Quantcast
Channel: blogTO
Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live

How to draw a perfect Rob Ford in four simple steps

0
0

Rob FordHow to draw Rob Ford is a question we ask ourselves daily. While some artists find rendering Ford's likeness easy, and others have spent tens of thousands of dollars going to art school to learn how to caricature our Mayor (that's a class at OCAD now), those of us less inclined to properly hold a pencil - you're not supposed to grip it fiercely at the lead line, who knew?? - have been left struggling. Until now. How to Draw Rob Ford (howtodrawrobford.com) is here to hone our mayoral art skills in four easy steps. Turns out it's pretty much all balls and lines for Rob.

The website offers step by step PDFs, a traceable option for beginners, and an Instagram-ready option. Customer testimonials tell the story better than I ever could, so check them out. So, now that you can draw Rob Ford, what should you do? Here are some ideas: make paper dolls. Start - and win - office games of exquisite corpse. Make masks and wear them to the bar. Add Simpsons characters. Hold an art show with your friends. Tag the city (with chalk, with chalk!). Use simple illustrations to show Ford supporters the error of their ways. Send one to your mom before snail mail is gone forever. She'll be so proud.

After you perfect your RoFo sketching skills, don't forget to donate to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.


New Harbord St. eatery does cross cultural comfort food

0
0

harbord restaurant This month-old restaurant on Harbord Street is doing a range of cross cultural comfort foods that'll accommodate any diet and any craving. The menu endorses healthy eating though you'll hardly notice, as vegetable-rich options like the Veggie Club'wich are appealing in the absence of meat, but offer the option of kicking it up with some bacon. Oh, and the bar serves wine on tap for just a dollar an ounce.

Read my profile of Harvest Kitchen in the restaurants section.

The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2013

0
0

Best Design TorontoThe best new design stores of 2013 were welcomed with open arms (and wallets) this year by the art lovers, decor enthusiasts, and stuff-collectors of Toronto. Many of these newcomers opted to focus on a wide range of goods and gifts unified by a rustic-yet-modern, hand-hewn aesthetic.

Still, these shops are by no means cut from the same cloth (or molded from the same clay, or printed on the same screen). With each boasting diverse, wide selections of creations from around the city, the country, or the globe, you're bound to find the perfect piece you didn't know your life was missing.

Here are the best new design stores that opened in Toronto during 2013.

See also:

The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2012
The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2011
The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2010

Baby polar bear takes first steps at Toronto Zoo

0
0

Polar bear cub at the Toronto zooThe Toronto Zoo has shared a video of their polar bear cub taking its first steps, and no matter how much animal captivity might make you cringe, you have to admit that this little guy is overpoweringly adorable. Confession: I've watched this three times already. His eyes, which were closed for about 40 days, are newly opened to the world and according to the zoo he's started teething. The cub was born in a litter of three on November 9, 2013, though sadly the other two cubs didn't survive. The Toronto Zoo's are keepers are cautiously optimistic about this cub's chances. You can watch the baby bear's clumsy, teetering first steps in the video below.

You can find more videos of the little baby bear drinking from a bottle, eating, generally being a little ball of squee on the Toronto Zoo's site, which also touches on the zoo's connections to organizations making efforts to conserve polar bears in the wild.

Stunning restaurant opens in old Electric Circus space

0
0

Carbon BarThis new warehouse style restaurant from the team behind Nota Bene has opened it what was once the home of Electric Circus Nightclub near Church and Queen. The menu features a number of smoke-infused dishes and cocktails, while the vibe is as relaxed as the service is somehow still polished. This place isn't quite like anywhere I've dined in Toronto before.

Read by review of The Carbon Bar in the restaurants section.

Garage Door Graffiti

Today in Toronto: Next, Ali Eisner, Ben Sellick, Andy Kittmer, Archi-Textures, Wrong Hole, Latkepalooza

0
0

Today in TorontoThe Next Stage Festival carries on in Toronto tonight, and while we've put a full preview together for you here, below are a few choice picks to catch at the theatre fest this evening. It's also the first Thursday of the year that art galleries are back in action, meaning a lot of great openings. Tonight at the Gladstone puppeteer and artist Ali Eisner will celebrate the opening of her new show Favourite Things with a reception starting at 7pm. More in the mood to dance? Get to Archi-Textures at Round.

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

This Week in Film: John Greyson, Winter Kept Us Warm, I Am Divine, Cronenberg and Mortensen

0
0

Viggo MortensenThis Week in Film rounds up noteworthy new releases in theatres, rep cinema and avant-garde screenings, festivals, and other special cinema-related events happening in Toronto.

SPECIAL EVENTS

In Conversation With...John Greyson (Sunday, January 12 at 3:30PM; TIFF Bell Lightbox)

Last August, Canadian filmmaker John Greyson and physician Tarek Loubani were detained in Cairo prison, without charges, where they would remain for 50 days before being released and allowed to return to Canada. Greyson has been a social and political activist throughout his career, notoriously withdrawing a short film of his from TIFF 2009 as a protest against the festival's inaugural City to City program, which spotlighted Tel Aviv that year - a decision he thought was dealt with uncritically and insensitively. This very special entry in TIFF's "In Conversation With..." series brings Greyson and Cameron Bailey on stage for what promises to be an engrossing and provocative discussion.

LIFT Round-Up 2013 (Sunday, January 12 at 6PM; Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

LIFT Film RoundupLIFT, or the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto, here present a special screening of films made by LIFT members over the last year. "LIFT supports a diversity of filmmakers and filmmaking genres and the programme reflects this--from documentary to dramatic narrative to music video and experimental film. The films were made using LIFT's equipment, ranging from Super 8mm and 16mm to 35mm and High-Definition Video."

Early Monthly Segments: David Secter's Winter Kept Us Warm (Monday, January 13 at 8PM; Gladstone Art Bar)

David Secter's heavily homoerotic coming of age film was the first Canadian English-language film screened at Cannes. Set on the University of Toronto campus, the film centres around Peter, "an enthusiastic if shy new student, and his relationship with the seemingly more sophisticated and popular Doug, who helps initiate him into campus life. Their passionate new friendship develops over the course of the school year."

Reportedly based on of Secter's own experience of falling for a fellow student in university, Winter Kept Us Warm is one of Canada's earliest gay films; featuring a great, jazzy soundtrack by Paul Hoffert, the film is as tender and sprightly as it is subversive. It will be screened from a 16mm print at this event; $5-10 donations accepted at the doors.

NEW RELEASES

I Am Divine (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

Harris Glenn Milstead, better known as camp icon Divine, was deemed by tabloids to be "the filthiest person alive," and held an unshakable presence in camp, queer, abjection, and John Waters studies for the better part of four decades now. On the occasion of the 25-year anniversary of his death, director Jeffrey Schwarz compiled masses of rare footage of Divine, and integrated new interviews with his co-performers, directors, and friends, offering up a definitive biographical portrait of this eccentric and important cultural figure.

Also opening in theatres this week:

  • Her (check showtimes here)
  • August: Osage County (Varsity; Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
  • Gabrielle (TIFF Bell Lightbox)
  • Lone Survivor (Carlton, Scotiabank)
  • Ms. 45 (The Royal)
  • Persistence of Vision (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

REP CINEMA

In Conversation With... Viggo Mortensen and David Cronenberg (Monday, January 13 at 7PM; TIFF Bell Lightbox)

Viggo MortensenWe're now in the home stretch of TIFF's bloated and invaluable David Cronenberg retrospective, with only a handful of screenings remaining over the next week and a half. To cap it all of, TIFF programmer saved one of their best special events for last: an on stage discussion between Cronenberg and the star of three of his recent pictures, Viggo Mortensen (A History of Violence, Eastern Promises, A Dangerous Method). Tickets are going fast (you may have to rush at this point), so be sure to secure your seat for this rare, sure-to-be-revealing evening.

Screening in From Within: The Films of David Cronenberg:

  • Shivers (Saturday, January 11 at 6:30PM; TIFF Bell Lightbox)
  • Naked Lunch (Sunday, January 12 at 6:30PM; TIFF Bell Lightbox)
  • Eastern Promises (Thursday, January 16 at 6:30PM; TIFF Bell Lightbox)
  • The Fly (Thursday, January 16 at 9PM; TIFF Bell Lightbox)

More in rep cinema:


Toronto Restaurant Openings: Ramen Isshin, Union Social Eatery, Sip Wine Bar, Rose City Kitchen

0
0

Toronto restaurant openingsToronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

  • Ramen Isshin, a new noodle shop from the same team behind Cabbagetown's Kingyo, is now open at 421 College Street.
  • Sip Wine Bar at 2 Broadway at Yonge north of Eglinton is now open and serving up Neapolitan pizzas.
  • Mississauga's Union Social Eatery has opened a sister location at 21 St. Clair West.

OPENING SOON

  • Rose City Kitchen, a modern twist on the humble falafel shop is slated to open at 406 Queen Street (formerly The Big Fish). The menu will feature Middle Eastern street food faves. (via Toronto Life)
  • Sushi on Gerrard is now open at 1024 Gerrard Street East, just doors down from the also newly opened Manzen Sushi at 1030 Gerrard Street East.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

CLOSED

  • Claudio Aprile's Origin Liberty Village at 171 East Liberty Street quietly shuttered this week. (via The Grid)
  • Rosedale French bistro, Pastis (1158 Yonge Street) has closed as owner George Gurnon retires. (via Chowhound)

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com

Photo from Union Social Eatery's Facebook page

Ice storm projected to cost Toronto $106 million

0
0

Ice storm cost torontoA new report from the City of Toronto estimates that last month's devastating ice storm will cost the city approximately $106 million in damages and related clean up costs, a figure which is up considerably from earlier estimates of $75 million. In response to swelling costs, City Manager Joe Pennachetti is calling for Toronto to be declared a "disaster area" so as to qualify for the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

It remains to be seen whether or not Mayor Rob Ford's refusal to declare a state of emergency during and immediately after the storm will have any bearing on the City's chances for financial subsidy from the province and federal government. But, as the report makes clear, it sure would be nice to get some support. When one adds the costs incurred from the July floods, Toronto is out $171 million to storm-related damage this year. The report will go before council at a special meeting tomorrow. What do you think of our chances? Is relief on the way?

Ice storm cost breakdown:

Parks, Forestry and Recreation: $52,213,000
Solid Waste Management Services: $24,474,797
Toronto Employment and Social Services: $1,009,000
Transportation Services: $8,802,961
Toronto Water: $1,506,560
Other City Divisions: $1,703,477
Toronto Hydro: $13,900,000
Toronto Police Service: $245,000
Toronto Transit Commission: $700,000
Toronto Library: $53,996
Toronto Community Housing: $2,145,337
Toronto Zoo: $187,000

Photo by Andrea Williams in the blogTO Flickr pool

Condo of the Week: 301 Markham Street

0
0

301 Markham Street TorontoThis two-storey penthouse loft boasts a lot of living space, plenty of natural light and a prime Little Italy location. The Ideal Condo Building (that's it's name, just to be clear) at 301 Markham Street is comprised of 68 soft lofts that benefit from high ceilings and relatively low maintenance fees. This penthouse at #804 is definitely more condo-like than a true loft--the only industrial feature here is a metal and glass stair rail--but what it lacks in grit, it makes up for in size.

The corner unit has more than 1,300 square feet of floor space, including two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a long and skinny outdoor terrace. The floor-to-ceiling windows on each floor let in huge amounts of light, but since this is a mid-rise building the view isn't exactly expansive (hello, neighbouring parking lot). Although #804 is more plain and predictable than some of the other apartments in the building, its overall design is consistent, warm and livable.

It's hard to find much fault with the Little Italy location. The building is just one street west of the hub of College and Bathurst, and all neighbourhood amenities from bars to libraries are within walking distance. There's even a Shoppers Drug Mart right downstairs, so get ready for some major Optimum points.

301 Markham StreetSPECS

  • Address: 804-301 Markham Street
  • Price: $799,900
  • Sq-Ft: 1200-1399
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Parking: 1 underground space
  • Taxes: $5,445 (2013)
  • Maintenance fees: $907 monthly
  • Walk Score: 97

301 Markham StreetNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Building is less than 10 years old
  • Outdoor terrace with BBQ included
  • New hardwood floors
  • Tall windows with custom blinds
  • Storage locker in building

301 Markham StreetGOOD FOR

A buyer seeking highfalutin, modern style in a popular and established neighbourhood--but without the typical penthouse price tag. Another penthouse in this building (slightly larger, and somewhat fancier) was recently listed for $1.1 million, so, bidding war or not, this price seems like a bargain. Night owls and homebodies alike should be pleased by the space: the size and layout of this unit is conducive to both entertaining and quiet nights in.

301 Markham StreetMOVE ON IF

Keep the search going if you're after a penthouse with a stellar view of downtown. Most of these massive windows are north-facing, meaning you'll get diffused light and residential views rather than bright sun and skyscrapers. The terrace also looks down onto College Street, which can be fun on a summer evening but less-than-ideal when a streetcar loudly scrapes past at 4am.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

301 Markham Street301 Markham Street301 Markham Street301 Markham StreetRead other posts in this series via our Toronto Condos and Lofts Pinterest board.

10 frigid-looking photos of winter fog in Toronto

0
0

winter fog torontoWhile it is mercifully less cold today than the brutal spell we've endured recently (only -11C as I write this), it's tough to purge the image of our frozen city from my mind. As annoying as the deep freeze has been, it's also produced some beautiful effects, one of which is what I'll call winter fog for the sake of ease. Depicting both steam and sea smoke, these photos dramatically capture just how cold it's been in this city over the last few days. As always, congratulations to the photographers for capturing such stunning images of our city. Stay warm out there.

Get the shivers with this photo gallery of winter fog in Toronto.

What's the deal with The Fifth's new coffee shop?

0
0

The Fifth TorontoPubhouse, social club and now a cafe entice office workers around Richmond and John to grab a bite of their lunchtime nosh. Too bad the food is about as interesting as the cubicle they just escaped from, and the decor "Paris by way of early Home Sense," because the staff sure are sweet.

Read my take on The Fifth Cafe in the cafes section.

Is this a better logo for the City of Toronto?

0
0

Toronto logoDoes Toronto need a new logo? The city's current logo has been in place since 1998, and at least one Toronto designer thinks it's time for a change. Andy Edge's proposed logo is a clever design, shifting the "r" and the "n" on either side of the middle "o" in Toronto to look like the curved towers that encircle the council chamber at City Hall.

The new logo is meant to represent connected and close knit neighbourhoods (via the tight kerning of the type), and a version where the word Toronto is split with its mixed lower and upper case letters stacked is meant to represent the fragmentation of a city that's constantly under construction - which brings me back to my theory that our mascot should be a crane.

City of Toronto logoToronto's current logo adorns everything from garbage receptacles to official documents - if it's gotten stale, maybe the city ought to run a contest for a new logo similar to the 1970's competition to design our city flag.

What do you think - is this better than Toronto's current logo? Is it time for a change?

The top 10 handbag designers in Toronto

0
0

handbags torontoThe top handbag designers in Toronto bring a ton of talent to the Canadian fashion scene, and they're making inroads in a retail scene dominated by mid-priced juggernauts (Roots, Coach) and high-end trophies (everything they sell at Holts).

There's good reason to go local for your latest piece of arm candy, beyond giving a valuable boost to a small business (and, probably, saving a bundle on markup). Bags may be the most symbolic item in fashion: they're a signifier of taste, of lifestyle, and of how much cash you're really willing to sink into five pounds of leather and hardware.

Sling one of these independent creations on your arm, though, and you'll telegraph to the world just how plugged in you are to the Canadian fashion scene (while, of course, looking smashing).

Here are the top handbag designers in Toronto.

See also: The best vintage and designer handbags in Toronto

Ela
Designer Ela Aldorsson started her line hoping to hit the sweet spot between high street and high-end - elevated, but still within reach of the average buyer. It's working: Celebs are snapping up the made-in-Spain clutches, including the zipped Editor's Pouch and asymmetric-closure MILCK clutch, and Club Monaco recently started carrying them in stores.

Falconwright
Sandi Falconer and Danielle Wright's leather clutches and mini wallets are simple in shape and construction - but an ever-rotating selection of whimsical prints and bold colours adds visual zing. They're a favourite of design blogs and boutiques the world over; recently they even worked on an exclusive line of cardholders for J. Crew sister store Madewell.

Hoi Bo
You can't round up Toronto's best bags without mentioning Hoi Bo. Sarra Tang's line, based out of a studio in the Distillery, combines leather and waxed cotton into slouchy, quietly-cool bags jazzed up with ingenious folds and pleats.

Jessica Jensen
You'd be hard pressed to find anyone in town who can top Jensen's accessory design resume: She previously worked for Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein before launching her own line in 2008. Jensen makes everything from satchels and Bottega Veneta-style woven totes to wristlets and wallets, all of it skirting the line between minimal and glamorous (read: perfect everyday bags).

Jenny Bird
While Bird's primarily known for her edgy-bohemian jewelry line, she actually started out making handbags - it was casting the custom hardware that piqued her interest in working full-time with metal. She sporadically releases new bags, including a net-and-chestnut-leather collection for Spring 2013 that's the perfect foil to her city-meets-Coachella style.

Nella Bella
Here's one for the vegans - and the bargain hunters. Nella Bella's Tarek Al-Azbat works exclusively with faux leather, so the brand's totes, satchels, clutches and wallets don't break the bank (everything's priced under $150). The brand's design sense is decidedly minimal and classic, with little hardware or frills, but thrill-seekers can skip the neutrals and grab the same model in poppy jewel tones or party-ready metallics (or, heck, get one of each).

Sneha Varma
In the year and a half since launching her eponymous line, accountant-turned-bag designer Sneha Varma has earned nods from Elle Canada, FASHION and Flare (the Canadian fashion hat trick). It's easy to see why: Varma's clever use of details like ribbing and perforation and liberal doses of colour add a fun, sporty edge to her totes and clutches.

Opelle
Amy Malcolm's handmade leather bags are making waves, quietly popping up in Canadian fashion editorials and on the arms of the fashion-forward. She began with the Lotus, a gracefully-paneled, teardrop-shaped satchel, and expanded into a slew of bags all rendered in locally-sourced leather so soft, I'm always tempted to start stroking my computer screen while looking at their web store...

Jolie
Ivy Chen designs for the professional on the go: her handbags are kitted out with a telescoping handle and wheels, as well as plenty of interior compartments for those important documents. Jolie bags are trickling into stores around Toronto, but the line is already sharing virtual shelf space with the likes of Rebecca Minkoff and Diane Von Furstenberg on eLuxe.

Bookhou
Bookhou certainly doesn't limit themselves to handbags. The husband-and-wife design duo's Dundas West store is a one-stop shop for ceramics and textiles, all designed in-house. But their laid-back canvas-and-leather bags have been spotted on major design blogs around the world, and their signature black-and-white triangle pattern can be spotted (from a mile away) on fashionable arms around town.

Who did I miss? Plug your favourite local handbag designer in the comments below.

Photo of a Jessica Jensen handbag


E-bikes not allowed in Toronto bike lanes just yet

0
0

e bike toronto bike laneE-bikes won't be granted access to Toronto bike lanes just yet, after a recommendation before the City's public works committee was deferred this afternoon. The report in question makes a distinction between two type of electric bike -- smaller pedal-equipped versions vs. larger scooter-like models -- and recommends that the former be allowed everywhere that traditional bikes are allowed, including city bike paths and lanes. The latter would be banned from off-road and separated bike lanes/paths, but permitted to operate in lanes painted on-street.

The question of where e-bikes can safely operate has been hotly debated in Toronto since they've gained in popularity over the last few years, and it makes sense that the City make an effort to redefine what constitutes a bicycle in the municipal code to take account of these vehicles in a formal sense. The idea was to reach a compromise by distinguishing between lighter and heavier e-bikes, despite the fact that they are both capped at the same speed of 32kph.

Leading the charge to defer the motion was Councillor Mike Layton, who noted that there are still safety concerns related to the weight of e-bikes and their higher rate of average speed (most cyclists ride about 20kph). The committee agreed in voting 4-2 to defer the item. As such, no e-bike of any sort will be allowed in bike lanes or on bike paths for the foreseeable future.

What do you think of the decision? Where do e-bikes belong?

Photo by Roger Cullman.

A Dry Water Park

The top 5 hip hop radio shows in Toronto

0
0

Hip Hop Radio in TorontoThe top five hip hop radio shows in Toronto share a few things in common - they're mostly in the evening (no one wants to wake up to hip hop? Not buying that) and they're almost all on CIUT - which isn't a bad thing. Yes, many people still listen to the radio, but in a world where the airwaves are overwhelmingly dominated by Top 40, it can be hard to know how to get yourself into that hip hop state of mind. We've done the digging for you - here are the best hip hop radio shows in Toronto.

Stylistik Endeavours 89.5FM CIUT - Fridays - 8pm - 10pm
With musical selections from DJ Fase, longtime staple of Toronto's club and radio DJ scene, alongside Sweet Touch Foundation and host Theo 3, this show shines light onto hip hop culture across its various forms. You'll hear both new and old, popular and underground, as well as a sprinkle of local talent. Tune in!

Back Road Radio 105.5FM CHRY - Mondays - 6pm - 8pm
Monday nights just got better - DJ Big Jacks and DJ Royale of Grand Groove DJs make some mean mixes on a weekly basis, all of which get posted online for free download after the fact. These guys keep their ear to the underground and definitely showcase some of the grittier side of rap music - to get an idea of their play selection check out their final show of 2013 here.

Higher Ground 89.5FM CIUT - Thursdays - 8pm - 10pm
As we all know, at its inception hip hop music was heavily influenced by breakbeats and samples from other genres, so although you might not hear hip hop on these two shows, they zero in on the sounds that built the genre's foundation. On Thursday nights Jason Palma takes listeners on a journey through the world of jazz, soul, raregroove, house, and more.

Stolen Moments 89.5FM CIUT - Tuesdays - 3pm - 5pm
If you're already a fan of Stylistik Endeavors but want to get your figurative fingertips dusty then you should tune into DJ Fase's other show on Tuesday afternoons. He lets you dig through his crates filled with jazz, funk, soul, R&B, reggae, and house. Producers who aren't scared to sample could walk away from these shows with some serious ideas.

Masterplan Show 89.5FM CIUT - Saturdays - 8pm - 10pm
No Toronto hip hop radio show list could be complete without mentioning the Masterplan Show. They've been doing their thing since 1989 bringing 15,000 watts of hip hop power banging in your head top. Rolling into their 26th year on the air, DJ Romeo and Lodi Dodi steer the ship right now.

Photo of Jhené Aiko by John Kivellote & Rose Joy Kivellote

Toronto Food Events: Beard of Zeus launch, Momofuku hosts La Carnita & The HOTB, La Poutine Week

0
0

Toronto Food EventsToronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events, festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

  • Bean Link and Lazy Daisy's Cafe (1515 Gerrard Street East) host a coffee, chocolate and beer tasting tonight Friday, January 10th. The evening will offer flights featuring three samples of each for $20. Tonight's event is sold out but the plan is for the series to become a monthly feature.
  • Karma Food Co-op (739 Palmerston Avenue) hosts the Ethical Eater's Dilema on Saturday, January 11th at 1pm. The event is a meet and greet with Martin de Groot, founder of Mapleton's Organic Dairy who will speak to why he converted from conventional to organic farming.
  • Carrot Common (348 Danforth Avenue) host Nature's Course - Fun With Food on Sunday, January 12th. The family friendly afternoon event will feature a food based workshop and seminar starting at 1pm.
  • Great Lakes Brewery launches a new Tank Ten series beer, Beard of Zeus on Thursday, January 16th from 5pm to 8pm at 30 Queen Elizabeth Boulevard before it hits the shelves at the LCBO.

UPCOMING

Photo from West Coast Poutine.

10 queer Toronto bands you should be listening to

0
0

Queer Toronto bandsToronto's got it good when it comes to a supply of talented queer bands and musicians. But what does it mean to be a queer musician? What makes these artists different than any others? Like all minorities, there are differences in certain ways we experience life, especially when it comes to love, loss, and relationships. These musicians provide a voice for our stories. Perhaps you can relate to the downfalls of having PMS to the power of two. Or, you know what it's like to pretend you don't recognize your barista from Grindr. Whatever it may be, what I'm trying to say is this - queer musicians have a way of putting our experiences into just the right words.

Names like Diamond Rings, Ohbijou, and Owen Pallett are pretty much on everyone's radar, so this list sets out to highlight those who aren't quite as widely known. The following ten bands and musicians range from veterans of the industry to young up-and-comers; all possessing the ability to create outstanding music.

The Cliks
Lead-singer Lucas Silveira is a hero in the queer community, becoming the first "out" transgender man ever signed to a major record label. Since 2004, The Cliks have released four albums, performed on national late night TV, and have toured with Cyndi Lauper, The Cult, and The New York Dolls. The band is continually developing, and their latest album, Black Tie Elevator, has a matured blues-rock sound that has taken them in a whole new direction.

Gentleman Reg
Over the past decade, Gentleman Reg's career has skyrocketed. He first gained recognition by lending his music to the hit show Queer as Folk, and the cult film Short Bus. In 2008 he signed to Arts & Crafts, where he released the albums Little Buildings and Jet Black. He has spent a lot of the last three years working on his latest release Leisure Life, launching his side project, Light Fires, and collaborating with influential acts like Broken Social Scene and Tegan and Sara.

Courtney Lynn
In the last four years, Courtney Lynn has taken her poetic solo-project to venues like The Drake Hotel, Rivoli and The Cameron House. She's opened for The Strumbellas, Dan Griffin of the Arkells, and Forest City Lovers. Her expertly crafted independent debut The Green Wood Symphony has a quirky modern folk feel, and was recognized with a nomination for Best Acoustic Song by the Independent Music Awards.

Steph Bosch
Keep your ears open for this multi-talented lady, she's about to be everywhere! You may have heard of her band, The C'mons, who were listed as one of BlogTO's break out bands of 2013. They are set to release their second EP this February, and they'll be hitting up NXNE, and Toronto Pride later this year. Aside from the band, Steph has lent her vocals to collaborations with Tre Mission, Richard Beynon, and David A. Under the name Thes, the launch of her ambient solo project is under way. She's currently working on her debut EP with Montreal producer xSDTRK, and you can get a taste of her vocals on his tune "Powder".

Mitchell Moffit
Mitch is a self-taught singer, producer, and composer who makes the kind of music that hooks you after only one listen. He recently recorded an EP with intentions to focus on his budding music career, while at the same time his YouTube channel AsapSCIENCE received a casual 2 million subscribers. He's a little busy at the moment, but plans to pursue more writing and performing in the near future.

Kelly McMichael and The Gloss
Kelly is hugely sought after musician - she's performed with Gentleman Reg, Ohbijou, Sarah Harmer, The Hidden Cameras, Forest City Lovers, Allie Hughes (ALX), The Magic, and Devon Sproule. Kelly is responsible for the electro-pop band Rouge who played several Canadian music festivals and toured regularly between Ontario and St. John's, NL. Now with a project under her own name she's released a 5 song EP, Liminal, recorded with Ohbijou's James Bunton, and she's been playing frequently with The Gloss regularly to promote it.

The Fox and the Moon
This trio is representin' the folkier side of things. The group met in school at Recording Arts Canada, where they found their singing and songwriting talents to be perfectly complimentary. They are new to the Toronto scene, but their polished sound has gained them headlining slots galore. In less than a year, they've appeared at Lee's Palace, Cherry Cola's, Rivoli, The Central, The Cameron House, and played for the Folk Music Ontario Conference. Keep an eye on these folks, they are just getting started.

Molly Thomason
This 19-year-old has an astounding number of accomplishments already under her belt. She's received multiple nominations for Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music awards, and has achieved finalist slots in the John Lennon Songwriting and International Song contests. She won Young Performer of the Year at the 2011 Canadian Folk Music Awards, as well as the She's the One competition at the 2012 Ottawa Bluesfest, and the Emerging Artist Series at Summerfest in 2013.

Boy Pussy
If you frequent The Beaver, you probably have seen this sassy powerhouse performer. Boy Pussy hosts parties all over the city, decked out in drag, working his husky tone, singing songs about gender, love, and - you guessed it - sex.

Lisa Bozikovic
Lisa was named one of CBC's top artists to watch in 2010, and since then, she's opened for Ohbijou across Canada, collaborated with Stevie Jackson (Belle and Sebastian) , and played festivals all over the country. Her 2012 release This is How We Swim was recorded by Heather Kirby (Ohbijou) and features members of Timber Timbre, Bry Webb and Muskox.

Photo of The Cliks by J.J. Deogracias

Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images