Mr. Toronto

Every time I think I’m going to write a bout a specific “topic” for this blog, it gets bumped by the here and now, by cool stuff I just have to tell you about…

This week is “Canadian Music Week” in Toronto, and for a live music junkie like me, it’s like being a kid in a candy store…days and nights full of movies, concerts, parties and celebrity interviews.  Since I DO have a day job that I am trying to keep, doing it all ain’t possible – but I am trying to get a little taste of everything:

Movie: Saw a great documentary – Sound it Out – about a tiny independent record store in a depressed Northern English town, at the beautiful Bell Litebox.  This space is the new home for the Toronto International Film Festival, but is a dynamite spot to see cool movies year’ round – state of the art theatres, comfy seating – and bottled water is only $2.50!)

Concert: Went to see a fantastic Canadian “supergroup” – Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (featuring 3 icons of the music scene here – Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson). And saw it at my favourite venue in the City – if not the world! – Massey Hall (thus the clever title of my blog – your eyes will never get sore squinting, cuz every seat in the place is great!). Afterwards, got to go behind the scenes, and it was pretty cool seeing what the artists see

when they’re on stage.  If you’ve never seen a show at Massey – go; it doesn’t matter who it is – you’ll be hooked!

Party: Going over the weekend to the “Indie Awards”, honouring the best independent bands (including the Sheepdogs, who recently won the contest to be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine).  After this, have been invited to an “East Coast Music” party at the very hip Rivoli on Queen Street…which ends at 4am….

Interview: Just got back from a lunchtime conversation with Slash.  Up close and personal with a recent inductee to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.  He may be a head-banging guitar player, but he is a very intelligent and soft-spoken gentleman! 

Before I close out – while I’m talking about our arts scene – should also mention that I attended the announcement for this year’s

Luminato Festival (# 6 already – time flies!). Running June 8-17, this is really the kick-off to “Festival Season” in Toronto.  A lot of cool stuff happening: http://www.luminato.com/

The guy in the photo is the new Artistic Director, Jorn Weisbrodt , who also happens to be the new husband of Rufus Wainwright, if that means anything to you (if not, this whole blog probably means nothing to you!)

Mr. Toronto