By: Andrew Mrozowski
“In the beginning God created Adam and Eve (allegedly), but she soon realized how boring their parties were and created Adam and Steve to be their neighbours and show them how it’s done,” read the official Adam and Steve manifesto.
Since 2016, Adam George and Steve Hilliard have been throwing the queerest parties that Hamilton has seen for decades under their event planning name Adam and Steve. These two community event organizers have a single mission, to create community and carve out LGBTQ friendly events within the Hammer.
“[Our events] are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It’s like your gayest wildest wet dream,” said George.
George moved to Hamilton in the late 2000s to attend McMaster’s science program. Shortly after meeting Hilliard on campus, the two students clicked. Hilliard went on to graduate from the nursing program and became a full-time nurse while George became a full-time realtor.
The “semi-engaged” duo — they have an ongoing competition over proposals — loved making a life together in Hamilton, but they felt something was missing in their community.
Being inspired by the fact that there weren’t any queer spaces currently in Hamilton, George and Hilliard had an idea. What if they planned and hosted parties in Hamilton that they would want to attend?
“We were tired of having to go to Toronto to have fun,” explained George.
“We were both inspired by being queer, inspired by fun, beauty and I have an intense love of drag. I really wanted to give a stage to queer artists,” added Hilliard.
Historically, Hamilton has had a rough history with queer spaces amounting to raids and police brutality.
“At any given moment, there was at least four or five [gay bars and clubs]. Hamilton was almost too gay and this history is tragic. If you look up the lists of the top ten worst police raids, one of them was in Hamilton at a bathhouse downtown,” said Hilliard.
“But now, we’re moving towards a queer scene about being whoever the fuck you wanna be,” added George.
Attracting the likes of popular Toronto queens, such as Priyanka, and RuPaul’s Drag Race season 8 contestant, Thorgy Thor, the dynamic duo is always on the lookout for who can throw the greatest party.
“We wanted to throw parties that we wanted to go to. Right before we started doing events, we always thought ‘Why hasn’t a RuPaul queen come to Hamilton?’ Then once we started throwing events, it was one of those things where you didn’t think was possible and then one day, I just googled … what would it take to get a RuPaul queen to come,” said Hilliard.
“We did a survey on our Instagram to see if there was interest… in four days the first show sold out and then we added a second date, and that one sold out,” added George.
Community is a large reason why George and Hilliard throw their parties. The duo’s goal is not only create community and a space that fosters inclusivity through their events, but they also wanted to become part of the community.
“It’s about creating a family in this city,” said Hilliard. “Queerness was never something that was handed to us.”
George and Hilliard are consistently looking towards the future and are hoping to open up their own space. The goal is to have a party every night, so there will always be a safe space for the community to celebrate and have fun.
Always busy planning parties, the duo has big plans for this coming romantic weekend. Adam and Steve will be hosting Heart On: Queer Galentine’s Day Party featuring House of Filth on Feb. 16 at Absinthe Hamilton on 38 King William Street.
“Queer and gay bars left [Hamilton], but the gay and queer people didn’t. We need to give those people and ourselves a safe space where they can meet new friends, be safe, and won’t ever need to leave the city at all,” explained Hilliard.
The future for Hamilton’s LGBTQ+ looks as bright as the pride flag thanks to event organizers like George and Hilliard. Adam and Steve events are where you can put glitter on your face, wear your cutest shirts and dance the night away in a safe and inclusive space for all.
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By: Andrew Mrozowski
From Jan.12 to Jan.19, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra will run their fourth festival in their composer festival series. This year, the focus will be on Baroque-era composer, Johann Sebastian Bach.
“Bach is arguably the most influential and relatable composer of all time. His beautiful orchestral music and his fascinating life will be a joy for everyone to experience. I do think that Bach is the ultimate composer. He has that perfect balance of musical skill, transcendent spirituality, and human emotion,” said Gemma New, the music director for the HPO.
The HPO has partnered with various venues and amateur orchestras across Hamilton with the goal of teaching the community more about composers’ music and life.
“What we really wanted to do was connect people in the community to a single composer’s work and give the public many different perspectives on that particular composer,” said Diana Weir, executive director of the orchestra and McMaster alumna.
With previous festivals spanning the lives of Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn, the HPO has seemingly been on a roll with the popularity of their artist festival series and the community’s engagement.
“We really wanted to do something to see amateurs and professionals work together in other organizations. [Hamilton] has a very strong amateur music scene, so everything must reflect what Hamilton is interested in and what Hamilton needs,” said Weir.
“Music contributes to a person’s sense of wellness and we are committed to explore how to use our artists to contribute to the wellbeing and life satisfaction of the community.”
This year, there are nine different events spanning the course of the seven-day festival. There is an event for everyone in this year’s Bach Festival whether you are an avid fan of this era or not. The Sil has highlighted three events that students may enjoy:
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Redchurch Café and Gallery, 68 King Street East
Inspired by Bach’s coffeehouses in Leipzig, Germany, HPO’s Associate Concertmaster Lance Ouellette is hosting a casual night in conjunction with Redchurch Café and Gallery. Enjoy Bach on the violin accompanied by beer, prosecco, or a latte as well as the current art exhibition, Fell Through by Paul Allard and Jonny Cleland.
Tickets $20
Shawn & Ed Brewing Co., 65 Hatt Street, Dundas
The fan favourite event returns to Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. Enjoy a night of Bach music performed by an HPO trio while drinking specialty beer at this local craft brewhouse.
Bar opens at 5:30 p.m. Music and drink pairings from 6-7 p.m..
Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Lane
Concluding the week-long festival, expert Baroque conductor Ivars Taurins and the HPO are putting on one final show featuring the works of Johann Sebastien Bach. At the end of the concert, stick around for the Pro-Am jam.
You can have the chance to perform with professional musicians and conductor Ivars Taurins in this professional-amateur jam session of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach.
Tickets start at $10
Must purchase a ticket to register and participate in Pro-Am Jam
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This festival is different from other music festivals you may find. As the HPO’s main goal is to break down barriers to access in the community, they’ve aimed to make the events affordable, especially for a student-budget. They’ve also brought the music outside of the typical performance in a concert hall where guests may feel intimidated.
“I really hope that people will feel like they are connected to the HPO and [the HPO] is connected to the community. The HPO is somewhere where people can develop memorable experiences with their friends and loved ones,” said Weir.
So enjoy a drink and listen to Bach at a café, or perhaps go to the library and attend an insightful talk and beautiful performance, wherever and however you experience the Bach Festival the HPO will be sure to take you back to the Baroque-era.
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By: Drew Simpson
On June 26, the McMaster University board of governors, specifically the executive and governance committee, approved recommendation from the senate executive committee to establish the Centre for Networked Media and Performance.
According to the Oct. 18 board of governors meeting agenda, the vision for the CNMAP is “the production, exploration and analysis of new forms of expression, communication and collaboration enabled by networks and networking techs.”
As highlighted in the agenda, the approval for the centre comes as the rapid proliferation of technology continues to outstrip discussions about their human uses and impacts. At the heart of the technological revolution is the advent of “the network,” namely connections such as shared software, online communications and new electronic and data environments.
“Humanities research has a special role to play in this context,” reads part of the agenda.
“Research and research-creation in the media and performing arts offer a setting in which new configurations of our networked landscape can be imagined, actualized, evaluated, and transformed in experimental ways.”
As of its launch this past summer, the CNMAP has been utilizing the networked imagination laboratory and the black box theatre in L.R. Wilson to organize workshops, conferences, interdisciplinary collaborations and other forms of artist-centric research.
According to the board of governors agenda, the centre has interest in hosting an interdisciplinary national sound conference at McMaster in 2019.
Some examples of the ‘nodes,’ or research spaces, that are said to comprise the centre include the cybernetic orchestra, pulse lab, networked imagination laboratory, software studies reading group and the sounds studies reading group.
The the CNMAP also connects these nodes through an online platform aimed at facilitating communication and collaboration.
Some anticipated CNMAP expenses include national and international conferences, server software costs for the online platform and the cost of graphic design and promotion, which can involve hiring undergraduate multimedia students.
Revenues allocated to these expenses include the seed funding of $40,000 by the humanities faculty vice president of research.
In its first semester, the CNMAP was involved with organizing and promoting a number of events, including four free live coding workshops and the “Imaginary Landscapes” exhibition, which occurred in Dec. 2018 and featured soundscape performances, a cybernetic orchestra concert and an informative artist-centric poster demonstration.
Students interested in receiving updates and getting involved with the CNMAP can contact David Ogborn, the centre’s director, at ogbornd@mcmaster.ca and/or follow the centre on Facebook and Twitter.
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As the semester quickly comes to an end during the busiest time of the year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the piles of coffee stained study notes and to do lists. Between exams, holiday shopping and all the other things on your plate, it’s important to carve out some time to enjoy yourself. As Hamilton transforms into a winter wonderland, now is the perfect time to check out all the fun events happening across the city.
The Phoenix Bar and Grill will be hosting the first ever Holiday Market on campus. The patio will be decked out in twinkling lights and local vendors. Complete your holiday shopping while sipping on hot drinks and snacking on festive treats, or get creative at the crafts stations to make your own festive arts. No holiday market is complete without a photo with McMaster’s very own Santa. Entry to the market is free but make sure to bring cash for shopping at the vendors!
Looking for a lovely homemade gift that you don’t have to make yourself? Check out the Craftadian Christmas Market on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McMaster Innovation Park. Over 80 local makers will be there selling unique and beautiful gift ideas, from a toy for your baby cousin to a scarf for your Secret Santa pick.
Head down to Westdale on Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for some wintry fun. There will be live music and entertainment, a vendor market at the Westdale Public Library, horse and carriage rides and late night shopping.
Record store Into the Abyss is putting on two of its intimate in-shop shows during December. Head down to the store on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. to see Toronto singer-songwriter Adrian Underhill, Montreal pop duo, Best Fern and Hamilton singer-songwriter, Gareth Inkster. On Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., the set list includes Toronto songwriter and poet Steven Lambke and duo Construction and Destruction will perform in celebration of their joint EP. Hamilton’s own Wish Coin will also be performing.
Looking for some feminist fun that supports a good cause? On Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., take a night off studying and attend Broad Conversations’ Feminist Trivia Night hosted at Toast Wine Bar. Admission is PWYC with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated to Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton Area). Open to everyone, this is a great chance to unwind with your friends and win some cool team prizes!
The Christmas Ferris wheel in Gore Park will be up through the entirety of exam season, from Dec. 7 to Dec. 23. Taking a free ride on the Ferris wheel makes the perfect downtown study break, providing both a layback outing and a spectacular view of downtown Hamilton. Stop by Redchurch Café and Gallery for a warm drink and stroll through their latest exhibit.
Head down to Gore Park between Dec. 7 and Dec. 9 for the annual Christmas market. On the opening Friday, the market will kick off with the Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m. and there will also be free live music from the Troy Harmer band. Throughout the rest of the weekend, check out local vendors such as Red Church Café, Toast Wine Bar, Collective Arts, Hamont Doodles and Hamilton Hobos. In addition, there will be a fully licensed mulled wine and hot cider bar, DJs playing throughout the weekend, a mistletoe kissing station and much more. The best part is that entrance to the market is free.
On Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., check out this workshop for a chance to create your own semi-precious stone or crystal bracelet to aide in mindfulness and personal growth. The history of this process, how to care for your bracelet and the stone options will be explained in a booklet given at the workshop. In addition to making the bracelets, the workshop will begin with a guided mediation. The workshop cost $15 for the bracelet and a hand sewn bag to store it in. If you want to make more than one bracelet, additional bracelets cost $8. If you’re thinking this would make a perfect gift for someone, you can get your bracelet gift wrapped for $4.
On Dec. 15 from 9 p.m to 2:30 a.m. Polyester will be hosting a drag show and dance party at This Ain’t Hollywood as part of their monthly events in Hamilton. The show will feature drag performances by Beautiful Baby Bel Bel. A mix of pop, house, remixes and beloved Christmas jams will be included in DJ sets by Rosé and Mia. Polyester hosts positive and safe party environments that are open to everyone. Cover is $10.
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It was looking like we were about to lose out on another ribbiting story opportunity. Our staff’s resident wildlife photographer was heartbroken, and we couldn’t find any of the chocolate-covered crickets that were promised at the door.
The Royal Botanical Garden members and press opening evening for their Frogs! winter exhibition was bustling with antsy children and photographers. There were no frogs yet. They were set to arrive that evening all the way from their home at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland zoo in Allenwood, Pennsylvania. Despite the Royal Botanical Garden’s efforts to contact them ahead of time, border security held up the frogs for several hours. We were told that they wouldn’t be ready to open the exhibit until the next morning.
Just as we we’re about to leave, they began ushering the guests away form the empty exhibits. The frogs were ready to make their entrance.
We should have known that such colourful company would be fashionably late. The frogs arrived in lavish Tupperware, with their exhibit displays ready and warmed so that they could get cozy and comfortable for their three-month stay in Hamilton.
They don’t have personalities quite like people, or like we like to give or pets like dogs and cats, but they definitely have attitude. Whether that’s good or bad depends on the frog.”
Tiffany Faull, Exhibit Caregiver
While this isn’t their first time at the Royal Botanical Gardens, the exhibit hopes to introduce the public to some spectacular amphibians, but also raise awareness about global and local environmental issues that are threatening the homes of these animals.
Here are some of the biggest amphibious celebs to grace to the exhibit, introduced to us by Tiffany Faull, a recent biology graduate who travels with Clyde Peeling’s exhibitions to care for their animals.
“They don’t have personalities quite like people, or like we like to give or pets like dogs and cats, but they definitely have attitude. Whether that’s good or bad depends on the frog.”
The American bullfrog may be one of the more familiar species to a North American audience, and perhaps her comfort in this environment is what produces her free spirit. While we were lucky enough to see her up close and personal before she entered her exhibit, it may not be long before she ventures off to try and explore the RBG.
“She’s an escape artist… She likes to sit and wait and bide her time, and then while you leave enough room to jump out of her exhibit and run down hallways. There are many stories from security guards of watching keepers chase after her.”
Jaba here has a bad boy reputation. African bullfrogs are famous for their size and appetite.… They can hold large creatures into their big mouths with two front odontoid processes (that are not actually teeth contrary popular belief). They are known to eat large bugs, small lizards, birds and even other African bullfrogs, so he travels alone. But this doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a soft side.
“He is actually an amazing dad. If he were to have tadpoles he’s the one takes care of them” explained Faull. “They breed after rainy season in these pools. He will actually dig out channels from pool to pool to save the tadpoles if it starts to get dry.”
There are five different species of poison dart frogs, and the RBG is lucky enough to feature four of them, only excluding the famed golden poison frog, which is currently relaxing back in Reptiland. While these seem like a dangerous creature to handle, the colourful stars of the exhibition aren’t actually poisonous when bred in captivity.
“We don’t actually entirely understand how it works. Or what they are actually eating. They eat a certain bug that eats a certain plant. The plant will create a toxin that will prevent itself from getting eaten. The bug will eat that plant and the frog will eat that bug, and then it will take that toxin and secrete from its skin,” said Faull.
Their exhibit includes several bromeliad flowers, which in the wild, will fill with just enough water after rainfall for the poison dart frog to lay their eggs inside. After four to eight tadpoles hatch in these small pools of water, the frogs will return to these flowers and carry their tadpoles to a larger pool of water.
Like the African bullfrog, the ornate horn frogs have big mouths and even bigger appetites.
They will try to eat anything that moves in front of them, including things that are too big for their bodies, causing them to suffocate.
They may not be too smart, but at least they got the looks to make up for it. Their colourful patterns are used to camouflage when they burrow underground and wait for their food to wander over.
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Staying in Hamilton over Fall reading week? The Silhouette has your back with a whole list of events to keep you busy and away from doing school work.
https://www.facebook.com/events/824276797751460/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Ping Pong and Trivia are a great way to liven up your Monday night.
https://www.facebook.com/events/831478037027572/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Whether it be All Star by Smash Mouth or Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler, everyone has a karaoke song! Belt your hearts out at Avlyn's Lounge this Monday.
https://www.facebook.com/events/361040504337771/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Interested in capturing the beautiful human body through drawing? Come to the Cotton Factory at 7 p.m. to get hands on experience. The event is $10.
https://www.facebook.com/events/144482469499576/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Learn to yield the powers and effects of natural essential oils! They can help south headaches, injuries and stress. The cost is $4 to join, which covers the cost of the materials to make your own blend.
https://www.facebook.com/events/354430398329701/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
You get to meet an adorable mini pig, and learn more about how your meat diet affects animals. You earn $5 if you sit down and watch a seven minute VR documentary of a pigs life, from birth to slaughter.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1882658278618188/
Trivia nights can help keep your brain in thinking mode throughout reading week. For $5 at Lou Dawg's, you can participate to keep your mind sharp and maybe win some prizes.
https://www.facebook.com/events/121071081891508/
Already an improv pro and want to master your skills? Staircase Improv is offering a weekly drop-in class run by AD Andrew Hopps. Haven't tried improv yet? You can watch as an audience member for free!
https://www.facebook.com/events/356709921445747/
Missing your tiny dog because you're not going home for reading week? Well the Extra Small Dog Social is an event you probably will enjoy. A bunch of small dogs all hanging out, what's not to like? You can go schmooze with these floofs all evening for $25 bones.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1130817327049414/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Another trivia night? Hell ya! The Honest Lawyer's 90's Trivia Night will definitely put you in the mood for Halloween, focusing on cult classics such as the Addams Family, Hocus Pocus, Casper and Halloween Town. It's $5 per table and you get bonus points if you show up in costumes.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1743936279244322/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22page%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22page_upcoming_events_card%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A[]%7D]%22%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D
The Factory Media Centre is continuing its current exhibit by hosting a Lunch and Learn with an interactive, behind-the-art workshop. Guests can learn the techniques and processes behind the work.
https://www.facebook.com/events/177781306117416/
Has school gotten in the way of you getting your craft on? Now's the time to make up lost time with a Halloween themed DIY. There's four different options to choose from: Fall/ Halloween welcome sign, Scarecrow, Fall/Halloween directional sign, and a Teal pumpkin project sign.
https://www.facebook.com/events/124626931511646/
Owning a bike is easy, but upkeep and maintenance are often forgot about, until you end up with a flat tire. For $25, this workshop will teach you how to do a safety check, repair and change a tire, adjust brakes and gears, check bearing systems, and other basic maintenance.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1822637284422368/
Hamilton sure does love it's beer and yoga events. Join Barb for in brewery yoga to stretch and drink your worries away.
https://www.facebook.com/events/122838721754316/
For the more fashionable Marauder, there's a fashion show and action happening at Michaelangelo Events and Conference Centre. There's no info as to what styles will be shown, but all the proceeds go to the Dr Bob Kemp Hospice.
https://www.facebook.com/events/264739650711895/
Not into small dogs? Maybe medium puppers is more your size. Bring your dog or go sans pet to the Medium Dog Social at My Dog's Cafe on Locke St. S.
https://www.facebook.com/events/617103042012500/
Casino Art Space hosts a monthly poetry night called Moon Milk. October's guest is Chelsea Tadeyeske, who is a poet whose work is rooted in exploring shame, trauma and desire. The event is free for all and is an open mic, so you can test your poetry skills as well.
https://www.facebook.com/events/118467325530623/?ref=br_rs
Redchurch Cafe hosts a monthly pay-what-you-can swing dance! Go eat, enjoy the gallery space and learn an old school dance. Redchurch also hosts different styles of dances throughout the month, so be sure to watch out for other styles.
https://www.facebook.com/events/118211255527071/
The ultimate Throwback Thursday event, the Art of Tea and Tasseomancy and Mystic Tearoom is hosting a Practical Magic screening. There will be a short discussion about the movie before hand, popcorn and alcohol free margaritas!
https://www.facebook.com/events/132172830754859/
Comedians Joe Botelho, Ally Dick, Drew Hayes, A Hassan Chaudry, Tyler Dombroski, Derek Kurisco, Dan Brennan, Kevin Spencer, and Michael Moses take the stage at the Spice Factory. If you need a laugh (and a distraction from the impending school week) be sure to check out this event at the Spice Factory.
https://www.facebook.com/events/751277955064256/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Calling all musicians and performers! Come perform in front of a full audience at the Rust City Brewery. If you're not one for sharing your skills, you can always sit back and support local talent.
It's that time of the month again. Even though Supercrawl is the big festival of the year, there's still plenty of artists to support and vendors to check out. While James St. N will still be busy, you'll get a much less hectic evening of art.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1754729071488040/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Perfect for a date night, or a solo trip, Hammer Night Live will have you laughing by the end (or start) of you Friday evening. It's free so even if the comedians aren't funny, there's nothing to lose.
https://www.facebook.com/events/256914624778352/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Time to put on your yellow and black because it's football night in Hamilton. Take to the stadium to support the Hamilton Tiger-Cats against the Calgary Stampede.
https://www.facebook.com/events/864691380375894/
Looking to attend an event that will make you think and have tacos's? The Tower is hosting a fundraiser to help raise money for SubMedia, an anarchist and anti-capitalist video production company.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1912153915702874/
Have a story you feel needs to be heard? Story Slam is the art of competitive storytelling done in a slam poetry style. This month's theme is Friday the 13th, and focuses on ghostly encounters, creepy crawlies and nights gone terribly wrong. Listen as an audience member or tell a devilish story of your own.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1953794118229446/
There's nothing like a good, wholesome corn maze and bonfire to help welcome in the cold weather. For $12 cash, you can get a bus ride and entrance to the corn maze.
https://www.facebook.com/events/142783662993750/
Running throughout Art Crawl, HAVN will be showcasing portraits from artist Ariel Bader-Shamai, as well as launch a new quarterly zine, Solecism. Solecism focuses on the blunders of using film to shoot, and how that can be interpreted as artistic.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1449306875189075/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22page_id_source%22%3A1475860179383908%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22page_id%5C%22%3A1475860179383908%2C%5C%22tour_id%5C%22%3Anull%7D%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D
If you're an early riser and a Hamilton foodie, Mes Amis Catering is opening a Creperie & Apera Bar at the Hamilton's Farmers Market. Their new menu includes 100% gluten free crepes, smoothies, arepas, soups, salads, and sweet treats.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1189553797854749/
The Understudies promise a night of terror and laughter as they take spooky Halloween suggestions for their improv show.
https://www.facebook.com/events/301583650317762/?ref=br_rs&acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Are you more of a wine person than a beer person? Toast Bar has you covered with a mindless meditation involving wine! While tickets are $45, snacks, wine tasting and good company is included in your afternoon.
https://www.facebook.com/events/444984245879031/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
The up and coming indie rock band, Current Swell is taking to the Casbah stage on Saturday Night and is set to give Hamilton an unforgettable show. Their latest album, When To Talk And When To Listen, was produced by Grammy-winning producer Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Norah Jones, Cold War Kids, Of Monsters and Men) and is told to play for include rich songwriting and vibrant musicianship.
https://www.facebook.com/events/473082876406156/
Hamilton has a haunted past and Haunted Hamilton is here to take you on a tour of all the spooky and scary things this city has to offer. The Oct. 20th tour is already sold out, so make sure to book your tickets early to experience haunted Hamilton.
https://www.facebook.com/events/122679748440957/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Every weekend, the Black Sheep Snack Bar hosts a delicious brunch! Checkout their website for a sample of their hearty menu.
https://www.facebook.com/events/679540868903720/
If you'd like to dance away the calories you consumed during reading week, then SalsaSoul Sunday could be a fun evening for you. $10 at the Spice Factory gets you a salsa lesson and the option to be in the salsa social.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1422787681173942/
Yes, another drinking and exercising event. Enjoy an intimate yoga class lead by Trisha from Namaste Local, and after, a glass of Canada's national cocktail, a Caesar. Tickets are $20.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1411821102198249/
End reading week with a (head) bang by checking out the rock shows at Doors: Taco Joint & Metal Bar on Sunday night. Bands Flesh Rag, Rik and the Pigs, Radiation Risks will be taking the stage starting at 9 PM sharp.
https://www.facebook.com/events/879314002226541/?ref=br_rs&acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
If the other spooky events on this list weren't enough for you, then Bizarro's Factory of Fear should fill your dark heart throughout the week. The attraction is on until the end of the month, but you should make use of your reading week to get spooked, because by the time exams come around you'll already be screaming.
Homecoming is fast approaching, and soon campus and surrounding area will be covered in maroon cheering students and red solo cups. McMaster knows how to celebrate in spirit, but it doesn’t mean every student may want to participate in the loud festivities. Luckily, Hamilton has lots of alternative events for keeping you busy and away from campus.
https://www.facebook.com/events/723796584482947/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Queer Outta Hamilton Presents: Passing the Torch
The queer scene in Hamilton slowly growing, with more and more events and queer-specific nights popping up all over town. Queer Outta Hamilton is hosting a ‘Passing the Tourch’ dance party at the Casbah on Friday the 29th at 9:00pm. The event centers around having a good time within an inclusive space, but also focuses on celebrating the induction of a new generation of queers in Hamilton. It’s a 19+ event, cover is $5 and it is accessible.
https://www.facebook.com/events/680867062113150/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
The Big SHOW
If you’re looking to have a laugh this Friday night, go to the Staircase Cafe Theater for a comedy variety hour with The BIG SHOW. The comedy troupe describes themselves as “Power Rangers meets Kids Incorporated teabagged by Kids in the Hall.” so you’re guaranteed an interesting night.
https://www.facebook.com/events/546717495659586/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Sip and Stretch Beer Yoga
Want to have a beer without the aggressive drinking environment of a kegger? Relax and work on your stretches while sipping on a nice local brew. $25 includes beer and a full yoga lesson taught by life coach Barb Sotos. It goes from 11am to 12:30pm at Shawn & Ed Brewing Company (65 Hatt Street, Dundas).
https://www.facebook.com/events/123546674968001/
Shut Down Hate Rally
If you’re looking to lend a voice for a good cause, the Hamilton District Labour Council is hosting a “Shut Down Hate” rally in Gore Park from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. The HDLC is coming together in resistance of race, gender and religion based harassment and assaults, to show Hamilton that they support an inclusive city.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1785164158177664/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Tea & Tarot Party
Interested in sipping tea and getting a free tarot reading? Inspired Hearts, a HamOnt spiritual centre, is offering a peaceful afternoon away from the hecticness of McMaster cheers.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1944397789131770/
Hamilton Glowriders
Grab your bike, get glow sticks and join the Glowriders as they light up the streets all around Hamilton. This Saturday’s ride starts at 8pm at Durand Park on the Charlton St side near Park St. It will be the last Glowriders event for 2017, so get glowing before the bike season is over!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1938995636320728/
Howling Moons - Presented by the Sweetgrass Sisters Collective
Howling Moons is an event for connecting and celebrating Indigenous communities within the Hamilton area. The music focused night, run by the Sweetgrass Sisters Collective, and features hip hop artist chilly, DJ Ariel and headliner Iskwé. The 19+ event starts at 7:30 pm and runs until 1 am. Tickets are $10 at the door or in advance on Bruha.
https://www.facebook.com/events/288486224962051/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D
Hiking at Tiffany Falls
For the morning birds out there, there’s a group organizing a Tiffany Falls hike! Meet at Tiffany Falls at 9 am sharp, and bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1983496615262213/
Homecoming Community Cleanup
If you’re passionate for the environment and helping the community, volunteering to help with hoco cleanup is an activity I highly recommend. Each year, the campus and surrounding areas end up filled with discarded red cups and pita wrappers. The Community Cleanup is a great way to say “Thanks for letting me drink excessively in the streets!”
https://www.facebook.com/events/113898859292736/
Mini Monster Market
Halloween will only be a month away when the Mini Monster Market comes to town! Steel City Studio, Beast and Bones & Used Muse Vintage are getting in the spooky mood by putting on a pop-up flea market, filled with unique art, vintage treasures, and handmade finds. Find them at Steel City Studio on 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
No matter what you end up doing, have fun and be safe!
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By: Crystal Lobo
Jan. 18 marked the start of MSU Diversity Services’ annual “Diversity Week.” This year, the theme of the week was “Constructing Our Stories,” a theme meant to emphasize the importance of sharing stories and narratives as a method of personal and societal growth. The service collaborated with many organizations such as Perspectives on Peace, Soul Foods, and external speakers, to present workshops relating to Diversity Services’ four pillars of diversity: multiculturalism, interfaith, abilities, and Indigenous affairs.
“We tried our best to reflect our pillars … Each of the workshops were sort of reflective of one of those topics in a nuanced way,” said Ryan Deshpande, Assistant Director of MSU Diversity Services.
“One thing we really tried to get away from is the idea of having a day for a pillar … That's not how people work and that was something that was definitely one of our major objectives, because being truly intersectional isn't going ‘these two things exist,’ but going ‘oh these all exist and they're all part of the same narrative,’” said Sophie Geffros, Abilities Coordinator.
On Jan. 20, one of the week’s primary events took place at TwelvEighty when keynote speaker and notable activist Kim Katrin Milan hosted a workshop.
“She built her talk around the theme [of the week] but talked specifically about issues of marginalization, identity, intersectionality and how we can own our narrative,” said Deshpande.
“She really captivated the audience. We had a full house in TwelvEighty. I got multiple messages afterwards of people being like, ‘That was so amazing. I'm so happy I came to see that.’”
Both Deshpande and Geffros stated that they viewed Diversity Week as a success. “I think everything went according to plan. The week was very successful and I don't think anything happened that I wasn't anticipating,” said Deshpande. Geffros was enthusiastic as well, “Events like this week are a really great opportunity to recharge your batteries because you get people who are both educated and not educated in these issues but who want to learn and talk and genuinely believe in these things, and it’s amazing,” she said.
While the event was successful, Deshpande and Geffros both cited ways that Diversity Week could improve for next year. Deshpande cited promotional strategies as an area that could grow. He believes that promotions have improved from last year, but is hoping to continue to promote the event to a wider audience. Geffros explained her hopes for a more ambitious Diversity Week in the future. “I think we should go bigger,” she said.
“Going forward I would like to have more complex conversations.”
Overall, MSU Diversity Week created multiple workshops and events for the McMaster community pertaining to its theme. “We want people to own their narratives and take charge of their identities in a way that empowers them,” said Deshpande.
“There is a great Junot Díaz quote, which is, ‘The only people who don't see reflections of themselves are monsters,’” Geffros said. “That is what taking diverse people out of the narrative does. It makes us monstrous because if you don't see yourself then you're almost dehumanized. So allowing us to come together and build those stories for ourselves I think is important.”
Photo Credit: Mike Beattie
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There are few things more satisfying than an ice cold glass of beer after a long day of work. Beer drinkers can range from those who like a casual glass of beer to commence the weekend to beer aficionados who can name the type of beer from a single sip. No matter what side of the spectrum you land on, all journeys towards loving beer start with a single sip. The Because Beer festival that is coming to Hamilton’s Pier 4 Park on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, 12 aims to provide a means for people to discover some of the good craft beer from over twenty-five breweries that Ontario has to offer.
Because of the volume of beer that will be available at the festival, I sampled a few beers from some of the breweries that will be in attendance in hopes of providing you with a cheat sheet of what I thought were the best beers from each of the breweries sampled.
Collective Arts Brewing
Best beer: Rhyme & Reason : 4.75/5
Collective Arts Brewing merges art with beer as each label uses art from local artists. Each bottle is uniquely designed and artists are able to submit their work to the brewery in hopes that it will end up in a beautiful six pack. The fusion of art and beer gives this beer the advantage but does not overshadow the crisp flavour of the beer. Rhyme and Reason is full of hops and has a citrus and pine flavour to it and is on the lighter side. The aftertaste is complimentary and not overwhelming, making this beer the perfect evening beer.
Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company
Best beer: Lug Tread Lagered Ale : 3/5
Beau’s bottles are slightly smaller than a two-six, coming in at 600ml and have very attractive labels. I was very close to picking The Tom Green Beer simple for the fact that it exists, but one sip of the Lug Tread had me convinced instantly. Lug Tread is flavourful, crisp, and medium bodied, starting with a sweet taste and ending with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste. This beer reminds me of summer, but overall, it’s lacking that bit of specialty that would bring it to the top of micro-brews in the province.
Great Lakes Brewery
Best beer: Thrust! An IPA : 4/5
With an attractive label that features a rocket ship, Thrust! An IPA quickly caught my attention. Often times the packaging doesn’t live up to the content but unlike that guy from the bar, Thrust! An IPA was as smooth as it was attractive. The India Pale Ale is honey-like in colour with a citrus flavour that compliments the slight grapefruit bitterness to it. Filled with citrus hops, but not in a way that’s overwhelming.
Amsterdam Brewery
Best beer: Amsterdam Natural Blonde Lager : 4.5/5
This common beer is often in local watering holes, but is still one of my favourites. It is crisp, and unique in flavour. This beer is great for all-year drinking but especially lovely in the summer. Amsterdam Blonde is pleasantly fragrant and has a light fruit flavour. This beer is simple yet satisfying and keeps me coming back for more.
Wellington Brewery
Best beer: Special Pale Ale : 2.5/5
At first sip, the beer tasted like nothing special but overall drinkable. The more I drank, the more bored I got. The amount of hops make the Special Pale Ale overwhelming and not in the good way. It tastes of malt caramel and is slightly creamy, which sounds like it would make a fantastic beer, however, Wellington’s Special Pale Ale left something to be desired. I would drink this beer if looking for something outside of PBR or Bud Light but for anyone who likes smooth, crisp, beer, this wouldn’t be my first, or even fourth choice. I didn’t even finish it, which says a lot.
Grand River Brewing
Best beer: Curmudgeon IPA : 3/5
This copper coloured beer is flavourful, however, it’s maltiness is a little too much for me. There is a bitter aftertaste that I can see as being pleasant, but is just slightly overwhelming for me. The slight caramel taste and hint of fruit flavours are redeeming factors and kept me sipping for longer than I thought I would. Overall, I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to buy this, but I can see the appeal.
Double Trouble Brewing Co.
Best beer: Prison Break Breakout Pilsner : 3/5
Double Trouble Brewing Co. has cleverly titled beer including, Hops and Robbers and Fire in the Rye but the standout beer for me was the Prison Break Breakout Pilsner. The blue can had entertaining illustrations and the deep but subtle hops give the dark gold beer extra body. Unfortunately, the illustrations on the can is the best part of the beer as it is quite filling making the last half of the beer hard to drink.
I suggest you make your way down to Pier 4 Park on July 11 to make your own conclusions about the best craft beers. For those who are new to the sport of beer drinking, there will also be informative sessions including how to master a perfect pour, how to pair food and beer, and how to tell good beer from bad beer. Additionally, music and food are the perfect compliments to a weekend of great beer, so there will be musical entertainment and over ten Hamilton food trucks at the festival. Entry to the Because Beer festival is forty dollars for the entire weekend or twenty-five dollars per day, which includes a tasting mug and four craft beer samples for one day or ten craft beer samples for the weekend. Drinking beer is an art form, one that I will hope to perfect during Because Beer.
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By: Susie Ellis
The Everything To Do with Sex Show is an annual convention held at the Enercare Centre located downtown Toronto. The convention is very much the Comic Con of the sex world and has included many different types of attractions. The main floor is filled with multiple stages for performances, as well as vendors who offer services and products to meet all attendees’ sex and kink needs. The floor is also equipped with an Aphrodisiac Cafe and various food trucks for hungry guests. The show offers many seminars and workshops focusing on a variety of subjects. Attendees can learn how to use a strap-on in the Kink Corner or get educated on the “12 Types of Orgasms” in the Seminar Room. The show also features a Wellness Zone (for options on spicing up your workout) and an Erotic Art Area. The Everything To Do with Sex Show offers a safe space to learn and explore the different facets of romance, sexuality, and self-improvement. This show is the best place to let your imagination run wild and learn exciting new things.
The Playground Conference is Toronto’s only intersectional, sex-positive and educational social function. The event, once held as a weekend conference, has been split into quarterly sessions for 2016 (exact dates TBA). The conference features local and international sex and sexuality educators who engage participants in panel discussions, intimate workshops and presentations. In 2015, the conference brought over 310 attendees from various backgrounds, races, genders and sexualities. Playground allows for like¬minded individuals to have an open discussion about how sexual and erotic play can help enhance health and wellbeing. All of the events are not only educational but also bring an aspect of entertainment. Playground is more intimate than the Everything To Do with Sex Show and focuses more on specific (sometimes underrepresented) areas of sex and sexuality.
Tell Me Something Good — 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto
Tell Me Something Good is a monthly sexy storytelling event held downtown Toronto at the Gladstone Hotel’s Melody Bar. The show allows for attendees to volunteer to tell their own true personal stories in front of a group of sex-positive friends as well as the judges of the event. These stories can be funny, sad, unexpected or adorable, as long as they stick to the theme of the month and are under the time limit of five minutes. At the end of the night, the judges tally the scores and award the best stories with sexy prizes. A part of what makes TMSG a must-attend event is the inclusive community. Even though the event is judged, there’s no sense of competition amongst the performers. The thought of telling a group of strangers about your sex life might seem scary, but because all the events attendees are sex-positive and non-oppressive, it creates a safe space to voice your vulnerabilities.
If you are looking to change your perspective on your body and step out of your comfort zone in the company of other like-minded, body positive individuals, then Body Pride is an event you may be interested in. Body Pride is a nude body image workshop created by Toronto-based sexuality blog To Be A Slut. The workshop was designed to reconnect participants with their body in a positive manner. There are wine and snacks provided as participants have an evening of relaxing naked together. There is group discussion around sexuality, sex and bodies, followed by an optional nude photo shoot. Although being nude (non-sexually) around strangers might not be for the faint of heart, the workshop provides a space to let go of all negative feelings about one’s physical form and to gain a new natural perspective on our bodies. Body Pride is currently on hiatus with hopes of returning later in the year.
Oasis Aqualounge — 231 Mutual Street, Toronto
Oasis Aqualounge is for the more adventurous of sex-positive people. It is a water-themed, upscale sex club in downtown Toronto which offers various theme nights every month. Each day there are restrictions on what types of guests are allowed. Some nights are exclusive to women and couples while others allow for single men to join in on the fun. Sunday nights are their speciality event nights. The building has three floors, including a heated outdoor pool, a sauna and hot tub. There is also a dungeon and multiple bars around the facility. Oasis operates under a consensual mission to provide a sexually liberated and clothing optional space to women and their partners. The facility is hygienic and safe sex is encouraged through condom baskets in every room. If interested in meeting people to pursue sexual encounters, guests can freely talk to anyone in attendance, but must only ask once to touch other guests. Oasis offers a unique space to find like-minded individuals and to explore one’s body in a sexual, safe manner.
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