NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release September 14, 2022
NEWMARKET, Ontario – New neighbours with new creative ideas will come together next month in a musical celebration of Newmarket’s Main Street at the Old Town Hall.
The event, called “Newmarket Artisans,” is being organized by the After Hours Big Band. It will take place Saturday, October 15, with doors at the Old Town Hall opening at 7:00 p.m.
Michael Kearns, musical director of the band, says, “We believe Main Street is in an optimistic mood and ready for a grand party, especially with the new hotel coming soon.”
Among the supporters of Newmarket Artisans are the owners of the Postmark Hotel, set to open in spring 2023 at 180 Main Street South in the Clock Tower, site of Newmarket’s former post office.
Owners and developers Streetcar Developments and Dream Unlimited Corp. have pledged to enhance the heritage elements of the landmark post office and see the hotel as adding to the vibrancy of downtown Newmarket.
“We are very pleased to join with the Main Street District Business Improvement Association in supporting the Newmarket Artisans event and meeting our new neighbours,” says Sonya Singh, director of marketing and communications for Streetcar Developments.
"We look forward to supporting the local community and will be sharing information at the event about our plans for the hotel’s opening and operations.”
. . . . 2
(2)
With support from Mayor John Taylor and the Newmarket BIA, Newmarket Artisans is designed to reinforce downtown Newmarket as a hub for both business and culture. It will be the third event of its kind, following sold-out shows in 2018 and 2019.
The evening will combine a concert by the After Hours band of danceable, contemporary jazz and popular music with displays by talented local artists Todd Jamieson, Paul Thomas and Carol Tremayne, and craft beverages from Old Flame Brewing Co.
Tom Hempen, president of the Newmarket BIA and owner of Hempen Jewellers on Main Street, says several businesses have located or relocated to Main Street since the pandemic ended in the spring of 2022. Newmarket Artisans will be a way for the BIA to welcome those businesses as well as the Postmark Hotel.
“We support the Newmarket Artisans concept as a way to bring the community together and celebrate downtown Newmarket’s resiliency,” Hempen says.
Tickets at $25 are available from the Newmarket Old Town Hall,, 460 Botsford Street. Call 905-953-5313 x 2870 or visit our web site events pages.
About the After Hours Big Band
Formed in 2006 by members of the Newmarket Citizens Band, After Hours is dedicated to advancing and modernizing big-band swing music while celebrating its legacy. Performances led by trombonist and educator Dr. Michael Kearns feature stirring vocals by George Marian and Jessica Owen as well as jazz solos by members of the trombone, trumpet, saxophone and rhythm sections.
Contacts
After Hours Big Band, www.afterhoursbigband.ca: Lawrence Moule, marketing co-ordinator, 905-841-7071, lawrencemoule@gmail.com
Postmark Hotel, www.thepostmarkhotel.ca: Sonya Singh, director, marketing & communications, Streetcar Developments, ssingh@streetcar.ca
Newmarket BIA, https://newmarketmainstreet.ca: Tom Hempen, president, info@hempenjewellers.com or Kimiko Huguenin, khuguenin@newmarket.ca