Running Red Lights

The decision is final. After a difficult deliberation, seven weeks of competitions, 22 independent music artists and 22 comedians, the judges have made their choice. The band Running Red Lights of Toronto has been crowned musical champion, while Calwyn Shurgold, of Toronto has been selected best comic performer in this year’s youDiscover Summer Competition.

As a result of their winning performance, Running Red Lights will now receive a recording contract from Orange Lounge Recordings. More importantly, their victory has now earned them the opening spot on the nationally broadcast New Year’s Eve show in Queen Victoria Park, in Niagara Falls.

Calwyn Shurgold

Comedian Calwyn Shurgold, who had the large Friday night crowd at Oakes Garden Theatre “laughing in the aisles”, also receives the right to appear at this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration. In total, the youDiscover competition offered series contestants a chance to compete for a prize package valued at over $35,000.

The Grand Finale, held on August 27, was hosted by The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) at its scenic Oakes Garden Theatre. Each of the final five artists and comics performed before a live audience and a panel of industry experts including one of last year’s finalists and one of Orange Lounge Recordings newest recording artists, Robyn Dell’Unto. Be sure to visit www.indiscover.net to watch videos from the Finale, which will be available online on Wednesday.

“The level of talent we’ve witnessed over the past seven weeks is a testament to the quality and strength of our Canadian music and comedy scenes,” stated Daryn Barry, competition judge and Music Producer at Orange Lounge Recordings. “Picking the ultimate winners on Friday was an extremely difficult task. All of the finalists brought their ‘A’ games and all have the ability and talent to go places. All they needed was an opportunity, and that’s what youDiscover was all about.”

The Grand Finale, held on August 27, was hosted by The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) at its scenic Oakes Garden Theatre. Each of the final five artists and comics performed before a live audience and a panel of industry experts including one of last year’s finalists and one of Orange Lounge Recordings newest recording artists, Robyn Dell’Unto. Be sure to visit www.indiscover.net to watch videos from the Finale, which will be available online on Wednesday.

More about the Winners!
youDiscover 2010 Winner Biographies

Calwyn Shurgold, Toronto Ontario

Calwyn Shurgold

Brantford Ontario native Calwyn Shurgold’s performances have made him a huge hit with audiences all across Ontario. He skilfully combines hilarious stand-up comedy with uncanny impersonations. Calwyn’s material is suitable for all audiences, dealing predominantly with Canadian Pop Culture and Identity, but he is best known for his spot-on impersonations of famous people. Mike Clattenburg (creator of Trailer Park Boys) witnessed Calwyns Bubbles impersonation first hand and stated “Ive seen a lot of Bubbles impressions…the best Bubbles impression Ive ever seen.” Calwyn’s performances are throughly entertaining and always have crowds rolling in the aisles.

CLICK HERE for more images and videos.

Running Red Lights, Toronto Ontario

Running Red Lights - Photo by Karolina Kuźmińska

Formed in early 2006 as a pop band inspired by the resurgence of 80’s pop, Running Red Lights is a group of six independent musicians/songwriters inspired mutually by Rhythm and Blues, 80’s pop, Euro and Indiepop.

Throughout the span of four years, Running Red Lights has secured placements in feature films, opened for Grammy nominated artists ‘Counting Crows’ at Bayfest 2009, performed at Juno Festival in Halifax, has been featured on etalk as well as various publications and radio stations in Ontario.

While playing the performance circuit around the GTA, RRL’s live act attracted some regional interest and subsequently Juno winning producer, Gavin ‘Golden’ Brown (Three Days Grace, Metric, Billy Talent, Stereos, Midway State) offered the band an opportunity to develop under his tutelage. Upon the successful self-titled release of a four song EP in 2009, Running Red Lights secured agent representation with Vice President, Colin Lewis of The Agency Group.

The band is currently working on a second EP, anticipating a release by summer, followed by a Canadian tour.

CLICK HERE for more images and videos.

The Niagara Parks Commission, in partnership with indiscover.net, Orange Lounge Recordings, the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, the Hard Rock Café, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Maid of the Mist and others, has been pleased to host this summer competition series, which was designed to find the best undiscovered musical and comic talent across Canada.

If you look ahead at the weekend weather forecast, you’ll see that we have an outstanding sunny weekend coming up here in Niagara. Looking for ideas on how to make one of the last weekends of the summer count?

Make the trip to Queenston Heights Park!

Brock's Monument - Image Courtesy of Parks Canada

Nestled high atop the Niagara Escarpment, this is the birthplace of Niagara Falls – garden and nature lovers, hikers and picnickers have used this park for generations.

Facilities include two picnic pavilions, washrooms, children’s splash pad, tennis courts, a bandshell, snack bar, children’s playground and fine dining at Queenston Heights Restaurant with its award-winning VQA wine cellar (which also hosting its popular End of Summer BBQ this Sunday – details below).

Queenston Heights Park is also a terminus point of the Bruce Trail, which winds it way northward over several hundred kilometers to Tobermory. This trail passes through the Niagara Escarpment, which has been recognized as a world biosphere by U.N.E.S.C.O.

Finally, Parks Canada oversees the operation of Brock’s Monument and also has a walking tour of the historic sites associated with this important battleground. Click Here to read more about Brock’s Monument and the Battle of Queenston Heights.

More things to do at Queenston Heights Park

Queenston Heights Restaurant

Queenston Heights Restaurant’s Award-Winning Sunday Brunch
Queenston Heights Restaurant offers an intimate and elegant ambiance in a rustic setting.  The breathtaking views of the Niagara River and local vineyards are matched only by the culinary creations of our Chef. Call for reservations: 905-262-4274.

Visit our website for sample menus, virtual tours and more.

Queenston Heights Sunday Afternoon Concert Series
The Sunday Afternoon Concert Series in Queenston Heights Park features the sounds of big bands, symphony orchestras, dixie and more. Nothing speaks more of summer than an enjoyable Sunday afternoon concert in the Park. Concerts take place from 2-4 p.m. in the bandshell. Don’t forget your blanket or lawn chair!

Upcoming Concerts:
Sunday, August 29 – Niagara Falls Concert Band
Sunday, September 5 – Niagara Region Musicians

Queenston BBQ

The Annual Queenston Heights End of Summer BBQ
August 29, 2010 from 4 – 8 p.m.
The Gourmet BBQs at Queenston Heights have become a tradition for many locals and visitors alike. Come and see what all the excitement is about for yourself…you’ll be so glad you did!

Niagara Parks Chefs have once again created an irresistible menu featuring tempting local fare such as Barbequed Baby Back Ribs, Coffee Crusted Bison Striploin on Spoons and a Niagara Peaches & Cream Corn Station.

View the full menu

Mingle and explore the offerings from local wineries Jackson Triggs, Mike Weir and Inniskillin along with beer samples from Molson and Forty Creek whisky tastings by Kittling Ridge Estate Wines & Sprits.

The evening is made all the more enjoyable as you take in the live music on the patio at the foot of Brock’s Monument. Due to overwhelming response, we have invited back Brad Boland to perform LIVE with The Boland Brothers.

Special draws are planned in support of the Greater Niagara General Hospital Foundation and the NEW Walker Family Cancer Centre. Some of the great prizes include: Winery packages, Queenston Heights Restaurant’s Award-Winning Sunday Brunch for Two, Tickets to the Annual Niagara Parks Apprentice Cooks & Chefs Dinner, Niagara Parks Golf  & Attractions Passes and much more!

Adults $30 per person
Children (12 & under) $18 per person
Prices in Canadian funds and subject to applicable taxes & gratuity.

Reserve your space today!
(905) 262-4276

Queenston Heights is located at 14184 Niagara Parkway, Queenston, Ontario, 11 km north of the Falls near the Lewiston-Queenston international bridge. Free parking on-site.

Friday, August 27 will wrap up this summer’s youDiscover competition, as the top finalists will perform for the public and judges one last time at Oakes Garden Theatre, Niagara Falls. The Finale will include a performance by each of the finalists before a live audience and a panel of industry expert judges who will make their final decision on-site and announce the winner that night.

After careful deliberation, the following five bands and comics have been selected to perform in the Grand Finale showcase on Friday, August 27th at 7 p.m.:

Bands:

Come Join the Fun!

Running Red Lights, Toronto, ON
Infract, Toronto, ON
Drive Faster, Toronto, ON
wordPEOPLE, Toronto, ON
People You Know, Toronto, ON

Comics:

Calwyn Shurgold, Toronto, ON
K Trevor Wilson, Toronto, ON
Chas, Toronto, ON
Kristian Reimer, Toronto, ON
Joel Buxton, Toronto, ON

22 independent music artists and 22 comedians set out on this incredible journey and now only the top five in each category remain. The winning band earns a recording contract from Orange Lounge Recordings, professional development including all of the HD footage taken of the band and will become the opening act on the nationally broadcast New Year’s Eve show in Niagara Falls. The comedy champion will also win a deal including writing clinics and the chance to perform at the New Year’s Eve Show.

Fans are welcome to join the winning band, comic and all the participants at an after party held at the Hard Rock Café located just across the street at the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex after the Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Admission to the Grand Finale is FREE. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. and will include a spectacular fireworks display over the Falls at 10:00 pm. Fans can then join the winning band, comic and all the participants at an after party held at the Hard Rock Café located just across the street at the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex.

The Niagara Parks Commission, in partnership with indiscover.net, Orange Lounge Recordings, the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, the Hard Rock Café, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Molson, the Maid of the Mist and others, has been pleased to host this summer concert series, which was designed to find the best undiscovered musical talent across Canada.

Executive Chef Paul Pennock

The Gourmet BBQs at Queenston Heights have become a tradition for many locals and visitors alike! Come and see what the excitement is all about for yourself…you’ll be so glad you did!

Niagara Parks Chefs have once again created an irresistible menu featuring tempting local fare such as Barbequed Baby Back Ribs, Coffee Crusted Bison Striploin on Spoons and a Niagara Peaches & Cream Corn Station.

View the full menu

Mingle and explore the offerings from local wineries Jackson Triggs, Mike Weir and Inniskillin along with beer samples from Molson and Forty Creek whisky tastings by Kittling Ridge Estate Wines & Sprits.

Brad Boland of the Boland Brothers

The evening is made all the more enjoyable as you take in the live music on the patio at the foot of Brock’s Monument. Due to overwhelming response, we have invited back Brad Boland to perform LIVE with The Boland Brothers.

Special draws are planned in support of the Greater Niagara General Hospital Foundation and the NEW Walker Family Cancer Centre. Prizes are valued at thousands of $$$!!

Some of the great prizes include: Winery packages, Queenston Heights Restaurant’s Award-Winning Sunday Brunch for Two, Tickets to the Annual Niagara Parks Apprentice Cooks & Chefs Dinner, Niagara Parks Golf  & Attractions Passes and much more!

Adults $30 per person
Children (12 & under) $18 per person
Prices in Canadian funds and subject to applicable taxes & gratuity.

Reserve your space today!
(905) 262-4276

Come and see an amazing gathering of Elvis Tribute Artists at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival at the historic Oakes Garden Theatre.

The unique surroundings of Niagara leads to a weekend of glamour and beauty with the Festival being made special by the performing Elvis Tribute Artists.

Join us as we pay tribute to the 75th Commemorative Anniversary of The KING’S birth.

For a Full Schedule of Events, visit http://niagarafallselvisfestival.com/

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada has been selected as the official charity supported by Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Your support is appreciated!

Event Highlights:

Elvis Tribute Artist Showcase

Vendor Alley

50’s Dance Party

Classic Car Show

Non-Denominational Sunday Service

Wedding Vow Renewals

Elvis Tribute Artist’s Gospel Show

Join the Fun!

The youDiscover series is now entering the final week of competition before the Grand Finale showdown. Join us in the search for Canada’s next big musical and comedic talents on Wednesday, August 18 at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, August 18 Line up:
Comedians Joel Buxton and Chas, both from Toronto, Ontario, will face off, while local band Brother Mary of Niagara Falls, Ontario will be challenged by Sundown of Toronto, Ontario.

wordPeople Perform at Oakes Garden Theatre

Audience members can be a part of the action in picking the next big superstars by watching the bands and comics performing and then casting their votes online at www.inDiscover.net. The evening ends with a fireworks display over Niagara Falls at 10 p.m. Admission to the live show is FREE and donations are encouraged to support the talent.

The top five music and comic acts selected will compete in the Grand Finale on Friday, August 27, where a panel of celebrity judges will select the Grand Prize winners. The last band remaining earns a chance to win a recording contract from Orange Lounge Recordings, receive a band makeover and will become the opening act on the nationally broadcast New Year’s Eve show in Niagara Falls. The comedy champion also earns the chance to perform at the New Year’s Eve Show.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the top finalists!

WHERE: Oakes Garden Theatre (at the foot of Clifton Hill)
Niagara Falls, ON

WHEN: Wednesday, August 18, 2010
8 – 10 p.m. – Competition Series
10 p.m. – Fireworks over Niagara Falls

Check out some photo highlights below to see what you’ve been missing!

Friday, August 13 Line up:
Toronto comedians Barry Taylor and Jon Hyatt will compete for the most laughs, while Infract, also of Toronto will square off against local band, inLimbo, of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

WHERE:
Oakes Garden Theatre (at the foot of Clifton Hill) Niagara Falls, ON

WHEN:
Friday, August 13, 2010
8 – 10 p.m. – Competition Series
10 p.m. – Fireworks over Niagara Falls

Photos From Past Shows:

wordPeople perform with Sea of Gold and Burgundy

Kelly Presto Performs

Dylan James Performs

Executive Chef Paul Pennock

The countdown is on! Niagara Parks Chefs have once again created an irresistible menu featuring tempting local fare such as Barbequed Baby Back Ribs, Coffee Crusted Bison Striploin on Spoons and a Niagara Peaches & Cream Corn Station.

View the full menu

Mingle and explore the offerings from local wineries Jackson Triggs, Mike Weir and Inniskillin along with beer samples from Molson and whisky tastings by Kittling Ridge Estate Wines & Sprits. The evening is made all the more enjoyable as you take in the live music on the patio by the Boland Brothers at the foot of Brock’s Monument.

Sample Forty Creek Whisky

Special draws are planned in support of the Greater Niagara General Hospital Foundation and the NEW Walker Family Cancer Centre. Prizes are valued at thousands of $$$!!

Some of the great prizes include: Winery packages, Queenston Heights Restaurant’s  Award-Winning

A Gourmet BBQ!

Sunday Brunch for Two, Tickets to the Annual Niagara Parks Apprentice Cooks & Chefs Dinner, Niagara Parks Golf  & Attractions Passes and much more!

Adults $30 per person
Children (12 & under) $18 per person
Prices in Canadian funds and subject to applicable taxes & gratuity.

Reserve your space today!
(905) 262-4276

Hayley Stark Performing on August 4

evenings of free music and comedy make for a great family outing, with each show starting at 8 p.m. and ending with fireworks over the Falls at 10 p.m.

Audience members can be a part of the action in picking the next big superstars by watching the bands and comics performing and then casting their votes online at youDiscover.ca. Each night ends with a fireworks display over Niagara Falls at 10 p.m. Admission to the live shows is FREE and donations are encouraged to support the talent.

The top five music and comic acts will compete in the Grand Finale where a panel of celebrity judges will select the Grand Prize winners. The last band remaining earns a chance to win a recording contract from Orange Lounge Recordings, receive a band makeover and will become the opening act on the nationally broadcast New Year’s Eve show in Niagara Falls. The comedy champion also earns the chance to perform at the nationally broadcast New Year’s Eve Show.

Wednesday, August 11 Line up:
Comedians DJ Demers and Pat MacDonald, both from Toronto, Ontario, will face off against each other, while local band Sea of Gold and Burgundy of Niagara Falls, Ontario will challenge wordPeople of Toronto, Ontario.

Friday, August 13 Line up:
Toronto comedians Barry Taylor and Jon Hyatt will compete for the most laughs, while Infract, also of Toronto will square off against local band, inLimbo, of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The Black Flies Performing on July 28

WHERE:
Oakes Garden Theatre (at the foot of Clifton Hill) Niagara Falls, ON

WHEN:
Wednesday, August 11 and Friday, August 13, 2010
8 – 10 p.m. – Competition Series
10 p.m. – Fireworks over Niagara Falls

The staff and volunteers at Old Fort Erie are preparing the final details for the

Siege of Fort Erie Battle Re-enactment

24th Annual Siege Weekend on August 7 and 8. The Siege of Fort Erie boasts Canada’s largest annual battle re-enactment, recreating the excitement and drama of the War of 1812 on the war’s bloodiest battlefield at Old Fort Erie. An action packed schedule of events is planned throughout the entire weekend.

Highlighted events include battle re-enactments on Saturday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 8 p.m., where hundreds of re-enactors will participate in Drummond’s Night Assault on the Fort. Follow the action up-close and then experience a dramatic Lantern Tour of the Fort

Attack on the Fort!

Under Attack at 9 p.m.

A memorial service honouring all of those who fell in battle 196 years ago will be held on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m., and the last battle re-enactment, the American Sortie will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Hours:
Saturday, August 7 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Battles: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Lantern Tour: 9 p.m.

Sunday, August 8 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Memorial Service 10:30 a.m.; Battle 1 p.m.

Admission:
Entrance includes Day Programs or Evening Lantern tour. Battles are free. Adult: $9.25 (13+), Children (6-12): $6.00 plus tax, Children under 5 are free.

Located at 350 Lakeshore Road in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, Old Fort Erie is approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) or a scenic 20-minute drive south of Niagara Falls and is close to the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York. The grounds and the main floor rooms of the buildings are wheelchair accessible. Old Fort Erie will remain open daily until October 10, even after construction on the NEW 1812 Bicentennial Visitor Centre project begins. Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement regarding the ground breaking on this exciting new chapter in the history of Old Fort Erie.

Click Here for the Full Schedule of Events

Your purchases help great things happen. Every dollar you spend with Niagara Parks helps to preserve the nature and heritage of the Falls and the Niagara River Parkway. Niagara Parks has operated without tax dollars since 1885.