It’s hard enough finding someone you can get along with in this city, so, gentlemen, when you find a good woman who’s up for roughing it in the great outdoors (without a tent!), hold on to her tightly and never let her go. Unless you see a bear; then use her as a human shield.
Best of the Waterfront: circus camp
Backstage, five kids are concentrating hard. They are on stilts, wobbling about, with only moments to correct their balance before lumbering on stage. While they hover, parents are “oo-ing” and “ahh-ing” in the main arena, going giddy over the mini-trampoline act, in which kids are dazzling the crowd with flips. There is some serious flippage going on. Meanwhile, junior wannabe-clowns spend their time practicing goofy walks and wacky voices. This is life inside Harbourfront Centre’s circus camp for kids.
The circus camp is one of 46 kids’ camps offered by Harbourfront Centre over the summer. It seems like there is a camp for everyone: animal lovers; digital media buffs; kid chefs; aspiring architects; aspiring rock stars; fashionistas; even comic book enthusiasts. Last Friday marked the completion of the first round of summer camps.
Marsha Kennington, a circus camp instructor and former aerialist and acrobat, together with Harbourfront Centre, helped create the circus camp for kids. It’s now in its 24th consecutive year (and there’s one for adults too).
“The intention was to build a social circus using circus tools, where kids can learn how to co-operate with each other,” she says. “When kids come to camp, they may not be good at something, but then they find they can juggle before anyone else. It levels the playing field.”
During the two weeks, kids chance their arms on 16 different stations, such as trapeze, stilting, mini-trampolines, tight-wire, devil sticks, acrobatics and clowning. Once they find an act they like, they work with circus specialists to hone and craft their skills for the final day’s show, which is open to the public.
Athena Lamarre, a clown and aerial specialist of more than 10 years, says that teaching kids to perform has a certain “organic” feel to it.
“They have less excuses than adults do and are willing to try anything. Some kids are terrified hanging upside down, but there are varying degrees of fear,” she says. “The younger they are, the easier they are to teach, because when you get older you start to worry about what other people think of you.”
Last Friday, Lamarre warmed up the crowd with eight (kid) clowns. According to her, the rules for wearing the red nose are as follows: never take off or put on the nose in front of people; don’t touch it (ever); always maintain eye contact; be playful when wearing it; and say the first thing that comes into your head.
Jessica Barrera, the aerial hoop, acrobat and clown specialist, attended the circus camp as a teen and went on to forge a career in theatre and physical theatre.
“It’s incredibly fun. The kids keep coming back and some become camp counselors and specialists out of desire,” she says, pointing out that safety is a major priority when in training.
“Accidents will happen anywhere, like a bump on the head, but we’re specialists. We’ve done this before and know how to teach what we do in a safe way. It’s all part of what we do.”
The next circus camp show is on July 27.
Bridge + Bardot brings hip threads to the Dundas and Ossington ’hood
After a series of seasonal pop-ups around town, Bridge + Bardot opted to pop-up for good at Dundas and Ossington. The work of Rose Broadbent and sisters Gurjeet and Gagan Bassi, the strip’s latest haunt offers up more of what the ’hood does best: vintage and pre-owned threads. Joined by goods from local labels such as Muttonhead, Ka’Kia and Cuchara, the gals have plenty of picks for the urban clotheshorse.
Taking over a longstanding shop whose time had come and gone, the space needed a bit of a revamp. A custom-made light fixture by Enoch Khuu reaches down from a tin ceiling, while a series of mirrors keep the boutique light and bright. Clothes are arranged thematically; black goods are paired with white, altered jean shorts keep each other company and summer’s pastels take over another rack.
Fun finds include an iridescent sequined bodice ($55) with a retro vibe, while a flower-print romper ($28) is perfectly on-trend. An ombré blouse ($58) conjures up visions of the sea, while a pair of cut-off jeans ($30) has been updated with stars and stripes on the back pockets — ideal gear for the classic American road trip.
From the jewellery selection, we loved eye-catching necklaces from Cuchara; fit with neon beads, chains and bullet shells, they manage to be both tough and pretty all at once (most from $135, with some for $45).
Bridge + Bardot, 1138 Dundas St. W., 647-748-1138
Lobsters get some love (read: get boiled alive en masse) at Evergreen Brick Works
With the king of crustaceans normally holding court as one of the most expensive menu options citywide, it’s not often you’ll find a bargain on this decadent aquatic dish. But with lobster prices tumbling, the timing is fortuitous for Lobster Love, a one-night event at the Evergreen Brick Works on July 19.
For $39 in advance, or $48 at the door, lobster lovers can treat themselves to a night of feasting. According to the event’s website, the organizers have sought out the “most knowledgeable, experienced lobster fishermen down East to coax these beautiful lobsters from the deep.”
Participants get a 1.5-pound lobster served one of three ways: for purists, the traditional-style comes with sauce or butter for dipping; those looking for a slightly tidier option might opt for a sizeable lobster roll; or, there will be a lobster thermidor on offer, which involves cooking the lobster meat with egg yolks and a cheese crust.
Toss in some locally-grown potatoes and corn on the cob, a free Alexander Keith’s beer, as well as Ontario wines and beers available for purchase, and it looks like a serious feast is afoot. Or should we say… a-claw?
Lobster Love, Evergreen Brick Works, July 19
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Hour: Slim Twig, Kat Burns, Hannah Georgas, Gavin Slate and more
Slim Twig announces new album
Toronto singer/songwriter Slim Twig has pegged Aug. 21 for the release of Sof' Sike, described as a "dramatic left (er, make that a right) turn follow-up to 2009's Contempt! and replaces analog drum machines and scratched record samples with psychedelic rumblings of live instrumentation." A tour announcement is forthcoming, and Slim is also prepping additional releases for the fall.
Check out the first song from the album here:
Kat out of the bag
Kat Burns fans rejoice. The former Forest City Lovers singer is back with the debut release from her new musical project KASHKA. Vichada is out today, July 17, as a digital album as well as a limited edition purple cassette. The album features a collaboration between Burns and long-time Forest City Lovers hired hand James Bunton which took place, largely, in a Toronto studio over the past winter. If the first two tracks are any indication, Burns has a much fuller sound than in previous work: rich, textured, but still plenty of fun. Preview a couple tracks from the new album:
Hannah and her music
Up-and-coming local songstress Hannah Georgas has signed on to Toronto-based outfit Dine Alone Records, with a new album on the way Oct. 2. "We are excited she trusted us to be a part of her team in the next chapters of her career," says Joel Carriere, president, founder and owner of Dine Alone. "We've been fans since This Is Good and can't wait to introduce her self-titled record to the world." The new album was recorded in the home studio of producer Graham Walsh (Holy F–k), and, not suprisingly, is said to veer into "more electronic and atmospheric territory."
Watch Georgas playing the song "Enemies" from the upcoming release:
The Slate report
Toronto musician Gavin Slate is getting a bit of notoriety for his clever prank on Starbucks. The singer created his own Starbucks pick of the week download cards and snuck them into several Toronto locations. The project is chronicled in the music video for Slate's song "Life As A Salesman," which is a good tune to boot. Check out the video below.
Stars are shining
Canadian band Stars announced a North American tour in support of their sixth full-length album, The North, due out on Sept. 4. The band, fronted by Amy Milan, offered up their first track from the album, "The Theory of Relativity," as a free download. The band, which also includes Torquil Campbell, Chris Seligman, Evan Cranley and Pat McGee, plays Toronto on Nov. 24, opening for Metric at the Air Canada Centre. The album will be released on Soft Revolution Records/ATO.
Metz prep big Sub Pop release
Loud and proud local rockers Metz, garnering some serious buzz coming out of NXNE last month, have pegged Oct. 9 as the big day for their debut full-length release on the revered Sub Pop label. The band — Alex Edkins, Hayden Menzies and Chris Slorach — will be touring throughout the U.S. in August. A preview of the new album shows the band in full sonic assault mode with no holding back whatsoever. It is a dizzying barrage (in a good way), and will surely mean some serious attention. Check them out!
Toronto Style Radar: Wild Moon, American Apparel, Philip Sparks, F as in Frank and Miracle Thieves
Every week, we round up the best events from the city’s fashion scene. In this edition: custom jewellery in Kensington Market, cool events at Miracle Thieves, a couple of summer sales and free beer at Philip Sparks.
Wild Moon Sundays in Kensington
Where: Pretty Freedom, 165 Augusta Ave.
When: July 22, 12-6 p.m.
Details: local jewellery designer Asia Clarke, of Wild Moon, will be setting up shop and making custom pieces on the spot. She encourages you to bring art supplies, hang out and create along with her for a lazy Sunday filled with fun.
Pink Manila at Miracle Thieves
Where: Miracle Thieves, 249 Crawford St.
When: July 14-17
Details: Pink Manila is a girls’ clothing and accessory brand that offers non-stop cuteness from head-to-toe. This is the last day for your chance to add some pieces from the Philippines-based brand to your wardrobe.
Sunny Days at American Apparel
Where: American Apparel, 2466-2468 Yonge St.
When: July 19
Details: whether you like it or not, it’s getting hotter and hotter outside, so chances are you need some scandalous basics to deal with the heat. Thankfully, American Apparel is offering 25 per cent off all of its merchandise for one day only at one location.
F as in Frank Summer Clearance
Where: F as in Frank, 418 Queen St. W.
When: July 20-30
Details: the Vancouver-based vintage store that recently opened a second location on Toronto’s Queen Street West is having a summer clearance sale. With few exceptions, items storewide will be 30 per cent off until the end of the month.
Hello TORONTO! Love from BOMBAY!
Where: Miracle Thieves, 249 Crawford St.
When: July 20-26
Details: NorBlack NorWhite, an Indian clothing label from a pair of former Torontonians, is returning home with a pop-up shop for seven days only. And they’re bringing some friends with them. Expect a curated space filled with art, accessories, zines and more.
Summer Friday Nights at Philip Sparks
Where: Philip Sparks, 162 Ossington Ave.
When: Friday nights, 7-9 p.m., until the end of August
Details: there’s nothing quite like a cold beer on a hot summer night after a long week of work. Designer Philip Sparks wants kick your weekend off properly with an invitation to enjoy some free Peroni at his shop before heading out for the rest of your night.
Grace 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.
Used clothes, boutique quality: Rescue Vintage opens on the Ossington strip
Rescue Vintage, the newest boutique to hit the fashion-friendly Ossington strip, combines high-end vintage clothing and jewellery with items from contemporary designers — all of it hand-picked by owner Renee Kaylor.
Born in California, and having spent time in New York, Kaylor noticed that Toronto was suffering from a serious dearth of upscale vintage boutiques compared to its urban counterparts south of the border. So Kaylor aimed to fill that gap, rescuing her favourite finds and bringing them to her Ossington storefront.
“There are a lot of places in this neighbourhood where you can find casual vintage,” Kaylor says. “But I wanted to have a place where people could come in and pick up something for a special occasion, with more high-end, unique pieces.”
So Rescue’s vintage, all of which has been gathered from shopping trips to New York and L.A., tends to be dressier than your average pre-loved Ossington fare, with prices for the goods — sourced from Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Versace, Chloe, Pucci and the like — ranging from $200 to as much as $2,000 (for the Chanel, obviously).
Knockouts include a yellow, Clueless-style ’80s Chanel dress ($1,950) paired with a Roberto Cavalli fur shawl ($750). But not all the dresses have such big names attached; many of them are noteworthy less for their brand names than for their one-of-a-kind wow factor. A sequinned, starry, blue and white mini-dress with shoulder pads ($350), for example, scored on one of Kaylor's outings down south, just “screams L.A.” Another of her favourite pieces, a retro-fab silk gown from the ’50s (also from L.A.), reminds us of something Betty Draper might wear ($425).
Yet while the ’40s music and vintage decor might make you feel like you’ve stepped into your grandmother’s closet (that is, if your grandmother is an uber-chic, Versace-wearing fashionista), Rescue also boasts an impressive selection of contemporary lines, many of which are unavailable elsewhere in the city.
In creating the store, Kaylor sought to emulate her own fashion sense, which is an eclectic fusion of vintage and contemporary. So she brought in a number of designers and labels to complement her retro finds, including Jenny Bird, Beyond Vintage, Sam and Lavi, Heartloom and — for the first time ever in Canada — New York’s Pinkyotto. Kaylor also has five more contemporary collections planned for fall. The modern lines are priced more modestly, with some casual pieces thrown in to the mix, and range in price from $50 to $800.
Kaylor points out a pair of jewelled earrings by Eliza ($120), a local label that that takes vintage pieces and updates them with modern details.
“That fusion of contemporary and vintage — it kind of encompasses what I do,” Kaylor says.
The store is a passion project through and through, as not just the clothing, but the décor, too, is all hand-chosen by Kaylor and designed to evoke her personal style.
“I built the shop pretty much from scratch. Everything was custom designed by me — except the walls and the floor.”
The space itself is tucked away from the street by a spacious, plant-lined brick patio. When you step inside, a series of old cameras indicate Kaylor's photography background. She also points out a fantastically ornate 1904 Singer sewing machine as one of her prized possessions, noting that her mother was an avid collector of the line.
With other touches including an authentic Addison radio — manufactured in Toronto in the ’30s — and a pair of ’70s porcelain perfume bottles from Portugal (fitting in this Portuguese area; so fitting, in fact, that one of her neighbours coincidentally outed himself as their original manufacturer) Kaylor evokes a bygone era that resonates with the surrounding neighbourhood.
“I wanted to bring nostalgia to the Toronto community,” she says.
Judging by the response Kaylor has received in the short month she's been open, it seems that Torontonians are eager for this blast from the past. With items already flying off the shelves — including numerous requests to purchase elements of the store's interior decor — we have a feeling that Rescue has a bright future in its new Ossington home.
Rescue Vintage, 102 Ossington Ave., 416-533-0443
Theatre Review: Million Dollar Quartet
There was a sense of sadness in the air at the opening night of Million Dollar Quartet. The pleasant, occasionally thrilling musical is a re-enactment of a magical moment in modern cultural history when, on Dec. 4, 1956, four of the early giants of rock ‘n’ roll — Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins — met and jammed together in the Memphis studio of Sam Phillips’ Sun Records.
Why sad? Because it marked the last opening of a Dancap Production. Founder Aubrey Dan — who spent years challenging (and occasionally bettering) Mirvish Productions — announced recently he is throwing in the towel. God willing, he’ll try again in a few years.
So with Beauty and the Beast still playing until July 22, Quartet until July 29 and a road show of the marvelous, witty and home-grown Jersey Boys musical on tour for the next little while, Dan’s very bright lights are about to vanish from our midst.
Now, how to approach this charming, occasionally disarming (if uneven) production? Million Dollar Quartet is undeniably tame as a work of theatre, although that is probably not what 90 per cent of those who have flocked to its productions since it opened in the U.S. would say.
Sam Phillips, a middle-aged impresario, has just sold his most promising performer, Elvis Presley, to RCA for $40,000 (which he has wisely invested in a promising start-up, Holiday Inn), and is at risk of losing the other musicians from his possibly-dying studio to larger record companies.
Obviously, this show depends profoundly on the skills, impersonations and, yes, the looks of the actors: Lee Ferris (Perkins), Derek Keeling (Cash), Eddie Clendening (Presley) and Martin Kaye (Lewis). All of them do decent jobs, but none is better than Keeling’s Cash, which captures that wonderful, deep baritone and religious sensibility. Clendening’s Presley lacks excitement and passion, and Kaye’s Lewis is missing the rage, anger and lunatic energy, not to mention his considerable height.
The musicians sing their future hits almost non-stop, assisting one another with electric guitars and a piano. And a good time is had by the performers — all decent actors and very fine musicians, thank heavens — and by most of the audience.
I hit my teens in the late ’50s — when Presley, Cash, Perkins and Lewis were flooding my large, battery-operated radio — so seeing (and enjoying) Million Dollar Quartet was a real nostalgia trip for me. How could I not rock (and roll) back and forth in my chair, reliving such seminal times of my adolescence?
Great theatre this isn’t, and lines such as Phillips’ “Rock ‘n’ roll ain’t a fad! It’s a damn revolution!” ring true, but are hardly memorable. Still, lovers of the early years of that revolution in popular music may well find Quartet a very, very enjoyable night on the town.
And Aubrey Dan — I shall miss you, as will all Toronto theatre-goers. Godspeed.
Million Dollar Quartet, Toronto Centre for the Arts. Runs until July 29.
Allan Gould is Post City Magazines’ theatre critic. He has a Ph.D. in English and theatre from York University and has written over 40 books. His writing has appeared in Toronto Life, Chatelaine, en Route, Canadian Business, Good Times and the Financial Post. He is married, with two children. Aside from his family, his major passions are theatre and film, because they enrich life with pleasure and meaning.
First Draught: the Biere de Garde (along with a barrel-aged version) from Bellwoods Brewery
An impressive number of breweries have opened in Ontario in the last year or so, but on top of their quantity, it’s worth marveling at their diversity. And of the new crop, Bellwoods Brewery on Ossington is possibly the best.
Co-founders Mike Clark and Luke Pestl met while they were both brewers at Amsterdam Brewery before joining forces as co-owners of a craft brewery. Their shared goal was to maintain as much control of the production and sales as possible so that they could experiment broadly with different brewing styles.
With the striking popularity of its beer, along with the small production size, it's tough to recommend one particular offering at Bellwoods Brewery (plus, the product turns over quickly). But this week there is a rare opportunity to sample the Biere de Garde side-by-side with a barrel-aged version of the same beer ($7.50 each).
This rustic French-style ale has all of a season’s hot-weather appeal, plus a bit more alcohol and darker spice flavours to match the weathered-penny colour. The briefly-aged version picks up a touch of acidity and a smooth, lingering finish from the cab sauv barrels, sourced from Niagara's Creekside Estate Winery.
If you don’t manage to catch the Biere de Garde, the Lost River Baltic Porter ($8) should be around for a while (it did, after all, win a gold medal at the 2012 Canadian Brewing Awards). This beer gets its name from the buried Garrison Creek, and the historical connection is especially appropriate given porter's status as the stronger forerunner to stout — both in alcohol and flavour. Dark chocolate and dark-roast coffee aromas and flavours predominate.
While Bellwoods reserves almost all of its production for on-site, by-the-glass sales, a short licensee list includes The Black Hoof, Hoof Raw Bar, Grand Electric and Canoe. Still, expect this brewery to grow in the near future.
“The next move is to order tanks, and we'll basically be tripling our capacity," says Clark. “A lot of that will go to retail sales. By this time next year, we'll be able to have regular retail hours.”
Bellwoods Brewery, 124 Ossington Ave., 416-535-4586
When David isn't busy drinking beer for his articles here, he writes about food and drink for Toronto's online publications including his own site, Food With Legs. For more of his thoughts on beer and life in general follow him on Twitter.
Tony Aspler’s Weekly Wine Pick: James Oatley Tic Tok Chardonnay 2009
Here’s an Australian Chardonnay that has lots of flavour at a very affordable price. It’s pale lemon in colour with a nose of apple and tobacco leaf. The sweet, spicy fruit has a whisper of vanilla oak, nicely balanced with lemony acidity. Good value, and it’s on sale at the LCBO until July 22.
Food match: seafood pasta or roast chicken
$13.45, LCBO #187104
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.
Grab of the Week: a bejeweled iPhone case for your inner Cher Horowitz
Ever since we first saw the movie Clueless, we’ve studied the outfits of Cher Horowitz and wondered how we could emulate each and every one of them. For nearly two decades, we (like most girls who grew up in the ’90s) have wondered: where can we get a dress that looks like underwear too? Do I look like a farmer in these clothes?
Let’s not forget the accessories. Long and hard have we worked to replace our normal stationary with sparkly pencils and pink fur pens. Back when only the elite had flip phones, Cher further enhanced our envy by sporting a clear plastic and gold-chain cell phone bag to her gym class.
Finally we’ve found something nearly as cool. Local designer Eliza Kozurno has created an eco-friendly (and bejeweled) iPhone bag that comes in black or white.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s never too late to resurrect the valley girl inside of you.
$89. Available at Indiegogo
Grace 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: Toronto firemen have always been hunks of sweet love
Dostoevsky once said, “The fire is in the minds of men and not in the roofs of houses,” but if that were true, we wouldn’t need sweaty firefighters to extinguish our fires. But man oh man. What wouldn’t we do to get to know these guys? Put a cat up in a tree? Start an illegal bonfire? Come on, baby, light my fire, indeed.
