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What the Sutton Place Hotel was like on opening day

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toronto sutton placeThe Sutton Place Hotel, the former luxury residence at Bay and Wellesley that's currently auctioning off its TVs, couches, fireplace mantles, brass wall sconces, anything that isn't bolted down (and some stuff that is,) was, in the 1960s, undoubtedly the most prestigious place to spend the night in the city.

Liberace and Sofia Loren stayed there, and in later years so did Michael Jackson, Robin Williams, and other stars of stage and screen lured by massive suites furnished in gleaming crystal and polished Italian marble. Even the soap wrappers were custom made.

In a few years the building, once a focal point of the Toronto International Film Festival during its years in Yorkville, will be completely stripped back and reshaped into the Britt Condos.

toronto wellesley schoolThe 32-storey hotel tower was built in the mid-1960s on the site of the gorgeous and thoroughly intimidating Wellesley Public School, a gothic revival masterpiece that stood on an old creek bed. Builders had to lower the water table beneath the site by some 6 metres and install permanent pumps in the basement to keep out water prior to construction.

Thanks to a promotional supplement published in The Globe and Mail, we have detailed information about the physical structure of the building. The concrete and steel supporting structure weighed 36,000 tonnes and was 113 metres from its deepest excavation point to the top of the roof. At it's narrowest point, the building was just 20 metres wide.

The project represented a $12 million investment for its owners, who had earlier considered building apartments on the site. But the building was never about outward beauty.

When the Toronto Sutton Place Hotel opened in the summer of 1967, one in a chain named for an affluent Manhattan neighbourhood, there were 225 guest rooms and dozens more luxury apartments on the upper floors: A combination of "old-world charm and space-age elegance," the advertisers said. "The new showplace of Toronto."

"Sutton Place has Spanish bedspreads and English coach lights and two year-round swimming pools and every item in the hotel was custom ordered," the hotel boasted. "This includes 100 dozen dinner plates and 50 dozen tablecloths and 400 gold nylon shower curtains and 8,100 square yards of broadloom [carpet] and 120 escargot clamps for eating snails."

In the lobby, a 6,000 prism chandelier hung near a 23-metre historical mural that depicted the first 100 years of Canada's history. The plexiglass, gold, silver, and copper piece by Philadelphia artist Shirley Tattersfield was, for reasons that aren't entirely clear, designed to be practically indestructible. It could withstand 990 Celsius temperatures and blows from a sledgehammer, she said. "It'll last longer than anything in the hotel."

There was a pub-style lounge, a dining room, a coffee house, a banquet hall, and 650 square metres of office space that overlooked a sun patio. Up on the roof, the highest neon sign in Toronto (Sutton Place was the 4th tallest building in the city in 1967) spelled out the name of the hotel in massive 2.5 metre letters.

toronto sutton placePeople with enough money to stay at Sutton Place were pampered by a team of impeccably uniformed staff, several of whom had European training, a fact the hotel was eager to point out. Ellen Harris, the manager of the hotel cafe, literally wrote the book on customer care - Professional Restaurant Service - and all waitresses were sent away on an intensive seven-day training course in proper serving techniques.

Continuing the tradition of importing just about every fixture, apparently just for the sake of calling it "imported," the bedrooms were decked out in a dizzying mix of materials: Mediterranean bedspreads, bamboo drapes from San Francisco, ceiling lights from Hamburg, and Swedish table lamps. "All told, more than 56 countries contributed products or materials," hotel management said.

On the ground floor, the massive stainless steel main kitchen, commanded by head chef Stanley Wieczorek, offered 1960s delights like "pheasant under glass" - pheasant breast in a rich mushroom, wine, cognac, and cream sauce shielded under a cover until it's ready to be eaten. The Sutton Place version was served with a special pheasant-shaped plush that looked a like a tea cosy.

The crowning feature of the Sutton Place tower was Stop 33, the top-floor cocktail lounge, restaurant and observation deck topped with a "midnight sky" ceiling of some 2,700 tiny individual light bulbs.

56 floor-to-ceiling windows provided panoramic views of the city at a time when there were few other tall buildings to obstruct the vista. The obsidian towers of Mies van der Rohe's TD Centre, the curving clasp of City Hall, and the Canadian Bank of Commerce building were the only obstructions to the lake.

toronto sutton placeBut it wasn't all monogrammed towels and room service. The opulent surroundings were rocked just three months after opening day when a bomb hidden inside the box spring bed of stock promoter Myer Rush exploded, blasting glass, bedding, and shrapnel from a sixth floor window into the street, shortly before 4 AM on Nov. 10 1967.

Rush, who was due in court the next morning to face charges in an alleged $100 million stock fraud, was critically injured: "His head, chest, and side were caved in by the force of the explosion," wrote the Toronto Star. "He was moaning 'help me, please help me,'" Fire Captain John Bird said. Paramedics thought he had a 10 per cent chance of survival.

The bomb had been hidden under the mattress in room 615 and wired to a dime-store alarm clock. Rush - who was "built like a box" and spoke as if he had "gargled with ground glass" - had probably been sleeping on top of it for close to four hours. The force of the explosion left him crumpled against the door of the room; firefighters had to break it down because the night latch was still on.

The stock promoter who had long been under police suspicion was a popular target: Earlier in the year he had been asked to select from a police line up the man who had worked him over with a baseball bat and stolen $9,000 of his money. He made his choice by punching the culprit in the face.

Amazingly, Rush survived the attempt on his life and continued his life of nefarious dealings, fleeing overseas before eventually returning to Canada in 1969 to face a 10-year jail sentence.

The Sutton Place Hotel was open for 45 years. It closed for the last time in June 2012.

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

Image: Sutton Place Hotel, City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Public Library


The top 15 spring running events in Toronto for 2014

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spring running events torontoSpring running events in Toronto tend include some of the finest organized runs the city has to offer, not to mention this is the only time you're guaranteed to avoid blizzards or sweltering Summer saunas. Embrace the limited weather variables and set your shoes to gallop, trot, or jog (or is it yog? I think it might be a soft j).

Before you start carb-loading, read up on what run suits you best. Most are affiliated with some type of charity and have varying lengths of agony. And, hey, once you hit the finish line, you'll feel mentally euphoric even if you're physically fading.

Here are the top spring running events in Toronto.

Harry's Spring Run Off - Saturday April 5th
A perennial early spring favourite, Harry's Spring Run-Off benefits Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation's quest to conquer prostate cancer with an 5K or 8K run through the pedestrian-friendly roads of High Park. Kids are welcome.

Lovely Spring 5K Run/Walk - Sunday April 6th
Another great early option, the Lovely Spring Run/Walk is a swift 5K through the soon to be demolished Ontario Place in support of mental wellness. The run is a tie-in for Wayne Cho's recent run across Canada to raise awareness on the stigma associated withy anxiety and depression. A kids run and 5k and 1k options make this run a walk in the park.

Toronto Yonge Street 10K - Sunday April 13th
This fan favourite starts uptown, just north of Eglinton and finishes up on Fort York Boulevard by Bathurst. This run has been bounced around with different sponsors and charities for the past 26 years but always makes for a fun and fast route through the streets of downtown, and with the winners from last year running the 10K in a blistering 30 minutes, this downhill course is a great way to feel good about your early season form.

RUN Wild- George Brown College & Start2Finish - Saturday April 12th
Run Wild is a fundraising run (or walk) organized by George Brown students promoting both Start2Finish (child poverty) and a scholarship for George Brown College's Special Events program. Kicking off near Queens Park, this easy 5K or 2.5K is a slam dunk, with free food at the finish line and face painting for those looking to 'Tyson' up.

MEC Race One - April 13th
If you're looking for something a bit more challenging, Mountain Equipment Co-op offers a waterfront run in 5, 10 and 15K lengths the very next day. Starting at Coronation Park and looping along the Martin Goodman Trail, it could be a chilly affair if the weather doesn't cooperate. On the contrary, a jaunt by the lake could be the perfect spring activity if the sun is out. Cost is $15.

Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women - Saturday April 26th
Looking for a local run outside of the concrete corridor? Well you won't have to worry about falling condo glass up here in scenic Unionville, home to the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women in support of mental wellness. Starting and finishing on Main Street in Unionville, lady runners can choose from the 1, 5, or 10K run/walks.

3rd Annual Bum Run - Sunday April 27th
Corporate sponsor Bio K+ has organized this cheekily named run with proceeds benefiting and raising awareness on the silent but deadly colon cancer. With a lovely 5K track around Queens Park, this timed run includes some swanky prizes and all runners receive a medal.

10th Annual Cadillac Fairview 5K - Sunday April 27th
This charity run through the beautiful Sunnybrook Park grounds is in its 10th year, with proceeds going to POGO (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario). CF is hoping to raise $250,000 to help kids with cancer receive state of the art care and treatment. With an easy 5K run, or 1K run for the kiddies, this feel good event is family friendly, even your pooch can tag along.

CMCC 10K and 5K Run/Walk - Sunday April 27th
Starting at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, near Leslie and Sheppard, this 5K run/walk or 10K run supports Canadian Chiropractic's clinical and research program and chiropractic education. The route combines scenic off road terrain as well as city streets for a lethal combo of hills and hikes. Runners get cool swag, t-shirts as well as a free crack (for your back) at the finish line.

Spring into Action for Diabetes - Saturday May 3rd
Leaside's annual Spring into Action for Diabetes with Insideout Health & Fitness is hosting its 9th Annual walk or run for Diabetes at Sunnybrook Park in support of diabetes related research and support. 2KM, 5KM, 10KM routes will take you through the gravel dusted paths of the park. Come early for some sugar free fun including a morning yoga session and breakfast with a BBQ lunch after the race.

Mississauga Marathon - May 3rd and 4th
This major marathon is a mostly downhill course starting at Mississauga's City Hall, and makes its way across the Credit River meandering through Mississauga before winding along the scenic Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail, finishing at Lakefront Promenade Park. This two day event is a serious run with a cash prize for top finishers maxing out at $2500 and a qualifier for the prestigious Boston Marathon. Routes go from 2K, 5K, 10K, relay, half marathon and marathon.

Goodlife Toronto Marathon - Sunday May 4th
This is the big one, with marathon runners and newbs alike descending on the closed streets of downtown like running from the zombie apocalypse. With distances starting at 5K up to half and full marathons and juicy cash prizes this marathon is not to be missed. Starting out at North York City Centre (or Mel Lastman Square) this intense marathon ends at Ontario Place, or until your knees give out, whichever first. Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is the marquee charity, though a host of others benefiting as well.

Sporting Life 10K - Sunday, May 11th
The Sporting Life 10K Run barrels down the Yonge Street corridor all in support of Camp OOCH, a great charity that sends kids with cancer to camp. Starting uptown and heading south, this mainly downhill race finishes at Fort York near Bathurst.

Colour me Rad - Saturday May 31st
This fun run is as close to a bad trip as you can get, with a 5K in and around Downsview Park and a liberal dousing of coloured corn starch. Already almost sold out, this psychedelic trip is will leave you a colourful mess, but is also a modest physical challenge. The run benefits the Big Brothers and Sisters of Toronto.

Runway Run - June 14
This one won't let you go long, but the setting is sure to intrigue. Taking place at Pearson International Airport, as the name suggests, this 5K run takes place right on the tarmac. You can pretend you're in a James Bond movie chasing after a villain who's about to blow up a plane. Or you can fret about the noise of plane traffic overhead. Either way, it'll be tough to get bored.

Photo by PLTam in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Cookbook Store closing the end of an era

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Cookbook StoreWhen the Cookbook Store closed earlier this month after thirty-one years in business, it wasn't just the story of independent bookselling in Toronto that moved one step closer to writing its final chapter. Situated at the northern bookend of one of the last original retail storefront blocks north in Yorkville, the Cookbook Store embodied not just the story of how we've cooked and eaten for three decades, but also how an already affluent shopping district evolves without either going up or down the social ladder.

There had already been a cookbook store at the corner of Yonge Street and Yorkville Avenue when store owner Alison Fryer and owner Josh Josephson took over the space in 1983. On a snowy day just after the store's final day the empty shelves on the wall are the same ones left behind by Books For Cooks - the same ones Fryer had to fill with new stock, after contacting distributors and convincing them that they were going to succeed where the previous store had not.

It was before the internet and even computerized inventory, when rare books had to be ordered by writing a letter to a publisher in Europe, Fryer recalls, and mail orders from customers took weeks, not hours, to fill.

"The only thing I have in common between now and then is that I'd sweep the sidewalk and turn on the lights," Fryer tells me. "Everything else has changed,"

Across the street, the Central Reference Library was just six years old, and Fryer's closest bookselling neighbour was Albert Britnell Books, in business for over nine decades by then, and the Cookbook Shop sat at the end of a very bohemian block.

Alongside quirky businesses like Thompson's homeopathic emporium - on Yonge Street for nearly 120 years in the early '80s - was just down the row, alongside Av Isaacs' and Carmen Lamanna's galleries, which had relocated to Yorkville from the beatnik village on Gerrard, and the Fiesta Restaurant, an old diner recently given a new wave makeover, was a hangout for art collective General Idea.

"When we opened we had a lot of government offices here - don't forget Workmen's Comp used to be here," Fryer remembers. "A lot of head offices used to be here, so a lot of professionals would come in at lunchtime. Now they've all moved out, and what replaced them was a lot of residential, so we had the condominiums."

"The galleries left, the cultural side left, which was sad. I do miss those one-off shops - knitting stores like Calico Cat. Geddy Lee's wife Nancy Young had (fashion design company) Zapata above us. Fun, artistic, creative people - I miss that. You could walk to eight different bookshops in a couple of blocks."

In the meantime, the store got to ride the wave of Toronto's gastronomic revolution - a time when cheques we'd written in the '70s claiming that the city was shedding its closed on Sundays/steak and baked potato reputation were finally being cashed.

Jamie Oliver at the Cookbook StoreIt was a time when houses started getting sold based on their kitchen renovations and not a finished rec room in the basement, and when we suddenly had a generation of our own "celebrity chefs" running kitchens - people like Jamie Kennedy, Greg Couillard, Marc Thuet and Susur Lee.

Interest in cooking exploded beyond dog-eared copies of The Joy of Cooking or the Betty Crocker cookbook and the tiny group of food freaks who'd read Elizabeth David and watched Julia Child on American television.

"Timing was everything," Fryer remembers. "We were in the right place at the right time. But we also decided we'd become part of a larger community. A lot of people would come into the store in the '90s and ask 'Is this how big it is?' But you think big, even if you look small. We always wanted to be part of a community and educate people."

Nigella Lawson at the Cookbook StoreFryer doesn't blame new technology or the appearance of 24/7 food television for the changes that would eventually force the store to close. The store's golden period in the '90s probably got a boost from the rise of the Food Network, she says, which saw her putting on major events when TV chefs like Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Anthony Bourdain would come through town.

It was at one of their first signings, with Emeril Lagasse at the then-new Loblaws on Queen's Quay, that Fryer knew something big was happening. "We had a lineup of about 1500 people. He signed for six hours - it was insane. And it was completely different demographics - young, old, stay at home, career people. It was incredible. That really showed me the diversity, and they weren't reading Gourmet magazine - they were watching the Food Network."

On the day I visit, the shelves are empty and the rows of dusty wine bottles that lined them - souvenirs of memorable meals by staff and patrons - are boxed up, ready to be shipped to George Brown's culinary school. The building - most of the block, in fact - is due to become part of One Yorkville, a condo complex that's supposed to preserve the vintage storefronts facing Yonge. Fryer has given her folder of old photos of the building, a gift from the family of a long-gone tenant, to the restoration architects working on the project.

The store will go out with one last hurrah - a pot-luck dinner for staff and patrons tomorrow (Mar. 23) in the empty store. Fryer says that they knew that the condos were coming, but that it was really the juggernaut of online book retailing that's writing the final page for specialty bookstores like the Cookbook Shop, which is going away to join niche stores like Longhouse Books and Edward's Books & Art in the city's retail history.

"We're at Yonge and Bloor - this is where density should be. People ask 'Are you mad at the condo developers?' I'm not mad at all. I'm not bitter. We've had 31 years. If someone said, Alison, you're going to start this project which is kind of crazy if you think about it, and you're going to do this for the next 31 years. Here's the people you're going to meet, here's where you're going to eat - all those things. I would have said sign me up. We got to live our dreams for the last three decades."

Street Style: 15 spring looks at Toronto Fashion Week

A look back at Toronto Fashion Week

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Toronto fashion weekAfter a weeklong whirlwind of presentations from some of Canada's finest designers, World MasterCard Fashion Week has finally drawn to a close. Media, industry members and fans were treated to some stellar collections, as well as a few surprises: a collection that included a prosthetic limb at VAWK, live musical performances (a string quartet at Sid Neigum, rap at G-SUS and experimental loops at Krane), and sexy janitors in leather coveralls sweeping up fake leaves at Mackage. (Yep, that really happened.)

Here's a final look back at some of the week's best shows and backstage moments.

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

The top 10 looks from Toronto Fashion Week Fall 2014

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best of toronto fashion weekDespite what you may think, World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto isn't just a good excuse to wear a ridiculous hat, a great place to people-watch, or the number one hotbed for diva behaviour. Believe it or not, the 5-day spectacle revolves around the nation's most talented designers. For the Fall 2014 season, they brought all things Canadian to the table: quilted fabrics of every kind, plaids in rich hues, and a hell of a lot of fur.

Though every emerging and established name deserves a cookie for their hard work and effort, there were a handful of looks that blew showgoers out of the water.

Here are my picks for the top 10 looks from World MasterCard Fashion Week.

Leave it to Beaufille's Chloe and Parris Gordon to come up with a new way to merge edgy with feminine - the soft textures of this rust-coloured ensemble (top photo) perfectly juxtapose its rock 'n' roll silhouette.

best of toronto fashion weekAlthough there's nothing groundbreaking about a 3-piece suit, Christopher Bates used impeccable tailoring, a tiny navy check, and an unconventional model to make this ensemble all sorts of badass.

best of toronto fashion weekNewcomer Joseph Helmer sent a slew of sparkly, tulle-teemed looks down the runway, but this more understated outfit is the one that caught my eye. The full lace skirt perfectly compliments the tailored blouse's silver embroidery, and the silhouette is immaculate.

best of toronto fashion weekLine Knitwear specializes in, well, knitwear, and it shows. The subtle fuzz (yes, that's an official term) of this sweater bounces off the mini skirt's spiderweb-like texture. Plus, designers John Muscat and Jennifer Wells somehow made booty shorts look elegant, and that always deserves a gold star.

best of toronto fashion weekSeason after season, Mackage's Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan parade a full collection of leather-laden looks, but - due to the nature of the material - the brand thrives during the fall/winter. I love how the head-to-toe blue-green plaid is broken up with smooth black leather.

best of toronto fashion weekAn appliqué-adorned skater dress is nothing we haven't seen before, but Nikki Wirthensohn of Narces executed this sheer, nude number exquisitely. It's almost as if the black flowers are floating over the model's skin.

best of toronto fashion weekAn oversized, sparkly 2-piece usually screams Value Village, but Pink Tartan's version is one of the good finds. Its Persian lamb texture and sheer accents make this look shine in every sense of the word.

best of toronto fashion weekLaura Siegel's fall 2014 collection of ethically produced garments was - as usual - the epitome of bohemian chic. The understated mix of textures and flowy-yet-structured silhouette are both charming and wearable.

best of toronto fashion weekThis all-black look from Mackage is anything but boring. Eran and Elisa threw quilted leather and shiny fur into the mix for ample visual interest.

best of toronto fashion weekKnown for his off-the-wall aesthetic, Sid Neigum opened with a gorgeous ivory dress-cape hybrid akin to a large-scale paper sculpture.

Photos by George Pimentel, courtesy of World MasterCard Fashion Week.

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

Willowridge Towers

Your photos from WMCFW Fall 2014

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wmcfwWMCFW has come and gone for another year. By most accounts, the past 7 days has been a successful rendition of the twice annual event that sees many of Canada's top designers show us their vision for what some will be wearing 6 months from now. As always, the pit at the end of the runway is jam packed with photographers jostling to get the best shot, but as has been the case in recent times it's the audience's smartphones that are capturing the bulk of what we see.

Earlier this week we asked our Instagram followers to show us their best shots from Toronto Fashion Week. Here's a rundown of some of our favourites. Top photo by jaynesmiles of Rudsak models on the catwalk reminding everyone what it looks like to be kick-ass.

wmcfwMonday's jam-packed action included VAWK, always a fan favourite. Here lindsayrhee framed some silhouettes on the catwalk.

wmcfwFall was in the air at the Mackage show as captured by biancavenerayan.

wmcfwExpect to see this Joe Fresh number in stores come September. dani_girlsofto was diggin' the parka and stripes.

wmcfwjaynessmiles showed us that Vancouver-based Madame Moje should have west-coasters lining up for these beautiful dresses.

wmcfwchristinetlu was seeing double at Matthew Gallagher.

wmcfwAnd again at Joe Fresh.

wmcfwdani_girslofto had her eye on the bridal wear by Mikael Derderian.

wmcfwMeanwhile, Nunoush gave us the rundown on the guys wearing Christopher Bates.

wmcfwIt was a packed house all week. Thanks to gracecham for the visual evidence.

See more photos from the week in our Toronto Fashion Week stream.

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.


Toronto gets another kid-friendly cafe

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kid friendly cafe torontoThe new cafe on Bayview is the latest entrant in the coffee shop/kids play space hybrid. With designated play areas for different age ranges, kids can get creative while their parents breathe a sigh of relief. And even for those without young ones, you can still grab a coffee and a light snack at one of the cafe tables.

Read my review of Play Cafe in the cafes section.

Free events in Toronto: March 24 - 30, 2014

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Free events in TorontoFree events in Toronto this week will allow you to pop by a circus freakshow, a bingo event featuring a drag star, a live concert in a library, and a short film fest -- not bad, Toronto, not bad. But since a little constructive criticism never hurt anyone, you could still use some work on the weather front, FYI.

If you're house-bound with a sinus infection (Wait! I'm not psychic or spying on you) check out the Book of Kells, which I (also sick) recently discovered is all online at hi-res for free. The only Toronto tie-in to that would be that it's pretty expensive to fly from Toronto to Ireland to see this baby in person.

For the rest of you, here are the week's cheap date (or anti-date) nights in Toronto.

A Decade's Dose of Imagery by Sam Javanrouh
Here's a special gallery show to drop in to. The Daily Dose of Imagery, Sam Javanrouh's photography website with a ten year run and fans worldwide, will take his work offline this Monday at an exhibit presented by Spacing Magazine. Read our interview with Javanrouh from 2013 here. Monday, March 24 - April 26, Urbanspace Gallery (401 Richmond Street West).

LUKA & Thom Gill & Tradition
Thom Gill's voice is one of Toronto's best. Catch him on this three-band-bill at cozy Holy Oak (just remember to toss whatever you can in the donation jar when it comes around). Tuesday, March 25, 9pm, Holy Oak Café (1241 Bloor Street West).

True Stories Told Live March
The March edition of this lively story-telling event is a no-notes, no bullshit outlet for the truth (or at least Mulder's version of the truth, which Scully cannot verify because she wasn't in the room at the time). One of the five speakers is a musician, who will include music with their story. Intriguing. Tuesday, March 25, 7:15pm, The Garrison (1197 Dundas St. West).

Punk Rock Bingo
Punk on the stereo all night, cheap alcohol, and drag queen Jenna Syde guarantee the total domination of bingo by fun. There's no cover plus plenty of drink specials and prizes to be had at PRB (last Wednesday of every month, so mark it down), and proceeds from bingo cards go to charity. Bonus: this is our Tinder date pick of the week. Wednesday, March 26, 9pm, Beaver Cafe (1192 Queen Street West).

Cinefranco
The film fests just never end in Toronto, and this weekend Cinéfranco, English Canada's largest showcase of international Francophone cinema, begins at The Royal. Royal films are all ticketed, but! March 26's program of Canadian shorts is free, free, free! It also includes a Q+A with the filmmakers. Learn more here. Wednesday, March 26, 6:30pm, Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton Street).

Pivot
Pivot, our lit pick of the week whether you're broke or not, is PWYC/suggested $5, but if you don't have the full five bucks don't worry, just be sure to donate what you can to these talented up and coming writers. Jeremy Hanson-Finger, Liz Lochhead (Scotland), Guillaume Morissette, and Stuart Ross are reading. Wednesday, March 26, 8pm, The Press Club (850 Dundas Street West).

Queer As Fuck
It's another PWYC (so not free, but come on, you have a polar bear or two kicking around in your purse) LGBTQ comedy night again at the Steady. The "Kathy Bates of Toronto Comedy," Catherine McCormick, hosts, the food is hot, the drinks are quick, and there's some kind of lottery going on. See the line up here. March 26, 9:15pm, The Steady Cafe & Bar (1051 Bloor St W).

Feedback Film Festival
Warning for eager film fans: not absolutely free, The Feedback Film Fest is a PWYC event: you can pay what you like for seats online here. Click that link for a full program of the shorts they'll be screening, too. Thursday, March 27, 7pm, Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton Street).

Spacing spring 2014 release party and Jane Jacobs Prize ceremony
Spacing's all bike-talk this month, and you can attend the launch party for free on Friday. Transportation is also free! Like, if you bike there. Or walk. Speaking of, the party will also honour the 2014 recipients of the Jane Jacobs Prize live. The winners will receive their awards and speak. Magazines are $9. Friday, March 28, 5:30pm, 918 Bathurst Centre (918 Bathurst Street).

Dark Universe
DJs Jay Holy, Nyles Miszczyk & J.M. Ladd are on the decks DJ-ing vinyl only at this kraut rock, experimental pop, and psych dance party. BUT. Show up after midnight, and you have to pay $5, probably to some guy who describes his personal style as "Neukölln." Yeah, at Smiling Buddha. Times, they are a-changing. So don't be late. Friday, March 28, Smiling Buddha (961 College St.), 10pm (free before midnight).

PUP & Alvvays Live in the Stacks
This is a treat for Toronto music fans: loud-as-hell PUP and indie-pop break outs Alvvays are going to play their music in the library for you, for free, brought to you by Toronto Public Library's Make Some Noise series. These events combine the best of both worlds: checking out cuties at indie shows where the lights are a little too bright, and checking out cuties at the library (except the lights will be a bit dimmer than usual). Saturday, March 29, Yorkville Branch (22 Yorkville Avenue).

We Will Riot
CINSSU is bringing you a free movie -- you know how this works! Together with the Canadian Lithuanian Youth Association CLYA they're screening We Will Riot, 24-year-old Lithuanian director Romas Zabarauskas NYC - Vilnius spanning love story about a DJ's quest to start an alternative night club in Lithuania. Saturday, March 29th, 1:30pm, Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue).

The Bazaar of the Bizarre: Circus Side Show 2014
Mental Floss Sideshow and Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement present an all day "Bazaar of the Bizarre," a circus-esque marketplace with a circus sideshow theme. You don't have to spend a dime to have a good time at the show: DJs will be spinning and there will be art to take in and friends to make. Sunday, March 30, 11am-8pm, Pia Bouman (6 Noble St).

Also check out these regular free events in Toronto

Photo via Daily Dose of Imagery

A brief history of the Horseshoe Tavern

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Horseshoe Tavern HistoryThere is no live music club in Toronto with more history attached to it than the Horseshoe Tavern. Beyond just longevity, the Queen West institution has played a central role in each generation of Toronto's music scene since the '50s, and continues to thrive. Even more impressive is that it's managed to maintain its unique country-bar-in-the-city identity, adjusting only slightly with each passing of the torch.

The building at 370 Queen West was originally built in 1861, and was initially a blacksmith shop (which is perhaps the source of its later name). It went through several other incarnations for many decades, including a shoe shop and a fancy goods store. It wasn't until 1947 that a change in Ontario's liquor laws inspired Jack Starr to convert it into a tavern, which opened December 9 of that year.

In the beginning, the focus was more on beer and food, but in the mid-50s Starr gutted the kitchen, built a stage and began booking country and rockabilly acts. Even as the rock'n'roll revolution swept the rest of the world, Starr continued to keep the focus on country acts by hiring Dick Nolan and his Blue Valley Boys as the house band, and by bringing in big name touring acts.

horseshoe tavern stompin tomThis first golden era of the 'Shoe was a great success, and attracted twang royalty like Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, the Carter Family, Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells and many more. It was also where a young Stompin' Tom Connors started building a name for himself. Connors played extended residencies at the Horseshoe, at one point hitting the stage for 25 nights in a row, and eventually recorded a live album as well as two concert films at the venue.

The 60s and early 70s saw folk acts like Ian and Sylvia becoming part of the mix, and rock acts like the Band also found a home there. However, trends were shifting, and Starr wanted to pass the reigns to someone else, so in 1976 local promoters the Garys (a.k.a. Gary Topp and Gary Cormier) took over operations and opened the doors to the emerging punk scene.

Their bookings were wildly eclectic, and far ahead of their time. You could catch proto-punk acts like the MC-5, the Cramps and Talking Heads, but also people like blues innovator Taj Mahal and a young Tom Waits. They famously brought the Police to Toronto for the first time in 1978, although they played to embarrassingly tiny crowds. Unfortunately, that kind of thing was more common than not, and the cutting edge approach wasn't paying the bills.

Horseshoe Tavern 1970sOn December 1, 1978, the Garys' reign came to an end with a bang. Their final night at the club featured some of the biggest names in the Toronto punk scene, but by the end of the Viletones' raucous set the mood was starting to get rowdy. One song into headliners Teenage Head's set, Gary Topp announced that the cops were shutting down the show, and the club erupted into a riot. The infamous night was captured on film and released as The Last Pogo, and is considered one of the defining moments of that era. The Garys would go on to become major players in the local concert promoting business, but at this point Toronto wasn't quite ready for them.

Horseshoe tavern 1970sThe venue struggled for several years after that notorious night. It was briefly a strip club and was also turned into a 50s themed dance club called Stagger Lee's for a period. It wasn't until 1983 that a new group of partners came in with a vision to turn the bar around and to bring the focus back to live music. Kenny Sprackman had already turned the Hotel Isabella into a new wave hotspot, and had struck up a friendship with Starr, who still owned the building. Sprackman teamed up with Michael Macrae and Richard Kruk (and according to some accounts Dan Aykroyd), and started a new era for the Horseshoe.

One of the things they brought to the table was to completely rethink how to approach booking. Instead of dealing with the musician's union, they offered bands the proceeds from the cover charge and kept the bar. This system is now fairly standard across Canada in live music bars, but at the time it was quite new, and provided opportunities for emerging acts that were willing to work hard to get a crowd out.

They also redesigned the layout, and created the separate front and back rooms we know today. But while they were making some big changes, country and roots music began to become more of the focus again, thanks to the explosion of the Queen West scene. Acts like Blue Rodeo (whose label Risque Disque was run out of the basement) and Handsome Ned were playing country with a punk-inspired attitude, which fit as well with the new wave bands as it did with the old time roots rockers.

Horseshoe Tavern 1980By the time the early 90s rolled around, the club was in transition again. Yvonne Matsell took over bookings, and focussed more on emerging folk rock acts like Lowest Of The Low, Rheostatics, Barenaked Ladies, and Moxy Früvous. However, the combination of the recession and the beginnings of the grunge boom hampered that approach, and by 1995 it was time for a major rethink.

Enter Jeff Cohen, who'd been building a name for himself as a booker at places like the El Mocambo and the Apocalypse club. Together with assistant Craig Laskey, they created Against The Grain promotions and brought a new energy to the club. Their combination of punk rock and alt-country fit in perfectly with the history of the venue, and CFNY personality Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nights on Tuesdays helped brand the bar as the place to go to see tomorrows stars.

Arkells HorseshoeYou might have stumbled upon Radiohead's Thom Yorke playing a solo set there in 1995, or maybe you remember early gigs by Arcade Fire, the Strokes, Billy Talent, the National, Death From Above, or Wilco (or maybe even Nelly Furtado). You probably didn't actually make it into the Rolling Stones' legendary 1997 "surprise" show, but you definitely heard about it, and probably know the legend of Dan Aykroyd and John Goodman doing security and working behind the bar that night.

Cuff the Duke HorseshoeSince the 90s, the partners took over sister club Lee's Palace, ATG joined forces with promoter Amy Hersenhoren to create Collective Concerts, and ownership of the venue shifted to Jeff Cohen, Craig Laskey and Naomi Montpetit. Still, the Horseshoe feels very familiar: twangy guitars are still blaring from the stage, Teddy Fury and Bob Maynard are still behind the bars, and Tyrone is still one of the friendliest bouncers in the city.

Horseshoe Tavern Ted FuryIn a city where so much history is torn down every month, it's comforting to see a living link to our cultural past continuing to thrive, and not just as a historical relic.

Lead photo by Patrick Cummins

The last 5 decades of style in Toronto

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history toronto fashionThe last 5 decades of style in Toronto are proof that our city's design community has long held a vibrant creative energy. There's a lot to be proud of: a history of great tailoring and craftsmanship, designers that have made magazine covers the world over, and -- in recent decades -- a local fashion industry that's been becoming steadily higher-profile, banding together and structuring itself to better support the city's best and brightest talent.

In honour of World MasterCard Fashion Week, I decided to take a look back at some of the need-to-know designers, stores, trends and fashion scenes from the last 50 years.

THE '60s

Toronto's fashion district on Queen West was experiencing a boom, thanks to an influx of tailors and seamstresses moving south from Kensington Market. Over on Gerrard, near Bay, the swath of parking lots near Toronto General Hospital was once a vibrant area of candy-coloured buildings where artists, designers and intellectuals congregated. A local boutique called the Unicorn sold muumuus and oddball imports; the owner, Marilyn Brooks, soon shot to fame around Canada with avant-garde pieces like vinyl jumpsuits and chain bras.

At the time, Toronto already had a rep as "Hollywood North" in the '60s, and designer Claire Haddad was called on to dress celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Mary Tyler Moore. (Taylor refused to be measured for the dress she was ordering, so Haddad asked an assistant to smuggle out one of her bras.)

THE '70s

In the '60s, Yorkville was a hippie mecca -- one an MPP decried as "a festering sore in the middle of the city". As the '70s dawned and the Bloor-Danforth subway line jacked up property values in the area, an influx of high-end stores swiftly displaced the bohemian community. In 1972, the Creeds department store, selling fur coats and European designers, set up shop on Bloor (in the space now occupied by Ashley's china shop); Holt Renfrew followed suit, moving to its current home on Bloor in the spring of 1979.

Down on Queen West, between Spadina and University, the city's burgeoning punk scene was taking over an industrial area vacated by fading textile manufacturing companies. In 1977, over in Cabbagetown, Alfred Sung opened a tiny boutique called Moon. In sharp contrast to the rise of punk, Sung -- who would come to dominate the Canadian fashion world -- offered mostly loose-cut clothes in sophisticated neutrals.

Sung aside, the '70s also gave rise to designers that remain household names today, including eveningwear designer Wayne Clark, and Linda Lundstrom, who's sold more than 125,000 of her staple La Parka coat over the past several decades.

THE '80s

If you want a window into Toronto's retail scene in the '80s, these truly incredible TV ads paint an incredibly vivid picture. But the city's fashion scene made some major strides during the '80s -- gains that are still seen today, including the founding of the Toronto Fashion Incubator, which still provides support to emerging designers, and the creation of the city's first fashion week.

The roots of our present-day fashion week appeared in 1985 in the form of the Festival of Canadian Fashion, a four-day tradeshow orchestrated by Steven Levy. (That year, a young label called Comrags caused a stir with their designs.) The festival flourished through the rest of the '80s, with the federal government actually footing the bill for 200 buyers from U.S. stores to fly in and check out the collections. But attendance and the number of shows shrank, and the festival eventually tanked in 1990.

The style quotient of Toronto television was upped considerably by the launch of Fashion Television, hosted by a young fashion journalist named Jeanne Beker. The program, with its irreverent, informative, fun take on the fashion world, ran for 27 years, cementing Beker's status as a Canadian fashion legend.

Earlier in the decade, Alfred Sung teamed up with a pre-household-name Joe Mimran to launch his eponymous line of clothing. By 1983, MacLean's was crowning him Canada's "king of fashion," and his designs were carried in department stores across North America. Club Monaco, a lower-priced line of basics, was Mimran and Sung's next project; the line was based at Bloor and Avenue Road until it was bought out by Ralph Lauren in 1999. (The original store, on Queen near Spadina, is still open.)

THE '90s

The city's fashion design scene was a bit fractured in the '90s, with a series of presentations scattered around town each season. Long-running Canadian designers like Marilyn Brooks and Simon Chang remained active, while a few new faces emerged. Joeffer Caoc and David Dixon, both recent Ryerson graduates, distinguished themselves with design awards. The Caten brothers, Dean and Dan, began designing for Diesel and Gianni Versace in the early '90s, before launching their own line -- which eventually became DSquared2, in 1994.

THE 2000s

The turn of the century marked a new chapter for the fashion industry in Toronto with the launch of a new fashion week, spearheaded by the non-profit Fashion Designers Council of Canada. The event's first iteration was run on a shoestring budget of $25,000; a decade later, it had grown into a massive event under the eye of FDCC chair Robin Kay. The event was held around Toronto before eventually settling into its current home in David Pecaut Square.

A few bold moves were made to draw the fashion world's eyes to Toronto: In 2004, the FDCC brought in venerable Italian design house Missoni for a retrospective runway show to mark the brand's 50th anniversary. The $150,000 cost was picked up by the city, the FDCC and the Italian Chamber of Commerce -- which ruffled a few feathers.

The city's flourishing fashion culture also saw the debuts of current-day Toronto fashion favourites like Philip Sparks, Greta Constantine, and Jeremy Laing (a local boy who made good under the tutelage of Alexander McQueen). Kimberly Newport-Mimran teamed up with her husband, Joe Mimran, to form Pink Tartan; later, Mimran himself launched Joe Fresh.

THE 2010s

The fashion scene in Toronto was set abuzz in 2012, when Kay handed over the reins of fashion week to international events management firm IMG. The change brought a new naming sponsor (say hello to World MasterCard Fashion Week) and an approach aimed at bringing the city's many "rogue" fashion events under one roof. With stellar new talent continually emerging from the city, we're eager to see where the rest of the decade takes us.

Photo by James Kachan from Toronto Fashion Week 2009.

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

The top 5 new designers at Fashion Week Fall 2014

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Toronto fashion week designersFor some designers, World MasterCard Fashion Week isn't just another multi-thousand dollar extravaganza, another notch on their celebrated belts -- it's a way for newcomers to break into the growing Canadian fashion industry in hopes to come out on top. Like Joe Fresh's humble grocery store beginnings or Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan of Mackage's elementary school friendship, everyone's gotta start somewhere.

Last week saw several emerging Canadian designers hit the Toronto runways for the first time. Here are the most promising new designers from Fashion Week Fall 2014.

Toronto fashion week designersOutclass
Despite being Outclass' first show since its OCAD thesis origins, the local menswear brand seemed to know exactly what they were doing this past Wednesday. From the garment construction to the model selection, Outclass definitely did what they set out to do: make a good first impression. Using a rich palette of gold, emerald, burgundy, and plaid (is plaid a colour?), designer Matteo Sgaramella delivered a well-rounded Fall 2014 collection of must-have staples.

Rating: 5 "416"-emblazed varsity jackets out of 5

Toronto fashion week designersToronto fashion week designersBrit Wacher
Brit Wacher is a B.C.-born, Montreal-based womenswear designer with a penchant for avant-garde silhouettes and interesting prints - and after runway stints in both cities, she gunned for the tents at David Pecaut Square. However, coming across her Spring 2014 lookbook before the show may have set my hopes up too high, because the construction and palette of her Fall 2014 collection ended up paling in comparison. Nevertheless, I'm still a fan; any Canadian designer that pushes the envelope deserves a pat on the back.

Rating: 3.5 balloon shoulders out of 5

Toronto fashion week designersToronto fashion week designersAnu Raina
Anu Raina, the textile artist responsible for the TTC subway scarf, paid homage to her city once again with her Fall 2014 collection. In a blend of blue and purple, she presented look after look dazzled with abstracted and overt Toronto cityscapes. The silhouettes could've been a little more inventive, but I guess she's always been about the prints anyway.

Rating: 3 doodle-y traffic lights out of 5

Toronto fashion week designersToronto fashion week designersHD Homme
After a small stint on the Mercedes-Benz Start-Up runway last season, menswear designer Hussein Dhalla of HD Homme wanted more. His first full-length show opened the second day of World MasterCard Fashion week with no shortage of satin lapels, jewel-tone velvet blazers, and classic black bow ties. Overall, his Fall 2014 vibe was prim and polished to a shine.

Rating: 4 slicked back hairdos out of 5

Toronto fashion week designersToronto fashion week designersMalorie Urbanovitch
Crowning Malorie Urbanovitch first place (along with Matière Noir) at last season's Mercedes-Benz Start-Up Competition was no mistake. The grand prize (mentorship and a sponsored runway show) really gave the Edmonton-based designer a platform to prosper; her Fall 2014 collection was luxurious, exquisite, and fun all at the same time. Featuring minimal silhouettes, unconventional textures, and a smattering of dull chartreuse and powder blue, the looks were uniforms I'd love to wear every day.

Rating: 5 knee-high socks out of 5

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

The 10 most outrageous looks from Fashion Week

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toronto fashion weekMost would agree that Canadian fashion is infinite levels of safe. And it's true; compared to its New York and Paris counterparts, World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto teems with humdrum pieces only made more exciting with dynamic styling and (some) fun colours. Although this is what works in our generally conservative country, there are a handful of designers who push (or try to push) the envelope using unconventional materials, avant-garde fabric treatments, and fur in bizarre places. Whether they left the audience smitten or stunned, these risk-takers deserve a round of applause.

Here are my picks for the most outrageous looks from World MasterCard Fashion Week.

After surviving this winter's polar vortex, it seems like Pink Tartan is ready for another. Designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran presented a flurry of bundled-up looks in her Fall 2014 show, but this portable sleeping bag takes the cake for the kookiest and cosiest.

toronto fashion weekAin't nothing like Mackage's cowboy Michelin Man to get you through a cold winter.

toronto fashion weekWorld MasterCard Fashion Week is no stranger to exposed nipples, which is why Anu Raina's chicken cutlet pasties were so perplexing.

toronto fashion weekOveralls recently made a comeback in the fashion world, but Toronto's been slacking on the trend - until now. Klaxon Howl finally took the plunge and sent this rather sharp rendition down the runway.

toronto fashion weekSid Neigum Fall 2014 was filled to the brim with architectural masterpieces, including this rust-coloured ensemble finished off with purposely-tattered edges.

toronto fashion weekNothing gets me as excited as a texture/print-heavy mass of fabric. So when this hot pink Mikhael Kale dress swept by under an equally busy motorcycle jacket, I went through the roof. Plus, its organza detailing reminds me of organs! Organza organs! What's not to love?

toronto fashion weekSnag a pair of Mackage's furry shorts for a warm bum next winter, but don't forget the bonnet to match.

toronto fashion weekWhen Sid Neigum's turtleneck maxi dress with long sleeves sashayed past me, I was both amazed and dazed - its shiny surface and fluid drape moved beautifully, like a metal sculpture come to life.

toronto fashion weekThe entire outfit is definitely something to contemplate, but when this look by Farley Chatto hit the runway, I couldn't stop wondering: are oversized fur mittens a thing?

toronto fashion week... Oh, I guess they are. Thanks for confirming, Pink Tartan!

Photos by George Pimentel, courtesy of World MasterCard Fashion Week.

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

Forever Yonge


Today in Toronto: Made With Love, PEN Picks, Sam Javanrouh, Hurricanes of Love, Loom, Holiday Rambler

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Today in TorontoToday in Toronto those of you searching for flavour will want to hit the Liberty Grand for the Made With Love mixology competition. Bottoms up! Burn Down The Capital presents an early and intimate concert at June Records featuring Loom Hurricanes of Love (USA), Governor General's Award winner Miriam Toews presents director Jeff Malmberg's Marwencol at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, and Urbanspace Gallery hosts the opening of an exhibition of Sam Javanrouh's TO-focused photography. For more events, click on over to our events section.

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 Music: Drake gets $300k, TURF, Holy F*ck, CMW lottery, Childish Gambino, Venus X, WTCHS

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

TURF Fest adds bands to line up
TURF, which will take place over three stages July 4 - 6th this summer, has added Beirut, Jeff Tweedy, and July Talk to an already stacked line up (Neutral Milk Hotel, Violent Femmes, Jenny Lewis, etc). Early bird tickets are available here.

OVO Fest receives $300,000 in provincial funding
Drake stirred up trouble in his hometown again last week, as people took note that while the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport's Celebrate Ontario didn't give a penny's worth of money to the 2014 Beaches Jazz Fest, it granted $300K to Drake's 2-day star-studded show OVO Fest at Molson Amphitheatre, which was previously all funded by Drizzy himself (because he loves us). Debate raged for a couple of days, but the clear financial solution is for Drake to promise to stop by the Beaches Jazz Fest and autograph some sweatpants.

CMW announces more bands
More bands! Send in those soulful and doleful schmotes by the bowlful, bands. Additions include Little Dragon, Born Ruffians, The Hidden Cameras, Hollerado, Brendan Canning, DIANA, The Strumbellas, The Balconies, The BB Guns, B-17, Tre Mission and more. The new addition list is here, or check out the full line up on over here. If you have like ten hours.

Canadian Music Week introduce lottery to get into hot ticket shows
CMW also announced a new lottery system which could be considered controversial, but CMW are not Drake, so no one noticed. BUT. If you want to see City and Colour, Neko Case, the 1975, Owen Pallett, and Mastodon gigs, take note. From their site: this "new program that offers wristband holders the chance to guarantee their spot at some of the larger shows during the festival. The Concert Lottery will be announced via CMW's social platforms: Twitter, Facebook and the CMW website along with an RSVP link for fans to follow." Weird? Good luck?

SiriusXM Indie Nominees announced
Check out the list by clicking above. Everyone from The Weeknd and deadmau5 to THE DARCYS (why all caps? Are they doing that now?), Maylee Todd, and July Talk have received nods. The awards show is May 10th.

New Toronto Songs & Vids

Holy Fuck - Sabbatics
Holy Fuck are back with their first new single in four years, a seriously great, Halloween-in-the-club track from their upcoming Australian Tour 7" which will drop April 24 on Mistletone.

WTCHS - Over Kilmer
WCHES are a Hamilton band who will hit Toronto this weekend and they're creeping on some mannequins in this video, which was maybe made before WTCHS were born, somehow. The track is from It's Not A Cross, It's A Curse! which is out on April 4th on Sonic Unyon.

BADBADNOTGOOD - Can't Leave the Night
The BBNG dudes put out this video featuring a pomo-in-cheek take on the usual music video lasers/champagne/confetti/fog tropes that's pretty endearing and original. Their album III is out on Innovative Leisure/Pirates Blend May 6th.

This Week's Hot Tickets

Mar 24, 25 | Childish Gambino | Sound Academy
Ex-Community star and stand-up comedian Childish Gambino has been pretty serious about progressing musically. He's coming to Toronto for back-to-back nights at the Sound Academy, starting tonight.

Venus X and GHE20GOTH1K | March 27 | Tattoo | $15
Yes, that GHE20GOTH1K. No, Rihanna isn't invited. Just kidding about that second part, but if she shows you know she's just gonna stand in a corner acting bummed that everyone's having a legendary time and not talking to her. More importantly: seapunk girl from Leslieville, will you be there? See more dance parties in our March dance parties post.

How to Dress Well | March 29 | Mod Club | $15
Tom Krell is finally returning to Toronto, and he's bringing Forest Swords with him because he's just that nice. While aliens three of four galaxies over can hear his surreal voice breaking on recordings, seeing him up close and personal is a whole different thing (though Mod Club won't be the bessst place for getting intimate, I trust that Krell can pull it off). It's okay to let go and cry.

Local Hot Ticket

WTCHS / Wolfcow / Huren / Slender Loris | March 29 | 9pm | Izakaya Sushi House
Trick pick -- three of these acts playing Izakaya Sushi House (294 College) are break-outs from Hamilton music scene. Then there are TO weird surf stars Wolfcow, who just dropped cleverly title This Was Wolfcow on Inyrdisc and are a must see if you're into witchcraft, Thee Oh Sees, or guys in skinny legged pants. Huren is terrifying and you can preview WTCHS in a video above. The show is a steal at $6.

What We Got Up To Last Week

Photo of Venus X via Electronic Beats

Nut & gluten-free cupcake shop opens on Bayview Ave.

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Tori and Cates CupcakesThe new cupcake shop wants to celebrate life with anyone willing to take a bite of their scrumptious little cakes. Vegan, gluten-free, diabetic and parve-friendly options open up a world of cupcake possibilities.

Read my review of Tori and Cate's Cupcakes in the bakery section.

DJ Harvey casts 4 hour spell on Foundry's dance floor

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DJ HarveyToronto's Foundry series is only two weeks into it's 2014 season, but it seems like it's been running for much longer. This might be because last minute changes that the festival has deftly navigated (finding a replacement venue for the Tower Automotive Building at 99 Sudbury with just days to opening night), yet it's more likely because each night has imparted unique memories.

Anthony Shakir and Four Tet balanced Detroit's techno history with the joyous spontaneity of 2014's new DJ tools, and Purity Ring delivered vogue-inspired runway beats from Brenmar and Kingdom, challenging a crowd to shake it at 140 bpm. Likewise, Friday's Cosmin TRG and Efdemin show demonstrated the natural chemistry of two seasoned veterans playing around with sound and texture. Still, as great as it's been, DJ Harvey's set last night easily takes the cake as the festival's unforgettable highlight.

DJ HarveyObligatory accolades go to Members Only, who served the difficult task of warming up a room with an unpredictable headliner - how do you prepare the room for a DJ who jumps between cosmic disco, obscure African polyrhythms and jaw grinding Berlin techno? Fortunately, Adam Beck and Paul Johnston kept their tracks sparse, light, and loose, slowly drawing the crowd out of themselves and onto the dance floor.

Toronto's Invisible City followed, serving a set which blended in some of their catalogue's forthcoming 2014 gems, including a re-issue of hotly tipped "Zambian Fleetwood Mac" band Witch's Movin' On LP. Blending international influences with ease, they nailed the same diasporic disco feeling that DJ Harvey's sets impart.

Thanks to 99 Sudbury's generous amount of space, you could extract yourself from the sweaty hedonism of the dancefloor pretty easily to grab a drink or smoke, and as a tinnitus-prone aging music fan, I was thankful that while the sound levels were booming if you were in the middle of the club, hanging by a wall allowed you to carry on a conversation without going hoarse.

DJ HarveyThe star of the night was Harvey himself, the UK-born, LA-based disco mystic who took the stage around 1am for a four-hour set. Even though Harvey has publicly expressed his disinterest in crowds that keep their eyes glued to the DJ, there was something magnetic about him behind the decks: exuding the charisma of a cult leader as he clapped along & grinned at the crowd. Even though I heard "um, he looks like Terry Richardson" muttered disparagingly on the dance floor, Harvey's personality was big enough to envelop 99 Sudbury's generous warehouse space.

Harvey ran the gauntlet through classics like Charlie's dissonant italo disco ballad "Spacer Woman", alternating with completely unrecognizable grinding techno excursions - often, a thudding house beat overtop which a series of distorting measures was piled sky-high until the track seemed to creak and groan under the weight of them.

DJ HarveyThe transcendent moment of the night had to be when The Revenge's edit of Gwen McCrae's underrated disco classic "Keep The Fire Burning" rang out - which, thanks to Harvey's carefully manipulated sound system levels, held off on dropping the bass until six minutes through its run-time, finally giving the audience a tidal wave of cathartic euphoria. In that moment, I could've sworn that the gods of disco had been summoned into the room, all the agony, ecstasy and heartbreak of the genre distilled into a moment of communal dancing. This may sound hyperbolic, but it instantly cemented itself as one of those "I was there" moments - one that I don't think I'll ever forget.

Words by Brendan Arnott, Photos by Alejandro Santiago

Oysters are out and cocktails are in at old Lucien space

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New Lucien WellingtonAfter a short foray as an informal oyster bar, the space that once housed Lucien has been restored to a sophisticated source for nouvelle cuisine and innovative cocktails. On the menu are delicacies like bone marrow, scallop crudo and smoked sweetbreads.

Read my profile East Thirty Six in the restaurant section.

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