Archive for the 'events' Category

February Beer Events in Toronto

contact September 1st, 2010

beer
Hart House Beer Academy with Mirella Amato – Hart House presents an evening of Craft Beer Tasting with Mirella Amato, tour guide for the Beer Lover’s Tour Company and host of the beer segments on legourmet.tv. – on Thursday, February 21, 2008 from 7pm to 10pm in the Music Room. Featuring yummilicious pub food and samplings of 9 specialty craft beers – Hart House, Music Room, 7 Hart House Circle, $45 – call 416.978.8849 to reserve

Gouden Carolus Dinner – Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23, 2008 – This event is a 3-course Belgian menu fixe ($40) menu with your choice of Gouden Carolus, Gouden Carolus Tripel or Gouden Carolus Ambrio. The Abbot On The Hill, Abbot on the Hill, 1276 Yonge Street, call 416.920.9074 to reserve

3 Concerts for $39 Each – Toronto Symphony Orchestra

contact August 9th, 2009

toronto symphony orchestra
From daily-free:

“Toronto Symphony Orchestra: 3+ Concerts for $39 Each, Best Available Seats
August 9th, 2009 Posted in RedFlagDeals The Now or Never sale for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is on now at TSO.ca. Until August 17th at 5PM EST, you can purchase tickets for 3 or more concerts in their upcoming season for $39 each per ticket. That’s certainly not the cheapest form of entertainment but for $39 you do get to choose from the best available seats in the house. As a bonus you’ll also get a free CD that highlights the upcoming season and an additional discount of 5% once the Now or Never sale is over.

What concerts can you choose from? Take a look at their 09.10 Season at a Glance brochure (PDF).

This deal Toronto Symphony Orchestra: 3+ Concerts for $39 Each, Best Available Seats was originally posted on RedFlagDeals.com – Your source for Canadian Deals, Free Coupons and Freebies.”

Edgar Wright in Toronto

contact February 22nd, 2009

From twitch:

“Rejoice, Toronto film fans! Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright has taken up residence here in our fair city and is soon to be taking over the Bloor Cinema with a series of hosted screenings. What’s he bringing? Well, on Saturday, February 28th Wright will be hosting a night of his own work, screening a double bill of Shaun and Fuzz along with an uncut version of his Grindhouse trailer Don’t. The only thing missing is A Fistful Of Fingers, don’t hold out on us Edgar! How to follow that up? Well, the very next day Wright will be presenting – both on 35 mm – a double bill of Shaolin Soccer and legendary gore-fu flick The Story of Ricky! Pig entrails on the big screen! Hurray! As for the rest of the series, there’s still a slot or two to be filled, but here’s the list as it currently stands:

Mar. 8th: 7pm The Wanderers / 9:30pm – The Warriors
Mar. 14th: 9:45pm – Head
Mar. 15th: 7pm Dames / 9pm – Phantom of the Paradise TBC
Mar. 22nd: 5pm – Spaced Marathon TBC
April. 5th: 7pm Five Fingers Of Death TBC/ 9:30pm Drunken Master 2
April 12th: 7pm The Brood / 9pm Last Night “

Toronto Rocks

contact January 3rd, 2009

toronto rocks
Yeah, I know that Toronto Rocks already, but I’m talking about the DVD, so let’s see what it’s about:

On July 30, 2003, close to a half a million people gathered in Toronto for one of the most spectacular concerts of all time in fact, the largest ticketed single-day event in history. The Rolling Stones headlined the show, accompanied by 13 other acts, including AC/DC, Rush, the Guess Who, and Justin Timberlake. Now, this amazing day has been captured on DVD. Who steals the show? The Isley Brothers, led by founding singer Ronald and axeman Ernie, who blaze through “Who’s That Lady” and their classic “Shout” with a band of lock-tight musicians and dancers.

The DVD includes the kind of full-size color booklet every concert disc should come with, a choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and uncompressed PCM stereo sound (both great), and a dose of “bonus” backstage ballyhoo. A unique extra is the director’s broadcast call of the camera shots for AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” revealing the frantic, real-time demands of a live shoot.

Find out more about Toronto Rocks and order it

For Photographers in TO

contact October 21st, 2008

From David Brown:

Looking for space to exhibit during the CONTACT 09 Photography Festival? SHOW AND SELL YOUR WORK AT THE GLADSTONE!

The Gladstone Hotel in collaboration with Toronto’s SpeakEasy Event will once again produce a group exhibition entitled EXPOSED for the CONTACT Toronto Photography Festival, which takes place in May 2009.

EXPOSED: Innovation, Transformation, Revolution will showcase the work of contemporary photographers (both established and emerging). In keeping with CONTACT 2009’s thematic focus; STILL REVOLUTION, EXPOSED will showcase photographic works ranging “from reportage to abstraction, documented fact to constructed fiction exploring photography through its many complex and ever evolving manifestations.” The exhibition will be co-produced by the Gladstone Hotel and SpeakEasy and curated by Chris Mitchell and David Brown.

The Gladstone Hotel is renting second floor exhibition rooms and gallery space to individuals or groups of photographers interested in participating in this Marque event. We invite innovative, cutting-edge photographers to submit expressions of interest.

Dates & Details:

Show Date: Thursday May 7 – Sunday May 31, 2009

Gallery Hours: 12pm-5pm Daily

Opening Reception: May 7, 2009 7pm-10pm

Installation Dates: May 6 and 7

Submission Deadline: Sunday Nov 16, 2008

Signed Contract and Deposit: Due Dec 1, 2008

Submission Fee: Free

Show Location: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West Toronto, ON 416-531-4635 www.gladstonehotel.com

Participation Fees & Display Opportunities:
Option #1: EXHIBITION ROOM $1200.00* (Tax Incl)/room
- 1 of 9 Exhibition Rooms which open on to the hotel’s main gallery space.
- includes full month exhibition space rental and CONTACT registration
– No commission on sales.
- Photographers may collaborate to share space and rental costs.

Option #2: ASSIGNED WALL SPACE in Main Reception Gallery $200* + GST/space
- 1 of 12 Assigned Wall Spaces to accommodate individual works or groupings of small pieces.

Why should you participate?

* EXPOSED will be a registered CONTACT Festival exhibition listed in the CONTACT 2009 guide and website

* The Gladstone has become a destination venue for CONTACT visitors, drawing significant crowds for the past 4 years. The hotel will host several CONTACT registered exhibitions during the month long festival.

* Exhibition and individual participants will be promoted in Gladstone Bag e-newsletter and Gladstone website Event Listings as well as featured on Gladstone Hotel website Exhibition Page and Gladstone Exhibition Press Release

* Showcase your work in the bright, beautiful spaces and newly restored Victorian grandeur of the Gladstone
* Gallery hours 7 days a week

The Gladstone is committed to providing participants with a rewarding and fulfilling experience including:

FOCUS – on established and emerging artists with a range of aesthetic sensibilities.

EXCLUSIVITY – In the unique exhibition setting of our historic hotel, the physical size, focus, and mandate of the exhibition will provide the opportunity for every participant to shine.

EXPOSURE – The Gladstone and SpeakEasy Events have successful track records of drawing attendees to exhibitions including Toronto and international press, local and international arts industry professionals, curators, gallery owners, collectors, patrons, and the general public.

CONNECTIONS – The Gladstone and SpeakEasy Events focus on creating networking opportunities for artists with various press and industry professionals as a primary exhibition objective. This focus is seen as a hallmark of success by many past exhibition participants.

These connections are enhanced by advance marketing that includes press releases, personal invitations, and an Opening Evening Reception hosted by the hotel.

ACCESSIBILITY – Participation costs for exhibitors are minimal compared to more commercial events. The Hotel takes no commissions on sales.

Interested in showing your work?

Submitting work for consideration is easy. Show us what you got, and what you want to do.

Email us samples of your work (max. 5 digital files), along with a short bio and a description of the work you will be presenting. Do not send originals!

Please include the following with your submission:

Name or Name of group

Contact information (phone, email)

Website

Email submissions to:

David Brown, david@blttogo.com and Chris Mitchell, chrism@gladstonehotel.com

*Participation Fees are only paid if your work is selected to be part of the show. A 50% deposit is due with signed contract on Dec 1, 2008 Balance of participation fees are due April 1, 2009

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

contact October 18th, 2008

toronto after dark film festival 2008
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival is ON. Find out about the screenings, where to buy tickets and more here.

Upcoming Apple Related Seminars in Toronto

contact September 18th, 2008

September 22 – Introduction to Mobile Me – Learn about Apple’s new Mobile Me service and what it can do for you in this fun demonstration. Location: Computer Systems Centre Store, Main Floor, 275 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1S2 – more info

September 22 – Affordable power for the busiest printing environment – Learn about what Xerox printers can do in your Mac or mixed enviroment office. Location: Computer Systems Centre Store, Main Floor, 275 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1S2 – more info

September 23 – Introduction to the Wacom Tablet Family on the Mac – Come in and learn about important differences between the various models of Wacom tablets available for your Mac. Location: Computer Systems Centre Store, Main Floor, 275 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1S2 – more info

September 23 – Colour Calibration for Mac Graphic Artists – Learn how to calibrate your display for accurate colour reproduction. Location: Computer Systems Centre Store, Main Floor, 275 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1S2 – more info

September 24 – Your Media On Your TV – Learn about how to enjoy your multimedia content in your living room! We’ll discuss the Apple TV and how it can bring you into the digital age. Location: Computer Systems Centre Store, Main Floor, 275 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1S2 – more info

September 24 – Intro to Music Production and Recording on a Mac – Learn how to set up your very own digital audio workstation as we run through the basics of recording and producing music with a Macintosh. Location: BeamEcho formerly, CPUsed, Sales Floor, 26a Cumberland Street, Toronto, Ontario M4W 1J5 – more info

September 24 – Introduction to Logic Express – for those curious about audio recording on the Mac and is ready for a step up from Garage Band. Location: Computer Systems Centre Store, Main Floor, 275 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1S2 – more info

September 25 – iPod + iTunes Workshop – for anyone interested in learning how to convert existing audio and video into high quality iTunes and iPod experiences. Location: BeamEcho formerly, CPUsed, Sales Floor, 26a Cumberland Street, Toronto, Ontario M4W 1J5 – more info

September 25 – Managing Your Money on Your Mac With Money Works – for people wanting to learn to use their Mac to help them manage their finances. Location: Computer Systems Centre Store, Main Floor, 275 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1S2 – more info

Toronto Dark Film Festival Announced!

contact August 27th, 2008

From twitch:

“Oh you lucky, lucky people. The first wave of titles for this year’s edition of the Toronto After Dark Festival was announced today and you are in for a treat this year! Festival director Adam Lopez and his team, including our lord and master Todd, have put together another fine selection of films for your viewing pleasure and horror and wonder. These titles will already be familiar to Twitch viewers and if you haven’t had the chance to catch yet you can do so in October.

In its first wave of film titles revealed for 2008, Toronto After Dark Film Festival is proud to announce a selection of eight outstanding new horror, sci-fi, action and cult feature films that will have their Toronto Theatrical Premieres at the festival this October 17-24. The initial lineup includes a number of critically acclaimed and award-winning films from around the world including the much-anticipated new sci-fi horror musical REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA, Sundance selection revenge thriller RED based on Jack Ketchum’s novel, cult horror action movie TOKYO GORE POLICE, celebrated vampire feature LET THE RIGHT ONE IN which won Best Picture at the Tribeca Film Festival, and Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton’s dark and twisted modern fairytale, IDIOTS & ANGELS.

For more information on the complete lineup of films at this year’s Toronto After Dark Film Festival, to watch trailers, or to buy advance festival passes which are now on sale, visit the festival website.

All eight title descriptions. We’ll see you in the dark!

REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA
“An audacious cinematic experience” – Fangoria
Darren Bousman, USA, Toronto Premiere
Beware the deadly repo man in the most highly anticipated cult film of the year, blending gothic horror, futuristic sci-fi, and rock opera! Starring genre icons Anthony Head (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER), Bill Mosely (DEVIL’S REJECTS), Alexa Vega (SPY KIDS) and Paul Sorvino (GOODFELLAS).
Winner, Most Groundbreaking Film – Fantasia Film Festival.

RED
“What makes this movie worth seeing is the acting, which is superb throughout.” – New York Post
Trygve Diesen & Lucky McKee, USA, Toronto Premiere
Brian Cox (BOURNE SUPREMACY) delivers a standout performance as a wronged man out for revenge in this thriller based on the celebrated Jack Ketchum novel. Co-starring cult icons Robert Englund (NIGHTMARE ON ELM ST), Amanda Plummer (PULP FICTION), Richard Riehle (OFFICE SPACE) and Tom Sizemore (HEAT).
Official Selection – Sundance Film Festival 2008.

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
“Remarkably moving…immediately takes its place among the classics of the vampire genre.” – Fangoria
Tomas Alfredson, Sweden, Toronto Premiere
Oscar, an overlooked and bullied boy, finds love and revenge through Eli, a beautiful but peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire feasting on his neighbours. Based on the Best Selling Book from Sweden, this multiple award-winning film is a unique blend of drama, suspense, vampirism, and a love story, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of a snow-filled winter.
Winner, Best Picture – Tribeca Film Festival.

IDIOTS & ANGELS
“A darkly humorous approach to the classic struggle between good and evil” – Time Out
Bill Plympton, USA, Toronto Premiere
In this twisted animated fairy tale, with a David Lynchian flavour, a morally despicable man discovers angel wings growing out of his back. After our anti-hero uses his new found power of flight for dastardly deeds the wings seem to develop a life of their own. Affecting every aspect of his daily life, a dark, disturbing and frequently hilarious war between man and wings ensues. From the warped mind of celebrated animator and Double Oscar Nominee Bill Plympton, featuring a soundtrack by Tom Waits.
Winner, Best Animation – Fantasia Film Festival.

TOKYO GORE POLICE
“Over-the-top action, insane visual effects…the film throws everything at the screen” – Twitch
Yoshihiro Nishimura, Japan, Toronto Premiere
Samurai sword-wielding cops patrol the streets of a futuristic Tokyo facing an onslaught of bizarrely deformed mutants, in this ultra-violent sci-fi horror film that has drawn favourable comparisons to Paul Verhoeven’s ROBOCOP. From the producers who brought you the cult smash hit THE MACHINE GIRL. Co-starring Japanese cult icon Tak Sakaguchi (VERSUS, DEATH TRANCE, SHINOBI).
Winner, Best Asian Film – Fantasia Film Festival

MIRAGEMAN
“One of my favourite Superhero movies of all time…with full speed, full contact action” – Harry Knowles, Ain’t It Cool News
Ernesto Espinoza, Chile, Toronto Premiere
A nightclub security guard maintains a secret life as an everyday superhero in this action-packed crowd-pleaser featuring breathtaking stuntwork shot in a uniquely realistic style. Starring Chilean Martial Arts superstar Mark Zaror, also known as The Rock’s stunt double in THE RUNDOWN.
Winner, Audience Award, Best Film – Austin Fantastic Fest.

TRAILER PARK OF TERROR
“Destined to acquire cult classic status amongst horror fans” – Horror-Movies.Ca
Steven Goldmann, USA, Toronto Premiere
In this wickedly fun undead riff on the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, six high school students and their teacher find themselves facing the ultimate nightmare when their bus breaks down near an abandoned trailer park. Little do they know they’ve disturbed a group of reanimated corpses who come out for their blood. Based on the acclaimed Imperium Comics Series, Trailer Park of Terror, features some of the most original and outlandish kills ever set to screen with eye-popping special makeup effects by Academy Award Winning Drac Studios (BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA).
Official Selection – Slamdance Film Festival.

WHO IS KK DOWNEY?
“A cult, quirky breakout…absolutely hysterical” – Variety
Darren Curtis and Pat Kiely, Canada, Toronto Premiere
In this mutliple festival award-winning new comedy in the vein of cult classics WITHNAIL AND I and SPINAL TAP, bickering failed musicians Theo and Terrence try to win fame and fortune by pulling the biggest con of their lives. They publish a biography about KK DOWNEY, a bizarre cult figure with an amazing life-story, but who doesn’t actually exist. When their book, entitled TRUCK STOP HUSTLER, becomes a surprise best-seller, the duo find themselves having to impersonate the drug-addled KK at numerous VIP functions with dark and hilarious consquences.
Winner, Best Picture – Boston Underground Film Festival”

My Favorite Movie Theatre: Bloor Cinema

contact August 5th, 2008

bloor cinema toronto canada
Bloor Cinema rules. It is a real, traditional, old school movie theatre for true movie buffs – showing classic favorite movies. If you’ve never been to an old theater and want to experience what your parents or grandparents experienced, check out Bloor. Its wonderful sticky floors, movie classics as well as more obscure gems, cheap tickets, squeeky seats, more than 800 seats, true movie house smells, gummy worms… will just make you sigh. In a good way. What is NOT to like about this place!? Tell me.

The Bloor Cinema is a host for gobs of film festivals, movie premieres, special gala events, classic films and Hollywood blockbusters. They showcase a variety of perspectives from across Canada and around the world: independent films, fascinating stories, important documentaries and sometimes just wild, unbridled entertainment.

This historic landmark should be a must-see item on your list when visiting Toronto, whether you go see a movie or not. LOVE this place.

Browsing tonight’s listing, I noticed that Ghost World (with Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson and Steve Buscemi) is playing. Don’t miss that excellent film!

Bloor Cinema
506 Bloor Street West,
Toronto ON M5S1Y2 Canada
(416) 516-2331

Toronto Meetup Groups

contact August 1st, 2008

There are literally hundreds of different groups of people meeting up in and around Toronto. These meetups are a great way to meet new friends and people with similar interests as yours. Some examples of groups are: Addicted to Travel (672 members), 20’s to 30’s Friends (554 members), Compassion For Animals’ Animal Rights / Vegetarians (167 members), Competitive and Recreational Volleyball Social Group (226 members), Documentary and Inspiring Films Social Club (684 members), etc. You’ll find a whole spectrum of interests, some very specific, but certainly there’s something for you. From hobbies to professional interests and sportive groups, you are bound to find your little corner of like-minded people.

Look for your meetup group here

Heritage Toronto Walks

contact July 26th, 2008

Discover Toronto’s rich and fascinating past by taking a walk. Hey, not only will you get that much needed exercise, you’ll be adding even more knowledge to that noggin of yours.

Today, the walk is through Bâby Point to learn about 10,000 Years of History, but the walk won’t take 10,000 years, rest assured. Explore some of Toronto’s First Nations and French history with this tour of the area named after the estate of James Bâby, an early French settler. Hear about the Seneca village of Teiaiagon, the Carrying Place trail and the first French fort in what is now Toronto. Tours will be offered in English and French. It all begins at 1:30pm today so if you can make it, you won’t regret the last minute plans. The walk will last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Meet at the southwest corner of Jane St and Bâby Point Rd/Annette St. You will end your walk near Old Mill Subway Station.

July 26 – 1:00pm – 3pm – you’ll find yourself in the footsteps of black Victorians. In the 19th century, Toronto was a centre of antislavery organizations and Black cultural and political activities. Hear about the men and women of the community as we visit some of the sites known to them. Meet at South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St E at Jarvis. End at Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St, S of Dundas St.

August through October

AUGUST
Lambton Mills (Aug 9 2008 – 1:30pm)
African-Canadian Women in Early Toronto (Aug 10 2008 – 1:00pm)
Cabbagetown People: Discoveries of Remarkable Lives (Aug 16 2008 – 1:30pm)
The Royal Alexandra Theatre and Its Neighbourhood (Aug 17 2008 – 11:00am)
Faces on Places: Gargoyles and Other Architectural Ornament (Aug 23 2008 – 1:30pm)
Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek (Aug 24 2008 – 1:30pm)
Colourful Corktown (Aug 24 2008 – 1:30pm)

SEPTEMBER
Spadina: The Story of an Estate & Its Neighbourhood (Sep 6 2008 – 1:30pm)
The Guild Inn Gardens (Sep 7 2008 – 1:30pm)
Weston Side Story – All Around the Town (Sep 13 2008 – 1:00pm)
Yorkville (Sep 14 2008 – 11:00am)
Imagining Toronto’s Past – CANCELLED (Sep 20 2008 – 1:30pm)
Wellington Place Neighbourhood (Sep 21 2008 – 1:30pm)
Historic Moore Park (Sep 27 2008 – 1:30pm)
Fort York: 200 Years of Lakefront Development (Sep 28 2008 – 1:30pm)

OCTOBER
Exhibition Place: Ghostly Secrets Revealed (Oct 3 2008 – 7:00pm)
Swansea: The Country in the City (Oct 4 2008 – 1:30pm)
Thomson Pioneer Settlement (Oct 5 2008 – 1:30pm)

More information about Heritage Toronto Walks

[via]

Joggins Fossil Cliffs New Natural Wonder in Canada

contact July 10th, 2008

joggins fossil cliffs nova scotia canada world heritage natural wonder of the world
Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Nova Scotia Canada) has been added to the World Heritage List of new Natural Wonders of the World.

These magnificently exposed layers of rock reveal the world’s most complete fossil record of life in the “Coal Age” when lush forests covered Joggins and much of the world’s tropics, 300 million years ago.|

Preserved in situ at Joggins, “Coal Age” trees stand where they grew, the footprints of creatures are frozen where they once walked, the dens of amphibians are preserved with remnants of their last meal, and the earliest reptiles remain entombed within once hollow trees. Nowhere is this record of plant, invertebrate and vertebrate life within now fossilized forests rendered more evocatively.

The fossil record includes species first defined at Joggins, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. It was here that Sir Charles Lyell, with Sir William Dawson, founder of modern geology, discovered tetrapods — amphibians and reptiles — entombed in the upright fossil trees. Later work by Dawson would reveal the first true reptile, Hylonomus lyelli, ancestor of all dinosaurs that would rule the earth 100 million years later. This tiny reptile serves as the reference point where animals finally broke free of the water to live on land. This evolutionary milestone recorded at Joggins remains pivotal to understanding the origins of all vertebrate life on land, including our own species.

With careful observation and interpretation, you may find your own missing piece of time’s puzzle. As you explore the beach at Joggins, remember that every rock holds the possibility of discovery. [source]

Happy Canada Day!

contact July 2nd, 2008

ok. I’m a day late. Sorry.

From pch.gc.ca:

Background

On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord Monck, called upon all Her Majesty’s loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st.

The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day.

There is no record of organized ceremonies after this first anniversary, except for the 50th anniversary of Confederation in 1917, at which time the new Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, under construction, was dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and to the valour of Canadians fighting in the First World War in Europe.

The next celebration was held in 1927 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation. It was highlighted by the laying of the cornerstone by the Governor General of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower.

Since 1958, the government has arranged for an annual observance of Canada’s national day with the Secretary of State of Canada in charge of the coordination. The format provided for a Trooping the Colours ceremony on the lawn of Parliament Hill in the afternoon, a sunset ceremony in the evening followed by a mass band concert and fireworks display.

Another highlight was Canada’s Centennial in 1967 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the celebrations with Parliament Hill again being the backdrop for a large scale official ceremony.

The format changed in 1968 with the addition of multicultural and professional concerts held on Parliament Hill including a nationally televised show. Up until 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name “Festival Canada”, was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July and involved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well as municipalities and voluntary organizations. The celebration was cancelled in 1976 but was reactivated in 1977.

A new formula was developed in 1980 whereby the National Committee (the federal government organization charged with planning Canada’s Birthday celebrations) stressed and sponsored the development of local celebrations all across Canada. “Seed money” was distributed to promote popular and amateur activities organized by volunteer groups in hundreds of local communities. The same approach was also followed for the 1981 celebrations with the addition of fireworks displays in 15 major cities across the nation.

On October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as “Dominion Day” became “Canada Day”.

Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally. Grants are provided by the Department to those committees.

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World Premiere in Toronto for the Documentary: UFOs: The Secret History

contact June 29th, 2008

The 2-hour feature documentary UFOs: The Secret History, (UFOs and the Politics of Reality), premieres in Canada on History Television, July 15th at 8:00 p.m. EDT with a repeat at 12:00 a.m. midnight EDT.

There will be a public preview screening on July 8th at 7:00 p.m.here:

The Royal Cinema,
608 College St. West
Toronto M6G 1A1
Phone: 416-534-5252

The Royal has recently been renovated and has an High Definition projector so the documentary will be seen on a 40-foot screen.

There’ll be a $6 charge at the door with all proceeds going to the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies.

The doors open at 6:30.

Summer Festivals in Toronto

contact June 14th, 2008

While we’re on the subject of summer festivals in Toronto, here are some more coming up:

OLYMPIC ISLAND 2008
Date & details: Olympic Island. $49.50 at Rotate This, Soundscapes, Horseshoe, Ticketmaster. June 7.
Who’s playing: Your favourite sensitive nü-romantic types: Toronto/Montreal Arts & Crafts indie darlings Stars and mopey Yank college rock idols Death Cab For Cutie. The latter are from Seattle, so odds are they write songs in the rain, which explains a lot.
What to bring: A Slip ’n’ Slide, to turn your tears into joy.
What not to bring: A bag to take home cellphone company brochures —?this year’s Olympic Island fest is sponsored by “you: the local music fan.”

HARBOURFRONT CENTRE
Date & details: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. All summer long. See www.harbourfrontcentre.com for complete details.
Who’s playing: Only top talent from every culture in the world. Everyone from dub originator Lee “Scratch” Perry (June 30) to Afrobeat scion Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 (July 2) to electro-indie veterans Ladytron (July 4) and loads of world music artists whose fame in their own countries guarantees that some portion of the city will throng to the stage.
What to bring: An open mind; in some cases, a translator.
What not to bring: In a staggering number of instances, money — many of these top-drawer concerts are partly paid for by your tax dollars, a fact that can do double-duty as a heckle.

NORTH BY NORTHEAST
Date & details: June 12-15. Check www.nxne.com for info.
Who’s playing: Whoever they can rope into playing in a sweltering club even when it’s already hot outside. Which means upstart post-punkers These New Puritans, D-Block rapper Sheek Louch, southern rockers My Morning Jacket and plenty of bands you’ve never heard of, spread across 50 venues.
What to bring: A backup plan in case your show of choice fills up quick with greasy industry types.
What not to bring: A leather jacket, unless you plan on drowning in your own sweat.

TD CANADA TRUST TORONTO JAZZ FESTIVAL
Date & details: June 20-29. See www.torontojazz.com for complete schedule.
Who’s playing: Some new faces (indie-hip-hopsters The National Parcs and Grand Analog), some old faces (Al Green, Dr. John), and some very old faces (Dave Brubeck, who at 88 can still handle “Take Five” with its odd 5/4 time better than you, young whippersnapper).
What to bring: Carefully sculpted facial hair; your concentrating-on-jazz face.
What not to bring: Jazz hands; a microwave oven — ack, my pacemaker!

EDGEFEST 2008
Date & details: July 12. Downsview Park, 75 Carl Hall. $80.50 at Ticketmaster.
Who’s playing: The titans of alt.rock radio (Linkin Park, Stone Temple Pilots, Sam Roberts Band, The Bravery) will try to fill a space so big you could park the Titanic in it and still have room for Scott Weiland’s ego. Almost.
What to bring: Piercings, testosterone, angst.
What not to bring: Black leather shorts. Ouch.

VANS WARPED TOUR
Date & details: July 19. Downsview Park, 75 Carl Hall. $43.25 at Rotate This, Sonic Temple, Ticketmaster.
Who’s playing: Who cares, it’s the best mall-punk show of the year and we finally don’t have to go Barrie to see it. But for reference, Angels And Airwaves, Relient K, The Academy Is…, and more are on the bill.
What to bring: Wallet chain; hair gel; skateboard for getting from one side of the venue to the other.
What not to bring: Your carefully prepared rant about which bands have sold out since last year’s Warped, and/or since 1977.

THE ROGERS PICNIC
Date & details: July 20. 1pm. Historic Fort York, 100 Garrison. $49.50 at Rotate This, Soundscapes, Play De Record, Ticketbreak, Ticketmaster.
Who’s playing: A very trendy bunch — Vampire Weekend, City and Colour, Cat Power, Animal Collective, Dizzee Rascal, Born Ruffians and more. It’s basically an indie fan’s wet dream, if indie fans had wet dreams and weren’t totally asexual and didn’t have genitals made of Nerf.
What to bring: Oh my god, you’re wearing that?
What not to bring: Oh my god, you’re wearing that?

ROCK THE BELLS 2008
Date & details: July 20. Noon. Arrow Hall, 6900 Airport. $75-$175 at Rotate This, Ticketmaster.
Who’s playing: A hip-hop dream team — A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, The Pharcyde and more. Did I say hip-hop? By that I mean, Hip-Hop-Before-Soulja-Boy. You knew that. Nah’mean?
What to bring: A backpack; Haterade to pour on anyone who admits any fondness whatsoever for Akon.
What not to bring: A checklist of acts to see, since based on the last RTB, you shouldn’t count on the entire lineup making it over the border.

V FEST
Date & details: Sep 6-7. Toronto Island. $87; $159 for both days at Ticketmaster, Future Shop.
Who’s playing: All aboard the time machine, we’re going back to 1996! Foo Fighters, Oasis, Paul Weller, Spiritualized… admittedly, a lot of people slept through the NickelCreed era, so pretending it never happened is probably a sound business strategy. For the modern-minded, Wintersleep, Constantines, Robyn and way more round out the otherwise-excellent two-day lineup.
What to bring: 10-year-old copies of the NME to get yourself in the zone.
What not to bring: One of those internets I keep hearing about. I asked Noel Gallagher and he said he’s not sure, but he thinks he already has one.

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