This new Distillery District boutique's first location was in Unionville, and focused on independent and unique skincare and cosmetic lines. The new location offers the same curated bath and body stock, as well as flirty yet sophisticated clothing and accessories for women, and several hard-to-find menswear brands.
Read my profile of Blossom Lounge in the fashion stores section.
The TTC's 65 underground newsstands, cafes, bakeries, and lottery booths will carry Gateway livery for the next 15 years as part of a new, controversial agreement signed this week by the Commission. Instead of allowing company's to bid for the lease to the kiosks, the TTC elected to sign an attractive extended offer with the existing tenants, against the advice of its own staff. The details of that deal are outlined below.
So far this winter the city has issued just three extreme cold weather alerts - warnings issued when the temperature is expected to fall below -15 C - to homeless shelters and drop-in centres for the homeless. Previous, colder, winters have seen eight times that number. Find out just what happens when the Toronto decides its too cold to be on the street here too.
Finally, in this week's explainer, just what are those yellow fish stencils by storm drains?
GATEWAY AND THE TTC
The Toronto Transit Commission came under fire this week for its decision to award a sole-sourced contract to Tobmar Investments International Inc., the owners of Gateway Newsstands. Under the new deal, the TTC would receive $48 million in rent - a 67 per cent raise - and receive a $1.5 million signing bonus.
The current package of agreements with Tobmar, which covers newsstands, lottery booths, bakeries, and cafes, was due to expire on several dates from May 2014 to May 2022. The company made an unsolicited offer in advance of the first renewal date for 10 more years with the option of a 5 year extension.
According to official TTC documents, the Commission estimated it could avoid a costly $1.5 to 2 million downtime period by signing an extension with Tobmar instead of courting a rival organization. Official policy dictates that, when justified, the TTC should work with just one bidder.
Against the advice of policy and the temptation of a cash windfall, staff recommend the TTC let companies submit bids for the contact in the hope of securing more cash. Instead, the board voted to sign a sole-sourced contract at its last meeting.
Under the agreement, Gateway would sell the rights to free newspaper distribution in the subway system - currently owned by Metro - and open new outlets in vacant spaces at Bessarion, Don Mills second location, Bayview, Leslie, Jane and Chester stations and "standardize" its signage.
Here's the full text of the agreement with the TTC's staff report:
TTC-Gateway Newsstand Agreement by chris9863
EXTREME COLD ALERTS
Though recent winters in Toronto have been (relatively) mild, southern Ontario is still capable of throwing up a seriously frosty day. When temperatures in Toronto are forecast to drop below -15 C, the city automatically issues an extreme cold alert and engages its emergency cold weather plan for at-risk citizens. So far this winter Toronto has issued three official temperature warnings.
Here's a chart showing the number of extreme cold alerts issued each winter since 2004-2005.
And here's the operating checklist for the duration of the alert:
WHAT'S THAT THING?
These yellow stencils appear on the curb next to storm grates all over the city and are used to identify drains that flow directly into a nearby natural water-source untreated. Litter, salt, soap suds, and other chemicals all frequently wind up in rivers and ultimately Lake Ontario, killing fish and other marine life.
The markers serve as a visual reminder to anyone considering emptying a bucket of something nasty into the gutter and are often installed on quiet residential streets by volunteer groups. City workers handle busier stretches. Find out more on the Yellow Fish Road program website.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Photos: "Skating at the Square" by Ben Roffelsen, "Cold As Ice" by ~EvidencE~/blogTO Flickr pool, Chris Bateman/blogTO
A huge crowd of fans filled the Toronto Centre for the Arts on the 25th of January to see Russian rock and roll icon DDT. It's not the first time DDT has performed in Toronto, but it's certainly been a while; they last rolled through town a decade ago.
DDT first rose to prominence in the early 1980s. As was the case with most Russian rock artists of the time, Yuri Shevchuk— the band's front man — became popular by protesting government politics, speaking out for human rights, and criticizing the economic conditions in his home country.
In Russia, DDT was once an almost ubiquitous presence (and still remain popular to this day). One would hear songs from any one of the band's 20 albums (not including the five live collections) just about anywhere, and they enjoyed praise from both critics and fans alike.
More recently the band has suffered for Shevchuk's outspoken criticism of Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. They were also one of the voices who demanded that Pussy Riot be set free. Now DDT concerts are officially banned in several cities, and they can't promote themselves on TV or radio.
Some band members decided to call it quits based on these restrictions and even Shevchuk took a short break from recording and performing. But he's come back and rounded up new faces for the "Unplugged" ("Solnik") tour that brought through Toronto.
"The main objective of this set is to create tension between music, words, video art and light," says Shevchuk. DDT is now an 8-man band, made up of guitar, bass guitar, two horn players, drums, keyboards, lead singer and backing vocals.
That's the context. So how was the show?
Throughout the upbeat and lengthy performance, Shevchuk would interrupt songs to read his poems, most of which whimsically reflected on the meaning of life, freedom and history. While these pauses were totally unpredictable, they actually added an element of interest to the set that you don't get at most concerts.
Set to an impressive light show, the night wasn't short on political protest. Amidst the rocking and dancing, band members would sit down on the drumset and attack Russian political parties. It was both entertaining and inspiring to see such passion.
The concert lasted for two hours, at which point the musicians were given a standing ovation. The crowd refused to leave the building, screaming for an encore. Naturally DDT returned to the stage, but this was no ordinary encore. They played for another 45 minutes! That's a whole set for many bands.
Here's a fun-fact. For the past three years Shevchuk has refused to sing one of his most famous songs — 'Osen' (Autumn). But he must have really liked the crowd gathered in Toronto, because he decided to bring the song out of retirement on Friday.
It was one of a number of highlights from a spectacular performance.
Additional Photos
Writing by Lina Shakirova / Photos by Irina No
Toronto events on January 28, 2013
THEATRE | The Foolish Cabaret
Tonight, The Foolish Cabaret reconvenes for an evening of hilarity. Curated by Helen Donnelly, this event showcases "physical theatre" pieces that fall into the areas of "clown, bouffon, and mime." For those unfamiliar, the art of bouffon is a French theatrical term related to "jester," which focuses on mockery, and playful satire. Tonight's performers include: Rob Faust, "Mask Master," and clowns Shawn Postoff, Chloe Payne, Kate Dunbar, Christel Bartelse, Helen Donnelly, and Wes Neal. This evening's bouffon is Sandra Battaglini, and the event will be hosted by Becky Johnson. This event sells out quite regularly, so be sure to arrive a little early. The next Foolish Cabaret happens on April 1st.
Unit 102 Theatre studio & Actors Company (376 Dufferin Street) 7:40PM $10
COMEDY | How to Start in Stand-Up Comedy book launch
Tonight Chris Maclean celebrates the launch of his book, How to Start in Stand-Up Comedy: A Guide To Becoming A Comedian in Toronto. If you've ever thought you have what it takes to do stand-up, you might consider checking Maclean's book out, which is choc full of both helpful and hilarious advice, with some "dos" and "don'ts" specific to TO. Toronto is a place with a rich comic history, even though many of the brightest stars migrated South to reach the apex of their success, but they started here with stand-up! There will also be a comedy showcase following the big celebration, so plan on sticking around.
Charlotte Room (19 Charlotte Street) 8PM PWYC
GAMES | Bingo and Drinking
Yes, it's time for another evening of the ultimate pairing: bingo and drinks! Hosted by Regina Thegentlelady, this night of gaming is also taken up a notch with comestibles from The Garrison's kitchen, such as tacos, empanadas, and other great eats. Things are reasonably priced, too, with Bingo cards going for $3 each or four for $10, and they can be re-used all night - very cool.
The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West) 8:30PM
ALSO OF NOTE
MORE EVENTS THIS WEEK
For more Toronto event suggestions, check out these posts:
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
Photo by Daifuku Sensei in the blogTO Flickr pool
Rob Ford says the TTC's decision not to seek competitive bids to operate its newsstands, bakeries, lotto booths, and cafes, is "absolutely appalling" and an "embarrassment." The Commission voted against the advice of its staff and elected to deal only with Tobmar Investments International, the current tenants, who offered to pay higher rent and open new outlets.
Also in Ford, he might want six more years but the mayor could still be vulnerable in a two-way election, according to The Star. According to a poll, Ford would lose in a straight race with Olivia Chow, John Tory, and, surprisingly, Karen Stintz. Do you think Ford could become a two-term mayor?
Kathleen Wynne, Ontario's premier-designate, says she's ready to lead in a minority government after winning the Liberal leadership vote Saturday night. Wynne vowed to build bridges to with opposition parties but has already been the target of a PC attack ad that calls a "McGuinty Liberal Ontario can't afford." Are you pleased to see Wynne take the top job?
The Toronto Island airport wants its own armed police force to boost security, respond to alarm calls, and take part in special investigations, according to The Star. The unique group of officers would also allow the airport to become a staging area for US customs, something Porter Airlines has been pushing for for some time.
Bagel lovers are grieving after a fire destroyed Haymishe Bagel Shop Sunday morning. It appears the fire started in the basement of the North York staple and spread through the upper floors of the store near Bathurst and Lawrence, causing roughly $500,000 worth of damage. The fire was extinguished by 2 pm.
The weather this morning is pretty shabby. Freezing rain, snow, and showers have cancelled school busses in York, Peel, and Halton, and caused trouble on roads in the GTA. There have already been several accidents on major highways. Drive safely.
IN BRIEF:
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Photo: "Frozen" by Acid_Punk/blogTO Flickr pool.
Live music picks for MONDAY JANUARY 28 through FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2013.
MONDAY JANUARY 28 / THE GROWLERS / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $11.50 - $13 / 19+
Fans of psychedelic surf rock won't want to miss this one. The Growlers, out of California, have been perfecting and evolving their unique sound since bursting onto the scene in 2006. It can best be described as a mix of psychedelic, garage, and surf rock, with some lo-fi country elements thrown in for good measure. The group worked with The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach on its latest album, Hung at Heart, which came out just a week ago, so you can expect to hear plenty of material off of it at this show. The Breezes and Invasions will offer support.
TUESDAY JANUARY 29 / HOT WATER MUSIC / THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / 147 DANFORTH AVE / $33.50 / ALL AGES
While I can never attest to being a huge fan of punk rock, there's a lot to like about Hot Water Music. The group has been together since 1993, and while they've disbanded briefly on two separate occasions, they're back together and touring in support of their 2012 release Exister, which was their first album in eight years. Punk rock fans will obviously eat this one up. La Dispute and The Menzingers will open.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 30 / BLACK VEIL BRIDES / THE OPERA HOUSE / 735 QUEEN E / $10.50 / ALL AGES
Clearly inspired by bands like KISS (just check out their stage persona) and with a sound that's heavily influenced by the glam metal bands of the '80s, California's Black Veil Brides will never get any points for originality. But this shouldn't take away from the fact that they do have a pretty good sound, and their latest album, the recently released Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones, is a very well-done rock opera concept album. William Control will offer support.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1 / HANNAH GEORGAS / THE MOD CLUB / 722 COLLEGE / $16 / ALL AGES
Since releasing her debut EP in 2008, Hannah Georgas has slowly become one of the more prolific names in the Canadian indie-pop scene. And it's really not difficult to see why - her songs are catchy, sweet, and wholly original. I've been a huge fan since I first heard her so-catchy-it-should-be-illegal tune "Bang Bang You're Dead" two years ago, so I'm giving this show my highest recommendation.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1 / PURITY RING / THE PHOENIX / 410 SHERBOURNE / $19.75 / ALL AGES
If the beautiful indie-pop of Hannah Georgas doesn't do it for you on Friday night, the electronic mastery of Montreal-based duo Purity Ring is another option. The duo, comprised of Megan James and Corin Roddick, formed in 2010, and released their debut album, Shrines, last year. Young Magic will offer support.
For more music listings, check out our January concerts roundup.
Looking for tickets? Check out Rotate This or Soundscapes to avoid Ticketmaster robbery.
Have an event you'd like us to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO events calendar.
Photo of Hannah Georgas courtesy of Tabercil on Flickr.
Found just down the street from neighbourhood favourite Square Boys, this new burger joint knows not to try to compete in the classic, old-school burger department. Instead, it takes its offerings down a size by serving up a wide range of mini burgers that are packing flavour and come with tasty sides too.
Read my review of Slider Revolution in the restaurants section.
In light of this week's TTC stroller debate, here's a look back at how the Commission used to deal with overcrowding on its streetcars and busses; simply carrying fewer people. By encouraging companies to stagger work hours, the TTC spread the 5:00 rush over a longer period when jam-packed vehicles and surface gridlock were daily occurrences.
In the mid 40s, the same art department that urged riders to have exact fare and to scolded those that didn't shuffle to the back of the streetcar during peak times, also produced billboards asking workers talk to their employers about starting and finishing earlier or later. The concept was sold as a way to get more free time during regular daylight hours, either in the morning or late afternoon.
In 1941, riders made 25 million more trips than the year before, an increase of 15%. This sudden spike was likely a consequence of gasoline and rubber rationing for private car owners, something the TTC itself had to overcome. Speaking to the Toronto Star in January of that year, general manager Henry Patten said the ultimate goal of Toronto's transit provider was to provide the best possible service for "the many thousands of workers engaged in the war industries of Toronto."
The city's traffic conference and works committee suggested downtown offices and factories choose from an 8:30 - 4:30, 9:00 - 5:00, or 9:30 - 5:30 workday and in 1942 the TTC itself adopted the scheme for its office staff. Toronto Hydro and a large munitions plant that employed more than 6,000 workers were also notable early starters. Staggered hours schemes were also adopted in Ottawa and Montreal around the same time.
The long lost Queen Street subway, designed to be an underground streetcar route fed by the Dundas, Danforth, and Queen cars, was another way the TTC and the provincial government hoped to solve the choking traffic. Despite the on-going war, or perhaps because of it, these bumper years eventually spurred the construction of the Yonge line and drove new investment in Toronto transit.
Let's hope today's overcrowding will eventually lead to a better TTC, too.
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Photos: City of Toronto Archives.
It seems there are few things Torontonians won't eat out of a corn tortilla, and Sean Riehl, chef of the tiny taco stand Seven Lives in Kensington Market isn't one to disappoint. After spending years enjoying southern California's finest tacquerias, Riehl is eager to recreate his experience here. Riehl shares one of the best tacos he's ever eaten, why his taco will survive the trend, and what his future restaurant might look like.
Did you always want to be a chef?
I've always wanted to be a chef. I don't 100% consider myself a chef right now; I've been doing it for 10 years, and went to school and did all the training, but I still think that's a title that should be given to somebody, not something that somebody gives to themselves. My mom's Korean, so I've grown up with a lot of good food, and my grandma cooked everything too.
What brought you to Toronto?
I've been in Toronto for almost 3 years. My mom's family is out here in Toronto. I always wanted to do a taco shop, but it isn't realistic to open one in Southern California because there are so many.
Where did you learn to cook tacos?
I actually taught myself. We would always go out and eat them when we were younger. I'd go to Tijuana with my friends and eat tacos there. So I just knew what flavours to look for, and when I came up here I just had to kind of make up the recipes myself and figure out how to do it and do some research.
What was your first memorable taco experience?
It's hard to say, because I was so young. One of the most memorable tacos I've ever had was at this place in San Diego. My friend Alex took me there, and they specialize in smoked marlin tacos. I ordered one, and the first bite I took was amazing; there was all this flavour, so much texture, and as soon as I ate it I knew I had to learn how to make it. That's our signature dish right now and it's inspired by that restaurant.
The taco trend exploded last year in Toronto. Do you think the obsession is fading out?
I think it is dying out, and I think that's a good thing. I think it went a little too crazy; there are all kinds of gourmet tacos coming up--gastro-type things--and tacos should be really simple. One thing I wanted to do was just bring it back down to earth, and make it simple and tasty again.
Any predictions for the next big food trend of 2013?
Cheap comfort food.
What makes a good taco?
The most important part of a taco, I think, is the filling. The filling should have a lot of flavour and texture. A lot of times people get too caught up in sauces and what's going to go on top, but the most important thing is that the filling and two or three good toppings complement the flavour.
What are the main challenges associated with operating out of your Kensington Market stand?
On weekends we can get really busy, and then when we do prep, storage is a big issue. A lot of times, halfway through the rush, we'll have to re-prep again which is really challenging. There's hardly enough room for two people, and I have to bring a third person in on the weekends. Sometimes the lines get out of hand, and I feel really bad for everybody else here, because we'll take up the whole area with our line, so that's a big problem.
Is moving to a larger, more permanent location in the works?
We're hoping to expand later on this year, in September or October. That's when our lease ends here, and then we'll be looking for our own place--nothing big, nothing fancy, just someplace to call home.
Any specific neighbourhood you're drawn towards?
I love Kensington Market, and I've gotten to know a lot of people here. Everyone's really nice, so I'd like to stay here; I mean, I have some really great customers. But I really like the east end--Leslieville, that's where I live--and I think it's really an untapped market. There are too many Irish pubs out there. (Editor's note: we agree. Please open in Leslieville)
What's next for you as a chef?
Besides Seven Lives, we have a couple of other ideas we want to do. Mostly Mexican-style, but then I've always wanted to do a Korean restaurant, so that's a big thing. That could happen in the future, like the next ten years.
What do you like to do for fun when you're not in the kitchen?
Normal things: watch football, go drinking, eat. I like to eat a lot. I like to go to the cottage and go fishing. I'm a pretty normal guy.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
Most underrated ingredient? Pork lard
Best culinary tool? Sharp knife
A chef that inspires you? My friend, Alex
What's one dish you can't live without? Japanese curry
Favourite Toronto restaurant?Ka Ka Lucky Seafood
What would people be surprised to find in your fridge? There's not much in there
One food trend that needs to end? Asian-inspired tacos
For more chef profiles, visit our Toronto chefs Pinterest board.
Photos by Morris Lum
Tucked down a dumpster-blocked laneway off of Dufferin, Friday's launch of the Oasis Skateboard Factory Pop-Up was a-buzz with participating student entrepreneurs, supportive friends and family, Toronto Design Offsite attendees, and maybe one or two lured in with the promise of free Glory Hole Doughnuts.
Like a more advanced and practical co-op, the Oasis Skateboard Factory — in partnership with the Baitshop, a screen-printing and skate shop mecca — helps street-savvy students hone their design chops and develop real world business skills, while earning high school credit at the same time. With help from local artists and community partners, the young designers create their own company brands and hawk their creative products for sale, including streetwear designs, skateboards and longboards, and upcycled items made from old boards, like jewellery, speaker casings, and kitchen utensils.
PHOTOS
The OSF Pop-Up is open in The Baitshop (358 Dufferin, Suite 117, entrance off Milky Way Lane) until February 7th, with a portion of all sales going towards a local charity.
It might seem to come a bit early, but it's never really too soon to start celebrating: IN Toronto Magazine threw a Countdown to World Pride 2014 (which will be held in Toronto) at the Roundhouse, and served up complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres to a stylish crowd. Perhaps the biggest draws were the unveiling of the WorldPride Theme (which was "Rise Up!"), and the array of colourful fashions.
Check out all the looks in our Style section.
Having only been recently introduced to the music of Tom Odell in the last couple of weeks, I didn't really know what to expect when he took the stage at the Rivoli on Saturday night. At the conclusion of his almost-shockingly short set, however, I was convinced that I'd just seen a future star.
Odell has already made quite a name for himself in his native UK. The 22-year-old folk-pop artist was recently awarded the Critics' Choice award at the 2013 BRIT Awards - all the more impressive when you consider that he's only released one EP in his young career. He's the first male to win the prestigious award, which in the past has been won by artists such as Adele and Florence + The Machine.
This was Odell's first time performing in Toronto, and the Rivoli was completely packed, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. I was fortunate enough to find a seat, but I didn't stay seated for long. When Odell took the stage shortly past 9 pm, you'd have been hard-pressed to find anyone who wasn't standing up and rocking out.
Stage presence obviously goes a long way, and Odell is further proof of this — the man has an energy that is nothing less than utterly infectious. His skill on the piano is surpassed only by the passion that he puts into his singing. By the middle of his set, he was soaked with sweat, his face contorted with emotion. It really was a sight to behold.
And his songs...they're wonderful stuff, really. The astonishing "Can't Pretend" is a sweeping masterpiece with a clear influence from artists like Coldplay and Jeff Buckley, and the crowd at the Riv roared its approval at its conclusion. Other songs, like the slow, beautiful "Sense" and the heartbreaking "Another Love" show the breadth of Odell's songwriting talent.
Odell genuinely seems like a humble kid who's almost stunned by his sudden popularity. His banter with the crowd was ongoing throughout the night, and with the exception of one annoying lady who kept screaming for Odell to "sing a Taylor Swift cover" (a request which, over time, actually seemed to piss him off), the crowd was very receptive and warm.
This is a kid bound to going to make it big. Don't miss your opportunity to see him live the next time he comes back to Toronto. I predict that in a couple of years, he could be selling out venues like the Air Canada Center. He's that good.
Photos by Irina No
www.irinano.com
Inspired by success in Europe, artist and musician Arrington De Dionyso is taking his 24-hour drawing performance on tour, and lands in Toronto this week. On Tuesday, January 29th, De Dionyso will commence the first of his twelve hour uninterrupted drawing sessions at Double Double Land, then Thursday evening, his installation will climax with musical performances and an auction. Here's why it's worth checking out.
Because he's painting for 24 hours...and it's free!
You can drop into Double Double Land anytime between 12pm to 12 midnight this Tuesday and Wednesday to see the American artist create colourful, rhythmic, and mythical paintings with Japanese sumi ink. It's a rare glimpse into the artist's process and a chance to watch beautiful images take shape before your eyes.
De Dionyso will be providing the music, which, as it's coming from the collection of an eclectic musician who's toured the world several times over, should really be reason #6. I'm guessing the later into the evening you get there, the weirder the soundtrack will be. The artist will also be projecting visuals from his travels in Indonesia.
Because he'll be performing live
You can attend the more formal art auction and musical performance on Thursday night; $8 gets you in the door to what I'm betting will be the most insane Double Double Land show of the winter, which is saying a lot.
The one time member of Olympia's bluesy noise rock outfit Old Time Relijun will perform with bass clarinet, sax, jaw harp, and most of all his voice: the avant rocker brings Tuvan throat singing to improvisational jazz. You've got to see it to believe it.
Fun fact: De Dionyso also fronts a post punk band, Malaikat dan Singa, where he sings in Indonesian, and experiments with traditional ritual trance music. It's awesome.
He'll be joined onstage by Toronto's Andrew Timar (who's performed with Brian Eno, guys) and Brandon Valdivia (Not the Wind Not the Flag, Picastro).
Because he'll be wearing crazy pants
I give you my word that he'll be wearing pants with an intense, noisy pattern. Let this man's fashion decisions inspire your own casual wear choices!
Because Sook-Yin Lee and friends
To get the Thursday performance going, Toronto artist and musician Rebecca Fin has re-assembled her supergroup of enigmatic Toronto talents, including radio personality, actress and former host of MuchMusic's The WedgeSook-Yin Lee, guitarist Val Uher (The Creeping Nobodies) and Brandon Valdivia.
Trio Odradek will also be playing, and promises homemade instruments and chaotic jazz.
Because no one knows what's going to happen, not even De Dionyso
De Dionyso strives to dismantle the wall between artist and audience. His installation offers a different approach to visual art, and an intimate interaction with its production. He said of a similar performance in Italy: "This was much more involved. There was something about other people witnessing, maybe in a certain sense it allowed me to go even deeper into the experience. Everyone becomes easier to tune out and it's another experience beyond being alone and drawing, but there was no expectation that I was going to interact with anyone."
Arrington De Dionyso's live painting performance runs from 12pm-12am
Tuesday, January 29th through Wednesday, January 30th at Double Double Land. The show and live auction begin at 9pm on Thursday, January 31st.
Photos by Alison Davis and Gavin Guthrie
With the madness of Come Up to My Room taking over the Gladstone Hotel, you might've missed the smaller exhibit happening in the main floor's art bar. CAPACITY was both an exciting and highly necessary component to the ongoing Toronto Design Offsite Festival, and to the local design community on the whole.
CAPACITY is an annual exhibition solely focused on women in the design field, and it provides some much needed exposure for those working in an industry in which they are still largely under-represented. During my visit, I was able to speak with local designer/curator Katherine Morley, who founded the show along with Erin McCutcheon after they both graduated from the industrial design program at OCAD University and realised that public awareness of female designers was minimal at best.
For the first time in the exhibition's three-year history, this year's participants were given a theme beyond the show's title, and asked to use the lives and/or works of their favourite female designer as an inspiration for creating their own unique project. The women they drew from are fantastically diverse, ranging from trail-blazing mid-century modernists to contemporary Toronto designers. As Katherine says, "I hadn't even heard of the most of the women they were inspired by. It's great, since it's really doubling the amount of female designers that we can expose people to."
Some of the participating designers took this inspiration more literally, as seen with Erin McCutcheon's hooded porcelain falcons which paid homage to Torontonian Ange-line Tetrault's whimsical series of teacups equipped with their own hidden falcons. Likewise, Connie Chisholm's walnut side table employed the same fluid lines and negative space that characterised Grete Jalk's own furniture designs from the 1950's and '60s.
My favourite piece in the show belonged to Margaret Pryde, who beautifully deconstructed a defective guitar and transformed it into a wall light in honour of luthier Linda Manzer. Titled "Issue 74, Page 58" after the stolen magazine in which she first encountered Manzer's work, the piece is both artistically ambitious and fully functional.
Other highlights included Janet MacPherson's eerie and subdued take on Vika Mitrichenka's reassembled ceramics, and Simone Ferkul's large-scale, geometric jewellery pieces inspired by German designer Elisa Strozyk.
Though Katherine isn't quite sure about where CAPACITY might end up in future years, she would be honoured to stay in her cosy spot at the Gladstone: "The field of design can definitely seem competitive, but TO DO (the Toronto Design Offsite) has been nothing but collegial. It really feels like, the more the merrier!"
Photos by Natta Summerky
The 2nd annual Big Smoke Festival was held this past weekend, outside, at Tallboys, a newish spot at Bloor and Ossington that seemed peculiar for a weekend music festival. That theory proved right when night one (which featured Paula Perri, Graydon James and the Young Novelists and Harlan Pepper prompted noise complaints, subsequent Facebook tantrums and altered set times so the music would end by 10pm on Friday night. By Saturday, Tallboys had decided to stop fighting and move Omhouse, Sorry-OK-Yes and Delta Will inside, hopefully mending bridges with their neighbours.
I caught night two featuring DIANA and Moon King. The tent outside was fucking freezing despite the extra heat lamps they added after night one and how packed it was. Lead singer Daniel Woodhead had the privilege of wrapping his entire body around one of the lamps and I couldn't imagine a more glorious feeling at that time. My. Toes. Were. Already. Numb.
Moon King banged out an energetic set, and I actually walked away liking them more, having previously listened only to their recorded material. It strikes me that their sound has become more confident as they've gotten a chance to play live on a more regular basis.
DIANA are more amazing each time I see them. Lead singer Carmen Elle not only has the most effortless, powerful, a bunch-of-other-complimentary-adjectives voice, but also the most charming stage presence. Very aware of how cold the crowd was, prior to their set she assured everyone, "We're starting in five minutes! And not like the phone company's 5 minutes. Just kidding! We'll see you tomorrow!"
Elle introduced "Born Again" as "our hit single — we can say that now." This came not in a braggy Kanye West-type way but with almost an air of disbelief. And, hey, it is pretty remarkable how popular the track has become given that it was only just released as a single last week.
Despite the awkward venue, the sound was amazing (an oddity noted by the band itself), and all four musicians seemed to be having a great time up on stage in spite of the cold. Although a concrete release date for the band's first LP has yet to be revealed, I suspect that DIANA will earn a whole new set of fans when a wider selection of their music is made available. For now, we'll have to make due with the the two tracks on Soundcloud (and the recent Doldrums remix), but this band continues to be one to watch in 2013.
Photos by Andrew Williamson
Does this mean the end of some of the most delicious dim sum in downtown Toronto? Maybe. (How's that for a satisfying answer?)
Metropolitan Hotels has completed the sale of its Metropolitan Toronto Hotel to Bayview Hospitality Group, an exchange that will include Lai Wah Heen and Hemispheres Restaurant and Bistro. According to management at Lai Wah Heen, the restaurant has received a directive to shut down operations by February 15, though whether the restaurant will reopen under the new management still remains unclear.
As for the hotel itself, all guest suites and many common areas will undergo a bit of a facelift, though hopefully the Waygu beef dumplings will remain unaffected.
Toronto events on January 29, 2013.
MUSIC | Thomas Kivi
Minneapolis indie folk singer-songwriter Thomas Kivi settles his Americana roots in Toronto for one night at The Avro. Kivi and his band, The Immigrants, lend his troubadour style to Toronto audiences, performing music off of his 2011 debut Crying Child. With Midwestern contemporary melodies and a strong Bob Dylan/Han Williams influence, Thomas Kivi's music makes for the perfect mellow Tuesday night activity.
The Avro (750 Queen Street East) 8PM Free
MUSIC | Tristan und Isolde
Richard Wagner's music will ignite the home of the Canadian Opera Company at the opening of this 19th century piece tonight at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Opera director Peter Sellars recreates his production of Tristan und Isolde with world-class singers Ben Heppner and Melanie Diener providing vocal accompaniment as Bill Viola's video images provide a backdrop to the four-hour, 50-minute performance. This timeless Germanic opera runs in Toronto until February 23rd.
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West) 6:30PM $60-$390
FOOD & DRINK | CaffeineTO Week
It's a special week for the often-caffeinated, coffee-addicted crowd. CaffeineTO Week kicks off at LIT Espresso Bar with an African coffee showcase, where coffee drinkers will sip on three types of coffee while learning about the farming, processing and roasting of beans as well as the challenges that the African coffee farming community will face in coming years. African desserts will be served as sippers travel from farm to cup with coffee experts, and get hyper-caffeinated.
LIT Espresso Bar (810 College Street) 7PM $30
PUBLISHING | President's Speaker Series: Tyler Brûlé
Tyler Brûlé, creator of publications such as Wallpaper*, Monocle and creative agency Winkreative, gives a public lecture at OCAD tonight as part of the continuing President's Speaker Series. Brûlé, who has become a magnate of the publishing world, participates in the series that has been set up for students and the community as part of the discussion of the impact that art and design have on contemporary ethics, sustainability, and the general population. The award-winning editor, journalist and entrepreneur will discuss his career path and the impact he has made on creative industry. The lecture is free to attend but seating is limited.
OCAD University (100 McCaul Street) 5:30PM Free
ALSO OF NOTE
Yoga for the People
Hot Water Music w/ La Dispute & The Menzingers
MORE EVENTS THIS WEEK
For more Toronto event suggestions, check out these posts:
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
Photo by labonny in the blogTO Flickr pool
TTC chair Karen Stintz says Rob Ford doesn't understand the sole-sourced newsstand contract the Commission awarded to Tobmar Investments International. Ford and his brother used a portion of their radio show Sunday to sound off on the 10-year, $50-million deal, calling it "appalling." Toronto's transit provider decided to accept a lucrative contract extension with the existing newsstand operator without seeking competitive bids. Was the TTC right?
The Star's Christopher Hume is calling the contract a missed opportunity to revamp an "invisible" TTC asset into something more attractive to riders. Is he right?
In a tearful press conference, councillor Ana Bailao announced she has pleaded guilty to drunk driving yesterday after initially saying she would protest her innocence. Bailao said her blood-alcohol level was 0.13, almost twice the legal limit of 0.08, when she was pulled over in October near Bathurst and Harbord Sts. Bailao had her license suspended for a year and fined $1,000. The Ward 18 rep will keep her position on city council. Is that the right decision?
The president of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation thinks the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is the best place for an "integrated resort" that comprises a casino, convention centre, and entertainment venue. Speaking before the Economic Club of Canada, Michael Leven said a revamped MTCC would attract world-class conventions and be "fun." Do you care which company runs the Toronto casino?
The TTC's new carhouse at Lake Shore Blvd. E and Leslie finally has a name. The Leslie Barns - not Leslie Barn or Ashbridges Bay Barns as was previously thought - will be complete in 2014 and house Toronto's new LRV streetcars. A short piece of connecting track will run up Leslie to Queen, connecting the new barn with the existing network.
St. Clair Ave. had a fiery awakening yesterday when an underground electrical transformer gave up the ghost in spectacular, smoking fashion. Several office buildings and a nearby school were closed due to a thick plume of smoke emanating from a manhole. As of last night some homes in the area were still without power.
And finally, one Toronto company is paying its staff to ride a bike to work. Consultants at Bursting Silver are allowed to bill the company $1 per kilometre for travel made on a bike compared to 50 cents for trips made in a car. The company's founder says it helps keep staff happy and fit and also saves clients money. Good idea?
IN BRIEF:
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Photo: "121025 Neighbourhood Walk 034" by Aben and Xiao Mei/blogTO Flickr pool.
