Have I got a treat for you today… in no particular order, I present to you 5 apps that will ensure you never miss a bus again, show you what the city looked like before a 50+ story condo towered over it, tell you if it’s safe to take a dip in the lake, how to order a cab without even dialing and how much time you have left in the parking meter before you get ticketed!Rocket Man TTC Streetcar Bus Schedule app was the first Toronto-based app I downloaded for the iPhone. The app is crazy cool for its ability to to show the locations of TTC vehicles in real time! It lets users know how long they’ll be waiting for the next bus. I’ve tested the accuracy of this app several times and each time my bus arrived within 5 seconds of the estimated time! In the winter, the app allows you those vital extra minutes indoors before stepping out in the cold and waiting for the bus. In the summer, you can plan your escape from the patio just in time to catch your ride home. I definitely recommend the Rocket Man app for its incredible accuracy and ease of use!
If you follow my photo blog, you probably have a pretty good idea of what the City looks like now… but what was on that corner before the sparkling glass tower was erected? In the past, a trip down to the Toronto archives would be the only way to know, but thanks to the Zeitag TO app, users can pull up photos of what the area looked like many years ago. I’ve tried it in different parts of the city and for now it typically works best in the downtown core. The app currently has over 500 photos from the 1900′s to 1980′s with more being added over time!
Have you ever passed by the Lake and been tempted to jump in? With the TO Beaches app you’ll be one step ahead! The app gives users updates on beach water quality as soon as they are published. The app also features a list of supervised beaches in Toronto, a map of Toronto beaches, daily updates of E. coli readings and swimming conditions and past E. coli levels in beach water for the current year.
The iPhone has even revolutionized the way cabs are ordered in Toronto! A new app called Winston lets users order a cab right from their smart phone. No cash on hand? No problem! Fares are paid by presetting up your credit card with Winston followed by detailed and accurate e-receipt emailed to you. Similar to the Rocket Man app mentioned above, users can track the location of their cab and get a real time update on when their driver will arrive. Winston also hooks you up with premium limousines (think Airport Limo) and professional drivers at a price that is affordable for both short and long trips.
As an honest, hard working Torontonian, I always put my money in the meter when I park… the problem is, I hardly ever put enough. With the Green P parking app, the days of getting tickets may come to an end once and for all! The app’s main feature is to help find parking on the fly and even allows you to filter your results based on price or distance. But its coolest feature is the Smart Timer. After you’ve parked, set the timer based on the expiration time on your pay-and-display ticket minus walking time to your destination. You won’t have to do any math. The only work you’ll have to do is in walking back to your car when the app’s notification sounds!
Toronto is already a great City to live, but with these 5 apps it gets even better to get around in!
(Nov./Dec. 2011)
By Dr. Réa Beaumont (UBC, M.Mus.)
Opening November 4, Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess is a collection of photos and memorabilia, including her jewelry and iconic dresses. This is a rare opportunity as Toronto is the only North American stop for the exhibit.
With artwork from The Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Art Gallery of Ontario’s exhibition of masterpieces Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde is on display now until January 15.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is taking place November 4-13 at the Direct Energy Centre on the CNE grounds (Exhibition Place) with its equestrian show, wine competition and activities for the entire family. You will have an excellent opportunity to learn more about fine wines and food at the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo (November 17-20) being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The following weekend (November 25-27) at the same venue, Whole Life Expo celebrates healthy, ‘green’ lifestyles with more than 200 exhibitors and guest speakers on hand to promote and educate on a variety of topics ranging from organic foods to alternative medicine.
The Santa Claus Parade on November 20 officially launches the holiday season in the city, followed by the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Nathan Philips Square downtown on November 26 with entertainment and fireworks. Redpath brought the Tall Ships to Toronto for the Waterfront Festival this summer and they were a rare sight. Now it’s time for the Winter Wonderland Cruise which sets sail at Harbourfront on the first three Saturdays in December but you need to book early as dates sell out quickly.
A wonderful way to enjoy the Christmas spirit or learn more about Toronto’s fascinating history, is to visit two of its beautifully preserved landmarks. Toronto’s Christmas Market sponsored by Lowe’s, returns to The Distillery Historic District for the first half of December (2-18). The District is transformed into a vibrant European market with entertainment ranging from Carolers and brass bands to organ concerts, plus a multitude of vendors, spectacular lighting, a Ferris Wheel, and Santa’s workshop with elves and reindeer. This special event is in addition to the Distillery’s unique boutiques, galleries and fine restaurants that are open year-round.
The historic Black Creek Pioneer Village decorates their early Victorian style nineteenth-century homes this December, inspired by images from Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol. The evening tours on December 10, 17 and 18 are called Christmas by Lamplight and require advance booking. It is a magical, peaceful step back in time. The Village also has a child-friendly Family Baking Workshop on December 3 where you can learn traditional pioneer recipes.
The Canadian Tenors bring their superb show “Home for the Holidays” to Roy Thomson Hall on December 22 and 23. Choreographer James Kudelka’s version of The Nutcracker returns to the stage for the holiday season and is performed by our own National Ballet of Canada. Mirvish Productions presents the musical comedy 2 Pianos 4 Hands (2P4H) at the Panasonic Theatre from now until November 20 and the classic Mary Poppins at the Princess of Wales Theatre until January 8.
Ross Petty is one of Canada’s finest entertainers and last year he generously found time in his rehearsal schedule to be interviewed for UBC-TO’s Arts & Entertainment article. Petty is a household name to Canadians and highly respected for his impressive, versatile career. Each year the actor reinterprets a fairytale or a well-known story for his Christmas pantomime. The comedic musical is suitable for the entire family. This year’s show is The Wizard of Oz featuring the very talented stars from the Toronto production of “Rock of Ages” — Elicia Mackenzie (Sound of Music) and Yvan Pedneault, plus additional stellar cast members Jessica Holmes, Dan Chameroy and Ross Petty.
© Réa Beaumont 2011
Casa Condominio Residenza on Charles Street East
If you’re a Toronto Star reader, you might have read a story that featured a very well known realtor! He’s tall, successful, bald, knows a lot about Toronto condos–Brad J. Lamb! Just below him were the words of an average built, modest realtor, with a full head of hair – me (Mark Savel)!
A few days before the article was published, I had a lengthy chat with Susan Pigg, a columnist for The Toronto Star’s Moneyville section. She was curious about the current state of the downtown rental market, and whether there was any truth to multiple offers scenario for downtown condo rentals. Brad Lamb, Dominic Calla and I were asked to share our experiences in this market with her. If you haven’t read it yet, give it a read here!
Naturally, an article can only fit so much. I wanted to share more insights to describe the current state of downtown rentals and ways to improve your chances of leasing a unit.
Last month, I was fortunate to participate in four different rental transactions. In each case, I represented one side (either the tenant or the landlord) so this provide me good perspective on what both parties go through. In short, supply of rentals is much lower than demand which has resulted in a tough time for potential renters!
Back in the day, renters could actually negotiate the suggested monthly rent because the monthly rent amount is not actually carved in stone. In a balanced market, I can usually negotiate anywhere from $25-$150 off the asking price. Various factors, such as market conditions, unit appearance, and length of lease, are just a few of the variables that can determine bargaining power. In today’s market, most of those chips are off the table. Some of the most popular areas people want to live are Liberty Village, the Bay Street Corridor, and the St. Lawrence Market. Units move quickly in these neighbourhoods and sometimes in less than a day. Why is this?
Location, location, location, lack of apartment rentals and high purchasing costs are the typical reasons! For the Bay Street Corridor, it’s the network of hospitals and the proximity to the University of Toronto that make it so desirable. For the Liberty Village and the St. Lawrence Market, it’s the convenience of having many amenities within walking distance (banks, bars, grocery stores, gyms, LCBO etc). With such high demands, finding a place in these areas is often tricky.
So what can you do to improve your chances?
Every person I worked with last month got the first unit they wanted. How? They were very well prepared. Since landlords have a large pool of renters to choose from, I always suggest my clients to get a few things in order ahead of time!
Landlords always ask potential renters to provide a current credit check. For $20 to $30, you can have one prepared and printed online from Equifax or Transunion. Landlords use the report to assess the worthiness of the potential renter. By having one ahead of time, you can review to ensure no mistake was recorded (a common problem these days!).
An employment letter is another valuable document that can go a long way in securing a unit. It can be obtained from your company’s human resources department and it typically states how much you make a year and the position you hold.
Most realtors (myself included) will ask you to fill out a rental application. It gives the landlord a quick summary of who you are as a person. It also asks for references from previous landlords and employers.
Those three documents can be vital in finding a lease. In some cases, it may even secure you a place without it goes up in price. I also suggest having a certified cheque or bank draft for the first and last months’ rent prepared before your realtor presents your lease. It shows you’re serious about the place and makes a great first impression!
Some extra expenses to plan for above and beyond rent are: key deposits (typically $150-$200 paid at the beginning of the lease and will be returned at the end of lease), tenant insurance, and utilities that are not covered in rent (i.e. hyrdo/heat).
All this may seem like a lot for a lease. But remember landlords have the cards in their favour and want to protect their investment by renting out their condo to the most qualified renter!
Happy hunting!
By Dr. Réa Beaumont (UBC, M.Mus.)
Another nation-wide event is the interactive, educational Culture Days which encourages audience participation.
The annual event Nuit Blanche returns ‘for one night only’, overnight, starting at dusk on October 1. The event has grown to 130 participants in three ‘zones’ of the city, divided above and below Bloor Street, then East and West of the Yonge Street subway line. The many venues include the Drake and Gladstone Hotels, Hart House, Artscape Wychwood Barns, and the historic Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum, Distillery District and Fort York.
The lineup at Koerner Hall is spectacular this season with renowned Canadian pianist Louis Lortie, internationally esteemed violinist Gidon Kremer, the Smithsonian Chamber Players and Friends with Canada’s own baritone Russel Braun, plus Grammy-Award winning saxophonist and composer Joe Lovano and Us Five. The diversity of programming is impressive with singer Asha Bhosle, known as ‘the voice of Bollywood’ (singing in nearly 1,000 films), appears in concert with North Indian sitar master Shujaat Khan.
Actors Kim Cattrall (Sex in the City) and Paul Gross (Due South) appear together in Noel Coward’s Private Lives at the Royal Alex. Two Pianos Four Hands (2P4H) is at the Panasonic Theatre and the adventurous musical Chess set in Bangkok has a brief run at the Princess of Wales Theatre.
Legendary Shakespearean actor Christopher Plummer launches the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s 90th season at Roy Thomson Hall with readings from several of Shakespeare’s plays, aided by the city’s stellar orchestra. A lively after-concert party will be held in the lobby with the Canadian brass ensemble The Heavyweights Brass Band, actually a jazz band that played the TD Toronto Jazz Festival.
Plummer was outstanding in the play “Barrymore” earlier this year in Toronto. One of the live performances was filmed and now it is featured at the Toronto International Film Festival (Director Erik Canuel). Last year I selected Black Swan as one of the films to see at TIFF and Natalie Portman won an Oscar for Lead Actress. Although there are no guarantees these films will end in Oscar wins, they are definitely worth your time: An excellent actress with a substantial career, Juliette Binoche stars as a journalist researching student prostitution in “Elles”. The dance film “ORA” uniquely combines thermal imaging technology with 3D film to produce stunning effects. “Albert Nobbs” is a nineteenth-century period drama starring Glenn Close that recounts the story of a woman who worked as a butler (while dressed as a man) for twenty years. Comedies are rarer at film festivals but naturally entertaining actors like Jennifer Garner, Hugh Jackman (gave a great show in Toronto this summer), Alicia Silverstone, Ty Burrell (TV show Modern Family) join forces in “Butter” with the unusual subject of butter carving contests.
All rights reserved © Dr. Réa Beaumont 2011
© All rights reserved by Mark Savel
I work in a profession that always has me on the road. I try to plan my days with a bit of structure, but the truth is…I never know where it will take me. That’s also one of the reasons why I love what I do so much. In between appointments, I often get some free time to myself. During those times I like to walk around the city and explore its many features.
What I love about Toronto is all the different photo opportunities it presents. From condominiums under construction to back alleys covered in an array of bold colours – there’s never a shortage of subjects to shoot! For this month’s post, I wanted to share a few of my favourite vantages points with you!
Canoe Landing is a fairly new park to the south of the CityPlace condos at Lakeshore and Spadina. The park was designed with the help of Canadian novelist and West Vancouver resident Douglas Coupland. Its focal point is a massive red canoe that sits on top of the hill and overlooks the Gardiner Expressway. To the east, one is treated to sweeping views of the CN tower and the rest of the Toronto skyline.
© All rights reserved by Mark Savel
Graffiti, street art, call it what you like… at the end of the day, Toronto is filled with beautiful murals like the one pictured to the right. I love walking down the back alleys and exploring the different works of the various talents in our City. If you’re ever down for a bit of an adventure, head to Queen West and walk south on Spadina. You’ll find and alley way that runs perpendicular with Queen…follow it and you’ll find Toronto’s Graffiti Alley!
© All rights reserved by Mark Savel
And last but not least…one of the most photographed objects of the city: the skyline! There are millions of spots where one can capture its majestic views, but my favourite is down in the Lower Don Area. Head south on Cherry St. and make a left onto Polson St. The parking lot of Sound Academy gives photo enthusiasts an amazing and unobstructed view of our little City under construction.
By Dr. Réa Beaumont (UBC, M.Mus.)
Talented and handsome Tony Award-winning actor Hugh Jackman appears at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto from July 5 to 17. As an extension of his performances as host of the 2009 Academy Awards, Jackman will present song and dance numbers from Broadway hits supported by a fantastic 18-piece orchestra.
Actress, author and comedian Carrie Fisher brings her show Wishful Drinking to the Royal Alexandra Theatre from July 12 to August 21. Based on her autobiography, Fisher bluntly examines her life as a cultural phenomenon (as Princess Leia from “Star Wars”), her acting career (“Harry Met Sally”), personal relationships (Paul Simon), Hollywood connections, her famous parents (Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds) and more.
The Railway Children continues its run until August 7 at a new theatre built to accommodate a 66-ton steam locomotive as part of the set, an impressive feat at The Roundhouse Theatre at 255 Bremner Boulevard. Billy Elliot, with its amazing cast and grueling dance numbers, continues its stage version of the movie. In particular, the young dancers (there are several dancers rotating as Billy during this lengthy run) are truly gifted. The show has been extended until September 3 at the Canon Theatre.
The largest festival in Toronto running throughout the summer is the Black Creek Summer Music Festival at the Rexall Centre. Featuring the legendary singer Tony Bennett and Canada’s own Diana Krall, the July 2 concert will be a spectacular evening of jazz. Country music star Brad Paisley visits on July 7 followed by Alan Jackson on July 21, each performing here as a stop on their stellar international tours. Legendary songwriter/conductor/arranger Marvin Hamlisch conducts the Black Creek Festival Orchestra and Chorus with Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell, alongside other guests including Canadian comedian Martin Short and actress/singer/dancer Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock”, formerly “Ally McBeal”). Esteemed conductor Lorin Maazel appears several times throughout the festival, conducting excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess featuring American mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves on July 22. He then leads the London Symphony Orchestra on August 27, 29 and 30 in a variety of programs. For a night of gospel on July 23, join Yolanda Adams (“Just as I Am”), Mary Mary (Tina and Erica Campbell), The Mighty Clouds of Joy and Grammy Award winner Donnie McClurkin all on the same program. With more than 80 million recordings sold and sounding better than ever, Barry Manilow is leaving Las Vegas – for one night only in Toronto – on August 24.
The Canadian National Exhibition, known as the CNE, has free concerts on a number of its stages throughout its three-week festival. The CNE Bandshell lineup includes The Spinners, one of the best soul groups of the 1970s, with The Manhattans in the show “The Magic of Motown” on August 24. Neil Sedaka – still performing after 50 years – is featured on August 26 with amazing hits that include “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” and “Calendar Girl”. If you remember the 1980s, then Loverboy on August 27 will bring back memories of MTV in its early days and soundtracks from movies such as “Top Gun” (“Heaven In Your Eyes”). It is hard to believe that Glen Campbell is on his Goodbye Tour on August 31 as his music is timeless with hits such as “Rhinestone Cowboy”. Toronto rap-crossover singer/songwriter K-OS (Kevin Brereton) performs on September 2, while the American rock and roll group Tommy James and The Shondells (“Mony Mony”) appear on September 3. The 25th Annual Rising Star Talent Finals close out the CNE, marking the end of summer events on September 4th.
All rights reserved © Dr. Réa Beaumont 2011
© All rights reserved by Mark Savel
There may not be any mountains in Toronto, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the stars. Yorkville is one of the hottest places in Toronto to spot some of Hollywood’s elite… but it wasn’t always like this.
Before Gucci and Prada moved in, Yorkville was known as the Hippie hub of Canada. In the 1960s, it was common to find the likes of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Gordon Lightfoot hanging out in the area with other like minded musical talent…and not for afternoon lunch over caviar and champagne!
By the 1970s, construction was complete on the Bloor TTC line resulting in higher densities and more expensive land values. As the rent increased at many of the bohemian hangouts, art galleries and other higher end establishments started to take over. Things have changed substantially since.
Most recently, a $28 million sale occurred at the Four Seasons Residents, setting the record for one of the most expensive condo sales in Canada. A few weeks after that, it was reported that Mark Wahlberg bought a new home in Toronto: a 4,600-square-foot penthouse at 36 Hazelton with a $12 million price tag!
So what’s the big deal about Yorkville? By day, it is the epicentre of all things luxury. Burberry, Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the designers who have shops in the area. By night, globetrotting celebrities can be seen letting loose in the bars, clubs, and cafes.
For those of us without a Grammy or an Academy Award under our belts, Yorkville is an ideal spot for an evening stroll. The cafes that line the streets are a relaxing retreat, especially along Cumberland where you can take your espresso or coffee and sit on a 650 tonne chunk of granite!
One of my favourite sites to visit in Yorkville is the Royal Ontario Museum. In 2007 it went through a massive transformation with the help of the internationally known architect, Daniel Libeskind. Its design is impossible to miss, sitting at the corner of Avenue and Bloor. The museum has large crystal-like objects jutting from its façade hanging over the sidewalk. Inside you’ll find a variety of exhibitions that change throughout the year.
Eee Pad Transformer TF101. Photo by ASUS©
Are you on the fence about getting a tablet? The consumer electronics market is flooded with the latest and greatest tablets including Apple iPad2, LG Optimus Pad, and BlackBerry PlayBook. Consider these questions when deciding which one is best for you.
1) How is your computer knowledge?
The Apple iPad is very easy to use and is suitable for a wide range of users from very young to old. If you are looking for a tablet to read emails, do casual internet browsing, and download a wide variety of apps, consider the iPad2. It has one of the best touch screen keyboards on the market. If you are a road warrior that requires internet connectivity all the time, consider the 3G version of the data service with one of the wireless carriers. Most carriers have no contract data plans, starting from $15/ month. Otherwise, Wi-Fi versions help keep the total cost of ownership down as it is quite easy to find Wi-Fi in coffee shops and offices in and around Toronto.
iPad2 starts at $519.
2) Do you have a BlackBerry?
For those who already have a BlackBerry either for business or personal use, check out the BlackBerry PlayBook. Using the BlackBerry Bridge, emails, contacts, and calendars can be tethered to the PlayBook. Namely, new email shows up both on your BlackBerry smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook. If you read an email on your PlayBook, it will also appear as read on your BlackBerry, making it a seamless mobile experience. In addition, viewing PowerPoint decks on the PlayBook is an immersive and enjoyable experience. Of course, the PlayBook comes with Adobe Flash, so browsing is a fuller web experience, which is something the iPad cannot do. PlayBook apps are still few and far between when compared to the Apple App Store, but its catalogue is steadily growing.
BlackBerry PlayBook starts at $499.
3) Do you use Google services, such as GMail, Google Maps, Google Calendar?
Consider the Google Android Honeycomb (3.1) operating system. I have been using the LG Optimus Pad for a couple of months. With its 8.9” display, it is smaller than an iPad and larger than the PlayBook. Its size makes it very pleasant to hold with one hand. Google’s operating system has access to more than 100,000 apps in the Android Market and comes standard with favourite programs, such as: GMail, Google Maps (including turn-by-turn navigation), and Google Calendar. It even has 3D cameras for 3D video capture! This LG Optimus Pad is so easy to use that even my mom got hooked on Angry Bird and stayed up until 3am playing!
LG Optimus Pad starts at $254.99 with a 3-year data contract or $549 with no-term.
Some of the must-have accessories:
- For those who need a keyboard? Consider the ASUS Transformer that transforms from a tablet to a netbook with a keyboard slot in seconds.
- For those who need a stylus? Consider the 7″ HTC Flyer equipped with an optional stylus. With the stylus, you can draw brush strokes, take notes, or even sign digital documents.
Regardless of your choice, mobility, weights, and battery life are keys to a great tablet. Typing on a tablet screen is still not the most comfortable and productive experience, but watching Netflix or HD videos on a tablet on the bed or on the patio is a highly intimate and joyful experience. I can imagine that in a few years with more prominent adoption of cloud computing, tablets will be our main computing machines, replacing our desktops and laptops.
Dr. Réa Beaumont (UBC, MMus)
Zenaida Yanowsky of The Royal Ballet in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Photo by Johan Persson, courtesy of the ROH.
The fifth season of Luminato, also known as Toronto’s Festival of Arts and Creativity, runs from June 7-19 at thirty different locations in Toronto! In addition to its ticketed concerts, this extensive festival has a wide range of fantastic free events ranging from food, fashion, film, art, literature, music and dance. Luminato opens with the world premiere of the two-part theatrical production One Thousand and One Nights, presented in French, Arabic and English at The Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre (parental discretion is advised by the presenters).
Lauren Cuthbertson of The Royal Ballet In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Photo by Johan Persson, courtesy of the ROH.
As part of Luminato’s festival, the North American premiere of the spectacular Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland ballet is featured at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts beginning June 5. This is an absolutely amazing, stunning co-production of The Royal Ballet and The National Ballet of Canada that is not to be missed!
Greta Hodgkinson Photo by Aleksandar Antonijevic
To celebrate her 20th anniversary with The National Ballet of Canada, exquisite prima ballerina and one of the finest artists of her generation, Greta Hodgkinson will be dancing choreographer Jerome Robbins’ famous pas-de-deux Other Dances with fellow Principal dancer Zdenek Konvalina set to the music of Chopin. The program also includes choreographer George Balanchine’s Mozartiana with music by Tchaikovsky and Twyla Tharp’s exhilarating In The Upper Room named after its electronic score written by minimalist composer Philip Glass (June 15-19).
The ballet Cinderella was performed earlier this season at the Four Seasons Centre by The National Ballet and now the Canadian Opera Company is presenting Rossini’s opera of the same name. The opera Cinderella is at The Four Seasons Centre throughout May, with standing room and rush seats priced from $12. The COC alternates this production with Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos and Gluck’s famous opera Orfeo ed Euridice, all with English surtitles.
Roy Thomson Hall features pianist Emanuel Ax performing Mozart’s Concerto in G, K. 453 with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis (former TSO Conductor) and the concert also includes Richard Strauss’ tone poem “An Alpine Symphony” (May 11-12). Legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman is to appear at Roy Thomson Hall on May 21 for one performance only.
Something that combines good music with good ‘spirits’ is Spirit of Toronto, the 7th annual gala of an evening whisky tasting event with live jazz and a cigar bar, taking place at Roy Thomson Hall on May 14! Admission includes samples and a souvenir Whisky Glass from Scotland’s Glencairn Crystal Studio.
A fabulous Canadian line-up appears in the May 14 concert Bluebird North at the Royal Conservatory’s new Koerner Hall featuring Jane Siberry, Dan Hill, Marc Jordan, Melanie Doane and more. Massey Hall has been an important venue in the city of Toronto for over one hundred years and it still features great artists, including Paul Simon on May 6, Neil Young on May 11 and 12, Gordon Lightfoot from May 25 to 28 and Juno-award winning singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith on June 15 (who appears as part of the Luminato festival).
A special Luminato treat is a free concert on June 17 by k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang (band), with songwriting duo The Belle Brigade held at The Festival Stage, David Pecaut Square, on John Street. This is also the location of Bhangra superstar Malkit Singh’s Delhi 2 Dublin (of the “Bend it Like Beckham” soundtrack) with his band Golden Star on June 16, and a child-friendly free music presentation They Might be Giants is offered on June 11. You can see illusionist David Ben’s Natural Magick take place at the Tarragon Theatre, June 10-16. The Fleck Dance Theatre is the venue for the world premiere of the dramatic Bollywood dance production Taj on June 10-12.
Mirvish Productions is consistent in presenting an array of shows to suit a variety of tastes. The musical The Lion King, at the Princess of Wales Theatre (through June 12) is based on Disney’s movie with music by Elton John, who also composed the score to Billy Elliot. Due to its enormous popularity, Billy Elliot has been extended for eight weeks at the Canon Theatre. There is also the comedic (and somewhat risqué) play, The Calendar Girls, based on the British film of the same name, playing until May 28 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Mirvish opens The Railway Children on May 3 to August 7 at a new theatre built to accommodate a 66-ton steam locomotive as part of the set. It is located at The Roundhouse Theatre at 255 Bremner Boulevard.
Not to be confused with Black Creek Pioneer Village, the BlackCreek Festival launches its series of presentations at the outdoor Rexall Centre, located on the grounds of York University. Tenor, Placido Domingo, will open the festival on June 4 with guest soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, followed on June 25 with James Taylor and his band, and Lionel Richie on June 28.
The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with events scheduled to take place at different locations throughout the city – many of which are free. The festival runs from June 24 to July 3 and opens with Aretha Franklin in a free 8:30pm concert at Metro Square (221 King Street West), admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the ticketed concerts include: Dave Brubeck Quartet (June 24), Dee Dee Bridgewater (June 27), Jessye Norman (June 28) and Branford Marsalis (June 29), all appearing at Koerner Hall (the Royal Conservatory of Music). As part of the Jazz Festival, and after a long absence from
Toronto, the great Glenn Miller Orchestra returns to Roy Thomson Hall on June 24th promising a night of nostalgia and big band favorites. Former founding Artistic Director and jazz sax player Jim Galloway and his Trio present free concerts at The Distillery District’s Mainstage and Nikki Yanovski has just been added for the July 3 closing show at Metro Square!
Special thanks to The National Ballet of Canada and the TD Toronto Jazz Festival for generously providing photographs for this issue.
All rights reserved © Dr. Réa Beaumont 2011
© All rights reserved by Mark Savel
What was once the last stop on the subway, is now one of the most desirable areas in the city! Up until 1973 Yonge and Eglinton was as far north as the TTC would take you. Thankfully, that has changed and so has the neighbourhood.
Yonge and Eglinton, or (Young and Eligible as it’s playfully called today) is a community located in Midtown Toronto. It is far enough from the everyday congestion, construction and crowds of downtown, and yet accessible enough to call home. The boundaries of the area roughly lie to the west at Duplex Avenue and to the east at Mount Pleasant Road.
The large homes and highly ranked schools are what originally attracted many families to the area. The shops and restaurants are closely followed and today many well known brands have set up shop along the strip… including five Starbucks Coffee shops within 4 blocks of each other! Many of the restaurants cater to a variety of ethnicities. Hungry shoppers can find everything from a two-storey Spring Rolls restaurant to a store level Shawarma shop. The Keg, Mandarin Buffet and the Golden Griddle are just a few of the other big names that have set up business in the area.
Several condos have popped up in recent years, adding more housing options to this highly desirable area. The general presence of towers in the area gives the sense of being a lot calmer than their downtown counterparts. The buildings are more spread out and a lot less dense. What I also like about the Yonge and Eglinton area is that there are several rental buildings available to those who are not yet ready to own; typically established areas like this are only open to those privileged enough to own.
The spring weather is quickly coming back to Toronto, and as it does, I encourage you take a walk in the area and see all that it has to offer!
