Toronto concerts worth knowing about in July, 2013.

Toronto offers a wild and untamed array of musical choices every night, but July is looking... odd. Did you know that Phish are coming? Did you know that Sugar Ray, Bob Dylan, Steely Dan, New Kids on the Block, The Eagles, Boys II Men, Gin Blossums, Heart, Sublime, KISS, 98 Degrees, The Barenaked Ladies, Courtney Love, and Smashmouth will be in town?

Add these to questionably contemporary acts Weezer's questionably early return to touring The Blue Album (couldn't they wait until most of their fans pay off their student loans? Oh wait, that's never) and, to an outsider, it may begin to look like Torontonians are overwhelmed by some kind of foggy, expensive nostalgia sickness. Or, it's just summer in the city and there's a lot of stuff to spend money on, er, I mean do for fun.

If none of this sounds fun and teen industries One Direction, the Jonas Bros and Justin Bieber aren't doing it for you, you'll have a great month in Toronto anyway. Here are some other, probably less odd ideas.

PS: Skrillex's Full Flex Tour is cancelled. No one I know is (admitting to being) upset, but there goes the only EDM show central Canada had planned. Cruel summer.

HOT TICKETS

TORONTO URBAN ROOTS FESTIVAL | JULY 4 - 7 | FORK YORK GARRISON COMMON & MORE | $60 - 350
TURF's 4 day Garrison Common line up features Yo La Tengo, Belle and Sebastian, Neko Case, The Hold Steady, and a ton of other popular roots and indie acts. Bonus: this is an outdoor fest where you can bring sealed water bottles.

The Horseshoe and Lee's Palace will also hold a "late night club bonus series" each night, featuring some of the smaller groups from the outdoor fest. Festival passes and day passes are available through TURF's site, where you can view the full schedule.

SOUND IN MOTION FESTIVAL | JULY 11 - 13 | VARIOUS VENUES | $FREE - 50

Artists from Canada, the USA, Europe and the UK will be in Toronto for art focused electronic fest Sound in Motion. The fest aims to "create a platform that explores sound in motion through a diverse range of electronic music performances, interactive A/V and tactile showcases, dancing days and nights, knowledge exchange, collaboration and conversation".

Events include a stacked free outdoor showcase at Coronation Park preceded by a Critical Mass Bike Rave featuring an FM radio performance (fucking cool idea), and a short film screening followed by a performance of SlowPitch's Emoralis. Check out the line up and schedule on their website.

BLONDE REDHEAD | JULY 15 | ADELAIDE HALL | $22.50
If you missed Japandroids breaking in Toronto's newest venue (the impressive Adelaide Hall), genre defying Blonde Redhead will provide an ideal second chance. The American band have been putting out gorgeous shoegaze glossed records since the 90's, and their live show is legendary for good reason. If you're not a fan yet, the Adelaide Hall show will knock off two birds with one stone.

BJORK | JULY 16 | ECHO BEACH | $65 - 85

Why is Björk down here when her most popular period makes her a peer of some of the artists I dismissed above? Um, I guess that Björk is a pop art goddess whom no one has been able to touch, and whose influence can be seen across the board from the most commercial of indie and Top 40 up to the highest brow of contemporary electronic artists and down to the darkest corners of the experimental underground. Sugar Ray, not so much.

The Echo Beach show will be bewitching for the icelandic artist's Biophilia tour costumes and stage show alone, but she hasn't lost her unique voice either, or her desire to challenge our ideas of, cheeky as it sounds, what music means. Death Grips and Mykki Blanco are also playing.

JULIA HOLTER | JULY 17 | THE DRAKE HOTEL | $16.50
Have you noticed artists who haven't been getting mad press coverage often end up getting stowed away at the Drake when they pass through Toronto? Some of the bookings don't see much promotion either, resulting in a half full room. What's up with that?

I'm not saying this show will be half full or under promoted, but it might be, and while that always burns the artist, these can be opportune shows for fans. If any concert this month could benefit from accidental intimacy, it's Holter's compelling experimentations with sound and song craft.

M.I.A. | JULY 18 | THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL | $35
Contemporary artist, musician, rapper, and humanitarian M.I.A. co-opted and Tumblrized the revolutionary aesthetic first — before there even was a Tumblr. While many acts flirt with political controversy for the rebel sell, M.I.A. seems to be struggling for something real: she's supports causes worth news bites on Democracy Now and is a dedicated philanthropist. Challenging vibe aside, the music is also compelling and catchy. If I had a kid and my kid's pop preference was M.I.A., I'd be proud of my kid and take them to this all ages show.

I'd also happily go sans child, in part because I'm curious. Will we ever really know M.I.A.'s deal? That's pop power right there.

OFFERINGS MAGAZINE BENEFIT | JULY 19 | DOUBLE DOUBLE LAND | $10
Offerings Magazine is that legal sized free newspaper with the crazy covers and sometimes microscopic font you've seen around Toronto in cafes, record shops, and venues. The offline-only zine functions like NYC's Show Paper in that they offer listings by the month of mostly under the radar and underground indie, electronic, punk, garage, noise, avant garde, wtf wave, free jazz and improv shows, plus they also feature tons of local album reviews and profiles of musicians, bands, and visual artists.

The volunteer based crew isn't being shy: they need some capital to keep going. Instead of cracking out an Indiegogo campaign, they're throwing an IRL benefit party with Still Boys, Hollow Earth, Eucalyptus, and DJs Sandro Perri and Longhorn Grille. Offerings is a corner stone for emerging Toronto talent, so drop some cash on a worthy cause.

AUTRE NE VEUT | JULY 19 | WRONG BAR | $15
Brooklyn's Arthur Ashin is riding what might be the best album of the year. While his electronic, fresh sound is far from traditional soul or R&B and closer to that of How to Dress Well or even Toronto's The Weeknd, it's more upbeat and dramatic than both, much more hi-fi than the former, and less bro-y than the latter.

Ashin is special not only for his warped, endlessly distorted vocal constructions, unbelievable vocal range, and remarkable attention to detail, but for the fact that his writing can be so trite it becomes provocative, as Autre Ne Veut (French for "I want no other") blends Top-40-trope laden lyrics with trend hugging sample based production and conjures the most unique, unconventional, sexually charged pop music imaginable. How he's going to pull this off live is beyond me, but I'll be rooting for him.

TALIB KWELI | JULY 20 | YOUNG & DUNDAS SQUARE | $FREE
UNITY Charity is an organization that uses hip hop to enrich the lives of Toronto's youth, and this free afternoon and evening show starring Brooklyn posi-rapper Talib Kweli is fittingly all ages. Also playing are about 50 artists young and old, including Toronto's Rich Kidd.

UNITY has four days of programming this weekend. You can check out the full line up here.

BONUS:
Not to say we told you so: Montreal's Sean Nicholas Savage and Blue Hawaii will be both back, playing separate dates, only one month after they impressed us at NXNE. Check out the details below, amid the dinos and teen idols.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY CONCERTS THIS MONTH

YEAH YEAH YEAHS | JULY 1 | ECHO BEACH | $39.50
YEASAYER | JULY 2 | THE PHOENIX | $18
BRUNO MARS | JULY 3 | MOLSON AMPITHEATRE
CSS | JULY 4 | THE OPERA HOUSE | $25
DEAR DIARY | JULY 5 | SNEAKY DEE'S |
FUN and TEGAN AND SARA | JULY 6 | DOWNSVIEW PARK | $50 - 100
FEAST IN THE EAST | JULY 6 | GERRARD ART SPACE | $7
PHISH | JULY 9 | MOLSON AMPITHEATRE
ONE DIRECTION | JULY 9 | AIR CANADA CENTRE | $29 - 90
WIRE | JULY 10 | LEE'S PALACE | $25
BAKENAKED LADIES | JULY 11 | MOLSON AMPITHEATRE | $27 - 77
HISTORY OF THE EAGLES | JULY 11 | AIR CANADA CENTRE | $45 - $199
ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK | JULY 11 | DANFORTH MUSIC HALL | $35
GAY | JULY 11 | DOUBLE DOUBLE LAND | $7
WEEZER | JULY 11 | DOWNSVIEW PARK | $60
BABYSITTER | JULY 12 | IZAKAYA SUSHI HOUSE | $5
PETRA GLYNT | JULY 14 | HABOURFRONT CENTRE | FREE
SOLANGE | JULY 13 | KOOL HAUS | $26.50
BURNING LOVE | JULY 13 | SOY BOMB HQ | $10
BOB DYLAN | JULY 15 | MOLSON AMPITHEATRE | $50 - 90
WOODS | JULY 17 | THE HORSESHOE | $15.50
JAY Z and JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE | JULY 17 | ROGERS CENTRE | $40 - 275
JONAS BROTHERS | JULY 18 | THE MOLSON AMPITHEATRE | $30 - 90
COURTNEY LOVE | JULY 20 | DANFORTH MUSIC HALL
BEYONCE | JULY 21 | AIR CANADA CENTRE | $45 - 250
STEELY DAN | JULY 21 | MOLSON AMPITHEATRE | $25 - 160
SEAN NICHOLAS SAVAGE | JULY 22 | HANDLEBAR
HEART | JULY 23 | MOLSON AMPITHEATRE | $15 - 95
KISS | JULY 26 | MOLSON AMPITHEATRE | $20 - 176
MAD DECENT BLOCK PARTY feat. MAJOR LAZER | JULY 26 | FORK YORK GARRISON COMMON
ZACHT AUTOMAT | JULY 27 | DOUBLE DOUBLE LAND
BLUE HAWAII | JULY 28 | WRONGBAR | $10
UNDER THE SUN feat. SUGAR RAY and SMASH MOUTH | JULY 28 | ECHO BEACH | $45 - 65
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK | JULY 28 | AIR CANADA CENTRE | $30 - 90
SMITH WESTERNS | JULY 29 | LEE'S PALACE | $17
EDGEFEST feat. THE LUMINEERS | JULY 31 | DOWNSVIEW PARK

Follow @AubreyJax on Twitter. Photo of M.I.A. by Matthew McAndrew.

There have been a lot of mobile loyalty programs popping up around the city - all with the aim to make your life simpler and your wallet a little roomier. But new kid on the block, AvidTap, hopes to take out the competition by letting you earn rewards and pay for products all with just one tap.

AvidTap is well poised to be a leader in the mobile loyalty app space. The team, made up of former Well.ca employees, has made some technology choices which makes their solution available for all phones - both smart and dumb - and they have already managed to signup over 40 partners around the city while still in beta. On top of all this, the app doesn't just want to replace your loyalty cards, but your gift cards too.

The first point of difference for AvidTap is in their use of technology. Where some of the others in the space have focused on the use of QR codes, or interaction with an iPad - AvidTap has chosen to use a newer technology called NFC (near field communication) which lets users "tap in" at participating locations to earn their points.

While NFC is convenient, it isn't widespread with only Android and newer BlackBerry devices supporting it. For those devices that don't support NFC (like iPhones or older features phones), AvidTap has implemented a "tapper box" which produces a code for users to either enter into the AvidTap app or to text in.

But where AvidTap really differs from the rest of the pack is in its mission to replace the plastic gift card. Users can purchase virtual prepaid cards from participating locations. The purchase of a gift card is just like any other but instead of receiving a physical card which you need to remember to bring with you, the money is made available from the AvidTap app.

Right now the process for both the merchant on the payment piece is a pretty onerous one requiring the merchant to send the funds by email and the user to attach the funds to their app using a code. The AvidTap team is already working on ways to smooth this out as they continue to make improvements for their product.

AvidTap already has more locations on board than some of their competitors which puts them at a competitive advantage in the race for market share in this space. They have already signed on 40 partners with over 50 merchant locations. What could tip the scale for them is a deal with a major Fashion brand in Canada which should be happening this summer.

You can try tapping in with AvidTap at a wide range of places around the city including Café Pamenar in Kensington Market, Tea Shop 168 in North York, Super Food Eateries on Adelaide Street West and all 5 La Mexicana restaurants.

It's difficult to class the best sommeliers in Toronto given the diversity of the work they do, but there are some who standout based on their passion and knowledge of wine, their ability to enrich other people's wine drinking experience, and at a certain base level, their accessibility. Many of the city's top sommeliers, for instance, aren't intimately involved in serving wine so much as managing cellars or consulting on wine lists. That's by no means a knock against them, but the idea of a list like this is to gather together some names of wine folks who you'd rather easily be able to have a conversation with about wine, whether that be in the capacity of ordering a bottle at a restaurant or attending an educational series.

Canada has three Master Sommeliers, the highest designation one can achieve, all three of whom are based in Toronto: John Szabo (Wine Align), Bruce Wallner (Paese), and Jennifer Huether. They deserve to be on any list of top sommeliers in the city almost regardless of criteria. Ditto for Will Predhomme at Canoe. So here is an entirely subjective list of the top (read: my favourite) sommeliers in Toronto.

Peter Boyd - Scaramouche
My vote for the best sommelier in the city based on his sharp wit, vast wine knowledge and utter lack of pretention. A conversation that starts on wine might end up in politics but you'll be just as happy it did because Boyd is as interesting as they come. He's also watched as the city's wine tastes grew up. He first joined Scaramouche in 1982 (eventually becoming sommelier in 1993), when the world of wine in Toronto was cautious and undeveloped. More recently he has consulted on the wine lists at Enoteca Sociale and Skin + Bones while still contributing at Scaramouche. Boyd is also an instructor at the International Sommelier Guild. If want to learn about wine, seek him out.

Jamie Drummond - Good Food Revolution
Jamie Drummond is one of the most recognizable names in the Toronto wine scene, having built his reputation at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar in the latter half of the 2000s when the restaurant was a leading proponent of the local food movement and packed most nights with customers eager to try the may rare and intriguing wines sourced by Drummond. In the year's since JK Wine Bar closed, Drummond has founded Good Food Revolution, a not-for-profit website that highlights artisanal fare and, naturally, interesting wine. You won't find him serving wine at a restaurant anymore, but his knowledge has never been easier to take advantage of.

Christopher Sealy - Midfield Wine Bar
One of the most accessible sommeliers in the city, you don't have to have particularly deep pockets to chat up Sealy over a glass of wine at his bar. Insightful and passionate about wine, he has eclectic tastes that he's keen to share with his customers. After a five minute discussion about wine with him, it's pretty clear that he's a natural teacher who knows to avoid ramming knowledge down people's throats — and, crucially, that most conversations about wine should be about the place and culture from which it derives. Sealy also occasionally teaches wine classes at Midfield.

Anton Potvin - The Chase
Although not officially a Master Sommelier, like the previously mentioned Peter Boyd, Anton Potvin isn't giving anything away in the knowledge department despite lacking this formal educational decoration. As many know, Potvin formerly owned the Niagara Street Cafe, which was always one of the best places in the city to get one's hands on interesting wine. A mentor for many up and coming sommeliers, Potvin has now landed at the soon-to-open Chase at Yonge and Temperance, where he'll serve as the General Manager and Sommelier. With a sprawling wine bar planned for the rooftop of the new restaurant, you can bet that he'll be easy to find and engage with over what to put in your glass.

Sheila Flaherty / Momofuku | Norman Hardie
The professional wine world is still rather male centric, but that is slowly eroding as a new generation of women sommeliers have entered the scene. Some local names worth knowing are Zinta Steprans (SoHo House), Lesa LaPoint (Enoteca Sociale), and Sheila Flaherty now at Momofuku Toronto (and Norman Hardie). Formerly the wine director at Mercatto, there are few people with a greater passion and knowledge of wine in this city — and yet like many of the others on this list, an utter lack of snobbery.

Thanks to the New Listerine UltraClean for sponsoring our wine-soaked adventures.

The best prix fixe menus in Toronto is, in some instances, a chance to dine on discounted menus, and in others, an incentive to sit back, relax and let the kitchen just do their thing and keep the courses coming.

The list below spotlights restaurants that make set menus a regular thing – not just come LiciousTO time. While some offer excellent value on menu staples, others take the opportunity to introduce new ideas and ingredients – the common denominator being they offer of a solid meal at a solid price.

Here's a round-up of the best prix fixe menus at restaurants in Toronto.

See also:

The Best Family Style Dinners in Toronto
The Best Tasting Menus in Toronto

Photo of La Palette from deliriousmxviii in the BlogTO flickr pool.

Canada Day weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Toronto.

CANADA DAY

Canada Eve Fireworks
Nothing says celebrating the enactment of the Canadian constitution the way fiery explosions over Lake Ontario does so head down to Harbourfront Centre this Sunday night to watch the show. The evening will include music and activities around the Harbourfront before and during the fireworks spectacular. Stick around by the lake afterward for a view of the show at Ashbridges Bay from a distance. Not satisfied with these options for Canada Day fireworks?

Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), June 30, 2013, 10:30PM Free

Check out our roundup of Canada Fireworks for more where these came from.

PRIDE

Pride Parade
Yonge Street is getting loud and proud for the final weekend of Pride Week culminating with the Pride Parade. The 33rd annual parade themed "Superqueer" this year, will follow the Saturday's Dyke March, getting underway at 2PM on Sunday. Beginning at Church and Bloor, the parade will cut across Bloor to march down Yonge Street and ending on Dundas East. Supporters are invited to join in the festivities — and it's always fun — but if you don't have anything nice to say, then GTFO.
Church Street & Bloor Street, June 30, 2013, 2PM Free

For a roundup of additional Pride activities, check out our 10 must-attend events at Pride 2013 and What's new for Pride Toronto 2013? For a parade survival guide, check out our rundown of the big events this weekend.

COMMUNITY

Pedestrian Sundays
This weekend is the last of the month, which means the day belongs to pedestrians. Kensington Market opens its streets to those on foot for one day each month and this Sunday is that day. Troubadours, painters, artisans and retailers will spill onto the streets for the day, experimenting with their projects openly and offering entertainment for free. Swing by the market to roam the crowds and enjoy Toronto's most eccentric neighbourhood before it's too late.
Kensington Market (Augusta Avenue), June 30, 2013, 12PM free

FOOD

Taste of Asia
150 vendors selling Filipino, Afghan, Indian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese foods will be set up in stalls at Kennedy and Steeles this Saturday and Sunday for Taste of Asia. The annual multicultural event presented by Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham (FCCM), the Association of Progressive Muslims of Ontario (APMO) and the Town of Markham will have traffic blocked off so that attendees can roam freely from the bibimbap eating contests to the K-pop performances to the Philippine Village. The event is free with endless amounts of food and performances to last throughout the day. Come early or stay late--the event goes until midnight.
Kennedy Road & Steeles Avenue, June 29-30, 2013, 12PM Free

Toronto Ribfest 2013
Is there anything better to meat-eaters than slow-cooked pork? Doubtful. Along with the Southern style eats, Ribfest brings a certain kitschy pomp with it to Centennial Park, where barbecue experts will gather in an effort to impress the rib eating masses. It gets busy, so if you want to avoid lineups, get there early.
Centennial Park, June 28 - July 1

For more food listings, check out our Toronto Food Events post.

SPORT

Yoga In The Park
With several activities happening in the park throughout the Canada Day long weekend, this one tops our list. Treat yourself to a relaxing yoga session in Trinity Bellwoods by attending a yoga class in the park this Sunday morning. Taking place bright and early at 10AM, the class is completely free courtesy of Lululemon Athletica. Get your asanas outside and head to the park for the morning!
Trinity Bellwoods Park (155 Crawford Street), June 30, 2013, 10AM Free

FASHION

Pop-Up Shop "Show Your Roots"
1 LOVE T.O. collaborates with Roots Canada on the release of a special edition Canadian flag t-shirt, out just in time for Canada Day. Hosting a one-day pop-up shop at Roots on Bloor West this Saturday, the team behind 1 LOVE T.O. will be on site offering special discounts and limited edition clothing. Show your Canadian roots by supporting the small clothing company in their first major collaborative pop-up and pick up a shirt for July 1st.
Roots (100 Bloor Street West), June 29, 2013, 12PM Free

For more fashion listings, check out our This Week in Fashion post.

FILM

Regent Park Film Festival
Regent Park Film Festival and the Toronto Black Film Festival join together for the first ever outdoor screening of the Regent Park Under The Stars screening series. Taking place in the back courtyard of the new Daniels Spectrum, this Saturday night's screening will be of Rolie Nikiwe's Inside Story, the tale of a young man in Kenya who has been exposed to heartache and ailment and everything that is happening beneath his skin, bones, and muscles. Arrive 15 minutes early to the screening to claim your seat and grab some free popcorn. The screening begins at 9PM sharp.
Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas Street West), June 29, 2013, 9PM Free

2nd Annual Toronto Beaches Film Festival
Wondering what's happening in the east end this week? The 2nd annual Toronto Beaches Film Festival is the main event with screenings all day Saturday and Sunday at the historic Fox Theatre. This year, all of the programming fits the beach, shark and outdoor adventure theme with films like Scars, Summer of the Sharks and Only Child being shown. Grab tickets online through the festival website to support this emerging community festival.
Historic Fox Theatre (2236 Queen Street East), June 28-29, 2013, $12

For more film listings, check out our This Week in Film post.

ART

Barns Art Market
Saturday marks the return of the Barns Art Market at Artscape Wychwood Barns, where vendors will sell handmade or high quality jewellery, paintings, prints, ceramics and clothing for reasonable prices. Meet local artists and buy one-of-a-kind works or stop by the farmers' market for fresh produce and learn about local farming. In addition to the market, Wychwood's regular programming will continue for the weekend so the barns will be bustling with activity. Swing by and you'll find something you fancy.
Artscape Wychwood Barns (601 Christie Street), June 29, 2013, 9AM Free

MUSIC

Digital Dreams
Fans of EDM were devastated this year when WEMF, Canada's biggest electronic music fest, was abruptly cancelled. While Digital Dreams is nowhere near the size of WEMF, it still promises to be a decent showcase of talent. The lineup includes such names as Tiesto, Datsik, Porter Robinson, Dillon Francis, Excision, Ed Rush & Optical, Noisia, Doctor P, Hydee, and a ton more. Those last five are worth the price of the ticket alone.
Molson Canadian Ampitheatre, June 29 & 30. $152, 19+

For more music listings, check out our This Week in Music and June Concerts posts.

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

Photo from last year's Pride Parade

Like to party? I got ya covered. Like Sailor Moon? Surprisingly, I still have you covered...

FRI JULY 5 / MANTOWN / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 1030PM / $10

Step 1: Eat. Step 2: Pre-drink. Step 3: Go see Mantown!

When I arrived at Comedy Bar, the place was so packed that I thought the out of town headliner was doing a second show...nope! Kicking off the night with games like Broken Telephone (with beer) and Hot Potato (also with beer) had the crowd cheering from the very beginning, and when Mantown hit the stage, they absolutely crushed. For me, the best part of the evening was feeling like I was at a party rather than just a show. If you go to see four sketch/improv events this year, make this one of them. I dare you to watch the first two minutes with a straight face.

SAT JULY 6 / LAUGHTERPARTY / PLAY / 1032 QUEEN W / 8PM / $15

Laughterparty's going to be like a mullet: comedy in the front, party in the back. But seriously, this is gonna be a sick show, primarily because it's being hosted by Trixx. He's Ausome! I saw him absolutely destroy at Donnell Rawling's (Ashy Larry from Chappelle's Show) NXNE engagement. He did so well that the audience was begging him to do an encore after Rawlings left the stage. Wowzers. Kenny Robinson, your headliner, will have as his supporting cast heavy-hitters like Zabrina Chevannes and Mike Rita.

SAT JULY 6 / FAN FICTION: SAILOR MOON EDITION / BLACK SWAN / 154 DANFORTH / 8PM & 10PM / $10

Fan Fiction's gotten press from just about everyone in Toronto, and this edition will definitely live up to the hype. David Dineen-Porter (featured), one of the funniest and smartest comedians we have, will be your host. He's fresh off a killer performance at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival and a stint in Los Angeles. Plus, Rulers of the Universe, featuring the writing of Jeremy Woodcock (Finding Bessarion), is also on the bill. Oh, and one more thing...prize for the best costume!

About the Author: This is Michael Jagdeo, and I refuse to write about myself in the third-person. My blog, Diary of a Stand-up Comedian, walks you through the up's and down's (they're mostly down's, really) in my quest to become a killer comic in Toronto.

The last couple of years have seen a lot of bars open on Bloor St. from Ossington to Lansdowne but few among them feature laser beams, a dance floor and party friendly Jagerbombs. From the owner of Comedy Bar, this new bar/club is where to go in the neighbourhood when you're just itchin' to cut some rug.

Read my profile of Baltic Avenue in the bars section.

You would be hard pushed to name a building that has defined Toronto more than the CN Tower. Love it or loathe it, the massive concrete structure has dominated the city's skyline and provided a visual reference point for outsiders for almost a generation.

The tower itself is something of an oddity. Its practical use is as an AM, FM, UHF, and cell transmission tower, but a built-in observation deck, glass floor and rooftop fright-fest entice more than 1.5 million tourists a year up the dizzying exterior elevators.

Sydney has the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, New York has the Brooklyn Bridge, and Toronto has the CN Tower. The slender concrete column is an international icon that has made the city instantly recognizable. Few buildings are able to do that.

The CN Tower turned 37 this week - one step closer to middle age. Had things worked out just a little differently, Toronto would have got more than just a communications tower. This is the story of how Toronto's architectural wonder came to be.

The land now occupied by the CN Tower's hexagonal foundation was, in its original form, water. Almost everything south of Front Street is built on fill, dumped construction material dropped in to the lake over the last 100 years that gradually extended the shoreline south to its present position.

The new space gave Canadian National Railways room to build a tangle of sidings, roundhouses, and train sheds around the Union Station corridor. For much of its early life the reclaimed land south of Front Street was a sprawling industrial area of soot-stained concrete and surface parking. The Gardiner Expressway zipped past just to the south and silos dotted the lake shore.

It was in the 1960s, when Toronto's buildings began to head skyward, that things began to change. As Mies van der Rohe's Toronto-Dominon Centre then Commerce Court West each claimed the title as tallest in the city, TV and radio reception became patchy and viewers increasingly found episodes of Ozzie and Harriet, Lassie, and re-runs of The Andy Griffith Show were being blasted into static oblivion.

The solution was to build a transmission antenna tall enough to beat even the highest Bay Street bank tower. The project was also a good excuse to partake in a little building bravado by snatching the title of the tallest freestanding structure from Moscow's Ostankino Tower, also a TV and radio mast.

In fact, the tower itself was one of the few pieces of the larger Metro Centre project ever to be built. Had it been realized in its original form, Union Station would have been demolished and the Yonge line would have gained a Queens Quay spur through an expansive new retail and commercial district.

Early plans for the broadcasting tower were vaguely similar in appearance to Seattle's Space Needle and developers promised a large triangular reflecting pool surrounded by a 10-acre park at the base of the tower for skating and wading. A mall and beer garden would also be built, they said.

Metro Centre died when the provincial and federal government recommended Union Station be retained and CN and CP, the principal backers, subsequently pulled out. The earmarked land would, however, provide space for the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, CityPlace, and CN's new radio mast.

At the time CN and CP jointly owned CNCP Telecommunications, a company developed out of the company's old wire service businesses, so building a large concrete signal hub wasn't entirely unusual for the transportation company.

At 1,800-feet, the scale of the CN Tower was immense. 56 metric tonnes of soil was hauled out of the ground for the 55-foot foundation pit. The hexagonal structural core of the tower was surrounded by poured concrete shaped using a massive mold called a slipform.

Each new section was built on top of the last, aided by a crane perched on a 500-ton platform on top of the rising column. 1,537 workers worked on the project 24 hours a day, five days a week, from official groundbreaking ceremony on February 6, 1973.

The tower always had its detractors. The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association warned that "sooner or later an aircraft is bound to strike it possibly killing people in the tower and on the ground as well as those in the aircraft." The Federation of Ontario Naturalists estimated 1,000 birds a day could be killed in foggy conditions during peak migration periods.

"We'll live to regret it if we let this monstrous dart go up," Alderman Elizabeth Eayrs told city council.

Ironically, improved reception actually had a negative impacted on some TV content. As a TV writer for in the Toronto Star predicted, the stronger signal killed the tradition of American networks releasing their new shows on Canadian television ahead of the U.S. premier in an attempt to discourage cross-border viewing.

The added range from the new CN transmitters made Canadian signals stronger than those that used to bleed over the border from New York, which would potentially allow Americans to easily tune in to Canadian stations and catch a sneaky glimpse of All In The Family.

Despite the outcries and accusations CN was building an "obtrusive monument to itself," the gigantic, $21 million construction project was allowed by council, but not before it had already reached 300 metres in height.

By August 1973 the concrete stump was the tallest structure in Toronto and in February 1974 it claimed the crown as the tallest in Canada, taking the mantle from the Inco Superstack, a giant chimney in Sudbury.

Just 18 months after the foundations were scooped out, work began on the seven-storey observation deck, revolving restaurant, and radome - the inflatable white donut-shaped object at the bottom of the main pod where much of the communications and other electronics are housed.

CHUM-FM, CBC Radio 2 (then CBC Stereo), CKFM, CHFI, and CHIN were the first stations to move their equipment in '73.

Unlike the main support column, the pod was supported by a steel frame. Dizzying photos show metalworkers straddling massive I-beams with nothing between them and a 1,100-metre drop to the rail tracks below.

Above the top SkyPod, the top observation level, a Sikorsky helicopter named Olga was called in to complete the final step - hauling up the 102-metre antenna mast in pieces from the ground. The 42 sections were delivered in March 1975 and would be the last that contributed to the overall height of the CN Tower.

Disaster almost struck as Olga was being used to dismantle the crane and construction platform that was perched at the top of the concrete core. While removing the first piece of the boom, a sudden shift caused the supporting bolts to seize, effectively tethering the aircraft to the tower.

With fuel running low, steel workers had to burn off the stuck bolts to avoid a crash. The helicopter landed with 14 minutes of gas to spare.

The incident underlined the need for adequate safety features in large freestanding towers. In the event of a fire, the main 1,776-step staircase would be one only two safe exits from the main pod. To illustrate the dangers, on 27 August, 2000 the Ostankino Tower caught fire 458 metres above the ground, killing three people.

To combat these risks, the CN Tower is fitted with fire-proof materials and an extensive sprinkler system fed by a pair of 68,160-litre water tanks at the top of the main column. One elevator is powered by emergency generators and is designed to remain active in an emergency.

A fire house on the ground is capable of reaching the upper levels and, just to be safe, the kitchen in the restaurant doesn't use an open flame during cooking.

Naturally, the current owners are keen to stress there has never been a fire since the building opened to the public, but that doesn't mean it's never happened. On July 8, 1975, molten metal from a welder's torch dripped down an elevator shaft and ignited a patch of tar-based waterproofing, leading to two uncontrolled fires about 150-metres above the restaurant.

Four nearby workers scrambled to safety up a flight of stairs while others on the lower levels were able to descend. Chemical extinguishers put out the fire while the emergency services were assembling at the base of the tower but the damage was estimated at around $1,000. The four welders workers were treated for smoke inhalation and minor cuts.

The CN Tower was officially completed on April 2, 1975 and opened to the public on June 26. A variety of attractions have been added since: the highest wine cellar in the world, the incredibly unsettling glass floor, and most recently the terrifying EdgeWalk experience.

CN sold its stake in the tower in 1995, prompting a crisis about what CN should stand for now the railways were no longer involved. The new owners opted for the slightly clunky "Canada's National Tower," which is admittedly better than the Canada Lands Company Tower.

Maple Leafs fans hoped the new 16.7 million colour LED light display that adorns the elevator shafts and main pod could be used as a goal light during their heartbreaking and brief cup run this year. No dice, said management. It's Canada's tower - no corporations allowed.

CN TOWER FACTS:

Total cost: $63 million ($21 million in 1973)
Height: 553.33 metres (1,815 feet and 5 inches)
Weight: 117,910 metric tonnes (130,000 tons)
Concrete: 40,524 cubic metres (53,000 cubic yards)
Tensioned Steel: 998 kilometres (620 miles)
Reinforcing Steel: 4,535 metric tonnes (5,000 tons)
Structural Steel: 544.2 metric tonnes (600 tons)
Steps to the top: 1,776
Restaurant revolutions an hour: 70

MORE IMAGES:

Train sidings in the rough area of the CN Tower

Welder after the 1975 fire

The CN Tower's shadow falls on a surface lot in 1975

Parking lot at the foot of the CN Tower

The unfinished CN Tower from the Gardiner

The construction platform and crane

The pod in the early stages of construction

Construction from the railway lands

A model showing an early concept for the SkyDome

The CN Tower with GO trains on the Union corridor

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: City of Toronto Archives, Time Magazine

This new cafe at Bloor and Lansdowne is bright and roomy and serves up some tasty snacks, but be warned it's not of the Sam James or Dark Horse ilk with carefully crafted lattes and cappuccinos with the on-trend latte art.

Read my profile of Bloor Barista in the cafes section.

Your last chances to catch a fruity bowl of Double Apple shisha and swanky middle-eastern themed cocktails are dissipating like plumes of smoke as one of Little Italy's innovators in downtown hookah lounges closes down this Canada Day long weekend.

While shisha has become available at even the most street-side of Middle-eastern fast food joints such as Shi Shawarma on Yonge St, the opulent harem-like legacy will be continued on at Awtash, just a few blocks east.

Paaeez, a smallish 150 person capacity venue, will be going out with a bang, and a 909 handclap, on Monday night thanks to now mega-international tech-house duo Kenny Glasgow and Johnny White, better known these days as Art Department, known to have been given their start at the club.

Are you sad to see Paaeez go? Add your memories to the comment thread below.

The annual Toronto Dyke March took to the streets yesterday as part of a jam-packed final weekend for Toronto Pride. A packed crowd of onlookers cheered on dykes on bikes, a traveling boxing ring, proud cyclists (in various modes of undress) and dykes on skates as the march winded from Bloor down Yonge St. and over to Allan Gardens.

View this slideshow to see more photos from the 2013 Dyke March

Photos by Kyle Burton

Photo by Matthew MS in the blogTO Flickr pool

Canada Day events in Toronto, 2013

FIREWORKS & WHAT'S OPEN/CLOSED
For a full roundup of Canada Day fireworks in Toronto, check out our dedicated roundup post. Check here for what's open and closed on Canada 2013 in Toronto.

FOOD | Brewer's Backyard: The Capital Mashup
The Brewer's Backyard returns today to the Evergreen Brick Works with another awesome outdoor event that's sure to make your holiday Monday a better one. Today's event has been dubbed, The Capital Mashup, and will feature offerings from different breweries in Toronto and Ottawa, all to be enjoyed in a single sitting. The "mashup" aspect is an interesting one: three brand new beers have been created by collaborations between Toronto and Ottawa breweries: Great Lakes + Cassel, Indie Alehouse + Beyond the Pale, and Amsterdam + Broadhead. You know you want to be among the first to try these! The Brewer's Backyard knows very well that sampling beer requires context, and this will be provided with meat pies by Kanga, something tasty from Indie Alehouse, and Sweet Sammies delish ice cream sandwiches.
Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue) 12 to 4PM

MUSIC | Delhi 2 Dublin @ Harbourfront
Delhi 2 Dublin plays a free concert tonight at Harbourfront! Their sound is a unique fusion of Indian rhythms, electronica, and a strong celtic influence that is brought to the fore with some pyrotechnic fiddle playing, and the use of tabla, dhol, and electric sitar. These guys have gone through a few lineup changes over the years, but their sound has remained completely intact, and the buzz around them keeps growing. They have played some of the biggest festivals, and have a strong reputation for creating a real party at every gig they play. Find out for yourself tonight.
Canada Square (235 Queens Quay West) 8PM

BOOKS & LIT | What You Didn't Know Existed: An Evening of Readings, Performances and a Zine Launch!
Toronto Street Writers is a special creative writing workshop for youth aged 16 to 29 that runs from October to July. The program is coordinated by Emily Pohl-Weary, an award-winning Toronto author whose work has been published by Penguin Books, and has run other outreach writing programs. Some important TO talent has lent a helping hand to this organization, including Susan Musgrave, Robert Priest, LAL, and others. Tonight Toronto Street Writers is launching a new zine, entitled, What We Didn't Know Existed. This will be an intense evening celebrating the end of the 2012-2013 program that began in October and will feature performances, music, art and of course, readings.
Toronto Street Writers (231 Wallace Avenue) 7PM FREE

MUSIC | Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Echo Beach
New York based indie rock trio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs plays Echo Beach tonight. This three piece (often upgraded to a four piece live with an additional guitarist) is made up of vocalist Karen O, who doubles on piano, Nick Zinner on guitars and keys, and Brian Chase on drums. They have been together for 13 years, have four studio albums recorded, and from the very outset of their career they have had incredibly strong support from music critics and fans alike. Their first album, Fever To Tell, was named by NME as one of the decade's best in 2009. Maximum Hedrum opens the show tonight.
Echo Beach (999 Lake Shore Blvd West) 7PM $42

Also Of Note

Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square
Discover Hidden Toronto Scavenger Hunt for Adults

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

Photo of the Brewer's Backyard

This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.

IN THE NEWS

Drake reveals release date for Nothing Was the Same

In case you missed it, Toronto's favourite son, Drake, revealed the release date for his highly-anticipated third studio album, Nothing Was the Same. The rapper, who also recently announced his upcoming North American tour, has unveiled a brand new website with the album's title underneath a big, bold September 17 - very subtle. In addition, the site features four new tracks - a solo track, a freestyle, and two tracks where Drake is featured as a guest artist. This is all huge news if you're a Drake fan, so head on over to the site for all of the new material. And check out Drake's official site for any additional news that may get dropped.

THIS WEEK'S HOT TICKETS

MONDAY JULY 1 / YEAH YEAH YEAHS / ECHO BEACH / 909 LAKESHORE W / $53.75 / ALL AGES

Having never seen the Yeah Yeah Yeahs live, I can still say with zero hesitation that they're the perfect band to see at Echo Beach (a venue which I truly believe is one of the best in the city). The New York-based trio have been on the scene since 2000, and in that time they've released four studio albums to much acclaim. They also recorded what many consider to be one of the greatest songs of the period, "Maps." Here's hoping that the weather cooperates, because this promises to be one hell of an outdoor show. Maximum Hedrum will offer support.

TUESDAY JULY 2 / THE MOWGLI'S / THE MOD CLUB / 722 COLLEGE / $16.50 / 19+

If you haven't heard "San Francisco," the absurdly upbeat and catchy first single from The Mowgli's, drop everything you're doing and listen to it. In my opinion, it's one of the best songs of the year, and it should go down as one of the anthems of the summer. The eight-piece rock/folk band out of California seems destined to be around for quite a while. I've been waiting for this show for a while now, and I reckon that it's going to be a fun little atmosphere at the Mod Club.

RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CONCERTS

• SPIN DOCTORS / HORSESHOE TAVERN / JULY 27 / 9PM
• BIG COUNTRY / LEE'S PALACE / AUGUST 4 / 8:30PM
• DARWIN DEEZ / HORSESHOE TAVERN / SEPTEMBER 6 / 9PM
• MS MR / THE PHOENIX / SEPTEMBER 17 / 8PM

WHAT WE GOT UP TO LAST WEEK

• Toronto concerts, July 2013

Photo of The Mowgli's courtesy of Alexa Stickler on Flickr.

Open since April, this new sister restaurant from the folks behind Pomegranate and Sheherzade serves up Persian eats for lunch and brunch in a cozy and welcoming space.

Read my review of Takht-e Tavoos in the restaurants section.

Spoken word events worth knowing about in Toronto, July 2013

Waving the flag proudly for the spoken word community in Toronto has never been easier, thanks to the number and quality of the shows that have been happening in town as of late. This month is no exception, as the entertainment value remains high for those Torontonians who seek it from performance poetry. You can get a taste of what's in store during the heat of this year's summer by reading on.

HOT TICKETS

TORONTO POETRY PROJECT PRESENTS CANADA DAY SLAM FT. JEM ROLLS / JULY 1 / 1PM / HARBOURFRONT CENTRE / FREE
The second of two days of poetry showcase and slam, this event pits the 2013 Toronto Poetry Slam Team — Optimus Rhyme, Kliggy, IF, Philosofly and David Delisca — against all comers in a "friendly" poetry slam. The event features Jem Rolls, a UK-based spoken word artist who has become a stalwart of the Canadian Fringe circuit.

WORDSPELL SPOKEN WORD / JULY 3 / 8:30PM / FREE TIMES CAFE / $6
The ladies of WordSpell are hosting a Pride special, featuring the poetry of Krystle Mullin and Barbara Erochina. It's the final show of their successful first season, hosted by longtime Toronto spoken word artist Tanya Neumeyer. The women who bless the mic are going to light it up!

THE STRICTLY ROOTS VARIETY SHOW / JULY 4 / 8:30PM / LULA LOUNGE / $20 ADV-$25 DOOR
Dwayne Morgan presents the third of a series of five poetry events at the Lula Lounge over the course of this summer. The recently inducted member of the Scarborough Walk of Fame brings together an eclectic line-up of artists, providing a mixed bag of artistic goodies you can't wait to dive into to find the gems.

SLAMTARIO SPOKEN WORD FESTIVAL / JULY 12-13 / MEASURE & TRANZAC / $10-$25
The top practitioners in poetry slam convene in Toronto for two days of workshops, panel discussions, open mic and, centrally, the second annual Ontario slam championships. On Friday night, the preliminary slams go down at Measure beginning at 7pm, with an afterparty by DJ Soul Child. Saturday brings a daytime program of activities at neighbouring Tranzac starting at 1pm, with the championship finals featuring Whitney "Witness" Greenaway from NYC at Measure at 8pm. The festival-ending afterparty will feature spins by DJ Manifest. Events are: Friday $10 ($5 afterparty only after 11pm), Saturday daytime PWYC and Saturday evening $20 ($10 afterparty only after 11pm). Fest passes are $25.

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO SPOKEN WORD CIRCUIT PRESENTS ANDRE PREFONTAINE / JULY 17, 18 & 24
The SOSWC is a consortium of spoken word groups that stage monthly spoken word events in London, Guelph, Hamilton, Burlington, Toronto and York Region. Thanks to the Canada Council for the Arts, they will bring a high-profile artist each month to perform at the venues on the circuit. This month, Canadian Underground Indies champ Andre Prefontaine from Calgary tours the circuit. He features at the Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam Poetry X-Change FUNraiser (July 17), Burlington Slam Project (July 18) and YorkSlam in Richmond Hill (July 24).

FREE YOUR VOICE (UNITY FESTIVAL) / JULY 21 / 2PM / DANIELS SPECTRUM / $5 ADV-$10 DOOR; YOUTH 18 & UNDER FREE AT THE DOOR WITH ID
The annual UNITY Charity festival takes over Toronto with talented artists young and old showing the city what they can do as they set their talents free. To conclude the festivities, young people will have the chance to share their voices in emceeing and spoken word. Free Your Voice is presented in partnership with R.I.S.E. Poetry and features a performance by Queen Godis.

TEN: A SPOKEN WORD / HIP-HOP CONCERT / JULY 25 / 10PM / CLINTON'S / $20 ADV-$25 DOOR
Greg Frankson, a.k.a. Ritallin (a.k.a. the author of this article), celebrates a decade of spoken word performance with this all-star lineup of top-notch talent. With former world slam champion Ian Keteku, the crew of Missing LinX and Juno Award winning producer and performer Kinnie Starr, there is no doubt that the show will make you dance the night away.

OTHER SHOWS AND EVENTS

• The Art Bar Poetry Series / July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 / 8pm / Q Space / PWYC
• Livewords / July 4 / 7:30pm / Black Swan Tavern / free
• Ripped Wide Open Mic / July 4 / 8pm / Sterling Studio Theatre
• SPEAKout Open Mic IV / July 5 / 7pm / Beit Zatoun
• Roots Lounge Open Mic & Poetry Slam Scarborough / July 7 / 7pm / Yvonne's Coffee Haus / $5
• Love Jones Sunday / July 7 / 7pm / 2 Jerks Caribbean Soul Lounge / $10
• Sunday Poetry / July 7, 14, 21, 28 / 11:30am / Ellington's Music & Café / free
• R.I.S.E. Poetry Movement / July 8, 15, 22, 29 / 6pm / Burrows Hall Community Centre / free
• Acoustic Soul Tuesdays / July 9, 23 / 8pm / Passione Sports Bar / $5
• Bonkers Book Launch / July 10 / 7pm / 246 Sackville St.
• BAM! The Toronto Youth Slam ft. Toronto Youth Slam Team / July 10 / 6pm / The Central / $5
• Toronto Wordstage / July 10 / 7:30pm / Q Space / free
• The Beautiful and the Damned hosted by Philip Cairns/ July 11 / 7pm / Glad Day Bookshop / PWYC
• Lizzie Violet's Cabaret Noir ft. Trasharella, Greg "Ritallin" Frankson & Marcus Walker / July 14 / 7pm / Q Space / PWYC ($5 suggested)
• Toronto Poetry Slam ft. Andre Prefontaine / July 14 / 8pm / The Drake Hotel Underground / $5
• The Emerging Writers Reading Series / July 16 / 8pm / Duffy's Tavern / PWYC
• Hot-Sauced Words / July 18 / 8pm / Black Swan Tavern / PWYC
• Roots Lounge Open Mic & Poetry Slam / July 21 / 8pm / Harlem Restaurant / $5
• Plasticine Poetry hosted by Cathy Petch / July 21 / 6pm / Pauper's Pub / free
• Queen Gallery Poetry Night / July 30 / 7pm / Queen Gallery / PWYC

For more listings, head on over to the events calendar or check out the Cytopoetics Events spoken word blog for local info updated weekly during the month.

Have a spoken word event coming up that you'd like us to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO events calendar.

Photo of Dwayne Morgan

The Toronto Pride Parade took over Yonge St. yesterday as tens of thousands of onlookers jammed sidewalks and rooftops to get a view of the spectacle. It was a perfect day for the 33rd annual Toronto Pride Parade with Kathleen Wynne and Justin Trudeau among dignitaries who showed up to celebrate. Squirt guns, leather, foreskin, giant soccer balls, boas and beads all made an appearance making this year's procession as colourful and fun as it has ever been.

View our collection of Toronto Pride Parade photos in this slideshow

Photos by Mauricio Calero

Photo by scott3eh in the blogTO Flickr pool

Toronto events on July 2nd, 2013

ART | Art Battle 59 - Toronto Finals
Art Battle returns to The Great Hall tonight! Art Battle is a competitive live painting event that is quite popular both here in town, and across the country. Participating artists have 20 minutes in each round to deliver a masterpiece with the battle's chosen medium, acrylic paint, and various tools. The audience gets in close and investigates the artistic process, and then votes for the winner and bids on that work. Tonight, this is an important battle, in that winners from previous TO events will now compete to represent our city at the national battle to be held at the AGO at the end of the month. This could be a fierce and messy one...
The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West) 7:30PM $20 ($10 students)

FILM | Army Of Darkness at YDS
Tonight at Yonge-Dundas Square, one of those evening events that makes Summer worth the blistering heat: an outdoor movie screening. Army Of Darkness is the third film in the Evil Dead series, directed by Sam Raimi, also known for his work on the Spider Man trilogy, and Darkman. This film, like the others in the series, is a horror-comedy that takes place in the Middle Ages, with the hero Ash Williams, fighting his way back to the present. Danny Elfman (The Simpsons) contributed some of the score as did Joseph LoDuca. The film was a hit at several horror and fantasy film festivals, including receiving the Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film's Golden Raven award in 1993.
Yonge-Dundas Square (1 Dundas Street East) 9PM

ART | Oh Dear Art Exhibition
North York Arts presents the Oh Dear Exhibition, an art event unique to North York that aims to present the area's "sense of modesty". The event begins today, and curator and artist, Paola Poletto, is putting together an exhibition that will take place at several sites in the area surrounding Mel Lastman Square. Seven artists are assigned seven sites, to explore the culture of North York, and its present-day state of existence. This year's artists are Otino Corsano, Matthew Blackett, Stephen Cruise, Bailey Govier, Ian Chodikoff, Joseph Muscat, and Poletto, as well. Oh Dear runs until August 26th.
Multi-site surrounding Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street)

MUSIC | Yeasayer + Reptar
Brooklyn's Yeasayer hits The Phoenix tonight! This experimental and psychedelic rock band made up of members Chris Keating, Ira Wolf Tuton, Anand Wilder and Cale Parks, got some big buzz going at SXSW 2007 shorly after they formed. They are still touring their third studio album, Fragrant World, which was released last Summer, and features guest appearances by members of Nomo, The Dirty Projectors, Kishi Bashi, and others. Athens, Georgia based rockers, Reptar open what should be a very well-attended show.
Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street) 8PM $18

Also Of Note

• The Winslows of Derryvore
• Intro to Salsa

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

Photo of a previous Art Battle

A legal battle to view evidence collected during "Operation Traveller" to find out whether it reveals a connection between Rob Ford and the "Dixon City Bloods" gang is now underway. Several media organizations, including the CBC, Globe and Mail, and Sun Media, have hired a lawyer to help unseal the court records. Does the public have a right to know if the alleged Rob Ford crack tape is real?

Paris might be forging ahead with a massive, well-funded transit expansion (a tax on office space and a levy on each person in the region, and more) but Toronto is still decades from building the transit it desperately needs. The Globe and Mail finds out what real transit investment looks like.

Meanwhile, Metrolinx says it will pull the plug on Eglinton-Crosstown LRT construction unless council reaffirms its support for the project. In an earlier decision, council threw its weight behind a Scarborough subway extension, contrary to the master agreement with the provincial transit agency. A decision from council would have to come before 12 Aug.

In his letter to city manager Joe Pennachetti, Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig said it would cost around $320 million to renovate Kennedy Station, a figure that TTC CEO Andy Byford takes exception to. The two agencies will meet Tuesday to discuss the differences.

Something stinks at King and Bathurst - it's dead meat. An 80-year-old slaughterhouse is giving off a seasonal "fetid barnyard smell" that some new condo dwellers say is "ridiculous." Is it time the area adapted to its residential future or should the meat plant be allowed to stay?

Also in residential gripes, a majority of Torontonians oppose a Walmart development near Kensington Market. Forum Research found 60% did not want the big box store to set up shop on Bathurst Street between Dundas and College. Does this prove local opposition isn't just a case of NIMBYism?

The Bloor viaduct's luminous veil could finally be completed as intended in time for the 2015 Pan Am Games. The suicide prevention barrier originally included a dazzling light feature that would have illuminated the metalwork on the underside and the veil on top of the bridge. The executive committee will vote Wednesday on whether or not to include the lights in a list of legacy projects.

Finally, author and lawyer Robert Rotenberg has used Toronto as a backdrop for four of his legal thrillers. America's National Public Radio took a look at some of the real-life places and characters that inspired Rotenberg's stories, from Old City Hall, Ward's Island, to Gryfe's Bagel Bakery on Bathurst Street. It's well worth a look.

FROM THE LONG WEEKEND:

• Photos of the 2013 Toronto Pride Parade
• Spoken word events in Toronto, July 2013
• More great Persian eats come to College St.
• This Week in Music
• This Week in Comedy
• Photos of the 2013 Dyke March in Toronto
• Paaeez goes deadpool but not without one last bash
• New Bloordale cafe doesn't do the latte art thing
• How Toronto got the CN Tower
• Where to take over the dance floor at Bloor & Ossington

IN BRIEF:

• GO Transit moves to 30-minute Lakeshore route service [Toronto Star]
• Man shot following 'altercation' in east end, police say [CBC]
• Woman's body pulled from water near Ontario Place [Toronto Star]
• Jose Reyes, Mark DeRosa homer as Jays drub Tigers [CBC]
Raptors, Knicks reportedly agree on Andrea Bargnani deal [CBC]

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Bruce Wang/blogTO Flickr pool.