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. 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
  2. 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 Harbour 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
  3. 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 14m
  4. The Cove Inn: Crafting experiences music lovers crave

    12/01/2025

    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 Credits Guests: Seamus Cowan thecoveinnwestport@gmail.com Hosts: Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.ca Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca Episode Links: The Cove Inn https://kingstonlive.ca/thecoveinn MusicWestport https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1266840/view WestPorch Festival https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1269740/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…

    44 min
  5. 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
  6. For the love of punk: Forty Seven Teeth

    10/01/2025

    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 overview 00:01:40 Fast forward to 2025 00:03:25 A new album in the works 00:05:33 Meeting your heroes… awkward! 00:06:28 Exclusivity and rebelliousness as performance draws 00:08:36 The all-ages matinee resurgence 00:09:32 Ghosts of Kingston music venues past 00:13:52 Are music compilations still key to punk? 00:15:56 Earthy, woodsy, witches: New music video 00:16:58 Song: Portland Flower by Forty Seven Teeth 00:21:54 New album release details 00:23:06 All the Feels: Amherst Island Radio show 00:25:05 Episode credits Episode Production Credits Guests: Anna Robertson Dee Prescott Jesse Aylesworth Hosts: Riley Jabour riley@kingstonlive.ca Episode Links: Forty Seven Teeth https://kingstonlive.ca/forty-seven-teeth Amherst Island Radio https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1194157/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…

    26 min
  7. Music and mental health: A conversation with Kingston musicians

    08/29/2025

    Music and mental health: A conversation with Kingston musicians

    Is the music industry a mental health hazard? This is one of the many questions explored in this episode, as Johnny and first-time co-host, Jermaine Marshall, explore the mental health and wellness challenges of writing, recording and performing music with local artists Ricky Brant—who writes, records and performs music as KaKaow (and hosts Musiikki Café's popular weekly open mic night)—and Rich Tyo of JukeBox County, who is also a professional psychotherapist. The conversation spans everything from substance abuse and addiction to grief and trauma, and covers topics ranging from self-care to professional help and even psychedelics treatment. Chapters: 00:00:22 Episode overview 00:01:38 Guest and host introductions 00:03:15 Psychiatry vs. psychotherapy 00:04:44 Is the music industry a mental health hazard? 00:08:49 Music as an outlet for pain and trauma 00:12:34 Balancing artist image and authentic identity 00:15:42 Music as a mental health tool 00:18:21 The vulnerable act of making and sharing music 00:21:39 Reconciling religion and music 00:23:57 Opening the musical medicine cabinet 00:26:56 Processing feelings vs. catharsis 00:30:37 How to approach professional mental health help 00:33:55 Live music as therapeutic infrastructure 00:40:06 No substitute for connection 00:42:54 Carrying grief as an artist 00:44:50 Ricky's rebound from rock bottom 00:53:13 Psychedelic support 00:55:46 Episode credits Episode Production Credits Guests: Rich Tyo of JukeBox County https://kingstonlive.ca/jukebox-county Ricky Brant (KaKaow) https://kingstonlive.ca/kakaow Hosts: Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca Jermaine Marshall https://kingstonlive.ca/jermainemarshall Episode Links: Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Addiction & Mental Health Services https://amhs-kfla.ca AMHS-KFLA mental health crisis programs https://amhs-kfla.ca/programs-services/crisis/ Outside the Box Education & Psychotherapy https://www.kingstonoutsidethebox.com/ JukeBox County https://kingstonlive.ca/jukebox-county KaKaow https://kingstonlive.ca/kakaow Musiikki Café https://kingstonlive.ca/musiikki-cafe 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…

    57 min
  8. The little station that grew: Amherst Island Radio

    07/31/2025

    The little station that grew: Amherst Island Radio

    Amherst Island Radio embodies the spirit of community radio. Broadcasting on 101.3 FM from their CJAI "world headquarters" on Amherst Island, and powered by a small army of passionate volunteers, they've forged a staunchly loyal listenership across the greater Kingston area. Station Manager, Eric Tremblay, reveals the stories and secrets that continue to fuel the station's success, including their recent expansion to mainland and new media hub, their commitment to live and local music, and their fundraising initiatives that have generated nearly $200,000. Chapters: 00:00:23 Episode overview 00:02:54 Community vs. commercial radio 00:04:52 A brief history of Amherst Island Radio 00:09:37 The unpredictability advantage 00:11:28 The local news leader 00:14:13 "Our identity IS the community." 00:16:45 Supporting live and local music 00:20:01 Recent growth and changes 00:22:08 Fundraising, revenue generation and giving back 00:26:06 Reinvesting in the radio station 00:29:14 Tapping into volunteer passion 00:32:10 Engaging the listening audience 00:33:50 Vocal volunteer advocacy 00:35:55 Setting sights on next milestones 00:40:03 Misperceptions on getting involved 00:42:15 An invitation to tune in 00:44:24 Episode credits Episode Production Credits Guests: Eric Tremblay, Station Manager eric.tremblay23@gmail.com Hosts: Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.ca Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca Episode Links: Amherst Island Radio CJAI 101.3 FM https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1194157/view Radio Free Stella http://www.radiofreestella.com/ Radio Queen's University CFRC 101.9 FM https://kingstonlive.ca/cfrcqueensradio 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…

    46 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kingston Live
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kingston Live Podcast
  • Show Website
    Kingston Live Podcast