Trinity Bellwoods Outdoor Skating Rink!

 Great view of CN Tower from the ice!

 Great to see so many families out to skate w/ Santa!

 I had so much fun!

Trinity Bellwoods Rink!

I just found out that Trinity Bellwoods Park has an outdoor skating rink open to the public for free! I never had random outdoor rinks around town growing up, so this was a wonderful surprise! (No wonder many Canadians are such good skaters with these all over town)! I even learned about the term “shinny-hockey” which means there are pickup hockey games that are designated at certain times on the ice. What a fun way to meet new people around town!

After gathering my skates and getting to the rink, I was excited to see many families skating to fun holiday music. It made me smile that the rink even went so far as to have a Santa skating around with the kids and taking pictures. I must say this is the perfect location for a fun skate- and I’m so happy it’s right in my neighborhood!

Logan's Blog T.O?!

Hello!

If you have read "Logans Lollipop" before you will see there is a new change in the domain! I've switched this website to "Logan's Blog T.O" because I'm (Logan) talking about new things I find in Toronto and blogging about it! (Straight to the point right?) :)

So if you happened to read my posts per the old site, please mark down the change! I've updated my twitter to @LogansBlogTO so if you still want to follow along on my journey here in Canada- I hope you do!

24/7 Road to NHL Winter Classic- Flyers vs. Rangers

"Road to NHL Winter Classic- Flyers vs. Rangers" Treat!

If you have never watched the HBO documentary about the NHL Winter Classic- you must check out "24/7 Road to Winter Classic- Flyers vs. Rangers"! I started watching this documentary leading up to the 2011 Winter Classic (for the Penguins vs. Capitals), and I was glued to the series each week! It had me ready to go when we went to the Winter Classic last year. The series added a sense of anticipation and drama to the event itself, since you get a behind look into what the teams are going through leading up to the game. Last years Winter Classic game was amazing and as an added bonus I even got to go to the teams "family skate" on the ice in the middle of Heinz Field! It was a weekend I will never forget! 

With all that excitement from last year, 2012 is no exception! This year the Winter Classic will be held in Philadelphia (Flyers vs. Rangers) and I will be cheering on and supporting this city where I grew up (Philadelphia)! It is looking to be quite the "hot ticket" for all those attending!

This documentary goes behind the scenes of each team and follows the players/coaches personally and professionally leading up to the epic game held outdoors in January. If you are just a fan of the teams, show love for the game, cheer for your city or want to gear up to go to the Winter Classic itself- you must watch the HBO series "Road to NHL Winter Classic- Flyers vs. Rangers"! I can't wait to watch the series and see the Winter Classic 2012!

Here are some pictures from the Winter Classic 2011 (Capitals vs. Penguins).

 Winter Classic is about to start! I even had my white snowboard pants on in case of snow!

 Warm Up

 Ovi getting the crowd amped up!

Post Winter Classic- I was able to go to the teams "family skate" at Heinz Field! 

Image Source: http://blogs.theprovince.com/2012/01/06/hbo-247-flyers-rangers-review-full-of-bryz-and-vinegar/

Quiet On The Set!

"Movie Production" Treat!

Yesterday, I walked out of my building and ran into a movie production! The lights and the cops blocking the road lasted all day/night and it was quite exciting to see.  I have seen many spots downtown filming throughout the summer; however, this is the first time the set was literally right outside my door! You never know what you’ll find each day you walk out on the street in Toronto- I love this city!

Ryan Adams at the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre!

 Elgin Winter Garden Theatre

Ryan Adams

 Ryan Adams set up

 Concert Time!

Ryan Adams at the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre!

On Saturday, I went to see Ryan Adams at the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre complex, which I read, is the, “last “double-decker” or stacked Edwardian theatre in the world”! I must say, that both the venue and Ryan were absolutely fantastic to see and it turned out to be quite the memorable experience!

The venue is a labyrinth of staircases with adjoining theaters all in elaborate gold décor with breathtaking details. We were located in the Winter Garden theatre where Ryan Adams pointed out the fact that an electrician discovered it after being closed up for decades! The electrician (that found this theater) tore down a wall while re-wiring to discover the Winter Garden (with the leaves, lanterns, and trees totally intact as it is presented today). A true ghost from the past brought a unique feel to the show throughout the night. 

I must admit I have seen Ryan Adams before (once in DC at DAR Constitutional Hall and the other opening up for Oasis in the US) but this show was my favorite by far. Going acoustic for his songs, he played all of my favorites such as, “This House Is Not for Sale”, “Dear Chicago”, “I See Monsters” and  “16 Days”.  I also loved his piano rendition of “My Blue Manhattan” which had the audience sitting in hushed appreciation. (Can you tell I just adore his  “Love is Hell” album)? And thank goodness for some twitter requests as we were able to hear a classic Ryan Adams & The Cardinals hit, “Dear John” which he stated, he hasn’t played live in quite some time! 

Of course with every concert you may have some disturbances and unfortunately this show was no exception. The sound system was having trouble with a low clicking sound to which Ryan Adams joked he feels like he’s, “playing against a Trent Reznor beat throughout the night”.  However when playing- it was easy for fans to ignore it and appreciate the music. There were also those annoying people who always call out songs for him to play. If you are one of those people reading this today- I ask- why?! My thought is to let the musician do what he intends to do- and just sit back and just enjoy the show! If you want to hear a special song think first “it may be coming later in the show” and if not think “I’ll put in on when I get home” (if your that upset you didn’t hear your favorite song). It always makes me think of people rudely expecting a song they particularly want to hear because they paid for tickets. (Like the musician is at a service to them or something)!

The other distraction (from an otherwise perfect night) was an annoying fan that was yelling at Adams and trying to get into some sort of vocal match. (Again I ask, why?!) After some ignorant comments were made, Ryan turned to the man at the end of the show and thanked him for sharing his feelings and having the, “ the most freest, most vocal man in town” come to his show. ;)

On an upbeat note, there were also some hilarious moments in the show were Ryan Adams performed some improv songs about Dracula’s cooking skills and his Motorhead Jersey (sweater) that is, “defiantly not a t-shirt”. (You had to be there to get those jokes in context but much appreciated by all of us in the audience)! Overall it was a wonderful night and I look forward to seeing him again!

Sources: http://sundaybrunch.to/, http://torontosavvy.me/2010/09/02/double-decker-elgin-winter-garden-theatres/, http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/music/story.cfm?content=184294

The National + Emma Lee w/ Michael Rault in T.O!

 Lead singer Matt Berninger of The National

 View from our box! Almost time! 

"The National" Treat!

I just had an amazing Thursday night by heading to see, The National, at the Air Canada Centre! They are in the home stretch of their High Violet tour and they were fantastic! I just love all their music- and a live performance in a "half-stadium" set just the right vibe. Not only was the concert amazing, I must say we were spoiled with great seats for the show as well. We were invited to sit in the NHL box and it was such a treat to watch the show surrounded by wonderful friends from that location!

The National filled up their set-list with High Violet material but also added two new songs (in which I missed the names during the show). This morning, I looked up those two new songs and according to the Toronto Sun they played, ‘Rylan’ and ‘I Need My Girl’ (which featured violinist Owen Pallett). I look forward to any new material out by The National this upcoming year!

 Emma-Lee with special guest Michael Rault

"Late Night" Treat!

After we saw The National it was time to head over to The Dakota Tavern on Ossington. We had no idea who was going to be playing- but you just know you’ll always catch a great show at that venue! We ended up seeing Emma-Lee with special guest Michael Rault. The show was great! They had a unique upbeat sound that got us all instantly dancing. If you haven’t had a chance to go to The Dakota or potentially see both these bands- you should check them out!  

Souces: http://emma-lee.com/site/, http://www.michaelrault.com/, http://www.torontosun.com/2011/12/09/the-national-are-still-going-strong 

The Tea Party in T.O!

"Surprise" Treat!

I had the best surprise this past weekend- I was taken to the Sound Academy in Toronto to see The Tea Party live in concert! This Canadian band from Windsor, Ontario was formed in 1990 with members Jeff Martin, Stuart Chatwood and Jeff Burrows. I heard about this band while visiting Canada 3 years ago and fell in love with songs such as,  ‘Save Me’, ‘The Messenger’ and ‘The Bazaar’. I loved the fact that they have such a unique sound and use a mix of blues, rock, Indian and Middle Eastern influences. Using instruments such as sitars, esraj, mandolins, goblet drums (Dumbek) and 12 string guitars is right up my ally. To my dismay I learned that the band was on a hiatus since 1995 and was saddened to think I would never see them live in concert. Well, it’s official- they are back and ready to start recording new music this next year and on tour now!

I knew I was in for a treat as I entered the Sound Academy and I heard a mix of drumming and sitars playing throughout the venue. I literally walked into a crowd of people anxiously waiting for, The Tea Party, and chanting for them to come on stage. I was able to chat with some people around me and they were devoted fans that could name every mile they traveled to see this band play throughout Canada. Once the band got on stage, Jeff Martin, was eager to engage with the crowd and let everyone know that they are back and appreciate everyone coming out to see them this night. (He even joked that they are still astonished at the success from their humble beginnings from Windsor, Ontario).

They played crowd favorites (even my favorite songs listed above) and included an acoustic set. They even played some new music (not yet released) to much delight of all their fans. Overall, it was one of the best nights I’ve had seeing live music. I look forward to their return to Toronto! For this American girl, The Tea Party, is one band that I’m so happy Canada introduced me to!

Pics!

 Jeff Martin: (From The Tea Party's official FB page)

The Tea Party @ Sound Academy in T.O: (Photo by: Troy Danniels)

Ok- ready to go in!

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tea_Party, http://teaparty.com/

Rockefeller Center Tree!

“NYC Holiday” Treat

It’s that time of year again! The Christmas spirit is in the air and last night it was time to light the Rockefeller Center tree! NYC is one of my favorite places to visit during the holidays and every time I get a chance to visit the city during the holidays- I just have to make time to see this famous tree!

According to the official website, “Traditionally, the chosen tree is decorated with 30,000 environmentally-friendly lights along five miles of wire and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. The event, which runs from 7pm to 9pm, is taped live so that viewers all around the globe can participate in this beloved New York City holiday tradition…The Norway Spruce trees displayed each year in Rockefeller Center are required to be a minimum of 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide, though they're preferred to be between 75-90 feet tall, by the event managers.”

History (from official website):

"The first Rockefeller tree lighting took place in 1931 when a bunch of construction workers decided to put up a tree in the RCA Building.  The first formal Christmas tree lighting was two years later and 700 lights were used for decoration.  In 1966 the first out-of-country tree was used when Canada donated a tree in celebration of the Centennial of its confederation. Because Norway Spruce trees aren't normally grown to the full preferred size, the ones used in the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting usually come from someone's yard or another selected location, though property owners are not compensated with anything other than pride".

Here are some quick facts about the tree:

• The Rockefeller Center tree is recycled each once the holiday season is over and 3 tons of mulch are donated to the Boy Scouts of America.

• A large portion of the tree trunk each year is donated to the United States Equestrian Team in New Jersey to be used for obstacle jumping.

• This year’s tree is a Norway spruce harvested from Putnam County, N.Y., measures 74 feet. The tallest Rockefeller tree was 100 feet, in 1999.

I love December and the holidays! Now time for me to get back to decorating my tree! :)

 Sources: http://www.nyctourist.com/xmas_rockcenter1.htm, http://www.aolnews.com/2010/11/30/5-facts-about-the-rockefeller-plaza-christmas-tree/,http://www.nycinsiderguide.com/Rockefeller-Center-Christmas-Tree.html#axzz1fIMKJp9F