The Kingston Curator

CFRC Podcast Network · cfrc.ca

The Kingston Curator is your weekly guide to arts and culture in Kingston. Hosted by Ellie Stirton, the show airs Fridays at 3 PM on CFRC 101.9 FM, featuring interviews with local artists and creatives, plus highlights of what's happening around town! From music and theatre, to exhibitions, festivals and more. Missed it live? You can catch every episode anytime right here on the CFRC Podcast Network.

62 episodes

23d ago latest

monthly cadence

English language

▶ Play latestRSS feed Website Arts Performing Visual Music Interviews

https://podcast.cfrc.ca/feed/podcast/the-kingston-curator/

Episodes 62

Speaking Vibrations: Jordan Samonas
23d ago · 29:29
This week on the Kingston Curator, get a taste of what the TK Fringe Festival has to offer with a performance brought to Kingston by them called Speaking Vibrations. On this episode I sit down with one of the co-producers of the show, Jordan Samonas. She talks about the origins of the production, and how it blends ASL poetry, percussive dance, and live music in one show. In addition, why accessibility is important to this team by allowing audiences to experience sound tactically through vibrating vests, seats, and floor pads.
Princess Street Promenade: Sierra Kaikaley
1mo ago · 28:19
This week on the Kingston Curator, we have a returning guest to the show Sierra Saikaley from Downtown Kingston. She gives us a taste of the behind the scenes of the princess street promenade and what to expect from this year’s event, and the history behind it all.
The Kingston Curator’s Summer Summary
1y ago · 58:52
In this final episode of The Kingston Curator with Host Ellie Stirton, you can hear this summer’s arts highlights! There have been so many incredible artists and professionals on The Kingston Curator over the past few months, and as August comes to an end… it’s time for a recap! Plus, you can hear all about the upcoming concerts and events taking place this weekend, August 29th – August 31st.
Kingston Authors: Merilyn Simonds and Sadiqa De Meijer
1y ago · 59:39
This week on The Kingston Curator, get a taste of the Kingston literary scene with local authors Merilyn Simonds and Sadiqa De Meijer. Simonds discusses her lifelong love for writing, her upcoming publication “Walking with Beth”, and her commencement of the Kingston Writers Fest! Then Sadiqa De Meijer, Kingston’s Poet Laureate, discusses her upcoming publication “In The Field”, her relationship to writing, as well as her own involvement with the 2025 Kingston Writers Fest!
Amplify Hope ft. Dupel & Collage Club ft. Rowynne Grant
1y ago · 45:41
This week on The Kingston Curator, get a taste of the Kingston-based rapper Dupel, as he and host Ellie Stirton talk about his Amplify Hope Charity Concert, happening this Sunday August 17th at Tommy’s. Then learn about the TETT Centres new Collage Club! It’s a free arts program run by Ro Grant, the TETT’s current Artist in Residence. And as always we share some local concerts and events which folks can check out this coming weekend, August 15th – August 17th.
TK Fringe Festival: The Turing Test and Love in the First Degree
1y ago · 38:51
This week on The Kingston Curator, host Ellie Stirton sits down with Yuriy Popov and Yana Menov, who will be performing their show The Turing Test at the 2025 TK Fringe Festival. Also featured, is an interview with B.C. Gorrie, the writer and director of another 2025 TK Fringe Festival show, Love in the First Degree. Then there’s a brief overview of the Women’s Arts Festival running on Saturday August 9th in Kingston Ontario. And as always we share some local concerts and events which folks can check out this coming weekend, August 8th – August 10th.
10 Years of the Tett Centre and KCFF’s Best of the Fest Screening
1y ago · 33:29
This week on The Kingston Curator, host Ellie Stirton sits down with Emma MacGregor-Mitchell who is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the local Kingston arts hub, The Tett Centre. It turns 10 years old this fall, and they discuss all the anniversary details. Also featured, is a special recap of the Kingston Canadian Film Festival’s ‘Best of the Fest’ event. The night included a screening of the best short films from the past festival year, along with a special Q&A with the director of Single Woman Seeking Child, Blain Watters. And as always we share some local concerts and event
See it Live: The 35th Annual Kingston Buskers Rendezvous & Celtic Folk Band Maggie’s Wake
1y ago · 34:15
This week on The Kingston Curator, host Ellie Stirton sits down with Sandi Griffiths, the Events Manager of Downtown Kingston as they discuss the 35th Annual Kingston Buskers Rendezvous! Also interviewed is Lindsay Schindler, a fiddle player and vocalist from the Celtic folk band Maggie’s Wake. They discuss the musical style of Maggie’s Wake, their experience at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and upcoming projects! And as always we share some local concerts and events which folks can check out this coming weekend, July 11th – July 13th.
The Ground UP Dance Festival & The Artist Prosperity Project
1y ago · 47:29
This week on The Kingston Curator, host Ellie Stirton sits down with Savannah Shea, a Kingston based singer, songwriter, visual artist, and performer. They discuss her involvement in the Ground UP Dance Festival as a creator and performer of the original production After/Always. Also interviewed is B.C. Gorrie, the Programs and Communications Coordinator of the Kingston Arts Council, discussing his ongoing Artist Prosperity Project which seeks to improve our understanding of Kingston’s artist economics. And as always we share some local concerts and events which folks can check out this coming
Local Musicians – Featuring Tiny Horse and Almond Milk
1y ago · 35:00
This episode features in-depth interviews with local Kingston artists Tiny Horse, and Almond Milk! With host Ellie Stirton, they chat all about their recent performances at Skeleton Park Arts Festival, their upcoming projects, and the process of artistic development. Also featured: an update from the Kingston Arts Council about artist prosperity, and local concerts and events happening in Kingston and the area during the weekend of June 27th – June 29th.
Skeleton Park Arts Festival – With Trash Panda Brass!
1y ago · 49:24
This week on The Kingston Curator, host Ellie Stirton sits down with Ilinca Stafie, a member of Toronto’s iconicly queer brass band, Trash Panda Brass. The conversation ranges from the bands conception to their plans for Skeleton Park Arts Festival, and the future! Also featured, are Ms. Tyffanie Morgan and Mariah (Mo) Horner, the hosts of Skeleton Park Arts Festival. And as always we share some local concerts and events which folks can check out this coming weekend, June 20th – June 22nd.
Skeleton Park Arts Festival and Music for a Cause!
1y ago · 40:05
This week on The Kingston Curator, host Ellie Stirton sits down with local song-writer Gregory Van Eyken, local Drag Queen Ms. Tyffanie Morgan, and theatre artist/musician/educator Mariah (Mo) Horner. They discuss Gregory’s new EP which is raising funds for a local mens shelter, and the upcoming Skeleton Park Arts Festival being hosted by both Ms. Tyffanie and Mo. Also featured are some local concerts and events which folks can check out this coming weekend, June 13th – 15th.
The Curation Process: The Festival of Live Digital Art!
1y ago · 52:02
This week on The Kingston Curator, host Ellie Stirton sits down with Marcel Stewart and Adrienne Wong, two talented artists and co-curators of the Festival Of Live Digital Art (FOLDA). They discuss artistic inspirations, the FOLDA curation process, and the collaborative nature of art. Also featured are some local concerts and events which folks can check out this coming weekend, May 30th – June 1st.
Dance, Visual Art, and Poetry in Kingston
1y ago · 57:27
This week on The Kingston Curator, host Ellie Stirton spotlights a few different local arts initiatives! First, a collaborative story with local journalist Christena Lawrie and the Kingston School of Dance. Then a conversation with Haley Sarfeld, the Program Director at the Union Art Gallery. And finally, an interview with Kingston’s very own Poet Laurette, Sadiqa de Meijer, regarding an upcoming community poetry project. Also featured are some local concerts and events which folks can check out the weekend of June 6th – June 8th.
Best of the Curator: Season 3, Vol. 2
2y ago · 52:28
We’re concluding season 3 today with another special featuring (some of) the best of our 2024 season. We’ve been privileged to have a variety of wonderful and insightful artists local and visiting to Kingston stop by on the show, and we want to feature just some of the highlights to thank them for their time, and encourage you to go back and listen to their full interviews if something catches your ear. Throughout this episode, you’ll hear clips from our interviews with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, dancers Shanique Peart and Shanel Williams, local singer-songwriter Anthea Feaver, ar
Best of the Curator: Season 3, Vol. 1
2y ago · 40:17
We’re winding down our summer season today with a special featuring (some of) the best of our 2024 season. We’ve been privileged to have a variety of wonderful and insightful artists local and visiting to Kingston stop by on the show, and we want to feature just some of the highlights to thank them for their time, and encourage you to go back and listen to their full interviews if something catches your ear. Throughout this episode, you’ll hear clips from our interviews with the Juvenis Festival, artists Carleigh Millburn, Stephen O’Connell and Lucy Simic, and musical acts Kaïa Kater, Lake Por
Theatre in Kingston: Kick and Push and Fringe on CFRC
2y ago · 55:44
Today, we’re bringing you two feature interviews from the local theatre scene. First up is the team behind What Brings You In?, to chat about processes both creative and technical that contribute to this unique experience. This show is playing this weekend at the Baby Grand and online to round out this year’s Kick and Push Festival Next up is Catherine and Victor from Collected Novellas, with a retrospective on their show that just finished its Kingston Fringe run, A Sketchy Kind of Show. We talk remote collaboration, and quick-thinking fixes in the live medium. We have all that, plus your hea
August Arts Kickoff: Fringe & Tett Gallery
2y ago · 40:50
Today, we’re bringing you three feature interviews from Kingston Fringe and the Tett Gallery. First up is comedian and performer Freddy Proia, whose Fringe show Mickey Mouse Shot Me in the A** is playing now at the Davies Lounge as a part of Kingston Fringe. We chat about finding the humour in embarrassing moments, and the road from stand-up to Fringe. Secondly is Jessica Turner, the curator behind the current solo exhibition by artist Jan Kabatoff at the Tett Gallery, entitled Contemplating Glaciers, a Dialogue, running now until August 31st. We chat about the intersections between the past a
Arts on Campus: Union Gallery & Shortwave Summer Camp
2y ago
Today, we’re bringing you two exciting interviews from the arts scene in and around Queen’s Campus and CFRC. First up is artist Kelby James, whose mixed media exhibition The Garden of Forbidden Fruits and the Laws of Cosmic Consciousness is open at the Union Gallery Project room until July 27th. Up next, our Shortwave Radio Theatre Camp is in full swing at the station this week, and Lauren, Jesse and Paige from CFRC sat down for a counsellor’s round table, to chat about our opportunity to teach and learn from our camper’s creativity here at the station. You can stay tuned to our CFRC social me
Local Musicians: Anthea Feaver & Tiny Horse!
2y ago
This week, we’re excited to be bringing you a special on local musicians chatting about their recent and upcoming projects. First up is Wolfe Island singer-songwriter Anthea Feaver, whose upcoming single “Bedtime Story” drops on August 1st. We chat about networking, music education, creativity, and a bit more about the ongoing process of creating her next album. Up next, Rae and Ciara from local soft rock ensemble Tiny Horse dropped by Listening Queerly on Tuesday for a chill summer chat about their debut LP, First Rodeo, out now, and tell us about what’s inspiring them lately. We have all tha
Dance & Buskers Rendezvous in Kingston
2y ago
This week, we’re bringing you a dance focus, and a contribution from CFRC Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie, with more on Buskers Rendezvous. First off, we’re joined by dancers Shanel Williams and Shanique Peart during their ongoing project with the Local Arts Residency at the Kingston Grand, speaking more about their plans for the piece and preparation for the Ground UP Dance Festival, Kingston’s professional dance festival. We also revisit our piece with Shanique and festival producer Camille Spencer of the Ground UP Dance Festival, running this year from July 8-13th, about what’s the c
Music & Movement: NYO Canada, Yarro & Ground UP Dance Fest
2y ago
This week, we’re bringing you a mix of disciplines local to Kingston, in some of our liveliest chats of the summer. First up is Christie Gray, CEO, and Jonathan Moellman, local violinist and orchestra member, of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, chatting with us about their ongoing Chamberfest concert series at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, and their upcoming Horizons tour performance at the same venue. Next up is local R&B artist Yarro, fresh off her Skeleton Park Arts Fest performance, chatting about her music and the release of her new single, “Perfect Trip”. Last b
Skeleton Park Arts Festival on CFRC!
2y ago
This week, we’re bringing you a special on this year’s Skeleton Park Arts Festival, running this year from June 22-23. First up, we’re featuring an interview with Adam Sturgeon of rock outfit Status/Non-Status, ahead of their SPAF performance on June 22nd. We chat about the tour, who’s with the bad these days, and how to stay prepared and creative as life goes on. Up next is Heidi Wallace, organizer of the Fat Goose Craft Fair at Skeleton Park Arts Fest, with more you can look forward to from artists, makers and vendors there. Last, but not least, we’ll be revisiting our interview with organiz
Festivals in June: SPAF, FOLDA & Image+Nation FCQSFF
2y ago
We’ve got plenty of cool conversations coming your way this episode, from local to national arts festivals! We’re kicking off our coverage of Skeleton Park Arts Festival, the free, grassroots, multi-disciplinary art festival hits Kingston every summer solstice weekend, this year running from June 22-23rd. Hosts Tyfannie Morgan and Mariah Horner join us for more about what’s to come at SPAF this year. Up next, we’re joined by SPAF performer Alison Gowan, with more on the hurdy gurdy and Balfolk dance programming heading to SPAF Kingston over the coming weeks. Later in the hour, we’re bringing y
Spring Reverb: Lake Porter, Corey Gulkin & KPP
2y ago
This week, we’re bringing you an all Spring Reverb special, the city-wide music festival and event hitting Kingston running May 30th- June 2nd. First up, we’ve got festival representative Dyan Chenier of KPP Concerts, with a primer interview on what Spring Reverb is, what to expect, what to look forward to, and how to get involved. Next up is Martina Lake from Kingston folk act Lake Porter, who will be playing in support of Boston Levi and Bleeker at the Ale House on Friday evening. Then, Montreal dark folk singer-songwriter Corey Gulkin joins us ahead of their Friday performance at Musikkii a