Kickflip into a Sonic Storm: Lights on the Bowl Skate Jam at Tecumseh Park

Thrill-seekers and music aficionados! If you're looking for an unforgettable experience that combines mind-blowing live music at a skate park, get ready for the Tecumseh Skate Jam and Music Festival on July 22, 2023. While we're at it, get Bob Bailey on the line 'cause rumour has it that accompanying these acts, there will be one hell of a barbeque.

The Lineup:

12:00pm - Weird Neighbours 1:00pm - PUCE 2:00pm - A Loud Thing

3:00pm - The Swims

4:00pm - Hartlet

5:00pm - Toromogo

6:00pm - Roof Rats

7:00pm - Lovers

Grab your board, grab your appetite, grab your dancing shoes and grab your local MPP: you are absolutely not going to want to miss this event.

Event poster by @zoopstagram

Beauty and Connection in the Depths of Online "Weird Art Group"

As a self-professed aficionado of all things weird and wonderful, I often find myself plunging into the depths of the internet on a search for more unconventional art and unique connections. On one particular trip down the virtual rabbit hole, I stumbled upon an artist named Cronk: little did I know that this trip would lead me to an unexpected friendship that transcended pixels and screens.

Cronk's artwork immediately caught my eye. His distinct style, blending whimsy and surrealism, resonated deeply within me, but it was his series featuring pigs playing musical instruments that truly captivated my imagination. There was really something undeniably charming and rebellious about those little porky musicians, bringing art and music together in a way that felt both playful and profound. I reached out to Cronk to express my admiration for his work: little did I know that this simple act of appreciation would kickstart a genuine conversation and exchange of art and music that would touch my life in unexpected ways.

Throughout our conversations we discovered shared passions, weaving a tapestry of creativity and empathy. As we shared our respective artwork and musical discoveries, we discussed the profound impact art had on our lives. In one exchange, Cronk revealed his unwavering dedication to suicide prevention and awareness, speaking passionately about the power of art in saving lives, highlighting the role it played in his own journey.

We explored the intersection of creativity and mental health, recognizing the unique ability of art and music to heal and transform. His commitment to suicide prevention and awareness resonated with me deeply, as I had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music in navigating the darkest corners of my mind in the unfolding of my own life.

In a world often marred by pain and uncertainty, artists like Cronk serve as beacons of light, offering a lifeline to those in need. Creativity and connection become vehicles for empathy and healing. Through art, we not only express our own truths but create a space where others can find solace and understanding. My virtual encounter with Cronk and our subsequent friendship reminded me of the vast potential hidden within the folds of the art world. In this vast sea of pixels and highlight reels, genuine connections can really be forged, hearts can be touched, and lives can be saved.

So, let us celebrate the weird and wonderful, the strange and sublime and embrace the power of art to transcend boundaries and unite souls. Art not only reflects our experiences but helps us navigate the complexities of our shared humanity. Art and music save lives.

Turn on, Tune In, Drop Out

Timothy Leary, was a renowned 1960s counter culture icon known for his groundbreaking theories on psychedelics and their potential to transform consciousness. Embracing the belief that psychedelics can be catalysts for personal and societal change, Leary advocated for their use as tools for expanding consciousness and achieving liberation. Leary's theory centered around the idea that psychedelic substances have the power to dissolve the boundaries of the ego and open doors to heightened states of awareness leading to personal growth, self-discovery, and spiritual enlightenment.

According to Leary, the transformative effects of psychedelics could break individuals free from societal conditioning and open them up to new perspectives and possibilities, seeing psychedelics as a means to challenge established norms, question authority, and foster a sense of interconnectedness with the world and the cosmos.

Leary's work played a significant role in popularizing the concept of set and setting, emphasizing the importance of mindset and environment in facilitating positive and meaningful psychedelic experiences. He believed with this in mind, individuals could harness the potential of psychedelics to explore their inner landscapes and tap into the depths of human consciousness.

While Leary's theories and experiments faced criticism and controversy, they left an indelible mark on the understanding of psychedelics and their potential applications. Today, his ideas continue to influence research, therapy, and the ongoing discussion surrounding the therapeutic and spiritual potential of these substances.

Timothy Leary's theory of psychedelics serves as a reminder of the profound impact these substances can have on human consciousness, inspiring further exploration, research, and dialogue into their transformative powers. Turn on, tune in, drop out.