The right fluff: a look at Toronto’s newest all-girl pillow fighting league

By

-

2:23 pm

This Saturday night, the rockin’ Lee's Palace will get in full girlie-rumble mode with the return of professional pillow fighting league Bedlam: All Girl Pillow Fight Revue. We caught up with one of the founders of the new league, Crystal Clear (yes, that’s a stage name) to get the inside scoop on all the queen-sized action.

When was Bedlam founded and why? Is there any connection to the other league of pillow fighting?
Bedlam pillow fighting was founded in April of 2011. The three Bedlam co-founders all have a background as professional pillow fighters, and we wanted an outlet to express our ideal of pillow fighting. We believe that pillow fighting should be presented as a well-rounded entertainment experience, and while we take the sport very seriously, it should embrace the kitsch factor as well. Hence the term revue, and the incorporation of supporting acts into the show. The founders of Bedlam were involved in the “other” pillow fighting league that used to operate in Toronto, which (last we heard) is currently not running. We remain on good terms with the manager of that organization.

Honestly, do people go just to see babes bashing each other with fluffy pillows, or is there more to it?
People may come for the babes, but they stay for the excitement, skill and showmanship. It would be easy to put a bunch of bimbos in lingerie and have them roll around. But that's a one trick pony. It would never generate a loyal following. That's why we make sure to only accept fighters who are intelligent and have a force of personality is addition to physical skills. The girls are trained in all sorts of different techniques to keep the matches interesting. We make sure to get the girls on the microphone as well to give the audience a chance to get to know them as well.

Does the action ever spill out into the crowd?
We have our “boys,” as we affectionately call them, who man the edges of the mats during fights to catch the fighters if they fall off the mats and to keep the crowd safe from the fighters as well! They don't always succeed — the first few rows are definitely the splatter zone.

What will we be seeing on Saturday night?
Saturday night will include a full card of fights, with a great mix of new and seasoned fighters. We've set a great fight card that's designed to bring out the best in all of our fighters and are expecting some stellar match ups. We try to mix up fight styles and level of experience to keep all of the fighters on their toes. We also have some guests who will be joining us, including a drag queen, dancers from Great Canadian Burlesque, Mysterion the Mind Reader and a stand up comedian.

How many competitors will be taking part?
There will be 10 fighters in this show.

What is the headlining match? We're pitting Shania Payne against Pummelina for the main event. Pummelina is not only one of our feistiest fighters, but also by far the smallest, while Shania has a significant height and weight advantage. So we expect this to be quite a David versus Goliath match up.

What are the basic rules of pillow fighting?
Each match is officiated by a trained referee. Matches are won by pin or submission. Occasionally a fighter may also be disqualified. All moves are considered legal as long as the pillow is in play, and pins are only legal if there is a pillow used to perform the pin. Fighters use moves above and beyond simply swinging including takedowns and strikes, all incorporating the pillow into the action.

Is there a certain regulation pillow in terms of size and stuffing?
Yes, all pillows are queen pillows, polyfill only. All pillows are supplied by Bedlam and inspected by the referee prior to each fight.

What is the worst pillow fighting injury you've encountered?
Bedlam has yet to have a serious injury, we're proud to say. We take the safety of our fighters very seriously, and that's part of why we make them train so extensively. How to protect their bodies and the bodies of their opponents is taught right upfront, and anything that jeopardizes the safety of another fighter is not tolerated.

What hopes and dreams do you and your cohorts have for Bedlam?
Our mission statement is world domination. Seriously. We're aiming to make Bedlam a household name. In addition to growing our presence through our own live events, we're also doing guest appearances wherever we can. We would like to expand to television as well.

If one was so inclined, what is the best route to professional pillow fighting status?
We regularly hold open tryouts, and are always looking to add fighters to our roster! We'll be holding a tryout on Jan. 21, 2012. (Email [email protected] for more details).

And do you have more matches slated for the coming months?
We will be holding another event in the spring, but the details are not yet confirmed.

Bedlam: All Girl Pillow Fight Revue Presents Bashed!, Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W. Jan 14, $20.

City to six hot dog vendors: take a hike

By

-

12:43 pm

0

An appeal from six street food vendors who are being forced to relocate due to construction projects along Front Street has been turned down. Last year, city staff raised concerns over the locations of several street vendors — specifically the ones that sold food in front of Union Station — and their impact on construction in the area. The six vendors were then told to vacate, and city council made it official yesterday by denying their appeal.

The vendors still have their licenses intact, but now must find a suitable location within the city and submit a permit application before they can sell their next hot dog.

“It’s going to be hard to find another location in the city,” said a saddened Kathy Catsiliras, a family member of one of the affected vendors. “Tell me where can you find space on the pavement to set up a food cart?”

Within the GTA, food cart owners are allowed to apply for new street vending permits in most districts except for downtown (wards 20, 27 and 28) due to a 2002 moratorium. But during yesterday’s public meeting at City Hall, Ward 28 councillor Pam McConnell took the vendors aside — along with Street Food Vendors Association (SFVA) representative Marianne Moroney — and offered the vendors a concession: they can apply for permits in the areas affected by the moratorium.

Still, Moroney sees the decision to shut down more street food vendors as a blow to any sort of street food push.

“They put the moratorium in place to strangle the vendors. And, look, it’s happened,” Moroney said. “But now they have an opportunity to seek permits within the moratorium. What are the chances? Slim. Is it good enough? No. But, it’s something and it’s better than what the city initially proposed.”

The projected pedestrian traffic outside Union Station is expected to double in the next 10-15 years.

“There will be a need for more, not less, available street food,” she said.

One thing is for sure: Toronto loves its street food. Anyone who’s experienced one of the hugely popular Food Truck Eats events needs no further proof of that.

There’s reason for hope, though. According to Moroney, the Downtown Yonge BIA is looking to partner up with the SFVA and Ryerson’s urban planning department to build a street vending community in their district.

“Toronto hot dogs and sausages are iconic,” she says. “So much so that Toronto Tourism supplied 50,000 Toronto maps with the Street Food Vendors Association logo printed next to theirs — not Pepsi or Tim Hortons, but hot dogs.”

“The current appetite for more street food vending in Toronto clearly indicates a need to build in the infrastructure now for the opportunity of allowing the street food industry to flourish, not die.”

New crêperie opens on Queen West

By

-

10:57 am

0

What happens when two ex-Montrealers take on Queen West? A unique twist on a crêpe shop, that’s what. More specifically, a shop that’s full of sweet and savoury crêpes at affordable prices (most items are under $10), along with decadent hot chocolates, salads tossed with house-made dressings and more.

Husband-wife team Dewey and Kim Truong opened up Chococrêpe on Queen West in the old Modrobes space in late December, after selling their Mississauga business Edible Arrangements.

“This is our life,” Dewey says. “We sold the other business and put everything here.”

Dewey created the menu from scratch, while Kim designed the store’s interior. For two months, the couple clocked 19-hour days, gutting the old store’s interior to create an airy, bright and comfortable space.

“This Saturday, we had 200 customers,” Dewey says. “It felt like the birth of our restaurant.”

A popular (and fairly healthy) option is the chicken chipotle crêpe ($9.25), which comes with oven-baked chicken breast, arugula and house-made chipotle mayo. As a garnish, the dish comes with some tossed salad.

“The garnish is important,” Dewey tells us. “It gives a little extra presentation and helps quench your palate.”

He’s right. The chipotle packs a kick, and the garnish is just enough of a side to provide refreshment after the spice. The salad’s house-made French dressing, which is a mix of ketchup and apple cider, has a sweet, subtle flavour. Meanwhile, the crêpe (all of Chococrêpe’s savoury crêpes are buckwheat, and the dessert crêpes are white flour with a dash of vanilla) is slightly sweet, and blends well with the tender chicken and arugula.

The apple cider ($3.00), is one of Dewey’s favourites. He’s been drinking it for years, and buys it twice a week from Brampton’s Apple Factory, a place he discovered a few years ago. It’s refreshing, not too sweet and excellent hot or cold.

Dewey stresses the quality of all his ingredients. An admitted produce snob, he’s kept the same fruit and produce supplier, Di Liso’s Fine Foods, he used at Edible Arrangements. Chococrêpe uses three kinds of Valrhona chocolate, imported from France: the Manjari chocolate blend (64 per cent dark chocolate, made with cacao beans from Madagascar), Ivoire, a white chocolate blend and Caramelia, a milk chocolate with hints of caramel.

“We pay more for our supplies than what you’d pay at Loblaws,” Dewey says. “My friends call me crazy, but that’s what I like.”

The chocolate can be thoroughly enjoyed on the berry banana crêpe ($8.75), which is served open-style with fruit, or the chocolate fondue for two, ($14.50), which comes on two enormous plates, packed with fruit drizzled with chocolate.

Coming soon will be pulled pork crêpes and Thai green curry crêpes, both of which we’ll be back to try.

Chococrêpe, 620 Queen St. W., 416-855-5601

Ten must-see concerts for 2012 (not including The Black Keys, because they are too awesome)

By

-

2:12 pm

0

It’s looking to be a good year for concerts in Toronto, and here are 10 shows to prove it. And yes, The Black Keys will be here on March 14, and yes, you should go. Our other good bets below.

Cass McCombs, The Garrison, Jan. 27

This talented American singer/songwriter is trying his best to fly under the radar, but he’s too good to stay hidden for long. Seeing him in an intimate setting will make for a memorable evening. His song “County Line” could be considered one of the finest of 2011.

The Kills, Kool Haus, Feb. 7

The powerful twosome of Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince (pictured above) released a third album, Blood Pressures, last fall. Great album, killer, ahem, live show.

City and Colour, Massey Hall, Feb. 10 and 11

In his first big gig since ditching that band Alexisonfire, Dallas Green checks into the venerable Massey Hall. It’s the ideal venue for this Torontonian’s haunting songs.

Kathleen Edwards, Phoenix Concert Theatre, Feb. 11

The Toronto-based singer/songwriter is back with a stunning new album, Voyageur, also featuring another dude you may have heard of: Justin Vernon. Already a gifted performer, this album could rocket Edwards to fame. Plus, she’s playing with guest Hannah Georgas. Sweet.

The Barr Brothers, The Great Hall, March 1

Full of bluesy rock goodness that will make your head spin, this Montreal outfit has all the quirkiness of your favourite indie band combined with solid rock chops. They’re touring in support of their eponymous debut album from Secret City Records.

Grimes, Horseshoe Tavern, Mar. 19

Hot and buzzy Grimes, a.k.a Montreal’s Claire Boucher, is funky and fun with a whole audio-visual component that is sure to make for a compelling and groovy evening.

The Ting Tings, Phoenix Concert Theatre, April 6

They’re just cool, man, do it for the fun. This English musical duo are out to prove they weren’t a flash-in-the-2009-pan. Their long-overdue second album, Sounds from Nowheresville, is scheduled for a March release.

Yukon Blonde, Lee’s Palace, April 12 and 13

Another buzz band that is on the cusp of a major breakthrough, this solid rock outfit has a cool, earthy vibe. They’re touring in support of their full-length album slated for a spring 2012 release.

Kaiser Chiefs, Phoenix Concert Theatre, April 16, 17

Neo-new wave U.K. outfit Kaiser Chiefs can kick out some classic, decidedly jam-esque, uh, jams, that are full of energy. The small venue is a serious treat.

Ani DiFranco, Winter Garden Theatre, April 21

An incredible performer: passionate, talented and she doesn’t come around much anymore, so go. She’ll be touring in support of her soon-to-be-released album ¿Which Side Are You On?, her first studio album in more than three years.

Tea time: four steeped concoctions from Toronto’s cocktail lists

By

-

11:00 am

0

Each year, Torontonians collectively brace themselves for that bleak and slushy monstrosity called winter. Although it has yet to gnash its ugly teeth, we know it’s coming, and there’s nothing like a little sippable warmth to combat the winter blues. Our favourite forms include soup, tea and of course, spirits. Lucky for us, those latter two seasonal fix-me-ups are steeping the city’s drink lists with a wide range of flavours, giving us one more reason to drag ourselves up and out this January.

Apart from familiar concoctions like the Blueberry Tea (Grand Marnier and Amaretto with English Breakfast tea), the Ice Pick (vodka and iced tea) and the Long Island Iced Tea (which contains nary a trace of actual tea), the ritual drink of British grandmothers may seem like an unusual cocktail component to some.

But for Michelle Tham, a cocktail consultant and member of the board of directors for the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association, tea is just another colourful palette addition for craft bartenders and mixologists to play with.

“Bartenders, especially those who are serious about their craft, take an interest in beverages as a whole. Tea is kind of another component of that,” she says. “We’re always searching for ways to further ourselves in complexity and creating new flavour profiles, and tea has a lot of complexity.”

Tham recently developed a list of tea cocktails for an exclusive Yelp Speakeasy Tea Event hosted by Herbal Infusions, where she mixed up cocktails like the Lomi Lomi Tea-ki Tiki, which marries Lomi Lomi’s lemon grass, hibiscus, papaya, chamomile, banana and pineapple notes with rum, resulting in a refreshing piña colada hybrid.

Dan Johanis, owner of Herbal Infusions, agrees that tea has its place behind the bar.

“Tea is one of those ingredients that brings a lot of flavour to the table,” he says. “It pairs well with many spirits, and depending on how it has been finished, the tannins really can change or enhance the overall flavour profile of a drink.”

Given that we live in a metropolis that places a premium on flavour experiences, titillating Toronto’s tastebuds is a challenge that more than ever demands creativity and vision. As non-traditional and global ingredients become staples in the city’s best kitchens, so too are they carving out a place behind the bar.

Here’s where to drink up some boozy tea:

Over at Brassaii, bar manager and resident mixologist Jordan Stacey puts a bright twist on the champagne of Indian teas, Darjeeling —which, similar to the famous French sparkling wine, can only be grown and produced in a specific terroir — with the Long Winding Road ($14, pictured above). Combining a darjeeling tea reduction with gin, Pimm’s No. 1, yuzu and citrus bitters, garnished with mint, the result is lively and fresh.

From team Boehmer, there’s the Hells Bells ($12), a mixture of black tea, Calvados, Akvavit, sweet vermouth, allspice syrup and egg yolk. It’s tea flipped and smacked with warmth and spice.

Kensington Market’s Cold Tea does a tannic twist on The Last Word, which creator Matthew LaRochelle has dubbed Monk Juice ($10) in reference to the cocktail’s Chartreuse component. It mingles with gin, Cherry Heering and green tea syrup for subtle depth.

Behind the stick at Czehoski, Robin Goodfellow mixes up a mean Winter Jack-it ($12) that’ll melt the cockles of your frosty heart. A hot cocktail made from lemon ginger tea, Jack Daniels, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, vanilla syrup, citrus and cinnamon, topped with ginger beer, the Jack-it will wrap you in a warm flavour blanket and give you a honeyed kiss goodnight.

Trending in Theatre This Week: The Blue Dragon, The Penelopiad, Tiki Bikini Beach Paradise Party A-Go-Go!, Modern Love, LoveSexMoney

By

-

9:55 am

0

The Blue Dragon

Robert Lepage, Canada’s own theatrical Renaissance man, returns to Toronto with this multilingual dance theatre spectacle about a Canadian expat living in Shanghai whose life is turned upside down by — what else? — two women.
The Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W., 416-872-1212. Jan. 10 – Feb. 19.

The Penelopiad

In Margaret Atwood’s so-called “feminist” take on Homer’s The Odyssey, Penelope recounts her life’s story and the murder of her twelve handmaidens by her vengeful husband Odysseus.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street, 416-975-8555. Jan.10-29.

This is the last week to check out the Next Stage Festival — the winter companion to the Toronto Fringe Festival — so if you haven’t been able to catch some shows, now’s your chance. There are 10 productions in total, but here is our top three:

Tiki Bikini Beach Paradise Party A-Go-Go!

If you love those old beach party flicks from the ‘60s like Beach Blanket Bingo, then you’ll love this teen musical about love and surfboards, accompanied by a live band.
Factory Theatre, Mainspace, 125 Bathurst Street, 416-966-1062. Jan. 4-15.

Modern Love

With 600 Facebook “friends,” how can anyone feel lonely in the digital age, right? Wrong. Conceived, written, and performed by Jessica Moss, this story connects to us all — even if we’re really disconnected from each other.
Factory Theatre, Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street, 416-966-1062. Jan. 5 –15.

LoveSexMoney

Another stab — or is that a poke? — at our society’s obsession with all things online and instant, this naughty and hilarious play depicts the imagined meeting between a young woman who is auctioning off her virginity online, the businessman who buys it and the boyfriend who tries to stop it.
Factory Theatre, Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street, 416-966-1062. Jan. 4 – 15.

What happens when you combine Wheel of Fortune with improv comedy? Find out at The Second City

By

-

2:05 pm

0

The Second City Training Centre has been the breeding ground for aspiring local comedians for a while, but it’s only in the last few years that it has started hosting public performances, thanks to the launch of its John Candy Box Theatre. Tonight, The Wheel of Improv series, created by comedian and Second City instructor Natasha Boomer, celebrates its third year with the mainstage treatment.

We caught up with Boomer to talk improv games and why it’s so fun watching someone spin the wheel for the first time.

When did Wheel of Improv start and why?
Wheel technically started 11 years ago as a way for my conservatory class at Second City to work together. Then when we started the Candy Box [Theatre], there was a slot open on Monday nights that no one wanted. So I decided to do Wheel of Improv.

For those who’ve never been to Wheel, how would you describe it?
To be honest, I don’t. This show can’t be described; it must be experienced. I say: trust me. You will have fun.

(Writer’s aside: as someone who’s attended Wheel before, the show can be described as a sort of Wheel of Fortune for improvisers. Brave souls volunteer to spin the Wheel, which determines the improv game that they will play in front of the audience, and yes, it is very fun.)

Name some of your favourite games to watch.
I love watching any game played well. But it’s not the game per se, it is the limitation of that game which I love. Word games. I love verbal games.

Any personal favourites you like to play yourself?
At Wheel, we call these Boner games. My Boner games are: Sounds Like a Song, Actor’s Nightmare, ABC and Scene in Rhyme.

What's the most memorable experience from Wheel over the past three years?
Any time we have someone from the Second City Tour Company who comes to play, it is usually pretty amazing. But I remember this one night in Sept. 2009. The audience was packed and the show was just starting to get some momentum. We were finding our way and we had been struggling with some games and, so, some of the shows in the first year really kinda blew. But this night everything fell in place, the shows rocked, and every game was played so well. People were listening and learning, and everyone was so happy. I was so happy. It was one of those moments that you know this show was about to be something bigger then you thought.

What’s your absolute favourite part of hosting Wheel? Why do you keep doing it?
The students. Watching them grow, watching them learn. The laughter. It is a fun and funny show. I love watching someone nail a game that they have struggled with. I love watching someone conquer a fear. I love watching a student finally hit that stage for the first time. You can see it in their eyes, excitement, fear and sheer panic all rolled into one spin of the wheel. I keep doing it because it is necessary for our training centre and community. I keep doing it because it is my destiny and I follow my dreams. This is one of my dreams.

Why should people come to the third year anniversary of Wheel? What's going to happen there? Anything special?
Community, man! And to celebrate improv in this city. We don’t do enough of that. Just to celebrate everything improv gives to us: freedom, connection and creativity. Monday night will run just like every other Monday night would, except bigger because we are on the Mainstage. I will be making chocolates and cupcakes and we have ordered some swag. Plus, there’s the reveal of our new logo and slogan.

Wheel of Improv, The Second City, 416-343-011. Mondays at 10 p.m.

It’s wintertime, but life goes on at this ice cream shop

By

-

1:23 pm

0

For over 20 years, Dutch Dreams has been open year-round, including winter. It’s a nervous period for ice cream shop owners. Co-owner Theo Aben, who recently returned from an annual ice cream convention, says it’s been business as usual at his red-bricked Vaughan Road location. In the wintertime, that means a bit of unpredictability.

“The ice cream business is seasonal. You have good periods and bad, and during winter some people just assume we're closed,” Aben says. “It's funny though — we have some customers that only come in the winter and not much in the summer.”

Dutch Dreams has been trying to monitor sales through winter like a science. It’s not easy.

“When it’s consistently cold, for three or four days straight, I'll get good business. If it fluctuates, then it kills momentum and boom. Customers are gone,” he says. “Some of the biggest snowstorms have been my best winter days, and this place will have about 30 to 40 people in it.”

Aben’s suggestion for winter-weary wayfarers? Sundaes. Or waffles.

If you happen to wander by Dutch Dreams, try the Reece’s hot fudge sundae ($6.50), the spiced apple sundae ($6.50, made with almonds, ice cream, spiced apple topping, wafer, whipped cream and fruit) or the Dutch waffle ($7.50, with two kinds of ice cream, melted Dutch chocolate, whipped cream, fruit and almonds).

The fruit and whipped cream combo that comes with just about every item in the store is a Dutch signature.

“The Dutch did it for generations,” Aben says. “It’s just something that they do, as a culture with their food, like having a spiced cookie with their coffee.”

West coast vintage shop sets up in Toronto

By

-

10:26 am

0

Situated on Queen West’s main drag, Used House of Vintage is a breath of fresh air for those looking to escape the clutches of far more ubiquitous stores. Dubbing this his side project, main man Craig Doyle — who is also the owner of the T-shirt chain Bang-On — has been collecting vintage since the ‘80s.

With the original Used located in Van City, and another location in Calgary, Doyle notes that the Hogtown version carries more fashion-forward items, with much of it being sourced from the States. Housing pieces for both him and her, the store also offers up plenty of accessories, including shoes, jewellery and belts. Additionally, sets of luggage are available for those who wish to add a dash of romance to their next trip — we imagine it to be by train.

While there are endless garments filling up the space, it doesn’t come across as overstuffed, as vintage boutiques are wont to do. The brisk weather had us drawn to the rack of fur (and faux fur) coats, though our favourite fur piece was discovered elsewhere in the shop: a bright red fur collar — spotted by the front counter — would easily add some pizzazz to a simple black coat ($24). We also found ourselves lusting after an incredible velvet stage outfit from the ‘20s. Snagged from “an old lady in upstate New York,” the floor-sweeping coat comes with an intricately detailed cape, with both pieces being edged in fur ($265).

Other standout finds include a quilted leather Chanel bustier, complete with gold buttons ($3,500). Doyle acquired the iconic piece from a successful ‘80s model (he’s not naming names). We also found a couple of pieces at a slightly lower price point: a green silk blouse from Bob Mackie — with gold and black detailing — had us conjuring up images of Cher ($95), while a lacy jean blouse had us dreaming of spring ($28).

Used House of Vintage, 489 Queen St. W., 647-259-1703

Say goodbye to The Bohemian Gastropub; say hello to Lucid Cocktail and Kitchen

By

-

2:57 pm

0

If you've recently wandered by Queen and Portland in search of schnitzel and cheap shots of Jameson, it may have come as a surprise to find papered-up windows and a nameless facade where The Bohemian Gastropub once was. The good news is that the space is being transformed into Lucid Cocktail and Kitchen, fronted by Moses McIntee, one of the city's most lauded artisanal cocktailians.

Having done time behind the stick at some of the city's top restaurants, including Ame, Nota Bene, Spoke Club and TOCA at the Ritz-Carlton, McIntee is foraying into restaurant management at Lucid, which is backed by the same group that's behind Ossington’s Boehmer restaurant and the former Bohemian.

McIntee’s vision for Lucid Cocktail and Kitchen was inspired by a trip to France, where he spent his time eating and imbibing at brasseries where food and cocktails were elevated to the same level of sophistication and served side-by-side late into the night.

“I really wanted to bring that notion back to Toronto, to sell the same artisanal cocktails I've been selling over the years and adding a little molecular flair and table-side service,” McIntee says.

Lucid Cocktail and Kitchen, set to open on Jan. 20, will offer a full Mediterranean-inspired menu from executive chef Robert Richardson, whose culinary alma mater includes Divino, Paese and Queen Street's Peter Pan. Lucid's offerings will focus on wholesome cuisine made with local ingredients, actively veering away from the take-out joints and deep-fried continental cuisine that predominate the neighbourhood.

Brasserie classics like tartare and fresh pasta will complement McIntee's famed cocktails until 2 a.m. The comfortable atmosphere will seek to squash the intimidation factor that mainstream diners and drinkers may feel when confronted with intricate and esoteric quaffs. After working at a fistful of high-end Toronto restaurants over the years, McIntee is no stranger to the importance of customer satisfaction.

“I want to bring people into my world and create a very inclusive experience,” he says.

Lucid Cocktail and Kitchen, 571 Queen St. W.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Hour: Elliott BROOD, Eight and a Half, The Darcys, Bidiniband and Beck’s remix of Feist

By

-

1:54 pm

0

One tough Brood

January is a sad time for live music fans in the city: tour dates shrivel up like George Constanza after a long day at the pool. One local band is putting in the time to generate some hype for the upcoming United States release of its latest album. Elliott BROOD will be playing a string of Ontario and Quebec dates this month, not in Toronto of course, but if you’re keen, they will be playing in nearby locales.

Their new recording, Days Into Years, which has garnered some positive reviews — even landing on a few best-of lists for 2011 — will hit stores south of the border on Feb. 28. If you’re new to the band, follow the link here to download the Paperbag Records sampler and check them out.

Eight and a Half debut release pushed back

Those eagerly awaiting the debut album by Eight And A Half will have to wait a little longer as the release date has been pushed back to April 10, according to the band’s website. The band, featuring members of Canadian indie stalwarts The Stills and Broken Social Scene, released the song “Scissors” a few months ago, and people ate it up (check it out below).

The band has released a few American tour dates and the track listing for the new album. With the band living in Toronto, expect some local shows to be announced in due course. In a recent Post City interview, Dave Hamelin, ex-frontman for The Stills, said the band is in Toronto rehearsing and working on some new material already. And, surprisingly, he also confessed that he’s never been asked about the end of The Stills, it just sort of happened.

“There were a lot of things going on,” he explained. “A lot of things going wrong, but it is over now.” And although he does expect to be seriously scrutinized given the high-profile pedigree of the band, his strategy is a simple one.

“We’re just going to bypass that completely.”

Okay, good luck with that.

Scissors by Eight and a Half

Plaskett people

Prolific and talented East Coast songster Joel Plaskett is back to work this week launching a new album, Scrappy Happiness, in conjunction with CBC Radio. Each week beginning Tuesday, Jan. 10, Plaskett, along with his band The Emergency, will record a new song and then release it on Rich Terfry's Radio 2 Drive program at 5:15 EST. In addition, there will be assorted social media do-dads to add to the experience. The album will officially be released on March 27, and Plaskett heads out on tour the following month landing at Toronto's Queen Elizabeth Theatre on May 18 and 19. All the details on the CBC release can be found here.

Feist-Beck-istan

Remix alert: Beck has put together a killer remix of Feist’s big hit, “How Come You Never Go There.” Listen, and learn.

How Come You Never Go There (Beck Remix) by Feist

The Darcys hitch ride on Arkells’ tour bus

Toronto band The Darcys are heading out on the road to support U.K. rockers Bombay Bicycle Club along with Hamilton-based hotshots Arkells who, by the way, recently destroyed a perfectly good Hall & Oates song along with Lights (and no, “destroyed” is not hip lingo). Full carnage below. The Darcys’ new album is still available absolutely free of charge from the Arts & Crafts website here.

Album of the week: In The Rock Hall by Bidiniband

It’s hard to know what to expect from the talented Dave Bidini and his outfit — well, other than something good. In The Rock Hall, to be released Jan. 24 on Pheromone Recordings, is a big-time rock record at times, and a decidedly Canadian indie rock experiment reminiscent of his work with Rheostatics at others. Luckily, both work just fine. It kicks off in a big way with the decidedly cool and riff-tastic “I Wanna Go To Yemen.”

After the grand opening, it is a bit up and down. Musically, it is tight. And Bidini is at his best when he just lets the music do the talking. On one standout, “Eunoia,” Bidini plays up the Canadiana to great effect. The song was inspired by the landmark Canadian poem by Christian Bok, and includes a reading from the poem leading into a sprawling 10-minute song. “Eunioa” is followed by “Earth,” which could be the best song on the album because Bidini just lets it all hang out and seems very at ease. Lyrically and musically, it is a superior effort. Check out Bidiniband on Jan. 24, when they play a three-hour gig at The Dakota Tavern.

Listen to the opening track “I Wanna Go To Yemen” at CBC Radio 3 here.

Rock ‘n’ roll tweet of the week

Kathleen Edwards (@kittythefool), Jan. 5: “I would have gone on a twitter rant too, but Kanye West stole all my ideas, dammit!”

Step into a different era at Community 54 (and while you’re at it, get your NBA Jam on)

By

-

10:26 am

0

“The concept of the store draws on the Studio 54 era,” explains Trung Hoang as he sweeps the shop floors. “Not disco per se, but more about the creative community within it.” Hoang is the editor of digital magazine Contra, and has just joined forces with owners Daymon Green and Jason Jacobs to bring New York’s Lower East Side boutique, Community 54, to Toronto’s Parkdale.

This second location mirrors its American counterpart from the outside in. Both are situated in areas with a creative community, and both sell new and old clothing, accessories and interiors — “mantiques” as Hoang likes to call them, like vintage arcade games, which can also be played in-store — that embody the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

“This is not a franchise,” Hoang is eager to point out. “We are keeping the integrity of the local community. Look at the Canadian flag (draped over the change room), and we feature local artists on our walls.”

On the rails you will find Members Only jackets, most notably the black leather “Fool’s Gold” jacket designed by Canadian superstar DJ A-Trak, which retails for $775 and is an exclusive to the shop.

Heritage brands include Mitchell & Ness (a sports apparel brand that has been around since 1904), Danner hiking boots and Crown Cap (making furry Canadian hats for nearly 80 years). A specialty is the strap back caps that line the walls, while the vintage section focuses on Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Woolrich.

So, why was Toronto chosen for a second location? “Everyone is looking at Toronto right now, especially with the music that’s coming out of here,” Hoang says. “In New York, everyone is talking about Toronto like it’s a new exciting place.”

With its mix of nostalgic Canadian and American brands, this shop — with its New York-cool vibe and deeply-rooted maple leaf patriotism — is a welcome addition to the city’s west-west-end.

Community 54, 1275 Queen St. W., 416-901-4342