By Ron Johnson
From comic strips to keyboard screens, here are the origins of the names of Toronto’s biggest bands and musical acts from Our Lady Peace to Peaches. One of Canada’s most popular bands ever, Our Lady Peace, led by Raine Maida, found its name in a 1943 poem, “Our Lady Peace,” by American poet Mark Van … Continued
By Ron Johnson
If your winter blues is kicking into a new and dire gear, it might be time to find a place for peaceful contemplation. If you’re looking for peaceful spots in Toronto where you can unwind without spending money, the city has several hidden and serene places worth exploring. Keeping in mind that many of these … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Okay, it’s not an Olympic hockey gold medal, but what if a Canadian wins Survivor 50? There are two competitors on the special Survivor 50 season premiering last night from Canada, and both survived the epic opener. Toronto’s Kamilla Karthigesu is a veteran of the show having first appeared on Survivor 48. Kamilla has a reputation … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s Stephen Amell, best known for his breakout role on Arrow, is back in his old stomping grounds for a new project—and this time, he’s bringing a darker, funnier edge. In our feature interview, he opens up about stepping into the morally complex world of The Borderline, returning to familiar Canadian collaborators, exploring the Thousand … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto is about to get a serious taste of beloved Canadian band Arkells as they takeover the city. The rock powerhouse is announcing a special three-night run in the city as part of their “Between Us” tour, hitting three great local venues that promise a wildly varied live experience. The shows are set for June … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Country fans in Toronto are even sadder than usual with the news that superstar Charley Crockett won’t be hitting the stage here as planned. The Nashville singer-songwriter has been forced to cancel his entire Canadian tour after being denied entry into the country due to a 2014 felony marijuana conviction. In an Instagram post, Crockett … Continued
By Ron Johnson
In a new collab with Soulpepper Theatre, Crow’s Theatre is staging a powerful and moving production of Tennessee Williams’s Summer and Smoke, anchored by a wonderful performance from Toronto actor bahia watson as Alma Winemiller. From the moment she steps on stage, watson commands attention, drawing the audience fully into Alma’s inner world with a … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto is getting a new immersive art exhibition, this time with an Impressionist twist. Beginning Feb. 26, Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience opens at YZD, inviting visitors to step inside the luminous, lily-soaked world of one of history’s most influential painters. The new exhibit takes place in a facility offering more than 20,000 square feet … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Jack White, amongst other iconic musicians, will have to find a new music shop to visit while in Toronto as the legendary Steve’s Music has announced it is closing. In a statement, VP Michael Kirman—son of founder Steve Kirman—said the company will be closing some of its five stores, though he didn’t specify which ones. … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Parry Sound, Ontario skier Megan Oldham has won Canada’s second medal of the Winter Olympics — a bronze in Women’s Slopestyle. It was a tense few moments as some top skiers had their runs while Oldham waited at the bottom in third position, but she held on and stepped onto the podium for the bronze. … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Witch, a new Soulpepper production, isn’t perfect, but it features incredible performances by actors new and legendary that elevate it to must-see theatre. The play by Jen Silverman takes its cue from a real 17th-century case. In 1621, Elizabeth Sawyer, a poor, disabled woman living on the outskirts of London, was accused of witchcraft and … Continued
By Ron Johnson
The Toronto Raptors added some much-needed front-court depth Wednesday, acquiring centre Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors for a 2026 second-round pick, according to ESPN. It is not one of the many bigs the Raptors were rumoured to be interested in, such as Domantas Sabonis and Anthony Davis. But Jackson-Davis will provide some immediate … Continued
