August is for festivals, sunbathing, and farmers’ markets. Don’t you agree? This blog is about the arts broadly defined.
On August 3, I saw Murder for Two at the Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque. Scott Pietrangelo was hilarious as a small-town police officer desperately trying to prove his sleuthing skills. Jackson Seib’s performance was terrific! Seib (ALL the suspects!) was determined to mislead the aspiring detective in this side-splitting musical whodunit. An applause to the creative team. Thanks also to my friend who got our tickets and drove us there.
Last Sunday, I was lucky to get a ride to Prescott. I walked on the bank of the St. Lawrence and had a picnic lunch at Prescott’s beautiful waterfront amphitheater. If you are considering going on a day trip with family and friends, add Prescott to your ‘to do’ list this month. Even better, if you can drive up this Saturday. You’ll catch Play On!, a Shakespeare inspired mixtape. This witty cabaret of pop music and Shakespearean text includes rhythms by the Beatles, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Prince, and more.
Have you immersed yourselves in any of the alternative shows Kingston is offering these days? The Kick & Push Festival is taking place from July 25 to August 18. This year’s programming includes unconventional performances by award-winning Canadian artists. I am looking forward to What Brings You In on August 15. Leslie Ting’s experimental performance uses integrated creative audio description. Based on the trailer, I am hoping to dive deep into my own mind in Ting’s electro-acoustic session. Join me at Kingston Grand Theatre.
Spending daytime doing your research in Kingston? Why not groove to Latin songs in the evening? “Salsa in the Square” sessions are every Tuesday. Connect with fellow enthusiasts at the vibrant Springer Market Square between 06:30 and 10:00 p.m. Are you into jazzy tunes? Then, “Swingin' Summer ” is for you on Wednesdays, from 7:00 p.m. onwards. I am looking forward to an evening with LaSalle Causeway Swing Band on August 21.
Let me repeat for international and out-of-town Canadian students preparing to join us in Kingston. August is for soaking at sandy beaches around Kingston, going for refreshing swims at Lake Ontario or in one of the smaller lakes, and conversing with friends around crackling campfires. It’s the season for ice cream, cold drinks, barbeques and picnics, hiking, and outdoor fun in general. Live music, arts festivals, and visits to the farmers’ market are my favourite activities.