Media Preview Experience with Rock-it Promotions

I am always looking for innovative products and events and the Rock-it Promotions 2023 Media Preview had it all! For those not familiar with what a Media Preview is, the best way to describe it is, select members of the media are invited to a showcase before a big campaign is rolled out. They receive a first-hand experience of the brand's offerings and are there to learn all about the company's plans for it.

I was welcomed with a cocktail from Crystal Head Vodka and followed up with one from Signal Hill Whiskey.  Both were delicious and refreshing on that hot day!  I spoke with those tending the bar about the products and even came home with a mini-bottle of Crystal Head Vodka!

Next, I met Abi Katigbak of 1MX Music Fest and she informed me that this was the first Global Asian Music Festival that would be taking place in Toronto. Learn more in the videos below

Then it was on to Crumps Naturals, which is a Canadian company that makes natural Dog Treats. They spoke about being a female-owned company and how their new packaging is environmentally-friendly,

After that, I visited the UNCUFFED Leather area, where there were ties, rosettes and so much more. Their pieces are often worn by celebrities!

There was another apparel company there as well. Easy Mondays is a brand that is designed in Canada and manufactured in Portugal and we learned that their line is available locally at Channers in Waterloo.

I wrapped up the day with some wellness info from Best Buy Canada. I learned about their Light Therapy Mask, the Thera-Goggles and I was able to demo the Hyperice Venom Go Heat and Vibration Wearable. 

You can see some of the items I mentioned in the reel below.

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It was fantastic attending this Media Preview and I left with lots of great ideas for gift-giving!

Perfect Wedding at The St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Commits to Big Moments and Big Laughs on the Big Day

While Perfect Wedding has opened at The St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre at the height of wedding season, this pre-wedding scenario has everyone wondering if the ceremony will take place.

It begins as the groom wakes up in the honeymoon suite on what should be his big day, but he soon learns that his stag night prior has now put him in tumultuous turmoil.  This comedic play echos the hilarity of Drayton Entertainment's previous farce productions with the multiple characters trying to cover up what happened in the hotel the night before. Each false tale spun by the groom adds lots of confusion and his frantic behaviour has everyone on edge and wondering if he is ready to commit. Meanwhile, the best man is trying to solidify a big moment with his new girlfriend while keeping his long-time friends on pace to walk down the aisle. Despite his best efforts, seeing his friends off to get married gets more difficult as the day unfolds. When a chamber-maid with an acting background is added to the mix, the ridiculous situation gets extremely out of hand. 

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Get Your Tickets to Perfect Wedding

Perfect Wedding runs until August 27, 2023.  Many of the showtimes have limited availability left, so grab that bouquet of tickets before they are gone. Tickets available at https://www.draytonentertainment.com

Home Run for Success: Two Waterloo Region Softball Teams Fundraise for Out-of-Province Tournaments

In the active community of Waterloo Region, softball is not just a sport; it's a passion that unites players, coaches, and fans alike. Two exceptional softball teams from the region have set their sights on representing their community and showcasing their talent at prestigious out-of-province tournaments. To make their dreams a reality, these teams are putting in lots of effort, not just on the field, but also off the field, by organizing exciting fundraising initiatives.

Friday July 22nd Fundraiser for The Elmira Heat U15 Softball Team at Rural Roots

There is a $5 cover to attend this live music event featuring local talent Kodylyn Tanner, They are raising funds so the team can attend the Championships in Saskatchewan next month. Additional info can be found on The Elmira Heat U15 Instagram.

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The Waterloo Ghosts U15 Softball Team GoFundMe

You can help get The Waterloo Ghosts U15 Softball Team to their Championships in Brandon Manitoba by donating to their GoFundMe Page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-send-the-waterloo-ghosts-to-manitoba

Participating in out-of-province tournaments has substantial costs, including travel expenses, accommodation, registration fees, and equipment. Recognizing the financial burden, both of these teams have taken matters into their own hands and each has embarked on ambitious fundraising campaigns. They understand that their journey is not just about playing softball; it's about representing their beloved region and making their supporters proud.

Discover the Buzz: Events for Kitchener-Waterloo on the Stuff to Do KW Blog

 Discover the Buzz: Events for Kitchener-Waterloo on the Stuff to Do KW Blog

Kitchener-Waterloo, a vibrant region nestled in the heart of Ontario, Canada, is known for its rich cultural scene, diverse community, and a multitude of exciting events. Whether you're a local looking for something new to do or a visitor eager to explore, having a comprehensive resource to discover the latest happenings is a game-changer. In this blog post, we introduce you to all things Kitchener-Waterloo events— we believe that the Stuff to Do Blog is a digital hub that keeps you connected to the pulse of this thriving region.

Unveiling the Ultimate Event Guide:

When it comes to finding the best events in Kitchener-Waterloo, having a reliable online platform is essential. That's where our go-to website steps in, offering an extensive event guide that covers everything from arts and culture to sports, music, food festivals, and more. With our meticulously curated listings, you can explore a diverse array of events that cater to all interests, ages, and budgets.

Seamless Navigation and User Experience:

We understand that finding the perfect event can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities, live music performances, or educational workshops, our platform allows you to find precisely what you're looking for effortlessly.

Community Engagement and Reviews:

Our go-to website for Kitchener-Waterloo events is not just a platform for event listings; it's a community hub where event-goers can share their experiences and insights. User comments provide valuable feedback for fellow community members, helping everyone make informed decisions about which events to attend. Whether you want to share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, our website fosters a sense of community engagement and interaction.

Beyond Events: Exploring the Region:

Kitchener-Waterloo is more than just its events; it's a region brimming with history, nature, culinary delights, and cultural attractions. Our go-to website recognizes this, offering additional resources to complement your event experiences. Discover hidden gems, explore local landmarks, and find recommendations for nearby restaurants, cafes, and accommodations—all in one convenient place.

In the bustling region of Kitchener-Waterloo, finding the perfect event can be an exhilarating experience. With our go-to website for Kitchener-Waterloo events, you gain access to a comprehensive event guide, community engagement, and additional resources to enhance your overall experience. Whether you're a long-time resident or a curious visitor, let our platform be your companion in exploring the vibrant cultural tapestry of Kitchener-Waterloo. So, gear up, bookmark our website, and get ready to immerse yourself in an exciting world of events in this captivating region.

Ready for a Culture-Clash Comedy about Curling? Check out The New Canadian Curling Club in Drayton

From now until July 29, 2023 the Drayton Festival Theatre is performing The New Canadian Curling Club. This play features a cast of 5 characters of different cultures that have been brought together to diversify the local curling club.

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When personalities and prejudice clash, the whole program seems doomed to fail. It takes an ultimatum and some understanding of each other's situation to bring the curling team back to the rink, but it also keeps them on their toes both on and off the ice surface.

This story could ring true for small towns everywhere, so it is fitting that this comedic play is being performed in Drayton Ontario, a town with less than 3000 residents. 

Inspired by the local refugee resettlement program, a small town organizes a Learn-to-Curl class to welcome newcomers. But when its organizer slips on the ice and breaks her hip, the rink’s ice maker and former champion curler Stuart MacPhail is forced to step in as head coach. Trouble is, Stuart has some strong opinions about immigrants. What follows is an inspiring and hilarious story of a group of unlikely athletes who face off against local prejudice and claim their identity as “new Canadians”.

Ticket Info for The New Canadian Curling Club - Parents' Night Out

The New Canadian Curling Club is on stage at the Drayton Festival Theatre from July 13 through July 29.  Regular performance tickets are $55 for adults, $34 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select Discount Dates and groups of 20 or more are $45, and small groups of 10-19 are $50. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at draytonentertainment.com.

Getting to know the Gaslight District and Grand Opening Weekend Info

As mentioned in an earlier post, Friday night I was at the opening of A Few Good Men at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge.  I went early to get a parking spot at the theatre.  When I got out of my car I could hear music playing so I headed toward Foundry Tavern in The Gaslight District and as I got closer I knew the voice singing right away.  It was my friend Juynet singing with The Turk and the Hobbits. They were playing outdoors in the Big Screen area of The Gaslight District.  Watch the video below to see the view

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Next thing you know the Toronto Blue Jays were on the screen.

It is really a fun place to be!

The Gaslight District is a new kind of 'Infrastructure for the human spirit' that helps people freely play in public in ways that start to define an inclusive community identity. 

It was a great preview of what is to come this month for The Gaslight District's Grand Opening.

Grand Opening Weekend at The Gaslight District

I have been including Big Screen Thursdays at The Gaslight District as part of the ongoing Thursday events in my monthly list, but I felt the Grand Opening Weekend deserved a post too!

The Grand Opening Weekend is running July 28-30, 2023 with FREE CONCERTS on Friday and Saturday.

Each concert is headlined by a well-known band,  Friday night BIG WRECK is the headliner and Saturday WALK OFF THE EARTH headlines the show.

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There are other events throughout the weekend as well you can find all the info at https://www.gaslightdistrict.ca

The Courtroom Drama A Few Good Men Comes to the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge with a lot of Conviction

Many are familiar with the star-studded 90s classic film, A Few Good Men, based on the play of the same name, and this Drayton Entertainment play will instantly take you back there.

via GIPHY

A Few Good Men opened last night at Drayton Entertainment's Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Ontario to a full house who were full of enthusiasm.  The moment the production started the audience was enthralled in the nostalgia that was on stage. Several gasps were heard as the drama began.  The scenes would take spectators from the courtroom to the front lines and then back again leaving them on the edge of their seats.  Whether it was Colonel Jessep's unabashedly offensive outbursts, Lieutenant Kaffie's quick witty quips, or Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway's unwavering conviction to the law, the dialogue was a reflection of the times and the circumstances they were placed in. 

Sorkin’s riveting courtroom saga tells the story of two marines who stand accused of killing one of their own at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay. When hotshot young lawyer Daniel Kaffee is tasked with their defense, it looks like a simple case of soldiers behaving badly… until evidence suggests that high-ranking officials may have ordered an illicit disciplinary measure known only as a "Code Red." When fellow lawyer and naval investigator Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway suspects a cover up, the legal team must face the highest authorities, putting the entire marine code of honour on trial. Inspired by actual events, this gripping story of conspiracy and corruption in the name of patriotism is a fascinating look at morality in our modern age.

Ticket Info for A Few Good Men - Parents' Night Out

A Few Good Men is on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from July 5 to July 23.

Regular performance tickets are $55 for adults, $34 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select Discount Dates and groups of 20 or more are $45, and small groups of 10-19 are $50. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.

Neebing Indigenous Art Fair Opening Reception at Bingemans

Yesterday I was invited to attend the opening reception for the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair at Bingemans in the Embassy Room and I wanted to share my experience and how moving it was.

Bingemans is proud to host the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair for a second year! 

Neebing, meaning by the river, was designed to provide Indigenous artists with a platform to share their stories and talents with the community.  

This event is a collaboration of Indigenous artists whose works celebrate the Grand River and our local Indigenous landscape.

Featured artists include: 

Patrick Paul, Jared Tait, Thomas Sinclair, Autumn Smith, Bree Island, and Chief Ladybird.

I met three of the six artists displaying their pieces and each of them took the time to explain the story behind their paintings and how it connects to their life.

Mishiikenh Kwe (Autumn Smith)

Mishiikenh Kwe (Autumn Smith) was in a dual role of both artist and organizer of the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair.  She explained that she is a member of the Caribou Clan and had family members of other Clans as well that are depicted in the painting. She took inspiration from her Grandmother's stories of her animal helpers and how the spirit of Turtle Island is connected to her Ancestors through the Milky Way.

Thomas Sinclair

Thomas Sinclair took me on a tour of his paintings. While explaining the shapes and themes and how they connected to his life, we also discussed life as an Indigenous artist, knowing your worth and how this sector of art is evolving.  We also spoke about the healing process and connection that this art show is creating and it was an emotional experience for both of us.

Patrick Paul

Patrick Paul spoke of his experience exploring nature and how it connects to the Thunderbird, The emotions of those moments are displayed in his pieces of Woodlands art. Patrick traveled from Manitoba to be part of the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair.

Neebing Indigenous Art Fair Info

Get Tickets to the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair

Now is time to grab your tickets at https://www.indigenouswr.ca/admissions

The Neebing Indigenous Art Fair is running from July 7-16, 2023 at The Embassy Room at Bingemans. There will be various EVENTS during the art show including Live Dancing, Live Painting and a Food Tasting night with KW's Chef Destiny Moser of FoodZen/Cedar Spoon. (Please note the Tasting Event is a separate ticketed event). You can see the full list of events at https://www.indigenouswr.ca/scheduleofevents