To North Bay With Love

A Conversation With North Bay Music Icon Paul Pruneau

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with North Bay musician Paul Pruneau for a conversation about a lifetime of music, community, and following your passion. Paul reflects on his journey from winning music competitions as a young performer to recording at Montreal's iconic RCA Studios, while balancing a successful career as an electrician and business owner. He shares stories from decades on stage, the bands he's played with, the mentors who shaped him, and why performing for the North Bay community continues to bring him joy. 0:00 How Paul's Music Journey Began  5:42 Winning a Recording Contract in Montreal  11:31 The Secrets to Performing Live  16:23 Building a Successful Electrical Business  22:53 The Future of Live Music in North Bay

Exploring North Bay's Best Kept Secrets

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with Darren Patey from Northeastern Ontario Tourism to explore some of North Bay's best kept secrets. From the historic La Vase Portages canoe route and hidden hiking trails to local experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities, Darren shares the stories that make North Bay and the surrounding region so special. They also dive into tourism across Northeastern Ontario, why more people are discovering the North, and how locals can see their own backyard through a new lens. 0:00 – Intro 11:31 – The Hidden History of La Vase Portages 21:07 – Discovering North Bay's Hidden Trails 25:57 – Promoting Northeastern Ontario's Best Experiences 33:15 – The Magic of Manitoulin Island

The Story Behind the Northern Skies Wellness Festival

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Amanda Cooley shares the story behind the Northern Skies Wellness Festival and how a simple idea grew into a community celebration of wellness, connection, and self-care. We talk about what to expect at the festival, Amanda's journey through yoga and travel, and what brought her back home to North Bay after living and studying around the world. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of slowing down, building community, and creating space to reconnect with ourselves and each other. 0:00 – Intro 5:34 – More Than Yoga: A Full Wellness Experience 15:48 – Amanda's Journey Into Yoga & Wellness 18:24 – How Yoga Helped Through Depression 37:50 – The Vision for a Multi-Day Wellness Festival

The Capitol Centre Is Ready for a Huge 2026 Season

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we sit down with Katina Connolly and Dan Misturada from the Capitol Centre to talk about the launch of the highly anticipated 2026–27 season.  From major touring acts and sold-out performances to community theatre, visual arts, and the return of Bay Block Party, this conversation highlights just how important the Capitol Centre is to Northern Ontario’s arts and culture scene. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into planning an entire season of programming, how the Capitol Centre balances concerts, local productions, gallery exhibitions, and community partnerships, and why the organization continues to thrive as a nonprofit cultural hub. Along the way, we explore the history of the nearly 100-year-old building, the evolution of the WKP Kennedy Gallery, the growing volunteer program, and exciting summer events like the Cruise Series and Bay Block Party weekend. 0:00 – Intro 3:38 – Inside the Huge 2026–27 Season  8:19 – First Impressions of the Capitol Centre  16:29 – The 2026 Season Launch 31:15 – Bay Block Party

North Bay Stories, New Voices & Big Changes

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we celebrate new beginnings, old friendships, and the stories that connect this community together. Lisa takes a look back at the journey of the podcast over the past three years, reflecting on the conversations, memorable guests, and the incredible people who make North Bay such a unique place to call home. From stories about the Capitol Centre and local arts scene to life in real estate, flooding in the city, potholes, movie nostalgia, and community memories. The biggest news of all is the official introduction of Kate Ricci as the new host joining the next chapter of To North Bay With Love. Kate shares her excitement about stepping into the role, her passion for community, and why storytelling and connection matter so much in North Bay. 0:00 – Intro 4:18 – Memories from the Capitol Centre 12:52 – Spring Real Estate & North Bay Flooding 21:09 – Why “To North Bay With Love” Started 28:43 – Passing the Torch to Kate Hand 37:21 – The Future of To North Bay With Love