Bowmanville Mural Revival and Durham's Big Weekend
This episode spotlights Chad Tyson’s self-funded mural project in downtown Bowmanville and the community impact behind turning a fire-scarred lot into something beautiful. It also rounds up four can’t-miss Durham events, from live jazz in Port Perry to a historic Black literary festival, a new Kendal market, and Oshawa’s new play-reading group.
Show Notes
- Durham Life | Good News, Events & Local Stories in Durham Region: https://durhamlife.ca/
Chapter 1
Downtown Art Revival and Four Unmissable Durham Events
Jackie
My hands are literally covered in, in, in chalk paint right now. My kids tried to help me touch up the back porch this morning and, uh, well, let's just say the porch lost.
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Oh, I can see the blue streak on your wrist from here. Though speaking of painting walls, I, I mean, perfect timing because we have got to talk about what Chad Tyson is doing right now in downtown Bowmanville.
Jackie
Yes! Chad is our Changemaker this week, and honestly, the man is a local legend. He has been painting murals across Durham Region for twenty three years. He started The Paint Factory in Oshawa, helped get the region's first legal graffiti walls going. But this one specific wall, it's in the parking lot right across from 99 King in downtown Bowmanville.
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He tried to get permission for six whole years. Six years of asking, pushing, waiting, and he finally got the green light.
Jackie
And he's not doing it alone either! He's painting it alongside his daughter, Cadence. They are a month into it now, and every single can of paint, every brush, it is completely self funded out of his own pocket.
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That stretch of downtown took such a hit with that awful fire last year. You remember 99 King stayed open all night back then so people who lost their homes had a warm place to sit? So Chad's mural is really his answer to that. Giving people something beautiful to look at instead of a fire scarred parking lot, giving folks a reason to park, walk around, and support local shops again.
Jackie
I love that so much. If you see them out there, wave, share his work, drop a few dollars into his GoFundMe if you can. Now, Will, we have a total jam packed week ahead. Four amazing local events to cover!
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Where are we starting on Friday night?
Jackie
Friday night, head up to Port Perry! The Ferrport Jazz Ensemble is playing live at Old Flame Brewing, right at 135 Perry Street. They run from 7 to 10pm. Ferrport is a fantastic local group doing jazz and pop standards in their own signature style. Completely free to walk in, grab a pint, and just take in the music.
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That sounds like a great start to the weekend. Then on Saturday, August 29th, we have got two massive events happening at the exact same time. First up is the inaugural Kendal Summer Market at the Kendal Orange Lodge at 15 Kendal Church Street from 10am to 4pm. It's a brand new market, free admission, packed with local vendors, fresh home baking, and specialty lemonade.
Jackie
Specialty lemonade on a warm Saturday? Count me in. And also on Saturday, Ajax is hosting the first ever Canadian Black Literary Festival! This is historic for our region. From noon to 5pm at the McLean Community Centre, there is a free book fair. Then from 7 to 10pm, they move over to the St. Francis Centre for an evening showcase.
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Wait, who is hosting the evening show?
Jackie
Ontario Poet Laureate Testament and CBC's Antonio Michael Downing! Tickets for the evening showcase are fifteen dollars, and it is going to be an unbelievable night of literature and community.
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Man, Ajax is really showing up for that. And then to wrap up the lineup on Monday evening, August 31st, Oshawa has a brand new drop in group launching.
Jackie
Oh, The Burrow! It's a weekly play reading group happening downstairs at Cork and Bean, located at 8 Simcoe Street North from 6:30 to 8:30pm. It is run by Oetta Geraghty along with the Durham Shoestring Performers. Completely free, all experience levels welcome whether you want to read aloud or just sit back and listen.
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What a awesome way to spend a Monday night. Look, if you want all these dates, maps, and local stories sent right to you, remember that by subscribing to Durham Life you're taking the first step towards being an active participant in shaping the future of our region.
Jackie
Head over to Durham Life dot c a to sign up for the free weekly newsletter today. Welcome to This is Durham Life, everybody!
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Be Good. Do Good.
Jackie
Be Good. Do Good. See you next week!