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10 new stores and restaurants in Leslieville & Riverside

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LeslievilleLeslieville and Riverside are well on their way to becoming happening alternatives to their west end counterparts with tons of new restaurants, coffee shops and stores opening up. From bulk food to tacos, there are plenty of new spots to check out in the neighbourhood.

Here's a round-up of new stores and restaurants to check out in Leslieville and Riverside.

Raspberry Cafe/Yogaville
With the saturation of coffee options in the neighbourhood Raspberry Cafe has decided to diversify by offering yoga classes in their upstairs space. Famed Toronto yogi, Mahyar Raz and her son have opened up their new yoga studio and offer espresso drinks and baked goods for a lovely after class wind down.

Il Ponte
Capitalizing on the available space at the bottom of one of the many new condo developments beside the Don River, Il Ponte is serving up contemporary updates to classic Italian dishes. Added bonus: they have gluten free pasta on the menu.

Raise The Root
Not only do I love their punny name, I'm also a fan of the great organic fruits, veggies and eggs they offer. Sitting next to Meating on Queen it's the perfect grocery pairing for the neighbourhood. Not only does it offer up organic alternatives to regular grocery store shopping, it's also a quicker stop than a big box store.

District 28
This Logan St. event space and café is a great addition to the neighbourhood. A massive and versatile 23,000 sq. ft. space for your next party, fashion show or corporate event. Doubling as a café they offer sandwiches, pastries and in-house catering for their events.

urban bulk emporiumUrban Bulk Emporium
This indie take on Bulk Barn is a great place for the health conscious cook. From locally-sourced honey to every type of quinoa you can imagine this place has all your specialty food needs. Urban bulk emporium also offers a great selection of natural soap products and some pre-packaged foods for those with strict dietary needs.

Queen's Head Pub
If you're looking for an English-style pub head here. With traditional pub fare, a lengthy beer list and daily specials, it might just be your new local. They also offer brunch on weekends.

Remarkable Bean
There are tons of great coffee options in the neighbourhood but this second coming from the Beaches stalwart is trying to make inroads with their small batch espresso, roasted up fresh by the owners every other day. Can't get a spot at Bonjour brioche for brunch? Head to Remarkable Bean for delicious quiches and baked goods.

The Cannonball
F'coffee has rebranded as The Cannonball. Now fully licensed and open a little later than it previously was it's a great spot to grab a coffee, a bite or a beer. Their grilled cheese is to die for and if weather permits, head out to their shady back patio. The added bonus of available beers keeps the option of a day drink open, which is a nice touch.

La CarnitaLa Carnita
The popular west end taqueria has moved to the east, filling the space of Rasputin Vodka Bar. The narrow space has been warmed up with bright stools and wood accents in their signature Mexican street style. All the favourites from their College St. location are available, including their Margaritas on tap.

Home James
This retail outlet is like the best of reel of southern Ontario's antique markets and vintage shops. Carefully curated by owner James Lane, Home James is bringing Leslieville the best in both new and upcycled homewares. The owner also offers home staging which is a skill he obviously uses in the beautiful layout of his store.



What did I miss? Let us know about your favourite new Leslieville and Riverside business in the comments.


Khalsa, Sikh New Year celebration

Today in Toronto: Blue Coffee, Hot Docs, Trivia Club Grand Championship, Discovered Chefs, Coach House

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Today in TorontoToday in Toronto the Hot Docs Festival continues: tonight you can see Alex Winter's Deep Web, one of our top picks for the fest, plus Foodies, Mavis!, Tom Roberts' Every Last Child, and more - see a full schedule here. Blue Coffee's reading series will return to Magpie with Phlip Arima, Sonia Di Placido, and Liz Howard. It's free to stop by. 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.

Lead image: Foodies at Hot Docs

Will Toronto ever truly be a "Music City"?

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toronto music cityMike Tanner has been Toronto's Music Sector Development Officer for about six months, and some in the city's music community are getting fidgety. What does this official do?

As a follow up to February's Music Moment panel hosted by Wavelength, on Saturday, April 25th, Tanner took part in a Town Hall Meeting at the Garrison, and for the first time the public were given a span of nearly two hours to ask questions of him and discuss the state of music in Toronto.

Two hours sounds like a huge span of time, but it flew by and, as discussion meandered for better or worse, the actual identity and purpose of both Tanner's title and the city's initiatives to grow our music sector remained a little hazy.

Here's what I learned while chatting with Tanner prior to Saturday's public meeting.

toronto music cityWhat does the term "music industry" mean to city hall?

Tanner himself uses the term "industry" in a way some may find jarring. "To me industry incorporates everything," he explains. "Sometimes I'll mention artists as separate from industry because I think all of these discussions really need to begin and end with musicians, but when I say industry, I include musicians in that."

"We always have to keep the interests of musicians first and foremost in all of this [but] maybe we should have another word," he continues. "We're [also] talking about small venue promoters, individual artists, someone who runs a little record company with three artists on it."

Tanner is adamant that there's an understanding at city hall that a healthy music scene's interests don't only lie with big business, but with grassroots organizations. "It's not just about numbers, data, or dollars you're generating - there is a recognition in the city, and there always has been, that music is a hugely important part of our social fabric."

Tanner later admits that "music community" might be a more fitting term than industry. It's a fine line to walk - I see his utopic vision of Toronto's music industry as unilateral from top to bottom - an "ecosystem," to use another of his terms - but I also question if it inherently minimizes noncommercial arts enterprises. Take it as you will.

music city townhallSo what does the Music Sector Development Officer do?

Tanner's position is a part of Toronto's Film and Entertainment Office - in fact his desk shares a room with the Film Sector Development Officer's.

As anyone who's had to deal with a film production taking full control of their street can attest, film has made leaps and bounds in establishing their interests as Toronto's interests. Now, it seems, it's music's turn.

Tanner, who amassed a wealth of music contacts as director of operations for music festival NXNE prior to this new gig, tells me most of his job can be summarized fairly simply. He's in place to open doors within the city's music community.

No, he can't sign you a check to go on tour. But maybe he can find someone who will.

"The biggest change between working on behalf of one event [NXNE] and what I'm doing now is working on behalf of the whole music community in Toronto - everybody from artists to festival organizers to people who have ideas for things, and looking to see how I can, along with the Film and Entertainment Industry folks on my team, be of assistance."

For example, Tanner has been working to sort out zoning issues affecting the Geary Avenue music scene. So far, he's managed to help Geary Lane, feared shuttered for good by bylaw and zoning issues, secure the necessary temporary permits for its inaugural Sounds Séance Festival.

toronto music cityWhat is the deal with the Austin-Toronto alliance?

Tanner made his 10th trip or so to SXSW this March, but, as one would expect, he describes this year's trip as "different" -- and not just because the festival shrunk in size.

"There was a lot of organization and work with industry partners to set up the events and showcases... [we] brought together a lot of industry folks, including Mayor Tory, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Cole."

As to Tory's "cutting the red tape" comment, Tanner explains the the mayor's office is interested in "streamlining processes wherever possible."

"We find out what's happening on the industry side; what processes are slowing things down, and make recommendations... to the relevant city departments," he explains. Tanner says this is similar to how the film office began to function about 25 years ago.

"It's not 'let's create SXSW in its duplicate form,' it's about - [looking] at what kinds of things a music industry can do when it is enabled and empowered, with the proper checks and balances in place." He sites an idea as simple as Austin's having loading zones outside of venues for musicians.

Aside from idea sharing, initiatives thus far have included artist exchanges, cross-promotion, and the pre-planning stages of a fall music industry summit in Toronto.

Tanner claims any musicians can benefit from the alliance - if a small Toronto band is on tour in Austin, they should be able to use the connections the alliance has built for helping to secure more gigs in Austin and/or media coverage and radio appearances.

toronto music city townhall meetingHow does the Toronto Music Advisory Council work?

The Toronto Music Advisory Council is in its infancy: newly re-approved in light of the fall election, their first meeting date is yet to be announced.

Four public meetings each year will be administered by the city clerk's office, who will publish an agenda for the meeting online for the public five days before the meeting date.

Anyone can register online to speak about an item on the agenda, and audience members in attendance can ask questions, so long as they pertain to the agenda. The first meeting will likely take place this spring.

music city torontoWhat are the goals of Toronto's new music office(r)?

Tanner is currently working on objectives that came out of Mayor Tory's trip to Austin including an examination of the way venues are licensed. "[We are] trying to find some information and clarity both internally at city hall and externally."

Tanner tells me he spends a lot of time in meetings, in part to amass information and make internal contacts that can help the music industry, where he says he already has a vast network.

Tanner's seven years with NXNE, he tells me, gave him a decent idea of how the city works and supports music, and he also got to know a lot of "folks" around town.

I ask Tanner what he's doing to connect with sectors of Toronto's music community (/industry) that lie far beyond his radar thus far. Tanner readily admits that accessibility is a challenge for interests that are, or feel like, outliers.

"That's partly why we do things like participate in panels and discussions [like April 25th's Town Hall Meeting] and make ourselves visible, so more people can find out what we do, who we are, how to reach us, what services and connections we can provide, and how we can help."

"It's no good having a film and entertainment industries team if nobody knows how to get a hold of us."

toronto music cityWhose interests is city hall's new music initiative going to serve?

It's clear that, on paper at least, Tanner is in place to help anyone, from big business to niche music communities struggling to get by. How this works will, it seems, depend on who reaches out.

I ask Tanner for his thoughts on the city's spaces for emerging talent, which so often include spaces with complicated relationships to zoning bylaws.

"I would hope that DIY doesn't mean you're breaking the rules." Tanner points out right away.

"To me, DIY means the real grassroots, the part of the musical ecosystem which you need to be healthy in order for the whole system to be healthy... Emerging artists, young people, genres that don't have a lot of outlets, little labels - it all needs to flourish because without it, things ossify and you don't have a scene anymore."

Tanner hopes the city's plans to streamline "red tape stuff" will trickle down from large established interests to "someone trying to do something in a very lo-fi kind of a way."

"I would hope that we can work at finding ways to integrate these things so you don't get the sense that smaller operators are feeling that they have to go rogue or work outside the system."

He adds that community interests are just as important, meaning no one at city hall is planning to send noise complaints straight to the shredder under the "Music City" banner.

"This is part of the discussion of what it means to be a music city - it means encouraging music at all ends of the spectrum, but it also means you're being sensitive to what's happening all around you in neighbourhoods."

Tanner stresses that understanding and communication in relation to zoning and licensing is a priority. He sites Geary Avenue as an example of a community that's hit roadblocks due at least in part to unnecessary miscommunications.

music city torontoHow can Torontonians get involved?

Tanner has been impressed with Toronto's music scene thus far. "I don't know how apparent this is to everybody, but I actually see our music industry... maybe I'll use the word community, as a pretty helpful bunch."

"Of course there are rivalries - business to business competitions, people who want to keep things private for good reasons" - [one can't help but think of NXNE circa 2014] - "but overall I think the music community in Toronto is one that looks out for each other."

He adds that "city folks" should be included as being enthusiastic to help wherever possible.

"Honestly, I believe the city is committed to helping grow and support the music sector - the music community - across the board."

Tanner says he tries to answer every email and phone call as quickly as he can. "I hate being that guy who lets an email sit in his inbox for two weeks, and sometimes I am that guy," he confesses.

He advises that those writing to him strive for clarity. "The more focused and tangible the email is, the easier it is for me to process it quickly."

Most of all Tanner stresses his position as a conduit - or, perhaps, walking lightning rod - for members of the music industry to access city hall, and, as has become more and more apparent to him, for linking for music interests external to city hall with each other.

While he can't grant anyone a musician's salary, it's clear that Tanner's position at City Hall, while loosely defined in his role as conduit, is and will always be malleable.

With some success already on Geary Avenue and, as Tanner is quick to enthuse, a new reggae night at the Tranzac, one can't help but catch some of Tanner's optimism. As for No Fun Toronto's days being numbered, it will be a long road ahead.

Listen to the full recording of the Toronto Music City Town Hall meeting here thanks to TRP.

Photos by Derek Flack

Washington Wizard trolls Raptors after series sweep

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paul pierce troll raptorsIt's already bad enough being a Raptors fan after the team was dispatched from the playoffs in a tidy four game sweep by the Washington Wizards, but it stings even more when Paul Pierce gets clever on social media to rub salt in the wound.

Pierce took to Facebook shortly after the Raptors were handily beat 125-94 on Sunday night to parody the team's #WeTheNorth slogan and to roast global ambassador Drake. In one Photoshop job Pierce dubs himself the "King in the North" (also a reference to Game of Thrones), while in an other he depicts Drake wearing a Wizards jersey under his regular clothes.

paul pierce troll raptorsThe icing on the cake is really the use of the now famous font from Drake's last mixtape to drive home the loss. "If you're reading this, the Wizards just swept."

Bet Drake wishes he didn't shake Pierce's hand after game two.

What's dinner and a show like at Hugh's Room?

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hughs roomOne of Toronto's best live music venues is a staple on Roncesvalles, hosting regular folk, blues, and world music concerts to a packed house. A rarity in Toronto, here fans are treated to dinner and a show in a room made for reverent audiences.

Read my profile of Hugh's Room in the bars section.

Now you can see unlimited concerts in Toronto for $25

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Jukely TorontoThe "Netflix of live music" has launched in Toronto, which is great, because a winter of actual Netflix has meant you haven't gone out to a proper concert, or proper anything, in months. Your eyeliner is so lonely.

A subscription to American app Jukely, which just launched in Toronto this month, grants you access to unlimited concerts for $25 per month. There are a few catches, naturally, the most obvious being they have to be concerts listed on the Jukely site.

While there's clearly going to be a divide between the month's most hyped shows and the gigs that end up on Jukley, currently Toronto's page lists Sufjan Stevens and a ton of CMW shows, not all terrible, alongside stuff like Danko Jones and Manic Street Preachers.

Tickets for each show are released two days in advance. If you nab a ticket through Jukely, your name goes on the guestlist for the show - and if you don't check in at the venue via their app, you're banned from Jukely for 24 hours (once you check in, you're free to sign up for other concerts).

Promoters get to fill space that might otherwise remain empty, but if you're worried about the ethics, ease your guilt by buying an album or a t-shirt from the merch table: problem solved.

Will this get you out of the house and meeting like-minded, mildly indiscriminate music fans? Let us know in the comments.

The Best Americano in Toronto

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americano torontoThe best Americano in Toronto is simply a diluted espresso, similar in strength to drip coffee but far more delicious. This is an easy drink to screw up, and yet these coffeehouses excel thanks to skilled baristas, filter water systems, and fresh beans roasted from local and/or micro coffee roasters.

Here is where to find the best Americano in Toronto.

See also:

The Best (Drip) Coffee in Toronto
The Best Cappuccino in Toronto


Star reporter to release tell-all book about Ghomeshi

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Jian GhomeshiToronto Star reporter Kevin Donovan has inked a deal to release a long-rumoured book about CBC host Jian Ghomeshi's public downfall last year. Jian Ghomeshi - Secret Life will dig into the former Q host's past and the circumstances surrounding his ouster from the broadcasting network, promising an in-depth look at who Ghomeshi was behind the scenes.

Ghomeshi is currently facing several criminal charges after six women came forward with accusations of violent physical and sexual assault. Before the story broke last October, Donovan and the Star had already long been researching accusations of Ghomeshi's alleged conduct with women. The upcoming book will feature interviews from "a number of women and former colleagues from Ghomeshi's past", according to a press release from the publishers.

The book, to be released in print by ECW Press and digitally by Kobo, is slated for a late June release.

Photo by Derek K. Miller on Flickr.

The top 10 looks from FAT Arts & Fashion Week 2015

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FAT 2015 torontoFashion Art Toronto (colloquially known as FAT) took over Daniels Spectrum last week, celebrating 10 years of providing a platform for some of Toronto's most innovative up-and-coming designers. With a lineup that brings a heavy theatrical element and some transformative ideas to the runway, it remains a breath of fresh air in the city's fashion establishment a decade on.

Here are my picks for the top looks from FAT 2015.

Sandra
The biggest showstopper in Kitchener-based designer Sandra Al-Dabbagh's fractal-patterned collection was this strong-shouldered neoprene dress. It's highly sculptural and conceptual while remaining wearable, even feminine.

FAT 2015 torontoVenita Salian
Novice designer Venita Salian's collection was inspired by Amelia Earheart and other trailblazing female aviators from the '30s, which gave way to the opening look, a refined-yet-tough military coatdress.

FAT 2015 torontoL'Uomo Strano
Finding a new home at FAT after that kerfuffle at TOM*FW last season, Mic. Carter rolled out his latest collection, which featured draped, sashed robes in tones of red, grey, mauve, and this ethereal sheer look.

FAT 2015 torontoKaela Kay
FAT is traditionally all about extremes, from the minimal to the super-sexy to kitchen-sink looks - but Kaela Kay's collection was a refreshing mix of sweet, classic shapes and bold mix-and-match patterns.

FAT 2015 torontoMaya Charbin
Charbin's collection was full of drapey, white-and-seersucker basics in unusual shapes (several of which were revealed, cleverly, to be convertible garments at the end of the show). This cowl-neck ensemble, meanwhile, stuck with futuristic simplicity.

FAT 2015 torontoDuLaree by Andy Jones
There's no shortage of drama on the FAT runway, but this look from Jones made a major impact with its strong lines and over-the-top sexiness.

FAT 2015 torontoLazar Couture
Though the Lazar collection was a little on the uneven side, this look was perfectly judged: Kelly-green muppet fur (a texture all over the runway this season) against clean, white, geometrically-textured fabric.

FAT 2015 torontoCopious
The Copious collection swung back to the '60s with flower-power prints (not to mention those Mad Men-meets-Alice In Wonderland hairdos). Lemon-lime shades added a fresh touch to spring dresses and long gowns. Anybody thirsty?

FAT 2015 torontoRossow
Nobody does minimal quite like Rossow; though her collection of basic blacks achieved a healthy balance between structured and draped, my fave was this floor-length number, which featured pointed stingray-like sides that swung in and out as the model walked.

FAT 2015 torontoEvan Biddell
After a lengthy exile in New York, the Project Runway alum returned to his home and native land in a big, big way last week. Models, transformed into "lizard people", wandered langorously in pieces handpainted with gorgeous scales. Model Myles Sexton came out last in light-up nails and a white-and-neon gown before a blazing finale under blacklight. Hey, welcome back, Evan.

Do you agree with my picks? Let me know your favourite looks from FAT in the comments.

Photos by Jonathan Hooper courtesy of FAT

BQM Diner to be replaced by Italian eatery on Queen St.

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stelvio torontoQueen West, the burger epicentre of Toronto, is short one establishment thanks to soaring rents and heavy competition in the area. BQM Diner, the first gourmet burger shop to open in the neighbourhood (it replaced the iconic Stem Diner), closed its doors back in February. The reasons behind the closure will ring familiar for many restaurant and small business owners.

"The main reason for our [departure] is that we found the market at Queen and Spadina to be too expensive rental-wise," explains BQM owner Saeed Mohamed. "Over the five years we were there our rent went up by 30 per cent, and it was already pretty expensive rent at the start of our lease. If it wasn't for the high rent escalations we would have stayed."

BQM was also navigating an explosion of burger joints in the area when ownership decided to leave the nighbourhood. "When we first opened we were the only burger joint other than McDonald's. Within a year Letteri Coffee was converted to Hero Burger, then A&W arrived, a year later Gangster Burger, then Burger's Priest, and P&L Burger opened," Mohamed notes.

With the arrival of US chains like Carl's Jr., it seemed like a good time to look for greener pastures. "In the end I think only the big chains will be left [on Queen West]," Mohamed offers by way of a prophecy for the increasingly corporate stretch.

As BQM looks for another location with lower rent and less competition, the future of the space at 354 Queen St. West is starting to come into focus. Come mid-May, a Northern Italian restaurant named Stelvio will open its doors. That should be a welcome addition to a neighbourhood that reached peak burger saturation a while ago.

Take a look inside the new and improved Union Station

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York GO concourse UnionToronto got a rather significant glimpse at what the future holds for Union Station, as Metrolinx opened the new York GO Concourse today. The 62,000 foot concourse is the antithesis of the dated waiting area on the other side of the station at Bay. Not only is it twice the size, but its clean aesthetic is wins two thumbs up for an appealing look and efficient use of space.

Along with the new concourse, the station now features the York East Teamway, a covered walkway running north/south along the west side of Union, which connects to a new PATH tunnel. This is but one section of the widespread renovations to the transit hub, but the first impression bodes well for future aspects of the overhaul.

Work is also underway on the Union Pearson Express Lounge, which will feature new retail and food options. There have been loads of budgetary and scheduling problems with the work at Union, but this little glimpse of the future should renew the patience of at least a few commuters.

MORE PHOTOS

York GO concourse UnionYork GO concourse UnionYork GO concourse UnionYork GO concourse UnionPhotos via Metrolinx

The top 25 shows at Canadian Music Week 2015

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cmw 2015 torontoCanadian Music Week 2015 is almost upon us, meaning music fans are resting up before 10 days of shows take over Toronto's concert venues from Sony Centre to Burdock.

CMW is an industry event above all else, but the focus on conferences from the organizers is met with a glazed look from the city's concert-goers, who just want to figure out if a wristband is worth it or not. If you haven't made up your mind yet, we've broken the huge lineup of bands into headliners, local favourites, and emerging acts.

For those who like to explore, the entire festival schedule is available on the CMW website or, alternatively, on newly revamped concert listing site Showgopher.

Wristband information, including explanation of "Limited Wristband" events and "Concert Lotteries" can be found on the CMW festival website.

Here are my picks for the top acts to catch at this year's Canadian Music Week.

HEADLINER HIGHLIGHTS

The Jesus and Mary Chain - The Phoenix - May 1st - 9pm
Scottish rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain bring their 30th anniversary tour of the timelessly cool 1985 release Pyschocandy to the Phoenix. Dress code: all black. Also performing: Gateway Drugs. *Limited Wristbands

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - The Sony Centre - May 3rd + 4th - 8pm
Noel Gallagher (from some band called Oasis) returns to Toronto for a two night stint at the beautiful Sony Centre in support of his latest release Chasing Yesterday. Expect less drama than the last time Oasis played Toronto. *Concert Lottery

Walk Off The Earth - the Danforth Music Hall - May 6th - 7pm
Walk Off The Earth have proven themselves more than just a viral sensation, and they'll be showing The Danforth just how tight their vocal harmonies are in person for CMW. *Concert Lottery

Death Cab for Cutie - the Sony Centre - May 7th - 9pm
Indie pop darlings Death Cab For Cutie (a.k.a. Seth Cohen's favourite band) have been churning out emotional, heartfelt albums since 1997. They'll be hitting the Sony Centre in support of their newest record, Kintsugi. Also performing: The Antlers. *Concert Lottery

Psychedelic Furs - The Phoenix - May 9th - 10pm
London rock group The Psychedelic Furs are still touring strong after over 30 years. The Butler brothers bring their trademark nostalgia-evoking sound to the Phoenix. Also performing: Ecca Vandel, Black English.

Faith No More - the Sony Centre - May 9th - 7pm
Highly influential five piece Faith No More will almost certainly be previewing tracks off their new release Sol Invictus, which is due to drop later this month. *Concert Lottery

Joey Badass - the Danforth Music Hall - May 9th - 9:45pm
With his debut studio album (B4.DA.$$) still fresh on playlists from its January release, Brooklyn-born hip hop artist Joey Badass will be a hot ticket on CMW's last Saturday night. Also performing: Hare Squead, Kaydee, Jazz Cartier.

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

Tre Mission - Rivoli - May 1st - 12:45pm
Juno nominated local grime musician Tre Mission (whose 2014 release Stigmata featured guest appearances by UK heavyweights Wiley, Skepta, and JME) helps kick off the festival on its opening night at the Rivoli. Also performing: OSIYM, Stay Out Late, LordQuest, Kaydee, Redway.

Metz - Lee's Palace - May 1st + 2nd - 11:30pm
Sub Pop locals Metz double up at Lee's just days before their sophomore album METZ II hits shops. Keep an eye out for yet to be announced openers. Also performing: Protomartyr, TBA. *Concert Lottery

Jully Black - The Phoenix - May 5th - 9pm
Juno award winning artist Jully Black headlines The Phoenix highlighting her two decade long career as the queen of Canadian r&b.

K-Os - The Phoenix - May 6th - 8pm
K-Os is one of many performing artists lending his support to UNISON, a non-profit charity that provides counseling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. Also performing: Finger Eleven, I Mother Earth, Kim Mitchell, Kardinal Offishall, Jason McCoy, The Trews, Tom Wilson.

Grade - The Horseshoe Tavern - May 7th - 12:00AM
Burlington-based Screamo innovators (since 1993) hit the 'Shoe as part of Dine Alone Records' 10 year anniversary celebrations. Also performing: Hounds, Solids, Broncho, Monster Truck, Acid Priest.

Jazz Cartier - The Garrison - May 7th - 12:00AM
Jazz Cartier just dropped his debut mixtape Marauding In Paraside a few weeks ago, but the buzz has been building for some time in Toronto. Catch him at his first local appearance since the release. Also performing: Jake Bluez, AKIDNAMEDPOLLO + SAMMYCITRUS, Gosh Pith, Lucki Eck$.

Harrison - Studio Bar - May 7th - 12:00AM
Hotly tipped producer Harrison has a new release on Last Gang and a LP in the near future, so the only direction is up - catch him at Studio Bar while you still can. Also performing: Glass Gang, Conrad Clifton, Daytrip, Obeson.

Brave Shores - Virgin Mod Club Theatre - May 8th - 11pm
With arguably one of the breakout radio singles of last summer, sibling duo Brave Shores will bring their blog-indie dance party to the Mod Club. Also performing: Diamond Bones, Midday Swim, For Esme, Lyon.

The Flatliners - Lee's Palace - May 8th - 1:00AM
Fat Wreck Chords signees The Flatliners have been pumping out Orgcore approved releases for over a decade now. Catch them headlining the Agency Group's showcase at Lee's. Also performing: The Dying Arts, Say Yes, Dead Tired, Single Mothers.

The New Deal - Opera House - May 9th - 11pm
Formed as a three piece in 1998, live electronic band The New Deal hit the Opera House for their first Toronto appearance in some time. Check out archive.org for a massive collection bootlegs to prep you for the gig. Also performing: Illitry. *Ltd. Wristbands

EMERGING ACTS

Mimico - Silver Dollar - May 2nd - 11pm
Members of Mimico have been playing in and around various groups in Toronto for years now, but it's very likely with recent releases such as Incantations (on Reel Cod) you'll start associating the word with the band and not the GO station. Also performing: Bam Thwok, Planet Creature, Vallens, Zoobombs, Surinam, The Leslie Spits, The Disraelis.

The Fight - Rancho Relaxo - May 5th - 9pm
Edmonton-based rock outfit The Fight have a new EP scheduled for release this August. Catch them ahead of the curve while they're in town or you'll be wishing for them to come back before you know it. Also performing: The Wicks, Stegall, The Spare Me's, Oh Malo, Lost Cousins.

TV Sets - Cherry Colas - May 5th - 10pm
Lo-Fi Toronto group TV Sets released the well received Gen Pop EP in January. Check them out with a slew of other acts at the intimate Cherry Cola's. Also performing: 1977, The Bloody Five, Autopilot, Sieraslave, Far Away Stables, Until Red.

Programm - The Garrison - May 5th - 10:30pm
Whitby psych group Programm play the Toronto Women In Music showcase at the Garrison fresh off a spring opening stint with Etiquette. Also performing: Megan Bonnell, The WAYO, Dirty Frigs, Maya Postepski (of Austra), DJ Bambii.

Champion Lover - Lee's Palace - May 6th - 8:15pm
Noisy, fast and fuzzy, Champion Lover kickstart a guitar-heavy night at Lee's. Fronted by twin brothers William and Edward (Bill & Ted?), the band is all the rage. Last year's self-titled release received global attention. Also performing: Dead Broke, Flint Eastwood, Port Juvee, The Orwells.

C R S B - Mod Club - May 6th - 11:45pm
Bevstmode producer/dj and Party Next Door DJ C R S B closes off a big night of future beats and r&b at the Mod Club. Also performing: The Bass6, G Milla, T.Y, Crossword, Jimmy B, DillanPonders, Post Malone.

Mune - Parts & Labour - May 6th - 11:50pm
Culvert Music signee Mune still have a bit of secrecy around them, with a debut album due sometime before the first half of 2015. Until then, you're going to have to check them out live o get a full taste of what they sound like. Also performing: Techromancer, Slow Down Molasses, Bravestation + secret guest at 11:10pm.

Glass Gang - Drake Underground - May 8th - 10pm
Opening in direct support before Mercury prize nominated East India Youth, Brooklyn's Glass Gang should have no shortage of onlookers in attendance to catch their polished synth-pop. Also performing: Necromonkey, Blitz Berlin, Whaleskin, East India Youth.

What are you excited to see at CMW 2015? Did you catch a band you've never heard of in a tiny bar that blew you away? Let us know in the comments.

Canadian Music Week runs from May 1 - 10, 2015.

Lead photo: thenarrative.net

Streetcar kiss

Today in Toronto: Spacing, Montreal's Enduring Architecture, SuperMutant Magic Academy, Hot Docs

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today in torontoToday in Toronto f you want to check out Contact early head to IX Gallery in Riverside for photographer David Kaufman's Built To Last: Montreal's Enduring Architecture. Then you can hop to warehouse venue Jam Factory for Spacing's spring issue release party.

At The Beguiling celebrate the release of SuperMutant Magic Academy, Jillian Tamaki's new comic about a prep school for mutants and witches. 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.

Image: David Kaufman


This Week on DineSafe: Dr. Laffa, Riviera, Manpuku, Steve's Restaurant, Ding Dong Pastries & Cafe

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dinesafeDineSafe didn't find cause to shut any establishments down this week, but Riviera Bakery is back on the list with a yellow card. The bakery in Little Italy was slapped with a red card just five months ago at its last inspection.

Here's the rest of this weeks worst offenders on DineSafe.

Steve's Restaurant (3788 Bathurst St.)
Inspected on: April 21, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

Dr. Laffa (3027 Bathurst St.)
Inspected on: April 22, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 3, Significant: 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Manpuku (105 McCaul St.)
Inspected on: April 22, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Tara Inn (2365 Kingston Rd.)
Inspected on: April 22, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Riviera Bakery (576 College St.)
Inspected on: April 21, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 4)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Thai on Yonge (370 Yonge St.)
Inspected on: April 22, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

Ding Dong Pastries & Cafe (321 Spadina Ave.)
Inspected on: April 22, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

The 10 most outrageous looks from FAT Arts & Fashion Week 2015

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FAT 2015 torontoFashion Art Toronto (better known as FAT), Toronto's alternative fashion week, is all about pushing the envelope on the runway, allowing designers to let their imaginations run wild and explore high-concept manifestations of fashion. Naturally, that lends itself to some fantastical, not-suitable-for-the-real world creations (executed, as you might expect, with varying degrees of success).

Among the more notable FAT oddities: Andrea Montle's racy all-seatbelt-material collection, coats and dresses with multicoloured faux-fur panels from J Porte, and latex gear from House of Etiquette (which, depending on how you spend your evenings, is not actually all that strange). Below are 10 more looks among the dozens of others that helped keep FAT wonderfully weird this season.

Here are my picks for the 10 most outrageous looks from FAT 2015.

Sainte Genovefa
A "connection" theme led Sainte Genovefa to send women down the catwalk clad in chain-mail ensembles made from puzzle pieces for the line's runway debut. The barely-there designs were impressively intricate - I want to see these pieces get layered in with wardrobe basics for daywear.

FAT 2015 torontoRenascentia by Connor McCalden
There were plenty of unusual looks in McCalden's Pandora's Box-inspired show, including a gorgeous phoenixlike gown in red and navy - but the honour for the wildest look to emerge from the collection goes to this padded white jumpsuit.

FAT 2015 torontoJon Riosa
Fibre artist Riosa caged his models in metal and wire, McQueen-style, for his collection. (He even made a dress solely from a few loose rings of wire, which ordinarily would have appeared on this list - but we know you're reading this at work.)

FAT 2015 torontoAmplify Apparel
Amplify's over-the-top collection was pretty kitchen-sink - but with each model in the constellation-themed show in full character as a Greek god, drunkenly teetering or scowling or pirouetting as they crossed the catwalk, they became more a set of outlandish pageant costumes than a fashion collection (not a bad thing).

FAT 2015 torontoLittle M Inventions
Clearly, Where The Wild Things Are made a strong impression on designer/maker Marjorie Campbell, whose collection featured felted bunny and fox headpieces within an enchanted-forest setting.

FAT 2015 torontoHouse of Poplyn
Designer Tanushree Pande aimed to mimic microorganisms in her collection, using the contents of what appeared to be an entire Michael's aisle - garments were festooned with googly eyes, craft-store pom-poms, and, in the case of this asymmetrically-ruffled number, styrofoam balls. (Side note: I seriously want a jacket covered in googly eyes.)

FAT 2015 torontoGavarcia
Gavarcia's collection began as tame, tasteful bridal with a subtle back-to-nature twist before going further and further back in time, culminating in this Riverboat Gambler-worthy dress and hat combination.

FAT 2015 torontoSS & Co.
They're often spotted at One Of A Kind and other craft shows, but SS & Co. has ditched the gift-friendly scarves and headbands to dabble in more avant-garde pieces at FAT. I, for one, never imagined what it would look like if you made a jumpsuit from a granny quilt, and I'll bet you never did either, but here it is.

FAT 2015 torontoMitra Ghavamian
Reclaimed materials (trash, to be more specific) figured prominently in Ghavamian's collection, which could safely be described as derelicte. Other looks featured tin cans and pinecones ("Pinecones!" muttered more than one showgoer to me that evening), but my pick for oddest look features a recycled tire. Related: Did you know that "yonic" is the opposite of "phallic"?

FAT 2015 torontoBulgun Puteeva
Puteeva's collection was moth-themed, as was indicated by the fuzzy craft-store moths glued to backpacks and necklaces, or the repeat playing of this irritating Hawksley Workman ballad during the show. As for this overalls-and-blouse ensemble: Shoulda squashed it before it hatched.

Do you agree? Leave your picks for the strangest looks at FAT in the comments.

Photos by Jonathan Hooper courtesy of FAT.

TTC suffers short turn in ridership pride

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ttc customer satisfactionA new report by the TTC reveals that the fleet of new streetcars, still gleaming like futuristic spaceships on the tracks that criss-cross our city of despair, are no longer impressing its ridership. Yes, we all agree, everything is embarrassing.

The new pride rating (a category unto itself) from the Commission's customer satisfaction survey is 66%, a considerable drop from 73% in 2014 - now every third person who squishes in beside you is ashamed of Toronto's public transit system, instead of one in four.

The overall customer satisfaction rating, however, is unchanged - still clocking in at 72%, making for a quintessentially Toronto conundrum: while many of us are fine with our transit system, we'd rather not show enthusiasm for it.

The TTC report itself is something they can take pride in: recommendations include reducing crowding and delays on the subway. Oh, and clearer announcements about delays, because we've accepted that they are our eternal soundtrack of misery.

Photo by George Socka in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto's newest vegan restaurant is also gluten-free

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vegan duchess torontoVegans, raw foodists and the gluten-averse have a new quick-service lunch option at Yonge and Eglinton. Whether you're looking for a buckwheat-crust pizza, a grab-and-go snack, or a satisfying smoothie, they've got you covered - with no sugar, gluten, or dairy anywhere in sight.

Read my profile of The Vegan Duchess in the restaurants section.

Toronto block party actually a massive bait & switch job

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Toronto block partyRemember that wicked block party all your friends clicked attending on via Facebook? It was only in your feed like, four times a day. Wow, are you ever going to be glad you opted to exercise caution in your clicks - because it turns out the huge "block party" at a to-be-announced location, now with 13,000+ attendees, is taking place at Gravity Soundbar.

If you, like me, are suspicious of anything popular and fun, pat yourself on the back. Tickets to the June 1st "Toronto Block Party 2015" at the Richmond Street club are $15. The updated Facebook event for the sucker-gathering of the summer reads, optimistically, "thousands expected."

To update you further on Toronto's weird social media party news, the Facebook event for the Yonge-Dundas Square water gun fight that Yonge-Dundas Square knows nothing about remains unchanged, as does the Union Station street party that Union Station knows nothing about.

The mysterious Trinity Bellwoods, Woodbine Beach, and Cherry Beach parties also have yet to provide significant updates, though now one wonders if all of these are just part of some clandestine capitalist scheme. Oh dear.

There's a lesson to be learned here. Trust no one.

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