Back before MMA and Game of Thrones existed, what exactly did Toronto men talk about in 1898? Well, we think it went something like this: “What the heck does the word ‘Yukon’ even mean?” “So those Spaniards got a pretty raw deal with that Treaty of Paris, eh?” “I hear there’s a new element called radium. Sounds pretty harmless.” Good thing for them that the National Hockey Association would soon be on its way.
Maybe it was their newfound status as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, maybe it was the addition of new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who stepped in to replace founding member John Frusciante in 2009. Whatever the reason, the Red Hot Chili Peppers served up an energized, inspired two-hour set at the Air Canada Centre Friday night in the first of two back-to-back shows, the Peppers’ first tour dates since being enshrined in the Rock Hall two weeks ago.
It is a pleasure to see Soulpepper Theatre’s superb production of You Can’t Take It With You, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American comedy by Kaufman and Hart. And knowing that this very special offering will run in repertory in the Distillery District into the middle of June, only adds to the happiness.
Fashion Art Toronto — recently renamed from Alternative Fashion Week — is Fashion Week’s younger and more expressive cousin. Held in a loft space on Sterling Road (next to the Nestlé chocolate factory, which emits mouthwatering aromas), the festival gives up-and-coming designers a chance to expose their creations to an open-minded and alternative crowd.
There’s Sim City, and then there’s this. Back in 1938, Torontonians built their pretend cities using toilet paper rolls, old pieces of plywood, some leftover paint and ABC gum. It may not look like much, but, hey, at least they didn’t have to deal with plumbing.
Our round up of the best things to see and do in Toronto this weekend. In this edition: Spring Awakening at the Gardiner Museum, Kathleen Turner film festival, an evening with Linden MacIntyre, discussions on global health and Kina Grannis at the Phoenix Concert Theatre.
Before Mike Tyson and his weird love of pigeons became pop culture fodder, Toronto had Mr. Stonehouse and his bird, Allan. Mr. Stonehouse and his feathered friend were pretty much inseparable in the ‘40s. Not only did Allan regularly accompany Mr. Stonehouse to work, but they also took swing-dancing lessons and competed in a duet singing competition (where they placed third).
Works by Toronto street artist Deadboy will be sprouting up on walls all over the city this weekend. But you can put down your council-approved graffiti-busting app, these bits of art will be totally legit. Deadboy’s signature stencil art has been on display at Don’t Tell Mama on Ossington over the last month, and on Saturday evening the original works will be sold by silent auction at the gallery.
Being in a band is like being in a relationship, and once you move in with your significant other, it can go one of two ways. For Natasha Pasternak, vocals and keys with Hands & Teeth, couch-crashing in the Parkdale house where most of the experimental pop-rock group lives resulted in their first full-length (ish) album.
Prime location could spark new proposals from more developers
Shane Baghai reveals plans to open new restaurants across T.O.
Proactive steps taken to keep Mount Pleasant and Regent theatre sites from being developed
