Kingston Live Podcast

Kingston Live

Kingston Live is independently produced, and the only podcast dedicated to exposing emerging artists and chronicling the thriving local scene in Canada’s First Capital of Music. Hosted by a rotating cast of Kingston media talent, including Johnny San (Soundwise), Riley Jabour (Rogers Media radio personality), Ange Stever, each monthly episode features in-person guest interviews with a Kingston-based band, artist, industry insiders and influencers who keep Kingston’s music scene rich and vibrant.

  1. Paul Langlois stays honest and true on Smooth Rock Falls

    APR 11

    Paul Langlois stays honest and true on Smooth Rock Falls

    Paul Langlois co-wrote some of The Tragically Hip's most iconic songs. Ten years after the band's final performance in Kingston, Paul reflects on his solo work and finding inspiration after The Hip, and shares details and music from his latest release, Smooth Rock Falls. Chapters: 00:00:01 - Episode overview 00:02:39 - Paul's new album: Smooth Rock Falls 00:05:59 - Recording, mixing (and remixing) Smooth Rock Falls 00:08:54 - The inspiration and desperation of songwriting 00:11:05 - Ten-track tendencies and performance pressures 00:16:15 - Perfecting a solo sound 00:19:54 - Music as an outlet for grief 00:24:32 - Song: How You Are? by Paul Langlois 00:28:05 - Thoughts on the recent documentary film, No Dress Rehearsal 00:30:43 - The Hip's farewell show: Ten years later 00:33:08 - Recalling recent guest appearances 00:36:04 - The hard work nobody sees 00:39:19 - Paul's community presence 00:43:50 - Kingston's The Hip farewell show anniversary plans 00:48:15 - Reflecting on the Kingston music scene 00:53:56 - Upcoming festival performances 00:56:07 - Episode credits Episode Production Credits Guests: Paul Langlois Hosts: Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca Angela Stever alegnarevets@gmail.com Music in this episode: How You Are? by Paul Langlois Audio production: SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view Episode Links Paul Langlois https://kingstonlive.ca/paul-langlois Paul Langlois Band https://kingstonlive.ca/paullangloisband The Campfire Liars Club https://kingstonlive.ca/thecampfireliarsclub The Tragically Hip https://kingstonlive.ca/thetragicallyhip The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0LOQ22M65PYSQDFD1QIQM4AW3I/ K-Rock 105.7 FM https://www.seekyoursounds.com/radio/krock1057 Kingston 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…

    58 min
  2. Inside The Isabel: Part Two

    MAR 19

    Inside The Isabel: Part Two

    In part two of our Inside the Isabel series, the Isabel's Senior Marketing Officer, Alyssa de Hoop, and Technical Director, Aaron Holmberg, detail interesting aspects of the performing arts centre's operations. They also share some funny behind-the-scenes stories, dispel some common misperceptions about the Isabel, and how the venue is working to support Kingston's many local acts and artists.    Chapters: 0:00 Episode overview 1:26 Alyssa and Aaron's roles and responsibilities 4:52 A modern marvel in the heart of historic Kingston 6:46 The Isabel's performance spaces 8:18 The purpose-built performance hall 9:26 Hosting a variety of world class performances 10:03 Not just performing but recording too 11:54 Finding fun amidst the seriousness 16:21 The Isabel's residents 17:41 Accessibility features of the Isabel 20:35 How the Isabel supports local acts and artists 22:34 From physical to virtual performance spaces 27:31 Generating operating revenue 31:23 Common misperceptions of the Isabel 33:28 Where to learn more about the Isabel 34:20 Episode production credits Guests: Alyssa de Hoop, Senior Marketing Officer Aaron Holmberg, Technical Director Hosts: Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.ca Cover photo: Timothy Andrews ofprodco@gmail.com Audio production: SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view Episode Links The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts https://kingstonlive.ca/isabel-bader-centre-for-the-performing-arts Queen's University https://www.queensu.ca Queen's University Film and Media https://www.queensu.ca/filmandmedia/ Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1196399/view Kingston 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…

    37 min
  3. Inside The Isabel: Part One

    FEB 27

    Inside The Isabel: Part One

    This month we go inside what has become one of Kingston's most treasured venues: The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. In part one of a special two-part episode, The Isabel's Director, Gordon E. Smith, explains the vision, history, development and significance of the Queen's University-run building as a public space, educational facility, cultural hub and world class performance hall. Chapters: 0:22 Episode overview 02:04 The Isabel: A primer 04:42 The Isabel's inception 06:57 Building The Isabel 11:04 Project challenges and preserving the past 16:15 Prioritizinig diversity in programming performances 19:43 Complement don't compete: Collaborating with other cultural venues 23:10 Residencies and recording at The Isabel 27:05 Stewarding The Isabel as a place and a presence 29:24 Historical significance of The Isabel's site 32:04 Episode credits Episode Production Credits Guests: Gordon E. Smith, The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts Hosts: Pete Sanfilippo pete@kingstonlive.ca Cover photo: Timothy Andrews ofprodco@gmail.com Audio production: SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view Episode Links The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts https://kingstonlive.ca/isabel-bader-centre-for-the-performing-arts Queen's University https://www.queensu.ca Queen's University DAN School of Drama and Music https://sdm.queensu.ca Queen's University Film and Media https://www.queensu.ca/filmandmedia/ Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1196399/view Kingston 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…

    33 min
  4. How the Kingston Jazz Society keeps the city's music legacy alive

    JAN 30

    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 overview 1:48 Kingston's musical DNA: Jazz 6:10 Discovering jazz music's difference – and magic 11:29 Kingston jazz's wartime roots 15:04 Nurturing future generations of jazz musicians 19:00 Barriers to entry: Politics and public education 24:08 All about the Kingston Jazz Society 28:21 Where to experience live jazz in Kingston 33:37 ZAMFIR: George's Zero Attitude Maximum Fun annual fest celebrates 30 years 38:13 Curating connection: The ZAMFIR and Island Jazz festival experiences 42:03 Capturing the live music and action 44:50 Future plans for the Kingston Jazz Society 48:39 Episode credits Episode Production Credits Guests: George Broughton, Board President, Kingston Jazz Society Hosts: Pete Sanfilippo pete@kingstonlive.ca Music in this episode: Oscar Evans (song unknown) Audio production: SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view Episode Links Kingston Jazz Society https://kingstonlive.ca/kingstonjazzsociety Chantal Thompson https://kingstonlive.ca/chantal-thompson Oscar Evans https://kingstonlive.ca/oscarevans Sylvain Gagnon https://sylvaingagnon6.wixsite.com/home/bio The 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/view R.C.H.A. Club Hotel Wolfe Island https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191623/view St. Mark's Lutheran Church https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1192338/view The Spire https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191615/view Little Rambunctious https://littlerambunctious.bandcamp.com Jamstone Productions https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1192262/view Les Royal Pickles https://lesroyalpickles.bandcamp.com/music Savannah Shea https://kingstonlive.ca/savannah-shea China Cat Riders https://kingstonlive.ca/the_china_cat_riders_grateful_dead_tribute The Belleville Jazz Society https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61573620077845 The Musician's Performance Trust Fund https://musicpf.org Inner Harbou Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

    49 min
  5. Frank Ryan on Kingston as Canada's music city

    12/30/2025

    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 overview 2:46 From Dublin to Kingston: Frank's journey 6:48 The value of mentorship 8:24 How rising costs push culture out of communities 12:08 Why music thrives in Kingston 15:54 Kingston's unique geographic opportunity 17:36 The allure of Kingston's music scene 21:43 Frank's musical inspiration 24:39 Frank's "flip" from guitarist to vocalist 29:32 From busking to breakthrough to back-to-basics 33:58 Frank's surprising warm-up routine 37:18 Song: Stone Me by Frank Ryan 42:39 No compromises: Timing Frank's new album release 48:53 Leaving L.A. for Kingston: A community of "real love and support" 53:04 Excitement for the future of Kingston's music scene 57:05 How Kingston's abundance of local music creates connection 1:00:55 Live music as the magic element of community 1:04:00 Kingston's evolving musical landscape 1:07:20 Why we need a middle class of music 1:10:06 Kingston's magical live music combination 1:13:42 Episode credits Episode Production Credits Guests: Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan Hosts: Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca Music in this episode: Stone Me by Frank Ryan Cover photo: Virginia Meeks https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191735/view Audio production: SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view Episode Links Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan Steve Jordan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jordan_(drummer) Roswell Rehearsals https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191624/view The Toucan https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view Musiikki Café & Whiskey Bar https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view Kingston 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…

    1h 15m
  6. The seven sides of Stephen Stanley

    11/01/2025

    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 overview 2:10 Looking back on Lowest of the Low 7:34 A new project: Stephen Stanley & NoElectric 13:04 Juggling multiple musical endeavours 14:24 Stephen Stanley & NoElectric's upcoming mini-tour 17:01 How unplugged aspirations sparked NoElectric 19:07 "The legacy of my left ear." 21:39 Tania Joy to join upcoming Kingston show 23:44 Embodying the spirit of indie music 25:04 Kingston's beloved Broom Factory venue 26:49 Collaborating with Kingston's Piner 30:59 Capturing a special show in Adolphustown 34:05 Song: By Her Side (Live) by Stephen Stanley & NoElectric 43:05 The magnetism of Kingston's music community 47:34 Limitations and learning to say no 51:00 Episode credits Episode Production Credits Guests: Stephen Stanley https://kingstonlive.ca/stephenstanley Hosts: Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.ca Cover photo: Virginia Meeks https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191735/view Episode Links: Stephen Stanley & NoElectric https://kingstonlive.ca/noelectric The Stephen Stanley Band https://kingstonlive.ca/the-stephen-stanley-band Northern Wish on Hunters Bay Radio https://www.muskokaradio.com/northern-wish/ Tania Joy http://taniajoy.com Piner https://kingstonlive.ca/piner Stephen Stanley & NoElectric at The Broom Factory, November 2025 https://kingstonlive.ca/show/843877/view Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/ Audio production by Soundwise https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here…

    52 min

About

Kingston Live is independently produced, and the only podcast dedicated to exposing emerging artists and chronicling the thriving local scene in Canada’s First Capital of Music. Hosted by a rotating cast of Kingston media talent, including Johnny San (Soundwise), Riley Jabour (Rogers Media radio personality), Ange Stever, each monthly episode features in-person guest interviews with a Kingston-based band, artist, industry insiders and influencers who keep Kingston’s music scene rich and vibrant.

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