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First Annual Downtown Showdown

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First Annual Downtown Showdown

The first of its kind in the area, the Downtown Showdown brought together fingerboarders from all over the area to have some fun in the lower level of the Market Square on Saturday, March 19th.

Event organizer and local entrepreneur, Matt Watkinson, created his business called Joycult Wheels, which creates specialized wheels for fingerboards. He started his business about one and a half years ago and officially launched in September of 2015. With help from local entrepreneurship programs through the Brantford-Brant Business Resource Enterprise Centre and Laurier’s Launchpad program, Matt has been able to make his dream a reality.

Matt has always enjoyed fingerboarding and even remembers daydreaming about fingerboarding as a kid. “It makes me feel like I’m actually skateboarding.” Matt wanted to start the business and the event to utilize all of his passions and because it brings people together.

The event had over 50 people fingerboarding around the old fountain in the Market Square. There was a wide range of age groups in attendance and even had people come as far as Ajax, Niagara, and Pennsylvania.

Congratulations to Matt on his new entrepreneurial successes! Make sure to Be Seen having fun with your own fingerboard.

Submitted by: Jason Freeze

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Behind the Scene: BRELU Food Market

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Behind the Scene: BRELU Food Market

You may have noticed the recent changes occurring on the corner of West and Grey Streets. Join us in welcoming Brantford’s newest restaurant, Brelu; opening to the public on Tuesday, March 22nd. Owners Mike and Julie have worked in the restaurant industry since they were only kids. Mike started working in local kitchens when he was 15, quickly picking up tips and tricks he would use later in life. Graduating fromLiaison College in 2001, he continued to work abroad before deciding it was time to have a go at it for himself. Julie’s story is very similar, starting work as a server when she was 14, she gained both front and back end restaurant experience. Graduating from Fanshawe College in 2009, she took her apprenticeship at a golf course kitchen. Learning casual and fine dining, as well as gaining experience with weddings, birthdays and corporate events.

“Breakfast and lunch tend to be the more trendy meals to go out for.”
– Chef Mike

Brelu, a combination of breakfast and lunch, came about in a conversation between Julie and Mike. Fed up working for others and feeling confident in their own talents, they decided to take advantage of an empty building which already had an established clientele and high visibility with passing traffic. Brelu will be offering affordable breakfast and lunch features; prepared with local and imported ingredients, prepared in view of patrons, in an open kitchen, and served with meticulous presentation. Offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and standard fare; everything will be made in-house, with the promise that the menu will change frequently. With plans to incorporate live entertainment and special events regularly, the ambience of the restaurant is built upon a blend of Mike and Julie’s own personal lives, intertwined with quality food.

“Brantford just needs more good places to eat, different, you know?”
– Chef Julie

The entire restaurant was redesigned inside; with seating, countertops, shelving, and tables, reconstructed by Mike and Julie, from refurbished materials. It adds a unique charm and personal touch to the restaurant. You’ll find shelves full of products for sale from local shops and artisans, adding a special and exciting combination of in-house goods and staff selected items, that will excite and tempt your senses. Opening with Mike and Julie in the kitchen, and two servers, Brelu is looking forward to preparing lunch for you, your family, and friends. Make sure to Be Seen supporting local business, and bon appétit.

Submitted by: Joshua Wall

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BScene by Dean: Comedy Battle at The Rose And ThistleMarch 18, 2016.

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BScene by Dean: Comedy Battle at The Rose And ThistleMarch 18, 2016.

I think last night was the first comedy roast battle to be held in Brantford and it was held at the Rose and Thistle Pub and hosted by Chris Jarvie. I’ve never personally seen one of these battles before and it definitely did not disappoint me in any way. This has to have been one of the more enjoyable shows I’ve seen in the area. (and I’ve seen a lot of them) The Rose and Thistle was packed to the rafters for this event and the laughter was constant even to the point of bringing tears to some. With Chris Strei opening the entertainment once again and the good food available everyone one there was ready to get on with the show. Although the audience has never seen such a show they quickly warmed to the idea of comedian against comedian and quickly decided the fate of each in each battle. Looking around during the show I think I saw as many comedians as spectators than there were in the battles, this was really something to see.

Most came out with their guns blazing, however, some were obviously just not prepared to face their opponents in the ways they should have, you might say they kind of brought a knife to a gunfight. But everyone there got laughs just about every time the said anything at all. The eventual winner, Devin Bateson, was described right in the beginning as the dark horse and nobody really knew what might happen when he stepped up to do battle. He won most often ending with a real ‘zinger’ that his opponent just couldn’t answer to and the audience loved it every time.
The comedy was great, and watching the comedians in the show and watching the show was just as entertaining, but one of the best things to watch was the audience, I imagine some went home last night complaining of sore cheeks.

In bringing this battle to the Thistle, Chris Jarvie has bumped up comedy in the Brantford area once again. Brantford has had a good reputation for comedy with comedians throughout the province since the first show at the Station Gallery Café opened its Thursday Night Comedy(and it’s still going on) over two years ago.

Comedy is very strong in our city and it’s continually morphing and growing to our benefit.

I think that this ‘battle’ will be happening again next month as well, but don’t forget about the First Friday Standup comedy that happens the first Friday of every month as well.

Please remember to support local comedy wherever you are, we all need a good laugh now and then if we are to survive in modern times.

Here’s laughing at you.

Submitted by: Dean Ellis

To see more of his work please visit: DellisartPhotographix

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The Rise Centre – Open House

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The Rise Centre – Open House

The Rise Centre hosted an Open House during March Break with great success. The Rise offered a variety of classes such as Yoga, TRX and boot camps throughout the week from 9am-7pm. They also hosted a Basketball Camp with the help of David Johnson, Pro Skills Trainer, Tyrell Vernon, Mississauga NBL Power Basketball Team and Kelly Van Leeuwen, former Captain at Niagara University and former St. John’s College Student.

As a special treat to wrap up an amazing week, Q-Mack inspired a gymnasium full of guests with tips and freestyle tricks. Q-Mack engaged with the audience with inspiring “Q-isms” that helped build confidence by not being afraid of failure and always doing your best. There was a clear message with humorous undertones that success comes with practise, hard work and being fearless when trying something new.

To learn more about The Rise Centre, please visit their website: http://www.therisecentre.com/

Make sure to Be Seen staying fit at their next event!

Submitted by: Kara Wilson
To see more of her work, please visit: Wilson Sports Photography

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Behind the Scene: LEGO-a-thon

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Behind the Scene: LEGO-a-thon

There’s nothing like huge boxes of Legos to get the creative juices flowing. Possible future architects? Car designers? Interior decorators? Or, how about a bunch of kids enjoying themselves with 1,000s of bricks on a dull and dreary day. The possibilities are endless. While I was there I saw a newly created flying machine that could float on water, a transformer, and a motorcycle just looking for some wheels. Looking for things to do over the March Break? Why not take in the Lego-a-thon at the Brantford Public Library and maybe read a few books. Fun stuff, I want to be a kid again.

#BeSeen by #BScene, it’s #BRANTastic!

Submited by Heather Cardle

To see more of her work please visit Heather Cardle Photographer

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Behind the Scene Laurier/Conestoga Open House

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Behind the Scene Laurier/Conestoga Open House

Laurier’s Research and Academic building, at 150 Dalhousie Street, was filled with students, faculty, potential students, and their families, for the first of two open houses this year. These open houses give potential students and their families the opportunity to meet and greet with staff and students, tour the facilities, and learn all about current and upcoming programs and Laurier and Conestoga. Wide eyes and smiles adorned the faces of guests and reminds us of the ongoing and growing student body of the downtown core.

If you’re interested in becoming a student or for more information about anything Laurier/Conestoga, make sure to Be Seen at the next Open House in November.

For more information about Wilfrid Laurier University Brantford Campus please visit: http://wlu.ca/
For more information about Conestoga College Please visit:https://www.conestogac.on.ca/campuses/brantford/

Submitted by: Joshua Wall

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Farm Boy Brantford – Grand Opening

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Farm Boy Brantford – Grand Opening

The parking lot at the newly opened Farm Boy Brantford on King George Road was packed with cars and people on Thursday, March 17th. The opening day celebrations saw many folks lining up for promotions and to see the new store. As people walked in for the first time, they were greeted by Gino, the store manager, and Lulu the cow. Inside, you’ll find a wide array of produce, meat, cheese, salads, baked goods, and more.

Farm Boy Brantford has lots to offer, so make sure to Be Seen checking it out this weekend!

Submitted by: Jason Freeze

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Behind the Scene – Studio A, Academy of Performing Arts

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Behind the Scene – Studio A, Academy of Performing Arts

When Abbey Girard graduated with a Performance Arts Degree in 2015, she moved back home from Vancouver to Brantford, with the hope to come home and open a performing arts academy, but with the intent of working at a local studio or even the YMCA first. After taking a “very short break” she told me, “I don’t know what I’m waiting for. Why don’t I do it now? It’s my dream.” So, instead of looking for work she put together a business plan. Then with the help of her father they found a location at 128 Nelson Street and began to lay the groundwork for what is now Studio A Academy of Performing Arts. Taking full advantage of the Brantford-Brant Business Resource Enterprise Centre‘s Starter Company Program she laid it all out and put it all on the line. The BRC helped her organize her business model, secure funding, and provided invaluable advice on getting started. She then built the studio from the ground up, installing mirrors, flooring, lights, and everything else the studio would need.

Starting out with only 15 students; networking, positive reviews, and social media promotion, helped the studio quickly and expand to over 70 students. In the first few months they also had a very successful, yet inexpensive summer camp program that helped spread word of the growing academy. Abbey is the sole instructor, offering dance and acting classes for youth aged 2 to 18. She’s happy to be able to do it herself, building bonds and relationships with students that helps foster growth academically. Studio A has anywhere from two to five classes a day, Monday to Friday, with toddler-specialized classes and birthday parties on Saturdays.

With plans to expand into a newer and larger location within the next year; a larger stage, five dance rooms and more gymnastics options are top priority. Studio A has continued to improve and expand their classes, beginning with simply dance and acting, they now offer: acro, jazz, ballet, hip hop, musical theatre, acting, yoga, barre-fit, and teen dance fitness programs. When they expand, they will offer even more.

Abbey shared with me one of her favorite quotes, “You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” from Isadora Duncan. She then shared with me one of her own, “Dance cannot be constricted to a preconceived set of finite movements. It is the freedom to give yourself to your body and your emotions, to outwardly release passion without worrying about upholding society’s guidelines for appropriate movements. Dance is for you. For your soul. Dance is for anyone and everyone.” It is Studio A’s goal, through arts and fitness, to educate youth to accept themselves and be brave enough to make mistakes, get messy, and be silly. Working with children to vocalize their thoughts and emotions through movements, helping them create their own works, and perfecting their artistic voices, is paramount at Studio A. They have many, very exciting summer camps beginning in July and are always accepting new students for its weekly classes. Make sure to Be Seen at Studio A Academy of Performing Arts.

Submitted by: Joshua Wall

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Sandra on Scene: Whimsical Players’ Princess Review at Eagle Place

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Sandra on Scene: Whimsical Players‘ Princess Review at Eagle Place

BScene was happy to be seen at Whimsical Players’ DREAMS COME TRUE, A PRINCESS REVIEW held at the Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre
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The new theatre troupe made up of seasoned Brantford area performers, moved from a smashing debut of their first production, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the last weekend of February to this Disney Review March 12. This free event was a fun romp through the Animated feature Disney songbook with colourful costumes and a cast of 15. It covered several years of Disney princess classics from Snow White’s “I’m Wishing” to Elsa’s “Let It Go”. Host narrators throughout the evening were Whimsical’s president Meghan Graham as Snow White and the troupe’s Vice President Jessica Crowley as Cinderella.

“I am very pleased with the way everything went,” says Graham. “Everyone did a wonderful job…it was magical!” She says Whimsical Players hopes to revive the review in the future. Meanwhile, several of the actors are available for children’s birthday parties dressed as various characters.

A special shout out goes to Jessica Hamilton and Ichthys Theatre for the curtains, projection screen and sound equipment. Hamilton doubled as Tech and performer leaving the board briefly to be Ariel from The Little Mermaid.

The audience, full of both children and adults, all left with smiles.

Check out Whimsical Players on FaceBook and Twitter.

Submitted by: Sandra L. Anderson
Photography: Joshua Wall

To see more of Sandra’s Work please visit: Sandlyn Publishing

 

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Classic Albums Live – Elton John Greatest Hits

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Classic Albums Live – Elton John Greatest Hits

The auditorium of the Sanderson Centre was filled with amazing sounds as Classics Albums Live presented Elton John’s Greatest hits on Friday, March 11th.

I always find that if you have some amazing tunes blasting, you take a lot of photos. Although some might be a bit blurry as you can’t focus and sing at the same time. What an amazing show CAL put on last night with Elton John’s Greatest Hits. It’s amazing that you can’t remember what you came into a room for, but as soon as you hear the first few notes of a song, you remember every single lyric. What a fun night at a gorgeous theatre.

Make sure to Be Seen attending some more amazing shows at the Sanderson Centre.

Submitted by: Heather Cardle
To see more of her work, please visit: Heather Cardle Photographer

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Angie FM is a retro hits station broadcasting from Brantford, Ontario. We are "Licensed to Play" and fully registered with SOCAN. Angie FM is owned by Genzel Family Media.
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