Welcome to our gossip (shorts) section
This is where we share short updates on what's going on in our local arts and culture scene. Enjoy!
Photo © 2025 by Blair Burgess
The Polka King loves his Timmies!
Updated January 21, 2025
Niagara's own three-time Grammy winner, Walter Ostanek aka The Polka King, loves to hang out with the boys at a north end, St. Catharines, Tim Hortons, where I chat with him daily while ordering my XL DD with milk. Walter's looking great at the young age of 89! I also see the master accordion player at least once a week picking up his dry cleaning at our shop, Manor Cleaners, one street over.
Quebec-born Walter has promised me a full interview for the upcoming print edition of Homegrown Niagara Magazine. I'm hoping he'll let me hold one of those coveted musical awards!
Niagara Podcast for Music Lovers
Updated January 20, 2025
St. Catharines music aficionado David Brown has launched a podcast, Your Favourite Artist, for music lovers of all genres on Spotify. He reports it's getting plenty of listens! Click below for the link...
Open mic night in Welland hosted by Pastor Ray Lyell
Updated January 18, 2025
Pastor and vocal coach Ray Lyell, who gained fame with his Hamilton-based rock band, The Storm, in the 80s and 90s, is hosting open mic night as part of his church's youth outreach program. The alcohol-free event is Wednesday evenings, starting at 7 pm, at 735 South Pelham Rd., Welland. We're definitely doing a feature for the print edition on Ray. Excellent musician, great guy.