Latest news with #Hamilton-based
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
The Trews, Sister Sledge, Sugarhill Gang, Brett Kissel headline 49th annual Festival of Friends
The Festival of Friends isn't so much turning 50 next year as feeling forever young this year, its 49th, and on into the future. Forty-nine, 50 — the fun is just starting. Since 2017, Rob Rakoczy, as general manager, has been bringing up the baby, the late Bill Powell's 1976 love child of music and arts. And he and his team are keeping the treasured Hamilton summer celebration fresh, with lively mixtures of genre, generation and genuine musical gems. 'It's the 49th for the festival this year, and we're excited about our lineup and the plans for this year, which are going to lead us on into our first half century and a huge anniversary next year,' says Rakoczy. It's going to go like this — The Trews, the inimitable Hamilton-based rockers with multiple Juno nominations and a big following, are headlining on the Friday night (Aug. 1 at 9:30 p.m.), capping off an opening day with the musical tuning set at indie/rock. Saturday night sees a massive hip-hop/soul lineup with an appearance by no less an act than the historic Sugarhill Gang of 'Rapper's Delight' fame — the first rap single to become a Top 40 hit on Billboard. They're coming to the stage to 'hip hop, the hippie to the hop and you don't stop the rockin' to the bang-bang boogie, say up jump the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat.' 'It's a big coup for us to get them' Rakoczy says of The Sugarhill Gang. 'We're very excited about it.' When Friday, Aug. 1 to Sunday, Aug. 3 Where Gage Park, 1000 Main St. East, Hamilton Who Performers include The Trews, Sister Sledge, The Sugarhill Gang, Brett Kissel, Peter Elkas Band, Dan Mangan, Honey Luck, The Wild High, Tep No, Chris Chambers Band, Alfie Smith, Florin Clonta, Max Paxton & The Pintos, Blood Roses, and Banned From Heaven. There will also be a kids stage, midway, pony rides, arts and crafts demonstrations, and more than 125 vendors. Tickets As always, admission is free. For more see The Sugarhill Gang will be joined by Melle Mel and Scorpio of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. But that's not even the biggest news yet. The headliner of headliners, on Saturday's main stage at 9:30 p.m. Is — wait for it, as they say — ready? — Sister Sledge. The Festival of Friends and … Fam-i-ly, as in 'We Are Family.' 'It's part of a whole idea we have,' says Rakoczy, 'of bringing to the people, to Festival of Friends, iconic songs and the artists who did them. We had the B-52s doing 'Love Shack' a few years ago, and also people like Eric Burdon, Don MacLean ('American Pie') and The Village People.' Sister Sledge's 'We Are Family' is certainly one of those songs. And not to be outdone, Sunday night brings what is probably equally good news for those with an ear under their cowboy hats for country music. Brett Kissel, one of Canada's biggest country music stars, will close out the festival at 9:30 p.m. on the main stage on Sunday, Aug. 3. Kissel says Rakoczy is the biggest country star the festival has hosted since Tanya Tucker, winner and nominee of several Juno and Canadian Country Music Association awards 'People are very excited about Brett Kissel coming,' says Rakoczy. 'I know a couple who always miss the Sunday because it's their daughter's birthday, but this year they're coming just for Brett Kissel.' Presumably, they'll bring their daughter along. Why not? The festival is not to be missed. And there are many other great acts on the main stage beyond the headliners. It all starts on Friday at 6 p.m. with the Peter Elkas Band, kicking off the indie/rock portion of the weekend. They will be followed at 7:30 p.m. on the Friday by two-time Juno winner Dan Mangan. Mangan's indie, folk alt-rock and experimental music has won widespread acclaim over more than two decades. 'They (Peter Elkas Band and Dan Mangan) are the perfect fit' for a night that culminates with The Trews, says Rakoczy. '(The Trews) headlined in 2019 (at Festival of Friends) and people loved it. The Trews have that effect — such an unstoppable train ride of energetic sound and variety.' On the Saturday, opening acts include Tep No, a Hamilton DJ/electronic artist who has appeared on Ryan Seacrest's radio show and who has millions of streams. On Sunday, Country Day, The Wild High (a new band from former Monster Truck lead singer Jon Harvey) will come on at 6:30 p.m., and will be followed at 8 p.m., before Kissel, by Honey Luck from Austin, Texas, back by popular demand after last year's smash show at the festival. One of Honey Luck's lead singers, says Rakoczy, was a contestant on 'The Voice' and ended up on Blake Shelton's team. The band just recorded with Christ Stapleton's people.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Cision Canada
BAFFIN AND BRUCE TRAIL CONSERVANCY CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF TRAIL CONSERVANCY PROJECT
ONE HUNDRED BOOT BRUSH STATIONS BUILT TO PROTECT AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES STONEY CREEK, ON, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian footwear brand Baffin is proud to announce the successful completion of the Trail Conservancy Project in partnership with the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Launched in 2023 with the goal to build and install 100 co-branded boot brush stations by 2025, the project aimed to help stop the spread of invasive species on the Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath. The initiative reached its final chapter this Earth Day, when the final 40 stations were constructed at Baffin's Stoney Creek, Ontario headquarters by employees, community members and representatives from the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Invasive species are one of the most pressing threats to the biodiversity of the Niagara Escarpment, often introduced unknowingly by hikers' footwear. Boot brush stations encourage trail users to clean their boots before and after their hikes, a simple act that has proven to significantly reduce the transfer of non-native species. When the Trail Conservancy Project launched in 2023 there were only 35 stations located throughout over 900 km of trail. "At Baffin, we have always believed that adventure begins with your footwear, but it doesn't end there. As explorers, hikers, and nature loves, we know that every step we take leaves a mark. With the completion of the Trail Conservancy Project, we are proud to be leaving behind something meaningful on the Bruce Trail: not just footprints, but 100 boot brush stations," says Baffin's Brand Director, Jessica Liut. "This project demonstrates the power of community and the collective responsibility we all share in protecting and preserving natural spaces. We are honoured to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy and their work in safeguarding the trail, so that future generations can continue to explore, challenge themselves, and find peace in the same wild places we cherish today." Over the past three years, Baffin employees have hand-built each station, donating time and energy to a cause close to home. The Hamilton-based brand is committed to Real-World Testing™, putting products to the test in a wide range of climates to ensure they deliver on quality and protection. From the harshest environments on Earth to the trails close to home, Baffin depends on the preservation of local landscapes and the vital work of organizations like the Bruce Trail Conservancy to help protect nature. "The Bruce Trail Conservancy is thrilled with the results of our partnership with Baffin, a Canadian company that balances exploration with a desire to care for the natural world," says Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. "With 100 boot brush stations now installed along the Bruce Trail, we are mitigating the spread of invasive species while educating the public on which species threaten the incredible biodiversity that makes the Bruce Trail such a special place to explore and preserve. With the continued support of dedicated Canadian conservation champions like Baffin, we are protecting our ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever, together." Crafted from durable cedar and standing approximately three feet tall, each boot brush station features a rugged plastic scrubber base and an informative display panel. These displays educate hikers about the dangers of invasive species and promote trail-friendly habits. With a design rooted in purpose, the stations blend function and form to deliver real environmental impact. Turkstra Lumber, a family-owned Ontario business, played a crucial role by generously donating materials throughout the project's duration. Baffin has proudly supported the Bruce Trail Conservancy for over a decade, contributing to conservation programming that protects, restores, and manages land along the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere. The completion of the Trail Conservancy Project marks a milestone in this partnership, but not the end to Baffin's commitment. As supporters of the wild spaces that inspire exploration and innovation, Baffin will continue to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy's ongoing efforts to preserve natural lands and ensure the trail remains a thriving biodiverse corridor. To learn more about the Bruce Trail Conservancy and how you can support their mission visit About Baffin Baffin Ltd. is an innovative, leading outerwear company based in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada with a core focus on technically advanced footwear and high-performance apparel. Baffin designs, develops, and field tests footwear in the most demanding environments on the planet and is focused on being a global leader in footwear within the Outdoor, Industrial and Hunt and Fish categories. Baffin Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Goose Holdings Inc. About The Bruce Trail Conservancy Bruce Trail Conservancy is one of Ontario's largest land trusts that secures, protects and restores the vulnerable habitat and biodiversity of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. For more than 50 years, we have responsibly connected people to nature through the Bruce Trail. We are a member-driven, volunteer-based, charitable organization, governed by a 19-member Board of Directors. Working with each of the nine Bruce Trail Clubs, we are committed to caring for the Bruce Trail and to preserving land along its route.
Fox Sports
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Crusaders' 13th Super Rugby title: A tale of redemption and resilience
Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — In Super Rugby, the more things change the more they remain the same. A different competition this year with only 11 teams yielded a familiar result. The Christchurch-based Crusaders are champions for the 13th time and the eighth time in the last nine years. The Hamilton-based Chiefs are runners-up for the third time in the last three finals. This year familiarity didn't equal inevitability. The Chiefs went into the final as marginal favorites after sitting in first place for most of the season and finishing in that spot, as top-seeds for the playoffs. Though they stumbled in the first playoff round, losing at home to the Auckland-based Blues, they advanced to the semifinals as the top-ranked losers and convincingly beat the ACT Brumbies in the semifinals. But if ever there was a case of one team wanting it more, it was the Crusaders who were desperate to atone for their 2024 season in which, in their first year under head coach Rob Penney, they won only four matches and finished well outside their playoffs. Penney was seen as lucky to keep his job. Other teams might have been more ruthless. But the Crusaders gave him a second chance and he atoned on Saturday with his first Super Rugby title. The Crusaders' were determined to win for Penney, for their fans and in their last match at the 'temporary' stadium they have called home since the 2011 Christchurch earthquake destroyed their former headquarters at Lancaster Park. The Chiefs were on the back foot from the start and though they trailed by only one point at halftime and then for 31 minutes in the second half, they were only hanging on. The accuracy of the Crusaders' kicking game and the eagerness with which they chased kicks kept the Chiefs pinned mostly in their own half. They escaped twice and scored tries but spent the crucial final minutes of the match trapped within their own territory. 'It was a classic final, two great teams going at it and a small margin,' Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson said. 'The Crusaders did really well to win the halfway and play at the right end of the field. 'I felt we had some good attack when we got into their half, we put some good pressure on them but we just didn't play enough footy down there.' The Chiefs did their best to send off head coach Clayton McMillan with his first Super Rugby title. In his five years in charge, McMillan has taken the Chiefs to the final three times and the semifinals twice. That followed a barren season under former British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland. It wasn't to be. McMillan will leave New Zealand to coach Munster in Ireland without the trophy he deserves. Close contests, uncertain future Now, questions will be asked about what it all means for the competition. Already, there is contention about the lucky loser rule, introduced this season which allowed the Chiefs to reach the final after a playoff loss. The tournament will continue next year with 11 teams but what of the future? This season began with a number of high-scoring games in summer conditions and margins were typically close, indicating a tight competition. Moana Pasifika had its best-ever season under new captain Ardie Savea and only narrowly missed the playoffs. 'We've seen a whole lot of upsets, we've seen lots of hoodoos broken and then on the pitch I think the new rules and the work of the match officials have set it up to play some really entertaining and combative rugby,' Super Rugby boss Jack Mesley told Radio New Zealand. 'The stat was something like, I think we had 43 percent of games that were decided by only seven points or less. 'We saw the teams that were on the bottom of the ladder last year really change their fortunes. It was the closest competition in points since 2004 so I think a lot of those teams just got better.' Still, while television audiences crept up by around six percent while actual match attendance remained static. 'We probably haven't delivered off the field and given fans all the tools that should go in and around a great product that we have on the field so we're working on that,' Mesley said. 'We took some pretty good steps I think this year.' ___ AP rugby: recommended in this topic
Winnipeg Free Press
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Crusaders' 13th Super Rugby title: A tale of redemption and resilience
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — In Super Rugby, the more things change the more they remain the same. A different competition this year with only 11 teams yielded a familiar result. The Christchurch-based Crusaders are champions for the 13th time and the eighth time in the last nine years. The Hamilton-based Chiefs are runners-up for the third time in the last three finals. This year familiarity didn't equal inevitability. The Chiefs went into the final as marginal favorites after sitting in first place for most of the season and finishing in that spot, as top-seeds for the playoffs. Though they stumbled in the first playoff round, losing at home to the Auckland-based Blues, they advanced to the semifinals as the top-ranked losers and convincingly beat the ACT Brumbies in the semifinals. But if ever there was a case of one team wanting it more, it was the Crusaders who were desperate to atone for their 2024 season in which, in their first year under head coach Rob Penney, they won only four matches and finished well outside their playoffs. Penney was seen as lucky to keep his job. Other teams might have been more ruthless. But the Crusaders gave him a second chance and he atoned on Saturday with his first Super Rugby title. The Crusaders' were determined to win for Penney, for their fans and in their last match at the 'temporary' stadium they have called home since the 2011 Christchurch earthquake destroyed their former headquarters at Lancaster Park. The Chiefs were on the back foot from the start and though they trailed by only one point at halftime and then for 31 minutes in the second half, they were only hanging on. The accuracy of the Crusaders' kicking game and the eagerness with which they chased kicks kept the Chiefs pinned mostly in their own half. They escaped twice and scored tries but spent the crucial final minutes of the match trapped within their own territory. 'It was a classic final, two great teams going at it and a small margin,' Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson said. 'The Crusaders did really well to win the halfway and play at the right end of the field. 'I felt we had some good attack when we got into their half, we put some good pressure on them but we just didn't play enough footy down there.' The Chiefs did their best to send off head coach Clayton McMillan with his first Super Rugby title. In his five years in charge, McMillan has taken the Chiefs to the final three times and the semifinals twice. That followed a barren season under former British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland. It wasn't to be. McMillan will leave New Zealand to coach Munster in Ireland without the trophy he deserves. Close contests, uncertain future Now, questions will be asked about what it all means for the competition. Already, there is contention about the lucky loser rule, introduced this season which allowed the Chiefs to reach the final after a playoff loss. The tournament will continue next year with 11 teams but what of the future? This season began with a number of high-scoring games in summer conditions and margins were typically close, indicating a tight competition. Moana Pasifika had its best-ever season under new captain Ardie Savea and only narrowly missed the playoffs. 'We've seen a whole lot of upsets, we've seen lots of hoodoos broken and then on the pitch I think the new rules and the work of the match officials have set it up to play some really entertaining and combative rugby,' Super Rugby boss Jack Mesley told Radio New Zealand. 'The stat was something like, I think we had 43 percent of games that were decided by only seven points or less. 'We saw the teams that were on the bottom of the ladder last year really change their fortunes. It was the closest competition in points since 2004 so I think a lot of those teams just got better.' Still, while television audiences crept up by around six percent while actual match attendance remained static. 'We probably haven't delivered off the field and given fans all the tools that should go in and around a great product that we have on the field so we're working on that,' Mesley said. 'We took some pretty good steps I think this year.' ___ AP rugby:
Otago Daily Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Gearing up for hoppy hours
Beercycles could soon be rolling through Queenstown. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A new type of booze cruise is being pitched for Queenstown. Hamilton-based company Beercycle Ltd has plans to launch in the CBD, using people power to move between various partner venues around the town centre. According to its resource consent application, which has been formally received by Queenstown's council, the beercycles can accommodate up to 15 people, including a host/driver, undertaking two-hour tours, with stops at three or four local venues. The company's been operating in Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton for nine years without incident — it wants to expand into Queenstown, aligning with the resort's identity as "an adventurous, fun, visitor-driven destination". The bikes are fully pedal-powered, making them an environmentally friendly mode of tourism, while also supporting local hospo venues, the application says. Republic Hospitality Group, which owns 1876, Sundeck and Winnies, provided a letter of support for the application, stating Queenstown's known for its innovation and world-class hospitality, and Beercycle presents a chance to further enhance that. The tours, planned to operate daily between 11am and 9pm, would include onboard music, with a capped output of 60dB — the speed of the beercycle's comparable to a jogger or scooter. Any disturbance to residents is considered less than minor, while there's no conflict anticipated between Beercycle and pedestrians/cyclists, and any environmental or social effects are deemed less than minor and well managed through proposed conditions, the application says.
