Kingston is filled with so much talent, from musicians to artists and actors — the list is endless. That’s why The Juvenis Festival is a perfect opportunity to witness all of the talent that the local youth have to offer. From April 29-May 7, a number of performances and workshops led by youth (ages 13-30) will be taking place. Though led by youth, the Juvenis are for people of all ages to enjoy.

I will be speaking with fellow bloggers Anna from STRUCKBLOG and Rosalyn of The Staycationer on Thursday, May 4 from 6:30 as part of a Blog-Writing Panel at 274 Princess Street. 

I couldn’t pick just one event to highlight! I thought I would share their full press release to cover all of the information.

Read their list of events to find out what’s coming up:

Storefront Art Gallery: Our Storefront Art Gallery returns to a mystery location in downtown Kingston. The art gallery will be facilitated by 2 youth curators: Christopher Grant in partnership with the Union Gallery, and photographer Claudia Pawlak who will be highlighting artwork and a performance series by LGBTQ youth in the storefront space. The curators are accepting submissions from local artists between the ages of 13-30. The gallery will be open from April 29-May 7 .

Homeschooled: The Musical: An original musical written by Ryan Cowl about the trials and tribulations of transitioning into high school and university after being homeschooled all your life. Directed by Mike Sheppard, this piece will run for 6 performances in the Baby Grand Theatre from Saturday, April 29- Sunday April 30. This is a ticketed event.

Viva Voce: Good Vibrations: Blue Canoe’s storytelling coffeehouse returns with a special twist, teaming up with the Good Vibrations youth music coffeehouse at 99 York Street on Saturday, April 29 at 6pm.

Musiikki Performance Series: This mentorship opportunity will pair one young, budding musician with a professional musician under 30 for a series of 4 different concerts featuring a total of 8 musicians. The series will conclude with a rocking jam session that will include all of the featured musicians. Sunday April 30- Thursday May 4 at Musiikki Café.

Art at the Alibi: A series of artwork by youth from 13-30 will be installed at the Alibi throughout the entire month of May. In addition, there will be two 19+ Juvenis concert events at the Alibi featuring youth solo acts Kieran Labbe, Masha Nazina, Erika Lamon, and Evan Jackson on May 2 and May 4 at 9pm.

Juvy’s Movies: Rapid Reel & KFPL Youth Shorts: In partnership with Reelout Arts Project, the Kingston Canadian Film Festival and KFPL, a night of movie magic at the Screening Room on May 1, featuring the return of our 48 Film Competition and KFPL Youth Shorts.

The Poetry Show: Featuring Johnny MacRae: A Kingston Poetry Collective project, co-presented by Kingston WritersFest, The Poetry Show welcomes Vancouver-based Johnny MacRae; and an open mic show, held on Tuesday, May 2 at the Mansion.

Zombie Prom: The Musical: Blue Canoe’s all high school musical! This show features an all high school cast, crew and band. Zombie Prom is a 1950s horror comic book brought to life as a musical comedy film and then a stage production. May 3 to May 7 in the Baby Grand Theatre. This is a ticketed event.

UNFAMILIAR: An original dance piece, choreographed and directed by Kay Kenney. The show features a solo by Kay and a piece featuring cast of 7 local youth dancers, happening at the Studio Theatre in the Isabel Bader Centre from Thursday, May 4- Sunday, May 7. This is a ticketed event.

Battle of the Bands: Taking the coveted Friday night slot, the all-ages Battle will be held at the Ale House on Friday, May 5 at 7:30pm. Six youth bands of a variety of genres will perform before a panel of celebrity judges for the chance to win the top prize. Our judges include Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip, Miss Emily Fennell, Michael George, Zane Whitfield, and guest host Riley Jabour of 98.9 The Drive. This is a ticketed event.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Play Series– This play series created by Scott Forster will uncover the depths of youth issues in the Kingston community that typically go unspoken. This play series features 4 original plays by youth about homelessness, post traumatic stress, abortion, and depression. Out of Sight, Out of Mind will be held at the Tett Centre Rehearsal Hall and will run for 5 performances from Saturday, May 6- Sunday, May 7. This is a ticketed event.

Tickets for festival productions and events are available in advance at the Grand Theatre Box Office, at 613-530-2050 or online at http://www.kingstongrand.ca There is a Festival Pass that offers a discount on all 5 ticketed events. Registration for workshops and more information on the festival can be found at www.juvenisfestival.ca or by emailing info@juvenisfestival.ca.

Keep up with the Juvenis:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juvenisfest/
Twitter: @juvenisfest
Instagram: @juvenisfest