🎸 Who likes live music?

Good morning Saint John! You’ve asked for it… so here it is: the Live Music Lowdown! Your go-to spot for any and all live gigs that come our way. Want your performance on the list? Submit it, and we’ll make sure the city hears about it. Check out the Side Notes section for more.

Here’s what’s up this morning:

• Local artists score project funds 🖌️

• Quispamsis council meets tonight 📋

• Launch of the live music lowdown 🎸

Let’s get to it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

💜 A corner with heart

Some street corners are known for traffic jams or questionable jaywalking. This one’s known for love, legacy, and really good company. On Saturday, the City officially dedicated Parker’s Corner at Carmarthen and Mecklenburg…the same spot where LGBTQ+ advocate Parker Cogswell would sit with his husband André, drawing neighbours in for evening chats right up until his passing in 2020. The name also honours Parker’s mom, Judith, who co-founded the Saint John chapter of PFLAG and helped launch the city’s first Pride parade. Together, they turned visibility and acceptance into a family legacy and now the corner itself carries their names in bold letters.

🎨 Support for Saint John creators

Twelve Saint John-area artists just scored $1,500 each to fuel their next big projects, whether that means new works, new gear, or trying out new techniques. The grants come from the Greater Saint John Professional Visual Artists Fund, a pot of money built years ago by local art lovers through quirky fundraisers like Whodunit? and Art in the City. This year’s winners include familiar names like Herzl Kashetsky, Deanna Musgrave, and Amy Ash, alongside nine other creative forces shaping the local scene.

🚒 KVFD earns top marks

Kennebecasis Valley’s fire department is the first in NB to get international accreditation. Independent reviewers checked training, safety, and operations…and gave them high marks. It means they’re always working to be better for the community.

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COUNCIL MEETING

🏛 Quispamsis Council Meeting | August 19, 6pm

• KV Emergency Management update — Chief Michael Boyle will present the KV Emergency Management Program, keeping residents informed on local emergency readiness.

• Gondola Point Road public engagement — Council will review public input and ratify a previous email poll on this area’s development.

• Council Code of Conduct — Proposed By-law No. 068 sets standards for councillor behaviour and accountability.

• Zoning amendment — Proposed By-law 038-52 could change land use rules, affecting local properties and development plans.

• Infrastructure projects — Council will consider tenders for the Cedar Ridge watermain extension and Millennium Drive street improvements.

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place in Quispamsis Town Hall Council Chambers at 6pm and is open to the public and can also be viewed via livestream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

🌳 Passport to Parks postponed

The City’s final Passport to Parks event at Rockwood Park won’t happen this weekend because of the province-wide fire ban. Families were set for live music, a scavenger hunt, games, water activities, and free ice cream, but public safety comes first. New dates will be announced once it’s safe. Keep an eye out for the rescheduled grand finale - we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s announced!

TODAY

World Café for Arts and Culture | August 19
Saint John hosts a 3-hour World Café session aimed at shaping the future of arts, culture, and heritage in New Brunswick. Artists, community leaders, youth advocates, and heritage pros will come together to brainstorm, problem-solve, and dream up concrete ideas for the province’s cultural action plan. Small-group discussions and idea-sharing make this a hands-on chance to have your voice heard. Space is limited, so grab your spot!

WEDNESDAY

Creative Writing Group | August 20
Writers of all ages and skill levels are welcome at the Hampton Community Library for an afternoon of creative inspiration. From 2-4pm, the group offers a chance to share ideas, get feedback, and build writing skills in a supportive setting. Whether you’re just starting out or polishing a project, it’s a welcoming spot to connect with fellow storytellers.

Family Movie: Paddington in Peru | August 20
Bring your own chair and settle in for a free family movie night at AREA 506. Grab snacks from local vendors and enjoy a big-screen flick under the stars every Wednesday at 6pm. It’s a relaxed, community-friendly way to spend your evening, catch up with friends, and let the kids (or your inner kid) enjoy some summer magic.

FRIDAY

​​Sister Nicky Memorial BBQ | August 22
Celebrate the life and legacy of Sister Nicky at King’s Square from 12-2pm. Avenue B invites everyone to share food, stories, and community connection while enjoying a BBQ lunch. Bring your memories, your appetite, and your love for a local legend whose kindness continues to inspire. It’s a heartfelt afternoon open to all.

Hampton Market | August 22
The Hampton Market is the place to be for fresh local produce, handmade goods, and artisanal treats. Every Friday evening through July and August, 5-8pm, the market fills with live music, friendly faces, and a lively community vibe. It’s perfect for picking up something tasty, supporting local makers, and soaking up that small-town summer energy.

Got an Event to Share?

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

🌊 Seaside Stories in Midlife

Profound changes, shifting roles, new chapters - midlife can feel like uncharted waters. This evening workshop blends Celtic myth, personal reflection, and fibre art to help you make sense of this powerful time. You’ll even create your own needle-felted keepsake. Friday, Aug. 29, 6–9pm, Saint John West (location details after registration). Tickets $75 (supplies included). Register here.*

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

TUESDAY
Portland United Church | Ron Maloney | 7:00pm
Arts & Culture Park | Rick Sparkes + The Enablers | 7:00-8:00pm
East Point Shopping | Michelle Karaoke | 7:00pm

WEDNESDAY
Unity Park, Grand Bay-Westfield | Andrew Clark | 7:00-8:00pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who has a local gig coming up! 🎸

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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