Toronto’s indie crowd already has plenty of reasons to wander down Geary Avenue this weekend, but one unexpected perk might involve belting out a song for lunch.

Mike Gabel, the founder of the karaoke series Hot Breath, says he’ll be handing out free grilled cheese sandwiches to anyone willing to sing him a song during this Saturday’s Geary Art Crawl!

In a playful Insta post earlier this week, Gabel laid out the rules of the exchange, with a caption over a photo of grilled cheese that read, “You sing karaoke, I make grilled cheese.”

“3.5 minutes is the perfect length for a song. It also happens to be the perfect amount of time to make a grilled cheese sandwich. So I’m trading songs for sandwiches this Saturday 2pm at @gearyartcrawl. Meant to be 14 degree so let’s spread some butter baby.”

 

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 So, if you choose the right song, your sandwich should be ready by the time your performance wraps up!

And if you’re planning to swing by for a sandwich anyway, this weekend’s Geary Art Crawl is one of Toronto’s more offbeat neighbourhood festivals. The rain-or-shine takeover runs along Geary from Dufferin to Ossington, turning the industrial strip into a lively street celebration filled with art installations, pop-up galleries, food vendors and live music.

The corridor has steadily evolved into a creative hub in recent years, with lively patios, cafés, and warehouse-style art spaces helping define the area (it’s no wonder it was recently named Toronto’s coolest neighbourhood).

Oh, and if grilled cheese isn’t your thing, Geary Ave has an epic indie food scene, so you’re bound to find other amazing eats while enjoying the warm-ish weather this weekend.

The Geary Art Crawl takes place March 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a Sunday wrap-up at 8 p.m. Some workshops are drop-in, while others require an RSVP and include a $10 materials fee.

Look out for Gabel’s grilled cheese setup (or just follow the sound of someone singing for their lunch).

If the Blue Collar Comedy Tour got together with the original writers of Hee Haw and wrote a Broadway musical, it might look a lot like Shucked, which opened last night at the Princess of Wales theatre and runs until April 5.

To say this musical is, ahem, corny, is an understatement. There were more Dad jokes and cringe-worthy moments than you could shake a stalk at, and the audience seemed to be loving every minute of it.

The show is attempting to be a bit of a send-up of country culture as well as a loving tribute. It’s a balance. Does the show pull it off? Sort of.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 2023 and was nominated for a slew of Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The country-strong production features music by Brandy Clark and Shane McNally. Clark has penned hit songs for a who’s-who of country music including Reba, Sheryl Crow, and Miranda Lambert.

The plot revolves around a small isolated corn-centric country town that faces a crisis when its prized agricultural product goes bad, and that prompts Maizy to leave for Tampa, get entangled with a charming conman, and ultimately return home to save the town’s corn while navigating love, misunderstandings, and unexpected romantic pairings.

The show has an incredible number of cringey, very corny one-liners that stretch from the first minute until the closing of the curtain. If that’s not a vibe you’re interested in, this show might not be for you.

“I just got back from playing frisbee with my goat… She’s a lot heavier than I thought.” As an example.

And, of course, Roe vs. Wade is a debate over the best ways to cross a small river. You get the idea.

A musical such as this works if it has heart. If the audience connects with the characters. And, if the songs are memorable.

In this regard, there are some hits and misses.

Ontario native Danielle Wade shines as Maizy. She isn’t a powerhouse, but her voice is full of heart. Some might remember her as the winner of CBC’s Over the Rainbow reality-TV competition. She’s also a veteran of a number of Broadway and Mirvish productions including Mean Girls.

One of the show’s fun moments comes when Maizy travels to the exotic big city of Tampa. Another of Wade’s best moments comes with the song “Friends” sung as a duet with Lulu, her cousin, played by Miki Abraham. So charming.

The character that seemed to connect best with the audience and the downhome vibe of the show is Beau, Maizy’s childhood sweetheart she was destined to marry before she left town to find a cure for rotting corn. Beau, played by Nick Bailey, is the most country character in the show, with the looks and a powerful gritty voice to match.

When his heart is broken by Maizy, he croons a country classic “Somebody Will,” that left a large portion of the audience shook.

Unfortunately, the heartfelt and charming moments of the show are up against some decidedly weaker moments punctuated by an uneven cast and ensemble. They also fight against the truly bad Dad jokes, some of a sexual variety that might make some Moms and Dads in the audience uncomfortable should they bring the kids along for some wholesome entertainment.

When it works, it works well, and the show has promise. When it doesn’t, it falls flat.

I wanted Roy Clark, of Hee Haw and country music acclaim, to pop up from behind a hay bale and start plucking a banjo. It would have helped. The show needs something more happening on a stage that really doesn’t have a lot to work with.

The set is basically the inside of a barn and a few moving parts. There isn’t much for the director to work with.

This type of show works well with a good ensemble and minor characters that can provide rich comedic moments. And there are some here, but not enough.

The constant presence of the show “storytellers,” performed very well by Maya Lagerstam and Joe Moeller, for example, helped the production along when it sagged and offered some of the show’s most biting one-liners.

Overall, it is very much a love it or leave it sort of musical. Many in the audience were rolling in the aisles at the humour, and the other “yee haw” and “ah shucks” moments. Others were thrilled by some of the songs. But, in my opinion, there aren’t enough standout moments—comic or musical—to make this production a triumph.

Hockey is having a bit of a reckoning. For decades, the sport has been plainly intertwined with our national identity, uncomplicatedly held up as Canada’s favourite pastime. Lately, however, we’ve begun to take that apart — questioning the often oppressive culture that lies beneath it and challenging its most toxic roots. There was Black Ice, the TIFF documentary helmed by Hubert Davis that exposed the history of anti-Black racism in ice hockey. This past year, it was Heated Rivalry — the unexpectedly explosive queer hockey romance — that had not just Canada but the world thinking about the deeply homophobic culture that the sport has been built on. Then, there was the Olympic incident: when Trump made a call to the U.S. men’s hockey team to invite them to the White House after their gold medal win, he made a joke about how he would be obligated to invite the U.S. women’s team, who had won gold just a few days earlier, as well. The laughter that rang out from the players in the locker room was heard round the world, and led to weeks of discourse about the sexism embedded in the hockey world, too.

And now there’s Youngblood — no, not the one with Rob Lowe. Former pro hockey player and filmmaker Charles Officer began working on a remake of the 1986 hockey film before he passed away in 2023, with a key change: he turned the protagonist into a Black player from Detroit. Davis stepped in to bring the film to life, and Toronto actor Ashton James, who was attached to the original project with Officer, stepped into Dean Youngblood’s skates. After a successful TIFF premiere in 2025, Youngblood is hitting the big screen, coming to theatres beginning March 6. We chatted with James about taking on this iconic role, getting into the hockey mindset and exploring masculinity alongside Blair Underwood.

What originally drew you to this film?

I saw Charles Officer was doing it, and that made me want to do it, just off the strength of that. He’s someone I wanted to work with for so long. I also was excited to explore what it looks like to pursue being a professional athlete at a high level. I had always played sports growing up, but I never took it seriously, so that exploration was interesting. These ideas around toxic masculinity were also interesting, because I was trying to figure out what masculinity meant to me. And of course, learning to play hockey, gaining that skill, was exciting too.

You looked like a natural on the ice! How much training did that take?

A lot! I was first talking to Hubert [Davis] earlier, and when I sent in my audition, I put in a skating tape as well, and he said, “I saw that and I was like, ‘Oh, we’re in trouble.'” I know how to skate, but I didn’t know how to play hockey, or do a hockey stop, or a crossover, or all those things. When I initially got the job [with Officer] I was supposed to train for three months, and I ended up training for two and a half years, sadly. But kudos to product for allowing me to continue that training. I got to build my body and train as a hockey player. But I’ll never forget, when we first started, I was sitting on the bench while Chris Nelson, our hockey coordinator, was running through some stuff with the other players, and a lot of the guys in the movie actually played hockey. Chris finally goes, “Alright Ashton, get in there.” In my eagerness, I jump on the ice and I fall, just totally wiped out. It was good to get that out of the way!

You mentioned masculinity being part of what drew you to this film. Part of that conversation is in relation to your character’s relationship to his father, played by Blair Underwood. How did you two explore that in your scenes together?

I was still figuring out what masculinity meant for me, and I feel like there’s a certain idea in society of what it is. I came to find out that my masculinity is quite soft ‚ I was raised by my mom and my grandmother and my sister and my aunts and my cousins, and I think they allowed me to see myself in a way that wasn’t how society wanted me to see myself as a “man.” When it came to filming, it was about what we’re adding to the conversation. When I look at Dean and Blaine, a lot of their relationship is that they don’t really talk, and when they do, they talk around each other. I was talking to someone about the difficulty in being a parent, and for Blaine, it’s that he can only teach what he knows. If he doesn’t know any better, how can he do something different? In the same way that I had my mom and my grandmother and the community of women who raised me, Dean had his mom, but then he lost her. Hopefully, if someone is like Dean, the film can allow them to see that there’s a different path.

Definitely; Dean grapples with the often righteous anger he feels in the film, and he struggles to figure out how to express it and when. How did you navigate portraying those outbursts of anger with nuance? 

Hubert and I were really mindful, because we didn’t want to cause harm in the sense of turning Dean into an angry black boy. We wanted to be a part of a conversation, and we wanted people to connect in a way that doesn’t feel like a stereotype. To Dean’s credit, he’s acting on what he knows. From a young age, his dad instilled this idea of, don’t hesitate, just react, and sometimes our first instinct is to fight. That isn’t always the best decision. Things are happening to him and his responses are warranted most of the time, in my opinion, but his reaction might not be the best one. We tried to create moments where Dean got to internalise some of his decisions after almost every incident, and in turn, he tries to take steps to make better choices.

This film is coming out at an interesting time in terms of our collective understanding of hockey as a representation of Canadian culture, but also the inherent toxicity of the sport. Heated Rivalry, for example, is exploring some of the same ideas of Youngblood in a different way. 

All the things coming out so far, to me, allow so many different avenues for people to come to hockey and come into this space with their experiences. It’s on the NHL and it’s on people in the hockey community to allow themselves to find a fuller version of themselves. So that’s the hope with a story like this one; that we can continue to bring a different audience to connect with the sport. And it also doesn’t need to remove every aspect of the sport. There are things about hockey that I really respect — yes, the idea of masculinity when it comes to fighting can be toxic, but something I respect about it is that they never fight for no reason. Sometimes it’s to win momentum, sometimes it’s to protect a player. And when it comes to the players, there’s such a respect of the game. If you take all of that and add in what I was saying before, mix it all together — there’s something beautiful there.

And this is obviously a concept that Hubert Davis himself has explored before in his documentary Black Ice. What was it like working on this film with him?

I feel like I haven’t given Hubert enough love; I selfishly want to speak to all that he did to make sure that the film got to this point. After what happened with Charles [Officer] and his passing, for him to come in and uplift it and make sure that it didn’t not get made — I just want to give him his flowers. And I want to publicly speak to the force that he is, and the director that he is. He did such an amazing job with this film, and I hope that he gets to make more things and that people can support him and his growth as an artist.

Toronto’s finally getting a little warmth this weekend, with the forecast calling for a high of around 14°C on Saturday (with a risk of showers and a thunderstorm) and about 10°C on Sunday (and given the winter weather we’ve experienced to date, it’s paradise!)

It’ll be just warm enough to justify a long walk or an unreasonably optimistic iced coffee. Here are five spots where you can get outside and actually enjoy the mild weekend weather.

Biidaasige Park (Port Lands)

 

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Toronto’s biggest new park in a generation sits near Cherry St on the island of Ookwemin Minising. Its name literally means “sunlight shining toward us,” reflecting the park’s focus on waterway restoration and reconciliation, so it’s a pretty fitting place to explore on a mild March afternoon. The oversized play area is packed with swings, fitness equipment, and a mock beaver dam play structure, making it perfect for kids!

Both adults and their little ones can climb the 30-foot Snowy Owl: the towering structure has a stage built into its belly and lookouts through the owl’s “eyes.” The wider Port Lands project includes thousands of new plantings (including 5,000 trees), so it’s a great place to watch the landscape wake up, even before full spring arrives.

And when you’ve had your fill of exploring, there are plenty of spots nearby to grab a bite to eat, everything from slow-cooked meats and classic sides at Cherry Street Bar-B-Que to Spanish tapas at Madrina. Check out the many ways to spend a perfect day at Biidaasige Park. The Park is located near Cherry St, just off Commissioners St in the Port Lands (near the southeast corner area of Cherry/Commissioners).

Ward’s Island

 

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Ward’s Island in March is the perfect quiet escape: there’s no summer chaos, just lake air and amazing skyline views. Ferries operate year-round from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (9 Queens Quay W), and during the winter season, the ferry service travels to Ward’s Island.

Treat the ferry ride like a mini-cruise! Grab a window seat, then head straight to the water after you dock to see one of the prettiest skyline angles in the city. Afterward, walk or bike the car-free paths (the trails, cycling routes and boardwalks remain open year-round). Food options are limited in March, so pack some snacks or a full-on picnic lunch before you head out!

Distillery District

 

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The Distillery District is perfect if you want an outdoor stroll surrounded by cafés and prime people-watching. It’s a pedestrian-focused heritage district known for its charming red-brick Victorian buildings and cobblestone lanes, with dozens of indie boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops.

Book a tour or opt for a self-guided architecture walk: the preserved industrial buildings make even a casual stroll feel like a travel moment. The neighbourhood is stacked with art stops, so pop into galleries along the way, including Thompson Landry, Arta Gallery and Corkin Gallery. A few patios might be open this weekend, so go with a group of friends and claim one early for a quick outdoor lunch! Check out some of the best food stops in the Distillery. 55 Mill St.

Evergreen Brick Works

 

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 This former brick factory is tucked into the Don Valley ravines and is open daily year-round! Start with the Saturday Farmers Market. It’s open from 9 am to 1 pm, and is one of the best ways to support local vendors while still getting your steps in. Grab a coffee from Picnic Café, then roam the site and head toward the surrounding trails and ravines to soak up that early-spring thaw feeling.

Use the free shuttle if you don’t want to drive. Evergreen’s free shuttle runs seven days a week, all year round between Broadview Station and Brick Works (generally every 30-45 minutes). 550 Bayview Ave.

High Park

 

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So, cherry blossom season hasn’t arrived yet, but High Park still makes for one of the best spring-is-coming walks in the city, especially with the temperature crawling above single digits. The park offers multiple paved entrances and routes, so pick a paved-trail loop and roam about. Make sure to say hi to the animals! The High Park Animal Display is Canada’s oldest animal attraction and includes species like bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer and highland cattle! 1873 Bloor St W.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have closed on a $170 million mansion on ultra-exclusive Indian Creek Island (aka Miami’s famously guarded “Billionaire Bunker”) in what’s being called the most expensive home sale ever recorded in Miami-Dade County!

And here’s where Toronto’s luxury design scene scores a record-setting headline: The estate was envisioned by Ferris Rafauli, the Oakville-based architect-designer whose name is already attached to one of the most famous celebrity homes in the city (Drake’s Bridle Path mega-mansion, “The Embassy”).

According to The Wall Street Journal, the sellers are cosmetic surgeon Dr. Aaron Rollins and real-estate agent Marine Rollins, who bought the two-acre site in 2020 and spent years designing and building the property. It hit the market for $200 million in late 2025 before Zuckerberg purchased it.

And it’s not your average luxury listing. The 30,000 sq. ft. space includes highlights like a gym, a hair salon, a massage room, a party room, a 1,500-gallon aquarium and even a library with a secret passageway!

Rafauli has shared photos of his latest trophy-estate design on Instagram, complete with visuals and in-progress construction shots. Looking at the slides, Zuck’s new home gives ultra-polished resort vibes.

The limestone-based exterior features a sort of palm-tree-lined water axis leading to the main entrance. Another pic shows a reflecting pool with fountains, while out back there’s a huge geometric pool deck, rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas and a dock stretching toward open water.

Inside, there’s a grand foyer anchored by a curved staircase, and a formal dining area adorned with crystal chandeliers, a huge wine wall, and an indoor fireplace. Another image shows a library with an oversized lantern-style chandelier. And then there are spa-like bathrooms with backlit mirrors, as well as what appears to be a home theatre with a starry ceiling!

Anyway, you have to see it for the full effect.

 

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 It’s all very Rafauli, very modern. And his followers are absolutely loving it.

“These designs are flawless,” one user said, while another gushed, “It was your design?! Man it is stunning!! The best modern classic I’ve ever seen !!!”