McMaster's competitive co-ed Bhangra team wins first place win at the Ontario Punjabi Association annual formal
The Ontario Punjabi Association annual formal occurred this year on Jan. 19 at the Pearson Convention Centre. At the formal, the McMaster Punjabi Association's competitive co-ed Bhangra dance team competed against teams from York University, University of Toronto, University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, Western University, Brock University and the Toronto Metropolitan University. MPA finished in first place and received a cash prize of $1,500.
Bhangra is a popular type of folk dance originating from the Punjab region of South Asia. In its original form, Bhangra was performed around the spring harvest season. Today, the folk dance is popular throughout South Asia and the diaspora. It is frequently performed at weddings, birthday parties and festivals.
The OPA formal has been running for over 20 years and this year was their first back in-person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The yearly convention consists of a dance competition, performances from influential Punjabi artists and typically has over 2,500 attendees. This year, Sukha, Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga performed at the formal.
The winner of the dance competition is typically determined by the crowd favourite, and the MC picks which group they think is the most deserving. To have a good chance at winning, the competitors need to create choreography that actively engages the audience.
“The whole point of it is to get the crowd going and get them hyped up. So it took a lot for us to bring out our creative side because, of course, we can put together a routine that sticks to the basics, but [it also needs to] get everyone hyped up,” said Mehar Kaur, the events coordinator for MPA.
The whole point of it is to get the crowd going and get them hyped up. So it took a lot for us to bring out our creative side because, of course, we can put together a routine that sticks to the basics, but [it also needs to] get everyone hyped up
Mehar Kaur, events coordinator, McMaster Punjabi Association
The MPA team started practising in October, and, according to Kaur, their practices were not always smooth-sailing. They had to overcome many obstacles, such as the limited dance practice spaces at McMaster University.
“But we learned a lot about hard work and perseverance, especially because, in the week leading up to the formal, almost our entire team ended up getting sick and we actually had to replace someone the day before. So it was really tough on us,” said Kaur.
However, this did not discourage them and Kaur noted that this experience instead made them more resilient while representing McMaster at the formal.
“We came out of it stronger and we didn't think that we would win, but we really put Mac on the map,” said Kaur.
Despite the smaller size of the Punjabi community at McMaster, the MPA's win has helped inspire a greater sense of community and helped them connect with the larger Punjabi community.
“[McMaster] doesn't have as big of a Punjabi community, I'd say, compared to other universities. This year we went to show that even though we're smaller compared to other universities, we're still here and still doing our best to share the love for this dance with our community,” said Muskaan Natt, one of the co-presidents of MPA.
Mac doesn't have as big of a Punjabi community, I'd say compared to other universities. This year went to show that even though we're smaller compared to other universities, we're still here, and still doing our best to share the love for this dance with our community
Muskaan Natt, co-president, McMaster Punjabi Association
They attribute their win to the amazing choreography from their captains, but added that they were also encouraged by the unified chants of “MPA” from the crowd. MPA’s win not only solidified their place in the OPA but has also strengthened the connections between McMaster's Punjabi community and the larger diaspora community in Ontario.
The Art Gallery of Hamilton is now offering a lower sensory experience for those with dementia and other accessibility needs
The Art Gallery of Hamilton is now hosting Dementia-Friendly Days so that those affected by dementia or other sensory-sensitivity issues can enjoy the exhibits in a quiet, calmer environment during non-public hours.
The AGH is located downtown on King St. West. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month, the gallery reduces sound levels and sensory stimulation for drop-in, free, self-directed exhibition tours.
Laurie Kilgour-Walsh, head of Programs and Learning at AGH, explained this initiative's origin. Specialized programs for people living with dementia have already been implemented at the gallery for over 10 years, so the AGH has experience creating a safe and supportive environment. Due to this success, the gallery has wanted to expand to general access for people living with dementia, for more casual opportunities to explore the exhibitions.
Beyond lowering sensory stimulation, the AGH also offers other supports on their dementia-friendly days, with staff available to help attendees navigate the building or to chat about the exhibits. This gives visitors the freedom to choose their level of interaction with others, for a more controlled experience.
The building will also have extra signage and directions, as well as a security team, to ensure that visitors are as comfortable as possible.
As a dementia-friendly initiative, this program is unique because it is not a choreographed and facilitated experience. Rather, it is experienced however the visitor chooses.
Kilgour-Walsh has explained that reception has been slow to begin, especially with the winter weather that discourages people from coming out. However, she anticipates that once the warmer weather arrives and more people are aware of Dementia-Friendly Days, regular participants will come in more often.
Kilgour-Walsh hopes that people will feel comfortable regularly coming to the gallery after this experience.
"What I hope is that people will feel that the gallery is a place [where] they can come as they are. [Visitors] can function as they need to...we don't expect our participants necessarily to be quiet as an example. However, their experiences are welcome, so hopefully we'll see them come back [often]," said Kilgour-Walsh.
This initiative is great for any students who have sensory sensitivity issues or have loved ones with dementia, explained Kilgour-Walsh.
"By offering a safe space like this, it also allows caregivers and friends and family members a chance to get out and to have those experiences and to really share them with the person that they love as well. So there's a lot of relationship building that goes on in this," said Kilgour-Walsh.
By offering a safe space like this, it also allows caregivers and friends and family members a chance to get out and to have those experiences and to really share them with the person that they love as well. So there's a lot of relationship building that goes on in this.
Laurie Kilgour-Walsh, Head of Programs and Learning, Art Gallery of Hamilton
Kilgour-Walsh also added that the program has been funded by a grant from the province of Ontario and for students to keep an eye out for other opportunities the AGH has to offer, such as other programming or educational initiatives that might be of interest.
For more information on the schedule when Dementia Friendly Days are held, or to optionally pre-register for tours, visit here.
From heavy blues to cinematic soundscapes, Hamilton's music scene offers something for every music enthusiast, no matter the genre
As an amateur music connoisseur, I love discovering artists from all over the world. Be it Britpop, Latin or K-POP, each one has drawn me in as a listener with their distinctive styles and sound. But I've recently realized that I've become more in touch with foreign music scenes than ones more local to me. So in my quest to familiarize myself more with Hamiltonian musicians, I compiled this list of some of my favourites thus far with high hopes that other students may consider checking out their work as well.
JUNO nominee and McMaster University alumni Terra Lightfoot is a musician and singer-songwriter from Hamilton. With raspy, mezzo-soprano vocals and guitar skills that have been compared to the likes of Van Morrison, Lightfoot has made a name for herself in the world of blues, rock and folk music. Her newest album, ‘Healing Power’, is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and artists like Joan Jett.
Coming from a diverse musical background, Hamilton-based musician LTtheMonk creates unique and distinctive tracks, often blending dance music with hip-hop and pop. Songs like ‘New Monk Swing’ perfectly showcase this mix of genres, as well as the artist’s signature performance style which he describes as “bantamweight Gene Kelly-meets-James Brown” footwork.
Born in Dundas, Ont., Dan Snaith is a Canadian artist who has gained worldwide recognition for his unique blend of electronic, psychedelic, and indie pop music. With over 10 albums across three different monikers, Snaith’s discography is filled with intricate, layered productions and can be characterized by infectious melodies, rhythms, and introspective lyrics.
Hamilton-born musician, Efajemue Etoroma Jr., or “Efa,” is a drummer and percussionist known for combining jazz with touches of hip-hop and R&B influences. Along with serving as a drummer for acclaimed acts like Moonchild, Efajemue has created projects of his own, including his most recent album, ‘Aesthetics,’ which earned him a JUNO nomination for best solo jazz album of the year.
Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Carly Paradis is a BAFTA nominated composer and musician known for her captivating and emotive soundscapes. Paradis’ compositions are characterized by their atmospheric and cinematic qualities, often blending orchestral elements with electronic textures to create a unique sonic experience. She has written scores for the likes of Netflix and has even toured across Europe with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.
Check out these events to take explore Hamilton before midterm season hits
Before the semester starts getting busy, take a break and stop by these events to explore and learn more about Hamilton!
The Mini Zine Making Workshop is a free event that will be taking place on Jan. 23, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. at the McMaster Museum of Art. The event is part of Thrive Week, a week when the McMaster community comes together as a community to talk about mental health. Mini zines are self-published mini magazines that tend to display images and/or texts that are collectible. The workshop will cover how to make these zines and have participants make it unique to their own art style and practices. The event will also include a tour of the exhibit Chasm at the museum. There is limited space and registration is required.
The Hamilton Winterfest will be held from Feb. 2-19 at the rooftop plaza of Jackson Square. It will host a variety of events such as concerts, crafts, drag, dancing, theatre, fashion and art installations. Performers such as Aoife-Louise Doyle, Wax Mannequin and LT the Monk will hold a live concert there. They will also be hosting their annual Winterfest POP in the heart of downtown, featuring interactive exhibitions that relive the nostalgia of our youth, scratch n’ sniff stickers and video games.
The Hamilton Fashion Week, one of the biggest fashion parties in Canada, will be holding its 10th anniversary at the Music Hall on Feb. 17, 2024. This year, it will present its first Hamilton Runway project: Ethos of Summer, a representation of what summer means to each competitor. It will feature 10 designers, each presenting 10 looks. Some of the local designers that will be featured include Aimee Woods, Kaylee Shallows, Leslie Smith and more. Tickets will need to be purchased in advance.
Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame Festival
The Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame Festival will be held from Feb. 21-24 at the FirstOntario Centre. It will be hosted by Patrick McKenna and Graham Greene and feature local Hamilton comedy talent. One of the special guests is Hamilton punk rock group Teenage Head, who will be performing their 50th anniversary show. Tickets will need to be purchased in advance.
Have fun checking these out!
It's more than possible for students to overcome the challenges of living a sustainable lifestyle while on a budget
A common misconception of waste-free living is that it means producing zero garbage whatsoever. It is impossible to live completely waste-free. If you search far enough down the supply chain, all products (even sustainable ones) produce some form of waste. Waste-free living is less about being the perfect environmentalist and more about reducing consumption, saying no to plastic, and forming sustainable habits.
However, making small changes to your daily routine can be expensive, especially for students whose financial priorities lie elsewhere. With rising costs in tuition, housing, food, and gas, being environmentally friendly may not take precedence. In addition, students must balance course loads, jobs, friends, family, and more - all before taking the time to make waste-free lifestyle transitions.
Making the switch can be daunting when you have a busy schedule, live on a budget, or don't have a lot of money in savings. But don't give up hope. For those who are looking to become more environmentally conscious, there are many ways to navigate the financial challenges.
Step one is to abolish any perception you have of minimalist living. Social media inaccurately depicts the waste-free lifestyle by turning it into an aesthetic rather than a philosophy of life. Reducing your consumption won't be glamourous. Our society is structured for convenience, meaning that plastic is everywhere. Finding alternatives for single-use items might be messy and that's okay.
Step two is to come to terms with the fact that this transition cannot be done overnight. Replacing everything you own with something sustainable in one go will deplete your wallet. Those who claim being eco-friendly is too expensive, are likely trying to do too much too fast. The trick is to make the lifestyle switch slowly by using what you already have first. I've been making this transition for three years and still have much work to do.
Contrary to popular belief, waste-free living actually saves you money. Yes, alternatives are more expensive short term, but unlike single-use products, sustainable goods aren't purposely designed for the dump to keep consumers consuming. Instead, they are crafted to last a long time. For example, a menstrual cup, which has a lifespan of up to ten years, can save someone roughly $600 dollars on tampons in that same period of time.
Step three is to set realistic goals. My top tip for this step is to think about accomplishing zero-waste living based on the different rooms in your house. Tackle your bathroom first, then your kitchen, then your bedroom, and so on. Think about the various items in these rooms that can be replaced with ones that have longer lifespans.
My waste-free journey started in my bathroom. I switched to bars of shampoo and conditioner. While they do cost slightly more, they last about three times longer than the bottled kind. I also switched from single-use razors to a reusable one. Again, in the short term, it was more expensive, but I've been using the same one for two years and it will probably last me two more.
As for my kitchen, I started freezing my food scraps to make broth I could later cook with. I do this because, although composting is excellent for the environment, food waste produces a harmful greenhouse gas called methane. The average Canadian household loses $1,100 dollars in food waste each year, so just by making homemade broth, I am saving both the planet and money.
In the long-run living waste-free is not as expensive as it seems. All you have to do is remember that there is no perfect environmentalist, to make the transition slowly, and to set attainable goals. If, as a student, this lifestyle is not accessible because of finances the easiest change that still makes a difference is to say no and refuse unnecessary single-use plastics.
Stop breaking the bank and support businesses made for students by students
By: Krissy Butler
Hair and beauty services always pose two main challenges for university students: accessibility and affordability. As students face financial and academic pressures while pursuing their degree, they deserve to look and feel their best. However, it can be difficult to find a business that is able to accommodate the hair and beauty care needs of McMaster University's diverse population at an affordable price. Here are a few student-run Black-owned businesses that are both accessible and affordable for McMaster students!
Specializing in a diverse range of hair types and hair textures, Mt is a skilled barber located within ten-minute walking distance from McMaster’s campus. This talented barber offers a wide range of haircut services to cater to his clientele’s diverse needs. Mt provides accessible and convenient services, providing clients with the option to receive a haircut onsite at his studio or, for an additional cost, a house call haircut.
Like a Princess Nailz is run by Princess, a skilled Hamilton-based nail technician. Princess works in her home studio located near McMaster’s campus. LAP Nailz offers a variety of services, including gel manicures, custom press-on nails and acrylic designs. As seen on her Instagram page, Princess demonstrates her artistry and meticulousness with every client.
Tomi caters to a variety of hair styles and hair textures. The self-taught hairstylist showcases her skills on Instagram, through videos of her process, managing a diverse range of clients with different hair care needs. Her attention to affordability can provide students with a convenient and accessible way to look their best, especially during the midterm season.
“I enjoy the whole process of doing hair, it’s a hobby for me, which is why my prices are so low. I’m also aware that students are broke," said Tomi, in an interview.
For all things makeup, Harmony has you covered. This talented makeup artist demonstrates adaptability with each client’s unique needs to achieve their desired makeup look. Harmony offers a great range of services, linked on her Instagram business page, specializing in soft and full glam makeup. For all students who want a timeless makeup look for any memorable special occasion, Harmony can make it happen.
The new Art Gallery of Hamilton exhibit, This is Our Space Too, celebrates the creative perspectives of artists who have experienced homelessness and substance use
Keeping Six Hamilton Harm Reduction Action League is a community-based organization that defends the rights, dignity, and humanity of people with lived experiences of homelessness and substance use. Established in 2018 as a response to the opioid epidemic, this organization provides programming to amplify the voices of those who use drugs.
This is Our Space Too is a new exhibit at the Art Gallery of Hamilton presented by members of the Keeping Six Hamilton Harm Reduction Action League and the Keeping Six Arts Collective.
The exhibit features work from artists with lived experience with substance use and homelessness. The title, This is Our Space Too, emphasizes the importance of feeling seen and welcome in creative, public, and city spaces.
This initiative aims to challenge the common perception of community and encourage visitors to build compassion for individuals with different perspectives. This is Our Space Too is a powerful reminder that artists can come from many different walks of life.
Keeping Six Arts Collective promotes harm reduction through art by hosting weekly drop-ins and workshops for writing, painting and ceramics. The collective also organizes open mic nights and contributes to the K6 Zine, Keeping Six’s quarterly magazine.
This is Our Space Too is on exhibition from Dec 9, 2023 to Mar 16, 2024 in The Jean & Ross Fischer Gallery. For those interested, Gallery Level 2 and the Jean and Ross Fischer Gallery are always free admission. In addition, admission to the entire gallery is always free for students and free to the public every Thursday.
The temporary art event held at Pier 8 over the month of Novemeber, immersed community in a unique sound and light show in an effort to draw them to the waterfront
From Nov. 1 to 26 between the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the city of Hamilton held a temporary art exhibition at the Pier 8 waterfront called Sonic Runway. The event immersed citizens in a light installation, which sent sound signals to create patterns of light down a walkway. The exhibition was free for everyone to attend.
Peter Fortune, placemaking, public art and projects manager for the city of Hamilton, explained that from, the beginning, the exhibition hoped to create awareness for the waterfront, showcase the potential of Pier 8 and encourage community members to visit.
Fortune's role in the city is to come up with placemaking and public art initiatives to transform spaces and make them appealing places to visit. Placemaking refers to developing a part of a city so that people would want to live and establish themselves there.
Community members can approach Fortune and share with him what they are hoping to see and he can then work with them to bring creativity to the city.
Fortune discussed how Sonic Runway was the first large-scale placemaking initiative the city has run.
"I don't think the site has experienced anything like that before. . . also this is one of the few times that we've brought in nationally recognized artists [for events like] Sonic Runway," said Fortune.
Feedback for the event was overwhelmingly positive. Over 20,000 people visited the exhibition while it was open.
Fortune hoped that, with this event and others like it, the collective creativity identity of the city will continue to develop as the community gains more insight and involvement with Hamilton's creative and artistic side while taking part in placemaking and meaningful experiences.
Fortune also highlighted how the principal part of the exhibition was to encourage students and others to dream, by showing how the things they learn in class can be translated into the real world and offering an opportunity to learn more about the chance to learn about the technical side of placemaking, such as user interface design and electrical engineering. Students could see how they might apply their own skills within this field and how choosing an arts-based career, while it might be difficult, does pay off.
Fortune also hoped the project helped to change student perspective of the city, highlighting how there is more to it than just campus and giving places like the waterfront a new image and identity, rather than being only seen for industrial purposes.
"Instead of just being on campus and cloistered there, go and explore the city and realize that [it] has the ability to surprise you. This is one of those examples of something that could definitely surprise you because I'm not sure if a lot of people [realize that]," said Fortune.
Instead of just being on campus and cloistered there, go and explore the city and realize that [it] has the ability to surprise you. This is one of those examples of something that could definitely surprise you because I'm not sure if a lot of people [realize that].
Peter Fortune, placemaking, public art and projects manager, city of Hamilton
Fortune encouraged students to check out future events the city of Hamilton will host, especially for the winter and holiday season. With so much creativity in the city, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. Events can be found here.
Hamilton City Councillors are at odds following the voting process for the final stage of implementation for the Vacant Unit Tax bylaw, expected to this winter
Amidst the ongoing housing crisis, the Hamilton's city council have been working on the implementation of a vacant unit tax by-law. The vacant unit tax is a one per cent tax increase when a residential unit is noted to be vacant for over 183 days, about six to seven months.
In a communication update released on the city of Hamilton website's dedicated VUT update page, the city expressed their hope is that the tax will discourage Hamilton landlords to leave residential units empty, resulting in more living spaces become available.
The original idea was proposed in 2019 as the vacant home tax, with tangible goals introduced in 2021. These goals included research to understand the implications for such a tax in Hamilton and to consult with those who would be impacted. Through 2022 and 2023 research was undertaken by city of Hamilton staff to inform the proper implementation process that was expected to follow. This initiatve expected to be implemented this winter, by beginning to disseminate declaration forms to the residents of Hamilton.
On Nov. 22, 2023, however, the final vote held to officially approve the bylaw resulted in a tie. The voting for this bylaw was done separately to it’s original scheduled time, as requested by Councillor Tom Jackson, who initially voted against VUT bylaw. The tie has caused VUT to become invalid and the bylaw's implementation plan halted.
The voting process for this bylaw has being criticized by some city councillors, as at the time of voting three councillors were not present, and two of them indicating they were unaware of the separation of the VUT from the rest of items part of the voting. Councillor Nrinder Nann and Councillor Cameron Kroetsch have both publicly voiced their disappointment with the final stage of voting.
"These bylaws could also be put forward in such a way that if a member of Council wanted to vote against them, that member would have to ask for a reconsideration vote. That’s what should have happened yesterday as the enabling bylaw was already the result of a Council decision," said Councillor Kroetsch in statement through X, formerly Twitter.
Currently, the VUT bylaw may still be reconsidered by the city.
On X, Kroetsch also stated he believes there will be one or more votes about the entire situation regarding the VUT tax. More information on the future directions of the VUT bylaw may be disclosed on Dec 13, 2023.
This is an ongoing story.
This Halloween, The Westdale screened the 1975 cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, with an extra special drag pre-show with Hamilton drag performers
By Naomi Moshe, Arts & CUlture contributor
The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been drawing in audiences worldwide for over 45 years for a reason. The cult classic film is not only jam packed with fun, but it is also a landmark piece of cinema for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The film exudes the message of radical self acceptance, and being unafraid of the hidden desires that live deep within all of us––a sentiment that the queer community of the mid 1970’s desperately needed to hear. As a result, midnight screenings of Rocky Horror became safe spaces for the queer community to socialize and connect with one another at a time when simply existing as a gay person in broad daylight was a dangerous act.
When I heard that The Westdale was screening Rocky Horror on Halloween night, including a special drag pre-show with local Hamilton drag performers Jessie James and Karma Kameleon, I knew I needed to go. Besides, is there any better way to spend Halloween night than heckling profanities at a giant screen surrounded by hundreds of other people?
The atmosphere at The Westdale was, in a word, electrifying. Of course, crowds of people dressed up as characters from the movie. But more importantly, people were genuinely excited for the show, even though most people in attendance probably have seen this film more times than they could count on both hands. The energy was infectious––the entire theater was buzzing with anticipation.
The drag pre-show, hosted by Jessie James and Karma Kameleon, was a blast. Karma and Jessie performed campy lip syncs of songs from the movie’s soundtrack, including “Dammit Janet” and “Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me.” The highlight of the night for me was Jessie’s incredible live vocal performance of “Sweet Transvestite.” I had the pleasure of speaking with Jessie shortly after the event to get some insight on the importance of nights such as these for Hamilton’s queer community.
“Visibility is so important. I didn’t see myself growing up, and I struggled a lot with that. Being able to put on public events where people can come see us be explicitly queer, it’s the first step in having a conversation about [queerness.] It demystifies the queer experience. It brings a lot of joy into it,” explained Jessie.
When asked about her personal highlight of the night, Jessie said that it was when the whole theater got up and did the Time Warp with her and Karma. “To look out into the audience and see everyone standing up and dancing along…There [are] very few words I could use to describe the energy you feel from that. It’s almost addictive in a weird way,” said Jessie.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to bring together people from all walks of life, even 45 years after its release. And, for Hamilton’s LGBTQ+ community, events like these create space for authentic self expression and unapologetic queerness.
