Latest news with #localartists
ABC News
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Feature Video: BOY SODA - Blink Twice
This week's Feature Video takes a twenty dollar sheet and squeezes it for every cent in this textural, movement-driven music video from Eora based R'n'B artist BOY SODA, 'Blink Twice'. Skeleton staff and a penny-pinching budget means nothing in the face of raw talent and a great collab, as proven by BOY SODA and 'Blink Twice' director Adam Saunders. Armed with a few reference images and a great track, the team set to work in visualising a clip that uses classic design elements (think movement, lighting, texture, colour and composition) to effortlessly punctuate BOY SODA's effortless panache. 'BOY SODA came to my studio with a handful of reference images that were really speaking to him, and from there, my job was to elevate and bring them to life' explains director Adam. 'We picked up a twenty dollar sheet from Spotlight and some plastic from Bunnings. Forty dollars in props all up and those sheet shots ended up coming together even better than we could've imagined. It was a true grassroots effort with a skeleton crew and help from local friends and artists.' 'I was really intent on incorporating movement into these shots whether it be through fabric playing with the wind or light revealing parts of my face, and wanted to deliver cinematic moments to accompany the music' adds BOY SODA. 'The song is about staying connected and grounded, that's how we made these visuals, with a crew of lovely and dedicated people who went above and beyond to pull together some really special moments that feel undeniable and as rich as the music.'
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Local artists push to use vacant church in Waterloo, Ont., as creative hub
Could a vacant church in Waterloo answer the prayers of local artists? CTV's Alexandra Holyk finds out. One man's church is another man's treasure – at least, that's what artists in Waterloo Region are hoping for. St. Columba Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ont., has sat empty for several months, but a local non-profit known as ArtsBuild Ontario wants to turn it into a creative hub. 'St. Columba can unlock all of that potential,' said ArtsBuild executive director Alex Glass. 'It's an incredible opportunity for the artists, for the neighbourhood, and for the community at large.' Earlier this year, ArtsBuild launched a pilot program called 'Meanwhile Spaces,' which provides artists with free or low-rent facilities to pursue their projects. The program is hosted in two spaces so far – one in downtown Kitchener and another in Waterloo – and houses dozens of artists on a rotating basis. 'We have 50 artists on our roster who are looking for space,' said Glass. The search for a space led ArtsBuild to 250 Lincoln Road. Back in February, the City of Waterloo purchased the church for $2.9 million with a plan to use the site for local arts programming, before eventually turning it into affordable housing. 'It's community supported, it's community initiated,' said Ward 5 Councillor Jen Vasic. Waterloo Ward 5 Councillor Jen Vasic, Alex Glass, executive director of ArtsBuild Ontario City of Waterloo Ward 5 Councillor Jen Vasic (left) stands with Alex Glass, executive director of ArtsBuild Ontario, outside St. Columba Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ont., on June 18, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News) Decision deferred On Monday, Waterloo city council deferred the decision to sign a three-year lease agreement with ArtsBuild, citing cost concerns. The deferral motion narrowly passed with a vote of 4-3 and was brought forward by Ward 4 Councillor Diane Freeman. Freeman noted the agreement would have 'financial implications' for the city. 'While we chose in February to dip into the reserve funds, the question now is was that the right thing to do?' Freeman asked. As part of its $2.9 million purchase, the city allocated $500,000 to transform the space for artists and maintain operating costs. Freeman also referenced her past stance on the future of St. Columba Church. She mentioned that she had not supported the motion in February, as she had preferred to see the area focused on affordable housing instead. Vasic voted against the deferral, saying at the time she was 'embarrassed by the fact we're asking for one.' 'Is this an in good faith request?' Vasic asked in the meeting. 'Is this a deferral in good faith?' Since the discussion, Vasic said she spoke with Freeman and understood her concerns. 'They're all really important matters,' Vasic said in an interview with CTV News Wednesday. 'Fiscal responsibility of the city, as well as arts and creative industries, and also housing.' The decision was deferred to next week when council meets again on June 23. Interior St. Columbia Anglican Church, Waterloo Ont. The interior of St. Columba Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ont., was photographed on June 18, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News) Artists and community members speak out People who live near St. Columba said they support the arts' initiative. 'I think it would be an ideal spot for the artists regionally, and for the community as a whole,' said Joanne Makulski, a local artist who lives across the street from the vacant church. Artists like Jen Prior agree. A few months ago, Prior moved into the downtown Kitchener location as part of ArtsBuild's Meanwhile Spaces program. 'There's a huge need for it,' she said. 'I can't even tell you how many creatives I know that just don't have access to space.' Artist Jen Prior Kitchener studio Artist Jen Prior worked on a painting in a downtown Kitchener studio on June 18, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News) Rufus John also recently moved into a Meanwhile space at Wing404 in Waterloo. John founded Freedom Marching Project, an arts organization that curates safe creative spaces for marginalized and racialized youth. 'With ArtsBuild, what I really loved about the space is that we could call a space home for a while,' he said. 'Art can become expensive,' John continued. 'I think it's important that if a city can find ways to offset some of those costs, that would … be amazing.' Prior also said cities need to step up and support the arts. 'I think the arts community here is really vibrant and we just really need more spaces for us to come together and to create, as well.'
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Historical Mariposa pictures hang at Orillia museum
Historical Mariposa pictures hang at the Orillia Museum of Art & History until Sept. 27.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Troubadour Festival rocks downtown Barrie
Thousands of fans gathered in downtown Barrie to watch Dean Brody at the Troubadour Festival Thousands of fans filled Meridian Place to sing along with Dean Brody at the Troubadour Festival, a crowd never yet seen at the outdoor amphitheatre. Country fans from around the region sang and danced the night away with local musicians from the local country showcase contest. 3 local artists had the chance to play at Meridian Place, building momentum for Dean Brody at the end of the night. Lance Dobinson, from Wasaga Beach, was the first artist on the stage for the free concert and said it was a dream come true. Lance Dobinson, local artist showcase Lance Dobinson performs at the local artist showcase at the Troubadour Festival (CTV NEWS/ Luke Simard) 'Just a bonus to be on stage and doing what you enjoy doing,' said Dobinson. 'But a bonus as well to be opening up for Dean Brody, it doesn't get much better than that.' Next, Rebekah Hawker serenaded the crowds with her signing and songwriting abilities. Her music influenced from growing up in Oro-Medonte. She said the support and energy from the crowd was inspiring. 'Sometimes it can be really scary playing in front of new people you don't know, and I felt like the whole time, everyone was just ready to cheer for me and ready to, be there to support me,' said Hawker. 'So that felt amazing.' Rebekah Hawker, local showcase artist at Troubadour Festival in Barrie Rebekah Hawker, local showcase artist at Troubadour Festival in Barrie (CTV News/ Luke Simard) Hawker added she's thankful for the local artist showcase and the Troubadour Festival for supporting up and coming artists. 'It can change the course of someone's life, and it absolutely enriches our community,' said Hawker. 'It gives other people a way to access their emotions through other people's writing.' Country artist Cam Brown finishing off the local showcase with popular cover songs, as well as originals. He said as an artist, the Troubadour Festival has been a premium experience for an artist like himself. 'I come by Meridian (Place) all the time, and just to see how it's been transformed, and I got the green room here everybody's been so welcoming,' said Brown. 'Everyone's all in support of the same goal, just, an amazing community event.' Cam Brown, local artist showcase Troubadour Festival, Barrie Cam Brown, local artist showcase, plays in front of the crowd at the Troubadour Festival (CTV News/ Luke Simard) He added playing at the festival a humbling experience. 'I'm scanning across the crowd, there's people I know, some friends and family, people who just showed and it's just it's very humbling knowing that all the hard work you put in,' said Brown. 'People come down, enjoy some music on a Saturday night and support you. It's an incredible feeling.' Country music star Dean Brody took the stage around 8:30 p.m. finishing the night off with some of his country song hits. The 49-year-old Canadian has sold out stadiums across the country, but said his career started by his local community supporting his music. 'I just remember when I was young and I was just starting out and it was a dream, and it's like, man, I'd love to get in front of some people,' said Brody. 'It's tough. It's tough to get in front of a bunch of people that don't know your songs and you have to start somewhere.' He added he remembers when he first heard his music on the radio and the feelings that came with it. 'I remember when my local station played my stuff for the first time and I was over the moon,' said Brody. 'It was just such an amazing, accomplishment and radio's magic, I don't think it will ever stop being magic.' crowd at Troubadour Festival Crowds got their seats early in downtown Barrie for the first edition of the Troubadour Festival. (CTV NEWS/ Luke Simard) In case you missed the first edition of the Troubadour Festival, there are still 3 more summer concerts scheduled to take place this summer. Saturday July 26, The 99s will rock Meridian Place, August 16, Hawksley Workman will take the stage, and on September 6, Brett Kissel will finish off the summer concert series.
CTV News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Hitting all the right notes in downtown Barrie with free outdoor concert
Meridian Place in downtown Barrie, Ont., is being transformed into a stage on Fri., June 13, 2025, for the Troubadour Festival's first open-air free concert. After months of preparation the stage is set for the first outdoor concert in downtown Barrie this summer. Emerging local artists will rally the crowd before headliner Dean Brody takes the stage. Craig Stevens, executive director of Downtown Barrie BIA, said the downtown core is ready. 'I think they can expect just a really cool downtown urban experience with live music,' he said. 'You know, go back in history of literally, that's where the community comes together'. Out of 50 submissions, Lance Dobinson, Rebekah Hawker, and Cam Brown were announced as the winners of the local talent showcase ready to roll Saturday night. Chaz Hay, promoter of the Troubadour Festival, said all the artists were extremely talented, with the three winners of the showcase standing out against the rest. 'They're all singer/songwriters and they write their own music and recorded their own music and are at a younger level on their way to hoping to do bigger and better things,' said Hay. The chance to open for a county music star is an opportunity not many would pass up. Jason McCoy, Pure County 106 morning show host said the opening acts are extremely important for the headliners, and on a personal level for the artists. 'As an opener, you're just getting your career going and you maybe not able to play in front of a large crowd to get the word out about what you do,' said McCoy. 'This is the perfect opportunity (for them) and the perfect opportunity for us to support that homegrown talent.' The openers are a large part of the troubadour festival, which takes pride in supporting local musicians. 'The important part of a supporting artist or a local artist is in any community,' said Hay. 'In order to have a healthy live music community, you need to have a grassroots community of artists that are working their way up.' Troubadour Festival Meridian Place in downtown Barrie, Ont., is being transformed into a stage on Fri., June 13, 2025, for the Troubadour Festival's first open-air free concert. (CTV News/Luke Simard) Crews are hard at work Friday setting the stage for Canadian country music star Dean Brody who is ready to 'bring down the house.' 'Dean Brody, 34 top 10 singles, eight number ones,' said McCoy. 'I mean, you know, every word, every song is part of our Canadian DNA, so get on down to the waterfront in Barrie and sing along.' The concert will be free to attend with festivities beginning on Dunlop Street starting at 1:00 p.m. Saturday Shuttle buses will be running from the Tiffin Street waterfront parking lot starting at 4:30 p.m., with six pick-up spots between the Allandale GO Station and downtown. Businesses by the waterfront are ready for the large crowds of people. Steve Ricalis, owner of Donaleigh's Irish Public House and Dunlop Street Diner, said the downtown is trying to attract a variety of crowds. 'We're trying to entice people to come downtown by doing things like this (Troubadour Festival) and reinvesting in it back into the downtown,' said Ricalis, adding there is plenty of parking available. Ricalis, also vice-chair on the BIA, said Barrie is ready to show off its downtown this summer. 'We believe doing things like this and bringing people downtown and people say, 'hey, yeah, that's great down here. We should come down here more often. Oh, look at the waterfront, we have one of the best waterfronts in the world. It's gorgeous',' said Ricalis. ' So I think that people just have to come and just explore and have a good time.' Saturday's Dean Brody concert kicks off the start of the festival's four open-air free concerts as part of the summer series. Also headlining this summer are The 99s, Hawksley Workman and Brett Kissel. The Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series is presented byCTV Barrie,Pure Country 106,BOUNCE 104.1, and theDowntown Barrie BIA.
