Mr. Toronto

Groovin’ on a sunny afternoon here in Toronto. And the festivals continue….

Just coming off of Indy weekend, where I actually got to ride around in the pre-race parade with other sponsors, VIPs and drivers, and wave like the Queen to the stands surrounding the track. Also got to meet Gene Simmons, who was the parade Grand Marshall. Was never a huge Kiss fan, but you gotta admire the guy for what he has accomplished musically and as a marketing genius….

And now we’re heading into the Just for Laughs festival…had to turn down tickets to see Sarah Silverman, one of my faves, but there is plenty of other stuff on tap – including John Cleese and a huge free outdoor gig by Russell Peters, a native son who has just been listed as one of the top 10 wealthiest stand-up comics (guess he’s having the last laugh…)

Yesterday also marked the kick-off of ten days of Caribana festivities, always a wild and crazy time in the City…good time to be opening a new reggae musical, which Mirvish Productions is doing next week – The Harder They Come. Not sure how this 70’s cult movie is gonna translate to a play, but will let you know! (or better yet, come find out for yourself!)

Last blog I mentioned our city’s great outdoor patios…this time I want to mention that there are some dynamite gelato places (seems like everyone wants gelato nowadays – ice cream ain’t good enough any more…) in some very cool areas of the City. Check out one of the two “Little Italys” we have here – at College St. or St. Clair Ave.; La Paloma on St. Clair is one of the oldest and well know gelaterias in Toronto…or head over to Hollywood Gelato, located on a cool strip packed with great restaurants and bars, on Bayview Ave. just south of Eglinton.

And come catch a Jays game before we all lose hope for yet another season! I’ll be there Sunday against the Red Sox…

Mr. Toronto

Been a busy week in the entertainment capital of the world (well, North America, anyway…OK, OK – Canada for sure!!). Fleetwood Mac at the Air Canada Centre last Tuesday – they’re all looking a little older, but hey- so am I. And they can still rock. Never realized what a phenomenal guitar player Lindsay Buckingham is…ACC is not my favourite concert venue in the City- would rather catch anything at Massey Hall, The Music Hall or the Phoenix. Even Celine Dion would be tolerable.

Wednesday night, went to the opening of Spring Awakening, the latest Mirvish offering at the Canon Theatre. Not quite as sharp as the Broadway production, but a really interesting premise, and some decent toons for a musical…$25 student tickets available day of show!

Thursday night, caught 3 hot sets of Blues at Monarchs Pub at the Delta Chelsea Hotel. I think I mentioned this last week – Jerome Godboo and Jack de Keyzer, 2 of Canada’s most renowned musicians (harmonica and guitar, respectively) – are playing there every Thursday night through April – for FREE! Awesome.

Saturday night, caught a flick at the Rainbow Cinema. Pretty unmemorable movie, but wanted to let you know about the Rainbow, cuz it’s the cheapest first-run theatre in Toronto. Located down on Front Street across from the St. Lawrence food market (a must-see as well); most expensive ticket is 8 bucks, and it goes down from there depending on when you go…

Sunday, was back at the ACC, this time for a Toronto Raptors basketball game. Whether you enjoy watching sporting events or not, Raptors games are a hoot. Lots of loud music, on-court antics, and…cheerleading. The Raptors even won this one, a rare added bonus. They even scored 100 points, which meant the whole arena got a free slice of pizza. Great time to see the Raptors, until the season ends in a month or so – lots of empty seats, which means lots of scalpers parting with tickets for way below cost…

And now I’m off to another play, the opening of Shirley Valentine (remember the movie?) at the CanStage Theatre. This show- and theatre company- are a great break from the usual mega-musicals that can kind of get to you after a while…dinner first at a great Moroccan restaurant next door – The Sultan’s Tent. Too bad I don’t have time for the belly dancing show (really!)

Concerts, clubs, plays (both big and small), major league sports, good eats – Phew! I’m exhausted just writing about the week of excitement I’ve had in T.O.

Talk to you again soon-
Mr. Toronto