With large gatherings banned as part of the efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts is still looking for ways to bring live concerts to music lovers.  

The result is the creation of an online music festival where Kingston musicians perform live at the Isabel at Queen’s University for a worldwide audience.

The inaugural Ballytobin Live From the Isabel Online Summer Music Festival showcases live performances at the Isabel by fabulous musicians of many different genres, streamed by the Isabel team on its new Isabel Digital Concert Hall from May to August, 2020. The Isabel Digital Concert Hall will be accessible starting May 16.

“There is no doubt that Kingston loves music, and musicians want to make music during this difficult period of isolation. This festival is a musical initiative of tremendous passion and enthusiasm,” says Tricia Baldwin, Director of the Isabel. “The community collaborators have created a wonderful and varied summer program for Kingston’s music lovers and beyond. The irony of social isolation is the increased collaboration and goodwill in the arts. I am grateful to all our partners, the Ballytobin Foundation for making this festival possible, and technical director Aaron Holmberg and arts stage technicians Jesse MacMillan and Noah Sullivan for working tirelessly to bring about a high fidelity live online festival.”

All online concerts are free for all audiences with a voluntary donation requested.

“In these interesting times, we are so pleased to support this innovative arts initiative that ensures that a vast array of live music continues in Kingston and is shared with the community through its new Isabel Digital Concert Hall,” says Joan Tobin, Ballytobin Foundation. “There is such determination in Kingston to ensure that the music does not stop, but rather, continues to flourish in this music-loving city. I congratulate the entire community programming team and all the artists and collaborators who, together, have created a wonderful festival for all to enjoy.”

CONCERT DATES 

• May 16, 7 pm: Gryphon Trio (Classical). In collaboration with Ottawa Chamberfest and Chamber Music Society of Detroit
• June 19, 7:30 pm: Frase (hip-hop/ funk / house / soul). In collaboration with the Skeleton Park Arts Festival
• June 20, 3 pm: Sadaf Amini (Iranian santur). In collaboration with the Skeleton Park Arts Festival
• June 21, 7:30 pm: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson and her band (Indigenous multi-arts). In collaboration with the Skeleton Park Arts Festival
• July 8, 7 pm & 8 pm: Palenai Duo (Classical)
• July 15, 7 pm & 8 pm: Triola (Classical)
• July 22, 7 pm: Benny Goodman Tribute Band (Jazz)
• July 22, 8:30 pm: Jive Ass Slippers (Jazz)
• July 28, 7:30 pm: Faculty Artist Trio (Classical) In collaboration with Queen’s Dan School of Drama and Music
• July 29, 7 pm: Valery Lloyd-Watts (Classical piano)
• July 29, 8 pm: Carina Canonico and David Gazaille (Classical). In collaboration with the Kingston Symphony
• Aug. 5, 7 pm: Emilie Steele & The Deal (Indie Rock)
• Aug. 5, 8:30 pm: Oakridge Ave. (Indie Rock)
• Aug. 12, 7 pm & 8 pm: Kingston Cabaret Night – Musiikki Monday Night Band, Selina Chiarelli and the Firebirds (Jazz, Pop & More)
• Aug. 13, 7 pm: Isabel String Quartet (Classical). In collaboration with Queen’s Dan School of Drama and Music
• Aug. 19, 7 pm: Limestone Trio (Classical). In collaboration with the Kingston Symphony