By this point, we've all heard material from the OVOXO production team behind Drake and The Weeknd. At one point or another, this Toronto-based outfit has included 40, T-Minus, Boi-1da, Illangelo, Doc McKinney, and DropxLife, all of whom are now widely sought after in the industry. But not every faceless beatsmith gets the chance to catapult his career by crafting whole albums with the likes of such world renowned vocalists. At least not immediately, not without some domestic hype.

In years past, however, the sheer concept of homegrown support for Toronto product was incomprehensible, shameful even. Salty, unimpressionable rap fans almost proudly earned their city the embarrassing moniker of "the Screwface Capital." It was as if the community preferred having a spiteful rep over manufacturing its own ambassadors. Even Wheelchair Drizzy had to make it big down south with Lil Wayne's Young Money imprint before gaining the clout to host sold out OVOFests in his hometown. A pretty roundabout path to superstardom, that's for sure, but certainly one worthwhile.

Along with Drake's unprecedented rise to global stardom, also came an awakening of the Torontonian psyche. The realization that, yes, Canadian rap can cross borders entrenched itself in the minds of artists and audiences alike. Widespread talent and interest in the rap game seemingly sprang up overnight, as screwface culture's self-limiting dogma no longer made any sense. While this budding milieu has effectively broken the ice for young emcees, the same can be said for their frequently overlooked beatmaking counterparts as well. Taking full advantage of this transitional period in Toronto's rap history, we eagerly present to you a comprehensive list of the best new hip hop producers in the city.

TFHOUSE
Equal parts Kid Cudi and Big K.R.I.T., the catchy yet introspective rapper-producer Teddy Fantu first broke onto the scene with his hazy, f**k-the-world themed anthem, "On My Way." The lead single off his debut mixtape not only showed love to his Esplanade stomping grounds, but also exemplified his innovative sampling skills (see: the hook's 8-bit, Atari-esque percussion).

A year later, with a moniker change highlighting his initials and affinity for self-made, in-house production, TFHOUSE released 2011's Superior Taste. The noticeably cohesive sophomore effort flaunted lush, summery melodies, accented by sonically diverse, southern-influenced drum programming. From the album's musical palette, listeners would be hard pressed to avoid tropical vibes - fitting, considering Fantu's decision to film its second video in Miami.

Superior Taste's sheer enjoyability, polished videography, and unexpected indie collaborations deservedly led to significant online praise and a string of high profile live performances. In addition to opening for Wiz Khalifa in Toronto, TFHOUSE toured the country with both Mac Miller and The Weeknd, rapidly expanding his growing fanbase.

Despite self-producing his entire discography thus far, TFHOUSE will be incorporating outside contributions on the boards for his upcoming project, Young Desperado. In the meantime, you can catch Teddy spinning at Crawford alongside members of his multimedia collective, DSTRY.

Follow him on Twitter: @TFHOUSE

Arthur McArthur
If there's a single Canadian producer already on the brink of blowing up internationally, it's probably 23 year-old classically trained pianist/guitarist, Arthur McArthur. Boasting production credits for Nas, Lil Wayne, Drake, Rick Ross, and Gucci Mane, McArthur's former nickname "king" is more or less obligatory at this point.

The multi-instrumentalist's first big break, however, arose serendipitously in 2008. After facing off at Toronto's "Battle of the Beatmakers" competition, McArthur and Boi-1da joined forces to work on songs for Dr. Dre's Chronic 2001 follow-up. During the secretive Detox sessions, in typically unpredictable Tunechi fashion, Lil Wayne approached the tag team to compose an arrangement sampling Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl". With McArthur handling instrumentation, including some unforgettable organ stabs, and 1da doing the drums, the twosome ultimately ended up providing the backdrop for Drake's Weezy- and Bun B-featuring posse cut, "Uptown". Though it was never given the video treatment, it instantly became the most quotable, anthemic track on Drake's breakout tape, So Far Gone.

More recently, Arthur McArthur's talents have begun stirring up bidding wars in the rap world. Prior to eventually falling into the hands of Rick Ross, a number of artists were said to have expressed interest in Rich Forever's standout trap instrumental, "MMG Untouchable." Luckily for them, there's plenty more where that sound came from, as McArthur is only now beginning to hit his prime. Fans can expect to hear new material from the Toronto native as soon as December, when heavyweights T.I. and Wiz Khalifa drop their respective Trouble Man and O.N.I.F.C. albums.

Follow him on Twitter: @arthurmcarthur

Zodiac
Sure, he dabbles in R&B and a multitude of electronic subgenres. Technically, he is Nova Scotian. Regardless, you can bet that won't stop Toronto hip hop enthusiasts from claiming Zodiac as one of their own local treasures.

The city did not greet Jeremy Rose graciously from the get-go, however. Bursting at the seams with potential, an alliance with a then-unknown Abel Tesfaye regrettably went sour before it even took off. In spite of coining the Week(e)nd pseudonym, proposing a faded, depraved aesthetic, and constructing the soundscape for the act's initial recordings, Zodiac was given no recognition or compensation by the aspiring singer. Internet hits "Loft Music", "What You Need", "The Morning (Screwed)" and, later, the "Master of None"-sampling "The Party", were falsely credited to the aforementioned Illangelo and Doc McKinney.

Cheated and unappreciated, Rose remained too busy to wallow in self-pity. Outsourcing his musical arsenal to the States, Zodiac briefly hooked up with Bay Area rappers The Jealous Guys and Roach Rigz. A menacing cover of Serge and Charlotte Gainsbourg's provocative '80s duet, "Lemon Incest", swiftly followed. But, in due time, karma would play its part in Rose's unpredictable career. Patrick McGuire's Vice Mag exposé on The Weeknd's origins finally set the record straight in March of 2012. Effectively, this opened the door to an eventual settlement between the former pairing.

Jeremy Rose's star has only skyrocketed since the debacle's conclusion, impressing even foreign markets. Before signing a writing deal with producer Paul Epworth (of Adele and Florence + The Machine fame), Zodiac was also featured in TNGHT's BBC Radio 1 Mix. Co-signs continue to pour in back home as well. Just last week, in fact, Jacques Greene's Montreal-based Vase Records issued a physical copy of the Zodiac EP on wax.

Follow him on Twitter: @zodiacbeat

Higher Society & Tha Smash Broz of Villain Anonymous
Sporting all black everything, whilst rarely showing their faces in photographs, the Villain Anonymous crew focus on craft instead of ego. With soloists Delorean Black and Aux Mega at the helm, and Monyak brand designer Pavel Ioudine in the mix, producers Higher Society and Tha Smash Broz anchor the clique's expansive scope. As the group's tone-setters, both literally and figuratively, VA's beatmakers have opted for a rather foreboding, almost industrial vibe. Combining Higher Society's melancholic synth filters and Tha Smash Broz' piercing strings, the villains' sound can comfortably be described as an aural extension of Clint Mansell's Requiem for a Dream score.

Higher Society is not only Robert Henry's production alias, but also a standard he firmly holds himself to. Since acing an inspiring high school music assignment, the Zimbabwean instrumentalist has cultivated an ambitiously comprehensive "future vintage" maxim. Striking an artistic balance between past, present, and future, Henry utilizes guitars, deep basses, and ominous synths to simultaneously span rap, dubstep, and R&B genres. As much as he loves late night studio sessions with the rest of the VA clan, Higher Society also sees producing partnerships and film compositions in his coming days.

Though their brooding atmospherics lie very much in line with Henry's, Tha Smash Broz' approach is rooted in the realm of pop/rock more than anything else. Influenced by the likes of Timbaland, Nirvana, Dr. Luke, and Dark Child, the songwriting trio of Zac Morris, Maine, and Remus effortlessly caters to a wide auditory spectrum. From 2011 on, The Smash Broz have worked between Toronto and Los Angeles, but are presently concentrating on DeLorean Black's debut. Expect a sinful, hallucinatory fever dream led by a Kurt Cobain-tinged single.

Follow them on Twitter: @RobEStylz @zacmorris808 @maineoneder @remusmusic @ThaSmashBroz

Adrian Hogan
2012 has proven to be a tremendously prolific year for Adrian Hogan. Giving feature king 2 Chainz a run for his money, the Mississauga native has delivered no less than four instrumental albums since July. From the street corner-inspired TheFirstSuite to the ethereal Celestial Soundz, each endeavour has experimented with varying musical terrain. Whether channeling Jamie XX on Blue Funk's cinematic "Sarcasmo Pt. II" or custom tailoring YachtmusiK's "City Night" for a Ricky Rozay boat cruise, Hogan has undeniably harnessed mood establishment.

The producer's fundamental desire to explore the vast range of human temperament was instilled in him through the works of Beethoven. In studying music theory and creating sample-based arrangements of his own, Hogan continually strives to emulate the master's control of emotion. Consciously or not, Adrian claims this to be the case ever since sitting down for his first piano lesson at the age of four.

Although this past year saw him focusing on his own vocal-less solo career, Adrian Hogan is now setting his sights on collaborating with like-minded emcees, locally and worldwide.

Follow him on Twitter: @AdrianHogan1

Rich Kidd
Rich Kidd is a Canadian staple. Even if you think you're unfamiliar with him, you're probably wrong. Take k-os's O.C. theme -sampling "I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman" for example. He produced it. The NOW Magazine newsstand you walked by on your way to class? He covered it. That Toronto Star "Top 5 indie emcees" list? He topped it. Nonetheless, such distinction didn't magically appear out of thin air. On the grind for years, the ubiquitous Ridgeway representative has delivered a total of six installments in his We On Some Rich Kidd Shit mixtape series. In the process, he's collaborated with a diverse lineup of international rap, dancehall, and soul artists, producing for legends Raekwon, Sizzla, and Cutty Ranks, as well as up-and-comers Pac Div and Daley.

In truth, global recognition appears to be a running theme at this stage of Rich Kidd's career. Like all staples, he's become a leading export. First came a tour in England and Australia. Then the props from one of hip hop's most respected minds, former Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella A&R, Young Guru. In an interview with iStandard, Jay-Z's long-time tour DJ and audio engineer uttered Rich Kidd's name before anyone else's when asked about his favourite new beatmakers.

Still, no trip or compliment could compare to hitting the studio with not one, but both of rap's so-called "saviours." Sadly, unless you're married to Beyonce, you'll probably never get to hear Rich Kidd's work on Jay Electronica's oft-delayed Roc Nation debut, but Kendrick Lamar might soften that blow. In only a few days, eager listeners can check out new beats from the Canuck producer on K-Dot's potentially groundbreaking good kid, m.A.A.d city. The much anticipated LP, overseen by Dr. Dre, will also include production from Toronto's T-Minus. Not bad for a city with a history of low self-esteem.

Follow him on Twitter: @richkiddbeats

AlexanderTHE of Times Neue Roman
Alexander Punzalan Junior doesn't shy away from describing his work as avant-garde. As an admirer of the city's local art scene, why would he? The Philippine-Canadian musician is unapologetically playful, paying no mind to hip hop's rulebooks. Instead of fostering a signature sound, AlexanderTHE prefers hopping genres. Same goes for live instrumentation over sampling. Such a nonconformist approach may prove alienating to rap purists, but adventurous ears are sure to take notice. Like Arowbe's, for instance. Bored and frustrated with the stagnant soundscapes of the late 2000s, the solo emcee instantly gravitated toward AlexanderTHE's frenetic style. Forming Times Neue Roman, the duo vowed to push boundaries with their own brand of "Nintendo-punk deco rap."

Time Neue Roman's non-sequitur discography occasionally conjures up illusions of a revolving roster, but their songs never fail to excite. Early fan favourite "Music and Math" displayed an upbeat electro-house influence, while the Rhodes-heavy "Way Way Down," could easily be confused for a psychedelic pop tune straight out of the '60s. AlexanderTHE's wandering mind never envisioned a more stirring composition than the jazzy "Sade Is in my Tapedeck," however. Driven by a thumping baseline and sax-reliant refrain, the hypnotic drop-top anthem paid homage to the ageless queen of soft rock, with flair and elegance to spare. Perfect timing, considering it's the lead single off their forthcoming full-length on DAPS Records.

Follow them on Twitter: @AlexanderThe @TimesNeueRoman

Bronze One of Notes to Self
A long time ago, in a land not too far away, rap groups ruled the hip hop realm. For years, illustrious crews like Wu-Tang and Tribe seemed indestructible, until one day, a plague of ego broke out. Decades later, Notes to Self are one of the last left standing. And they're damn good, too.

Led by co-founding rapper-producer Bronze One, the grizzly outfit has already developed quite the impressive resume. In 2009, they linked up with British label Barely Breaking Even for the release of their first record, A Shot In The Dark. BBE was, of course, also home to two of the aughts' most celebrated cult classics, J Dilla's Welcome 2 Detroit, and Foreign Exchange's Connected. Since '09, Notes have toured the country and collaborated with Californians Dilated Peoples and Blu. Fashawn would eventually join the fold, following Evidence's comments regarding Bronze being the best rap producer in Canada.

On top of supplying a boom bap, true school backdrop for his group's entire catalogue, Bronze has also single-handedly recreated the Starter™ gear era with NTS branding. Boasting a degree in Design, the imaginative beatmaker fashioned an entire line of Notes to Self hats and streetwear to accompany the music. But there was more to come. Bronze One's most brilliant marketing idea of all came from a bunch of old rap video recordings sitting on a dusty shelf. Compiling, editing, and directing endless VHS footage with filmmaker friend James Reid, and fellow Note, Swamp Donkey, Bronze was instrumental in earning "Nobody" 77,000 YouTube views and a Vimeo award nomination. A year has passed, yet it's still utterly mind-boggling as to how the trio managed to perfectly sync the aging visuals with unrelated lyrics.

At the moment, Bronze One continues to ready a Notes to Self follow-up, in addition to working with partner Bookworm, and R&B singers Estelle and Brandy.

Follow them on Twitter: @BronzeOneNTS @NNNNNotestoSelf

Showboiz
From high school on, Deezy, Jama, and Paco have formed like Voltron. The producing tandem's musical stylings, mixed with their manager's business acumen, have worked wonders for the team across multiple geographic locales. Based out of both Toronto and Atlanta at different points in their career, Showboiz have picked up an array of regional influences and eager collaborators.

Blending DJ Premier's East Coast grit with Organized Noize' southern brass, Deezy and Jama have manufactured a hybrid sound desired even by the West. LA rapper Dubb's 2 Dope Boyz-featured mixtape, The Layover, credited Showboiz with a total of three productions, kicking off a productive summer of 2012. A month later, 17-year old Mississauga native John River shared "I Don't Wanna Be," a Showboiz-produced antidote to the recent wave of gun violence in Toronto, Aurora, and Chicago.

Looking to build off the natural chemistry demonstrated on 2010's Southern Hospitality, Showboiz are currently hard at work on Toronto lyricist Rayhaan's inaugural LP.

Follow them on Twitter: @DeezySBMG @showboiz @ShowboiPacoLTL

Omari Jabari of The Knobodies
Omari Jabari is yet another artist on this list who admirably juggles both rapping and beatmaking duties. Alongside Knobody Triston Maurice, Jabari has found a niche in Toronto's hip hop arena, left vacant by his contemporaries. Admittedly, this may be a misleading statement, given that the void is more of a product of Omari's ingenuity than a deficiency in his peers' skill sets. But, in any case, his infusion of eerie electro-rock flourishes has produced a murky "prog rap" sound for The Knobodies to champion as their own.

Rival TFHOUSE has certainly taken notice, going as far as allowing Jabari to produce his trippy new single, "Play Your Part." Besides persuading friendly competition to work in partnership, Omari Jabari is also looking forward to dropping The Knobody's first mixtape, MNDBTTLNG. Look for the "Mercy"-esque "Wake the Town" to leak any day now.

Follow him on Twitter: @KnobodiesOmari

Writing by Marko Orlic

Illustration by Alex Sheriff. From left to right: Omari Jabari of The Knobodies, Arthur McArthur, AlexanderTHE of Times Neue Roman, Adrian Hogan, Bronze One of Notes to Self, Rich Kidd, TFHOUSE, Higher Society & Tha Smash Broz of Villain Anonymous, Zodiac, and Showboiz.

Photo by magda_lenna in the blogTO Flickr pool

MEDIA | Reimagine CBC
Expert panelists and the public gather to discuss the future of CBC as a leader in public media. Using results from a crowd-sourcing survey, discussions will focus on how the community can reclaim and reshape the CBC of the future. Lisa Booke hosts this event that will feature panelists R.H. Thomson, Marie Nicola, Hamlin Grange, Sasha Van Bon Bon, and Stephen Strauss. Fighter/Lover and Maria Bonita and The Band will perform and a livestream will be available online at Reimagine CBC's website. All donations go toward Reimagine CBC, a non-profit organization.
Revival Bar (783 College Street) 7PM $10 suggested donation

HALLOWEEN | Fort York After Dark Lantern Tour
If unusual but interesting sounds like your kind of Halloween, scrap the slutty cat costumes and clubs and take a lantern lit tour through Fort York. Running tonight through Saturday, the tours will take visitors from the legendary haunted lighthouse to the site of the Battle of York during the War of 1812 with stops at two military graveyards, like Victoria Memorial Square, the oldest European burial ground in Toronto, in between. Pre-registration is required and the tours are not recommended for children under 8 years old.
Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Boulevard) 7:30PM $12.50

PHOTOGRAPHY | Distillery District Photo Safari with Blurb
Online photo publishing platform Blurb invites photogs out to the Distillery District this afternoon to be guided around the neighbourhood by documentary photographer Dan Milnor. Dubbed a photo safari, this three-hour session will offer advice on lighting, composition and timing from Milnor, whose work is in collections at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and The George Eastman House. The group will meet at the security booth at north end of Trinity Square and will regroup after the session for drinks and appetizers at Café Uno (42 Gristmill Lane) at 6PM. Registration is required through eventbrite.
Distillery District (9 Trinity Street) 3PM Free

FILM | Witness Within
With the 3-day Rebels With A Cause Film Festival now underway, an evening of documentary short films highlighting social injustices and community intervention embodies what the festival is about. The Witness Within program features six films that range in topics from unjust interrogation to tenant rights to the G20 arrests, all taking place in Toronto. As with all of the RWAC films, the screening is free as is the panel discussion to follow, which will feature documentary filmmakers Owen Sheppard, Aliyyah Fazil, and Amar Wala. The festival closes October 25th.
York University (4700 Keele Street) 5:30PM Free

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• Tarantula, Lowlands and Alanna Gurr
• The Presets
• Quattro Books Second Fall Book Launch
• Write Club Toronto: Chapter One

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by Nicole Wong in the blogTO Flickr pool

Rob Ford not only asked the city to expedite road repairs near his family's business property, he also pushed staff to beautify the area with fresh cut grass and culvert repairs in time for the company's 50th anniversary. The story published by the Globe and Mail, which is behind a paywall, says several supervisors were involved in speeding up the work at Deco Labels and Tags in Etobicoke. Previously, Ford has denied receiving preferential treatment. Is this starting to look bad for the mayor?

A fifteen-year-old boy charged with 14 counts of sexual assault and 2 counts of criminal harassment in relation to a string of incidents in the Bloor-Christie area has been denied bail. Police announced the arrest of the boy, whose name is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, at a press conference yesterday. Some sources report a female officer, acting undercover, was attacked prior to the arrest.

First Doug Ford spoke in favour of toll lanes on the Gardiner, now Rob Ford says he'll throw his weight behind a Yonge relief line on the advice of the TTC CEO Andy Byford. I'm not sure what's going on here, but it sounds like a trap. One unfunded version of the Downtown Relief Line would run between King and Pape stations and cost roughly $3.2 billion. Could this be progress?

I think the mayor is getting the wrong end of the bottled water debate...

Also in Ford, the mayor says he's worried he wasn't given a report on the dire state of the Gardiner Expressway until six weeks after it was completed but isn't interested in demolishing the elevated road. The report said the state of concrete is a significant hazard to public safety and criticized the way city workers visually inspect the material.

Cell service could soon be making its way underground if the TTC accepts an proposal from an Australian company. Broadcast Australia Pty Ltd. has offered the Commission $25 million over 20 years to add service to underground platforms, but not tunnels. The TTC has to conduct rigorous tests to ensure the cell signal doesn't interfere with its radio-controlled signals first. Should the subway remain a cellphone free zone?

The office staff of city councillors could be about to get a 3 per cent bonus. According to to The Star, some payouts could be as high as $2,432 for higher paid staff.

Another TTC story? Sure, why not. The latest news from the north of the city is the Spadina line extension wont be ready until 2016, a year later than scheduled. A worker fatality, the subsequent investigation, and other factors mean the project is currently running behind schedule.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Toronto man charged in fatal crash involving new Porsche [CBC]
• Public consultations to be held on proposed smoking ban expansion [CTV]
• Despite arrest, police reveal few details about Christie Pits sex assaults [National Post]

Photo: "Untitled" by Lisa on the Run in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Located on Bathurst near Lawrence, this barber shop may have opened only six months ago, but it looks as though it's been around for decades. Owned and operated by Anthony Del Maestro, this might be one of the best places in the city to get a shave.

Read my profile of I Barbieri in the fashion section.

This week on DineSafe, a popular Mexican restaurant in Baldwin Village got the red flag. Poor show, Margarita's Fiesta Room. Shut down for a variety of infractions amounting to "gross unsanitary conditions," Margarita was the lone closure in this week's list of underachievers. That said, Viva Napoli on Mount Pleasant deserves honorable mention for its 10-infraction tally, along with India Africa Grocers up in North York with its whopping list of 17 violations. Here a look at some of this week's DineSafe highlights.

Bel Cibo Eatery
Inspected on: October 17
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 13 (Minor: 5, Significant: 5, Crucial: 3)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control, failure to prevent food from contamination, failure to ensure/provide for proper employee hygiene/handwashing

Buk Chang Dong Soon To Fu
Inspected on: October 17
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control

Everbest Bakery
Inspected on: October 17
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control, failure to prevent food from contamination

FV Foods (Wilson)
Inspected on: October 16
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 9 (Minor: 4, Significant: 3, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control, failure to ensure/provide for proper employee hygiene/handwashing

India Africa Grocers
Inspected on: October 16
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 17 (Minor: 5, Significant: 9, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control, failure to protect food from contamination

Margarita's Fiesta Room
Inspected on: October 18
Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Condition(s) for closure: Operator fail to prevent gross unsanitary conditions

Sardab Express
Inspected on: October 16
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 0, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control, failure to ensure/provide for proper employee hygiene/handwashing

Viva Napoli
Inspected on: October 17
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 10 (Minor: 2, Significant: 5, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control, failure to protect food from contamination

Few things are better than free movies (free beer, perhaps?!) and at this year's Ekran Film Festival, happening from Friday October 26 to Sunday October 28, a good amount of the screenings will be shown gratis at the Runnymede Library at 2178 Bloor St West. They include feature length films from Poland and a selection of animated films from Polish studio Platige Image. The free screening event also includes a retrospective on the work of the late Polish-Canadian filmmaker Michal Maryniarczyk, as well as a short film contest for an award in his honour.

But don't just come out to the freebies - there are so many great films showing at the main festival screening at the Revue Cinema that it is nearly impossible for me to narrow it down. Fortunately Adidas and Aleksey Vayner taught me that impossible is nothing, so here are my top 5 films to check out at Ekran Film Fest 2012.

Big Love (2012)
To begin at the beginning, my first selection is also the festival's opening night film. In Big Love (no relation to the polygamy-friendly TV show) Emilie (Aleksandra Hamalko) meets Maciek (Antoni Pawlicki) when she is sixteen and he is twenty-three. They fall in love despite their age difference, and against her mother's wishes Emilie moves in with him. This opens the door to a fascinating new world for Emilie (yay, adulthood!) and over time their young, wild love is tested by Emilie's growing understanding of herself. The film will be accompanied by a catered opening gala and a live performance by the ZimZum Jazz Band. Screening: Thursday Oct 25, 6.30pm-11pm, Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave ($20 advance, $25 at the door).

The Fourth Dimension (2011)
The Fourth Dimension is not one, but three short films in an anthology in which each story is based on the premise of the fourth dimension, a.k.a. the space/time continuum. If you've watched that extended, psychedelic hyperspace scene in 2001: A Space Odyssey, then you know how trippy space-time can be, and boy, is this trippy. An international effort produced by Vice Film Productions (as in the magazine) and co-produced/funded by Grolsch (as in the beer), the first two segments are from the US (The Lotus Community Workshop, featuring Val Kilmer as a slightly unhinged motivational speaker) and Russia (Chronoeye).

Poland's contribution is Fawns, a story that follows four teens as they let loose on the streets of an eerily deserted city. Ignoring the repeated announcements of an impending cataclysmic flood, the teens appear determined to wring as much fun as possible from their remaining time on earth. When one of the four goes missing, though, they realize they may have gotten in over their heads. (See what I did with the flood joke there? Didja see?...ah, forget it). Screening: Sunday Oct 28, 9pm, Revue Cinema.

The Secret (2012)
The Secret looks at the psychological challenges inherent in coming to terms with inherited historical traumas from generations past. In the case of Ksawery (Tomasz Tyndyk) who is a gender performance artist, it means facing the possibility that his beloved grandfather may have killed Jewish man and his son at the end of World War II in order to remain in their house. Disturbing thematically and challenging in its untraditional format and narrative technique, The Secret won the Special Jury Award for Courage at the 2012 Gdynia Film Festival. You can't say they didn't warn you! Screening: Saturday Oct 27, 9pm, Revue Cinema.

Tourist (2012)
North Americans seem to love Europe. The art! The architecture! The history! The delightfully newsworthy Royal scandals! In Tourist, Marek (Marek Birner) who as a boy immigrated with his family to Chicago, returns to Europe for university studies in Paris, deciding he feels more at home there. While in Paris, he embraces the free-spirited lifestyle a little too freely, because it leads to him losing his place in the university. Undeterred, he decides to remain in Europe and pursue art by way of self-discovery. But this is easier said than done as cultural differences, women problems, and fate seem intent on stopping him from forming a stable identity for himself. Screening: Sunday Oct 28, 12pm, Revue Cinema.

Letters To Santa (2011)
You know it's winter (or almost) when the Christmas movies start rolling out like reindeer tanks. In this Polish take on ol' St Nick, an ensemble cast brings together a comedy with multiple storylines which coalesce around the idea of searching for love, happiness, and meaning in life. Described as "the perfect film for lovers of romantic comedies, Christmas, and the small miracles that make life worth living", Letters to Santa might just make you want to go off and pen some heartfelt Christmas wishes to your loved ones. Right after you get back from trick-or-treating. Screening: Saturday Oct 27, 12pm, Revue Cinema.

Writing by Gesilayefa Azorb

Still from the Fourth Dimension

Throughout the 1960s the Canadian record industry was in a relatively nascent stage. Musicians were often encouraged to downplay (or at least not promote) the fact that they were from Canada in order to appeal to American audiences. Some bands (such as the Guess Who) even pretended to be from England in order to capitalize on the popularity of the British Invasion. As such, it wasn't very often that album covers featured identifiably Canadian locales.

The exceptions to this rule tended to be lesser-known artists for whom the prospect of international fame was less of a concern than the possibility of selling a few albums to local audiences. In the first of a decade-by-decade series on Toronto album covers, here are a few records that bucked the trend and proudly spotlighted this fair city.

Ellis McLintock - At The Old Mill
Trumpeter and conductor Ellis McLintock was born in Toronto in 1921 and went on to a long career as a bandleader, symphony musician and teacher before he passed away in 1997. By the early '60s his concert band had a residency at Etobicoke's The Old Mill, and this 1962 album features vocals by a singer identified only as 'Claudette.'

Various Artists - Show Stoppers From O'Keefe Centre
The O'Keefe Centre, which opened in 1960, was the original name for the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (which was also named The Hummingbird Centre between 1996 and 2007). On the cover of this 1963 LP we see a couple of models doing their best to make the northeast corner of Front and Yonge look romantic and mysterious.

Jimmy Namaro - Plays Middle-Road Jazz at The Westbury
Vibraphonist, percussionist and bandleader Jimmy Namaro was born in Mexico but moved to Hamilton at the age of eight and became a Canadian citizen in 1945. He frequently appeared on CBC television and radio programs and led small jazz groups at the Polo Lounge of the Westbury Hotel, which was located at the corner of Yonge and Wood St. and is currently the Courtyard Marriot. The cover of this early-60s LP features a street view of Yonge just south of Dundas; visible is the Imperial Theatre, which was originally named The Pantages and was rechristened The Ed Mirvish Theater in 2011.

Brian Browne - The Toronto Scene
Jazz pianist Brian Browne recorded this 1965 LP for RCA, which also released Montreal and Vancouver Scene albums around the same time. Present-day citizens of Toronto may be amazed by how few cars can be seen on the then-brand new Gardiner Expressway (the section between York St. and the Don Valley Parkway was completed in 1964) and that the Royal York Hotel is the tallest building in the photo.

The Kiwanis Youth Choir - Up Up & Away
Toronto's new City Hall quickly became a popular backdrop for album covers after it opened in 1965, and this group of youngsters made the trip all the way down from Pembroke, Ontario for this 1967 LP, which includes a breathless run through the unofficial provincial anthem "A Place To Stand."

The Metropolitan Toronto Police Association Male Chorus - A New BeatThe liner notes of this 1968 album also prominently featuring City Hall rather implausibly read "So some night when you're stopped beside a cruiser at a red light, don't be surprised to hear the haunting lyrics of 'The Impossible Dream' floating toward you. It will only be one of Metro's finest Chorus members boning up for the next concert."

Jackie Mittoo - Keep On Dancing
Jamaican keyboard legend Jackie Mittoo moved to Toronto near the end of the '60s and lived here off and on until his death in 1990 (one of his '70s albums includes a song named "Bathurst Street Yank"). This 1969 LP was recorded in Jamaica but the photo on the cover was probably taken on the front lawn of someone's house in Toronto (the back cover describes him as "Toronto-based"), where a clearly-uncomfortable Mittoo appears to be freezing his butt off.

MORE ALBUMS
Hagood Hardy - Stop 33
Hagood Hardy, who passed away in 1997, was a pianist and vibraphonist perhaps best known to readers of a certain vintage for scoring Anne Of Green Gables and Road To Avonlea, and his song "The Homecoming", which he originally wrote as a TV jingle for Salada Tea. The cover of this 1967 LP sports a gorgeous view of Bay St. facing south, including Sutton Place, the hotel (currently scheduled to be converted into, yes, condos) where Hardy's trio had a residency at Stop 33, the top-floor bar.

Pete Schofield and The Canadians - The Now Sound/It's A Sign Of The Times
Pete Schofield was a music teacher and big band leader who recorded at least four albums with a revolving lineup of young musicians, and these two feature shots of his bands draped across the steps of Casa Loma and posing with The Archer, a sculpture by Henry Moore in front of City Hall.

King Herbert and The Knights w. Jack Harden - S/T
King Herbert and The Knights were part of an expat-fuelled funk and r&b scene that sprung up in Toronto throughout the '60s and '70s. If you find an original copy of this album, which shows the band chilling out in front of Old City Hall, count yourself lucky because it's worth a few hundred bucks.

Writing by Beau Levitt

Toronto Fashion Week kicked off at David Pecaut Square last night with a few evening runway shows. Among those unveiling their collections was local favourite Pink Tartan as well as a host of designers from mega-retailer Holt Renfrew.

Check out all the looks in our style section.

Pink Tartan Spring/Summer 2013
Holt Renfrew Spring/Summer 2013

Kensington Brewing Company's flagship beer, Augusta Ale, is inarguably a success. The American and British Pale Ale hybrid named after a street in Kensington market has become a mainstay in the Toronto craft beer scene and KBCo has managed to get their accessible-but-still-interesting craft beer and its distinctive wasp-coloured cans into a slew of LCBOs across the province.

So the question then is, what to do next? For the beer-loving people at KBCo the answer was simple: Make another beer.

And that's precisely what they've done.

Baldwin FishEYE-PA, KBCo's sophomore effort, will officially launch this week and seems slated to appeal a little more to fans of intense-tasting craft beer. At 6.5% ABV and 70 IBUs (international bittering units), combining three types of malt and four kinds of hops, this hopped-up American IPA likely won't appeal too much to the lager-sipping masses.

"With Augusta Ale," KBCo's Mike Gurr tells me, "we tried to make a unique, flavourful beer with a pronounced hoppiness that was simultaneously approachable and inviting...a beer you can drink a lot of in one session without suffering palate fatigue." But things, he says, are going to change with FishEYE-PA. "Baldwin FishEYE-PA is a bold, assertive American-style IPA. We're not messing around with this one. It's an aggressively hopped IPA with a pronounced and lingering bitterness designed to appeal to hop heads."

Named after Kensington Market's fishmongers along Baldwin Street, FishEYE-PA is yet another KBCo official nod to their namesake neighbourhood and, while the company still contract brews at Wellington Brewery's facilities in Guelph, rumours are swirling that we can likely expect an actual brewing facility in the market soon.

Baldwin FishEYE-PA will officially launch on Thursday at Bar Hop at a party that seems particularly suited to introduce the beer to the city's beer-loving crowd. Along with the commercial version of the beer, Bar Hop will also be serving a casked version and a hop-backed version--a process that sees the hot wort passed through a sealed chamber that infuses the beer with even more hop oils. So yes, beer fans, hops will be well represented.

Gurr tells me that FishEYE-PA will initially be available in draught format as well as in a small run of 473ml tall boy cans. "We pre-sold about half of the first batch already," he tells me. "So you will be able to find it around Toronto on draught at places like Bar Hop, Thirsty & Miserable, Get Well, WVRST, Burger Bar, 3030, and other beer-centric places. We'll also have a cask at Volo's Cask Days [this weekend], and we're looking at a permanent LCBO listing by spring of 2013."

The party at Bar Hop on Thursday kicks off at 8pm and there's no fee to get in. For more details, you can check out the facebook event page here.

Luddites beware. Cellular signal (and phone conversations with it) could be about to head underground if the TTC votes to accept a contract offer from an Australian telecommunications company.

Under the plans, Broadcast Australia Pty Ltd. will pay the TTC $25 million over the next 20 years to install and run an underground cellular and Wi-Fi network in 61 current and planned stations similar to the one currently running on the New York City subway.

There, cellular signals are sent through fibre-optic cables from a central control unit to small wireless base stations at each platform and ticket hall. Service providers pay to have their signal included in the subterranean offerings.

The TTC contact is dependent on Broadcast Australia being able to sign up at least 60 per cent of Toronto's current cellphone providers - Bell, Rogers, etc. In other words, you won't get signal (unless it's an emergency) if you're with a carrier that is unable to forge an agreement with BA. That said, the TTC stipulates each carrier must have equal opportunity to participate. The new Wi-Fi network will be free and open to smartphone, tablet, and laptop users alike.

The concept has been in the works since 2009 when the TTC first invited companies interested in creating an underground network to submit proposals. Bids from Bell Mobility and Extenet Systems, a Chicago company, fell by the wayside, leaving Broadcast Australia on its own. Though service is supposed to be limited to stations, there's a chance signal will bleed down the tunnels where the stops are close together.

"This is a convenience for customers but it does allow us to communicate better," says the TTC's Brad Ross, "we have an e-alert subscription base that continues to grow in addition to social media like Twitter. When there is a problem you will get that information on your cellphone and you in turn can make some decisions and calls to work or home."

The first step will be to set up a trial service in two as yet unidentified stations. There's a very slight chance the wireless base stations could interfere with the subway's wireless signal system or cause other undesirable effects, though this doesn't seem to be an issue in above ground parts of the system.

This doesn't mean the end of the humble subway payphone, however. "They will always be there, for the foreseeable future anyway," says Ross. "Not everybody has a cellphone and they are important to things like our Crisis Link suicide prevention program and 911."

If everything goes to plan the new service will be functional across all stations in 2 to 4 years.

What are your thoughts on this? It seems like adding cell reception could actually become a money-maker for the financially squeezed TTC, but is it worth it? Will you use your phone on the subway? Speak up below.

Photos: "Claustrophobic" by Lyndsay Jobe and "Telephones - Jane Station" by Kevo89 in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Ever since Whippersnapper's relocation to the southern tip of Kensington Market about two years ago, Little Italy hasn't been much of a gallery-going destination. But with the recent opening of a new collaborative art space at College and Montrose streets that might be set to change. With a mandate to keep things affordable and accessible, it's a space emerging artists should keep tabs on.

Read my profile of Huntclub in the galleries section.

I doubt anyone needs reminding of the onslaught of condo development in Toronto, but every once in while the rapid transformation of this city is thrown into relief. Case in point: on a recent stop at the parking garage at Queens Quay and York streets — an old favourite for skyline-hunting photographers — I was almost startled to see how much the area has changed.

Just over two years ago, I wrote a somewhat nostalgic post about the loss of the Royal York's iconic spot on the skyline, then devoured (as it were) by the rise of the Telus and PwC towers. This is something of a follow up, as the condos have now moved in, once again changing the shape of the area. Given that vantage points that allow one to track growth like this are at least somewhat rare, I thought it worth adding the latest iteration to the timeline I started back then.

From a visual standpoint, the scale of change is impressive, especially given the period of time in question. In a span of three years, what was once a swath of parking lots has become something that you might even call a neighbourhood. A similar landscape change happened when CityPlace was built further to the west on old railway lands, but at a much slower rate and without much by way of commercial development (decidedly not the case here).

With South Core, the pace of development has been downright frantic. Follow the changes in the photos below.

2008

2009

2010

2010 (different angle)

2012

And it continues...

Photo by Francisco Silva in the blogTO Flickr pool

MUSIC | Yellow Dubmarine + Atom & The Volumes at The Horseshoe
While playing covers can carry a certain stigma in some circles, it is a universal musical truth that playing Beatles' material definitely requires a degree of courage. Not only does the Washington DC-based Yellow Dubmarine do just that, but they have made it their specialty, and have put their own twist on the affair, by combining the Fab Four's music with reggae and Dub, plus some Funk and Rocksteady thrown in for good measure. The result is a whole new perspective on some important music you might think you know inside-out. Yellow Dubmarine is currently playing Abbey Road in its entirety on this tour, but the Horseshoe Tavern would strongly prefer that you refrain from entering the venue through the bathroom window, please. Local rockers Atom and the Volumes will get the party started on the right note.
Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West) 8:30PM $15

FILM | 360 Screenings - Halloween Event
A special Halloween event presented by 360 Screenings. These guys have come up with a genuinely original screening concept, in that the film to be shown at their events is not disclosed - it is kept secret, and only the rating of the film is revealed. Another unique dimension that will play out particularly well for a Halloween film, is that the location of the screening is not shared until 24 hours before the show, and the venue is always suited to each film and somehow relates thematically. Should be a spooky one!
Location TBA 7PM $60/$40 students

MUSIC | Umphrey's McGee with Bright Light Social Hour at the Danforth Music Hall
Umphrey's McGee hit town tonight, and these guys are true road warriors, out at least half the year playing shows all over North America and beyond. While UM is typically associated with the "jamband" scene, and has been since early on, their influences are surprisingly diverse, and they have developed a system of improvisation using hand signals and other modes of communication that actually owes more to John Zorn than Jerry Garcia. In the end the association may not be entirely off the mark, but it does ensure that Umphrey's McGee is able to satisfy lovers of live music consistently, and make this a priority. Austin's The Bright Light Social Hour open the show.
The Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Avenue) 7PM $31

BOOKS & LIT | Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize finalists reading at the International Festival of Authors
The Writers' Trust Award is one of the biggest literary awards events in Canada. Established in 1997 as a joint effort of Rogers Communications and the Writers' Trust of Canada, this prestigious award is presented to honour the year's best work of fiction, with each finalist also receiving a smaller prize, as well. Tonight finalists Tim Bowling, Tamas Dobozy, Rawi Hage, Alix Ohlin, and Linda Spalding will be in attendance, and sharing some of their work. Author Trevor Cole will host.
Brigantine Room, Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West) 8PM $18

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

• Mark Schacter Talks Photography
• Toronto Erotica Writers and Readers Meeting, October!

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by Chris Smith in the blogTO Flickr pool

Police have released video of a Cabbagetown murder victim being stalked in an laneway moments before the attack that killed her. The CCTV footage shows a man about 5-foot-10 closing in on an unidentified woman walking east in an alley south of Bleecker Street near Ontario Street early yesterday morning. Homicide Detective Sergeant Gary Giroux said the attack appears to be random.

Cirque du Soleil could get its first permanent home in Toronto, not Montreal, according to The Gazette. MGM Resorts International wants to include a permanent home for the famous performance group in their proposed casino, according to Cirque du Soleil's Renée Claude Ménard and the chair of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. MGM seems to favor a casino at Exhibition Place. Is this a deal sweetener?

Speaking of a casino at the Ex - The Star says councillor Ana Bailao was with two lobbyists hours before her impaired driving arrest.

TTC CEO Andy Byford says the Commission's famous maroon uniforms are outdated and could use a rethink if the company wants to create a new image for itself. Byford thinks the new duds should be blue, which would perfectly match the TTC's famous red and white livery, right? The National Post has some tongue-in-cheek suggestions of its own about what staff should wear. Do you care what TTC workers have on?

Byford also says he'd like to learn from his days at London Underground and add group station managers to the TTC. The new staff would be responsible for every aspect of customer service across several stations. Byford told the Toronto Star that when Presto arrives on the TTC fare collectors will take on a roaming customer service role too. Happier, friendlier days ahead?

Here's one for you - stolen bikes returned to their owners. Police have charged a 40-year-old man, Christopher Mowers, after he was caught selling pilfered bicycles on Kijiji hours after taking them from two teenage girls. Police have photos of other bikes Mowers may have stolen.

Toronto won't be bidding for the 2025 World Expo now that Heritage Minister James Moore in Ottawa has decided to cancel Canada's membership in the body that oversees the event to save cash. Well, so much for that.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Eaton Centre shooting suspect gets one-year sentence for sexual assault [Globe and Mail] [PW]
• Weekend TTC closure: Track work to close subway between Kipling and Keele stations [The Star]
• New Jersey bus crash caused by driver error [The Star]

Photo: "Untitled" by goodtolike in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Hunting for havarti rounds just got even better (if that's at all possible). This longtime Kensington Market shop took the summer to overhaul and update its digs, now unveiling a sharper, more organized space, with a few extra items to compliment that spiced cheddar.

Read my profile of Global Cheese in the grocery section.

NEWS

Just last week, Stussy opened up their bigger, better shop at 1000 Queen Street West, a warehouse-esque spot on the corner featuring high ceilings, minimal white walls and gigantic windows. All local "hypebeasts" are welcome to bask in the glory that is graphic tees, down-filled vests, and - of course - a plethora of snapbacks, trucker hats, and beanies.

Also last week, Marshalls' downtown location (finally) opened at John and Richmond. The massive 29,000 square-foot space is essentially a designer version of Winners - the products in stock at any given moment are rather difficult to pinpoint, so you'll just have to head down yourself for a hunt that (hopefully) turns up some sweet finds.

EVENTS/PARTIES

In preparation (or celebration) of the first Canadian LOFT location to at Yorkdale later this year, a living and breathing LOFT Mobile Style Closet will make its way through the city this Friday (October 26). They'll be showcasing their 2012 Holiday collection, offering the first 25 guests a surprise, and holding a raffle for the entire contents of the closet! Find it around the Eaton Centre from 11 am until 1 pm, in the Financial District from 1:30 pm until 3 pm, and in Yorkville from 3:30 pm until 5:30 pm.

As Fashion Week comes to an end, leave it to YYZ Living Magazine to throw an awesome closing party at Maison Mercer (15 Mercer St) this Friday (October 26). While you get your drink on in your fancy getup, Intermix will also be showing their spring/summer 2013 collection at 11 pm. RSVP to rsvp@yyzgroup.com

SALES

Today (October 24), C2 Apparel is starting their sample sale at 63 Wingold Avenue, suite 208. Get your unusual designer gear - including those by Ksubi, Thvm, and Rodebjer - at up to 80% off until Friday (October 26). They'll be open from noon until 8 pm today and tomorrow, but only from noon until 6 pm on Friday.

Kill two birds with one stone by visiting the TRILUXE Designer Sample Sale happening in the same building as C2 Apparel's (63 Wingold Ave)! Just one floor down at suite 120, find brands like J.Lindeberg, Sand, and Farah at up to 80% off starting tomorrow (October 25) until Saturday (October 27).

Also starting today (October 24) is the Agency One Fall Sample Sale happening on the second floor of 10 Wingold Ave. Find fall/winter deals for men and women starting at 60% off, by brands like Alexander Wang, Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons, and more. The sale runs until November 10, but be sure to visit an ATM beforehand, as they'll be taking cash only!

College has long been on my list of streets to give the historical treatment to. Although perhaps not as important a thoroughfare as University Avenue or as beautiful a street as Jarvis during its heyday, College isn't exactly a slouch when it comes to either designation. Named after King's College (now the University of Toronto), the street shouldn't be confused with College Avenue, the initial name given to what we now call University (presumably someone realized just how confusing that could become).

As is the case with Dundas below it, College doesn't exactly follow a straight line as it passes between Yonge Street and Lansdowne Avenue. Not only did a few landowners force rerouting around their properties, but as the street pushes west of Grace it crosses the area formerly occupied by the Garrison Ravine, which leads to some sweeping turns and dips in the road that are still obvious today.

Also noteworthy is the intersection of Yonge and College, which prior to the 1930s served as the street's eastern terminus. It still does by name, of course, but around the same time that Maple Leaf Gardens was being built, engineers realigned Carlton Street so that traffic could pass easily from one side of Yonge Street to the other. This, no doubt, pleased Timothy Eaton, whose flagship retail store (now College Park) occupied a prominent place on the southwest corner.

It was once expected that College would extend further west than Lansdowne, with a connection to High Park proposed by the influential Denison family. If you look at a map today, you can see that how the street might have connected two Grenadier Road in Roncesvalles Village, but the railway corridor that sweeps between Lansdowne and Sorauren posed too great a barrier to such a plan. One suspects that this is ultimately a good thing, as a major east/west thoroughfare cutting through the heart of Roncesvalles would disrupt the vaguely insulated feeling the neighbourhood has.

PHOTOS

College Avenue (not street!), 1876

University College, 1880s

College Street, 1890s (any guesses as to specific location?)

Drinking fountain at College & Spadina (for horses, too), 1899

Looking east along College from Bathurst, 1902

Toronto Public Library at College and St. George, 1900s

College and Spadina looking east, 1909

The foot of St. George at College, 1913

College and Ossington, 1915

College and Montrose, 1915

College and Clinton, 1915

Bathurst and College, 1919

Billboards at College and Robert, 1922

College and Spadina looking east, 1927

College and McCaul looking east, 1930

College street east of Yonge, 1930

Aerial view of College and Yonge (Eaton's store), 1930

College/Carlton and Yonge before realignment, 1930

Newsstand at College and Beverley, 1937

College and Lansdowne, 1939

College and Grace, 1939

1269 College, 1940

College and Bay looking west, 1948

370 College, 1958

Photos from the Toronto Archives

The long-time Chinatown favourite Bright Pearl went belly up last year and along with its years of history went the cart service and long waits for weekend dim sum. Now, open since earlier this year, this re-incarnation aims to re-assert itself into the downtown dim sum scene. We stopped by last week to give the remade restaurant a whirl.

Read my review of Gold Diamond Chinese Restaurant in the restaurants section.