Mr. Toronto

Sigh…every time I make (myself, not sure if you care!) a promise to blog more often, life gets in the way…. since New Year’s is coming up, I will once again make a resolution to write more frequently…which may mean shorter insights into the best of the City, but as enthralling as ever, to be sure! Just wanted to share with you info on two wonderful “new” spaces in town. I put the word new in quotation marks, because the first one has been around since June (I just didn’t know about it – shame on me!), and the second is really a very old space, with a new life…

I was invited last week to an event at Screen, an ultra-cool new lounge/restaurant that is ironically right around the corner from where I work. I’m always searching for cool new spots for a business lunch or after-work drink, and had no idea what a gem this place is. To be fair (to me), it is very tucked away, and they have done virtually no advertising since opening half a year ago. But apparently business has been booming, just via word of mouth. The space is gorgeous, and includes an incredible rooftop patio, which will soon be winterized with the addition of a small retractable dome (think mini Rogers Centre…). The menu is an interesting and eclectic mix of unusual sushi and funky burgers (as in unique, not rotten). Screen Lounge is located at 20 College Street, just off Yonge. http://www.screenlounge.ca/

The second space, as I mentioned, is not new at all, but has actually been around since 1920. Those of you who are old visitors to Toronto (and I say that in the nicest sense!) will remember it as the Pantages Theatre, home for years to Phantom of the Opera. Those of you who have only been here over the last handful of years will know it as The Canon Theatre (home to shows like We Will Rock You). Well, as of this week, we will now all know it as Ed Mirvish Theatre. Mirvish Productions, as you all probably know, is THE theatre company in town, responsible for bringing almost all of the hit shows to Toronto. They also own four of the theatres they bring shows to…Ed was the man who started it all, after making his fortune with “Honest Ed’s’ a store which is really a landmark and which you must visit at some point in your life! (Hard to miss – its lights at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor can be seen from about a mile away!). I was also privileged to meet him many times, and I can honestly say he was one of the sweetest, kindest and gentlest men who ever walked the planet …
At any rate, I went to the very moving (and star-studded) unveiling/announcement event, where Ed’s son (who is an equally wonderful business- and gentle-man) David first introduced a short video on his father’s amazing life, then brought on stage myriad performers who paid tribute to Ed. Finally, our new Mayor, Rob Ford, came out to read a proclamation, and the new marquee dropped down from the stage. (see photo) A very fitting tribute…and a very shrewd business move as well, staking a final and permanent claim to a theatre that used to owned by the Mirvish’s arch rival, Garth Drabinsky, who is currently serving time in a Toronto jail for fraud committed during his time heading up Livent. Hmm, speaking of theatre, there’s the making right there of a new hit show…
Mr. Toronto

Fall seems to be the time when Toronto’s arts scene really heats up…live theatre is in full swing (the subject of a future blog, I’m sure) and new museum/gallery exhibits are opening (for example, the fantastic “Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde” at the AGO). But it’s fall movies and concerts that seem to be drawing on my heartstrings and tugging at my wallet this time of year….

Toronto is known for it’s star-studded TIFF (International Film Festival) in September, but fall is also the season when a whackload of other film festivals take to screens around town, reflecting the City’s amazing ethnic and cultural mix…Google these and check out all they have to offer!

*Toronto After Dark (Oct. 20-27)

*Polish Film Festival (Oct. 21-23)

*Israel Film Festival (Oct. 23-27)

*Brazil Film Fest (Oct. 27-30)

*Diaspora Film Festival (Nov.1-7)

*Regent Park Film Festival (Nov. 1-7)

*Rendezvous with Madness (Nov.4-12)

*Reel Asian (Nov.8-19)

And boy, is there ever music in the air this time of year!  Here’s a sampling of just a handful of the most interesting shows coming to town (according to me, of course):

*Tedeschi Trucks Band at the Danforth Music Hall (October 25)

*Mumford and Sons at the Air Canada Centre (ACC) (same night!)

*DeadMau5 at the Rogers Centre (November 5)

*Trombone Shorty at the Opera House (November 17)

*Jay Z and Kanye West at the ACC (November 23 and 24)

*Feist at Massey Hall (December 1)

*The National with Neko Case at the ACC (December

I’d give you more options, but if you’re like me you’re already hyperventilating!  So just take a deep breath, choose a couple, and c’mon over!

Mr. Toronto

PS.  Although it is totally unrelated to this blog, I would be remiss if I did not mention the tragic – and freaky – passing of Indy Car Driver Dan Wheldan earlier this week.  Especially freaky for me, because I talked about him in a previous blog – and showed a photo of the 2 of us together – just a few months ago, after he won the Indianapolis 500.  He was a wonderful and charming guy who will be sorely missed.

No, not quite.  The end of summer is in site, but there’s still plenty of time to visit Toronto with the kids before school starts.  And to help plan, here are a few ideas from The Grid (formerly EYE magazine), which recently came out with a list of “49 Totally Rad (and totally cheap) Things To Do With A Kid In The City”:

1)      Go people watching in (funky) Kensington Market – especially the last Sunday of every month, when it’s pedestrian only.

2)      Explore Lake Ontario in a canoe – rentals available from Canoe Toronto at Harbourfront (283A Queen’s Quay West)

3)      Take advantage of free admission to Ontario Place – in celebration of its 40^th anniversary (though you’ll still have to pay for the great water park)

4)      Have a pajama party at a good old-fashioned drive-in – double features, the latest flicks at Polson Pier (www.polsonpier.com)

5)      Buy cheap seats to a Blue Jays game – lots of fun, starting at only 11 bucks.  And the team is really quite good this year!

6)      Visit Kew Gardens playground (Queen St.E. and Wellesley), complete with turreted castles, a swirly slide and even a beach!

7)      Take a “staycation” at the Delta Chelsea Hotel – full disclosure: I work there!  But it made the list, really! Best hotel in town for kids (just voted “Best Family Hotel” by the readers of City Parent magazine).  Amazing Family Fun Zone with huge pool and waterslide, Kids Centre, Teen Lounge, and daily Camp Chelsea programming. (www.deltachelsea.com)

That’s it for their list…now a couple of things to add which are going on now and you shouldn’t miss.

First is the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE, or “The EX”, if you want to talk like a native), on now until September 5^th. Animal and agricultural exhibits, special shows, shopping pavilions, midway rides, FOOD (new this year – deep fried Jell-O!!!).  A real institution that should be visited at least once in your lifetime!

Secondly, the new Cirque du Soleil show is in town until October 9, at a specially constructed tent near Cherry Beach.  I have seen Cirque many times over the years, and I can honestly say this is the best I have seen.  Incredible staging and truly unbelievable acts.  With or without kids, get there!

And enjoy the rest of your summer!

Mr. Toronto

This City never ceases to amaze me.  Just when I think I’ve seen or done it all, I find something new that makes me fall in love all over again…and some of it isn’t even “new”, it’s just improved…

For instance, the latest edition of the Toronto Jazz Fest may have been my favourite yet.  Besides a dynamite line-up, the event moved to a new location, down at Metro Square (recently renamed David Pecault Square, in memory of this wonderful man who started the Luminato festival, among other things).  Much cozier than Nathan Phillips Square where it’s usually held, not to mention grass to sit down on…

And speaking of Nathan Phillips Square, the festival was moved from that spot as it is in the middle of a multi-year, multi-million dollar reno.  And one of the first things they renovated was an unused, secluded spot on the roof, which has been turned into the newest best-kept secret in Toronto – a fantastic rooftop garden.  Exquisite seclusion in the heart of the City.  They still hold some events in the Square below during renovations, as evident by the fun outdoor Art Festival that took place this weekend.

And speaking of this weekend, took a bike ride along another hidden gem in the City – the Leslie Street Spit.  It’s OK, I didn’t know what a “spit” was, either, til my breath was taken away by the beauty along this mile or so of unspoiled nature near Cherry Beach, just minutes from downtown.  Incredible views of the city skyline, but you truly feel like you are in Maine or Cape Cod…there’s even a lighthouse at the end!  Fun to skate – or even walk – if you don’t have a bike.  That’s my friend Paul enjoying the view…

And speaking of friends (don’t you just love the natural transitions I have written in this blog entry?) made a new one at the Honda Indy this past weekend (yes, it was a very busy weekend!).  That’s me with Dan Akroyd, the Grand Marshall this year.  A good ol’ Canadian boy (for those Americans who still do not realize that all the best comedy comes from this side of the border) who’s done all right for himself – including his new vodka, skeleton-bottle and all!

And it’s not even the middle of July yet – phew!

Mr. Toronto

BARGAIN CULTURE

I’ve always said that to really enjoy New York City you either have to be a millionaire or a poverty-stricken student. I never went the millionaire route (shame), but at least I went to university in NYC (many moons ago) and had the time of my life as a student.  Galleries, museums, plays, concerts were all either free or heavily discounted.  Well, I’m pleased to report that Toronto is very much a bargain centre for the under-30 set as well…this roundup of deals comes courtesy of Nicki Thomas/Toronto Star:

1)      The National Ballet of Canada offers $30 tickets (tax included) for anyone under 30 who signs up for their Dance Break program (www.dancebreak.ca)

2)      The Canadian Opera Company offers $22 performances through its “Opera for a New Age” program (www.coc.ca). There are also free concerts throughout the season in the lobby of the new(ish) Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

3)      The Toronto Symphony Orchestra offers $14 tickets if you are a “Soundcheck” member, up until age 35 (www.tso.ca)

4)      Soulpepper Theatre Company gives access to $12.50 tickets to almost every performance through their C-Stage program if you’re under 29 (www.canadianstage.com or 416-368-3110). There are also pay-what-you-can Monday night performances.

5)      The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts has an under-30 “Rush Club”, which offers $15 tickets for anything they are hosting (from music like Elvis Costello to Bollywood Musicals).  Sign up for the program at www.sonycentre.ca, and you’ll receive an email 3 days beforehand if tickets are available.

6)      Mirvish productions often has student rush seats for many of its performances. Check out www.mirvish.com, or better yet, join their facebook or twitter group!

7)      Both the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum offer free admission (for all ages!) on Wednesdays.  AGO free hours are 6-8:30 pm, ROM is 3:30-5:30

And finally – again for all ages – don’t forget about T.O Tix, the discounted ticket booth at Yonge-Dundas Square.  It ain’t no Times Square TKTS – its selection is usually quite limited – but there are no lineups and you’ll find something to see!

Culture – with money left over for a beer afterwards.  What could be better?

Mr. Toronto

Since we last “talked”, Mr. Toronto has been very busy mingling with the stars (well, “mingling” may be a bit of an exaggeration…but I have come very close!). This kind of thing frequently happens in Toronto, a favourite stomping ground for athletes, musicians and actors – and I had encounters with all three over the past couple of weeks!

Got a chance to hear one of the world’s top female athletes the other day.  Tennis superstar Venus Williams gave a talk at the Convention Centre as part of an ongoing “Women of Influence” speaker series.  Much to my surprise (and every one else in the audience), she was soft-spoken and humble – nothing like she is on the courts.  She is also quite the overachiever – not only has she won more Grand Slams than I have games of checkers, but she also has a degree in fashion (with a clothing line to boot), and is now going for a degree in interior design.  Got a chance to say hi after her talk.  For a listing of upcoming speakers, visit http://www.womenofinfluenceluncheon.ca/toronto.html

On the music front, got to go to a very cool private concert by one of Canada’s treasures, Ron Sexsmith.  This was in honour of the Juno awards coming up next week in Toronto (which I wrote about in my last blog).  Ron is unfortunately a bit of a “hidden” treasure – he’s been at it for years, has won numerous Junos, and is the favourite artist of the likes of Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney and Elton John (not too shabby!), but he still has not had widespread success.  Go get his new album – Long Player Late Bloomer – it’s stellar.  So was his 45-minute performance at First Canadian Place.  FCP actually has amazing events all year long – worth checking out their website! www.fcpevents.com.

As for “actors”, although the third celeb I met is indeed one- having starred in plays like “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”- he is really better known as a musician as well.  Donny Osmond (!!!) was in town, to announce that he will be coming to Toronto this summer for two weeks (July 5-17) with his sister, bringing DONNY & MARIE LIVE from Las Vegas.  He is still quite the charming young man, and doesn’t look much older than he did on my Osmond Brothers thermos in 3rd grade…

And speaking of Donny and Marie (coming to the Four Seasons Centre on Queen St.West), the show is being brought in Dancap productions, who also announced that Green Day’s American Idiot – a huge hit on Broadway – will be coming to the Toronto Centre for the Arts at the end of December.  And if you think you have the chops to actually be IN the show, they are hosting open-call auditions here in Toronto on March 26!  One final word – if and when you do go to the show, consider Dancap’s pre-theatre pre-fixe dinner which they serve in a beautiful little room right at the Theatre – just tried it the other night – 3 yummy courses for around 40 bucks a person, all in. Find out more at www.dancaptickets.com

Mr. Toronto

Not sure if Mr. Toronto has divulged this before, but I am a music freak – iPod docked in my office, going to concerts on an almost weekly basis, songs running through my head throughout the day (I’m also the guy people call when they need a rock trivia question answered at 2am from some boozy bar…).  So I have been in absolute heaven since my last blog entry, as it has been one musical event after another!

Started off the week by attending a press conference for the latest addition to Toronto’s amazing summer concert season…the new BlackCreek Music Festival.  A VERY ambitious series- spearheaded behind the seasons by the impresario/marketing genius Garth Drabinsky of Livent/Phantom fame (has to be behind the scenes – he’s about to go to jail for embezzlement, but that’s another story…) – this is a 14-week festival launching June 4th.  It’s taking place at the Rexall Centre up at York University, which until now has been used only for Rogers Cup Tennis Tournaments that are held every year (my favourite sporting event – the subject of a future blog, I’m sure!).  It’s a very eclectic festival, launching with the superstar Spanish tenor Placido Domingo, then featuring everyone from Marvin Hamlisch to the London Symphony Orchestra to Diana Krall with Tony Bennett, to James Taylor.  Check out www.blackcreekfestival.com for details.

My next meeting was with the Toronto Jazz Festival. It’s their 25th Anniversary (!!!) this year, and have announced the first of what will be many fantastic concerts (many free).  Pushing my button in particular are Paco de Lucia (amazing flamenco guitarist), Return To Forever featuring Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke, among others (one of the first concerts I ever saw – and one of the only ones with my dad – WAY back in the ‘70’s!), and Bela Fleck – a banjo virtuoso (yes, really) – reuniting wit his incredible band the Flecktones.  The Jazz Fest takes place June 24- July 3rd, and this year moves down to Metro Square, as it’s usual home- Nathan Phillips Square- is under a massive renovation project… it’s a great space off King St.West that links Metro Hall with Roy Thomson Hall, across from the Royal Alex Theatre.  www.torontojazz.com for the whole line-up!

Delhi 2 Dublin

Metro Square is also the new home for the last of the announcements I went to this past week, for Luminato- Toronto’s Festival of Arts and Creativity, taking place June 10-19 (also celebrating an anniversary – #5).  While it is not strictly a music festival – it bills itself as “an annual multi-disciplinary celebration of theatre, dance, music, literature, food, visual arts, fashion, film, and more” (what more could there be??!!) – the event I went to focused on their music offerings, which are spectacular.  And again, many free, including Grammy Award winning k.d. lang and Kronos Quartet, quirky pop combo-turned children’s act They Might be Giants (my sister dated their guitar player – you will NOT be reading about that in a future blog…) and Canadian favourites The Joel Plaskett Emergency.  Yes, all FREE!! And I just have to give a plug here for one of the coolest indie bands I have ever seen who performed for us at the press conference (and will be opening for Punjabi superstar Malkit Singh of Bend it Like Beckham fame).  They’re called Delhi 2 Dublin, and like the name implies, they are an amazing mix of Indian and Irish music, wrapped up in a neo-punk blanket…

See you out at ALL these shows! Mr. Toronto

Gee, when I come up with such a snappy title for the week’s blog, I feel like I almost deserve a break…. but no, not fair to both my readers to disappoint them, so let me tell you once again about a couple of cool adventures from the life of Mr. Toronto this past week!

I actually went snow shoeing last Sunday (is that Canadian, or WHAT?).  And didn’t have to drive hours to get into the countryside to do it!  Found out about this company – Toronto Adventures – that specializes in providing adventures right here in our city. Their “urban adventures” include snowshoeing in the winter, and  kayaking, canoeing and camping in the warmer weather.  Our group consisted of about a dozen people, and we trecked along the Humber River, starting off by the Old Mill Inn and Restaurant.  Motivated me to buy my own shoes – cheap, portable, great exercise, and easy to do anywhere – I have subsequently been told that other great TO snowshoeing spots include High Park and Earl Bales Park….

As for the “new shows”?  Went to the Princess of Wales Theatre for the announcement of the upcoming Mirvish season.  And what a fantastic season it will be!  Truly one of the strongest I remember in a long time (and coming right off of Billy Elliott, playing now – not too shabby!). Starting with the British hit The Railway Children in May of this year (complete with an actual train as part of the cast) and ending with the Broadway revival of HAIR in April of 2012 (I remember when that innocent nude scene setthe world on fire), the season also includes Noel Coward’s Private Lives (with Kim Cattrall, who made a guest appearance at the announcement); Chess – The Musical (courtesy of the Abba boys who brought you Mamma Mia!); Mary Poppins (yay! How can I NOT go see that?); The Blue Dragon (by Robert Lepage, a Canadian icon); and WarHorse, a play that has taken the UK by storm (and is currently starring my cousin’s boyfriend, not that you should care…).  If the announcement event at the POW was any indication of the “wow” factor of the season, we’re all in for a treat!  I was spellbound during 90 minutes of singing, dancing, videos and puppetry….for more info and tickets, go to www.mirvish.com

So put on your snowshoes and trek on over!

Mr. Toronto

Do you know (say that fast – Juno – get it?  Clever? Oh, never mind…) that Canada’s annual music awards (our version of the Grammy’s) are coming back to Toronto this year, for the first time in 10 years?  (Unlike the Grammy’s, this award ceremony is in a different Canadian city every year).  And if that’s not special enough, they will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary here!

Earlier this week, I attended the big media event at the Royal York Hotel, where they announced the nominees…these things are never too exciting – loads of categories no one really cares about (unless you’ve been nominated, of course), loads of people no one has ever heard of (and then of course, the ones you HAVE heard of, but don’t care about – Justin Bieber, anybody?….) So let me just share with you some highlights of the event itself.

First of all, it’s important to note that “the event” is really a whole whackload of activities, some of which having started already!  For example, The Bata Shoe Museum has already opened an exhibit of Juno Award winner’s shoes…. and next week, the AGO opens up a collection of artwork chosen by Award winners…. then, as we get closer to the main event (which is on Sunday, March 27, by the way), there’s a flurry of activity, from block parties to concert series, to photography exhibits and film screenings…. for a complete list, visit www.junoawards.ca

As for the main event itself – it’s taking place at the Air Canada Centre, and will be as much concert as award ceremony…scheduled performers (announced to date) include Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Hedley and Johnny Reid.  And if those names don’t mean that much to you, they are upping the ante by having superstar rapper Drake as the Host, and by giving special awards to Shania Twain and Neil Young…OMG!!  Tickets for this public event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

See ya there!

Mr. Toronto

I sometimes worry that I won’t have enough (interesting things!) to blog about on a weekly basis…after all, how many things can I do in a typical week that lovers of Toronto would be interested in?  A heckuva lot, it turns out!!

The week started out with a visit to the Bell Lightbox, spanking new home of the Toronto International Film Festival.  But that’s what it’s used for just a few weeks out of the year (in September) – this fantastic/gorgeous new building has enough to keep people flocking there year round…and not just movie buffs, either.  They are currently showing an amazing exhibit from the warped mind of Director Tim Burton (came here from MoMA in NYC), which is as much an art exhibit as anything else. There are 2 fantastic restaurants- one a VERY reasonable casual dining spot on the main floor (Canteen) that serves yummy pizzas, pastas, salads and sandwiches; the other, (Luna), a classy joint with a great view on the second floor. And, if you ARE a movie buff, 5 state-of-the-art and intimate theatres are showing very interesting (i.e. not your typical Hollywood Blockbuster) movies all day, every day…

My next fun stop this week was at the beautiful new-and-improved SONY Centre (formerly the Hummingbird and originally the O’Keefe).  It’s being used for all kinds of cool performances, from theatre to dance to music, but I was very pleasantly surprised to see it used for the show I went to see – Robert Plant.  Though I was never a big Led Zeppelin fan, his new Band of Joy is sublime, and right up my alley (great new album, too!).  The venue is comfy, and has great acoustics and sightlines from everywhere…and they even let you bring your drinks to your seat! (critical for a Robert Plant show…)

Next, I had a meeting with Luminato, the newest cultural festival in Toronto that is already celebrating its 5th year (how time flies!).  It doesn’t occur til June, but they’ve already announced much of their lineup for the 10-day event.  More on that later in the year (but if you’re really anxious, go to www.luminato.com)

Finally, a big theatre announcement – was too busy to make the media announcement, but it was all over the papers the next day.  Mirvish productions is bringing in a hugely successful (in London) family show this spring (starts May 3) called the Railway Children.  The coolest thing about the show is that an actual train is part of the production, so a special theatre is being built for it down by some railroad tracks by the Steamwhistle Brewery.  Which is another cool topic/attraction I could talk about, but that’s enough for now!

Mr. Toronto