Family Day - the 18th - Include the Trumpeter Swans at LaSalle Park.

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

February 6th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They are the largest swans in the world, native only to North America and they have made an amazing comeback from the brink of extinction. On Family Day, Monday, February 18th, come to LaSalle Park, in Burlington, to meet the Trumpeter Swans and hear their amazing story of conservation success.

Trumpeter swan - Family DayThe event will be held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. when members of the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Group and the Trumpeter Swan Coalition will be on hand to introduce you to these magnificent birds that have fought their way back from extinction with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers. Hear the Trumpeter Swans’ amazing stories and learn more about them from the team of women who band and tag the birds.

The event will be held along the shoreline of Lasalle Park, 831 Lasalle Park Road. Booths will be set up near the boat launch. Banders and taggers will be working in the beach area. LaSalle Park is the largest over-wintering site for Trumpeter Swans in Ontario. Between 125 to 200 Trumpeters gather near the harbour from December to March.

The event is free. All ages welcome. Dogs make the Trumpeters nervous so please leave your pets at home.

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with legendary lovers Elizabeth Barret Browning and Robert Browning! On at the Performing Arts Centre February 14th.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

February 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Some competitive forces in the entertainment sector.

The Burlington Chorale Singers have an event on the 16th at St. Christopher’s United Church on Guelph Line. Link to that event is set out below.

The Performing Arts Centre is celebrating Valentine’s Day with legendary lovers Elizabeth Barret Browning and Robert Browning!

How do I love theeCanadian Rep Theatre is coming to The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Valentine’s Day to explore one of the most famous literary romances of all time in a staged play reading. The legendary lovers Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning were “rock stars” of their era, passionate in their belief that poetry could change the world.

How Do I Love Thee? explores a web of passions and desire, inspirations and fear, addictions and anger, where love, despite or perhaps because of its myriad of contradictions, still endures.

Canadian Rep Theatre focuses on innovative approaches to established works from the contemporary Canadian canon, along with challenging new plays that resonate with the diverse face of Canada in the 21st century. BPAC is thrilled to have this amazing company as part of their 2018-19 season with Helen’s Necklace in the fall and now How Do I Love Thee?, which played to rave reviews in Toronto and was nominated for 5 DORA Awards including Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Direction.

How Do I Love Thee? is written by the award-winning playwright Florence Gibson MacDonald and directed by one of Canada’s most well-respected theatre icons, Ken Gass. The original cast returns from the Toronto production that was called “luminous,” “gut-wrenching,” and “magnificent” by The Toronto Star.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at BPAC with two of the world’s most legendary lovers. Stay after the show for a talk-back with the cast and Director Ken Gass.

Browning - how do I

Elizabeth Barrett’s volume Poems (1844) brought her great success, attracting the admiration of the writer Robert Browning. Their correspondence, courtship and marriage were carried out in secret, for fear of her father’s disapproval. Following the wedding she was indeed disinherited by her father. The couple moved to Italy in 1846, where she would live for the rest of her life.

How Do I Love Thee?
Canadian Rep Theatre
Written by: Florence Gibson MacDonald
Directed by: Ken Gass
Featuring: Irene Pool, Matthew Edison, and David Schurmann

Thursday, February 14, 2019, 8:00pm
Approximate run time: 90 minutes
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Community Studio Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, ON, L7S 1T7
Tickets:
$29 Regular
$24 Member
Group pricing available
*All prices include tax and fees.

Another Valentine event.

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Wine and cheese and the lyrics of Cole Porter will warm a heart on Valentines Day

eventspink 100x100By Staff

February 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

You can buy chocolates.

You can give her flowers – you’ve certainly done that before – but there is an opportunity to do something really different.

Take her to an event where you will hear Cole Porter lyrics and enjoy some original music being delivered by the Burlington Civic Chorale.  She can of course take you.

DELIGHTFUL, DE-LOVELY, DE-VALENTINE’S CABARET

Civic chorale

DELIGHTFUL, DE-LOVELY, DE-VALENTINE’S CABARET – to be done by the Burlington Civic Chorale.

Cole Porter’s witty lyrics and sophisticated tunes take centre stage at the Singers Valentine’s Cabaret Saturday, February 16, 7:30 pm, at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, 662 Guelph Line, in Burlington.

Wine and cheese, affordable silent auction items, and memorable desserts all add to the Valentine’s afterglow.

Tickets are $25 at the door, or in advance by calling 905-577-2425.

Contact: Janet Gadeski, Public Relations Manager, 905-632-2085; 289-230-4713; jgadeski2@gmail.com

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Uncensored humour: Comedy Festival at several venue the week of February 24th to 27th.the 2019

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

February 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If there is a notice that the material is not censored and is intended for a mature audience- and they’ve been offering it for the last four years – it might be something you want to give some thought to.

For the Fifth year in a row the BURLINGTON COMEDY FESTIVAL will take place from February 24th – February 27th.

Several venues for the event; Pepperwoods, Art Gallery of Burlington and Emma’s Back Porch and The Water Street Cooker.

Comedy Bugle Boy

“Skinny German Juggle Boy”

The four-day event kicks off on Sunday February 24, 2019 with a Family Variety Show at the Art Gallery of Burlington. The variety show features international acts from Hilbilly “Skinny German Juggle Boy” to Ireland’s Jack Wise and the American comedic contortionist and daredevil Alakazam.

Tickets are $12.50 (or Family Pack of four: $40.00), doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the all-ages show begins at 2:00 p.m.

The Festival features over twelve comedians and variety acts performing five shows at two amazing venues tailor made for live stand-up: The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) and the iconic Water Street Cooker (2084 Old Lakeshore Road)

This year’s events are in partnership with The Gift of Giving Back, Canada’s largest community food drive which helps a dozen agencies serve their needy clients across the GTA. Donations of non-perishable goods and cash will be accepted at all shows.

Derek Seguin

Derek Seguin, a CBC Just for Laughs regular.

Derek Seguin, a CBC Just for Laughs regular.

Evening performances begin on Monday February 25 at both The Water Street Cooker and AGB with an 8:00 show time at both venues. Headliners include Montreal-based Derek Seguin a Just for Laughs alumnus and Mark Forward, a series regular on Crave TV’s Letterkenny. The following evening our headliners switch venues with all tickets valued at $29.00.

Burlington Comedy Festival ends with a bang on Wednesday February 27th as we feature the “Best of the Fest” (tickets are $59.00) at the Art Gallery of Burlington, 8 p.m. start time. The seven comic line-up features gust host Gemini Award-winning actor/comedian Shaun Majumder and host of the hit show The Debaters on CBC Radio One –Steve Patterson.

Patrons are also encouraged to enjoy dinner and a show through a special deal at two of Downtown’s best eateries!

Comedy Festval 2019

Comedy Festival 2019 – February 24th to the 27th – multiple venues

The best deals in town are the VIP Food & Funny Deals at Emma’s Back Porch and Pepperwood Bistro. They include admission to the reserved seating area and a $25 voucher for dinner at the participating restaurant. This package is $49.00 ($69.00 for the “Best of the Fest”).
Tickets are now on sale for the 4th Annual Burlington Comedy Festival, presented by the Burlington Downtown Business Association. The Festival is in partnership with the Kitchener-Waterloo Comedy Festival and Port Credit Comedy Festival.

You can buy tickets in person in January at Emma’s Back Porch and Pepperwood Bistro.

Please note that the material is not censored and intended for a mature audience. Seating is general admission, no recordings are permitted.

For a full list of complete acts and to buy tickets online please log onto www.burlingtoncomedy.com

Brian Dean 2 long

Downtown Business Association Executive Director Brian Dean has worked hard with the hospitality community to make this event the success it has become. The Gazette has been assured that Brian will not be on stage – ever.

Brian Dean, Executive Director, Burlington Downtown Business Association said: “After five years we are more convinced than ever that there is a strong appetite for professional comedy in Burlington. The Festival helps us to showcase our thriving small business community by bringing crowds to the downtown core for laughs and great hospitality.

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Performing Arts doubles the funds raised with their Festival of Trees - money to be used to make Community Theatre available to local artists.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

February 1st, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Other than the credit card balances we would rather not look at and the toys those cards bought that have already been abandoned by the children – there isn’t much more to remember about the festive season.

The Festival of Trees put on by the Performing Arts Centre to raise funds for the use of the Community Theatre by different arts group was a bright spot that will be appreciated throughout the year.

More than double the funds raised last year were brought in this year – they actually sold out the draw tickets they had.

Tree festival - Haley Verral's

Hayley Verral, a budding Burlington singer and song writer who has done Nashville looks good beside the tree she sponsored with her Mother.

Described as a massive success, the event brought 8000 visitors between Nov. 22 and Dec 20, and $7,305 for our Community Studio Theatre initiative, which provides grants to local artists and arts organizations to offset the cost of renting the Community Studio Theatre.

Funds raised are transferred to the Arts & Culture Organization of Burlington (ACCOB), who administer and adjudicate the funding applications.

The concept of the Festival of Trees was brought to BPAC by Executive Director Tammy Fox in 2017, after she had been part of launching a similar event over 20 years ago at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, which continues to be an annual community event to this day.

“The staff and the sponsors all contribute a great deal to ensure that the Festival of Trees happens each year,” says Fox, “but increasing access to the Studio Theatre for our local artists is definitely a priority, and the rewards of this community-building event are well worth the effort.”

Trees TiVesto tree

Ti Vesto Boutique want you to know how they feel about their tree.

BPAC partnered with Canadian Tire- Burlington Stores to present this now annual festival. Canadian Tire generously donated 25 pre-lit artificial Christmas Trees that were all sponsored and decorated by local businesses. The 2018 tree sponsors were: 27th Orchard Scout Troup, A Different Drummer Books, BLR Chartered Professional Accountants, Bodhi Bar, Burlington Beach Rentals, Burlington Network Group, Century 21 Dreams Inc. Brokerage, Conservation Halton, Cori Arthurs Floral Design, Harmony Fine Jewellers, Hayley Verral Music & Leah Verrall Artist, Holland Park Garden Gallery, Joelle’s & Jeff’s Guyshop, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments- Burlington, Mirella’s Ladies Boutique, MollyCake, Mrs. B’s Gifthouse, Museums of Burlington, NUVO Network, S. Taylor Jewellery Appraisal & Consultation, Son of a Peach Pizzeria & The Sunshine Doughnut Co., Sound of Music Festival, Springridge Farm, Ti Vesto Boutique, and Tourism Burlington/Taste of Burlington.

During the Festival BPAC presented a number of free lobby activities for the community which featured The Enchorus Children’s Choir, The Myriad Ensemble, an ornament craft-making activity, and two visits from Santa!

BPAC also hosted a Food Drive for Food 4 Kids Halton during our Festival of Trees and F4KH was amazed with the support from our community, having to make multiple trips to collect all the donations. We were thrilled by the generosity of our community and happy to help both artists and kids in need during the holiday season.

Trees Carl Dixon - 2018-BPAC-

Carl Dixon provided a wonderful picture of what the Performing Arts Centre looks like when it is all dressed up. Even a full moon.

Anyone interested in applying for the Community Studio Theatre Initiative funding should visit https://www.artscultureburlington.ca/. The deadline for this year’s funding is March 1st, 2019.

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Mayor Meed Ward creates a Red Tape/Red Carpet Task Force and sets out her five priorities at Chamber meeting

News 100 blueBy Staff

January 30th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

She has hit the ground running.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward announced plans to launch and lead a Red Tape Red Carpet task force at this morning’s State of the City address at the Burlington Convention Centre and had a media release out before people got back to their desks.

Younger set meeting

The Chamber of Commerce meeting was more than event to hear what the Mayor had to say; there was business to be done.

In front of a sell-out crowd, (not quite – there were three empty seats at my table – maybe that’s because I was sitting at it?) the Mayor spoke about her plan to help eliminate the red tape and bureaucratic delays that Burlington businesses have faced in their pursuit of growth throughout the city.

The Task Force will begin with a broad meeting that is open to the public to raise specific issues and concerns on topics ranging from permits, approvals, and other obstacles. A smaller task force of stakeholders will then be identified to come up with actionable recommendations that will be brought to council and shared with the Province by summer.

Dates and details will be announced shortly, and the Mayor suggested that anyone interested in participating at the task force level can reach out to her via email at mayor@burlington.ca.

Co-chairing the task force with Mayor Meed Ward will be Kelvin Galbraith, Ward 1 Councillor.

Mayor Meed Ward said: “I’ve heard your concerns and I’m taking them seriously. As mayor, I consider it my job to make it easy to do business in Burlington, and to be the chief advocate of attracting new business and expanding current businesses throughout our city. To help create a place where people can live, work, and thrive.

What better timing to look at ways to improve our processes and drive efficiency than while a regional review is already underway by the Province. I’m delighted to have Kelvin Galbraith as my co-chair, with his wealth of experience as both a business owner and as chair of the Aldershot Village BIA.”

Galbraith slight smile

Kelvin Galbraith has gone from being a small business owner to a city councilor and an expert on how to reduce red tape

Councillor Galbraith sees the “task force is a great step towards addressing the obstacles business owners see when they look to expand or start a new business here in Burlington. We have the space, infrastructure, and talented work force to support them, we just need to fast-track the approvals and processes that limit and frustrate them. I know from first-hand experience that we can identify the low-hanging fruit and come up with some actionable solutions that will make a real difference. We want to let business owners know that Burlington is open for business!”

The State of the City address also touched on Mayor Meed Ward’s plans for the coming term and introduced the team of councillors she’ll be working with to make it all happen. Issues ranging from over-development and the Official Plan review, to traffic and transit, protecting greenspace, and restoring civility and respect at City Hall were just some of the priorities she covered in her speech.

Her top five priorities for the 2019-2023 term as she laid them out are:

Reasonable Growth, Not Overdevelopment

Reasonable growth, not overdevelopment by amending the downtown plan to limit more highrises; end overdevelopment across Burlington by sticking to zoning.

Get Traffic Moving, While Keeping it Safe

Better traffic flow and transit through improved traffic synchronization & intersections, transit routes, free seniors fares, and no road lane elimination.

Reduce Flood Risk, Enhance Greenspace

We must be prepared for flooding by dealing with root causes; not just effects by ending overdevelopment, keeping water at source with greenspace, and green infrastructure.

Hair shor budget trim

Meed Ward said she trimmed her hair style to indicate that she was prepared to trim the budget as well.

Reduce Tax Increases, Keep to Your Priorities

Reduce tax increases by cutting unnecessary administration; improving business attraction; investing in snowclearing, bylaw enforcement, road repair, family and seniors’ amenities.

Rebuild Trust, Create an Open Government

Rebuild trust between city hall and the public by including residents in shaping decisions, not just reacting to them; restoring civility on council and toward residents.

 

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Trevor Copp doesn’t just do Marceau – he has extended the art of mime.

artsorange 100x100By Pepper Parr

January 25th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The works of that famous mime artist Marcel Marceau are lost to most of us.

Copp as Marceau

Trevor Copp as Marcel Marceau

Trevor Copp is developing his skills and does an incredible Marceau performance. Copp doesn’t just do Marceau – he has extended the art of mime.

Marcel Marceau was a French actor and mime artist most famous for his stage persona as “Bip the Clown”. He referred to mime as the “art of silence”, and he performed professionally worldwide for over 60 years. He died in 2007.

Copp has picked up the art form and will be doing a performance on February 1st and 2nd at the

LIVELab ofMcMaster University; February 1 and 2 @ 7:30pm

Tix $15/$10 students. CLICK HERE for tix.

Directions/Parking Details – CLICK HERE

Copp has done this show before more than 8,000 people in the last year; audiences keep asking for more.

Reviews for TBT’s Mime Theatre

“A master of contemporary theatre….there is a sensitivity to the performance, an indefinable sense of risk taking that signals the true artist”
– Gary Smith, The Hamilton Spectator

“…inspirational cross-training for the soul… there is a deep seated need for this kind of physical art that people don’t even realize they have anymore. In the age of Netflix and downloads, return to the campfires of our primitive ancestors and feel how theatre first stirred our souls. And as a bonus, feel the incomparable magic of the man in the box bit done by someone who studied at the Marcel Marceau School in Paris and clearly knows what he’s doing.”
– Diane Lachapelle, Apt. 613 Blog

“He moves with beautiful fluency…simply too creative for words. Highly skilled….a fresh fusion between acting and modern dance”
View magazine

Searching for Marceau is the story of a budding young artist trying to make sense of his two fathers: the real one raising him and the far away Marcel Marceau. The imaginary and the real battle in this theatre/mime piece that reinvents Marcel Marceau’s Mime tradition for the 21st Century.

Some examples of a Copp performance – short clips

Movement study: a bird flapping wings.

The old standard. I still get more requests for this than anything.

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School Board sponsoring conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder

News 100 redBy Staff

January 25th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton District School Board is hosting a two-day conference this spring where professionals, parents/guardians and community will learn about an educational approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The conference, called The SCERTS Model: A Comprehensive Educational Approach for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related Developmental Disabilities, will be held Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the Burlington Convention Centre (1120 Burloak Drive, Burlington).

SCERTS large - autism

The conference features guest speaker Dr. Barry Prizant who is recognized as one of the leading scholars in autism spectrum disorders and communication disabilities. He has more than 40 years experience as a researcher and international consultant for individuals with autism and related disabilities. He is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, an Adjunct Professor at Brown University and director of a private practice.

Formerly, Prizant was a Professor of Communication Disorders at Emerson College and Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Brown University Medical School.

Mark Zonneveld, Superintendent of Education for the Halton District School Board is the lead on this project. The outcome for him is to “help our school and parent communities better understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how we can effectively assist youth at school and at home.”

This presentation will provide an introduction to the SCERTS Model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support). The Model is a comprehensive evidence-based framework for prioritizing goals and implementing practices that focus on the core challenges in ASD: Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and providing Transactional Support for children with ASD, and related social-communicative disabilities.

The SCERTS Model is a flexible and individualized approach that includes focusing on learning functional skills in everyday activities and is based on the unique learning style of persons with ASD.

In this workshop, assessment and intervention issues will be addressed for children with a wide range of developmental abilities and ages, including preverbal and verbal individuals, from preschool through elementary, middle, high school ages and adult services. Particular emphasis will be given to the core challenges faced by students with ASD and related abilities by emphasizing the interface between social, emotional and communication issues from a clinical and educational perspective.

The SCERTS Model has been implemented in more than a dozen countries in programs ranging from Early Intervention, school-age services and adult services.

Cost

Early Bird Registration (Received before Feb 15, 2019)
$395.00 (Includes Lunch)

Regular Registration (Received after Feb 15, 2019)
$425.00 (Includes Lunch)

For more information about the SCERTS conference and/or to register, click here.

 

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Freeman station pushing for more memberships - place looks better every month.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

January 22nd, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Hamilton Spectator recently did a front page feature on the Freeman Station.

The “Friends” of Freeman Station said it was a “terrific article to get our message out, and we thank Jeff Mahoney for that. Now we really need your help in 2019 to gather the last bit of funding to reach our goals.

Can you help us by becoming a member?”

Freeman Station + Kitchener“As Lord Kitchener would have said, “Please visit our website at www.freemanstation.ca/store/ ” and become a member.

“Or have your name added to our wall of Whinstone donors by purchasing a stone for $100.

Prefer to come in person?

Freeman Junction sign BESTThe Station will be open on February 16 2019 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – we invite everyone to drop by.

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The history and heritage of the city - a February feature put together by the Heritage Committee.

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

January 21st, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Odeon_Burlington Lakeshore Road at Brant

How many people in Burlington remember this theatre that was on Lakeshore Road

The City of Burlington’s Heritage Committee has been busy planning another exciting Heritage Month, that begins on February 1st.

There is an opportunity to learn more about the events and issues that have shaped Burlington and Canada by attending the informative sessions planned throughout the month.

Topics and events will include Black history, First Nations, Freeman Station, Burlington architecture, movies, panel discussions, stories and more. The full calendar listing is at bpl.on.ca and burlington.ca/calendar.

All the food was made on the premises using recipes from the period of time the Ireland Farm house was built.

Lower kitchen in Ireland House – it is a tour well worth the time.

A kick-off event is planned for Friday, February 1st at St. John’s Anglican Church, 2464 Dundas from 1 to 2 p.m and at Ireland House Museum, 2168 Guelph Line from 2:30 to 4 p.m.)

1 p.m. – Greetings from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward; talks on St. John’s Cemetery, Burlington Agriculture and Oakridge Farm

2:30 p.m. – Refreshments (hot cider and freshly baked scones) and tours of Ireland House Museum.

Seating for this event is limited so please RSVP to arabellagore@gmail.com by Jan. 25, 2019.

Someone in the audience at the Ireland House presentation might want to ask the Mayor about the house she lives in on Martha Street; The Meed Ward family went to the effort to have their home designation as historically relevant.

Howard Bohan, Chair, Heritage Burlington that made this event possible worked with the Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington and the City of Burlington. He gives special thanks to the Burlington Heritage Month Committee and to Martha Hemphill of the United Empire Loyalists Association for her leadership.”

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Gil Penalosa, originator of the 8-80 cities’ concept will talk on an Urban Park Strategy for Burlington.

News 100 greenBy Staff

January 15th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City has invited residents to attend a public engagement session and hear one of the best thinkers on how to make urban settings work for people.

Gil Penalosa

Gil Penalosa, originator of the 8-80 cities’ concept

Gil Penalosa, originator of the 8-80 cities’ concept will talk on an Urban Park Strategy for Burlington.

The City wants a strategy to guide the development of a strategy for the parks that will be located in the mobility hubs that are going to be a huge part of what the Burlington of the future is to look like.
ing an Urban Park Strategy to guide the development of parks to align with the city’s Mobility Hubs and a focus on urban growth areas.

The evening of education and engagement takes place on:

LaSalle Pacillion

Gil Penalosa will speak at one of the better parks in Burlington.

Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019
7 to 9 p.m. – doors open at 6:30 p.m.
La Salle Pavilion, Main Ball Room, 2nd Level
50 North Shore Blvd., Burlington

The evening will start with a key note from Gil (Guillermo) Penalosa: Founder and Chair of 8 80 Cities, a Canadian based international non-profit organization, grounded on the concept of 8 80. What if everything we did in our cities had to be great for an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old?

His talk will focus on the features of great urban parks and public spaces that create a sense of community.

After the talk, residents will learn about the City’s work toward an Urban Park Strategy for Burlington and be given the chance to share their ideas on what these parks could look like.

Someone at city hall deserves a huge kudo for this one.

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Walk Off the Earth will hold a commemorative event on January 13th to celebrate the life of Mike 'The Beard' Taylor

Newsflash 100By Staff

January 5th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Details are skimpy – just the date known at this point.

Walk Off the Earth will be holding a commemorative event on January 13th –location has yet to be announced, to celebrate the life and accomplishment of Mike “The Beard” Taylor who dies suddenly in December.

Walk off the earth concert

 

 

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BURLINGTON COMEDY FESTIVAL will take place from February 24th – February 27th; several venues.

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

January 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

For the Fifth year in a row the BURLINGTON COMEDY FESTIVAL will take place from February 24th – February 27th.

Several venues for the event; Pepperwoods, Art Gallery of Burlington and Emma’s Back Porch and The Water Street Cooker.

Comedy Bugle Boy

“Skinny German Juggle Boy”

The four-day event kicks off on Sunday February 24, 2019 with a Family Variety Show at the Art Gallery of Burlington. The variety show features international acts from Hilby “Skinny German Juggle Boy” to Ireland’s Jack Wise and the American comedic contortionist and daredevil Alakazam.

Tickets are $12.50 (or Family Pack of four: $40.00), doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the all-ages show begins at 2:00 p.m.

The Festival features over twelve comedians and variety acts performing five shows at two amazing venues tailor made for live stand-up: The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) and the iconic Water Street Cooker (2084 Old Lakeshore Road)

This year’s events are in partnership with The Gift of Giving Back, Canada’s largest community food drive which helps a dozen agencies serve their needy clients across the GTA. Donations of non-perishable goods and cash will be accepted at all shows.

Derek Seguin

Derek Seguin, a CBC Just for Laughs regular.

Evening performances begin on Monday February 25 at both The Water Street Cooker and AGB with an 8:00 show time at both venues. Headliners include Montreal-based Derek Seguin a Just for Laughs alumnus and Mark Forward, a series regular on Crave TV’s Letterkenny. The following evening our headliners switch venues with all tickets valued at $29.00.

Burlington Comedy Festival ends with a bang on Wednesday February 27th as we feature the “Best of the Fest” (tickets are $59.00) at the Art Gallery of Burlington, 8 p.m. start time. The seven comic line-up features gust host Gemini Award-winning actor/comedian Shaun Majumder and host of the hit show The Debaters on CBC Radio One –Steve Patterson.

Patrons are also encouraged to enjoy dinner and a show through a special deal at two of Downtown’s best eateries!

The best deals in town are the VIP Food & Funny Deals at Emma’s Back Porch and Pepperwood Bistro. They include admission to the reserved seating area and a $25 voucher for dinner at the participating restaurant. This package is $49.00 ($69.00 for the “Best of the Fest”).
Comedy Festval 2019Tickets are now on sale for the 4th Annual Burlington Comedy Festival, presented by the Burlington Downtown Business Association. The Festival is in partnership with the Kitchener-Waterloo Comedy Festival and Port Credit Comedy Festival.

You can buy tickets in person in January at Emma’s Back Porch and Pepperwood Bistro.

Please note that the material is not censored and intended for a mature audience. Seating is general admission, no recordings are permitted.

For a full list of complete acts and to buy tickets online please log onto www.burlingtoncomedy.com

Brian Dean 2 longBrian Dean, Executive Director, Burlington Downtown Business Association said:  “After five years we are more convinced than ever that there is a strong appetite for professional comedy in Burlington. The Festival helps us to showcase our thriving small business community by bringing crowds to the downtown core for laughs and great hospitality.

 

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Headstones to be a feature in the June 8th Sound of Music Kick Off June 8th.

News 100 redBy Staff

January 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Sound of Music Festival has announced another band that will be part of their 40th anniversary Kick off that will take place June 8th.

HEADSTONES will be joining +LIVE+ and BUSH as part of this year’s June 8th kick-off line-up.

HeadstonesIn a media release the Festival staff commented: “When we look back on all of our kick-off concerts, one of the most iconic performances came from Headstones! Hugh Dillon in the crowd, the energy they brought, ranks as one of the best performances the festival has ever seen. To celebrate our 5th kick-off and 40th anniversary, we can’t wait for Headstones to blow the roof off the place!!”, says the programming team.

Executive Director, Myles D. Rusak added to the hype: “You asked for it and we listened! We’re so excited to welcome back by popular demand, Headstones! The energy these guys bring to the lineup is just the icing on an already nicely frosted cake! Our 40th is shaping up to be a year to remember so grab your tickets and join us for a celebration that we’ll be talking about for the next 40 years!”,

The one day kick-off concert takes place five days before we open the doors to Canada’s Largest Free Music Festival (June 13-16, 2019). Past artists have included Weezer, The Offspring, The Cult, Sublime with Rome, Simple Plan, All-American Rejects, Our Lady Peace, and dozens more.

Tickets are on SALE NOW. Grab your tickets before they sell out! Prices will go up.
• ADULT $75
• YOUTH $25
• VIP $110
• FrontRow $110

The Festival is currently recruiting volunteers. Visit soundofmusic.ca/volunteers if you are interested in applying.

The SoM will not be the same with the unexpected passing of Walk off the Earth band member Mike Taylor:

mike-taylor-walk-off-the-earthMayor Marianne Meed Ward issued a statement on behalf of city council on the sudden death of Mike, saying
“We are all deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mike Taylor. Our city joins together in mourning this tragic loss, and sending condolences to Mike’s family, band mates, friends and fans at home and around the world.”

Flags at Burlington City Hall were lowered to half mast in Mike’s honour.

Mike and his family made their home in downtown Burlington. “You have left us with a rich musical legacy. Thank you Mike for your contribution to music here and around the world. We will truly miss you.” added the Mayor.

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Downtown merchants recognized for their festive season window displays.

News 100 blueBy Staff

January 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They have been doing it for a number of years and on a few occasions there have been some stunning window displays to add to the mood, tone and feel of the downtown streets during the festive season.

This year – there were a couple of clunkers – what were they thinking?

No need to call them out – fortunately for the judges, as esteemed as they were, their names were not published.

The Burlington Downtown Business Association announced the 2018 winning displays:

Candles for the stroll

The Candle Light Stroll gave people an opportunity to see many of the different window displays.

 

Best Window/Exterior (professional): Joelle’s
Honourable Mention: Scrivener’s Men’s Apparel

Best Window/Exterior (non-professional): Lola’s Choco Bar and Sweet House
Honourable Mention: Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar

Best Interior Design: Pearl & Pine Retirement
Honourable Mention: Stoner & Company, Family Law Associates

Best Restaurant/Eatery: Water Street Cooker
Honourable Mention: La Creme de la Creme Creamery Inc

Best Interior/Window Display (service provider): La Viva Hair Studio
Honourable Mention: Dollface Beauty Bar

Burlington Hydro Conservation Award: The Burlington Charcoal Pit
Honourable Mentions: Dollface Beauty Bar & Centro

BEST OVERALL: Centro Garden.  Centro seldom fails to outdo itself.

 

christmas-window-display-winners

The winners and the Honourable mentions.

The response to the opportunity to decorate the store fronts along Brant and John street and some of the adjacent streets has been a bit sporadic. Some of the commercial establishments, especially those in hospitality have been really limp – a string of lights was it at some locations. Not all of them but enough to make the lack of participation evident.

With well decorated store fronts and innovative, creative ideas people want to get out on the streets – and if they are on the streets they can walk in.

Let’s see what they can do in 2020.

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New Year levees seem to have come back into favour. Gould holding hers on the 6th; McKenna chose the 12th.

background 100By Pepper Parr

January 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Levees were once a large part of the way the social side of Ontario worked.

The Lt Governor held a New Year’s Day Levee at Queen’s Park every year; it was a command performance for anyone that mattered.

They were not partisan events – politicians of almost every political stripe were welcome. In the 40’s, 50’s and 50’s the Communist Party members weren’t exactly welcome but other than that – it was the community getting together at its very best.

Levee Gould welcoming a new Canadian

Karina Gould at one of her New Year’s Day Levees, congratulating a couple who recently became Canadian citizens

Burlington MP Karina Gould teamed up with then Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon to hold a Levee at the Art Gallery. At the time the then Mayor didn’t take part in the event.

The military types showed up in their blue blazers with medals on their chests.

Some of the Guilds that work out of the Art Gallery were in the room doing their hooking or their carving.

The event reminded us of a note we got several months ago from a Terry Wilson who used to deliver the Spectator on Delaware Street.

Wilson was commenting on the way Delaware Street gets closed down on Halloween saying:

“I collected many Halloween treats up and down this street, 60 years ago. My paper route ran all the way from the Lakeshore to New Street. 35 Cents a week as I remember for the Spec delivered to your door. I had about 40 customers who would all pay me in coins.

“One day, while collecting from Mrs. Jupp, at 391, my weighed down pants fell down! She giggled, and got me some binder twine to use as a belt, so I could continue on my way.

“Burlington was such a wonderful town then, you knew mostly every one, if not by name, by seeing them about town. It was another time.

It certainly was.

Municipalities across the province held a levee and any community that had an Armoury was certain to have a well-attended event where the toasts were frequent.

The idea of a New Year’s Day Levee fell out of favour.

McKenna at her AGM

Jane McKenna, Burlington MPP

This year Karina Gould is holding her Levee on January 6th at the Art Gallery between 1 and 4 pm  – she isn’t being joined by our MPP, Jane McKenna, which is unfortunate.

McKenna is holding her own Levee on January 12th at her Constituency office on Brock Street. Takes place from 1-4 pm on the Saturday.

We asked Mayor Meed Ward if she had any plans for a Levee and she said she wasn’t able to get that on to her schedule this year but expected to do something in 2020.  She did add that Burlington has  held an annual New Years event at Tansley Woods for a number of years.

Levee crowd 2018

The more recent levees have been packed events – and the speeches, with an exception or two, were fun and mercifully short.

Burlington happens to be a city where every political leadership level, except for the Region, is led by a woman.

There was an opportunity for the three woman to join forces and put on a single event that would have all the political stripes in the one room to share, celebrate and toast what has been achieved in the past and what can be done in the future.

Perhaps 2020 will see a different form of cooperation between the political leadership.  Something to look forward to – let’s not miss another opportunity to show who we really are

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Santa 5K Road Race Road Closures Revised for Saturday, December 8

.
eventsblue 100x100By Staff

December 7th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The following revised Santa 5k race route and road closures.

Santa 5k

Santa 5k

Road Closures, 6 to 11 a.m.

Brant Street, from Ontario Street to Elgin Street

James Street, from John Street to Brant Street

Road Closures, 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Lakeshore Road, from Elizabeth Street to Maple Avenue

Burlington Avenue, from Lakeshore Road to Elgin Street

Elgin Street, from Nelson Avenue to Burlington Avenue

Nelson Avenue, from Elgin Street to Lakeshore Road

Brant Street, from Ontario Street to Lakeshore Road

Route Supervision
• Halton Regional Police Service will direct traffic at major intersections and event marshals will help runners and motorists at multi-residential driveways and on side streets
• Event notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the event

Questions
If you have any questions about the road closures or traffic control, please contact the City of Burlington event liaison at 905-335-7600, ext. 7201.

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BUSH to headline the Kick Off part of the 2019 Sound of Music Festival

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

December 7th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

We are not yet into winter – but the Sound of Music folks want you to plan for the summer and take a look at the headliner they have signed up for the 40th anniversary.

They have announced that the first co-headliner for the 2019 Kick-Off Concert will be BUSH who are celebrating 25 years since the debut of their multi-platinum album ’16 Stone’.

Bush

BUSH to be part of the headline events for the start of the Sound of Music 2019 Kick Off event. Free concerts part of the SoM begin on June 13th.

In an enthusiastic set of statements the SoM Executive Director, Myles D. Rusak said: “This truly is an exciting time for the Festival. Our goal is to see not only the Festival itself grow; but the entire entity that is the Sound of Music.

“Our kick-off generates critical resources that will allow us to realize this vision and in turn better support the Arts Community at large. You are going to see some amazing announcements and new initiatives to celebrate our 40th anniversary which in turn will pave the way for the next chapter that is the Sound of Music.”

The one day kick-off concert takes place five days before we open the proverbial doors to Canada’s Largest Free Music Festival -June 13-16, 2019.

Tickets are on sale now. Grab your tickets before Tier 1 quantities sell out. Prices will go up when Tier 2 pricing kicks in.
• ADULT $60
• YOUTH $25
• VIP $95
• FrontRow $95

The Kick off events, usually all ticketed events takes place five days earlier.

The Festival is currently recruiting for volunteers.
Visit soundofmusic.ca/volunteers if you are interested in applying.

 

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Lowville Festival Benefit Concert December 1st.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

November 26th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Lowville Festival, the festival of all the arts for the artist in all of us, is presenting a special fundraising concert on Saturday December 1st, 2018. Lowville Lit Up will feature a broad range of performers from Burlington and environs, all of whom will be donating their efforts in support of the Festival.

Andy Griffith

Burlington folk singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths

Featured artists include legendary Hamilton singer, Jude Johnson, who was born in Burlington; young Burlington country singer-songwriter Hayley Verrall; Kate Madden, a recent graduate of the Sheridan College Musical Theatre Program in Oakville; Toronto baritone Lawrence Cotton, who was featured in last summer’s Truth and Illusion; Burlington folk singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths; Burlington musical theatre performer Paul Mark, who has appeared on Broadway; and pianist Michael Mulrooney, a veteran of numerous theatrical productions across Canada, who is currently Music Director at Tansley United Church.

Eric Trask and Loretta Bailey

Eric Trask with his wife Loretta Bailey doing a practice script reading.

Lowville performers appearing in the concert include actor Eric Trask, who has appeared in presentations at a couple of past Lowville Festivals, including A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters. Eric will be doing a reading from a story by the late great Canadian storyteller Stuart McLean. The Major 7th Band, comprised of musicians from Lowville and environs, who have also been featured in Festival performances, will bring their unique mix of Celtic and folk songs to the evening.

Rob Missen and Loretta Bailey

Robert Missen and Lorretta Bailey, Founding Co-Artistic Directors of the Lowville Festival.

Robert Missen and Lorretta Bailey, Founding Co-Artistic Directors of the Lowville Festival, will serve as Hosts. The concert will conclude with a number of popular singalong carols.

The concert takes place at St. George’s Anglican Church Hall, 7051 Guelph Line, north of Derry Road, at 7:30 pm on Saturday December 1st, 2018. Tickets for the concert are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and available at Different Drummer Books and by phone at 289 337 9520

LOWVILLE LIT UP
A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE LOWVILLE FESTIVAL
SATURDAY DECEMBER 1ST, 2018
7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S ANGLICAN HALL
7051 GUELPH LINE, LOWVILLE
TICKETS $25 in advance/$30 at the door
AVAILABLE AT DIFFERENT DRUMMER BOOKS AND AT 289 337 9520

For more information contact Robert Missen at 905-632-6047 or rmissen@sympatico.ca .

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RBG Rock Garden transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season: Winter Lights at the Rock.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

November 25th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden has been transformed into a winter wonderland this holiday season, with Winter Lights at the Rock, an evening holiday experience (6pm to 9pm) taking place Thursday to Sunday from November 17 to December 30.

Looking into the bowlAs part of the Holiday Tradition, RBG’s annual holiday celebration, Winter Lights at the Rock leads visitors through a 1-kilometre trail of festive lights and Christmas melodies and includes admission to the Escarpment Train Exhibit. This unique holiday experience provides visitors with a special evening to capture those perfect holiday memories in the beauty of the picturesque Rock Garden.

Winter garden treesHighlights include nightly entertainment around the fire pit and a rotating menu of small snacks and warm drinks, including warm Bavarian pretzels, Belgian sugar waffles, cookies, hot chocolate and festive adult beverages. Select dates will feature local food trucks serving up popular street foods and snacks.

The Escarpment Train Exhibit is a “G scale” model train experience that depicts four seasons of whimsical Canadian landscapes while telling the story of how railroads shaped our history. The exhibit illustrates three eras of locomotion history including the steam engines of the late 1800s, the streamliners of the 1930s and the powerful modern diesels of the 1960s up to present day.

Tickets:

Regular Admission (online) $10
Member Admission (online) $9
Regular Admission (at the door) $15
Infant (age 0-2) FREE

Entertainment

Stick around and enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with entertainment in the beautifully lit Rock Garden throughout the evening.

November 17, December 1, 2, 8, 15, 16
Tanisha Boyd

November 22, 23, 25, 29
Michael Maguire

High five quartet

High Five Quartet

November 30
High Five Quartet

December 6, 13, 20
Lavish Quartet

December 9, 27, 28, 29, 30
Claudia Gennaccaro (duets with Caitlin Collingwood)

Throughout the Event
MollyCake Bakery Gingerbread Village

Food and Drink

Grab some festive sips and bites to enjoy as you wander the garden! The team at the Rock Garden Café will be serving a rotating menu of small snacks and warm drinks available for purchase.

Select dates will also feature local food trucks with warm snacks and meals for purchase:

November 17, 18, 25, December 9, 15, 21
Get Your Own Taters

November 22 and 23
Aegean Honey Balls

November 30, December 1, 2, 8
Spring Loaded

Choco churros

Chocco Churros

November 29, December 20
Chocco Churros

December 13, 16
Beaver Tails

December 22, 23, 27, 28, 29
Curbside Dogs

Winter Lights at the Rock is sponsored by Colliers Project Leaders.

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