele and the nuances of human voice
00:07:35 Untwelving: Convention for contemporary microtonal and xenharmonic music
00:09:18 Finding an audience for microtonal music
00:12:12 Resurrecting FASTFAST
00:15:02 Song: Heebie Jeebies by FASTFAST live from Werkhaus Theatre, Munich (May 22, 2026)
00:18:03 The musical instruments of microtonal
00:22:01 Highlights of the Untwelving convention
00:24:00 Why Angine de Poitrine works
00:26:20 Break convention and embrace unpredictability
00:27:59 Microtonal as a reaction to AI
00:30:51 The forces driving virtual instruments and sample libraries
00:32:59 The future of music is analog, not digital
00:34:15 Why microtonal is a mindset, not a music genre
00:36:33 Normalizing microtonal and decolonizing music
00:39:51 Breaking paradigms and shifting perceptions
00:42:49 Exploring performance experiences for microtonal
00:44:41 James makes a microtonal playground https://chromotone.ca
00:47:49 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Music in this episode:
Heebie Jeebies by FASTFAST live from Werkhaus Theatre, Munich (May 22, 2026)

Guests:
James Mulvale https://www.kingstonlive.ca/artist/863074/view

Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected]

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

Episode Links
FASTFAST https://www.kingstonlive.ca/artist/855248/view
Untwelving: Convention for contemporary microtonal and xenharmonic music https://untwelving.com
Anna Maria Hefele https://anna-maria-hefele.com
Watch: FASTFAST performs Heebie Jeebies live from Werkhaus Theatre, Munich https://youtu.be/0_5ouW-W1_0?si=2aqTbP3vjCzOjc9_
Tachy Bunker https://tachybunker.fr
Horse Lords https://www.horselords.org
Podcast episode 40: Kingston's microtonal maven FASTFAST https://www.kingstonlive.ca/kingstons-microtonal-maven-fastfast
Chromotone music app https://chromotone.ca
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

Kingston's Céline Klein (Jamstone Productions) set out to make a documentary film exploring the theme of music and mental health through the lens of local artists. Though the project took some unexpected turns, Céline discusses the concept along with her subjects, Emily Fennel (Miss Emily) and Ricky Brant (KaKaow), who share some of the mental health and financial struggles they've faced over their musical careers. We first touched the topic of music and mental health in episode 83.

If you are in distress, or know someone who is, call the Kingston & Frontenac 24/7 Crisis Line at 613-544-4229 or Toll Free 1-866-616-6005

Chapters:
00:00:18 Episode overview
00:01:35 Céline's documentary film concept
00:03:31 Emily on unpacking pain
00:07:05 The tension between live performance and life's reality
00:10:20 Fear and truth: Approaching the documentary film project
00:12:51 Leaving the comfort zone
00:14:30 Substances and sobriety: Ricky's journey
00:17:30 Veiling darkness – and facing it
00:19:34 Musical creativity: A blessing or a curse?
00:23:54 Depression and disillusionment derail Céline's film
00:28:03 Layering on financial stress
00:31:08 The importance of connection and community
00:34:00 Live music performance and spirituality
00:37:40 Gratitude for Kingston
00:41:19 Advice for those who may be struggling
00:46:23 Hopes for the documentary project
00:50:09 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Céline Klein (Jamstone Productions)
Emily Fennel (Miss Emily)
Ricky Brant (KaKaow)

Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected]

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

Episode Links
Addiction & Mental Health Services Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington https://amhs-kfla.ca/programs-services/crisis/
Podcast episode 83 - Music and mental health: A conversation with Kingston musicians https://kingstonlive.ca/kingston-podcast-musicians-music-mental-health
Jamstone Productions https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1192262/view
KaKaow https://kingstonlive.ca/kakaow
Miss Emily https://kingstonlive.ca/miss-emily
In the Key of Blue https://kingstonlive.ca/show/929001/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

With the twenty first edition of Skeleton Park Arts Festival around the corner, we sit down with the organization's new Co-Artistic Director, Sol Castañeda, and longtime festival patron and participant, musician extraordinaire, Teilhard Frost. Together, they shed light on the significance of the annual, free and sustainably-run arts festival in McBurney Park, the spirit of inclusivity that fuels it, and the presence and impact the SPAF community has year-round throughout the city.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:02:15 Introducing the new Co-Artistic Director of Skeleton Park Arts Fest
00:04:49 Teilhard on the festival's inception and significance
00:07:18 Looking at the festival through Sol's lens of varied experience
00:10:12 Something for everyone: SPAF's spirit of inclusivity
00:13:20 The enduring allure of the SPAF square dance
00:18:42 Celebrating life by dancing on the dead
00:21:11 Beyond the festival: SPAF's year-round programming
00:26:22 Nurturing young local artists
00:31:00 A festival made for families
00:32:48 Assembling The Os Project
00:40:34 Music: Roustabout by Frost Mercer
00:46:13 Highlights of this year's festival lineup
00:48:45 Open mic, RAW Taiko and tips for festival goersview
00:51:04 Sol's hope for the festival's future
00:53:11 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Sol Castañeda
Teilhard Frost

Hosts:
Rob Howard [email protected]

Music in this episode:
Roustabout by Frost Mercer

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

Episode Links
Skeleton Park Arts Festival https://kingstonlive.ca/skeletonparkartsfestival
Donate to Skeleton Park Arts Festival https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/41843
McBurney Park https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191548/view
Teilhard Frost https://kingstonlive.ca/teilhard-frost
Frost Mercer (The Os Project) https://kingstonlive.ca/frost-mercer
Piner https://kingstonlive.ca/piner
Downtown Kingston https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1193118/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/       

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

Paul Langlois co-wrote some of The Tragically Hip's most iconic songs. Ten years after the band's final performance in Kingston, Paul reflects on his solo work and finding inspiration after The Hip, and shares details and music from his latest release, Smooth Rock Falls.

Chapters:
00:00:01 - Episode overview
00:02:39 - Paul's new album: Smooth Rock Falls
00:05:59 - Recording, mixing (and remixing) Smooth Rock Falls
00:08:54 - The inspiration and desperation of songwriting
00:11:05 - Ten-track tendencies and performance pressures
00:16:15 - Perfecting a solo sound
00:19:54 - Music as an outlet for grief
00:24:32 - Song: How You Are? by Paul Langlois
00:28:05 - Thoughts on the recent documentary film, No Dress Rehearsal
00:30:43 - The Hip's farewell show: Ten years later
00:33:08 - Recalling recent guest appearances
00:36:04 - The hard work nobody sees
00:39:19 - Paul's community presence
00:43:50 - Kingston's The Hip farewell show anniversary plans
00:48:15 - Reflecting on the Kingston music scene
00:53:56 - Upcoming festival performances
00:56:07 - Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Paul Langlois

Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected]
Angela Stever [email protected]

Music in this episode:
How You Are? by Paul Langlois

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

Episode Links
Paul Langlois https://kingstonlive.ca/paul-langlois
Paul Langlois Band https://kingstonlive.ca/paullangloisband
The Campfire Liars Club https://kingstonlive.ca/thecampfireliarsclub
The Tragically Hip https://kingstonlive.ca/thetragicallyhip
The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0LOQ22M65PYSQDFD1QIQM4AW3I/
K-Rock 105.7 FM https://www.seekyoursounds.com/radio/krock1057
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

In part two of our Inside the Isabel series, the Isabel's Senior Marketing Officer, Alyssa de Hoop, and Technical Director, Aaron Holmberg, detail interesting aspects of the performing arts centre's operations. They also share some funny behind-the-scenes stories, dispel some common misperceptions about the Isabel, and how the venue is working to support Kingston's many local acts and artists.   

Chapters:
0:00 Episode overview
1:26 Alyssa and Aaron's roles and responsibilities
4:52 A modern marvel in the heart of historic Kingston
6:46 The Isabel's performance spaces
8:18 The purpose-built performance hall
9:26 Hosting a variety of world class performances
10:03 Not just performing but recording too
11:54 Finding fun amidst the seriousness
16:21 The Isabel's residents
17:41 Accessibility features of the Isabel
20:35 How the Isabel supports local acts and artists
22:34 From physical to virtual performance spaces
27:31 Generating operating revenue
31:23 Common misperceptions of the Isabel
33:28 Where to learn more about the Isabel
34:20 Episode production credits

Guests:
Alyssa de Hoop, Senior Marketing Officer
Aaron Holmberg, Technical Director

Hosts:
Rob Howard [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 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/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

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/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

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 Jazz https://kingstonlive.ca/innerharbourjazz
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

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/

Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…