Live music in Toronto can be heard in a long list of clubs, cafes, concert halls, taverns, record stores, DIY rooms, outdoor stages, and sometimes it even comes alongside brunch. New venues to pop up in 2014 were impressive, while a few neighbourhoods continue to fly under the radar when it comes to live shows. Meanwhile the Sound Academy is set to become a full time nightclub in 2015, leaving the east lakeshore a bit of a void for the time being.

Here are my top 25 picks for music venues in Toronto broken down by neighbourhood.

THE ANNEX
Lee's Palace can be counted on for a steady lineup of emerging and name-rock bands to play night after night. Upstairs is the Dance Cave, which hosts live music along with college radio staples for the U of T crew. In Mirvish Village, you'll find the Central with indie acts every night. Tucked away on Brunswick Ave. is the Tranzac, which still proves an eclectic hub.

THE BEACHES
Castro's Lounge is small enough that you might overlook it if you're not a Beaches (Beach) local. The tiny bar seats 35 and serves up a vegan menu and has over 100 different beers available. Nightly music features a rotating list of bluegrass, rockabilly, and alt-country musicians.

BLOORDALE
Right next door to Long & McQuade, the Piston has pub seating in the front and a just-large-enough music room in the back. Indie music runs 5 days a week and DJs/dance nights are on weekends.

CABBAGETOWN
At 18,000 square feet, the Phoenix Concert Theatre has one of Toronto's largest dance floors. The main room is overlooked by the mezzanine/Le Loft with lounge seating and full sightlines of the stage. Five bars, a projection screen, and The Parlour Room make the Phoenix an attractive space for popular artists, festivals, and special events.

CHINATOWN
The El Mocambo is spotted by its iconic neon sign. Michael Wekerle of CBC's Dragons Den took over ownership in November 2014, and he intends to revitalize its nightly music format of indie rock and feature bands. Among the big names to take the main stage over the years here are The Rolling Stones, U2, and Tom Waits. North on Spadina is the Silver Dollar and south on the east side is Grossman's for jazz-lovers.

DUNDAS WEST
Music nights at the Garrison are like listening to your favourite local indie band mixtape. Bands in the spartan backroom range from rough around the edges to those on the verge of fame. The front room has Mexican-style food, and the bathrooms are nothing to speak of (ever).

DANFORTH
Continuing to draw mid-size touring acts, the Danforth Music Hall has gone through a number of renovations over the years. Acoustic and seating upgrades have make it more audience-friendly for both theatre and concert events. The Danforth is a long stretch with a growing number of venues include Relish Bar and Grill and the Linsmore Tavern.

ETOBICOKE
Neighbourhood locals and Humber students will enjoy dropping into Placebo Space at Lakeshore and Islington. With its collage and mural covered walls, the venue hosts a diverse mix of acts, but the piano and drum kit tend to appeal to jazz artists.

HARBOURFRONT
With two balcony levels, the multi-use, all-genre Harbourfront Centre Theatre is this lakeside venue's main indoor performance space. Facing Toronto's harbour is the large outdoor Westjet Stage. Both venues host all-ages concerts year round (often free), festivals, and parties. Harbourfront Centre has Summer Music in the Garden and Winter DJ skate nights.

THE JUNCTION
If it's not the newest, Junction City Music Hall is certainly the coolest of all the recent music venues to fill the Junction neighbourhood. Getting there means going through a narrow hall and down steep steps to the basement. Expect wood booths, pinball and arcade machines, and a night of indie bands and DJs. Sister venue Hole In the Wall is just down the street at ground level.

KENSINGTON MARKET
In Kensington Market "Down the alley, up the stairs" leads to the DIY-run arts venue, Double Double Land. The elevated stage with red curtains, p.a. and multi-camera setup allows the space to be transformed into all forms of non-commercial arts events. Asian-fusion tapas restaurant Supermarket showcases indie acts on Augusta Ave.

KING WEST
Adelaide Hall is in the same building as the country-centric Rock 'n' Horse Saloon on Adelaide St. Music fans here can catch everything from acoustic to punk to electronic acts. On the main floor, you can get inches from the stage. The more formal Roy Thomson Hall is at King/Simcoe.

KOREATOWN
Clinton's Tavern can be relied on for its old tavern feel (established 1937). A mix of food is served in the front rooms, while the large back music room features an equal mix of entertainment with indie bands, karaoke, and retro 60's through 90's dance nights.

LITTLE ITALY
Events at the Mod Club are about as varied as the restaurants throughout Little Italy. Events range from club nights, reggae to pop to electro-folk to the Spoons or Blue Peter. To the east is Sneaky Dee's, and the Orbit Room.

NORTH YORK
A world class facility and theatre hall, the Toronto Centre For the Arts has a three main rooms with 1,800, 1,100, and 200 capacity seating, respectively. Concert-goers can see everything from "The Jersey Boys" to stars like Bob Dylan or Annie Lennox. A Gallery room (70+ capacity) with cabaret style seating and a grand piano holds more intimate singer-songwriter shows.

OSSINGTON
Located just north of Ossington and Dundas, the Dakota Tavern is home to Toronto country, folk rock, and bluegrass musicians and fans alike. One-flight down from the street is the brightly lit stage that highlights the western saloon atmosphere. If you're looking for more electric music, on the southwest Ossington corner you'll find the Painted Lady.

PARKDALE
Space for over 200 makes the dance floor at Wrongbar a popular spot for sweaty bodies and hip to hip action. Most nights feature DJs and hip-hop. Elevated booths help people to see performers despite the low light. Parkdale is also home to country tunes at the Cadillac Lounge and one of Toronto's smallest music spots, Not My Dog.

QUEEN WEST
The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern opened in 1947 and has been a keystone in Toronto music history since then. Stompin' Tom Connor's residency, a Rolling Stones show, and NuMusic nights are all part of the Shoe's long run of live shows. Nowadays head there for alt-country, rock, and/or free indie music on Tuesdays. Just east is the Rivoli, which plays host to emerging bands and comedians.

RONCESVALLES
One of Toronto's top spots for dinner and a show, Hugh's Room showcases Canadian and international folk, blues, gospel, world music performers, and annual tribute nights. The 200+ capacity room has a full menu served a la carte. Dinner is offered at 7pm with priority seating, and most shows finish before 11pm.

RICHMOND HILL
The Richmond Centre for the Performing Arts is located at Yonge/Wright in the centre of downtown Richmond Hill. At a 631 seating capacity, it's doubles as a mid-sized venue and an intimate space that showcases major Canadian and international musicians, orchestras, and other productions.

RIVERSIDE
The general admission seating of the Opera House will appeal to fans wanting to go to the front of the stage to see their favourite band, DJ, or comedy event. With an 850 person capacity, it also features a 35-foot stage arch, depends-on-the-night sound, second floor seating balcony, multiple bars, and "food available."

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
Overhanging rows of bright lights welcome patrons to the Sony Centre at 1 Front St. Inside is the large modern three floor soft-seat theatre with superior sound. The Sony Centre has been home to all forms of performances from red-carpet opera openings to national ballets to musicians like Bob Dylan, Elton John, and Tom Jones. East on Front St. is C'est What with its songwriter nights and long list of beers on tap.

SCARBOROUGH
At Eglinton Ave. E. and Danforth Rd., Rockpile East is Scarborough's answer to Rockpile West in Etobicoke. Mugshot-lined walls complement the large stage and state of the art audio. Local and touring bands of all genres play Rockpile East most nights of the week.

WEST QUEEN WEST
The red curtained stage, U-shaped balcony, and plenty of dance space are all trademarks of The Great Hall at Queen and Dovercourt. The BLK BOX (Black Box Theatre mostly for electronic shows) occupies the basement level, while Bristol Pub has taken up the main floor. Just west is the Drake Hotel, which hosts up and coming bands in the Underground space.

YONGE & DUNDAS
Massey Hall acoustics are superb for both audience members and performers. Drawn to its historic stage are international stars, symphonies, and musical theatre productions. Jazz fans can hit the Jazz Bistro on Victoria/Dundas.

What did I miss? Name your favourite neighbourhood music venues in the comments.

Lead photo of Tanya Tagaq at Lula Lounge

Starbucks' evenings menu - which includes beer, wine and savoury snacks - will finally be rolled out in Toronto and other Canadian cities by the end of the year. It's part of a sizeable revamp of the chain coming over the next few months in response to flatlining coffee sales.

Company president Rossann Williams tells the Toronto Star that the evening concept, which has previously been piloted in U.S. cities like Chicago, L.A., Seattle, and Portland, is meant to appeal to Starbucks' target customer - women, who, as the Star writes "don't necessarily like to hang out in bars with their friends." (I would happily hang out here at 10pm instead of a Starbucks, but that's me.)

Also on the way to a Starbucks near you: A carbonation option for your tea and fruit juice-based drinks, drink delivery, a mobile service that lets you order your drink in advance and pick up later, and expanded food offerings like soups. Keep an eye out for the changes, starting with new menu items, as early as March 3.

Photo via Starbucks.

The crowdfunding revolution means we've been treated to countless "[insert product here] of the future" pitches. But a team of expat Torontonians now living in California have made hundreds of handy types sit up and take notice of their latest product - to the tune of $150,000 and counting.

The Coolbox is, as you might have guessed, a souped-up toolbox stuffed with all manner of features. Since this is the era of Bluetooth-connected everything, the Coolbox features wireless speakers, a clock and USB ports - but there's also some ingenious touches like a built-in power bar, an internal battery (to charge all your stuff) and LED flood lights. Oh, and there's a bottle opener, too (disclaimer: power tools, drinking etc. etc.).

If you want your own workstation on wheels (did I mention it also has wheels?) head over to Indiegogo and pledge your $179.

Hark, frigid Peter Pans and Wendys of Toronto, your toes curled all the way upwards in your elfin boots and your bangs frosted with ice: Arts & Crafts' indie Field Trip Festival will be warming your bodies with mud, song, and bouncy castles in a few short months, and today's line up announcement will have you salivating into your fuzzy plaid scarves. Try to peel the fabric off gently after it freezes to your lip.

Predictable slot-fillers include Polaris nominees Purity Ring, plus Calvin Love, Absolutely Free, Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Hayden, Young Empires, and the Arkells. Then there's Marina & the Diamonds, Alabama Shakes, The War on Drugs, Rhye, Father John Misty, and My Morning Jacket, plus less expected acts like De La Soul, Kieta Juma & Brendan Philip, and Jacques Green. And Sharon & Bram.

Notably absent are Broken Social Scene - maybe they're worried that BSS tribute set at Wavelength 15 will outdo them - or they're busy. You'll have Kevin Drew & Andy Kim though. See the full line up here, and live last year's memories in our photo gallery.

Field Trip 2015 will bring the hugs back to Fort York Garrison Common June 6-7. Passes go on sale Friday, February 6th but starting tomorrow (February 5th) you can get in on an exclusive pre-sale only available via this link. Buy your passes 24 hours before the general public by using the password blogTO (not case-sensitive). Enjoy!

Photo by Matt Forsythe

Rumours of the death of beloved Parkdale watering hole The Sister caused a number of Torontonians to have tiny heart attacks this weekend. Turns out they needn't have worried; while the restaurant and music venue did indeed close, it's reopening this Thursday with new owners, a new menu, and a new name (which is really its old name), The Tennessee.

The newly-rechristened joint had a soft launch on Saturday with a karaoke night, hosted by Jeff Smith, with a recurring karaoke night set for Thursday. Though some changes might be in the works courtesy of new owner Chris Blanchard, I am told the Sister's nachos will be staying.

Just when you thought Leslieville couldn't possibly support another indie coffee shop: Beaches stalwart Remarkable Bean is heading westward, opening up a second location in the former home of Telegramme Prints.

In case you're not familiar with the area, they'll be located smack-dab in the middle of the five-minute walk between Tango Palace and Te Aro. Given the fact that they make their own baked goods, roast their own beans and focus exclusively on organic and fair-trade wares, though, they just might have something new to bring to one of Toronto's most over-caffeinated neighbourhoods.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's first retrospective in Canada opens in Toronto this weekend, with nearly 100 large paintings as well as drawings, sculptures, and video filling the halls of "Now's the Time," (a Martin Luther King quote/the title of a painting) at the AGO.

More impactful and comprehensive than past shows like the Brooklyn Musem's Street to Studio, the exhibit witnesses the curators separate Basquiat's works into nine sections that successfully represent the themes and stylistic variety of the multifaceted 1980's American artist. The show's only downfall may come from Toronto itself.

At Tuesday's press preview, speakers engaged in much trumpeting over Basquiat deserving a place in art history (yeah, what?) -- a place that, perhaps unbeknownst to Canadians, the artist achieved long ago. The idea that Toronto needs someone to explain to us why Basquiat is an artist whose work is as important as that of Munch, Twombly, and Rauschenberg is either laughable or insulting, depending on your mood.

The gallery was also self congratulatory about the community outreach it engaged in while preparing the exhibit, hoping to create a show "of Toronto" rather than "for Toronto." The AGO's obvious insecurity over displaying the works of a world famous, highly respected, extremely collectable black artist was embarrassing at best, and distressing at worst.

"Now's the Time" itself, thankfully, overpowers the insecurities the AGO may have about hosting a Basquiat show, and aside from some community-member-provided art criticism mounted next to a few random paintings (easily ignored), most of the public will be unaware of the self conscious swirls that accompanied the assembly of the show.

Strains of Charlie Parker prepare viewers for Basquiat's aesthetic at the entrance in a way that charms, and once inside it's easy for both long-time fans and those unfamiliar with Basquiat to follow the gallery's curatorial logic from one section to the next.

Instantly impressive are Basquiat's tactile expressions: beyond the bold greasepaint scrawls he's best known for, many works are not traditional paintings but loose canvas affixed to rough wood frames or paintings that incorporate metal, collage elements like comics book pages into non-traditional compositions, echoing the artist's roots as a graffiti artist.

Large canvases, where Basquiat is at his most recognizable, are well balanced throughout the show, yet small works such as minimalist pastel drawings, some never shown publicly before, are positioned so that they're able to speak to viewers as clearly as the most violently saturated large scale paintings. It's a victory for fans as much as for the show's curators.

At his best, Basquiat incites a physical reaction through highly intelligent wordplay and his direct expression through each medium he uses - from nearly all red or black canvases to 1981's iconic "Untitled" picturing a skull of exposed bones and teeth, to subtler, less known canvases and drawings. The power in the canvases can leave one both physically dizzy and inspire the desire to experience a life-force similar to the one Basquiat channeled in his work. Few can be so close to living our truths.

Basquiat was deeply disturbed by social justice issues from police brutality to the lack of black figures in fine art, which the show captures well in his tributes to heros like black athletes and jazz musicians and in directly political works like "Irony of a Negro Policeman" and Basquiat's reactions to the death of grafitti artist Michael Stewart at the hands of NYC police officers. "Oh fuck," one thinks, "I should act" - and then "oh fuck," again.

Basquiat never shied away from the complexities capitalist ideology, and it's a lot to be confronted with. You can feel the artist watching your discomfort while nodding. There are no easy answers offered.

Famed collaborations with Warhol are, predictably, interesting in their historical context but least impressive artistically. Jay Z lyrics and poetry mounted next to certain works are a fit. I'm unsure if an audio installation drilling King proclaiming in speech, "Now is the time" over one section of the show is necessary, valuable, or carries any meaning besides unwarranted catharsis for viewers. It's perhaps a dangerous installation that threatens to simplify Basquiat's mastery and voice.

In languages such as Russian there is no present tense - "now" is never the time. And it's true in Toronto, as in the US and Europe, that to claim the present as the moment of great change is an injustice to the unempowered.

Is "now" the time for rich collectors generously lending some of Basquiat's greatest expressions to museums? Is "now" the time for the economic structures that allow mega-galleries to import curators from around the world? Is "now" the time for Toronto banks running massive corporately funded art events?

It seems "now" is the time for a little community discussion here, a handful of free passes for disenfranchised youth there, a token hip hop performance on Thursday. "Now" is the time for saving face in a world where inclusivity is necessary to project. "Now" is the time to talk about social change with the proper guidance from the powers that be.

Can Basquiat's voice instigate the invention of a cure for the sick culture he diagnosed? It hasn't thus far. Basquiat, a writer on the wall, would be pleased to see discussions of race and class inspired by his work in the uptight nation of Canada, but one knows his response would be coloured by skepticism. It's easy to let Basquiat speak, but more challenging to listen.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's Now's the Time is at the AGO February 7 - May 10 2015. Some of the events admittedly look cool too.

Photos by Andrew Williamson

Have the Toronto Maple Leafs hit rock bottom? It sure seems like it would difficult for things to be worse than this. With last night's loss to Nashville, the team suffered its franchise-tying 10th straight loss of the season. Long gone are the days when one might have uttered the word playoffs in reference to this team. Everyone, it would seem, is frustrated, but no one more than the fans.

When things get this bad, you just know the parody videos are on the way. But there are parody videos and then there are parody videos. This effort from (former?) fan Steven Ryan is about as cringeworthy as the Leafs' play is, which is saying something. See how much of this re-working of A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera's "Say Something" you can stand before you hit mute. It might be about as long as you can watch the next game.

Photo by Anne J Gibson in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto AGO First Thursdays will celebrate their massive Basqiuat exhibition with a ton of programming including a DJ set from Grandmaster Flash. Progress, Toronto's newest theatre festival, continues. Read our preview here. TIFF's retrospective of Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien continues all through February. Tonight see documentary Flowers of Taipei: Taiwan New Cinema. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Art/Music: AGO First Thursdays ft DJ Grandmaster Flash (AGO)
• Film: Good Men, Good Women: The Films of Hou Hsiao-hsien (TIFF)
• Party: The Book Lover's Ball + After Dark (Toronto Reference Library)
• Performance: The QueerNote Cabaret (Gladstone)
• Music: Miracle Fortress & Ken Park (Mercer Union)
• Party: Fresh & Future (Bassline)
• Lit: Book Revue: Gone Girl (Revue)
• Performance: Progress (February 4-15)
• Art: Douglas Coupland (MOCCA, ROM)
• Food: La Poutine Week

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

Photo of Basquiat exhibition by Andrew Williamson

Toronto 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

• Rancho Relaxo, a fixture at 300 College St. for over 16 years, has undergone a full renovation and menu makeover in recent months and will reopen today, Thursday, February 5.
• b.good, the U.S. fast food chain devoted to kale and quinoa bowls, salads and all natural burgers, will debut its first Toronto location tomorrow Friday, February 6 at 100 Front St.
• As previously reported, The Sister at 1554 Queen St. West in Parkdale has closed, and as of last Saturday, quietly relaunched as The Tennessee.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

• Osgoode Hall Restaurant
• Whelan's Gate
• 180 Secondi
• Mamajoun

OPENING SOON

• Daily Press Juicery is soon to open at 200 Queen St. West and will offer over 20 flavours of cold pressed juices and nut milks.
• Fat City Blues, a new NOLA-styled cocktail bar and live jazz den, is slated to open towards the end of February at 890 College St., most recently the Huntsman Tavern. The venture, from the same team behind Small Town Food Co., promises southern hospitality and snacks like oysters, po'boys and crab boils.
• The Battered Fish, a chain of fast casual seafood eateries straight from Nova Scotia, is in the works at 226 Queen St. West, formerly home to Hot & Spicy Asian Fusion.

CLOSED

• Ronnie B's Southern Kitchen at 243 Carlton St. is shuttered, just four months after opening.

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

Photo via b.good on Facebook.

Valentine's Day events in Toronto are suitable for those who want to celebrate in pairs, solo, or with a posse, because each and every experience of love is a singular and unique journey which sometimes leads to film fests, live music, comedy, sex talks, or live readings of terrible internet experiences. If you've gotta hate on the holiday, there's also this anti-Valentine's pub crawl, or Criterion's Fassbinder collection. That's with an "i."

Here the top ways to weather Hallmark's greatest accomplishment in Toronto this year.

Love After Materialism (February 7, Trinity Square Video)
Warm up for V-Day with some new media and video work on the themes of love, longing, desire, and all that nonsense by Cécile B. Evans, Karilynn Ming Ho, Jaakko Pallasvuo, and Heather Phillipson. The show is free to enter.

Annex Flea (Feb 8, Centre for Social Innovation)
The Annex Flea is holding a special Valentine's Day fair the weekend ahead of the big day, so you can snap up handcrafted gifts for the cutest person/people in your life. They're also hinting that potential cute people might be shopping at the flea. No promises.

OkStupid: Live Readings of the Best Worst Online Dating (February 11, Handlebar)
Pretty self explanatory: literary readings from the saddest corners of the internet. Well, no, probably not Widows of Warcraft, but... pretty sad.

TIFF Next Wave Film Festival (February 13 - 15, TIFF Bell Lightbox)
For the cultured urban teen daters, the annual teen friendly festival, programmed for (and partially by) 14-18 year-olds has offered a consistent mix of teen-friendly classics over the years. V-Day screenings of crowd faves include Heathers, Moonrise Kingdom, and Dazed and Confused. AH

Wavelength 15 (February 13-15)
Wavelength's festival of indie music is back for Valentine's weekend, and offers a three nights of indie entertainment for couples who are more comfortable holding hands in a crowd of plaid than sitting tete-a-tete over candlelight. Watch out for our full preview.

Supperclub & Show (February 14, The Steady)
Bloorcourt's The Steady - originators of the donut bagel - will be throwing a five-course dinner on V-Day with each course themed around the stages of a relationship. The dinner will be paired with live sex talks. Read more here. NM

Jane Austen Fireside Tea (February 14, Toronto's First Post Office)
If you like your lit more classic than OkCupid, this Jane Austen tea party features a toasty fire and 19th century inspired snacks.

Love At Winterfolk (February 14, Black Swan Tavern
On the Danforth as part of Winterfolk, Listeners and lovers can enjoy a special "WF Kocktail Kiss." Beginning with the Latin songs of Laura Fernandez, the night heats up with HOTCHA!, continues with The Trio of Fun (Ken Whiteley, Wendell Ferguson, Tony Quarrington), and finishes with the Cajun music of Swamperella. RA

Every Day is Halloween (February 14, The Central)
For Toronto's spooky set, every day is Halloween, so release the bats at this Valentine's Day party featuring live performances by SINS, Classioline, and DI Auger, plus DJ Darkness Visible and DJ BRADRESPAWN. The best costume wins you $50, so start planning your romantically gruesome ensemble.

The Mary-Janes of Comedy Present... The Underwear Show (February 20, Comedy Bar)
If you want to donate to charity and wait out the weirdness of Valentine's Day proper, this comedy show on the 20th featuring 'the best stand-up comedy couples in the city" is a fundraiser to purchase underwear for the Bloordale Women's Shelter.

See also

The top 25 restaurants for Valentine's Day in Toronto

What did I miss? Leave your romance-worthy events in the comments.

Contributions by Ryan Ayukawa, Alexander Huls, Natalia Manzocco

Photo by RetroRoadsidePhoto

Poutine, that gooey, calorie-packed Canadian staple has become a unifying theme on menus across Toronto's culturally diverse dining scene - no matter if it's a ramen joint, Caribbean bistro, or, in this instance, a South American snack bar.

Find a Latin rendition at Mata Petisco Bar in Parkdale, where the messy comfort food is billed as Beef Cheek Poutine ($14).

Elegantly plated, this poutine is built on a base of golden cassava frites (in lieu of potatoes), then piled with proper cheese curds, tender torn bits of smoked beef cheek, and finally a blanket of rich, thickened demi glace.

The cultural exchange is happening in both directions, too. Mata Petisco Bar co-owner, Felipe Faccioli notes that there's nothing really akin to poutine in his native Brazil, but there is at least one eatery, Pecado de Bom, that's introducing a little Canadian culture to San Paulo.

Thanks to IBM for sponsoring this post. IBM Watson's cognitive system helps chefs create new recipes and helps businesses cook up new ideas.

Know of any Toronto restaurants doing interesting takes on poutine? Let us know in the comments.

With snow and wind bearing down on Toronto in a manner that would make the Stark family blanch, there seems to be very little worth leaving the house for and it's increasingly tempting to just hide under a blanket with Netflix until Spring arrives.

Thankfully, the city's craft brewers are as dedicated to their calling as the Night's Watch and punishing weather hasn't kept them from doing what they do best: creating excellent new beers that are worth braving the cold.

Here are 10 new local beers to get you through the next wintry onslaught.

Indie Alehouse's Love Triangle IPA
Bucking the trend for single-variety-hopped pale ales, Indie has opted to craft a series of IPAs made using a combination of three hops. The 6.5% ABV inaugural batch of the new series, brewed with Columbus, Chinook, and Calypso hops, is available on tap now at Indie for $6.5 20 oz pint, as well as in growlers and will soon be on tap at places like barVolo, Bar Hop, and Pharmacy.

Muddy York Porter
The first beer from fledgling brewery Muddy York Brewing, the 4.7% Muddy York Porter boasts notes of dark chocolate and roasted marshmallow and is deep brown to harken back to TO's dirty past. No, really. Find it on tap at The Wren, The Mugshot Tavern,, and more.

Great Lakes Brewery's Karma Citra IPA
Look, I know Karma Citra isn't a new beer but it's on here for two reasons: 1) There aren't ten new mid-winter beers. No one really releases new beer this time of year. 2) Karma Citra is such a delicious, citrusy, piney, grapefruity beast that any time this 6.5% IPA comes to the LCBO it's worth talking about. $5.95 for 650mL bottles, in LCBOs by the end of this month.

Black Oak's Break of Dusk Black American Pale Ale
A weird hybrid of stout and American pale ale, Break of Dusk has suggestions of pine and citrus in the aroma with a coffee and chocolate taste. Somehow it all works. It's also a sessionable 4,4% ABV so you can have a few while you try to figure out if "Black American Pale Ale" is really a beer style. Available now in 341 ml bottles at the Black Oak retail store

Paper Tiger
The Joe Sixpacks of the world who take pleasure in haunting the comments sections of posts like this one are fond of asking "Why can't any craft brewers just make a lager?" So Bellwoods Brewery, recently named the Top Brewer in Ontario by Ratebeer, did just that. Paper Tiger will be the name of a frequently changing beer but for the first iteration, Bellwoods opted to make this clean, crisp, refreshing, and dry 5% lager.

Liberty Village Black Blessing Stout
A 7.4% Chocolate Stout conditioned on organic cocoa nibs, Black Blessing is a rich, earthy beer with just enough hoppy bite in the finish to remain balanced. The third offering from LVBC is available on draught and in cans at Vespa Pizzeria, Dundas & Carlaw, and at a handful of Toronto bars.

Amsterdam Cruiser All Day Pale Ale
A welcome addition to the growing class of local, hoppy-but-sessionable ales, Amsterdam's 4.9% Cruiser All Day Pale ale is aromatic and flavourful without being bitter and has a refreshing finish. It's definitely a beer ideally suited to all day summer drinking, but who's to say we can't sit out in the snow and enjoy a few, too? Available for $13.65 per six-pack at both Amsterdam retail stores.

Shillow Sass on the Side Brown Ale
Pouring exclusively at beer bistro, Sass on the Side Brown Ale from Shillow Beer Company is a 5.6% abv, medium-bodied, roasty, nutty brown ale that the beerbistro's executive chef, Michelle Usprech, has noted as being "incredibly food-friendly." So eat something with your beer. You're getting too skinny.

Mill Street Old Fashioned Oatmeal Stout
A sweeter, 5.7% stout that harkens back to an English style once prescribed to nursing mothers, Mill Street's Old Fashioned Oatmeal Stout is silky smooth owing to both the oats in the mash and the fact that it's nitrogen-charged. A perfect winter pint even if you aren't breastfeeding. Catch it on tap at the Mill Street Brewpub and their Beer Hall now.

Molson-Coors Altitude
The new Coors Altitude is a contemporary lager brewed to 6.4% with all the clean, smooth taste you've come to expect from Coors. Slather on some Axe Body Spray, throw a few wide mouth aluminum bottles in the freezer, and get stoked for a totally epic night, bro. Warning: It's probably going to include high fives. Available in 473ml widemouth aluminum bottles and 355ml sleek cans.

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. Follow him on twitter @Ben_T_Johnson.

Photo be Stephen Gardiner

Sometimes the very best musical partner also happens to be a romantic partner. You already know you get along (at least for the most part, hopefully!), probably have similar musical interests, and chances are, there's some undeniable chemistry that adds an extra something to the music you make together.

Aww. Cue all the wisecracks of "making beautiful music together" if you must (groan). Sure, there's the risk of couples' quibbles interfering with songs and business, but when it works, it just works. In honour of Valentine's Day coming up (but hold the romantic mush, please!), here are some Toronto-based bands that make some very good music and also happen to consist of couples.

Good Conduct
With the perfect mixture of ramshackle sound and witty lyrics, garage rock duo-couple Good Conduct are Lee Fever and Adam Neil, who both take lead vocals and switch between guitar and drums. The duo have one album under their belt, The Best and The Brave, released in 2013 (available via their bandcamp). Look out for their upcoming self-released EP, Bang That Nail in the Coffin at the end of March and a local release show.

Lullabye Arkestra
Lullabye Arkestra has been part of the Toronto music scene since 2001 and a couple for longer. Drummer Justin Small and bassist Kat Taylor-Small met at the first Wavelength Anniversary and released their first official album, Ampgrave on Montreal's Constellation Records. The married metal/garage rock duo have a daughter named Jolene and interestingly had a limited run of their very own Etnies skate sneakers.

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Bluesy rock 'n' roll duo Jamie Fleming and Sarah Kirkpatrick were once a trio, but after their drummer left the band, Sarah - co-vocalist and keyboardist - took over drumming duties as well. Jamie sings lead vocals and plays guitar. Recorded in Memphis, Tennessee at Ardent Studios, the two released This Shakin' House as an official duo in 2014. Unsurprisingly, their old country/Americana-esque sound has garnered some attention in the southern parts of the US.

Whitehorse
Whitehorse, Six Shooter Records' married couple darling band currently reside in Hamilton, but were based in Toronto for some time before picking up for Steeltown. The duo even wrote a song about Rob Ford called "Boss Man." Prior to officially collaborating as a band with an actual name, Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland had both already found success as solo artists who sometimes collaborated on one another's albums. Their newest album, Leave No Bridge Left Unburned is out February 17.

Snowblink
Daniela Gesundheit and Dan Goldman are the married duo of Snowblink. Their lovely, chill tunes are sweet and dreamy (their gorgeous, swaying rendition of "Blue Moon" is a personal fave) and self-described as "non-denominational devotional pop." Their most recent album, Inner Classics was released on the Arts & Crafts label in 2012.

CHOBO
CHOBO is Jessica Cho and Benjamin Boles, self-described as "live improvised electronic music." Cho is a classically trained pianist and Boles is a guitarist (and also a music writer) - together they use drum machines, synths, looping pedals to make ambient house music.

Etiquette
The fairly new-to-your-radar Toronto band is duo and couple, singer/songwriter Julie Fader and Holy Fuck's Graham Walsh, backed by Andrew Roy, Dean Stone and Andy Lloyd. Walsh's electronic beats and Fader's lovely, ethereal vocals are atmospheric, night time music. Their forthcoming debut record Reminisce will be released on Hand Drawn Dracula this year in late March.

Vag Halen
Feminist queer performance art band, Vag Halen is a force to be reckoned with right now in Toronto's music scene. They're not just a cover band - they purposely perform classic tunes by typical "cock rock" hair bands and kick a lot of ass while doing so. The message is undeniably far different when popular but misogynistic songs are delivered by queer women. The band is fronted by Vanessa Dunn, aka Vee Stun, who is married to Vag Halen's bassist Katie Ritchie, formerly of The Organ.

Dragonette
Dancey synthpop group Dragonette are probably the most commercially well-known band on this list. The trio is comprised of singer Martina Sorbara, bassist Dan Kurtz (also of The New Deal) and drummer Joel Stouffer - Sorbara and Kurtz are the married couple. Since their debut album Galore (which produced the catchy-as-heck single "I Get Around"), Dragonette has released two more albums, a remix album and gained worldwide popularity.

Prince Innocence
Synth/electropop duo Prince Innocence are Josh McIntyre and Talvi Faustmann. Initially a long-distance couple and band (McIntyre was in Toronto; Faustmann was studying in Montreal), Prince Innocence are now living together in Toronto. Vocalist Faustmann writes the lyrics and melodies, and is also in charge of the band's visual aesthetic. McIntyre, also known as the mastermind behind Little Girls is the producer. Together, their dreamy songscapes are mesmerizing and captivating.

Honourable mention/Overachievers

Slim Twig and U.S. Girls
Max Turnbull (aka Slim Twig) and Meghan Remy (aka U.S. Girls) have their own respective bands/projects, run Calico Corp., their own label together, collaborate musically (Slim Twig produced U.S. Girls' album Gem) AND they've formed a new band together with Simone TB, Carlyn Bezic and Amanda Crist called Darlene Shrugg. Oh yeah, and they're married. Pretty sure this is the exact definition of "having it all."

Who did we miss? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo by Brian Morton

If you've been on the hunt for a job anytime in the past few years, you've probably had to navigate some convoluted, impersonal online screening systems, clicking through dozens of pages that reduce your entire work history and personal skill set to a few drop-down dialog boxes. What if you could just pull up local employers near you on a map, check out available positions, and apply in the blink of an eye?

That's the idea behind Wirkn, a made-in-Toronto app that lets you find and apply to multiple jobs in just minutes, using a central resume. You can even send them a short video profile created on your phone within the app - something that sets Wirkn apart from competitors like Staffup, Shiftgig, and Proven.

Wirkn CEO Derek Szeto says the difference between them and other digital job application tools is twofold: As opposed to being controlled by the employer, the application process is "more end-user friendly and focused on the candidate".

And unlike other job search apps, Wirkn remains useful after you've found a job, with networking capabilities and tools that let you connect with your job (through viewing work schedules and other info) and your fellow employees.

"The whole premise is that we're mobile first," he says - a major bonus for on-the-go workers looking to keep their networks, their job applications and their job info all in one place.

To check it out yourself, download Wirkn for iOS from the App Store; a Google Play version is forthcoming.

Wirkn will be presenting at the Feb 9th Toronto Tech MeetUp. Toronto Tech Meetup is the heart of Toronto tech where you can connect with smart, fun, creative people from across Toronto's tech community. Other presenters this month include: The Blue Print, BuzzBuzzHome, Canopy Labs and 5Crowd. Find out more or book your ticket here.

Calling all 80s whiz kids and Gameboy nerds, Toronto is set to play host to a Tetris championship later this month. Think you've got the chops to out-stack all comers? This single round elimination tournament will test your mettle. No word if the Wizard will make an appearance, but Tetris was never his strong suit anyway.

This is actually the third Toronto Tetris Championship, but the first year in which the event will be open to the public. Formerly held in the organizer's apartment, the interest level demanded a new venue, which Kensington Market's Handlebar was happy to provide (they host regular retro video game nights). Registration is still limited, however, so if you're keen to show off your dexterity and problem solving skills, now's the time to sign up.

The 3rd Annual Tetris Championship takes place on February 12.

This tiny storefront on Lake Shore West has been a barbershop since the '40s, but sat vacant for nearly a decade until barber Brian Hurson came along. Now, it's once again bustling with customers looking for classic-style cuts and shaves, but the little shop hasn't lost any of its charm or history.

Read my profile of The Nite Owl in the fashion section.

Front and Spadina is on the cusp of massive changes that will radically transform an area that's yet to witness the heavy development found just to the south at CityPlace. Already in the works is a 7.7 acre mixed-use project from RioCan, Allied Properties, and Diamond Corp. known as The Well, which will build up the north side of Front St. Now comes another major proposal, this time from the State Building Corp. It features five buildings spread over what is currently a surface parking lot at the northeast corner of the intersection.

According to Urban Toronto, the proposal has yet to be submitted to the city, so much of this could change, but right now the plans are punctuated by a two towers of 58 and 60 storeys. Two smaller structures of 24 and 25 storeys are also planned for the site. Based on the preliminary designs, these are good looking structures. Lots of retail is planned at grade throughout the development, but what might be most exciting is the possibility of a cultural venue as the fifth building.

It's probably worth reiterating just how early in the process this is, but with significant improvements planned for the public space around the development (Clarence Park is right there) and an attention to design detail, I suspect that this is the type of development that many people will like. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Weekend events in Toronto keep you indoors with the arts: the AGO's Basquiat exhibition officially opens up, Progress performance festival continues, and the Harbourfront has a stacked weekend for Black History Month. Then there's the Seinfeld ball, or if you're prepping for your Valentine, the Annex Flea might have what you're looking for.

Here are my picks for the top events happening in Toronto February 6-8, 2015.

Blackout5 (February 7-8, Queen Elizabeth Theatre)
Battle rap has taken the world by storm. Leagues have popped up all over the world, but arguably the biggest one of all is Toronto's own King of the Dot (KOTD). On February 7-8 they'll be hosting their biggest event to date: Blackout 5. Check out the line up here, though who knows who the special guests will be. M

ART

Jean-Michel Basquiat (February 7 - May 10, AGO)
Another AGO blockbuster, this is Canada's first large retrospective of the NYC graffiti/fine art artist. Basquiat's often massive paintings are fascinating to behold in person, as child-like sketches and sardonic scrawled wordplay tackle issues of racism, social justice, and politics that are unfortunately just as relevant today. Read our review here.

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE

Progress (February 4-15)
Progress, Toronto's newest theatre festival, is the love-child of SummerWorks Performance Festival and The Theatre Centre, and promises to shake up the city's arts scene by bringing global talents to local audiences. While the outlook is international, the festival is very much rooted in this city's arts community, with each show curated by a Toronto company. See our preview here. SSZ

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Then & Now presents Kuumba (February 6-8, Harbourfront Centre)
The Harbourfront hosts this celebration of African and Caribbean heritage for Black History month where many events are free including a screening of Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise, Curators of Hip Hop, and Soca on Ice. Check out the lineup on their website.

Black History Month Concert Series (February 7, Gladstone)
As part of Black History Month, the Gladstone will host free concerts each Saturday night at 9pm. This week features Young Stars de Montreal (Congo).

FOOD

Winterlicious (January 30 - February 12)
Hope you've done your research on this annual prix fixe celebration: there are over 200 participating restaurants to choose from. Check out our guide of must-hit restuarants for Winterlicious 2015 here. LI

FeBREWary (February)
Beau's month-long celebration of beers is back in February with new special editions released each week and events, and tap take-overs happening at beer bars all month. LI

La Poutine Week (February 1 - 7)
Celebrate this gravy-covered national treasure at restaurants in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Ottawa, New York and Toronto. Toronto participants include Poutineville, Cut the Cheese, Marky & Sparky's, Joy Bistro, Mr. Ciao, Holy Chuck, Caplansky's, Duke's Refresher + Bar, Fancy Franks and Lou Dawgs. LI

PARTY & MUSIC

Giraffage (February 6, the Hoxton)
Up-and-coming California DJ/producer Giraffage (aka Charlie Yin) has been making a name for himself for his tripped-out and unpredictable remixes of pop and R&B hits. His productions feature dreamy atmospherics rubbing up against tough beats, sprinkled with his quirky sense of humour, and his DJ sets pack even more unexpected surprises into the mix. 10 pm, $15. BB

Turning Point (February 7, the Garrison)
A Man Called Warwick welcomes special guest Frederik Lavik all the way from Finland, who will be bringing selections from his vast collection of rare East African music. There's nothing else in Toronto quite like Turning Point's "tropical funk" mixture of sounds, and the event always brings out a dedicated room of dancers each month. 10 pm, $15. BB

FILM

Good Men, Good Women: The Films of Hou Hsiao-hsien (Jan 29 - March 1, TIFF)
TIFF presents a complete retrospective of Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien all through February. This weekend see Women and Café Lumière. Not to be missed for fans of new wave cinema.

Love After Materialism (February 7, Trinity Square Video)
Warm up for V-Day with some new media and video work on the themes of love, longing, desire, and all that nonsense by Cécile B. Evans, Karilynn Ming Ho, Jaakko Pallasvuo, and Heather Phillipson. The show is free to enter.

CineCycle Winter 2015 Toronto Open Screening (February 8, CineCycle)
No one will be turned away from this pay-what-you-can open screening at CineCycle on Spadina. Just watch the weirdo fun or bring your masterpieces or weirdo home movies (35mm, 16mm, 8mm, super 8 film, VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray, Quicktime, AVI, whatever) and sign up by 7pm.

Abyss (Tarragon Mainspace, February 3 - March 15)
This thriller tracks the disappearance of Karla Richter, a 24 year old who vanishes on her way to the grocery store. Set in the European underworld, the play is at once a mystery and an exploration of the psyche of those who live amidst war. This, the English premiere of Maria Milisavljevic's Abyss, is directed by Richard Rose. KB

GEEK

Scenefeld: The Celebration (February 8, Double Double Land)
Toronto, what are you wearing to the normcore ball? On Sunday Double Double Land will hold "the Seinfeld costume-and-trivia party to end all Seinfeld costume-and-trivia parties," Scenefeld: The Celebration. If your trivia game is rough and you're low on frumpy 90s outfits, get serious about your Elaine dance and you can still be in the running for a prize. Read more here.

SHOPPING & LIFESTYLE

Annex Flea (Feb 8, Centre for Social Innovation)
The Annex Flea is holding a special Valentine's Day fair the weekend ahead of the big day, so you can snap up handcrafted gifts for the cutest person/people in your life. They're also hinting that potential cute people might be shopping at the flea. No promises.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

Contributions by Liora Ipsum, Keith Bennie, Ben Boles, Derek Flack, Markit, Sima Sarah Zerehi

Lead photo: King of the Dot by Zach MACPHOTO via Facebook; "Obnoxious Liberals" (1982) © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.