Kingston Live Podcast

How the Kingston Jazz Society keeps the city's music legacy alive

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 overview1:48 Kingston's musical DNA: Jazz6:10 Discovering jazz music's difference – and magic11:29 Kingston jazz's wartime roots15:04 Nurturing future generations of jazz musicians19:00 Barriers to entry: Politics and public education24:08 All about the Kingston Jazz Society28:21 Where to experience live jazz in Kingston33:37 ZAMFIR: George's Zero Attitude Maximum Fun annual fest celebrates 30 years38:13 Curating connection: The ZAMFIR and Island Jazz festival experiences42:03 Capturing the live music and action44:50 Future plans for the Kingston Jazz Society48:39 Episode creditsEpisode Production CreditsGuests:George Broughton, Board President, Kingston Jazz SocietyHosts:Pete Sanfilippo pete@kingstonlive.caMusic in this episode:Oscar Evans (song unknown)Audio production:SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/viewEpisode LinksKingston Jazz Society https://kingstonlive.ca/kingstonjazzsocietyChantal Thompson https://kingstonlive.ca/chantal-thompsonOscar Evans https://kingstonlive.ca/oscarevansSylvain Gagnon https://sylvaingagnon6.wixsite.com/home/bioThe 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/viewR.C.H.A. Club Hotel Wolfe Island https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191623/viewSt. Mark's Lutheran Church https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1192338/viewThe Spire https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191615/viewLittle Rambunctious https://littlerambunctious.bandcamp.comJamstone Productions https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1192262/viewLes Royal Pickles https://lesroyalpickles.bandcamp.com/musicSavannah Shea https://kingstonlive.ca/savannah-sheaChina Cat Riders https://kingstonlive.ca/the_china_cat_riders_grateful_dead_tributeThe Belleville Jazz Society https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61573620077845The Musician's Performance Trust Fund https://musicpf.orgInner HarbourSign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

Frank Ryan on Kingston as Canada's music city

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 overview2:46 From Dublin to Kingston: Frank's journey6:48 The value of mentorship8:24 How rising costs push culture out of communities12:08 Why music thrives in Kingston15:54 Kingston's unique geographic opportunity17:36 The allure of Kingston's music scene21:43 Frank's musical inspiration24:39 Frank's "flip" from guitarist to vocalist29:32 From busking to breakthrough to back-to-basics33:58 Frank's surprising warm-up routine37:18 Song: Stone Me by Frank Ryan42:39 No compromises: Timing Frank's new album release48:53 Leaving L.A. for Kingston: A community of "real love and support"53:04 Excitement for the future of Kingston's music scene57:05 How Kingston's abundance of local music creates connection1:00:55 Live music as the magic element of community1:04:00 Kingston's evolving musical landscape1:07:20 Why we need a middle class of music1:10:06 Kingston's magical live music combination1:13:42 Episode creditsEpisode Production CreditsGuests:Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryanHosts:Johnny San john@kingstonlive.caMusic in this episode:Stone Me by Frank RyanCover photo:Virginia Meeks https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191735/viewAudio production:SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/viewEpisode LinksFrank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryanSteve Jordan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jordan_(drummer)Roswell Rehearsals https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191624/viewThe Toucan https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/viewMusiikki Café & Whiskey Bar https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/viewKingston 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…

The Cove Inn: Crafting experiences music lovers crave

Tucked away just north of Kingston in the town of Westport is The Cove Inn, a hidden gem that's been quietly gaining a reputation as a legendary Canadian live music venue. Johnny and Rob visit with the historic hotel's manager and music curator, Seamus Cowan, to understand how this country-pub-turned-community-hub has become a pillar of eastern Ontario's music scene, and how Seamus crafts unique and unforgettable experiences that keep music lovers coming back for more.   Episode Production CreditsGuests:Seamus Cowan thecoveinnwestport@gmail.comHosts:Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.caJohnny San john@kingstonlive.caEpisode Links:The Cove Inn https://kingstonlive.ca/thecoveinnMusicWestport https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1266840/viewWestPorch Festival https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1269740/viewKingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/viewSign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

The seven sides of Stephen Stanley

Following his departure from the iconic indie band he co-founded, Lowest of the Low, Stephen Stanley has continued writing, recording, releasing and touring his own brand of music as The Stephen Stanley Band. He also keeps busy hosting a long-running weekly radio show; reuniting with Low bandmates for occasional shows and mini-tours; collaborating with emerging Kingston artists, and organizing annual tribute concerts to his late friend, music journalist Dave Bookman. On this episode, Stephen shares his excitement for his latest project: Stephen Stanley & NoElectric, an un-plugged musical collaboration between Stephen and several top Kingston area musicians.Chapters:0:22 Episode overview2:10 Looking back on Lowest of the Low7:34 A new project: Stephen Stanley & NoElectric13:04 Juggling multiple musical endeavours14:24 Stephen Stanley & NoElectric's upcoming mini-tour17:01 How unplugged aspirations sparked NoElectric19:07 "The legacy of my left ear."21:39 Tania Joy to join upcoming Kingston show23:44 Embodying the spirit of indie music25:04 Kingston's beloved Broom Factory venue26:49 Collaborating with Kingston's Piner30:59 Capturing a special show in Adolphustown34:05 Song: By Her Side (Live) by Stephen Stanley & NoElectric43:05 The magnetism of Kingston's music community47:34 Limitations and learning to say no51:00 Episode creditsEpisode Production CreditsGuests:Stephen Stanley https://kingstonlive.ca/stephenstanleyHosts:Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.caCover photo:Virginia Meeks https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191735/viewEpisode Links:Stephen Stanley & NoElectric https://kingstonlive.ca/noelectricThe Stephen Stanley Band https://kingstonlive.ca/the-stephen-stanley-bandNorthern Wish on Hunters Bay Radio https://www.muskokaradio.com/northern-wish/Tania Joy http://taniajoy.comPiner https://kingstonlive.ca/pinerStephen Stanley & NoElectric at The Broom Factory, November 2025 https://kingstonlive.ca/show/843877/viewKingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/viewSign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

For the love of punk: Forty Seven Teeth

Anna, Dee and Jesse of Forty Seven Teeth reunite with host Riley to reminisce about Kingston's punk and indie music scene, and share a new song from their forthcoming album. Chapters:00:00:22 Episode overview00:01:40 Fast forward to 202500:03:25 A new album in the works00:05:33 Meeting your heroes… awkward!00:06:28 Exclusivity and rebelliousness as performance draws00:08:36 The all-ages matinee resurgence00:09:32 Ghosts of Kingston music venues past00:13:52 Are music compilations still key to punk?00:15:56 Earthy, woodsy, witches: New music video00:16:58 Song: Portland Flower by Forty Seven Teeth00:21:54 New album release details00:23:06 All the Feels: Amherst Island Radio show00:25:05 Episode creditsEpisode Production CreditsGuests:Anna RobertsonDee PrescottJesse AylesworthHosts:Riley Jabour riley@kingstonlive.caEpisode Links:Forty Seven Teeth https://kingstonlive.ca/forty-seven-teethAmherst Island Radio https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1194157/viewKingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/viewSign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…