84
UNDER THE LIGHTS:
AN E V E N I N G O F PAT IO S IN #D TK BY CHRIS TIESSEN ‘Check out how amazing that looks,’ I blurt
sprawling downtown core to the other – from
out to TOQUE Partner Cai Sepulis when we
patio to patio to patio – and my legs are
turn off King onto Queen Street in downtown
killing me. As is my shoulder, straining under
Kitchener. ‘It’s like the lane is alive.’ Straight
the weight of the oversize camera bag slung
ahead of us, about halfway up the block
over it. And to make matters worse, I’ve just
between King and Duke Streets, warm light
turned forty – which has become my excuse
and the sounds of live music spill out into
for almost anything challenging nowadays.
the darkness of Queen from the alleyway between the Vidyard building and its next door neighbour. Goudie’s Lane. Our final destination on what has been a most amazing evening – downtown Kitchener’s annual #DTKPatioCrawl.
As we turn into the laneway, I’m immediately captivated by everything that’s going on. The live music – featuring the charismatic Blackie Jackett Jr pounding out a boisterous rendition of The Band’s ‘The Weight’. The busy bar – replete with whiskey and
When we get closer to the lane Cai quickens
Wellington Brewery’s finest, including the
her pace. As do I – albeit with much greater
dreamy ‘Upside’ IPA. The lights – strung up
effort. These past few hours have had
in long glowing rows above our heads. The
us walking from one side of Kitchener’s
crowds – friends, neighbours and colleagues
