It’s too bad that Rob Ford refuses to have a driver, because how is he going to pose for bitchin’ photos like this? But we get it — he needs to catch up on his “reading.”
Trending in Theatre This Week: Toronto’s best comedy
The Best of Second City
This week The Second City’s talented National Touring Company presents some of the comedy institution’s funniest material from the past 50 years, as well as some original and spontaneous jokes inspired by the audience’s suggestions.
The Second City Mainstage, 51 Mercer St., 416-343-0011. Aug. 24 @ 11 p.m.
Canadian Comedy Awards & Festival
The 13th edition of this three-day awards festival, which zips across the city’s hottest comedy venues, showcases various nominees such as Jape, Falcon Powder and Ron Sparks, among others.
Various locations. Tickets can be ordered here. Aug. 23 – 26.
Dungeons and Dragons Live: Campaign One: The Legend of T’rannah
Comedy and sci-fi nerds will finally join as one with The Bad Dog Theatre Company’s live, unscripted comedy based on Dungeons and Dragons, which features 14 of Toronto’s best improvisers. Here’s hoping someone rolls a natural 20.
Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W., 416-551-6540. Aug. 22 – Sept. 19.
Dave Chappelle
He’ll always be Rick James to us, but we’re still super excited to see what the unpredictable comic has up his sleeve with his new comedy shows. Good luck getting a ticket though.
Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St., 1-855-985-5000. Now – Aug. 22.
Toronto Comedy Brawl
The annual amateur comedian competition is back this summer, and this week hosts the semi-finals, as comedians like Jessica Beaulieu, DJ Demers and Diana Bailey, compete for a $1000 grand prize.
918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media & Education, 918 Bathurst St., 416-538-0868. Aug. 20 – 30.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Hour: Hannah Georgas, Jason Collett, Snowblink, Platinum Blonde, Great Bloomers
Hannah and her video
Hannah Georgas is releasing her new album on Oct. 2, and we can't wait. CBC Music released this video of the song "Waiting Game" from her new album that was taped during a special CBC Music session. It is lovely.
Collett readies new album
Toronto musician Jason Collett has announced Sept. 25 as the release date for his new album, Reckon. An album release party has been scheduled for Oct. 2 at The Great Hall: ultra-cool special guests to be announced soon. The album was produced by Howie Beck and includes guest appearances by Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas), Basia Bulat, Kevin Drew and Zeus. Check out the video for the first single "I Wanna Rob A Bank" below.
Blink and you'll miss it
The gorgeously wrought second album from Toronto duo Snowblink, dubbed Inner Classics, will be released on Sept. 11. The band — Daniela Gesundheit and Dan Goldman — have released two singles from the album thus far including the latest, "Black & White Mountains," which showcases the band's sparse but entrancing arrangements and moving vocals. Listen to "Unsurfed Waves" below:
Blondes have more fun
The grand return of '80s hair band Platinum Blonde continues with the release of their new album Now & Never (Fontana North). Fronted by vocalist (and Mod Club owner) Mark Holmes, the band has a few shows booked for this fall. Check out the video below featuring the band's first single, "Beautiful," from the new album, which was recorded at the Mod Club this past summer.
Bloomin' good music
Toronto based five-piece Great Bloomers will be releasing their full-length label debut LP, Distant Fires, on Sept. 18 on Dine Alone Records. The band consists of Lowell Sostomi (guitar, lead vocals), Adrian Cook (guitar, keys, vocals), Tim Moxam (guitar, trumpet, vocals), Anthony McKnight (bass) and Kyle Watt (drums). Check out the first track, "I Wanna Die," below.
Toronto Style Radar: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Rescue Vintage, Miracle Thieves, the Junction Art Crawl
Every week, we round up the best events from the city’s fashion scene. In this edition: a pop-up shop at Miracle Thieves, a free movie night at Trinity Bellwoods Park, a water balloon fight and more.
SANKOFA
Where: Miracle Thieves, 249 Crawford St.
When: Aug. 23-24
Details: Old and new; clothing and accessories; men’s and women’s; summer and fall. That basically sums up SANKOFA’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it pop-up shop, which is going to have it all, and it’s also curated by one helluva stylish pair. Opening night will feature DJ tunes, drinks and free eats.
Pre-Fake Prom Movie Night: The Life Aquatic
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
When: Aug. 22, 9 p.m.
Details: Outdoor movie season is sadly coming to an end, but not quite yet. Take advantage while you still can (although we recommend bringing a sweater along with that blanket), and snuggle up in the park to watch The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou during Fake Prom’s annual themed movie night. There will also be themed snacks – so don’t be late, and remember to turn off your cell phone.
Summer Designer Sale — Sarah Stevenson and Eliza Kozurno
Where: Rescue Vintage, 102 Ossington Ave.
When: Aug. 23-26
Details: Local designer sale alert! Who doesn’t love supporting local and scoring a sweet deal at the same time? Designer Sarah Stevenson and jewellery designer Eliza Kozurno have teamed up to sell off the last of their summer stock for three days only.
Trinity Tuck Shop Water Games 2012
Where: Trinity Tuck Shop, 198 Walnut Ave.
When: Aug. 25, 12-8 p.m.
Details: Don’t miss your chance to be part of the first ever Trinity Tuck Shop Water Games 2012. Round up some friends, register your team, and indulge in some wet fun that includes water balloons, Steam Whistle and cash prizes.
Hello World
Where: ARTiculations, 2928 Dundas St. W.
When: Aug. 24, 7-11 p.m.
Details: Kick off the Junction Design Crawl right by attending the opening of “Hello World” by The Uncarved Block. Explore the basic building blocks of dots and pixels through interactive displays, and grab a crêpe courtesy of Crêpes à GoGo while you’re at it.
Gracie Carroll is a Toronto-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in ELLE UK, ELLEcanada.com, Plaid magazine and FILLER magazine. Keep up with her daily blog at www.graciecarroll.com.
Morning Throwback: this is what ’30s cosplay looked like
Cute costumed kids then; nerds who fly their freak flags at Fan Expo now.
Meet a Comedian: Christina Walkinshaw
Without a doubt, local comedian Christina Walkinshaw puts Joseph Gorden-Levitt's recent comments about how pretty girls can't be funny to shame. The tow-headed looker's jokes have been featured in the coffee table book She's So Funny — along with the likes of Wanda Sykes and Ellen Degeneres — and she also has a Comedy Now special under her belt. This weekend, she's up for a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Female Stand-Up.
We chatted with Walkinshaw about Woody Allen, waitressing and The Young and The Restless.
Were you funny growing up?
No, but I was in a The Young and The Restless fan club.
What made you decide to pursue a career in comedy?
A cute fraternity guy in university told me I should.
What was your big break?
Taping my Comedy Now special. It was the best night ever.
What odd jobs did you have before pursuing comedy full-time?
Waitress, waitress and more waitress. (Hence my Twitter profile pic.)
Describe your first-ever stand up gig. Where were you? How did you feel? How did it go?
My first gig ever was at Yuk Yuk's in Ottawa, on amateur night. I was still a student at Carleton, and thanks to being a fun frosh leader that year, a shitload of people came down to watch. As nervous as I was, I think my best friend was more nervous than me. Nobody wants to be friends with the comedian on the show who totally bombed. The host that night was the drunkest man I've ever met. His intro for me was super pervy, emphasizing that it was my "first time" and basically made it sound like I was losing my real virginity (which I believe I did that year too, for the record). I got on stage, dropped a quick line making fun of how drunk he was, and got a laugh. The crowd was on my side. That was the moment I knew I was going to keep doing stand-up.
What's the most memorable moment experienced onstage?
I had butterflies for two straight weeks before I taped Comedy Now. Five minutes into my set that night, they magically disappeared. I had a huge realization that I had no reason to be so nervous. This was the best crowd in the world. I wish I got to do shows like that all the time. I still do.
What is your favourite city to perform in?
I love performing in any small town. The crowds are (usually) so grateful that you came all the way to them. (Plus they give you more free drinks than other shows.)
Who or what makes you laugh the most?
Farts. They still get me every time.
What is your favourite funny movie?
I love all Woody Allen movies. Whenever I watch one of his movies, I have a permanent grin on my face, the same way my mom used to when she watched Moonlighting.
If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?
Probably Chelsea Handler. She seems like an epic drinking buddy.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to someone who wants to break into the comedy business?
Don't take unsolicited advice from comics. (Except mine here, of course.)
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Shopping at Reitmans.
The details
Year started: 1999
Influences: Heidi Foss, Irwin Barker and Wendy Liebman
Our favourite Dave Chappelle moments
Dave Chappelle has never been the type to do things the conventional way. In 2005, he abruptly abandoned the third season of Chappelle’s Show and took an extended, unexplained trip to South Africa. It shouldn’t have been much of a surprise, then, when he announced that he would return to Toronto for three shows with just two weeks’ notice.
Still, the Aug. 20-22 Winter Garden Theatre shows sold out in a hurry, demonstrating the funnyman’s sustained popularity seven years after his last true mainstream exposure. In honour of Chappelle’s surprise return, we list some of his funniest moments.
Kramer
Four years after Michael Richards’ racial tirade at The Laugh Factory, Chappelle riffs on the former Seinfeld star — and speculates about his own mental health – in this funny clip.
Racial Draft
Want to see race turned on its ear? Take eight minutes out of your day to catch this great clip envisioning what a “race draft” would look like, complete with commentary. This was one of the signature bits from the comedian’s Chappelle’s Show days.
Police Brutality
Part of his hit comedy special “Killing Them Softly,” Chappelle addresses racial stereotyping on behalf of cops in L.A. His “white” voice still gets us to this day.
Sesame Street
You’ll never see the iconic PBS children’s series in quite the same way after hearing Chappelle’s hysterical take on it. Poor Oscar!
I’m Rick James, Bitch!
This top five wouldn’t be complete without the most popular bit in the short history of Chappelle’s Show, and that legendary, oft-quoted line. Its popularity still lives on and holds up across second and third (and 27th) viewings.
Dave Chappelle, Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge Street, 416-314-2874. Aug. 20-22
Morning Throwback: in the 1900s, Torontonians actually swam in Lake Ontario
Before Annaleise Carr swam for charity, other Torontonians actually, willingly, swam in Lake Ontario just for the hell of it, and held some awesome — and cozy — ragers in the water. You can thank these snorkle-orgies for the Blue Flag program.
Agave y Aguacate leaves Kensington Market
After Torontoist reported that the much-lauded Agave y Aguacate had closed, we got in touch with owner/chef Francisco Alejandri to find out more. Alejandri says that there is trouble going on at the Kensington Market food court at 214 Augusta, and that he and other vendors are no longer operating at the venue. For his part, Alejandri says that ongoing cleanliness issues that were beyond his control spurred his decision to leave.
“It wasn’t clean and organized,” he says. “I couldn’t deal with it.”
Alejandri cited a constantly dirty back patio as part of the problem, along with a host of other issues, although he did say that the food court had recently passed a health inspection.
“I’m heartbroken, but I wasn’t comfortable serving customers in an environment like that.”
Matt Pettit, owner of Rock Lobster Food Co. — which operates a stand at the food court — says he is unaware of any troublesome issues there. He says the food court is currently under renovation, but when it reopens next week, Rock Lobster will be there.
We also got in touch with Abal Aguilar, owner of the adjacent Pancho’s Bakery, who said that “most of the vendors left.” He didn’t say why they had left.
As for Agave y Aguacate, all is not lost. Alejandri tells us that starting in September, he’ll be operating the business on Thursdays out of The Raq on Queen West. The owner there, apparently, has expressed interest in working with Alejandri to eventually fund a new restaurant.
Alejandri will also be dishing up his signature cuisine at the AwesTRUCK event at Evergreen Brick Works on Sept. 9.
UPDATE: AUG. 18
Alfonso Segovia, owner of the food court, says that all vendors are responsible for the cleanliness of their own areas. He admits that the food court can get disorganized at times, but he attributes that to a lack of financial resources (he’s trying to keep rent cheap for up-and-coming entrepreneurs). Segovia speculates that Alejandri’s haphazard working hours and other poor business practices were a significant cause of his difficulties at the food court.
Of Alejandri, Segovia says: “He’s passionate about everything, except for the business aspect of running his business.”
Gentleman’s Choice: a slim-fitting seersucker shirt
Not all Canadian menswear is built the same. Nor should it be. Just ask Matteo Sgaramella, the 24-year-old Forest Hill designer behind Outclass.
“I want to make a new version of a Canadian heritage brand that isn’t limited to maple leafs and hockey sticks,” says Sgaramella. “I want to position Canadian men in a way that is inspirational to the rest of the world.”
Even with only two years of fashion design under his belt, Sgaramella's take on ruggedness-meets-sophistication could inspire the gents of Milan and Paris to renew their passports.
Sold off the racks at what he jokingly refers to as his “flagship store” — The Future of Frances Watson — this slim-fitting shirt, on sale for $95, caught our eye. It combines a light-weight seersucker with a western-inspired, warm-hued fabric built for the lingering dog days of summer.
Its hidden, button-down collar is an elegant detail that Sgaramella says welcomes a striped seafoam tie for a pop of colour.
And don’t feel guilty for grabbing seersucker so late in the season. During the chillier yet sunny days of early fall, layer up with a smart, grey collegiate blazer.
Between a fall collection for release in mid-September and hints that we “may see something big in Yorkville” soon, it looks like Sgaramella’s mission to see Outclass on the world stage may be realized sooner than he thinks.
$95. Available at The Future of Frances Watson, 1390 Queen St. W., 416-531-8892; or online from the designer
Tony Aspler’s Weekly Wine Pick: Masi Modello delle Venezie Rosato, 2011
A dry rosé is the perfect summer wine. Not only does it look good in the glass but it’s refreshing, too. This is a versatile wine to match with food — and it’s inexpensive. This blend of Refosco and Raboso is light cherry in colour, with a nose of strawberries and a taste of candied raspberry that finishes fresh and dry. Chill it lightly before opening.
Food match: cold cuts or charcuterie
$10.90, LCBO #587725
Tony Aspler is Post City’s wine columnist. He has written 14 books on wine and food and also created the Ontario Wine Awards. He can be heard on 680News.
Morning Throwback: please bring back this old-school public washroom from Toronto
The big question on everyone’s mind these days is: where is Canada’s best washroom? If we could vote for any washroom from any era, it would be this one from the 1800s based solely on its Queen and Spadina location. Ah, the good old days: when you didn’t have to sneak into the nearest Starbucks to answer nature’s call.
