Save these times - advance program info
Sunday May 5
10 am – start time, gather in Riverdale Park
10:30 am – parade through Cabbagetown to Wellesley Park
11 am – food and beverages in the Beer Garden
11 am – all day activities begin: arts and crafts, bean bags, bouncy castle, dangling donuts, DIY photo booth, face painting, parachute games, police car, scouts rope walk, splash pad painting and more!
11 am – Jack & Cosima Grunsky, children’s musical entertainment
Noon– Local 164 – alt/folk/country music
1 pm – fire truck
1:30 pm – Perry White jazz trio
1:30 pm – caricature artist
NEWS ABOUT SPRING CLEANING
Cleaning up graffiti
Cleaning up graffiti
A crew of charming young people from Monsignor Fraser College has been busy in the lanes around Cabbagetown cleaning walls previously covered with graffiti and tags. The project is being coordinated by PC Martin McLaughlin from the Community Response Unit at 51 Division. The students worked in the parking alcove at the Filipino Centre and behind Pizza Pizza on Wellesley and Parliament. On the east wall at F’Amelia, they’re adding a mural under the direction of Donna Sistilli from Msgr Fraser. They’ll also be tackling the wall at Gerrard and Parliament beside The Barber Shop (416 Parliament). Thanks to Constable McLaughlin, Donna and all the students for a fine job that’s leaving our neighbourhood looking much better. For more info, check the website for 51 Division here.
Environment Day
Councillor Pam McConnell hosts a Community Environment Day on Saturday April 27 from 10 am to 2 pm at Lower Sherbourne Park (Sherbourne and the Esplanade). It’s a convenient occasion to get rid of unwanted household items (paint cans, batteries, computer and electronic equipment and hazardous household waste.) You can also recycle useful items for school use and for other families and buy new water barrels, composters, green bins, kitchen containers and water efficiency kits. Check it all out at Pam’s website.
Clean-up days report
Last week, people went to work sweeping and bagging the litter and debris in their neighbourhoods. By all accounts, it was a success. Here’s the Aberdeen group. They cleaned their street and then helped at Winchester Square. The small garden beds in the park were prepped for the summer’s plantings as well.
COMING EVENTS
New plans for Regent Park
In March, TCHC submitted a plan to the City of Toronto to amend future developments in Regent Park. These include increases in the total number of people who will live there from 12,500 to 17,000 and an increase from 5,400 to 7,500 housing units. The plan also calls for the demolition of 14 Blevins Place, the addition of a commercial parking garage, changes in the park spaces, and the addition of several higher buildings. You can see the details and links to other studies at the City’s website. http://www.toronto.ca/planning/regentpark.htm.
TCHC is holding a meeting to brief residents about these changes on Monday April 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Daniels Presentation Centre (500 Dundas E)
Transports of Delight
Eric Morse has long been interested in Toronto’s streetcars. His images, including many new ones, are being shown at Gallery 402, 402 King St E from April 24. Eric will be at the gallery from noon to 5 pm on Saturday April 27.
Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival
Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival
MJG Gallery
is participating in the city-wide Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival
throughout May. "Memory and Context" will feature photographic work
by Chris Albert, Mark Gleberzon, Sandy Middleton, Tanja Tiziana and Tommy Vohs.
The opening night reception is Thursday May 2, 6 to10 pm - please RSVP if you'd
like to attend. 555 Parliament St. 416.923.4031.
Book Fair
Every year, Yonge Street Mission holds a book fair and provides books to hundreds of people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them. This year’s event happens from May 29 to June 1. Before then, they need to collect our donations. Drop off your unwanted books at YSM, 270 Gerrard East from now until May 13. Of special need – new and gently used Bibles, books for kids and youth, dictionaries, and cook books.
Community Yard Sale
Start collecting your stuff. The Cabbagetown South annual Community Yard Sale happens on May 25. The organizers are putting considerable effort into it – including announcements on Craigslist and Kijijji. They’re looking forward to a good crowd looking for the perfect treasures that only a yard sale can produce. If you want to participate, please registerso they’ll know how many vendors will be attending. More info to come – for now, get your stuff ready and be sure to register for the event.
DRAMA
Dis-connect.com at the Winch
Amy and Tom have busy lives, and meeting that special someone has taken a back seat until now. Dis-connect.com is a new play by Nicole Bergot and Sangeeta Wylie. It shines a light on how we relate to each other when social media plays a bigger role in our lives,. This special production of Dis-connect.com is being workshopped before a limited audience at the Winchester Kitchen and Bar (51A Winchester) for three nights only on May 2, 3 and 4 at 8 pm. A talk-back will follow each show. $10/advance and $15/door. For more information and tickets click here.
Soulpepper’s new program
The Barber of Seville by Michael O’Brien opens May 9. It follows the beloved story of the young Count Almaviva and his pursuit of the untouchable Rosina with the help of the irrepressible Barber of Seville. Later in May, Kim’s Convenience opens on May 23 and Joe Orton’s Entertaining Mr Sloane open on July 5. Soulpepper, the Young Centre, Distillery District, 50 Tank House Lane True West by Sam Shepard and La Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler – both close May 4.
The Young Centre
On stage now – The War of 1812. Click herefor info and tickets. Young Centre, Distillery District, 50 Tank House Lane.
The Killdeer at the Alumnae Theatre
The final play in the Alumnae’s season. It closes on Saturday April 27. Performances at 8 pm. Tickets are $20, available here.
ribcage: this wide passage at the Aki Theatre
Written and performed by Heather Hermant. Two performances – May 3, 8 pm, in French and 3 pm on May 5 in English. This is the story of Esther Brandeau who appeared before colonial authorities in Quebec City in September 1738, a woman and a Jew. She had been disguised as a young Christian man for five years in France and here. She was born into a Jewish family in French Basque and is said to be the first Jew to set foot in Canada. For more info and for audience comments, click here. Aki Theatre, 585 Dundas E
RESTAURANTS& CLUBS
Mother’s Day at F’Amelia
Bring your mom to F’Amelia (12 Amelia) for lunch on Mother’s Day. Try out the new drink selections by Jason Fuller (a “bar star” according to Grid). Mom might like raspberry gin fizz, or This Ain’t Wimbleton, or rhubarb tarrason sangria. Jason makes his cocktails with infusions, syrups and reductions that he makes himself. You can read Grid’s review here. And if your mom is like mine, she’ll want them all!
SHOPPING NEWS
Trauma sensitive yoga at Sundara
Empowerment through movement is an eight-week yoga program for trauma survivors. Participants will feel comfortable in their bodies and cultivate the connection between mind and body through gentle restorative movement and breathing practices. We will work on core elements of breath, movement, strengthening, stretching and resting and offer a safe and supportive space with the tools to help manage stress and relieve body tension. Mondays, April 29 to June 24, 8:30 to 9:30 pm. 492 Parliament (side door).
New at Eclectisaurus
Leslie at Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard E) is selling a beautifully detailed pair of andirons featuring seated pixies or brownies, cast in bronze from the 1911 originals. These creatures of English and Scottish folklore were said to live in the house and help with household chores while the owners slept, in exchange for gifts of food. In the late 1800's, the drawing and poems of Canadian artist Palmer Cox popularized the brownies, leading to the naming of the junior Girl Guide organization and the Eastman Kodak "Brownie" camera. For more info, click here.
Kendall & Co goes postal
Kendall delivers yet another unique design with this cast iron retro mail post! May be set in concrete or bolted down to a wooden surface and secured with a lock and key. 15" wide x 67" high. $1,120. Available by special order only, exclusively at Kendall & Co (227 Carlton). Store hours: 10 am to 6 pm weekdays and 11 am to 5 pm Saturdays.
MUSIC& DANCE
Deeply Rooted at the Cameron House
This is the final of four music evenings of roots music at the Cameron House (408 Queen W) to support the Regent Park School of Music. The evening program includes two bands, Devin Cuddy Band and Tarantuela. Saturday April 27, 9 pm.
Jazz at the Imperial Pub
Victoria and Susan report that the Imperial (54 Dundas St E) is well worth the visit – a classic pub that even comes equipped with a special“Ladies” entrance. Their website notes that they’ve been drawing draughts since 1944. The Jazz Generation plays there every Friday night from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the back room. Cabbagetowner Graham Orwin is a band member. For Susan, it’s a “fun way to start the weekend.” So they’ve gotta be good.
newchoir at Ryerson Theatre
newchoir is a rock/pop choir and regardless of your generation, you’re never too old to rock. newchoir musically explores the joys and regrets of youth, getting older and the milestones along the way. From The Who to Fun, newchoir has the Times of Your Life covered. You’ll be sure to notice some of your Cabbagetown neighbours on the stage. Saturday May 11, 8 pm - at Ryerson Theatre. Tickets available here.
Ignite at CCDT
Auditions for dancers and choreographers take place on April 28, 1 to 4 pm, fee $20, 509 Parliament. Ignite is a six-day opportunity in August to explore the choreographic process with contemporary dance artists TOES for dance and MADBOOTS from New York. For more information, visit the CCDT website.
Crescendo
This is the annual gala Spring fundraiser for the Regent Park School of Music. It happens on Monday May 13 at 6:30 pm at the Ada Slaight Hll in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Live music features Jaymz Bee from Jazz FM91, Side 3, Heavyweights Brass Band, RPSM students and more. The silent auction includes a brand new Yamaha grand piano. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $125 – available online here or phone (416) 364-8900.
Vector(s)
At the Fleck Dance Theatre at Harbourfront. Three premiere performances by the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament). Two days only, May 24 and 25, at 8 pm. Reserve your tickets now at (416) 973-4000 or click here for more info.
LOOKIN’GOOD
Sue and William inspected the mural work at F’Amelia and judged it promising
CLUBS& PUBS EVENTS
THURSDAY APRIL 25 TO SUNDAY MAY 5
Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088Ben Wicks, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, www.benwickspub.com
Cafune, 194A Carlton Street, (647)748-7884, Facebook and http://cafune.ca/
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
Paint Box Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester St, (416) 323-0051, www.winchesterkitchen.com
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, we’ve listed the prices. Otherwise, the event is free.
THURSDAY APRIL 25
Dominion on Queen
9 pm, jazz by the Shafton Thomas group, $5Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Sophia Perlman & Terra Hazelton in “Vexed”, $15 advance/$20 door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9:30 pm, Fundraiser for Shakespear in Hospitals
FRIDAY APRIL 26
Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Often Running eclectic folk, swing & bluegrass, $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Gary Krawford
9 pm, Sharron Matthews “Fun & casual”
10:45 pm, Comedy Cabaret with Ryan Hinds
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Shotgun Wedding Band
SATURDAY APRIL 27
Dominion on Queen
4 to 7:30 pm, Ronnie Hayward, pwyc
9 pm, The Kat Kings with rockabilly blues, Price tba
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Dawna Wightman “Life as a pomegranate”
9 pm, Dana Alexander “Is this really happening”
DJ Woggy & Sarah Bee present “Inapark play”
Paintbox Bistro
Pianist Joe Sealey, bass Paul Novotny & drummer Daniel Barnes
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Kenisha Humber Showcase
SUNDAY APRIL 28
Alice’s Place
4 pm, KaraokeDominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly Brunch with the Cosmotones
4 to 8 pm, Toast & Jam with Debbie Fleming, $10
Flying Beaver
8 pm, Chris Tsibiuchi “April Madness”
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm, Beau’s Open Mic with Porter
MONDAY APRIL 29
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm Win-Prov
10 pm, Industry Night
TUESDAY APRIL 30
Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown Django Jam, pwyc
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, epic film night
WEDNESDAY MAY 1
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam, $5
Flying Beaver
To be announced
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia
10 pm, Karaoke at the Winch with Jason Rolland
THURSDAY MAY 2
Dominion on Queen
7 pm, Wee Folk Club, $10
8:30 pm, Brandon Isaak & Keith Picot duo, $10
Flying Beaver
To be announced
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, dis-connect.com - drama
10 pm, Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
FRIDAY MAY 3
Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Havana to Toronto, Afro Cuban, $10
Flying Beaver
To be announcedWinchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, dis-connect.com - drama
10 pm, The Roncy Boys
SATURDAY MAY 4
Dominion on Queen
4 to 7:30 pm, Ronnie Hayward, pwyc9 pm, Lost Anglers, pwyc
Flying Beaver
To be announced
Paintbox Bistro
JAZZ FM9 Youth Big Band presents classic and contemporary jazz by outstandingstudents.
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, dis-connect.com - drama
10 pm, One King
SUNDAY MAY 5
Forsythia Festival
10 am to 3 pm, Riverdale Park (start) & Wellesley Park (main events). Parade, games, food, beer garden, outstanding music.
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly Brunch with the Cosmotones
4:30 pm, Wintergarten Orchestra, $10
Flying Beaver
To be announced
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
Sing Through the Rain Benefit Concert
9 pm, Beau’s presents Open Mic with Porter