Christmas is around the corner – and so are the carollers! At least in my Toronto neighbourhood, well, neighbourhood adjacent: Bloor-Yorkville. The Bloor-Yorkville BIA is bringing this quartet of festive singers to this upscale stretch of Bloor Street every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. till Christmas. That means they’re strolling along Bloor right now, bedecked in Dickens-inspired winter wear!
But don’t fret if you miss them on the street. Last weekend I came upon them singing “O Christmas Tree” under this oh so giant Christmas tree in front of the Manulife Centre. So, sooner or later, you’ll find them there, sharing some Christmas cheer with the bustling crowds.
Sure, it’s been hot in Toronto. But Alexi Murdoch was hotter. Waaay hotter. Last Saturday at The Great Hall. And it’s not because there was no air con.
OK, part if it was the stifling heat and lack of air circulation in the packed venue. I won’t lie. I showed up at 10:50 p.m., two songs into the British singer-songwriter’s set, and a few songs later people were already starting to sneak out to get some air.
Now, I can understand people leaving because of the heat. I’d been hemming and hawing about cooling down with a swim, catching a breezy outdoor concert at Harbourfront or the Toronto Jazz Festival, or paying the $18 to cram into sweltering Great Hall to see Alexi live.
But am I ever glad I chose to pony up the bucks and brave the overheated hall, because Alexi was utterly captivating – with just him and his guitar. Well, his guitar, his violin (which he played like a guitar), and this odd, accordion-like instrument (shown below).
Alexi’s songs are hauntingly beautiful, and not nearly as depressing as William Fitzsimmons’ (which I like, too, but, man, is his stuff ever dreary). He was a little low on the banter, which I always worry about, since much of what I enjoy about concerts is the performer’s engagement with the audience. Alexi, however, mostly focused on the music, save for a request to turn the stage lights off and a ceiling fan on, and a comment about taking a risk before tackling the instrument shown in the photo above.
Oh! There was also mention of his enjoying silence – and that we all should experience silence, even for just a few minutes a year. That might explain why he was so quiet between songs.
As someone remarked after the show, Alexi would suit a much smaller venue better. I’d secretly been hoping only a hundred of us would turn out, as I’d wanted a repeat of my Yael Naïm experience, with the small lot of us sitting on the floor, completely enthralled by the singer (see below).
Instead, it was standing room only, which really shouldn’t have surprised me. Even if you’re not familiar with his latest release, Towards the Sun (2011), you’ve no doubt heard Alexi whether you know it or not: tracks from his debut LP, Time Without Consequences (2006), peppered the Away We Go soundtrack and appeared in The O.C., Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, Dawson’s Creek, House, Ugly Betty…you name it.
And even though I ran out of water and was near fainting, I count myself lucky to have caught Alexi live last weekend. For some reason, his summer tour is sparse, with just four dates, three of which occured last week.
But thanks to the mysterious Jakery, who posted this vid of Alexi at The Great Hall, you can catch him “live in Toronto” too!
Seriously. It’s not so much that I don’t like the MMVAs (MuchMusic Video Awards), which transformed downtown Toronto last weekend. It’s more that I don’t like the chaos and mess that goes with it (read: detours to my bike route). Witness the remnants of this giant paper Bieber head, held up high by hoards of squealing teenage girls all night long, discarded on the side of the road near show’s end.
No, I really do love the MMVAs, a huge, loud, fun, free street party open to everyone. And I do mean everyone – wristbands get you prime positions, but anyone can catch the action live from the street or the red carpet. The MMVAs aren’t a traditional awards show in that it doesn’t take place in a theatre: multiple massive stages are strategically placed along several city streets (and a parking lot) surrounding the music video channel’s headquarters at the corner of Queen and John.
This is how John Street (a.k.a. the red carpet) looked post-MMVAs. The sidewalks were still so packed, it was impossible to push through the crowds.
Those few blocks are blocked off from traffic (some of them are closed almost a week before the event!) and are packed with massive crowds, the likes of which started lining up the morning of – armed with their coveted wristbands – several hours before the celebrated show started. The very same fans camped out for days the week before, keen to score their MMVA wristbands when MuchMusic handed them out on June 8. Now, that’s dedication!
Truly, the MMVAs is a show for the fans. As the performers and presenters walk the red carpet, they sign autographs, pose for pics and get interviewed by MuchMusic VJs. But before the celebs get to that point, they’ve already got fans screaming (and I do mean SCREAMING) over their outrageous entrances: this year, breakout former Canadian Idol contestant Carly Rae Jepsen, clad in an Angelina-worthy double thigh-high-slit leather dress, pulled up in a convertible being washed by shirtless hotties.
Such street-party spectacle brings massive energy to Queen West, and the hoards will hang out for hours, even if they can’t see a stage. For many, it’s enough to hear the hubbub and be a part of the electric enviro.
And when you can feel like you’re thisclose to chart toppers Katy Perry (this year’s cohost), Justin Bieber, LMFAO and Kelly Clarkson, why wouldn’t you brave being crushed in a crowd of screaming fans? A couple of nights before the big show, John Street was already decked out with scaffolding and police were standing guard to direct traffic.
Half of Richmond was sectioned off by barricades to funnel the wristband crowd, and it was still blocked off when I biked by near show’s end.
Lots of good things happen in David Pecaut Square (above is how it looked last night): my International Dance Day dance flashmob was there, and my favourite outdoor cinema, TIFF in the Park, takes place there too. But by far, one of my favourite happenings in this lovely little green space in the heart of downtown Toronto is Luminato, a 10-day festival of arts and creativity meant to reflect the multicultural mosaic of the arts in a city known for its diversity.
The concerts that occur every night in the square, known as the festival hub, feature international and local musicians alike – all for free! Last night, I caught Italian singer-songwriter and rapper Jovanotti at The Hub (pictured below), and couldn’t resist his catchy beats, not to mention his alluring accent! I actually had no clue that he was singing in Italian – his cadence just sounded so lyrical and the drumming was so hypnotic, I couldn’t help dancing along with everyone else. Lest I forget the fact that I giggled every time “Toronto” rhythmically rolled out of his mouth! Sigh. I think I’ve a crush.
That’s what’s so great about Luminato. There’s always something new to discover. It sounds clichéd, but it’s true.
And though Luminato isn’t all about music (there also are plays, dance performances, opera, arts exhibits, screenings and readings), the concerts are what I’m inevitably drawn to, as I’m a sucker for an outdoor concert. I swear, I should have pitched my tent in The Hub for all the nights I’ve spent there this past week, from Somali-Toronto rapper K’naan to Stratford, Ont., songstress, harpist and accordionist Loreena McKennitt (shown below), whom I adored back in university.
Considering the competition that music festival NXNE (North by Northeast) and the massive street party that is the MMVAs (MuchMusic Video Awards) give Luminato by running during the latter half of the arts fest (the MMVAs, cohosted by Katy Perry, occurs on the last day), this week Luminato has been my go-to festival for concerts.
Perhaps much of the appeal of Luminato’s concerts is that they’re free, but so too are the MMVAs and many NXNE shows. Perhaps it’s that there’s a world music vibe to Luminato’s international artists – a nice complement to the Canadian musicians.
But I think what really draws me (and others) to the Luminato hub is the green space itself. Being able to listen to a concert while I’m stretched out on the grass, surrounded by trees, with a glowing CN Tower peeking out between illuminated skyscrapers is a relaxing way to take in the musicians, whether they’re well known or a new-found pleasure. That’s what Luminato is to me: an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy the arts in a way that represents us all.
What:Luminato, a 10-day festival of arts and culture, which brings together the best artists from Canada and around the globe. Where: Throughout downtown Toronto. The festival hotspot is The Hub, in David Pecaut Square, beside Roy Thomson Hall, near John and King streets. When: Mid-June. This year it runs from June 8 to 17. Cost: Many events are free, but some are ticketed. Best to buy tickets in advance. Why: Toronto loves its festivals! This one, now in its 6th year, brings together multiple generations and cultures from across the city.
Happy belated May Day! Every May 1, or May Day, Morris dancers bring the spring celebration to the streets of Toronto, usually in front of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), as these delightful dancers did yesterday afternoon.
I came upon them as I was walking along Bloor Street, having just finished watching Nina Conti’s Her Master’s Voice at Hot Docs, an international documentary film fest I volunteer at. Crossing the street was a man with a big bass drum strapped to his chest, colourful streamers billowing from his body, and rows of brass bells decorating his shins (check him out below!). Bemused at the thought that hoards of oddly dressed one-man bands were congregating out front of the ROM, I continued on my way home, desperate to nap between films.
But when I spied a few more ribbon-bedecked people merrily marching their way along Bloor, I just had to ask one what was going on.
Morris dancers! They were Morris dancers! In truth, that meant nothing to me when she said it, as I’d no clue what Morris dancers are. After questioning a performer, I learned that Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance based on stepping (that was obvious from watching them) and performed throughout the month of May. The dancers carry white handkerchiefs and wooden sticks in their hands and jingle bells (bell pads) on their legs as they step and hop about.
Dressed in torn strips of vibrantly hued fabric outfits called tatter jackets, these dancers were delightfully twirling around one another and whacking their sticks in time to the tunes played by their wee band: two drummers, two accordionists, an oboeist and even a girl skilled with an ugly stick (a traditional Newfoundland instrument made from an old mop handle, bottle caps and bells).
The colourful costumes really were a sight to behold and are historically based on the part of England the dancers are from. This one (below) looks like it’s made from recycled ties and shirts.
The dancers before the tatter-jacket-wearing group were still vibrantly hued, but a tad more subdued in traditional green vests or crossed baldrics (shoulder belts), crisp white shirts and black pants. They too were dancing up a storm with the wooden sticks, white kerchiefs and jingley bells!
Their dances were much more like the stepping I’m familiar with, with the dancers aligned in rows and performing in pairs.
It was such a fun and fabulous sight to come across, seemingly random but not random at all. In fact, various groups of Morris dancers can be spotted performing all around Toronto in spring and fall, particularly on May Day (as seen here) and on Labour Day. They practice year-round for these performances, which are akin to flashmobs, given that they came together unannounced and performed for about half an hour before just as promptly dispersing.
Abd when they were done dancing, traces of them walking in front of the Crystal was all that was left of them.
I’m going to keep an eye out for these mischievous musicians and dancers over the next few months. What a wonderful way to start the merry month of May (my birthday month, of course)!
That’s right! That’s me on International Dance Day (IDD) 2011, dancing in a flashmob as part of the National Ballet School‘s celebrations in Toronto’s David Pecaut Square, in front of Roy Thomson Hall! Hard to spot, I know. I’m behind the ladies in red: look for purple hair, pink scarf, blue jacket.
I’m sooo not a dancer, yet for that very brief moment last spring – thanks to the National Ballet School (NBS) and International Dance Day – I considered myself one. Best. Experience. Ever. The NBS IDD flashmob was the coolest and waaay-out-of-my-comfort-zone awesomest (I know that’s not a word, but it rhymes and I’m going to plead artistic license here). Go on, check out my moves below! I come in on the second verse of Joel Plaskett’s “Penny for Your Thoughts,” but don’t worry if you can’t find me. Even I have a hard time spotting myself till about 3 minutes and 35 seconds in.
What: A flashmob, silly! Specifically, the National Ballet School of Canada‘s second annual flashmob on International Dance Day, April 29, 2011. I rehearsed for two months with the school’s teachers-in-training to perfect my smooth moves! Where:Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In David Pecaut Square, beside Roy Thomson Hall, in the heart of the entertainment district. This year’s flashmob could be anywhere in Toronto! Psst…in 2012 we’re doing it Bollywood style! When: International Dance Day takes place everyApril 29, with dance flashmobs occuring worldwide! There might even be one in your city. Why: Flashmobs are a spirited way to celebrate a love of dance.
Just heard Anna Calvi‘s “Desire” on Q. This Brit has a powerful voice and a strong, seductive sound you won’t soon forget. Love it, you will. Trust me.
Off to another Friday flick at Innis, I’m happy to hide indoors to watch Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire free of charge. But what Innis saves me in funds, it lacks in ambience, and I find myself longing for the outdoor screenings that stretch across this city every summer (whoever created FreshAirCinema, the company that supplies massive inflatable screens, is a genius). Downsview, Christie Pits and Riverdale parks embrace the concept, as do Harbourfront Centre and Yonge-Dundas Square. One of the newest devotees, TIFF in the Park, is truly a marvellous thing. Heck, TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) on its own makes Toronto an awesome place to live, as evidenced by how electric the city gets come early September. But since moving into the Entertainment District in 2010, TIFF has done its good deeds throughout summer, too, bringing us free movies outdoors every Wednesday night in David Pecaut Square, with the glow of the surrounding skyscrapers and the CN Tower creating a cool Technicolor backdrop (check out my fave TIFF in the Park pics below). No matter where you live, I implore you to watch as many films as you can en plein air! It really is refreshing to be outdoors, sitting or lying on the grass, having a picnic while escaping into the wonderful world of cinema.
Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (1964), with the lovely Catherine Deneuve. A candy-colour French opera set against the deep blue of dusk and the amber glow of downtown. J’adore. (One of my favourite pics I took this summer.)
Ah, Mary Poppins! Another gorgeously saturated Technicolor musical under the stars, um, city lights. I liked how most of us were lazily lying on the grass but still singing along with much enthusiasm.
“Is that cannon fire or is that my heart pounding?” Casablanca. Bergman and Bogie. Need I say more?
Go. That’s all I can say. Go and get tickets to Ride the Cyclone at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille. I saw it this afternoon and can’t stop thinking about it. It’s funny. It’s sweet. It’s sad. It’s a musical…about the afterlife of six high school choir members who are killed in a roller coaster accident. And, yes, it’s a bit haunting, too. So snag some tix before the show ends in Toronto on Dec. 3, and go.
A few weeks ago, I attended an event with Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta, who was showing clips from her latest film, Midnight’s Children, based on the Salman Rushdie novel. At one point during the Q&A at Innis College, she advised the theatre packed with film students that a career in film is risky and scary but the rewards are worth it. She reiterated this later on, when relaying a story about some of the obstacles she faced shooting the film in Sri Lanka rather than India, where the tale takes place. It all worked out in the end, she said, because she’d been open to opportunities and possibilities that she’d never imagined. A twig of understanding amidst my anxiety.
Not long after that, I saw French-Israeli singer Yael Naïm in concert at The Great Hall. Stressed from the job hunting (and the lack of finding), I didn’t feel up to the task of going alone, and I certainly didn’t think I’d enjoy myself with all the distractions of that day. But there’s something utterly compelling about Yael’s voice and fairy-like demeanor, and once she started singing, I felt completely calm, sitting on the floor, surrounded by a room full of hipsters doing the same, yet not feeling like I was alone. And then she introduced the song “I Try Hard,” warning that you shouldn’t live in fear and close yourself off from people and experiences because you’re scared of the unknown or what’s different. Again, it was exactly what I needed to hear.
The last thing I’d ever want to do is fall into something simply because it’s safe or I’m afraid of the alternatives. Where I’m going, I’m not sure. But I do know that I don’t want to make decisions based on fear – decisions that will hold me back just because I don’t know where I want to go. Living life to the fullest means taking risks and being open to opportunities, shaking free of fear and doubt. It’s true, I do try hard. And so should you.
Christmas is around the corner – and so are the carollers! At least in my Toronto neighbourhood, well, neighbourhood adjacent: Bloor-Yorkville. The Bloor-Yorkville BIA is bringing this quartet of festive singers to this upscale stretch of Bloor Street every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. till Christmas. That means they’re strolling along Bloor right now, bedecked in Dickens-inspired winter wear!
