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.

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

First, some bad news (for you non-Canadians reading this) – beer is not that easy to come by if you are not in a bar or restaurant.  Just like our wine/liquor must be bought at an “LCBO” store run by the government, so, too, can beer only be bought at an official “Beer Store” (yes, that’s what they are actually called…).  No running to the local 7-11!

The good news is that once you do locate one of these stores (and they are not that hard to find, though they don’t stay open late!), the selection is fantastic.  Both from an international perspective, and also great local/craft beers like King Brewery Pilsner, Muskoka Brewery Mad Tom IPA, Cameron’s Lager, Unibroue Maudite and the Propeller Brewing Company’s Extra Special Bitter.

And oh, the places you can drink!

Ciro’s House of Imported Beer (1316 Bloor West), with its list of 150 bottled beers

C’est What (67 Front St. East), with 35 all-Canadian brews on tap

Bier Markt (600 King West), 30 countries, 100 labels, 40 taps – need I say more?

Beer Bistro (18 King East), 150 bottle list, including sour beers and aged ales

The Rebel House (1068 Yonge), with 19 of those craft beers I told you about, on tap

There are tons of other places – some, like Bar Volo (587 Yonge) and Burger Bar (319 Augusta, in the very cool Kensington Market area) – who even make their own microbrews right on site – but that’s enough for now.  All this writing is making me thirsty!

Cheers!

Mr. Toronto

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

1)      The new Railway Children musical, from Mirvish Productions:  Although this is not a great play, it is one of the more unique I have seen in many years, due mainly to the venue – a specially constructed theatre/tent over what was once the hub of Toronto’s railway system.  This was necessary to build to accommodate the star of the show, a fantastic old British train.  A fun way to spend an evening, especially (only?) if you have kids. http://www.railwaychildren.ca

2)      The Ballroom:  This is not your (grand)parent’s bowling alley…a very hip new spot on John St. in the heart of downtown, with great lanes, lights, music, nibblies and drinks. Check out http://www.theballroom.ca/

3)      Corus Entertainment:  Although this is an “office building” – housing Toronto’s top rock radio stations like The Edge and Q107 and hip TV channels like YTV and Teletoon – it is really a destination, a stop on any tour of Toronto.  One of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen (you can actually request a tour) tucked away in one of the most serene areas of the City – they even have their own beach next door (see photo), which is open to the public, along with a wonderful waterside restaurant. http://www.corusent.com/home/

On another note, I just read about an incredibly cool new FREE app available for your smart phone called ZeitagTO.  It allows users to scan their surroundings on a Toronto Street, then pull up an archival photo of that same area from years gone by.  There are currently around 500 images you can check out – very cool!

Finally, just a note that I’m not the only American who has fallen in love with Toronto.  Besides the dozens of Hollywood stars who have “summer” homes in the Muskoka lake district outside of Toronto, it was just announced that “Marky Mark” Wahlberg has just purchased a condo in the heart of Yorkville.  He loves the City, and says that “in all honesty, I have more friends here than New York.”  So who knows?  You might bump into him – I actually did while he was here filming last year (though I don’t think he counts me as a friend) – but his condo won’t be ready til 2013…. (You can sleep on my couch until then, buddy….)

Keep cool!

Mr. Toronto

Festival and events season is right around the corner – as I have discussed in previous blogs, Luminato and the Jazz Fest – both happening in June – have amazing lineups this year, with plenty of free events to supplement the ticketed ones (including Aretha Franklin on June 24^th at Metro Square – come on!!).  And my mind turned to the Honda Indy the other day (happening here the weekend of July 9), as I noticed a big picture in the newspaper the other day of driver Dan Wheldon, who just won the Indianapolis 500 race.  Ya see, I was fortunate enough to ride in the pre-race parade last year for the Honda Indy (representing my hotel, the Delta Chelsea, which sponsors the race), and each sponsor was paired with a driver as we drove around the track with a driver waving to the crowd…and I got Dan (see photo).  Good to see my little pep talk worked!

Indy 500 Winner Dan Wheldon

Anyway, I digress.  I really wanted the main topic of my first summer blog to be about “Cinema Under the Stars”, a summer tradition in Toronto where open-air movie theatres pop up all over town for residents and visitors alike to catch a FREE flick.  Here’s where to go:

Yonge-Dundas Square, every Tuesday night June 28-August 30 for their “Dancing in the Dark” dance-themed movies

WestJet Stage at Harbourfront Centre, every Tuesday night July 5 – August 9 for “Longo’s Free Flicks” exploring urban themes

Metro Square (now David Pecault Square, next to Roy Thomson Hall), every Wednesday night July 6- August 31 for “TIFF in the Park”, showing classics like Sound of Music and Wizard of OZ

Downsview Park, Every Friday July9- August 31 for “Movies under the Stars” with family-friendly movies (including Justin Bieber’s latest “Never Say Never” – EEEEK!!!)

Riverdale Park East, Sundays June 19, July 24, August 14, August 24 for “Movies in the Park” to support local charities.

Kind of like a drive-in, but without having to pay for gas!  Enjoy.

Mr. Toronto

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

Gone are the Toronto Maple Leafs, who actually gave hockey fans here a brief thrill when they had a miniscule chance of making the playoffs.  Gone are the Toronto Raptors, who thought at the beginning of the season that maybe they could do it without star Chris Bosh.  They couldn’t.

But a new day – and season – is dawning, as the “Boys of Summer” are back on the Rogers Centre field.  And looking surprisingly good for a relatively young and inexperienced team.  Nobody really expects them to make the playoffs this year, but everyone thinks that with the raw talent we have, the stage is being set for next year.  We’ll see, but at least at this time of the year, we’re still enjoying the ride!

And then there’s Toronto FC, our relatively new (has it really been 5 years already?) soccer team.  Although they’re not great, no one else in the league (MLS) seems to be either, so we have a chance of keeping up…. and games are always a lot of fun to watch at the intimate BMO Field at Exhibition Place.  I actually got out to a chilly game a couple weeks back to see the (in)famous David Beckham play when his LA Galaxy came to town. Pretty uninspired playing by both teams (final score 0-0), but at least David played the whole game and I got to see him – and his tattoos – before he took off for the Royal Wedding…

If you can’t make it to a game live while you’re here, there are some great sports bars to catch the action.  Blue Jays fans love Opera Bob’s at Dundas and Ossington (416-536-5585), and FC supporters head to the Football Factory on Bathurst (416-368-4625).  Lots of screens, giveaways and good munchies.  And, of course, for the ultimate experience watching any sport, you have to check out the new Real Sports Bar and Grill next to the Air Canada Centre (416-815-7325), with its 1000 seats, 199 screens (including one that’s bigger than my house) and lots of beautiful people – both eating/drinking and serving…

Here’s to a winning season!

Mr. Toronto

P.S. I would be remiss if I did not even mention our Toronto Rock lacrosse team, who at the time of this writing are in the semifinals and may go all the way!  And Rock games are a real hoot – fast paced, violent, high-scoring – and inexpensive!  So make sure to check out a game next season at the ACC….

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

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