Earthquake in Toronto!

An angel, dislodged from the southwest pinnacle of the "Gloria in Excelsis" or central tower, lies on the roof of the Washington National Cathedral following a 5.8-magnitude earthquake which rumbled through Washington on Aug. 24.

 

 

Well, I had another first in Canada yesterday- I felt my first earthquake in Toronto! I must admit I have been sheltered in my thinking that I will never be in an earthquake on the east coast or in Canada- but now I know better! The quake originated in VA but the 5.8 magnitude shocker could be felt here in downtown Toronto. Original reports stated that the quake could be felt as far as New York City- but believe me it came up to Canada!

I was home at the time but at first was disorientated as to why my place was gently rocking back and forth. After a few seconds (realizing it was an earthquake) I started to get nervous about all of my art on the wall- for fear everything would start falling off! After about 10 seconds I started to get a seasick feeling hoping it would just stop. The gentle rocking motion did stop- and I quickly jumped online to hear updates about the earthquake from friends in the States. I was concerned to hear that three pinnacles in the central tower of the Washington National Cathedral, (the highest building in the city), broke off in the quake according to reports from The Washington Post. That area is close to my heart as I worked at a school on the Cathedral grounds so thankfully everyone (and overall structure) seems to be okay. (Scary to think I would have been sitting around the cathedral at that time for my break if I was there).

Thankfully, everyone is ok- but this rare event on the east coast has me realize that an earthquake can happen anywhere! 

Image Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post_now/post/national-cathedral-quake-damage-is-not-structural/2011/08/24/gIQAKa1obJ_blog.html

1 LOVE T.O.

“1 LOVE” Treat!

If you haven’t heard of 1 LOVE T.O. then you must read this post! Adding to the dimension of those “I Heart (Whatever City you are in)” the 1 Love T.O. is all about pride of our city. According to his website, “1 LOVE T.O. is about presenting that to the rest of the world. It’s a hometown pride that’s never been articulated before. It’s a movement that bridges the gaps – between cultures, neighborhoods, interests and generations. 1 LOVE T.O. is the unifying voice of our city…Forget about the individualistic message of “I love wherever”. Toronto is different. Toronto is one. And we are all the heart of this magnificent city”. It’s a great message and a huge success.

Normally, you can only find this merchandise at random “pop-up” shops that appear around the city however, that is all about to change. It has been announced that 1 LOVE TO is opening its first store tonight 6pm-10pm at 707 Dundas Sreet West as part of the Scadding Court Community Centre’s Live Local Market. Tonight’s block party is hosted by T-rex-Xx (Host of MuchMusic's Rapcity) and will feature music from Future The Prince (Drake’s Official DJ) and D-Lux (Blue Jays Official DJ). There will also be performances by P.Region, Shaun Boothe and A-Game (with some unannounced special guests). If you are into the art scene in TO- then you will be glad to hear there will also be live painting by Skam. I can’t wait!

Post this opening- if you feel the mood to dance to some 90’s hip-hop then the after party is definitely at The Ossington! From 10pm-2am the one and only DJ Brett Leonhardt showcases ‘95 Live’ tonight of course! It’s a fantastic Friday night in the T-Dot- hope to see you out!

Image Source: http://octobersveryown.blogspot.com/2009/04/we-dont-say-t-dot.html

Reposado Tequila Bar

“Jazzy Treat”

Last night I went to Reposado Tequila Bar and was pleasantly surprised at the laid back atmosphere and live music played! Reposado has Toronto’s largest selection of premium tequila in the heart of downtown west and is located off of Ossington Ave.

As the band trio started to set up I could tell we were in for a wonderful treat! While trying some local drinks and tapas I was eager to hear Spy vs. Sly vs. Spy play. With a drum set, double bass and electric guitar this trio was quite fun to listen to  and watch play! Check out Reposado’s website for live music each night- as there is often some great live jazz to hear! 

Often when I walk by Reposado’s I find myself drawn to the music that flows into the street- so I’m glad I got to experience it firsthand last night! This place is a definite must see in Toronto! 

Image Source: http://fashioninmotion.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/a-perfect-v-day/

Ride the Tiger at the Drake Hotel!

The Lounge at the Drake Hotel

“Soul & Motown” Treat!

Last night I went to the Drake Hotel to see an amazing band called, Ride the Tiger! They displayed a fantastic array of Soul and Motown classics, which featured the many musical talents of the band. With a booming voice the lead singer reminded me of Mayer Hawthorne (who is another favorite artist of mine). 

The Drake itself is a staple in the Queen West neighborhood of Toronto. As stated on their website, “The Drake Hotel is a cultural, entertainment and hospitality landmark in Toronto. In the seven years since our opening, Drake has come to be known as an energetic hub for visual & performance art as well as dining and hospitality, thus providing one of Canada’s most unique and sought after hotel and culinary experiences. We are clearly more than a place to eat and sleep: we are a hotbed for culture. We eagerly await your arrival and open our doors to your hearts and minds".

Not only is the Drake Hotel a fantastic venue to visit when you want to hear great music but Ride the Tiger is definitely a must see band in Toronto! They will be playing the Drake on Monday nights but definitely check out their website for additional shows!

Image Source: http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/scrapbook/347

Rogers Cup Toronto

“Tennis Anyone?”

This is a great week for tennis as the Rogers Cup is here in Toronto! To start this tournament there are 56 singles players in the main draw (48 in qualifying draw) with 28 doubles teams in the main draw. The turf is hard court (deco turf) with Centre Court holding 10,300 seats! Last year (2010) Caroline Wozniacki won the championship in Montreal.

Taking a look at the history of this tournament they state, “Since 1892, the best women's tennis players in the world have showcased their skills on Canadian courts. Only Wimbledon and the U.S. Open have longer histories than the major Canadian stop, which is acknowledged by the tennis world to be one of the best-run tournaments on the Tour. Classified as a Premier 5 event under the WTA Tour Roadmap, Rogers Cup presented by National Bank offers US $2 million in prize money and attracts the brightest stars of women's tennis year after year”.

If you are a fan of tennis legends Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Michael Chang, and John McEnroe are playing the Rogers Legends Cup in a round-robin tournament August 12-14th. This is bound to be a fantastic event!

I must say it’s a great experience watching any tennis match live. This is a great opportunity to see these professionals play in Toronto as they gear up for another grand slam in a few weeks. Don’t know which one that is?! Well, these professionals have to get ready for the US Open (August 29-September 11th)! So get out there this week and see some amazing tennis action live!


Image Source: http://www.rogerscup.com/women/english/home.php

Toronto's Festival of Beer!

 CN Tower in background of Toronto's Festival of Beer

 Toronto's Festival of Beer!

“Cheers”!

If you love beer than you will love what Toronto has in store for you starting tomorrow! August 5th is the opening day for Toronto’s Festival of Beer! Yes, you read this correctly- it’s a festival devoted to beer! According to the website the, “celebration of Canada’s rich brewing history, hosted by experts of the brewing craft from around the world. Featuring more than 120 brands on-site, this is Canada’s premier celebration of the golden beverage”! You have to be 19 years or older (no 21 drinking age here in Canada!) and you can purchase your tickets online or at the event which lasts August 5^th-7^th.

What caught my eye about this unique festival is that different brands of beer are showcased in the “Brand Experience Areas”. They state, “Brand Experience Areas provide you with an opportunity to fully experience a brand, or brands of beer, in an environment that reflects the lifestyle that the brand or brewery defines itself with. Past Brand Experience Areas include Great Lakes Caskapalooza, Red Stripe DJ party, Carlsberg Human foosball, and the Mill Street Carnival". There is also a grilling tent which features Chef Ted Reader who may just clue us in on his world famous BBQ  tips for the next grill master!

If you are in the mood for some music to rock out to, the Planters Main Stage has bands lined up each night! Starting tomorrow (Aug. 5^th) performances include, Dragonette, The Midway State, Candy Coated Killahz, House of David Gang and Hot Kid. For a listing of additional performances check their website daily.

For a list of 2011 Exhibitors at Toronto’s Festival of Beer please click here for the massive line up! Hope to see you there! Cheers!

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregclow/1233769657/, http://www.torontonicity.com/2011/06/20/toronto-events-in-august-2011/ 

SummerWorks Theatre Festival

“SummerWorks” Treat!

If you remember me posting about the Toronto Fringe Festival than you will love an event that I just came across in Toronto called the SummerWorks Theatre Festival (August 4^th-14^th)! If you are accustomed to reading my blog, you know that I enjoy theater, art and all live music – so I’m always on the look out for something fun here in Toronto!

According to SummerWorks they are, “The largest juried festival in Canada featuring predominantly New Canadian plays...(which) looks to program a festival that uniquely reflects Toronto and Canada’s cultural zeitgeist. In its 21st year, SummerWorks boasts a selection of over 40 plays, performances, concerts, free events and happenings”. For a full list of performances and information per production sites make sure to check their website daily!

Starting tomorrow there is also the “Opening Day & Night Party” at Art Bar located at 952 Queen Street West (at Shaw) in conjunction to SummerWorks- (Courtyard at the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art and Edward Day Gallery). Each night there will be live performances and DJ’s from 4:00PM-1:00am and opening night (Aug. 4th) features: Raoul and The Big Time, The Elwins, Patty Cake, Modern Superstitions, Light Fires and Choir! Choir! Choir!. So mark your calendars- hope to see you support SummerWorks!

Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market

Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market

“Tuesday” Treat!

I just love a good farmers market! Before I moved to Toronto I used to visit a fantastic FRESHFARM Market in Washington DC (right by my brothers place in Dupont Circle) which was named one of the top farmers’ markets in the country! However, I have yet to see what is available to me here in Toronto.

The weekends are a great way to spend the day supporting local fare but for me I was quite excited to learn about the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market every Tuesday (3-7 pm)! According to the TBFM website their mandate states that they, “…support and promote local and urban sustainable agriculture. To educate the community in the foods they eat, the source in which it comes and how it is grown and/or prepared. To increase community accesses to healthy, local, organic and naturally grown produce, meats and dairy”. I am eager to check it out today!

For an additional list of farmers markets around the area (and times) I also found a fantastic website featuring some of the best farmers markets in the Toronto area. So get out and support your farmers markets!

Civic Holiday

"August" Treat!

I am learning many new holidays in Canada such as the Civic Holiday, which takes place the first Monday in August. This statutory holiday in Canada is, “known by many names in different provinces. It's called Regatta Day in Newfoundland, Saskatchewan day in SK, British Columbia Day in BC, Natal Day in Nova Scotia and PEI, Simcoe Day in Toronto, Colonel By Day in Ottawa and Joseph Brant day in Burlington, ON and the list goes on and on. The Civic Holiday is commonly referred to as the August Long Weekend. It is probably the busiest day on highways as tens of thousands of families go camping, to cottages etc this weekend”.

As I posted before this weekend was a great time to celebrate the holiday in Toronto by seeing the Irie Music Festival. I found my way to Queens Park last night to hear a wonderful tribute to Bob Marley featuring Errol Blackwood. The guest of honor of the night included the granddaughter to the legend (Bob Marley) which capped off the night with Bushman who did a tribute to Peter Tosh. The festival was a fantastic event with great music, vendors, food, and art.

 Irie Music Festival

 Fantastic tribute to the legend, Bob Marley, at Irie Music Festival 

The Irie Music Festival ends tonight but there is still time to enjoy it today as part of this Civic Holiday weekend!

Image Source: http://themusic.name/gallery/bob-marley-gallery/ , http://rastaonline.ca/events/, http://www.canada-quiz.com/civic-holiday-1st-monday-in-august-is-holiday-in-canada/