#localart — Public Fediverse posts

THE LOCALIST: APRIL 2026 WRAP-UP

A Horse Named Friday—The Marriage of Loneliness and Continental Bliss

(LP)

Release Date: Apr. 14, 2026

City: Kitchener

Genre: Chamber Folk

The long-awaited debut album from A Horse Named Friday is the product of their gradual evolution over the last two years. The band experiments with a wide variety of instruments such as banjo, mandolin, violin, cello and harmonica, fulfilling a […]

PAUL DROTOS’ GUIDE FOR YOUR IMPROV JOURNEY

Your Improv Journey is Paul Drotos’ treatise meant for beginners, veterans and randos. It is an easy read and is relevant even when considering teamwork, community and art in general.   

Improv is an art form where actors create scenes on the spot. In a show, troupes will usually have games they play with varying levels of audience input.   

When the scene ends, that is the end of […]

PAUL DROTOS’ GUIDE FOR YOUR IMPROV JOURNEY

Your Improv Journey is Paul Drotos’ treatise meant for beginners, veterans and randos. It is an easy read and is relevant even when considering teamwork, community and art in general.   

Improv is an art form where actors create scenes on the spot. In a show, troupes will usually have games they play with varying levels of audience input.   

When the scene ends, that is the end of […]

PAUL DROTOS’ GUIDE FOR YOUR IMPROV JOURNEY

Your Improv Journey is Paul Drotos’ treatise meant for beginners, veterans and randos. It is an easy read and is relevant even when considering teamwork, community and art in general.   

Improv is an art form where actors create scenes on the spot. In a show, troupes will usually have games they play with varying levels of audience input.   

When the scene ends, that is the end of […]

PAUL DROTOS’ GUIDE FOR YOUR IMPROV JOURNEY

Your Improv Journey is Paul Drotos’ treatise meant for beginners, veterans and randos. It is an easy read and is relevant even when considering teamwork, community and art in general.   

Improv is an art form where actors create scenes on the spot. In a show, troupes will usually have games they play with varying levels of audience input.   

When the scene ends, that is the end of […]

PAUL DROTOS’ GUIDE FOR YOUR IMPROV JOURNEY

Your Improv Journey is Paul Drotos’ treatise meant for beginners, veterans and randos. It is an easy read and is relevant even when considering teamwork, community and art in general.   

Improv is an art form where actors create scenes on the spot. In a show, troupes will usually have games they play with varying levels of audience input.   

When the scene ends, that is the end of […]

A HORSE NAMED FRIDAY LAUNCH ANTICIPATED DEBUT ALBUM

On Apr. 14, 2026, the Kitchener-based chamber-folk band A Horse Named Friday released their debut album, The Marriage of Loneliness and Continental Bliss, marking a milestone for a project that was years in the making.  

The band kicked off their supporting tour this month at Kitchener’s Queen St. Commons Cafe, bringing a sound shaped by diverse instrumentation and a strong sense of […]

Greenroots Gallery: Art, Nature & Creative Business in One Space

https://sowetoapparel.wordpress.com/2026/05/10/greenroots-gallery-art-nature-creative-business-in-one-space/

Greenroots Gallery: Art, Nature & Creative Business in One Space

https://sowetoapparel.wordpress.com/2026/05/10/greenroots-gallery-art-nature-creative-business-in-one-space/

Greenroots Gallery: Art, Nature & Creative Business in One Space

https://sowetoapparel.wordpress.com/2026/05/10/greenroots-gallery-art-nature-creative-business-in-one-space/

Greenroots Gallery: Art, Nature & Creative Business in One Space

https://sowetoapparel.wordpress.com/2026/05/10/greenroots-gallery-art-nature-creative-business-in-one-space/

Greenroots Gallery: Art, Nature & Creative Business in One Space

https://sowetoapparel.wordpress.com/2026/05/10/greenroots-gallery-art-nature-creative-business-in-one-space/

#3goodthings

1. A day spent with my mom. Garage sales, helping out around the house.

2. Some helpful critiques for my writing.

3. A kickass art show featuring two dozen local artists.

What a lovely day. Now I am tired and will have ice cream. Ooh, good thing number four 😉

#today #writing #MothersDay #art #localart #saskatoon

#3goodthings

1. A day spent with my mom. Garage sales, helping out around the house.

2. Some helpful critiques for my writing.

3. A kickass art show featuring two dozen local artists.

What a lovely day. Now I am tired and will have ice cream. Ooh, good thing number four 😉

#today #writing #MothersDay #art #localart #saskatoon

#3goodthings

1. A day spent with my mom. Garage sales, helping out around the house.

2. Some helpful critiques for my writing.

3. A kickass art show featuring two dozen local artists.

What a lovely day. Now I am tired and will have ice cream. Ooh, good thing number four 😉

#today #writing #MothersDay #art #localart #saskatoon

#3goodthings

1. A day spent with my mom. Garage sales, helping out around the house.

2. Some helpful critiques for my writing.

3. A kickass art show featuring two dozen local artists.

What a lovely day. Now I am tired and will have ice cream. Ooh, good thing number four 😉

#today #writing #MothersDay #art #localart #saskatoon

#3goodthings

1. A day spent with my mom. Garage sales, helping out around the house.

2. Some helpful critiques for my writing.

3. A kickass art show featuring two dozen local artists.

What a lovely day. Now I am tired and will have ice cream. Ooh, good thing number four 😉

#today #writing #MothersDay #art #localart #saskatoon

Currently deep in magnet-painting mode for an upcoming art show! 🧲🎨

There's something really satisfying about working small; you have to commit to every stroke, and the colors have to hit hard. These little ones are turning out so fun.

I'll share show details as we get closer — come say hi if you're in the area! They'll be available to take home for your fridge or wherever you need a tiny piece of art.

#ArtShow #Magnets #SmallArt #HandmadeArt #LocalArt #ArtistLife #ComingSoon

Currently deep in magnet-painting mode for an upcoming art show! 🧲🎨

There's something really satisfying about working small; you have to commit to every stroke, and the colors have to hit hard. These little ones are turning out so fun.

I'll share show details as we get closer — come say hi if you're in the area! They'll be available to take home for your fridge or wherever you need a tiny piece of art.

#ArtShow #Magnets #SmallArt #HandmadeArt #LocalArt #ArtistLife #ComingSoon

At Roosevelt High, a concert brings Boyle Heights’ Japanese American past into the present

This story first appeared on The LA Local. On a recent Wednesday evening in March, the auditorium at Roosevelt High School buzzed with …
#Japan #JP #JapanNews #animethemes #artperformances #boyleheights #concert #Japanese #JapaneseAmericans #Japanesenews #localart #news #roosevelthigh
https://www.alojapan.com/1476381/at-roosevelt-high-a-concert-brings-boyle-heights-japanese-american-past-into-the-present/

At Roosevelt High, a concert brings Boyle Heights’ Japanese American past into the present

This story first appeared on The LA Local. On a recent Wednesday evening in March, the auditorium at Roosevelt High School buzzed with …
#Japan #JP #JapanNews #animethemes #artperformances #boyleheights #concert #Japanese #JapaneseAmericans #Japanesenews #localart #news #roosevelthigh
https://www.alojapan.com/1476381/at-roosevelt-high-a-concert-brings-boyle-heights-japanese-american-past-into-the-present/

https://www.alojapan.com/1476381/at-roosevelt-high-a-concert-brings-boyle-heights-japanese-american-past-into-the-present/ At Roosevelt High, a concert brings Boyle Heights’ Japanese American past into the present #AnimeThemes #ArtPerformances #BoyleHeights #concert #Japan #JapanNews #Japanese #JapaneseAmericans #JapaneseNews #LocalArt #news #RooseveltHigh This story first appeared on The LA Local. On a recent Wednesday evening in March, the auditorium at Roosevelt High School buzzed with old-school Japanese anime anthems. Songs like Hironobu Kageyama’s “Cha-La H

https://www.alojapan.com/1476381/at-roosevelt-high-a-concert-brings-boyle-heights-japanese-american-past-into-the-present/ At Roosevelt High, a concert brings Boyle Heights’ Japanese American past into the present #AnimeThemes #ArtPerformances #BoyleHeights #concert #Japan #JapanNews #Japanese #JapaneseAmericans #JapaneseNews #LocalArt #news #RooseveltHigh This story first appeared on The LA Local. On a recent Wednesday evening in March, the auditorium at Roosevelt High School buzzed with old-school Japanese anime anthems. Songs like Hironobu Kageyama’s “Cha-La H

RE: https://mastoart.social/@photosbygina_yeg/116211029390771007

It's today!!! 😄 Yes, you can RSVP at the door--tickets are pay-what-you-will. Stop by if you're in #YEG and you're into the #art scene 🎨 📷 See you there!

#yegArtist #yegArt #LocalArt #SupportLocalArt

RE: https://mastoart.social/@photosbygina_yeg/116211029390771007

It's today!!! 😄 Yes, you can RSVP at the door--tickets are pay-what-you-will. Stop by if you're in #YEG and you're into the #art scene 🎨 📷 See you there!

#yegArtist #yegArt #LocalArt #SupportLocalArt

RE: https://mastoart.social/@photosbygina_yeg/116211029390771007

It's today!!! 😄 Yes, you can RSVP at the door--tickets are pay-what-you-will. Stop by if you're in #YEG and you're into the #art scene 🎨 📷 See you there!

#yegArtist #yegArt #LocalArt #SupportLocalArt

RE: https://mastoart.social/@photosbygina_yeg/116211029390771007

It's today!!! 😄 Yes, you can RSVP at the door--tickets are pay-what-you-will. Stop by if you're in #YEG and you're into the #art scene 🎨 📷 See you there!

#yegArtist #yegArt #LocalArt #SupportLocalArt

RE: https://mastoart.social/@photosbygina_yeg/116211029390771007

It's today!!! 😄 Yes, you can RSVP at the door--tickets are pay-what-you-will. Stop by if you're in #YEG and you're into the #art scene 🎨 📷 See you there!

#yegArtist #yegArt #LocalArt #SupportLocalArt

KWARTZLAB PROVIDES MEMBERS ACCESS TO INVALUABLE TOOLS

Hobbies can quickly become expensive, especially if it’s one that requires specialized tools like a laser cutter or full-size floor loom. But what if you did not have to buy those tools or find space in your basement for them?  

That is the mission of Kwartzlab, a volunteer-led maker space located at 145 Bedford Rd. in Kitchener. Kwartzlab offers monthly memberships for $59 plus HST, which provides 24/7 access to the space’s wood, metal, textile, and pottery shops and tools.  

Kwartzlab opened in 2009 inside the Boehmer Box building on Duke St., before moving to a space near Kent St. and Charles St. 

Sarah Jones, Kwartzlab’s president, said the idea for the space came from a group of people who wanted to get together and build things. 

“It was very much a hacker type of place, and some of those people are still members today,” Jones said. 

“I used to have to tape every wooden corner because they would catch my sweater. Our metal, wood and welding shops would fit into one room here,” she said. 

Kwartzlab moved the space on Bedford Rd. in 2019, and has taken over additional space since to add a textile area with looms and knitting machines. Today, it offers 9,000 square feet of space to its 230 members.  

The membership base includes individuals and some small businesses. Jones said they have chosen to offer a single membership rate rather than a tier-based system. 

“There’s a fundamental belief [that] we don’t want businesses to pay more and then suddenly feel like they have more privileges. We often get asked about student rates and things like that, but honestly, our rates are so much lower than any other maker space that it’s kind of hard to lower it any more,” Jones said. 

In addition to memberships, Kwartzlab does offer rental spaces for members who need to store items onsite or for private workspaces. 

“Membership pays for the lights on, and then studios end up paying for all the extra tools that we want to buy,” she said. 

The general public can experience the Kwartzlab space at its Tuesday Open Nights, monthly mending and repair drop-ins, or at member-led workshops. At the Tuesday Open Nights, non-members can come to Kwartzlab and use general tools like sewing machines or hand drills. Specialized tools like the laser cutter or CNC machine are reserved for members. 

“So, if you have something to sew and you want to just borrow a sewing machine, you could come in and do that. We’ve had in the past somebody who came in every Tuesday for two months and sewed a shirt,” Jones said. 

As the space approaches its 20th anniversary and begins planning for its next chapter, Jones said accessibility is the top priority, whether that means staying on Bedford Rd. or finding somewhere new. 

“That last move was chaotic. We lost members, we burned out the rest. We’re already planning ahead for how we manage it better this time,” Jones said. 

Regardless of the space or the tools, Jones said what makes Kwartzlab work is the people and a willingness to try something new. 

“Here it’s okay to not know everything. You can say, ‘I’ve never rewired an outlet, could somebody show me?’ And somebody will. I joke that we’re all weird around here. You just want the right kind of weird,” she said. 

KWARTZLAB PROVIDES MEMBERS ACCESS TO INVALUABLE TOOLS

Hobbies can quickly become expensive, especially if it’s one that requires specialized tools like a laser cutter or full-size floor loom. But what if you did not have to buy those tools or find space in your basement for them?  

That is the mission of Kwartzlab, a volunteer-led maker space located at 145 Bedford Rd. in Kitchener. Kwartzlab offers monthly memberships for $59 plus HST, which provides 24/7 access to the space’s wood, metal, textile, and pottery shops and tools.  

Kwartzlab opened in 2009 inside the Boehmer Box building on Duke St., before moving to a space near Kent St. and Charles St. 

Sarah Jones, Kwartzlab’s president, said the idea for the space came from a group of people who wanted to get together and build things. 

“It was very much a hacker type of place, and some of those people are still members today,” Jones said. 

“I used to have to tape every wooden corner because they would catch my sweater. Our metal, wood and welding shops would fit into one room here,” she said. 

Kwartzlab moved the space on Bedford Rd. in 2019, and has taken over additional space since to add a textile area with looms and knitting machines. Today, it offers 9,000 square feet of space to its 230 members.  

The membership base includes individuals and some small businesses. Jones said they have chosen to offer a single membership rate rather than a tier-based system. 

“There’s a fundamental belief [that] we don’t want businesses to pay more and then suddenly feel like they have more privileges. We often get asked about student rates and things like that, but honestly, our rates are so much lower than any other maker space that it’s kind of hard to lower it any more,” Jones said. 

In addition to memberships, Kwartzlab does offer rental spaces for members who need to store items onsite or for private workspaces. 

“Membership pays for the lights on, and then studios end up paying for all the extra tools that we want to buy,” she said. 

The general public can experience the Kwartzlab space at its Tuesday Open Nights, monthly mending and repair drop-ins, or at member-led workshops. At the Tuesday Open Nights, non-members can come to Kwartzlab and use general tools like sewing machines or hand drills. Specialized tools like the laser cutter or CNC machine are reserved for members. 

“So, if you have something to sew and you want to just borrow a sewing machine, you could come in and do that. We’ve had in the past somebody who came in every Tuesday for two months and sewed a shirt,” Jones said. 

As the space approaches its 20th anniversary and begins planning for its next chapter, Jones said accessibility is the top priority, whether that means staying on Bedford Rd. or finding somewhere new. 

“That last move was chaotic. We lost members, we burned out the rest. We’re already planning ahead for how we manage it better this time,” Jones said. 

Regardless of the space or the tools, Jones said what makes Kwartzlab work is the people and a willingness to try something new. 

“Here it’s okay to not know everything. You can say, ‘I’ve never rewired an outlet, could somebody show me?’ And somebody will. I joke that we’re all weird around here. You just want the right kind of weird,” she said. 

KWARTZLAB PROVIDES MEMBERS ACCESS TO INVALUABLE TOOLS

Hobbies can quickly become expensive, especially if it’s one that requires specialized tools like a laser cutter or full-size floor loom. But what if you did not have to buy those tools or find space in your basement for them?  

That is the mission of Kwartzlab, a volunteer-led maker space located at 145 Bedford Rd. in Kitchener. Kwartzlab offers monthly memberships for $59 plus HST, which provides 24/7 access to the space’s wood, metal, textile, and pottery shops and tools.  

Kwartzlab opened in 2009 inside the Boehmer Box building on Duke St., before moving to a space near Kent St. and Charles St. 

Sarah Jones, Kwartzlab’s president, said the idea for the space came from a group of people who wanted to get together and build things. 

“It was very much a hacker type of place, and some of those people are still members today,” Jones said. 

“I used to have to tape every wooden corner because they would catch my sweater. Our metal, wood and welding shops would fit into one room here,” she said. 

Kwartzlab moved the space on Bedford Rd. in 2019, and has taken over additional space since to add a textile area with looms and knitting machines. Today, it offers 9,000 square feet of space to its 230 members.  

The membership base includes individuals and some small businesses. Jones said they have chosen to offer a single membership rate rather than a tier-based system. 

“There’s a fundamental belief [that] we don’t want businesses to pay more and then suddenly feel like they have more privileges. We often get asked about student rates and things like that, but honestly, our rates are so much lower than any other maker space that it’s kind of hard to lower it any more,” Jones said. 

In addition to memberships, Kwartzlab does offer rental spaces for members who need to store items onsite or for private workspaces. 

“Membership pays for the lights on, and then studios end up paying for all the extra tools that we want to buy,” she said. 

The general public can experience the Kwartzlab space at its Tuesday Open Nights, monthly mending and repair drop-ins, or at member-led workshops. At the Tuesday Open Nights, non-members can come to Kwartzlab and use general tools like sewing machines or hand drills. Specialized tools like the laser cutter or CNC machine are reserved for members. 

“So, if you have something to sew and you want to just borrow a sewing machine, you could come in and do that. We’ve had in the past somebody who came in every Tuesday for two months and sewed a shirt,” Jones said. 

As the space approaches its 20th anniversary and begins planning for its next chapter, Jones said accessibility is the top priority, whether that means staying on Bedford Rd. or finding somewhere new. 

“That last move was chaotic. We lost members, we burned out the rest. We’re already planning ahead for how we manage it better this time,” Jones said. 

Regardless of the space or the tools, Jones said what makes Kwartzlab work is the people and a willingness to try something new. 

“Here it’s okay to not know everything. You can say, ‘I’ve never rewired an outlet, could somebody show me?’ And somebody will. I joke that we’re all weird around here. You just want the right kind of weird,” she said. 

KWARTZLAB PROVIDES MEMBERS ACCESS TO INVALUABLE TOOLS

Hobbies can quickly become expensive, especially if it’s one that requires specialized tools like a laser cutter or full-size floor loom. But what if you did not have to buy those tools or find space in your basement for them?  

That is the mission of Kwartzlab, a volunteer-led maker space located at 145 Bedford Rd. in Kitchener. Kwartzlab offers monthly memberships for $59 plus HST, which provides 24/7 access to the space’s wood, metal, textile, and pottery shops and tools.  

Kwartzlab opened in 2009 inside the Boehmer Box building on Duke St., before moving to a space near Kent St. and Charles St. 

Sarah Jones, Kwartzlab’s president, said the idea for the space came from a group of people who wanted to get together and build things. 

“It was very much a hacker type of place, and some of those people are still members today,” Jones said. 

“I used to have to tape every wooden corner because they would catch my sweater. Our metal, wood and welding shops would fit into one room here,” she said. 

Kwartzlab moved the space on Bedford Rd. in 2019, and has taken over additional space since to add a textile area with looms and knitting machines. Today, it offers 9,000 square feet of space to its 230 members.  

The membership base includes individuals and some small businesses. Jones said they have chosen to offer a single membership rate rather than a tier-based system. 

“There’s a fundamental belief [that] we don’t want businesses to pay more and then suddenly feel like they have more privileges. We often get asked about student rates and things like that, but honestly, our rates are so much lower than any other maker space that it’s kind of hard to lower it any more,” Jones said. 

In addition to memberships, Kwartzlab does offer rental spaces for members who need to store items onsite or for private workspaces. 

“Membership pays for the lights on, and then studios end up paying for all the extra tools that we want to buy,” she said. 

The general public can experience the Kwartzlab space at its Tuesday Open Nights, monthly mending and repair drop-ins, or at member-led workshops. At the Tuesday Open Nights, non-members can come to Kwartzlab and use general tools like sewing machines or hand drills. Specialized tools like the laser cutter or CNC machine are reserved for members. 

“So, if you have something to sew and you want to just borrow a sewing machine, you could come in and do that. We’ve had in the past somebody who came in every Tuesday for two months and sewed a shirt,” Jones said. 

As the space approaches its 20th anniversary and begins planning for its next chapter, Jones said accessibility is the top priority, whether that means staying on Bedford Rd. or finding somewhere new. 

“That last move was chaotic. We lost members, we burned out the rest. We’re already planning ahead for how we manage it better this time,” Jones said. 

Regardless of the space or the tools, Jones said what makes Kwartzlab work is the people and a willingness to try something new. 

“Here it’s okay to not know everything. You can say, ‘I’ve never rewired an outlet, could somebody show me?’ And somebody will. I joke that we’re all weird around here. You just want the right kind of weird,” she said. 

KWARTZLAB PROVIDES MEMBERS ACCESS TO INVALUABLE TOOLS

Hobbies can quickly become expensive, especially if it’s one that requires specialized tools like a laser cutter or full-size floor loom. But what if you did not have to buy those tools or find space in your basement for them?  

That is the mission of Kwartzlab, a volunteer-led maker space located at 145 Bedford Rd. in Kitchener. Kwartzlab offers monthly memberships for $59 plus HST, which provides 24/7 access to the space’s wood, metal, textile, and pottery shops and tools.  

Kwartzlab opened in 2009 inside the Boehmer Box building on Duke St., before moving to a space near Kent St. and Charles St. 

Sarah Jones, Kwartzlab’s president, said the idea for the space came from a group of people who wanted to get together and build things. 

“It was very much a hacker type of place, and some of those people are still members today,” Jones said. 

“I used to have to tape every wooden corner because they would catch my sweater. Our metal, wood and welding shops would fit into one room here,” she said. 

Kwartzlab moved the space on Bedford Rd. in 2019, and has taken over additional space since to add a textile area with looms and knitting machines. Today, it offers 9,000 square feet of space to its 230 members.  

The membership base includes individuals and some small businesses. Jones said they have chosen to offer a single membership rate rather than a tier-based system. 

“There’s a fundamental belief [that] we don’t want businesses to pay more and then suddenly feel like they have more privileges. We often get asked about student rates and things like that, but honestly, our rates are so much lower than any other maker space that it’s kind of hard to lower it any more,” Jones said. 

In addition to memberships, Kwartzlab does offer rental spaces for members who need to store items onsite or for private workspaces. 

“Membership pays for the lights on, and then studios end up paying for all the extra tools that we want to buy,” she said. 

The general public can experience the Kwartzlab space at its Tuesday Open Nights, monthly mending and repair drop-ins, or at member-led workshops. At the Tuesday Open Nights, non-members can come to Kwartzlab and use general tools like sewing machines or hand drills. Specialized tools like the laser cutter or CNC machine are reserved for members. 

“So, if you have something to sew and you want to just borrow a sewing machine, you could come in and do that. We’ve had in the past somebody who came in every Tuesday for two months and sewed a shirt,” Jones said. 

As the space approaches its 20th anniversary and begins planning for its next chapter, Jones said accessibility is the top priority, whether that means staying on Bedford Rd. or finding somewhere new. 

“That last move was chaotic. We lost members, we burned out the rest. We’re already planning ahead for how we manage it better this time,” Jones said. 

Regardless of the space or the tools, Jones said what makes Kwartzlab work is the people and a willingness to try something new. 

“Here it’s okay to not know everything. You can say, ‘I’ve never rewired an outlet, could somebody show me?’ And somebody will. I joke that we’re all weird around here. You just want the right kind of weird,” she said. 

COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO CONTROVERSIAL COMEDIAN

On Mar. 7, Femme Folks Fest (FFF) opened its seventh annual event with Just a Joke, a comedy shows in response to a controversial comedian scheduled to perform in Kitchener the same night. 

Comedian Ben Bankas was set to perform at Elements Nightclub. His two shows, which were allegedly sold out, were cancelled by the venue the week prior to his visit.  

Bankas’ shows garnered attention from residents and advocates, who were calling for his show to get cancelled. Queer Youth Defense had also planned a counter demonstration outside the event’s venue.  

Lisa O’Connell, artistic director of Pat the Dog Theatre Creation, which hosts FFF, said that when they heard about Bankas’ scheduled shows, they immediately pivoted to add in Just a Joke.  

The show featured KW Comedy All Stars, a group of 14 local comedians with Amy Neufeld as the show’s host. Together, these comics came together for a night to combat hate with art.  

FFF is an annual event that celebrates music, theatre and comedy by women-identified, femme-presenting and non-binary artists. 

Bankas has received mass criticism since a comedy routine he performed in January in which he made jokes about Renee Good, who was shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. 

“We found it particularly egregious, the jokes that he was making about Renee Good. This is a queer, young mother who  had just dropped off one of her children at school and was shot in the face,” O’Connell said. 

“There’s nothing funny about that. That’s a tragedy of absolutely the worst,” she said. 

Bankas’ past shows have also included commentary on topics such as residential schools, immigration, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as events taking place in Iran.  

Currently on tour, Bankas’ shows in Kitchener are two of many shows that have been cancelled. 

“The fact that [Bankas] was touring and felt safe to come to our community, felt that he had a constituency here, sold out, or at least, alleges that he sold out two shows, and it was on, literally, the eve of International Women’s Day—we had to answer it,” O’Connell said. 

“The issue here of this kind of humour is systemic, and so we wanted to offer a solution,” O’Connell said.  

While outrage comics have been gaining popularity, O’Connell said that Just a Joke was a way for the community to experience comedy in a more inclusive way.  

“We have tons of literature and factual evidence research that anytime that you marginalize any community, anytime you allow any kind of victimization, albeit even in the form of a joke, that it allows individuals to take a look at someone as less than the full scope of their human dignity,” O’Connell said. 

Emme Kennedy, one of the 14 local comedians who performed at Just a Joke, prepared her six-minute set around the controversy surrounding Bankas.  

At the beginning of her set, Kennedy joked that she was quite similar to Bankas. 

“We both could be accused of being comedians. We both are Canadian-Americans and we both are committing the worst sin of society, which is we’re both failed men. This is an example of a joke that I don’t mean, but saying the dark thought out loud kind of helps excise it from people’s minds,” Kennedy said.  

Kennedy is a queer and trans comedian who recently moved to the Waterloo Region from America. For Kennedy, Just a Joke not only provides an opportunity to face controversy head-on, but also creates an inclusive space for women and trans comedians and their audience.  

“A lot of the places that are available to do open mics are not always the most supportive places for women comedians, let alone trans comedians,” Kennedy said.  

For Kennedy, open mics are an opportunity to foster constructive dialogue and challenge harmful stereotypes. 

“I believe in my comedy and kind of bringing a voice and perspective that is not really heard out to an audience and doing it in a way that is accessible through it being funny and playful,” Kennedy said.  

Kennedy said having open mic spaces that are inclusive and supportive are important for representation. 

“There’s a big cultural divide around who deserves what autonomy to their bodies and their hearts and minds and who doesn’t. I don’t think this stuff is going away. I don’t think Ben Bankas is going away. And I think this moment requires us to keep responding with shows like this,” Kennedy said.  

“I just ask anyone who wants to care about humanity to stick up for those who are speaking out right now, because I think that’s important,” Kennedy said.  

Amy Neufeld is a contributor for The Community Edition. 

UNDERDOG STEPS UP PERFORMANCE TEAMS, COMPETES IN CALGARY

The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo Region’s first beginner-focused adult dance studio. They introduced a more intensive training regimen for their performance team earlier this year, including strength and flexibility training in a second studio in Uptown Waterloo.   

“It’s just the consistency and the hard work to train the body to do it, and you literally practice showing up for yourself fully,” Emily Peat, the director of the Underdog studio, said.   

The studio sent its competitive teams to the Calgary International Salsa Congress from Mar. 26 to Mar. 30, 2026, which featured salsa and bachata dancers from around the world, as well as local professionals and troupes from all over North America. Quinn Vandenheuvel and Emily Dodsworth placed second in the amateur heated bachata division. Peat and Jorge Pablos placed first in the professional bachata heated division. Peat and Phil Roy placed second in the professional salsa showcase division. Bani Singh placed third in the professional-amateur (pro-am) open showcase division with Phil Roy.  

There are 13 students in three teams, who competed. The Bachata Partner amateur team, the Bachata Ladies Styling pro-am team and the Salsa Shines pro-am team. All teams were trained to compete in amateur categories.  

“It all kind of comes down to that in the end. If we teach good fundamentals to people right, then we’ll succeed with our students. And they’ll succeed, whether it’s in our class or out on the dance floor,” Phil Roy, the Experience Manager at Underdog and an instructor, said.  

The team’s six-hour training regimen has included strength training, flexibility training and acro training alongside running through their dance routines. The conditioning, cross-training and technique work help make sure the dancers are prepared for competition.   

“They’re low stakes, relatively—if you win a dance competition, whatever. But you practice discipline. You practice being there for yourself. You practice, ‘how can I react in moments of high stress?’,” Peat said.  

Many of the dancers also competed in “heats”, which require them to improvise for one and a half minutes to a random song within their registered category and style.   

“Because everyone’s relying on everybody else, to make sure that everybody comes away from the competition with a good experience. So, it does take that the group effort to achieve a shared goal,” Victoria Giampaolo, an Underdog student and team captain, said.  

In the week leading up to the Calgary International Salsa Congress, the students are performing in front of their peers periodically in the studio.   

The Calgary congress is one of many competitions that the Underdog Dance Corp. are planning to participate in this year—other cities include Montreal and Toronto.   

“[Competition] really brings the social aspect of dance to the front in a way that a showcase team doesn’t as much. So I really like that. It makes me push myself,” Giampaolo said. 

UNDERDOG STEPS UP PERFORMANCE TEAMS, COMPETES IN CALGARY

The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo Region’s first beginner-focused adult dance studio. They introduced a more intensive training regimen for their performance team earlier this year, including strength and flexibility training in a second studio in Uptown Waterloo.   

“It’s just the consistency and the hard work to train the body to do it, and you literally practice showing up for yourself fully,” Emily Peat, the director of the Underdog studio, said.   

The studio sent its competitive teams to the Calgary International Salsa Congress from Mar. 26 to Mar. 30, 2026, which featured salsa and bachata dancers from around the world, as well as local professionals and troupes from all over North America. Quinn Vandenheuvel and Emily Dodsworth placed second in the amateur heated bachata division. Peat and Jorge Pablos placed first in the professional bachata heated division. Peat and Phil Roy placed second in the professional salsa showcase division. Bani Singh placed third in the professional-amateur (pro-am) open showcase division with Phil Roy.  

There are 13 students in three teams, who competed. The Bachata Partner amateur team, the Bachata Ladies Styling pro-am team and the Salsa Shines pro-am team. All teams were trained to compete in amateur categories.  

“It all kind of comes down to that in the end. If we teach good fundamentals to people right, then we’ll succeed with our students. And they’ll succeed, whether it’s in our class or out on the dance floor,” Phil Roy, the Experience Manager at Underdog and an instructor, said.  

The team’s six-hour training regimen has included strength training, flexibility training and acro training alongside running through their dance routines. The conditioning, cross-training and technique work help make sure the dancers are prepared for competition.   

“They’re low stakes, relatively—if you win a dance competition, whatever. But you practice discipline. You practice being there for yourself. You practice, ‘how can I react in moments of high stress?’,” Peat said.  

Many of the dancers also competed in “heats”, which require them to improvise for one and a half minutes to a random song within their registered category and style.   

“Because everyone’s relying on everybody else, to make sure that everybody comes away from the competition with a good experience. So, it does take that the group effort to achieve a shared goal,” Victoria Giampaolo, an Underdog student and team captain, said.  

In the week leading up to the Calgary International Salsa Congress, the students are performing in front of their peers periodically in the studio.   

The Calgary congress is one of many competitions that the Underdog Dance Corp. are planning to participate in this year—other cities include Montreal and Toronto.   

“[Competition] really brings the social aspect of dance to the front in a way that a showcase team doesn’t as much. So I really like that. It makes me push myself,” Giampaolo said. 

UNDERDOG STEPS UP PERFORMANCE TEAMS, COMPETES IN CALGARY

The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo Region’s first beginner-focused adult dance studio. They introduced a more intensive training regimen for their performance team earlier this year, including strength and flexibility training in a second studio in Uptown Waterloo.   

“It’s just the consistency and the hard work to train the body to do it, and you literally practice showing up for yourself fully,” Emily Peat, the director of the Underdog studio, said.   

The studio sent its competitive teams to the Calgary International Salsa Congress from Mar. 26 to Mar. 30, 2026, which featured salsa and bachata dancers from around the world, as well as local professionals and troupes from all over North America. Quinn Vandenheuvel and Emily Dodsworth placed second in the amateur heated bachata division. Peat and Jorge Pablos placed first in the professional bachata heated division. Peat and Phil Roy placed second in the professional salsa showcase division. Bani Singh placed third in the professional-amateur (pro-am) open showcase division with Phil Roy.  

There are 13 students in three teams, who competed. The Bachata Partner amateur team, the Bachata Ladies Styling pro-am team and the Salsa Shines pro-am team. All teams were trained to compete in amateur categories.  

“It all kind of comes down to that in the end. If we teach good fundamentals to people right, then we’ll succeed with our students. And they’ll succeed, whether it’s in our class or out on the dance floor,” Phil Roy, the Experience Manager at Underdog and an instructor, said.  

The team’s six-hour training regimen has included strength training, flexibility training and acro training alongside running through their dance routines. The conditioning, cross-training and technique work help make sure the dancers are prepared for competition.   

“They’re low stakes, relatively—if you win a dance competition, whatever. But you practice discipline. You practice being there for yourself. You practice, ‘how can I react in moments of high stress?’,” Peat said.  

Many of the dancers also competed in “heats”, which require them to improvise for one and a half minutes to a random song within their registered category and style.   

“Because everyone’s relying on everybody else, to make sure that everybody comes away from the competition with a good experience. So, it does take that the group effort to achieve a shared goal,” Victoria Giampaolo, an Underdog student and team captain, said.  

In the week leading up to the Calgary International Salsa Congress, the students are performing in front of their peers periodically in the studio.   

The Calgary congress is one of many competitions that the Underdog Dance Corp. are planning to participate in this year—other cities include Montreal and Toronto.   

“[Competition] really brings the social aspect of dance to the front in a way that a showcase team doesn’t as much. So I really like that. It makes me push myself,” Giampaolo said. 

UNDERDOG STEPS UP PERFORMANCE TEAMS, COMPETES IN CALGARY

The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo Region’s first beginner-focused adult dance studio. They introduced a more intensive training regimen for their performance team earlier this year, including strength and flexibility training in a second studio in Uptown Waterloo.   

“It’s just the consistency and the hard work to train the body to do it, and you literally practice showing up for yourself fully,” Emily Peat, the director of the Underdog studio, said.   

The studio sent its competitive teams to the Calgary International Salsa Congress from Mar. 26 to Mar. 30, 2026, which featured salsa and bachata dancers from around the world, as well as local professionals and troupes from all over North America. Quinn Vandenheuvel and Emily Dodsworth placed second in the amateur heated bachata division. Peat and Jorge Pablos placed first in the professional bachata heated division. Peat and Phil Roy placed second in the professional salsa showcase division. Bani Singh placed third in the professional-amateur (pro-am) open showcase division with Phil Roy.  

There are 13 students in three teams, who competed. The Bachata Partner amateur team, the Bachata Ladies Styling pro-am team and the Salsa Shines pro-am team. All teams were trained to compete in amateur categories.  

“It all kind of comes down to that in the end. If we teach good fundamentals to people right, then we’ll succeed with our students. And they’ll succeed, whether it’s in our class or out on the dance floor,” Phil Roy, the Experience Manager at Underdog and an instructor, said.  

The team’s six-hour training regimen has included strength training, flexibility training and acro training alongside running through their dance routines. The conditioning, cross-training and technique work help make sure the dancers are prepared for competition.   

“They’re low stakes, relatively—if you win a dance competition, whatever. But you practice discipline. You practice being there for yourself. You practice, ‘how can I react in moments of high stress?’,” Peat said.  

Many of the dancers also competed in “heats”, which require them to improvise for one and a half minutes to a random song within their registered category and style.   

“Because everyone’s relying on everybody else, to make sure that everybody comes away from the competition with a good experience. So, it does take that the group effort to achieve a shared goal,” Victoria Giampaolo, an Underdog student and team captain, said.  

In the week leading up to the Calgary International Salsa Congress, the students are performing in front of their peers periodically in the studio.   

The Calgary congress is one of many competitions that the Underdog Dance Corp. are planning to participate in this year—other cities include Montreal and Toronto.   

“[Competition] really brings the social aspect of dance to the front in a way that a showcase team doesn’t as much. So I really like that. It makes me push myself,” Giampaolo said. 

UNDERDOG STEPS UP PERFORMANCE TEAMS, COMPETES IN CALGARY

The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo Region’s first beginner-focused adult dance studio. They introduced a more intensive training regimen for their performance team earlier this year, including strength and flexibility training in a second studio in Uptown Waterloo.   

“It’s just the consistency and the hard work to train the body to do it, and you literally practice showing up for yourself fully,” Emily Peat, the director of the Underdog studio, said.   

The studio sent its competitive teams to the Calgary International Salsa Congress from Mar. 26 to Mar. 30, 2026, which featured salsa and bachata dancers from around the world, as well as local professionals and troupes from all over North America. Quinn Vandenheuvel and Emily Dodsworth placed second in the amateur heated bachata division. Peat and Jorge Pablos placed first in the professional bachata heated division. Peat and Phil Roy placed second in the professional salsa showcase division. Bani Singh placed third in the professional-amateur (pro-am) open showcase division with Phil Roy.  

There are 13 students in three teams, who competed. The Bachata Partner amateur team, the Bachata Ladies Styling pro-am team and the Salsa Shines pro-am team. All teams were trained to compete in amateur categories.  

“It all kind of comes down to that in the end. If we teach good fundamentals to people right, then we’ll succeed with our students. And they’ll succeed, whether it’s in our class or out on the dance floor,” Phil Roy, the Experience Manager at Underdog and an instructor, said.  

The team’s six-hour training regimen has included strength training, flexibility training and acro training alongside running through their dance routines. The conditioning, cross-training and technique work help make sure the dancers are prepared for competition.   

“They’re low stakes, relatively—if you win a dance competition, whatever. But you practice discipline. You practice being there for yourself. You practice, ‘how can I react in moments of high stress?’,” Peat said.  

Many of the dancers also competed in “heats”, which require them to improvise for one and a half minutes to a random song within their registered category and style.   

“Because everyone’s relying on everybody else, to make sure that everybody comes away from the competition with a good experience. So, it does take that the group effort to achieve a shared goal,” Victoria Giampaolo, an Underdog student and team captain, said.  

In the week leading up to the Calgary International Salsa Congress, the students are performing in front of their peers periodically in the studio.   

The Calgary congress is one of many competitions that the Underdog Dance Corp. are planning to participate in this year—other cities include Montreal and Toronto.   

“[Competition] really brings the social aspect of dance to the front in a way that a showcase team doesn’t as much. So I really like that. It makes me push myself,” Giampaolo said. 

THE LOCALIST: MARCH

Avalon Stone—Meant to Break (EP) 

Release Date: Feb. 27, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Alternative Rock, Grunge

The six-song debut EP from singer-songwriter, Avalon Stone draws clear inspiration from 1990s alternative and grunge rock but with a polished, modern influence. Produced by Juno Award winner Kevin Dietz (Glorious Sons, Billy Talent), the project features heavy alt-rock anthems that distinctively compliment the gritty vocal performance.

Nothing We Do Matters—Kinematics of Machinery

(EP) 

Release Date: Feb.28, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Experimental, Noise

The entirety of the band’s biography simply states “emo rhythm noise nonsense” which, while brief, perfectly encapsulates the experimental sound the band has concocted on their debut EP. The three tracks collectively present a challenging listening experience that melds layers of harsh noise, abrasive screams and unsettling electronic soundscapes.

I, the Mountain— Body (LP) 

Release Date: Mar. 6, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Indie Folk

Four-piece folk rockers I, the Mountain return with an emotional new five-song EP which is comprised of recent single releases, with the most recent and final addition being the title track “Body”. The collection of songs is raw and personal, exploring themes of self-worth and acceptance, while featuring some of the band’s tightest vocal harmonies to date.

Thorns—Closed Casket Burial 

(Singles) 

Release Date: Mar. 13, 2026

City: Waterloo

Genre: Metalcore

Thorns’ newest release consists of two singles, “Closed Casket” and “Burial”. Across both songs, the vocals are impressively dynamic, transitioning from deathly growls to aggressive shouting seamlessly. The band blends these vocals with heavy hardcore inspired breakdowns and intense metallic guitar riffs to create a unique sound.

Eric Folino—Hours for the Taking (EP) 

Release Date: Mar. 13, 2026

City: Waterloo

Genre: Acoustic, Indie Pop

Originally recorded in 2024, this eleven-song project was gradually released as singles and has ultimately culminated in Eric Folino’s debut album. With acoustic guitar and poetic lyricism at the forefront of each song, Folino presents a refreshing take on contemporary indie pop. The track “The World Began This Morning” is an impressively notable highlight from the album.

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

A vibrant gateway to local creativity and coastal heritage.

Esperance, Western Australia.

© All Rights Reserved by Kev Peirce.

#Photo #Photography #Australia #WesternAustralia #Esperance #LocalArt #ArtGallery #Sign

A vibrant gateway to local creativity and coastal heritage.

Esperance, Western Australia.

© All Rights Reserved by Kev Peirce.

#Photo #Photography #Australia #WesternAustralia #Esperance #LocalArt #ArtGallery #Sign

A vibrant gateway to local creativity and coastal heritage.

Esperance, Western Australia.

© All Rights Reserved by Kev Peirce.

#Photo #Photography #Australia #WesternAustralia #Esperance #LocalArt #ArtGallery #Sign

A vibrant gateway to local creativity and coastal heritage.

Esperance, Western Australia.

© All Rights Reserved by Kev Peirce.

#Photo #Photography #Australia #WesternAustralia #Esperance #LocalArt #ArtGallery #Sign

A vibrant gateway to local creativity and coastal heritage.

Esperance, Western Australia.

© All Rights Reserved by Kev Peirce.

#Photo #Photography #Australia #WesternAustralia #Esperance #LocalArt #ArtGallery #Sign

Orioles unveil 11th Birdland mural by Kid Balloon in West Baltimore https://www.rawchili.com/mlb/655270/ #AdoptASchool #Baltimore #BaltimoreArt #BaltimoreMurals #BaltimoreOrioles #BaltimoreOrioles #Baseball #BirdlandMural #HarlemParkElementary #HarlemParkRecreationCenter #KidBalloon #LocalArt #MLB #MuralsInBaltimore #Orioles #WestBaltimore

Orioles unveil 11th Birdland mural by Kid Balloon in West Baltimore https://www.rawchili.com/mlb/655270/ #AdoptASchool #Baltimore #BaltimoreArt #BaltimoreMurals #BaltimoreOrioles #BaltimoreOrioles #Baseball #BirdlandMural #HarlemParkElementary #HarlemParkRecreationCenter #KidBalloon #LocalArt #MLB #MuralsInBaltimore #Orioles #WestBaltimore

Three good things:

+ Jarrah seems to be feeling a bit better? Now he's wondering why I'm starving him (I'm not, just being careful with his sensitive system at the moment)

+ enjoying this cool book Kid2 bought about Japanese traditional mending stitch/art and looking forward to trying it out

+ took three of the Kids to see the last night of Lighting the Sound and it was really great. There was an awesome DJ playing some atmospheric tunes, and food vans (we'd already eaten at home but Kid1 decided he and his brother needed ice cream so he bought some), and lots of people thoroughly enjoying the lights and the whole event. I'm glad we went – it was down in front of the Peace Park and so we got to see some of the First Nations artwork and there was some traditional music playing there as well

#LocalArt #reading #family #ThreeGoodThings

Three good things:

+ Jarrah seems to be feeling a bit better? Now he's wondering why I'm starving him (I'm not, just being careful with his sensitive system at the moment)

+ enjoying this cool book Kid2 bought about Japanese traditional mending stitch/art and looking forward to trying it out

+ took three of the Kids to see the last night of Lighting the Sound and it was really great. There was an awesome DJ playing some atmospheric tunes, and food vans (we'd already eaten at home but Kid1 decided he and his brother needed ice cream so he bought some), and lots of people thoroughly enjoying the lights and the whole event. I'm glad we went – it was down in front of the Peace Park and so we got to see some of the First Nations artwork and there was some traditional music playing there as well

#LocalArt #reading #family #ThreeGoodThings

Three good things:

+ Jarrah seems to be feeling a bit better? Now he's wondering why I'm starving him (I'm not, just being careful with his sensitive system at the moment)

+ enjoying this cool book Kid2 bought about Japanese traditional mending stitch/art and looking forward to trying it out

+ took three of the Kids to see the last night of Lighting the Sound and it was really great. There was an awesome DJ playing some atmospheric tunes, and food vans (we'd already eaten at home but Kid1 decided he and his brother needed ice cream so he bought some), and lots of people thoroughly enjoying the lights and the whole event. I'm glad we went – it was down in front of the Peace Park and so we got to see some of the First Nations artwork and there was some traditional music playing there as well

#LocalArt #reading #family #ThreeGoodThings