The Amazing Isy Aboagye Takes Her Talent to Screens Across Canada in CBC's Ukulele U

 

We were thrilled to learn that one of our Stuff to do KW families had some very big news! The amazing Isy Aboagye is starring in the new CBC Kids Saturday Morning Show and CBC Gem Streaming Show Ukulele U!

Many local families know that Isy has been performing locally at events like Kitchener Bluesfest and singing the National Anthem at KW Titans game.  We wanted to learn more about Isy's journey to our television and video screens across Canada so we asked her five questions about it.

Thanks to Isy for taking some time out of her hectic schedule for this interview and to her Mom Danielle for helping us set it up!

1. How did this role come about?

 I work with an agent in Toronto and audition for a lot of roles. Since COVID, most of the auditions are done online, so I sent in an audition tape and then had an opportunity to audition over Zoom with the Director, David Connolly, Melanie Doane, the Host, and a couple of other people. I had to learn some new songs and a couple of dances and then we just had some fun! I found out a few weeks later that I got the part and I was so excited! We recorded all of the music individually in a recording studio in Toronto and then finally got to meet the rest of the cast on the first day of filming in Hamilton. 

2. What is your favorite part of being on the show?

 Number one is the Music! The songs are so catchy and fun to sing and listen to. Everyone who has heard the music loves it! There are new versions of old classics and Melanie made some amazing new songs too! I also loved that I got to make so many new friends. It was so nice to be able to sing and dance with other people after we had been in quarantine for so long. We had to take a lot of precautions to be safe, but we still managed to have so much fun together. I’m so happy that I met everyone and that I made some really great friends. 

3. What advice do you have for other kids looking to follow this path? 

You need to practice, take classes and have fun! I take Vocal, Guitar/Ukulele and Acting lessons. It’s a lot of work to memorize new scripts and songs for auditions, but every opportunity gives you a chance to learn something new. Also, don’t get discouraged! You might audition for 100 roles and only get one, just keep being you and working hard. 

4. Who are your role models?

I really look up to a lot of musicians, especially older blues music icons like Etta James. I also really love more modern musicians like SZA, Alica Keys or Adele! I love the opportunity to learn from musicians. I’ve been really lucky that Kitchener has some really cool musicians who I look up to and who take the time to work with younger musicians like myself. When they take the time to mentor younger musicians, we get to learn so much and I really hope they know how much we appreciate their time and that they are role models to a lot of people like myself. 

5. What are your future plans?

I am going to keep working on becoming a better musician and actor. I am excited to be back to school and look forward to being able to hang out with friends and just be a normal teenager. I also can’t wait for everyone to see the new episodes of Ukulele U that come out every Saturday on CBC and stream on CBC Gem.

For more info visit these links

Uke U Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uke.u.kids/

Uke U Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ukulele-U-101309915777169

Isy's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/isabelle.aboagye/

We’ve Got A Good Feeling About Flo Rida, Pitbull and T-Pain When London Rocks the Park – Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, we did receive complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance attend too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

Last year we had an amazing day at London Rocks the Park and we are thrilled to say we are returning this year!

On Saturday July 13^th three amazing artists are taking the stage in London Ontario and just like Flo Rida we’ve got a GOOD FEELING about this!

Florida-born rapper become a chart fixture thanks to the blockbuster singles “Low (feat. T-Pain),” “Right Round,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” and his most recent chart-topping hits, “Good Feeling” and “Wild Ones (feat. Sia)

In fact, Pitbull knows that he wants you to grab tickets before it sells out.

his sold-out world concert tours have taken him to North and South America, Europe, China and Japan. Along the way, he has co-headlined with Enrique Iglesias, toured with Britney Spears in the U.K. and Europe, and spoken to thousands as part of Tony Robbins’ motivational seminars.

Plus, T-Pain is on board with one of our readers WINNING tickets to the show

With 60 hit songs under his belt and two Grammy trophies on his mantle, T-Pain has cemented himself as one of the most influential artists of all time

This trio of artists are performing one night only in London Ontario and you know you need to be there!

Get Your Tickets

Parents’ Day Out or Family Day Out – Choose the Tickets That Work Best for You

We think it would make a great Parents’ Day Out if you are wanting to have access to the BEER GARDEN areas.

Under 19? That’s okay there are ticket options available for you as well.

Purchase your tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pitbull-flo-rida-t-pain-tickets-54715869639

For more info about the event visit http://www.rockthepark.ca

Enter To Win

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us which event you want to attend. In the comments let us know which song you want to hear during the concert.

(NOTE when commenting below it is best to be logged into your google account. After you click publish, it may take up to one minute for your comment to show. Please wait for it to publish before clicking anything else). It may win you a pair of tickets to see Pitbull, Flo Rida and T-Pain in London Ontario

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RAFFI Brings His Singable Songs to Centre in the Square – Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, we did receive complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance attend too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

Get Together with Raffi

RAFFI was well known in my house growing up.  We had SINGABLE SONGS and MORE SINGABLE SONGS by Raffi.  These albums were well used and often the background music for whatever activity happened to be going on that day.  Raffi’s music has spanned decades beginning in 70’s (as you can see by the styles in the video below) and continuing now that Raffi himself is his 70s.  He was such a famous Canadian that when Centre in the Square named the theatre portion of the venue the Raffi Armenian Theatre, I thought it was for Raffi the Children’s performer I grew up hearing about.  It made sense to me as his name is Raffi and he is Armenian.  It wasn’t until recent years that I learned of the Symphony Conductor Raffi Armenian.  I guess it shows what an impression RAFFI left on me! Either way, Raffi hopes to GET TOGETHER with you and your family at the Raffi Armenian Theatre at Centre in the Square on June 3, 2018.

 

Raffi is a singer, songwriter, producer, author, lecturer, and tireless advocate for children.  He is best known for his work as a children’s entertainer and advocate whose string of gold and platinum-selling recordings includes his iconic song, “Baby Beluga”.  Once called “the most popular children’s singer in the English-speaking world” (Washington Post) and “Canada’s all-time children’s champion” (Toronto Star), Raffi is also a recipient of the Order of Canada and the United Nations’ Earth Achievement Award.  He has published three books for adults and holds four honorary degrees. He has never advertised to children or made any commercial endorsements aimed at kids. His commitment to treating his young fans with respect has changed society’s outlook on music made for children.

 

Get Your Tickets

Now is the time to grab your tickets before they are gone! Raffi is in Kitchener for one day only on Sunday June 3, 2018 with performances at 1pm and 4pm

Head to https://www.livenation.com/events/759491-jun-3-2018-raffi to get your tickets! Proceeds from the concert benefit The Centre for Child Honouring

As you can see we're pretty excited about RAFFI! That's because we get to giveaway a pair of ticket to a lucky reader!  You must provide your own transportation.

Enter To Win 

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us which songs you hope Raffi sings in the comments at the bottom. It may just win you tickets to the concert!

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What Happened @ WTFest #WTFest17

 

Last weekend we travelled to Brantford to WTFest.  As mentioned in our WTFest contest post we were very excited to see Our Lady Peace perform once again. 

 

It was a bright sunny day perfect for a music festival and we received the VIP treatment at the concert.

#TeamCabana @wtfestca #WTFest #WTFest17 #Brantford #Brantastic

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls) on Jul 31, 2017 at 7:15am PDT

 

We were really surprised by the amount of local talent that kicked off the day and you can say we are now fans of the group named HARBOUR.

 

That wasn’t the only surprise that day.  Bands like Soul Asylum, Treble Charger and Tonic took to the stage playing their biggest hits of the 90s, but the best surprise was Collective Soul’s RUN.

First the band was joined on stage by Tonic’s Emerson Hart

 

Then they finished the song off stage in a huddle.  How amazing was that?

Off stage party with our buds @tonicbandofficial but the crowd was still with us! #collectivesoul #tonic

A post shared by Jesse Triplett (@jessetriplett) on Jul 30, 2017 at 4:04am PDT

 

Later the act we all came to see took to the stage.

Once we thought all the surprises of the day had happened, Our Lady Peace announced that they have a new album coming out this month!

One of our winners was so excited she had to show off her WTFest and OLP swag from the concert.

We have to say WTFest is aptly named as you never know what surprises are in store for you once you arrive!

To see all the pics, visit https://www.facebook.com/lisamcdonald122/media_set?set=a.10159086886360481.1073741890.760270480&type=3&pnref=story

Glass Tiger and Big Wreck in Kitchener For ONTour #Ontario150

As many of our readers know, I love seeing live music and supporting Canadian bands and solo artists.  This began many years ago when I went to my first outdoor music festival in high school to see GLASS TIGER.  It was at THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL in Waterloo Park. It seems that Glass Tiger began something with me that stuck throughout the years. Decades later Alan Frew became a staple in our house with his theme for the Toronto Maple Leafs and in 2015 when I learned the news about my Father’s Cancer it was Alan Frew that I connected with on Facebook. He has suffered a stroke and the 2 of us had a bit of back and forth about hospitals, depression and keeping a positive outlook. Flash forward two years later and hear I am again watching Glass Tiger at an outdoor concert. 

#Glass Tiger #MyHighschoolCrush #Ontario150

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls) on Jul 21, 2017 at 4:57pm PDT

 

 

Glass Tiger was one of two bands I was there to see.  The other being BIG WRECK. I remember seeing BIG WRECK at the 1^st Big Music Fest in 2014 along with some other amazing acts!  Knowing that they were going to be the headliner for the ONTour stop in Kitchener doubled my enthusiasm to attend this outdoor concert.  

#Big Wreck in #kwawsome #Ontario150

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls) on Jul 21, 2017 at 6:35pm PDT

Getting a chance to see Canadian bands perform live is something I am always grateful for!

 You can see all of my pics at https://www.facebook.com/lisamcdonald122/media_set?set=a.10159043273600481.1073741889.760270480&type=3&pnref=story or click the image below.

Did you attend the ONTour concert at Kitchener City Hall or are you attending one of the upcoming shows? Let us know in the comments! We always want to hear from our readers and know what interests they have as well.

Virginia To Vegas #UTOPIANTOUR Kick Off In #KWAWESOME

As many of you know we are love attending concerts, especially ones by Canadian Artists. This one was extra special as it was a show by an artist from the area. This week we attended the Virginia To Vegas show which is his first time as a headliner for a concert tour. The #UTOPIANTOUR was kicked off at Maxwell’s in Waterloo Ontario and he treated this concert as a homecoming to Southwestern Ontario. To get a glimpse of what went on, check out the facebook live and youtube videos below.

By the way, the irony is not lost on me that LIGHTS OUT is the best lit video of the mix.

As mentioned in the last video, we did stick around for a meet and greet with both VIRGINIA TO VEGAS and the opening band REPARTEE.

Looking for information about the Virginia To Vegas and/or the Utopian Tour? Head to the website http://www.virginiatovegas.com for more information.

To see all the pics from this great night of Canadian music, click the image below.

Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies @ Centre In The Square – Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer – Yes, we did receive complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to attend the concert too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

We’re so excited to hear that Alan Doyle will be at Centre In The Square on March 29^th and here are 5 reasons why you should be excited too.

5 Reasons Why You Need To Be Excited About Alan Doyle Coming To Kitchener Ontario’s Centre In The Square

1.       He is the lead singer of Great Big Sea – I still remember watching the 90s Run Runaway video and being instantly pulled to the TV to hear this unique sounding band mixed in amongst the grunge and boy band tunes they were playing at the time.

 

2.       Known for touring Canada in all kinds of venues – The band made a stop at the Lyric in Kitchener and being amongst the crowd that night you knew they fed off the energy of the audience and they put on a fantastic show.

 

3.       Played alongside Russel Crowe in Robin Hood – Alan Doyle portrayed one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men in the feature film

 

4.       Alan Doyle made several guest appearances on CBC’s Republic of Doyle – He became a recurring character on one of my all-time favourite television shows

 

5.       Made a documentary about collaborating with others – By watching Boy On Bridge you will learn how technology is bringing those in the music industry closer together.

 

Grab Your Tickets for Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies Concert

Known as lead singer for Newfoundland’s beloved Great Big Sea these past 20+ years, released his second solo album, So Let’s Go, in January 2015. Title-track lead single So Let’s Go, is a rousing rallying cry that’s only further proof of Doyle’s ability to draw the listener under his banner. Equally adept at drawing a crowd, Alan Doyle & The Beautiful Gypsies are taking their energetic show across Canada and the US in Early 2017.

 

This show will be very popular, so be sure to visit https://centreinthesquare.com/event/alan-doyle and grab you tickets before they are gone!

Now that we have you excited for this performance, we want to give you a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!

Enter To Win

We are giving away a pair of tickets to see Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies @ Centre In The Square! Just enter the Rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of this post with why you would want to attend.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Smouldering Songs Set The Scene For Drayton Entertainment’s Smokey Joe’s Cafe

Drayton Entertainment’s final show this season at the Drayton Festival Theatre is the iconic Smokey Joe’s Café.  This production is performed completely through song.  The singers bring the heat with songs like Ruby Baby and they set the stage on fire with their rendition of Jailhouse Rock, but it’s the smooth songs like Hound Dog that smoulder throughout the show.

 

All of the songs featured in this musical are written by the famous songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stroller, who had many hits throughout the 1950’s. The songs in Smokey Joe's Cafe are accompanied by choreography that brings the story of each performance to life.  The mix of solo and ensemble songs along with the live band on stage, sets the scene of local nightclub from that era.

Get Your Tickets

Smokey Joe's Café runs until September 3, 2016 in Drayton Ontario at the Drayton Festival Theatre.

Tickets are $44 for Adults and $26 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $36. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any Drayton Entertainment Box Office, or by calling toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

Grammy Award Winner Buddy Guy @ Centre In The Square - Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes we did receive a complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance attend too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

Buddy Guy Brings The Blues Back To Kitchener Ontario

As many of our readers know, we are BIG fans of LIVE MUSIC so we were thrilled to hear that Buddy Guy will be at Centre In The Square.  This award winning blues performer will be in town on April 20, 2016 and we suggest you get your tickets before they are gone!

2016 Grammy Award Winner for Best Blues Album
At age 79, Buddy Guy is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound, and a living link to the city’s halcyon days of electric blues. Buddy Guy has received 7 GRAMMY Awards, a 2015 Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, 34 Blues Music Awards (the most any artist has received), the Billboard Magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, a Kennedy Center Honor, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #23 in its "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time."

Did you see him perform for The President Of The United States? Have a look below.

Now you know you don't want to miss this concert!

Parents Night Out 

We think that the Buddy Guy Concert will make a great Parents Night Out so be sure to grab your tickets before they are gone! Plus we are excited to giveaway a pair of tickets in the contest below.

Enter To Win

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us why you love the blues in the comments. It may just win you a night out for you and a guest to attend the Buddy Guy concert!
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The Lion King vs Aladdin Sing Off And Mashup That You Need To See And Hear

Love Disney Songs? Then You'll Love This!

Remember when the cast members of The Lion King Musical and Aladdin The Musical performed a sing off at the airport during a flight delay?



Well they have done it again! This time these broadway singers battled and collaberated on the set of Good Morning America.

WATCH: The Lion King - Musical and Aladdin - The Musical teamed up this morning for one of the most incredible Disney song mashups you will ever hear! They performed each other's songs, their own songs and even performed together! Just wow! abcn.ws/1Zf4QKO

Posted by Good Morning America on Friday, January 8, 2016

Once again these cast members created a memorable moment for Disney fans around the world. They brought the theatre to the TV set with some of the most memorable songs from the musicals and animated movies during this sing off and mashup!

Which moment did you like best? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more upcoming Disney info and Contests!

Celebrating September With Melissa Etheridge At Centre In The Square - Kitchener Ontario

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes we did receive a complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance attend too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

The Music Of Melissa Etheridge

 

Melissa Etheridge's music has spanned decades.  She rose to popularity in the 80's



Pushed the norms for music videos in the 90's



Inspired us in the 2000's



and continues her build her legacy today.



This singer-songwriter is known for incorporating her real-life experiences into her lyrics to create authentic songs that resonate with her audience.  This September Melissa Etheridge heads to the Centre In The Square in Kitchener Ontario.


Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning artist Melissa Etheridge will take the stage to perform songs from her new album, This is M.E., as well as some of her greatest hits like “Come to My Window”, “I’m The Only One” and “I Want To Come Over”.
Known for her iconic voice, profound lyrics and riveting stage presence; Melissa will share personal stories about her remarkable journey through life and the inspiration behind some of her most beloved songs.

She will be perfoming on September 21, 2015 which just happens to be the day before my birthday!  I will be looking forward to celebrating it in September at the Melissa Etheridge concert and highly suggest you grab your tickets before it's too late!

Celebrating September - Enter To Win

Let us know which song you hope Melissa Etheridge will sing in the comments of this post for a chance to attend the concert with us! Yes that's right we'll be in the audience and you just might win a pair of tickets to attend it too!
The contest listed below (might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form. If the contest does not pop up, clear your cache and refresh) is for a chance to win a pair of ticket to see Melissa Etheridge on September 21, 2015 at Centre In The Square In Kitchener Ontario Canada. Be sure to post your answer to the question listed in the Rafflecopter Widget in the comment section below.

 


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Keep The Canada Day Celebrations Going With Drayton Entertaiment's CANADIAN LEGENDS

Oh Canada

With Canada Day happening earlier this week, we were delighted to attend Drayton Entertainment's Canadian Legends show on July 2nd to keep the celebration going!

Posted by Official Drayton Entertainment Fan Club on Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Many of our readers will remember how much we enjoyed Sorry I'm Canadian, and we are thrilled to say that this production is a wonderful continuation of that theme.

A gifted comedian,  Neil Aitchison takes to the stage as his popular alter ego, Constable Archibald F. Inkster, the RCMP officer who last graced the Cambridge stage in the 2013 production, Sorry … I’m Canadian.

This time around, Aitchison has a new horse (Mulcair) and plenty of new razor-sharp satire as he pokes fun at every political party, and some choice individuals – even Queen Elizabeth is not immune from some good-natured ribbing. Aitchison’s homespun charm and relaxed, jovial delivery create an effortless rapport with the audience. He has a spring in his step and added zing to his one-liners as regales the appreciative audience with his personal tales of domestic bliss and unfortunate “furniture disease.”

But the real star of this production is the music, and oh what a feeling it evokes.

Maple Leaf Music

We really enjoyed this musical tribute to Canadian artists and found ourselves singing along and trying to sit still in our seats.  I heard many people after the show comment on they didn't realize so many popular songs are by Canadian singers.  Kudos to Drayton Entertainment for highlighting these incredible musical talents.

We're Ready For Round Two

On our ride back to Kitchener we talked about the singers that we would put in if they had a sequel to Canadian Legends. After you see the show maybe we could compare notes in the comments below.

Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.Canadian Legends plays eight shows a week through July 18^th. Tickets can be purchased

1. In person at The Dunfield Theatre
2. Online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com
3. Calling the Box Office at (519) 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866)

 

 

 

Big Music Fest 2015 - Media Launch and PRE SALE CODE

Big Music Fest Returns To Kitchener

Today involved heading to Kitchener City Hall for Media Coverage of the Big Music Fest 2015 Media Launch.  The artists performing at this year's event were announced over the lunch hour and I did my best to tweet it all in real time!

It began with the  Master Of Ceremonies, Mayor Berry Vrabnovic describing how last year's Big Music Fest came to be and that we should be looking forward to this year's event.

Other local dignitaries took to the podium to let us know that Kitchener Ontario wants to focus on Arts and Culture and that Big Music Fest will be an expanded festival this year.  This year's event will also include a Food Festival as well as a Film Festival.

See Who Is Headed To Kitchener For Big Music Fest

The theme for Big Music Fest 2015 is CLASS AND KICK ASS. Once again Big Music Fest will be hosting the Breaking Bands event on the Friday night of the music festival. After the announcement about the Friday night kick off event, they annouced the CLASS ACT.

Post by Lisa McDonald.

Rod Stewart And Blondie with Mathew Curry and Mark Ballas will be taking the stage on the final day of Big Music Fest, Sunday July 12 2015.
I had the opportunity to see Rod Stewart many moons ago at the CNE Grandstand. He put on a spectacular show! Lots of energy and audience interaction, including his signature soccer ball launching.

As for the KICK ASS portion of this year's Big Music Fest they brought in some big guns

Post by Lisa McDonald.

Soundgarden And Janes Addiction with Monster Truck and Extreme will be performing on Saturday July 11 2015 at McLennan Park Kitchener Ontario Canada!

I have been a big fan of Chris Cornell both as a solo artist and as lead singer of some fantastic bands, but have yet to see him perform live.  I did however see Extreme perform in Toronto in the early 90s and they were great!

Plus there will still be more performers added to this! We can't wait to see which groups will be also be playing at the multiple day music festival!

Tickets Go On Sale This Week

 BigMusicFest.com states that tickets go on sale Friday February 13, 2015 but according to CTV Kitchener there will be a pre-sale on Thursday February 12, 2015

UPDATE FEB 11th
Big Music Fest has listed their PRE SALE CODE on their Facebook page

Post by Big Music Fest.

The BIG Question

We want to know! Which Big Music Fest Act(s) are you looking forward to most? Let us know in comments!