2013 Montebello Park Summer Band Concert Series

Montebello Park Summer Band Concert Series

Head to Montebello Park Sunday and Tuesday nights for great live, local music. Admission is free.

Montebello Park is at 64 Ontario St, St Catharines, which is  the main park in Downtown St. Catharines. The park is located along Ontario Street at the south end of Lake Street.

Make sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating, and remember to bring your dancing shoes so you can dance in the pavillion.

Performances start at 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Summer Band Concert Series Line Up

June 30 - Walter Ostanek Bank (Polka/Variety)

July 2 - Marty Allen Band (Country/Rockabilly)

July 7 - Lincoln & Welland Ambassadors Swing Band (Big Band)

July 9 - Kindred (Celtic)

July 14 - Solid Brass (Big Band)

July 16 - The Juliet Dunn Quintet (Jazz)

July 21 - Winston James (Country/Pop)

July 23 - Vinyl Flux (Classic Rock)

July 28 - Niagara Old Tyme Fiddlers (Traditional Fiddle)

July 30 - Jermaine Cowan (Reggae/Soul/Pop)

August 6 - Vox Violins (Folk/Blues)

August 11 - Solstice (Latin/Carribean)

August 13 - Dragon Ritual Drummers (World/Afro Beat)

August 17 - The British Invasion (60s British Pop/Rock)

August 18 - Sandy Vine Trio (Top 40 Hits)

August 20 - Wendy Lynn Snider (Country)

August 25 - The Rock 'N' Ray Michaels Retro Rockers (50s-70s)

August 27 - Lambs Become Lions (Indie Pop/Rock)

The City of St. Catharines has a webpage as well for this series at http://www.stcatharines.ca/en/experiencein/ConcertsinMontebelloPark.asp

2013 Charles Daley Park Sunset Music Series

Charles Daley Park Sunset Music Series

Free concert every Tuesday evening, 7:00-8:30, in July and August 2013

Geared to the musical tastes of people of all ages, each concert features a different theme.

Where? The Rotary Shell – Charles Daley Park,1969 North Service Road, Jordan, ON

Apparently there is BBQ fare and ice cream available for purchase at the park

For more information, go to www.sunsetmusicseries.ca

July 2 Wendy Lynn Snider Band (country),

July 9 Jimmy Marando Orchestra (Swing),

July 16 Sandy Vine and the Midnights (party band),

July 23 Roy Leblanc (Elvis and Roy Orbison Tribute),

July 30 Jam Night with Flat Broke,

Aug. 6 Lincoln Concert Band,

Aug 13 LMt Connection (Funk and R&B),

Aug. 20 Doug Mundy Jazz Group, (jazz),

Aug 27 The Athertones (rock)

2012 Sunset Music Series at Charles Daley Park - 10 July 2012

We have many requests about Charles Daley Park. Folks have asked about the scheduled performances, parking availability and what the park is like on weekdays.

If you want to see one or more of the performances at the Rotary Shell at the park, then arrive early to catch the 7 to 8:30 P.M. shows.  For a listing of the shows, go to www.SunsetMusicSeries.com .

 A few of the upcoming events at the 2012 Sunset Music Series:

July 3 – Toasted Western Swing Band with Walter Ostanek
July 10 – The British Invasion Band
July 17 – Hometown Bluegrass
July 24 – Un Poco Latino
July 31 – Jam Night with Flat Broke…..Sign up now!
August 7 – The Lincoln Concert Band
August 14 – Johnny Cash Tribute with Bill Culp
August 21 – Steve Burnside & The Marquis
August 28 – Sandy Vine & The Midnights


Here is a link for those who would like directions to Charles Daley Park.  The park is a favourite place for locals to watch sunsets but everyone should be aware that the park is locked and closed to vehicles at 10 p.m. Here are a few photos.

And a few photos:

As can be seen in the photo above, there are free concerts on Tuesday evenings in July and August 2011 between 7 and 8:30p.m.

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Free Concerts at Montebello Park in St. Catharines - 10 July 2012

Here is the Calendar of Band Concerts in Montebello Park for 2012 -

This summer visit the Walter Ostanek Pavilion at Montebello Park. Free concerts every Sunday and Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in 2012. Montebello Park is the main park in the Downtown St. Catharines. The park is located along Ontario Street at the south end of Lake Street.

Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs, etc..

2012 Concert Schedule

July 3 - Marty Allen Band (honky-tonk, rockabilly)

July 8 - Lincoln and Welland Ambassadors (swing band)

July 10 - Lincoln Concert Band (concert band)

July 15 - Walter Ostanek (polka)

July 17 - Vox Violins (accoustic/ambient/folk)

July 22 - Winston James (50s, 60s Rock 'n' Roll)

July 24 - The Cruisers (50s, 60s do-wop)

July 29 - Sandy Vine Trio (party band)

July 31 - British Invasion (60s music)

Aug. 7 - Frankie Phelan Five (jazz)

Aug. 12 - MacPherson Rant (celtic, blues and pop)

Aug. 14 - Kindred (a cappella to swing)

Aug. 19 - The Retro Rockers (pop, rock and R & B hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s)

Aug. 21 - Solstice (Latin)

Aug. 26 - Solid Brass (big band, 40s)

Aug. 28 - Old Thyme Fiddlers (traditional, old time fiddle)

Redbuds at St. Catharines Central Library

I was walking by the St. Catharines Central Library today when I saw the annual display of the redbuds in front of the entrance.  As readers of this blog know, I find the redbud's display in Spring to be a constant joy and a sign that lilacs will soon be in bloom.

The Eastern Redbuds at the library are not large but their planting is well placed to delight the library patrons when they are near the library's entrance.The library's architecture is Brutalist but once inside, it is welcoming.

Below is a short video of the redbuds blooming in front of the St. Catharines Main Library and views of the immediate environs. The blooms are beautiful this year. The images below were captured 24 April 2012.

The Library is an under appreciated institution and I suggest that residents of St. Catharines visit and use the excellent service that the library and the helpful library staff provide.

The Royal Canadian MintChip - the Kiss Your Privacy GoodBye Chip

The Harper Government, through the Royal Mint of Canada, has announced the desire to create the MintChip - which would eventually become the official currency of Canada.
         It should really be called the Kiss Your Privacy GoodBye Chip, the No Privacy Chip  or the We Are Watching Everything  That You Do Chip.
        All Canadian's should be very concerned with the privacy issues related to this proposed currency. History has shown us that whenever we give any government access to our personal information, that access is abused and rights violated.
       For instance, the contentious Long Gun Registry has been cancelled but this will eventually give the government a way to know what rifles you may have, just by watching your rifle, pistol and ammunition purchases - Welcome to the New Long Gun Registry - actually it is the everything you buy registry.

This government likes watching - EVERYTHING.
      
Contact your Member of Parliament and let them know that you don't want digital Trojan Horse - cash is freedom, the MintChip is Orwellian control.
        Here is a link to help you find your MP (Member of the Parliament of Canada) and here is a list of the current MPs.
        For those readers living in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Rick Dykstra is your MP and here is his contact info. Those Canadians who wish to send a comment to Prime Minister Harper can reach him here.

The Harper Government's MintChip - the Kiss Your Privacy GoodBye Chip

Cedric's Barber Shop

I needed to be shorn this past week.  So I chose a local professional barber, Cedric.

Cedric is the owner of "The Head Shop", which is located at Welland St., which is near the intersection of Welland St., and the QEW in St. Catharines.

I phoned Cedric at 905-988-9772 and made an appointment for 1 p.m..  As Cedric's shop is less that 1 km from my home, I had planned on walking or bicycling over but I had some other errands to run beforehand and I was pressed for time so I took the car and arrived 5 minutes early as there was plenty of available street parking.

Cedric's shop is clean and tidy with a few barber chairs and a bench for those waiting their turn in the chair. As I had made an appointment, I was in Cedric's chair at 1:00 and my shearing and our conversation began.

We had an interesting conversation about shaving and razors and related paraphernalia as well as the importance to all of us in the region and on both sides of "the river" to buy and use local goods and services whenever possible.

Cedric's 1950's Marvy Barber Pole Sign

While in the chair a family entered with their son. They waited on the bench until I was finished and then the very well behaved young fellow took his turn in the chair.

I was delighted with both the conversation and the professional haircut. Clearly Cedric knows what he is doing and I encourage my readers to give him a try. I think that you'll be pleased - I was.

The Head Shop has relocated to:
20 Hartzel Rd.

Unit 10
St. Catharines, ON
L2P 1M3, Canada
+1 905-988-9772

 theheadshop.blogspot.com

I agree with Banksy's view on Advertising

I was in Niagara Falls, Ontario on this past Saturday and I felt overwhelmed and repulsed by the egregious assault on my senses by the over the top advertising in the public realm.

I think that there is waaayyyy too much advertising around us these days and I am disposed to supporting Banksy's view. For those that don't know who Banksy is, here is some of his art / work.


BANKSY ON ADVERTISING
“People are taking the piss out of you everyday.
They butt into your life, take a cheap shot at you and then disappear. They leer at you from tall buildings and make you feel small.
They make flippant comments from buses that imply you’re not sexy enough and that all the fun is happening somewhere else.
They are on TV making your girlfriend feel inadequate.
They have access to the most sophisticated technology the world has ever seen and they bully you with it.
They are “The Advertisers” and they are laughing at you.
You, however, are forbidden to touch them.
Trademarks, intellectual property rights and copyright law mean advertisers can say what they like wherever they like with total impunity.
Fuck that.
Any advert in a public space that gives you no choice whether you see it or not is yours.
It’s yours to take, re-arrange and re-use.
You can do whatever you like with it.
Asking for permission is like asking to keep a rock someone just threw at your head.
You owe the companies nothing.
Less than nothing, you especially don’t owe them any courtesy.
They owe you.
They have re-arranged the world to put themselves in front of you.
They never asked for your permission, don’t even start asking for theirs.”
~ Banksy

Annual Bazaar at Centre Immaculée-Conception - Saturday, Nov 5th

The Catholic Women's League of the Paroisse Immaculée-Conception had their annual bazaar on Saturday. We stopped by and purchased a few tickets for the draws.

Annual Bazaar  -  Here is a map to the bazaar.

Saturday, November 5^th

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Centre Immaculée-Conception

99-101 Garnet Street, St. Catharines

There was a penny sale, raffles, baked goods, light lunch, Christmas decorations and much more.

 

A visit to the Welland Farmers' Market - 10 September 2011

Here are a few vignettes and photos taken at the Welland, Ontario Farmers' Market . The official location is Welland Market Square, 50 Market Square, Welland, Ontario.

The shoppers are a varied bunch. I heard several languages being spoken: English, French, Polish, Russian, Italian and Portuguese. It was wonderful to hear everyone talk and rejoice at the bounty of the season.

The produce was beautiful and soooo fresh.  I was glad to see some heirloom vegetables and free range meat for sale there as well. I wish that there were more vendors of heirloom veggies. The taste is heirloom vegetables is so superior to the modernized hybrids so as to be a different vegetable.

The market reminded me of the justifiably renowned Atwater Market in Montreal and that is a good thing. This is very much a community market - I advise that you be there by noon on Saturdays as the place is usually vacated by 2:00 p.m.

Here is the video of the Welland Farmers' Market

People waiting in line for baked goods

  This is a very popular market - lots of folks purchasing food

 

 

 

  Have a fresh apple fritter and a tea in the Tea Room

  The Welland Farmers Market is a strong contender for the best Farmers Market in the Niagara Region.

 

Welland Farmers' Market

Market Square, Welland, Ontario

http://www.welland.ca/market/

Google Map

 
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The Annual Tomato Fest at Tree and Twig in Wellandport - 4 September 2011

Linda Crago held her annual Tomato Bash at her Tree and Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm in Wellandport, Ontario on Saturday. The weather was threatening but the rain held off and the breeze was a respite from the warm humidity of the day. A good number of people turned out to the function to enjoy the food, the tour, good conversation and to purchase Tree and Twig harvested and saved seeds.

For those readers who don't know about Linda Crago; she is a local hero. While many of us talk about wanting to grow heirloom vegetables - Linda walks the walk. Tree and Twig is a testament to Linda's remarkably clear vision and the gumption to bring that vision to fruition - annually.

Here is Part 1 of the video - the Tomato Fest

Here is Part 2 of the video - The Garden Tour

Our hostess, Linda Crago, in her normal surroundings!

 

  The sampling table was busy

  The musician, Paul Federici's performance was enjoyed by all.

  Friends came to demonstrate dishes:

Nicole and Jason Sawatsky of Mahtay Cafe

  Scott Hunter of Commisso's Fresh Foods

  Kevin Maniaci from Inn on the Twenty

  Shawn Murphy of The Keefer Inn

  Marlie Centawer

 

  and Linda waving goodbye

 

Thank you Linda, for everything.

Tree & Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm
84039 Road 45, Wellandport, ON L0R 2J0
Tel  905-386-7388      
www.TreeandTwig.ca

Google Map

 

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A visit to Yates Street in St. Catharines - 29 August 2011

It should come as no surprise that St. Catharines has some very interesting neighbourhoods with some very interesting homes. The good news is that St. Catharines is a very affordable place to live from the real estate point of view, especially when compared to Toronto.

Yates Street is one of the historic streets in the City and a very enjoyable walk too.  The walk I normally suggest to people is that they start near St. Paul St. and walk Northernly up the few bocks to the end of the street and return on the other side of the street. Then I suggest that they walk East along St. Paul and stop at one of the many cafes, bistros or restaurants and have a lunch or dinner. It is a wonderful and enjoyable way to learn about the City.

Below is a video walking tour of Yates Street in 2 parts.

 Here is Part 1 of the video tour.

Here is Part 2 of the video tour
 

It is nice to see a few hitching posts on the street to hitch your horse - from the 1800s

Yates Street,  St. Catharines, Ontario
Google Map

 

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A visit to Stoney Ridge Estate Winery - 19 August 2011

After having lunch elsewhere, we headed out to Stoney Ridge for dessert .... and wine. It was a warm day so we sat in comfortable chairs outdoors under a parasol and relaxed.

We ordered some wine, which was both excellent in taste and adequate in quantity - unlike many other wineries. We also ordered a cheese plate and that was excellent. The video explains more about the cheese plate.

This photo was taken late Winter 2011

This video and the images below were taken on 19 August 2011

We had a very pleasant and affordable time.  Beautiful grounds, plus excellent wine and cheese and let us not forget the comfortable chairs and superb service - all of which makes this winery as a strong recommend to anyone who asks.

Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
3201 King St., Vineland, Ontario L0R 2C0 

Tel 1-866-778-6639
www.stoneyridge.com

Google Map

 

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A Carillon, a Pagota and some Kitsch - 1 August 2011

I often find myself staring at the elegant tower inside the North entrance to the Victoria Lawn Cemetery on Queenston Road in St. Catharines. I had assumed that the tower was a Folly, a building built primarily for decoration but that it is in fact a Carillon. 

The architecture certainly mirrors the Anglo Scottish dominance of these parts and the influence of the Scottish Rite Freemasons. Here is map to the cemetery a map of the cemetery if you wish to find the Carillon or Pagota shown below or just have a tour.

The Carillon / Folly

The Pagota Pagota

After having been to the Victoria Lawn Cemetery to photograph the above Carillon / Folly and then the Pagota on the very southern part of the cemetery. 

 I left the cemetery by Emmett Road and I immediately came upon this very vividly coloured collection of outdoor ornaments and bric a brac. I have to tell you, I had a big smile on my face and was grateful to see that there are many types of people in St. Catharines. Enjoy.

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