Gate is the solo music endeavour of New Zealand's Michael Morley (also of renowned noise band The Dead C), who has about 30 different releases under this moniker floating around the globe. While you'd be hard pressed to find copies of these albums—most are ultra limited editions, now sold out or simply unknown to the general public—Morley's is not a case of elitism or purposeful exclusivity, as he told me himself: "I don't mean to appear obscure, I don't think I am."

Morley assures me all you have to do is dig deep (and trust me, the reward is worth it), but this weekend Torontonians will be saved some hard work since Morley will be coming to us all the way from down under for the first time in his 30 year career. On Saturday night he's set to enrapture Double Double Land with his unique twist of murky guitar-driven dirges of folk, rock, electronica and noise; blending genres seamlessly and when the time is right tying it all together with his one-of-a-kind sedative vocals.

Here are 5 reasons even casual fans of experimental music should make it to Kensington Market on the 21st to take in this (paradox-loving) obscure legend.

Three decades of music wisdom

Michael Morley's longevity is proof of his talent and constant ingenuity. Before he started performing and recording as Gate in the late 80's, he was a member of Wreck Small Speakers On Expensive Stereos—a fitting band-name-as-mission-statement if there ever was one. Yet by far the biggest testament to Morley's status as a wise-man in the world of sound is his place in the far-reaching influential band The Dead C, a group who were instrumental in the progression of lo-fi, DIY recordings to free rock to the avant-garde, and self proclaimed "The AMM of Punk Rock."

Morley's contributions include 100's of releases in a huge variety of genres, yet while one might imagine such a prolific lo-fi artist as being fairly lackadaisical about putting out albums and EPs, it seems Morley's creativity is the exact opposite of that model. "It's for me and those who want to hear it," Morley said of his process. "It takes me years to make an LP now, too much consideration, not enough action. It seems to work ok for the moment."

Gain, gain, gain

In the musical world "gate" is typically the term for an audio noise reduction tool in the studio--but in the exploratory world of Morley, "Gate" is thrown upside down, as mysterious noises are amplified and distorted beyond all recognition. When asked what he expects from his own performance, Morley answered only "some honesty, some hard work, some gains." From voltage to pleasure, I think we can take Morley on a more literal level here and safely assume there's plenty to be, well... gained.

It isn't rock and roll... except it totally is

Throw a bunch of people in a room full of gear and tell them to rock out, and chances are you'll have yourself an exhausted formula including an an inevitable guitar solo. Still, who can resist the anticipation of a solo when it's surely to come? Michael Morley is no exception. He's been mastering the guitar solo for years in The Dead C (albeit more noisily and fractured than other rock bands), but with Gate he completely turns it upside down, flipping from speedy ego-triumphing noodling to a vulnerable, dour sludge of fuzz. As Morley eloquently put it: "I really love long, slow guitar solos."

Embracing an apocalypse obsessed generation

Not only is this the first time Michael Morley has visited Toronto, it could very well be the last time. Morley seems conscious of the fragility of social order across the globe; last year's Gate album was titled Damned Revolutions, followed bv 2013's Dead C record Armed Courage. He confirmed my title-based speculation by noting the presence of social unrest everywhere: "I would think that there is a fairly high level of concern around the state of contemporary society, with levels of democracy being interfered with by people with short term goals."

Okay, even with Mali, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Somalia, and, uh, etc, most of us soft to moderate doomsday believers know WWIII probably isn't dawning. Yet when Morley says, "I may get to travel once or twice a year to play," I can't help but wonder at the layered reasons Canadians might lack of opportunities to see an artist like him live.

Never refuse the company of a connoisseur

What is taste when it comes to art? Maybe everything—and if we're to go by such an equation we'll be in good hands Saturday night: Morley is spot on with the finer things in life. In my brief conversation with Morley he found easy opportunity to name-drop AE & F (a mesmerizing Russian artistic outfit focused on re-evaluating the world of marketing in Russia), Deep Purple's timeless 'Machine Head', JMW Turner, Whareakeake in New Zealand, and--most highbrow of all--indulging some poutine while visiting Toronto this weekend. With a palette like this, how could you go wrong?

Oh, and did I mention Gate recently made one of the best electronic dance albums I've ever heard?

BONUS

In case you're not convinced this is a once in a (potentially short) lifetime show, also performing will be renowned American guitarist Tom Carter of Charalambides, plus Toronto's own Beard Closet.

Writing by Mark Wol.

Fall events and activities in Toronto have an added air of importance given the looming cold temperatures and general desire to hibernate that accompanies winter. Now's the time to get outside and enjoy it while you still can, to layer one's clothing without looking like a marshmallow man, and to experience Toronto at what might be its most beautiful time of year. Fortunately, we're blessed with an embarrassment of options when it comes to things to do in autumn. Whether it be getting outside and enjoying the fall colours, warming up with a stiff drink and a bit of comfort food, or taking in some of the major comic and musical talent coming through the city this season, we should, well, give thanks.

Here are 50 things to in Toronto this fall. Add your suggestions for more things to do in the comment section.

ACTIVITIES

Get dressed for the cold weather at the Toronto Vintage Crawl
The city's best vintage vendors keep their doors open 'til midnight on Thursday, September 26th. Cash in on the one-night-only deals at the 35 shops spread from Roncy to Kensington. It's like mini party at every store: free wine, loud music, and fashionable shoppers decked out in their favourite vintage finds.

Stay up all night at Nuit Blanche 2013
On October 5th, between 6:51pm and sunrise, the city transforms into an interactive art gallery. Plan out a route, or just follow the crowds wandering aimlessly though the all-night sensory playground. 67 pieces from independent artists will be showcased, along with 3 exhibitions featuring projects produced by the city of Toronto, including a special centrepiece installation from Ai Wei Wei.

Play dead at the Toronto Zombie Walk
Halloween comes early in Nathan Phillips Square, as a mass of ghouls and blood-drenched undead hobble their way around the city streets on October 26th. Get your DYI costume on, and completely terrorize innocent Torontonians as part of the increasingly popular Zombie Walk. This year will be the biggest yet, with the first ever Halloween Parade adding floats and marching bands into the mix.

Get Dressed Up For Halloween
Too cool for Halloween costumes? Why pass up the chance to be anything you want for the night? Throw together some thrift store finds, construct a DYI creation, or go right to the or check out some of the city's best costume stores for something truly outlandish or ghoulish.

Get Medieval on a pumpkin
After the excitement of Halloween has come and gone, celebrate one last time at Sorauren Park's Pumpkin Parade. On November 1st, pumpkin carvers decorate the park paths with their jack-o-lantern masterpieces. Hundreds gather to admire the wide range of creativity behind this season's pumpkin design.

Check out Edward Burtynsky's beautiful photos of water
Toronto-based photographer Edward Burtynsky is showing off new work at Nicholas Metivier until October 12th. His stunning (and huge) prints of our relationship with water will make you rethink a substance that's almost an afterthought in Canada. These is arguably Burtynsky's best work to date on both a technical and conceptual basis.

Be a diva at Toronto Fashion Week
The runways of Toronto Fashion Week (or World MasterCard Fashion Week) will showcase Spring 2014 collections of Canadian designers. If the latest designs in wearable and avant-garde fashion perks your interest, grab yourself tickets to an array of shows happening in David Pecaut Square from October 21st to 26th.

Be scared at the Night of Dread
Clay & Paper Theatre present the fourteenth annual Night of Dread Parade, an evening to call on, mock, and banish our private and collective fears. The dress code is black and white and dreadful on Saturday October 26th at Dufferin Grove Park. Join musicians, puppeteers, dancers and stilt walkers in taking to the streets to eradicate our nightmares.

Get smart at TedXToronto 2013
The fifth annual TEDxToronto will be held on September 26th in Koerner Hall at The Royal Conservatory. This year's programming is centred around the theme "the choices we make." Listen to a diverse array of speakers and performers contributing knowledge in their field. Make sure to register by September 20th, and don't forget to get yourself tickets to the after party.

Get edified by Art Toronto
This giant art fair takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for three days, starting with the opening night preview on October 24th. It's the perfect place to start your collection, with modern and contemporary art being displayed from over 100 select galleries from Canada and across the world.

Get a look inside David Bowie's pants
Toronto will be looking mighty fine for fall: 300 items from Bowie's decade crossing alien-supermodel wardrobe will be on display at the AGO, along with installations and videos, from September 25th to November 27th.

Fight cancer with glitz at Boobyball
Over the past 11 years, good hearted and glam college kids have helped Boobyball raise over 1.4 million dollars for breast cancer organizations. This year's ball goes down October 18th at Sound Academy. Dress for your ideal sorority (whatever that may be).

Geek out at Gamercamp
Now entering its fifth year, Gamercamp is a legitimate Toronto success story. What started out as a small celebration of video game culture has blossomed into a major event that attracts some of the biggest names in the gaming industry. Composed of talks, demos, exhibitions and films, this is a premiere event for local gamers. Runs November 1st to 3rd.

Treat a dog like royalty at Winter Woofstock (which takes place in fall)
While Toronto's Woofstock is North America's largest outdoor festival for dogs, its late-fall companion Winter Woofstock keeps those pups safe and warm indoors. Think designer dogs, luxury pet products, handbag sized hounds in costume, free swag, and pugs, pugs, pugs.

Grow a sexy Movember mustache
The facial-hair focused charity drive known as Movember has growing since 2004--but hold up, the money doesn't go to facial hair, it supports a variety of reputable causes related to prostate cancer. Men all over the world grow out their 'staches during Movember in the name of a good cause (and as an excuse to post tons of selfies). Participants can register and take part in a number of events around the city while their humanitarian masterpiece flourishes.

Place a bid for the arts
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, the world's longest-running and largest queer theatre, will host their annual live and silent art auction November 7th. The whole affair is a tradition for Toronto's most stylish and sexy art lovers—people like you.

Learn to knit in time for the holidays
WQW's Knit Cafe hosts terrific classes for newbies and advanced knitters. Hone your skills or get the basics down in time to make yourself something cute and functional before winter rolls around—and maybe fabricate a few cash saving DIY holiday gifts as well.

Stalk Margaret Atwood at the International Festival of Authors
As cold tendrils of fall's chills remind us that staying at home isn't so bad (home is where books live, after all), between October 24th and November 3rd literature fans will instead be gathering, cardigan clad no doubt, at Harbourfront Centre for readings, interviews, lectures, round table discussions, book signings and awards. Margaret Atwood will be there, along with over 100 other writers including some guy named Stephen King who sounds like a bit of weirdo.

Spend all your change on art at Canzine
Broken Pencil Magazine's overwhelmingly huge day long zine fair will take place at Gallery918 on October 20th this year. Our best advice to you is as follows: schedule the whole afternoon as you'll need time for looking at tiny things and attending readings and events. Bring a lot of money, preferable all in small bills and change. Wear layers because some rooms will be boiling hot — after all, Toronto's small press, chapbook, comic, and micro label artists are also some of the city's best lookers.

Explore structures of your world at IIDEX
If a good line use can make you all sweaty — and I don't mean pick up lines, Dimitri — then Canada's National Design and Architecture Exposition & Conference (IIDEX) is for you. IIDEX's dazzling array of ideas and artistry, which will include hundreds of exhibitors plus keynotes and seminars, runs from September 26th - 27th at the Direct Energy Centre.

Take in some stunning photojournalism
Running from October 1 - 21 at the Santiago Calatrava designed Brookfield Place atrium, World Press Photo 13 is a stunning exhibit of photojournalism, featuring submissions to the largest photography press contest in the world. Displayed in the centre of the atrium, it's nearly impossible to walk by and not be moved by the images. If you work anywhere near the Financial District, this is a must stop on lunch break.

Get hot and bothered at the Everything to Do with Sex Show
Sex toys, porn stars, leather, a dungeon area, and...food trucks — it would have to be the Everything to Do with Sex Show. Taking place this year October 18-20th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this sexually positive event does double duty as a retail marketplace and educational resource. Time to get liberated.

Have a staycation at Toronto's newest boutique hotel
Why go away when you can pamper yourself right here in Toronto. We're not short on hotels, of course, but if novelty is your thing then a simple choice is one of the city's offerings, The Beverley. This hyper-modern Queen West hotel is ideally located for a night out, and is well equipped on the food and drink side if you merely care to luxuriate in your surroundings.

FOOD AND DRINK

Take a day trip to a winery
Take a day off and discover what your own Ontario backyard has to offer. Treat yourself to tasting some new flavours, while relaxing with the subsequent head buzz. Don't know where to go? We have you covered, for Prince Edward County and Beamsville (link above).

Eat all the things at Toronto Underground Market
The Toronto Underground Market or TUM, as it aptly abbreviates, is many a foodie's paradise. Sure you've got to buy a ticket, but once you're inside the myriad of sights, smells, and tastes of some of Toronto's top culinary talents might just make your taste buds cry — or send you flowers.

Warm up with some bourbon
Toronto's first ever Bourbon Week gets underway September 27th, and will feature a host of events around town highlighting the suddenly very popular brown liquor. Make sure to check out the bourbon brunch at Acadia and bourbon derby at 3030 Dundas West to close out the festival.

Get a cocktail education
Following on the heels of Toronto Bourbon Week, the more wide-ranging Toronto Cocktail Week lands in the city, with a variety of classes, talks and battles devoted to art of making a cocktail (don't call it mixology). Many of the sessions are on the pricey side, but involve top shelf booze.

Try out a Toronto Farm Share
A farm share is a package of fresh seasonal produce dropped off weekly at a pre-determined location in the city. Many local farms offer them, so choose one with the most convenient drop off for you, and order a box of your preference. Prices typically range from $20 to $40.

Buy a bottle of moonshine from the Toronto Distillery Company
Nothing helps to welcome the chilliest seasons like a bottle of potent alcohol. Toronto Distillery Company recently opened in the Junction, and they're all set up to make some on-site whiskey. However, since whisky technically takes three years of aging, they've got three years of unaged whiskey (a.k.a. moonshine) ahead of them. It will warm you right up.

Gorge on wieners and beer at Oktoberfest
So much to eat and drink, so little time. Oktoberfest lands in Toronto on September 27th and 28th bringing a bit of Bavaria to the Guvernment/Kool Haus, a venue better equipped to handle the crowds the event attracts than in years past. Tickets for some keg sessions have already sold out, so if you want to get in on the fun, you'll have to act quickly.

Look forward to Halloween with a pumpkin beer
Each year around now the LCBO makes sure to stock its shelves with a variety of sturdier beers that stand up against the dropping temperatures outside, but there's nothing more seasonally appropriate than the various pumpkin offerings from crafter brewers. Look for St. Ambroise Pumpkin Ale or head to Great Lakes Brewery for their version of the same. Drink beer, feel warm.

Get orgasmic over chocolate
You can bet that given the chance to choose between the Everything to Do with Sex Show and the Toronto Chocolate Festival, more than a few folks would opt for the latter. Hitting Toronto between October 12th and November 3rd at venues all across the city, this 8th annual festival of all things chocolate has everything from the sweet to the bitter, the hard to the soft. In a word, it's decadent.

Eat a $1000 dinner for a good cause
Boutiques and galleries in and around Yorkville and the Annex will transform themselves into dining spaces for the annual Bloor Street Entertains, a fundraising effort for AIDS research. It's a great concept and a worthy cause, but note well: this experience doesn't come cheap. Single tickets are a thousand bucks, but you'll be treated like royalty and know that money is going to a good place.

Seek out a fall-friendly Toronto patio
There's plenty of covered patios to hit up in Toronto on rainy days, but what do you do when you're also trying to deal with a chill in the air. Head were there's fire. The fire pit at the Drake Sky Yard is a good place to warm your hands. And if you're still interested in lakeside views, Against the Grain has a number of table-side fireplaces that'll keep you cosy.

ENTERTAINENT

Hit Up a Raptors Game
The first Raptors game of the NBA preseason kicks off on October 7th. Round up a good group of friends, and do everything you can to get on the jumbo screen. The full season schedule can be found on the Raptors official website.

Terrify yourself at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival
The 8th annual After Dark Film Fest showcasing horror and sci-fi genres, runs October 17th to 25th at the Scotiabank Theatre. This festival gives you a chance to see innovative movies that normally wouldn't make the big screen. It also includes special talks with filmmakers, a Zombie Appreciation night, and an After Dark Pub crawl. If blood and gore get your heart racing, you won't wanna miss this.

Peek inside David Cronenberg's weird mind
Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg will debut a new exhibit at TIFF Bell Lightbox starting November 1st. Props from many of his films, such as The Fly, Videodrome, and Dead Ringers, will be displayed in TIFF's first ever curated show. Currently, The MOCCA is running David Cronenberg: Transformation, until the end of December. Six leading contemporary artists present work inspired by themes found in Cronenberg's films.

Collapse a lung or two with friends at Just for Laughs
Have you ever thought to yourself, gee I would love to see Family Guy... live, with an orchestra, and Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green and Mila Kunis there in person? Well the joke is on you, because Just for Laughs 2013 will make that possible on September 28th. Aziz Ansari and Sarah Silverman will also be in town, if that's more to your funny bone's taste. Check out our full guide here.

Get a peek under the sea at Ripley's Toronto Aquarium
Still slated to open in September, Ripley's grand opening date has yet to be made official, but we know it's coming up imminently. Sharks, jellies, rays, and green sea turtles have all been promised by the mysterious, CN Tower-overshadowed downtown aquarium. The undersea zoo keepers will be posting updates on their website.

Dress up for the underground with X Avant
It may be hard to see for all the condos and coiffed indie celebs but Toronto boasts a thriving avant garde scene, and The Music Gallery is one of its king pins, highlighting local and international underground talent in a sophisticated way — no filthy illegal loft spaces necessary. This year their X Avant series features A Tribe Called Red, plus Quartetski, Morton Feldman's String Quarter No. 2, and Not the Wind Not the Flag, to name a few.

Share Kleenex with some fellow punks at Long Winter
This music and art series launched in 2012 by Toronto's Fucked Up is rightly named despite its beginning in fall, because hey, this is Canada—by November 8th, we're going to be crying and sniffling like we've entered ice age conditions. Long Winter is currently accepting artists submissions for their five (five months of winter? Nu uh shut up...) of programming.

Scope the competition at the Canadian Beatbox Championships
It's so amazing what some people can do with their mouths. Get your mind our of the gutter, friends, we're talking music here. Beat boxing is a fine art, and you can watch Canada's best duke it out November 9th at the Mod Club.

Dress up as a porn star for Darryl's Hard Liquor and Porn film fest
How often do you get a chance to dress up as your fave porn star? Maybe don't answer that. 2013 will mark the 13th year of this naughty/nerdy comedy film festival. Plus, look out for their 69 Hour Film Challenge. Takes place at the Big Picture Cinema November 16th and 17th.

Celebrate Drake's birthday, with Drake
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birrrrthday dear Aubreyyy Grahammm, happy birthday to youuu. This will be you, singing at the top of your lungs during the most touching parts of 'Hold On We're Going Home" October 24th at the ACC. And everyone will understand, and sing along while feeling all the same feelings together. Nothing really will ever be the same. Miguel and Future will also be there to celebrate.

Watch University Hockey at Maple Leaf Gardens
Hockey fan? 'Tis the season for the all-Canadian sport. Instead of the forging over NHL ticket prices, support the local men and women's Ryerson Rams teams. They play in the Mattamy Athletic Centre inside the revamped Maple Leaf Gardens. General admission tickets are just 12 bucks. Face paint optional.

OUTDOORS

Go Apple Picking
Take your city slickin' self to the orchard for an afternoon of getting back to nature. With upcoming Thanksgiving, why not impress your fam with fresh ingredients for an apple pie? If you can manage the drive, Chudleigh's farm in Milton (linked above) or Al Ferri and Sons Orchard in Brampton will be just the ticket.

Watch Nathan Phillips Square light up at Cavalcade of Lights
If you're into crowds, Cavalcade of Lights is one of fall's most romantic evenings: on November 30th Nathan Phillips Square will host skating, fireworks, the lighting of Toronto's official Christmas tree, live music, and dancing—aka the stuff cinematic memories are made of. This year's performers are TBA, but last year's included Dragonette, Alyssa Reid, Sean Jones and Suzie McNeil.

Run a marathon
OK, easier said than done, but having fitness goals heading into the winter is never a bad thing (especially when you plan to sustain yourself in the colder months with comfort food and booze). Oh, completing a half marathon is pretty darn impressive as well. The annual Waterfront Marathon goes down October 20th, so there's still time to train!

Take a hike in the Rouge Valley
Toronto is spoiled for places to take in fall colours, most notably in the form of the Don Valley and High Park. But if you're looking for something a bit more rugged, head to the Rouge Valley, which is far enough away from downtown to feel like you've left the city altogether. You could even spend the night.

Play of round of golf at Don Valley
Toronto has a number of public golf courses spread across the city, but none is so beautiful as Don Valley, especially when the colours turn. The front nine of this Howard Watson designed course rivals the course architecture of clubs that cost three times as much to play. While the same can't be said about the home stretch, it remains a gorgeous place to waste a few hours looking for your ball amidst the leaves.

Writing by Aubrey Jax, Julia Stead, and Derek Flack

Photo by Ben Roffelsen in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Rob Ford says "it's no-one's business" what happens inside his office (or on the way to it, apparently) after several newspapers reported senior aide David Price was filmed having a monumental tantrum at a GO station last month. "Right now, I know as much as you know. That's all I can say," he told the CBC.

A lively community meeting was split on the prospect of jet aircraft using Toronto's Billy Bishop airport last night. Discussions ranged from bird strikes, to engine failures, to the possible increase in noise the new Bombardier CS100 may bring. Porter Airlines has a conditional order for 12 of the new planes.

Gawker's $200,000 "Crackstarter" campaign money has reached four crime and addiction charities. The money was pledged to good causes after the U.S. website confirmed it was unable to make good on its plan to buy a tape allegedly showing mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine. The total incurred $16,416 in processing fees before it was split. One group, the Somali-Canadian Association of Etobicoke, will start a program aimed at keeping youth out of gangs.

A new public awareness program hopes to slash the number of bicycle-truck collisions. The Ontario Share the Road cycling group will explain where a truck's blind spot lies - basically the entire right side of the vehicle - in an attempt to minimize the number of accidents that occur at intersections. 18 bikers died between 2006 and 2012 after collisions with trucks.

Riders on the Yonge line should get used to crush-load commutes - even with a new signal system that's in works, the stalling on the Scarborough subway line and a lack of progress on a much-needed relief line means years of slowly worsening transit hell, according to Metro. Brutal.

An Osgoode Hall Law School student is losing their lunch over fellow students' eating habits. A lengthy email rant against distracting (and disgusting) lecture hall meals was circulated to 72 students this week from an anonymous author. "Tuna sandwiches: they stink up the entire room. Deli sandwiches: see above. Apples, pineapples and other crunchy fruit: your helpless classmates are here to study," the disgruntled student wrote. "We want to hear the professor, not the gnashing of your teeth and the crunch crunch crunch."

Finally, it's old but it's good. Reddit user sharinghappiness found this timelapse video of the Skydome under construction in the 1980s, filmed by its builder, EllisDon. It's amazing to watch Toronto's stadium rise from the old railway lands in just two-and-a-half minutes, even if the fireworks look a little fake by today's standards.

IN BRIEF:

• Gardiner Expressway to close this weekend [CBC]
• Dr. Donald Low, key figure in Toronto's SARS battle, dies at 68 [Global News]
• Toronto man dies after being shot in parked car [CBC]
• Jays' Edwin Encarnacion undergoes successful wrist surgery [CBC]
• Dave Bolland scores winner as Leafs edge Senators [CBC]

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

Image: Grant D/blogTO Flickr pool.

The photos of the week collect each of the editor-selected photos of the day into one post for a contest to be decided by our readers. Sponsored by Posterjack, the photographer whose image receives the most votes will be awarded with a voucher code for a 24"x36" poster print of their work.

All the rules and fine-print can be found in the original announcement post on the blogTO Flickr page. One thing to add, however, is that the voting period ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, after which the winner will be contacted with the good news.

For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot — i.e. where and when it was taken — in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!

Lead photo by Michael Herrera.

2.
Photo by Ben Roffelsen.

3.
Photo by Jonathan Castellino.

4.
Photo by Jamie Hedworth.

5.
Photo by carlosbezz.

6.
Photo by Neil Ta.

7.
Photo by Lisa D.

The design for a proposed 65-storey condo at one of Toronto's busiest intersections has undergone its first, very minor, revision. The original copper-toned exterior is out and small balconies and Juliet railings are in, but Cadillac Fairview's giant residential addition to the Eaton Centre still has a long way to go.

The real estate corporation first pitched a high-rise rental tower at the Eaton Centre in May. Since then, Zeidler Partnership Architects has been making minor tweaks to its design while waiting on a mandatory community consultation, an early step in a long march toward a building permit.

At that meeting Tuesday night, which was worryingly devoid of any actual community members, Cadillac Fairview presented a slightly revised version of its giant cantilevered tower to around 15 developers, reporters, and other people representing vested interests.

On paper, the proposal is simple: dismantle the heritage facade at 2 Queen West, currently home to Atmosphere, an outdoor clothing store, build a skinny 65-storey tower that bulges out around the fifth floor, and re-erect what's left of the damaged brick store at ground level.

In reality, the building still faces numerous hurdles. Its 220-metre height, which would put it roughly on par with the TD Centre, and lack of outdoor amenity space is a big concern for city planners. Despite its downtown location, density is also a factor. Its cantilevered design gives the tower more density (67 times coverage) than floors (65,) which would be a first for Toronto, were it to be built.

The design as it currently stands doesn't meet city requirements for outdoor amenity space or provide the ideal setback from Yonge and Queen streets. The possible shadow impact on Nathan Phillips Square and Trinity Square to the north was also cited as a concern along with the potential for long-term disruption during construction.

The existing heritage structure that would form the podium of the tower is also a factor. Studies of the brick revealed widespread spalling, a type of flaking corrosion, and damage from a botched cleaning operation. The aluminium cladding that currently wraps part of the building was added in the 1980s to shield against further damage to the elements.

It's likely that if the protected facade is rebuilt many of the pieces will be salvaged from elsewhere.

"I have some big concerns about what they're proposing on that small site," says councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam. "Not only are they not meeting the city's parking criteria by offering us no parking, but they're also not offering us much else with respect to community benefits."

"To build 65 storeys of rental housing and not have any of it even remotely affordable is a problem. Proposing a tower that has 67 times coverage is mind boggling...they have to work harder and we're very far from an approval, that's for sure."

QUICK STATS

Height: 220 metres (65 storeys)
Designation: Residential, mixed use
Footprint: 750 square metres
Density: 67x
Units: 580
Bachelor: 116
1-bedroom: 232
2-bedroom: 232
Bike spaces: 580
Parking spaces: 0

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

Image: Cadillac Fairview/Zeidler Architects

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

THIS WEEK

• The Pan American Food Festival is on this weekend at Harbourfront Centre from September 20th to 22nd. The free event will showcase the diverse culinary specialties of 41 countries from across North, Central and South America, and, the Caribbean.
• Awestruck, Canada's largest food truck rally and awards show will bring together 50+ trucks and vendors this Saturday, September 21st from 2pm to 8pm at Fort York Garrison Common (250 Fort York Boulevard). Tickets are $10 and are still available.
• The inaugural Canada Braai Day will celebrate South African cuisine on Saturday, September 21st from noon until 8pm in The Distillery District. Braai is Afrikaans for barbecue, plus there will be live entertainment and prizes every hour.
• The Sweets and Treats Festival is on this weekend, September 21st and 22nd from noon until 9pm at Sugar Beach. In addition to live music and entertainment, food trucks and vendors will be on hand serving desserts and savoury treats in support of SickKids Foundation.
• Toronto Garlic Festival is on at the Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue) this Sunday, September 22nd. The free festival will showcase Ontario-grown garlic in a variety of preparations from local chefs, growers and street food vendors, plus suds, will be available from ten participating breweries.
• Head out of the city this weekend for the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival taking place September 20th to 22nd. The celebration takes place in Stratford's downtown heritage district and will feature a Farmers' and Artisans' Market, a craft beer and wine pavilion, plus, a jam-packed roster of celebrated chefs hosting tastings and demos.

UPCOMING

• Toronto Friends of Refugees will host a fundraiser dinner in support of resettling a UNHCR-identified refugee on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30pm. Reserve a seat with a $50 donation for the four-course Bosnian dinner party catered by Rusholme Park Supper Club regular, Ksenija Hotic.
• Foodival, a carnival-themed food fest from Foodies on Foot will take place at 99 Sudbury on Sunday, September 29th. The event, in support of Real Food for Real Kid will gear the daytime edition running from 11am to 3pm will be geared towards families while the 19+ session will go from 6pm to 10pm.
• International Sake Day is on October 1st and to celebrate, The Sake Institute of Ontario is hosting a kagami-biraki, a traditional sake barrel breaking ceremony, followed sake sampling and sushi. Advance tickets are available now for $25.
• Dishcrawl Toronto is back after a quiet summer with a fundraising restaurant crawl in support of the United Way on Wednesday, October 23rd. The foodie tour will visit four eateries in Baldwin Village. Tickets are $50 and limited to 40 spots only.

There's a fancy, new Belgian bistro now open in the Beaches from the same chef/owner as Cafe Brussels, the Danforth institution that shuttered in '07 after 20+ years in business. The menu bills classic fare like French onion soup, duck confit, and features 10 variations on moules & frites served in jumbo one-kilogram portions.

Read my profile of Brussels Bistro in the restaurants section.

Oktoberfest in Toronto is one of my favourite times of the year. There's beer, sausage, beer, short shorts, beer, dirndl — and did I mention the beer?

This year, thanks to the fact that there are a handful of Oktoberfest celebrations happening at different times in the city, you've got an opportunity to embrace your inner Bavarian a few times. I've selected my picks for the best Oktoberfest celebrations in Toronto, so now all you have to do is show up (getting the mustard and sauerkraut stains out of your lederhosen is your problem).

Steam Whistle's Oktoberfest | Sept. 21, 2pm-11pm | Steam Whistle roundhouse | $25

The entertainment
The founders of Steam Whistle will host a traditional keg-tapping and there will George Kash and The Oktoberfest Express (yes, that's the drink beer upside down guy).

Das Bier
Brewery-fresh Steam Whistle in one-litre steins--ceramic beauties this year!--that are included with the price of admission.

The food
Giant pretzels and sausages with saurkraut.

Best bet for
Fresh, local beer and hands down the best Oktoberfest party in Toronto.

BrOcktoberfest | Sept. 29 | 214 Augusta Ave | $13

The entertainment
Kensington Brewing Company founder Brock Shepherd is celebrating Oktoberfest with the Food Network's Kevin Brauch (get it?) of the Thirsty Traveler and Iron Chef America. They boast a non traditional event that will have "an adult-sized jenga set and a pinball machine" because Germany.

Das Bier
In addition to KBCo's full roster of beers, they'll be pouring collaboration beers made with with Indie Alehouse and Sawdust City, including a smoked pumpkin beer brewed with home-grown hops and a special one-off cask.

The food
Sausages from Sanagan's prepared by Completo.

Best bet for
Interesting beer (and mustaches)

Toronto Oktoberfest | Sept. 27/28, 4:30pm-12:30am | Kool Haus/Guvernment |$20-25

The entertainment
Billing themselves as the city's "authentic" Oktoberfest, they're offering a "festhalle experience" (yes, Geroge Kash will be here too. Apparently there's only one guy with lederhosen in Toronto who can drink upside down?). There will also be local dancers in traditional costumes, and for those who opt for VIP reserved tables, there will be Fräulein wait service.

Das Bier
Hofbräu Original Lager, Weihenstephan Hefeweissbier and Hefeweissbier Dunkel, Tyskie, Lech, Erdinger Weissbier and Dunkel Weissbier, Stiegl Lager and Grapefruit Radler, Mill Street Oktoberfest Marzenbier, Pumpkin Ale, Pilsner and Original Organic, King Kellerbier and Vienna Lager (as well as a selection of liquors and ciders)
The food: Smoked sausage, beef rouladen, pretzels, and warm beer nuts served in a cone.

Best bet for
A respectable list of European beer. And maybe my instincts are off, but the new venue this year and tableside "Fräulein" makes me feel like there could be some douche-baggery afoot at this one. But who knows, it could be a blast. Besides, who can say no to warm nuts?

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest | Oct 11-19 | Approx $10-30

The entertainment
This is the world's second biggest Oktoberfest and has been taking place for almost 45 years — in short, it's the big kahuna (das kahuna?) There are a whack of events taking place over the week at 14 different festhallen spread throughout K-W and, with a list that includes everything from a car show to a golf event and a fashion show, there seems to be far too much to get in the way of downing sweet, sweet beer.

Das Bier
Once again this year, the word "beer" is insanely absent from the official K-W Oktoberfest promotions material (though pictures of children abound...). Once again though, Molson Canadian is listed as an official sponsor so you can probably assume actually decent beer will be in short supply. But hey! Face painting!

The food
Standard Oktoberfest fare will most certainly be on hand — they typically go through a staggeringly gross 50,000 pounds of sausage every year — however, there are also a number of "culinary" events such as the Stein and Dine wherein guests can enjoy a multi-course meal, prepared live, and featuring a Molson Coors beer paired with each course. Mmm, another lager!

Best bet for Line-ups, kids.

WVRST's Oktoberfest | Sept. 21 onward |

The entertainment
Well, there is going to a six-piece oompah band and a DJ on Saturday, but you won't get to see them. Perhaps owing to Toronto Beer Week this week, this beer writer is a little slow getting to the Oktoberfest round up and it turns out that WVRST's official Oktoberfest party this weekend is already sold out. Sorry...However, I still have to include WVRST here because it's a German-style beer hall that serves local craft brews and will add a number of märzens and Oktoberfest beers to the lineup for the whole month. Plus, after the dinner portion of Saturday's festivities, they will be doing one in and one out if you don't mind lining up. Hey, could be wvrse (Sorry).

Das Bier
In addition to their regular and always stellar lineup, WVRST will add appropriate seasonal offerings this month like Beau's Night Märzen, Black Oak's Oktoberfest, and more.

The food
Sausages!

Best bet for
Socializing. Great craft beer and beer hall-style seating means you're always going to make friends over your wiener.

POTENTIALLY TRAUMATIC BONUS

Because I short-changed you on WVRST, I'm also going to include the Jubilee Queen Toronto Oktoberfest Cruise.

Taking place aboard "Toronto's Luxury River Showboat" on October 5, the cruise is a four hour tour of Toronto's harbour that costs $72.95 per person and includes a four-course meal, traditional German music, and a dance party later on. With no mention of what kind of beer might be available and a link on their website to a flyer that hasn't been updated since their differently priced 2011 event, this is truly the gambler's pick for Oktoberfest; notably because you're on a boat so there's absolutely no escape once you're there. Good luck!

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. You can follow him on Twitter @Ben_T_Johnson

A new Toronto-based startup wants to revolutionize matchmaking by taking it to a genetic level. According to the company, aptly named Instant Chemistry, research suggests that 40 per cent of physical attraction can be attributed to genetic compatibility. Ok, sure. I don't have the time to wade through decades of mind-numbing scientific journals to corroborate this, so I'll take that at face value.

From what I understand about evolution, it makes sense that our DNA would play a significant role in determining who it is we'd like to reproduce with. And besides, if you've ever read a Michel Houellebecq novel, the first thing you'll probably think at hearing of this scheme is that it represents the most logical progression of the online dating industry. Why bother with personality questionnaires when you can take it to the genes?

In quick brushstrokes, the company provides a basic kit to consumers who then test themselves and return the swab for analysis. At present, Instant Chemistry is paired with two pre-existing dating services ‐ Misty River Introductions (Ontario & Quebec) and Camelot Introductions (Manitoba & Saskatchewan) — who plan to match members based on the compatibility of their genetic tests. This is a pretty humble start given the size of these services, but I suppose that makes sense.

It would appear that most of Instant Chemistry's claims for the viability of this matchmaking potential involve our bodily scent, which is controlled by the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). This all sounds like it make sense, but it will be interesting to see how practically it can be applied. What do you think? Is this the way of the future?

Back in October of last year, smartphone addicts like myself got very excited at the prospect of the TTC installing WiFi on station platforms across the system. Plans were in place to outfit Bloor-Yonge and St. George stations sometime in late 2013 as a trial run, but the project has been delayed on account of reluctance from Canada's major carriers to participate. So it would be wise not to hold one's breathe waiting on the ability to check email while waiting for the train.

Despite the inauspiciousness of the TTC's WiFi contract, subway riders aren't completely out of options when it comes to cellular use in the system. The subway does come above ground in certain places and there are other less-known opportunities to grab a signal. Reddit user colonkay posted a map charting these spots earlier today. You'll note that it doesn't make up a particularly significant portion of the total subway route, but it's a handy thing to keep in the back of your mind.

Worthy of note is the green dot near the centre of the map. It represents the expanse over the Don Valley between Castle Frank and Broadview stations where you can briefly grab a signal. I'd add to this the far east end of St. George Station's platform on the YUS line, where you can often get a couple of bars. Check out the Reddit thread for more hidden cell spots on the TTC and add your discoveries in the comments.

Map by colonkay

Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this September 20-22, 2013. For more event ideas, check out our post on 50 things to do this fall in Toronto.

Manifesto 2013
The 7th Annual Manifesto Festival returns to Toronto from September 19 to 22 at venues across the city. This non-for-profit grassroots organization with a focus on youth and hip hop culture aims to educate, unify, and entertain the masses. From live events featuring musicians, producers, visual artists, and dancers, to panels with industry experts and even mentor sessions, this year's festival has even more in store than previous iterations.
Various venues and prices. More information available here.

MUSIC

Junction Music Festival
Independent music invades the Junction neighbourhood, setting up shop on stages around the community with performances by locals like Zeus, Cuff The Duke and Dinosaur Bones. Music will appear on every corner with food and drink stalls set up in the Keele/Dundas neighbourhood to solve whatever problem your body presents throughout the festival. This one-day only event is completely free to the public and worth the trip out west.
The Junction(2960 Dundas Street West), September 21, 2013, 1PM Free

Canada's Walk of Fame
While there is seemingly something inherently awkward about Canadian awards ceremonies (perhaps we're just too modest?), the lineup at this quickly upcoming festival should temper that. As part of Canada's Walk of Fame Festival slated between September 19 - 21, you'll have a chance to see Burton Cummings, Serena Ryder, Maestro Fresh Wes and other great Canadian artists.
Massey Hall, various set times. Ticket info available here.

For more music listings, check out our This Week in Music and Fall Concerts posts.

COMEDY

Just For Laughs 42
Just For Laughs 42 is one of North America's great comedy festivals and you are seriously missing out if you skip it plus you probably hate the sound of laughter. Headliners this year include Aziz Ansari, Sarah Silverman and the cast of "Family Guy" with alternative shows including names like John Mulaney (creator of SNL's "Stefon" character) and Janeane Garofalo. Passes guarantee you one headliner and four other shows of your choosing and so far, the festival is off to a hilarious start. Purchase passes at JFL42.com and try to maximize your comedy intake over the next 8 days.
Various venues across the city, September 19-28, 2013

FESTIVAL

On Common Ground Festival
A festival of culture and community, On Common Ground is a unifying event where locals are invited out to Fort York to enjoy urban green space and meet their neighbours. The family-friendly festival celebrates the fall harvest with music, dancing, a puppet theatre, multi-media installations, storytelling, crafts, a kidzone, a farmers' market and local food. Everyone is welcomed to Fort York on Saturday and Sunday for the low-key festival that serves the purpose of feeding and entertaining you. Don't make it difficult; enjoy your weekend.
Fort York (250 Fort York Boulevard), September 21-22, 2013, 11AM

FOOD & DRINK

Awestruck
Awestruck, Canada's largest food truck rally and awards show, is back for a second year and will bring together 50+ trucks and vendors this Saturday, September 21st from 2pm to 8pm at Fort York Garrison Common (250 Fort York Boulevard). Tickets are $10 and are still available.

Pan American Food Festival
The 41 countries of North, South and Central America have a lot to offer the world and the Pan American Food Festival intends to offer these things in one weekend. With national cuisines being sampled by world class chefs and the art and music of the western hemisphere being demonstrated, the Pan American Food Festival brings together the best of our side of the world. Catch musical performances and drop in on demos--food will be cooking all weekend long.
Harbourfromt Centre (235 Queen's Quay West), September 20-22, 2013, 6PM Free

Bedouin Flash Bar
After launching at TIFF, Bedouin, a pop-up bar concept is back this weekend in the alleyway across from the Thompson Diner (just south of Bathurst and King). Look for gin, Pimms & Rum Two Punch and DJ SawTay on the ones and twos on Friday night. Starts at 9pm. Follow the link above for more information.

The Grapevine Festival
Wine and music go better together and The Grapevine Festival is in recognition of this fact. A melding of music with booze, this one-day festival refrains from making guests stomp grapes and instead focuses on highlighting wine flavours through mealtimes, wine and cheese and tastings. Invade St. Clair West and walk the streets drinking wine like a true European. The Grapevine Festival takes place on Saturday morning from 11AM onward.
St. Clair Avenue (between Dufferin and Lansdowne), September 21, 2013, 11AM Free

Sweets and Treats Festival
Ice cream and desserts will always be your friend so rain or shine, this festival is happening. The Sweets and Treats Festival finds a home at--where else?--Sugar Beach, offering attendees the chance to explore local candy and chocolate makers, bakers and ice creams. Benefits of sales go toward Sick Kids Foundation and there will be a midway and other food available for entertainment. Get your sweet tooth ready--making a pit stop here is the sweetest beginning to any weekend.
Sugar Beach (11 Dockside Drive), September 21-22, 2013, 12PM Free

For more food listings, check out our Toronto Food Events post.

ART

Queen West Art Crawl
The Queen West Art Crawl is back for another year of neighbourhood exploration and art buying. With homebase in Trinity Bellwoods Park, the QWAC highlights 250 jury-selected artists who display their work in the park, selling everything from painting to pottery to jewelry. After the day winds down, the Parkdale Nightcrawl takes over, with venue hoppers encouraged to take a look inside local institutions of art, music, film, and fashion. Stop by the art crawl between 11AM and 6PM on Saturday and Sunday to see what Queen West artists are working on.
Trinity Bellwoods Park (155 Crawford Street), September 21-22, 2013, 11AM Free

FASHION

Autumn Clothing Swap Party
All it takes for a new wardrobe is $5, a few unwanted clothes and an eye for hidden gems. The Autumn Clothing Swap Party at Arts Market offers just that with one of the city's largest swap shops taking place this Saturday. Bring $5 and your unwanted clothes to make a trade for more fabulous clothing and accessories. Anything not swapped will be donated at the end of the day. Drop in for a meal or some shopping at Arts Market.
Arts Market (846 College Street), September 21, 2013, 11:30AM $5

THEATRE

Soulpepper's The Norman Conquests
On a weekend away with his dirty little secrets, librarian Norman has to figure out his next maneuver when his wife shows up, asking questions. This Ted Dykstra-directed comedy opens at Soulpepper this weekend with Albert Schultz portraying the role of Norman. A funny story full of trysts and misunderstandings, the play runs until November 16th on Soulpepper's stages.
Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane), September 22-November 16, 2013, 7PM

For more theatre listings, check out our This Week in Theatre post.

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

This week in theatre rounds up the most noteworthy live theatre playing right now in Toronto. It includes just-opened shows as well as productions that are about to close.

On the Rocks / Theatre Passe Muraille / 7:30pm/2:00pm / $20-$32
Canadian musical theatre dame Louis Pitre launches Theatre Passe Muraille's 2013-2014 season with her one woman show On the Rocks, a deeply personal account of a French-Canadian girl's soujourn through life. Featuring original songs and a narrative that doesn't shy away from raw emotion, Pitre looks to reveal herself in this significant project. The performance is only on stage for a week so best to act fast if you're a Pitre fan.

The Best Brothers / Tarragon Theatre / 8:00pm/2:30pm / $27-$53
Daniel MacIvor's The Best Brothers, about two siblings who pick up the pieces after their mother dies in a freak accident, had a solid premiere at the Stratford Festival last year. It was about time the celebrated Canadian playwright was asked to bow a play at the Festival. It turned out his newest fit well with Stratford audiences &mdash: it is a lot more mellow and heart-warming than some of his earlier, in-your-face work. Crowd-pleaser though it may be, the writing is superb and it's always a treat to see MacIvor onstage.

Tick, Tick...Boom / Toronto Centre for the Arts / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $25-$55
Jonathan Larson moved mountains in the musical theatre world composing the music and writing the lyrics for Rent. After the composer's untimely death in 1996, another of his earlier work, Boho Days, was revisited by playwright David Auburn and turned into a three-actor musical called Tick, Tick...Boom. It's an autobiographical look at the hardships of the musical theatre industry in New York.

The Flood Thereafter / Berkeley Street Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $22-$49
Quebecois playwright Sarah Berthiaume plays with the conventions of fables in The Flood Thereafter, a portrait of small-town Canada. The arrival of a stranger signals a change for June who strips everyday at the Emotions bar for the men of the town. Canadian Stage's continued partnership with the Faculty of Fine Arts at York University finds Ker Wells directing, fresh off a celebrated production of Macbeth in High Park.

Shoreditch Madonna / Storefront Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $20
Playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz is best known for her 2008 play Her Naked Skin, about a romance between two suffragettes during the struggle to obtain the vote. Shoreditch Madonna profiles a collection of visual artists making work in the East End of London. It's the first play in the Storefront Theatre's season of six plays from independent theatre companies, including Theatre Brouhaha and Red One Theatre Collective.

Photo by Ben Rofflesen in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto events on September 23rd, 2013

MUSIC | Polaris Gala
Tonight the long awaited Polaris Gala goes down at The Carlu. The Polaris Music Prize is an award given annually to honour the best Canadian full-length album, and this particular award prides itself on paying no regard to sales figures or genre, with "artistic merit" as the sole criteria. Every year a jury creates a "long list" in June, which is released to the public, and this is then trimmed to a "short list," which is then narrowed to a top 5. Tonight's gala will announce the winner, and will feature performances by Zaki Ibrahim, Metric, METZ, Purity Ring, A Tribe Called Red, White horse, and Young Galaxy. Previous nominees Kathleen Edwards and Shad will host.
The Carlu (444 Yonge Street) 8PM $50

FILM | Altman, Spielberg and Lynch: Free film lecture panel
As part of the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre's "Be Our Guest" open house week, a special film panel will be presented tonight. The films of Robert Altman, David Lynch, and Steven Spielberg will be the topic for discussion. Film critics Kevin Courrier, Adam Nayman, and Shlomo Schwartzberg will offer insight and exchange ideas on these important American film makers. The work of each of these directors will be the subject of extended workshops offered at the JCC in October and beyond, and taught by these three gentlemen, and this will be an excellent sampler to entice you into enrolling, or it could be an enlightening lecture on its own.
Miles Nadal JCC (750 Spadina Avenue) 7PM

MUSIC | Elizabeth Shepherd at Yonge Dundas Square
Vocalist and keyboardist, Elizabeth Shepherd, plays Yonge-Dundas Square this afternoon as part of the "Lunchtime Live series. This Juno-nominated artist has made waves both at home and abroad with her unique vocal approach, and serious instrumental chops. She is also a relatively new Mom, and this hasn't slowed down her recording, performance, or touring schedule one bit! Her debut album, Start To Move was championed by The Gilles Peterson Show, who named it one of the top vocal jazz albums of 2006. Since then she has played top venues around the world, including Tokyo's Cotton, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Hollywood Bowl, and others. Her latest album, Rewind, was nominated for he 2012 Vocal Jazz JUNO award.
Yonge-Dundas Square (1 Dundas Street East) 12:30PM

COMEDY | Clockwork [Orange is the New] Black
An interesting event tonight at Measure will find comedy improv duo, The Dandies, doing an original improvised take on both Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange, and Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman. This is almost an improvised comedy "mashup" of sorts", and will find elements of both works mixed up and juxtaposed in a clever fashion. Andie Leathley and Dale Wells, who make up The Dandies, will be joined by Nicole Dunn, Angèle Morgan, Nelu Handa, Kristopher Bowman, and Natasha Boomer. Clockwork [Orange is the New] Black will also take place on September 30th and October 7th.
Measure (296 Brunswick Ave) $5

Also Of Note

Disorientation Week 2013: Gender Revolt!

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

Photo from the 2011 Polaris Prize Gala

The Scarborough subway extension looks like it's back on track after Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised to chip in towards its construction. Harper stopped short of announcing exactly how much money the feds would pledge or whether the funds are being diverted from the old LRT project. Ford called the announcement "exactly what the doctor ordered." Is the extension a done deal?

A man has been arrested after this weekend's shooting at a Yorkville nightclub. Five people were injured when a gunman opened fire at Empire nightclub at 50 Cumberland St. early Sunday morning. A 26-year-old man was found near the scene with a loaded handgun and faces 16 charges.

Meanwhile, two people are in hospital following a shooting in Scarborough this morning. It's not clear exactly where the incident took place.

The free ride may soon be over for Toronto's motorcyclists. The city will soon decide whether to charge bikers and scooter riders 25 to 50% of the current parking rate, ending eight years of freebies. A staff report estimates the change would bring in $250,000 a year. Should motorized, two-wheeled vehicles have to pay or should the city be encouraging alternatives to the car?

A full-size replica of the Avro Arrow, the famous product of an abruptly cancelled 1950s Canadian fighter jet program, is getting a temporary new home in Mississauga. The red and white jet had been on display at the Canadian Air & Space Museum at Downsview Park but is currently on a flatbed truck headed for the International Centre, just steps from Airport Road where the original plane was developed.

Three salvaged Toronto subway signs have found a new home. Jordan Munn fished out the discarded station furniture - three black and green Bloor-Danforth roof signs - during the recent construction blitz at Pape station. The TTC says it has more signs in storage and is putting together a business plan to sell them. Would you buy TTC signage?

Finally, the CN Tower is now offering weddings on its terrifying EdgeWalk experience. The tower has designed special black and white safety harnesses that match the colours of suits and wedding dresses. Lacy Boland and John Kirk were the first to get married hanging off a tether 356 meters in the air this weekend. Yikes.

FROM THE WEEKEND:

• This Week in Theatre
• 20 shots of the world's largest tequila tasting in Toronto
• Remembering the deadliest transit disaster in Toronto

IN BRIEF:

• Victims identified in deadly, wrong-way 401 crash [CBC]
• Objects tossed from highrise on to artists restoring defaced war mural [CTV News]
• Leafs forward David Clarkson faces suspension after brawl [Toronto Star]
• David Ortiz, Red Sox clip Blue Jays in home finale [CBC]

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

Image: Stephen Sokolov/blogTO Flickr pool.

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

IN THE NEWS

Drake forced to postpone "Would You Like A Tour?"

I've gotten flack for calling Drake "Toronto's favourite son" before (seriously, you guys can't tell a joke when you see one?). But you absolutely can't deny that the man is one of the biggest stars in the world of hip-hop, and the fact that he hails from our fair city is pretty significant. This week is a pretty big one for Drizzy, as his latest album, Nothing Was the Same, drops on Tuesday, and it promises to be one of the biggest releases of the year. Unfortunately, the coinciding North American tour, which was set to begin on Wednesday in Portland, has been forced to reschedule several dates and outright cancel the lone date in Winnipeg.

The reason for this is that the technical aspects of the show apparently need some additional tweaking before going on the road. But don't worry, Toronto fans - he's still good to go for his originally scheduled Oct. 24 stop at the Air Canada Centre. Head on over to Drake's official site for a list of updated tour dates.

THIS WEEK'S HOT TICKETS

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25 / PET SHOP BOYS / SONY CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS / 1 FRONT STREET E / $63.35 - $116.10 / ALL AGES

Whenever someone asks me about the best concert I've ever seen, my answer often comes as a surprise. It was V-Fest 2009 at the Molson Amphitheatre. The headliner that day was Nine Inch Nails, but it was the Pet Shop Boys, who came on second to last, that stole the show. Their performance is essentially an elaborate stage show, and even if you're not familiar with their music (at the time, I really wasn't), it'll completely blow your mind. And they did a mean cover of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" - whenever you have NIN fans singing along to a Coldplay tune, you know you're doing something right. This show isn't cheap, but I promise you, it'll be worth every penny.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25 / TOM ODELL / THE GREAT HALL / 1087 QUEEN W / $16.50 / 19+'

If you don't feel like paying the expensive ticket price for the Pet Shop Boys on Wednesday, this is a much more affordable show. And believe me when I say that it'll be absolutely fantastic - I saw Tom Odell at The Rivoli back in January, and I was very impressed. He plays the piano with a confidence and maturity that goes beyond his young age, and his music (particularly his standout track, "Can't Pretend"), is very solid. For such a low ticket price, this one's a no-brainer.

RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CONCERTS

• TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB / THE MOD CLUB / OCTOBER 14 / 7PM
• BRENDAN CANNING / LEE'S PALACE / NOVEMBER 16 / 9PM
• MOIST / SOUND ACADEMY / NOVEMBER 30 / 7PM
• MGMT / SOUND ACADEMY / DECEMBER 7 / 8PM

WHAT WE GOT UP TO LAST WEEK

• 5 reasons to get experimental with Gate this weekend
• Majical Cloudz descend at Wrongbar
• 20 must-see fall concerts in Toronto
• Manifesto Festival 2013

Photo of Pet Shop Boys courtesy of Eva Rinaldi on Flickr.

Earlier this month, Holt Renfrew's Yorkdale location launched a Pharrell Williams pop-up shop to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his premium clothing brand, Billionaire Boys Club (BBC). The store's atrium will be filled to the brim with BBC merchandise (including its spin-offs BBC Black, Bee Line, Billionaire Girls Club, and an exclusive Holt Renfrew collaboration) up until the end of October, but I chose to make my first visit to the shop during the rapper/producer/designer's public appearance this past Saturday.

The shelves and racks dedicated to the product were shafted to make room for a stage and a horde of screaming fans; needless to say, the shop was temporarily put on the back burner in favour of Williams' suave, sunglass-wearing, camouflage-printed presence.

Hosted by Tanya Kim of CTV's eTalk, the live Q&A session ran shorter than expected - yet, Pharrell made sure to jam-pack the half-hour with many a motivational word. The two discussed his personal style, ongoing tide of inspiration, and countless collaborations with top-notch artists and designers. However, he refused to talk about the pieces in his personally curated Holt Renfrew pop-up shop since such a scoop would "steal from the fire." He would rather have each person mull the collection over on their own terms, and - hopefully - be wowed by what they see. So, that's just what I did.

After Pharrell's exit (not short of royal waves and the occasional wink), I weaved my way through the crowd and found myself amongst the others perusing the pop-up.

Besides flashy posters of his face and way too many size runs of every single BBC t-shirt colourway known to man ($68), there are several glass cases exhibiting Pharrell's most coveted personal items, including N.E.R.D Nike Dunk High Top Sneakers and a Tokyo-exclusive gold brick from BBC's 1-year anniversary.

Not much further, a rather large housing unit stocks everything from a long tunic in black ripstop ($198) to a made-in-Canada sweatshirt with a Swarovski crystal logo ($1200) - two items I was almost certain only Pharrell could rock without looking like a prick.

Then I remembered something he said during the interview: "I don't hold the banner for what's considered style; I wave one for people who dress creatively despite what people think." And I realized that even though I myself would never shell out a grand for lavish sweats (nor do I fully understand why anyone would), personal style is, well...personal. Pharrell knows it, owns it, and shares it -- the pop-up shop is proof.

Photos by Brian Morton

A King West rooftop patio has ushered in her little sister in nightclub form. What happens when delicious drinks and a cool vibe is transplanted from outdoors to downstairs?

Find out in my review of EFS Nightclub in the bars section.

AwesTRUCK, Canada's largest food truck rally, brought together more than 50 mobile kitchens on Saturday and as you may recall, the weather was super shitty. The outdoor venue at Fort York's Garrison Commons quickly became a mud pit and flooded in the ceaseless rain.

Of the 2,800 plus attendees expected, only a fraction were willing to brave the extreme conditions. It was unfortunate for all the trucks, especially the numerous out-of-towners who had come in just for the day. On the plus side, there were ZERO line-ups, portions were being doled out generously and, for the most part, everyone was trying to make the best of it.

For the second year, AwesTRUCK also recognized the excellent concepts, menus and people that are tirelessly pulling us out of the dark ages of street-vending, and, adding a little flavour and fun to Toronto's streetscape.

Check out our highlights of the event including a rundown of this year's AwesTRUCK award winners.