This week’s image :  Mid-summer mixer at Riverdale Farm.

Click here to read this week’s column in Barbara’s Garden 

COMING EVENTS & NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Headlines
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre’s summer gala, Headlines, happens on Thursday, August 15 at Rosedale Heights School for the Arts (711 Bloor St E). Doors open at 6:30 pm with the performances at 7 pm.  It’s the CYC’s annual showcase of the skills, talent and spirit of kids in our community.  Tickets are $7 and $21 for a family.

Junior Jazz for kids
On Saturday morning August 17, Junior Jazz returns to the Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E).  It’s a free hour-long concert with Sophia Perlman aimed at kids (and their parents) who want to learn more about jazz.  Sophia will lead the audience singing some of the American Songbook’s best loved pieces.  The quartet will show how musicians can collaborate on the fly.  No cover charge – brunch is available.  For more info, click here.

Walk through historic Riverside
On Saturday August 17, The Riverside BIA is sponsoring a walk along historic Queen Street from the Don Valley Parkway to Degrassi Street. The Queen Street bridge was one of the few crossing points over the Don so the street became the city’s main east-west artery.  The walk will explore some of Toronto’s oldest buildings and you’ll discover anecdotes and stories about local landmarks. Ron Fletcher is the leader.  Meet at the Ralph Thornton Centre (765 Queen E).  2 to 4 pm, Saturday August 17.

Tour the Bell box murals
On Saturday at 6 pm, tour the Regent Park neighbourhood and see the artists at work on Bell boxes in the area. The tour starts in the main lounge at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  This is the second stage in this summer’s project – Cabbagetown and St James Town are finished and the St Lawrence area is next. You can see the finished art on the project’s Facebook page.
 
Movies in the park
On Sunday August 18, the last outdoor movie screening of the season takes place in Riverdale Park East.  The feature film is Ferris Buehler. The movie starts when it gets dark.

Goodbye Summer in Regent Park
The Outdoor Arts Program at the Daniels Spectrum has lined up a great weekend for kids and families on Thursday August 22, Friday August 23 and Saturday August 24. On Thursday, there’ll be a Dance Party for high school students in the Daniels courtyard from 6 to 9 pm with a DJ, dance floor, great music and games.  From 9 am to 2 pm on Friday, boys and girls (middle school ages) can join the soccer field day at Nelson Mandela Park School (445 Shuter).  There’ll be free food, games for players at all skill levels, and awards.  On Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, the Family Carnival happens on Regent Park boulevard next to the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) with free food, carnival games and prizes.  For more info, click here.
 
Under the Stars
Enjoy an outdoor screening in the MDC courtyard beside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  The movie, Elijah, follows Elijah Harper through twenty days leading to his opposition to the Meech Lake Accord and his decision to block its passage because of its failure to help Aboriginal people.  Bill Merasty who stars in the film will be there and will be part of the Q&A after the screening. No cover charge.  Friday August 23, 9 pm.  Click here for more info.

The Art of the Sizzle
The Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre has a terrific evening lined up for Wednesday September 25.  The Art of the Sizzle is a tribute roast to Bob Rae and a fundraising benefit for the CCAC.  Featured guests include TVO’s Steve Paikin, the Royal Canadian Air Farce, John Tory, Glen Murray and more.  The evening includes dinner, wine and the comedy roast.  It all happens in the north building at the St Lawrence Market.  Tickets are $199 and tax receipts are provided.  There`s more info and tickets here.
 
Painting Toronto’s highest mural
Photo: Toronto Star
Mural artists have started to paint the side of 200 Wellesley Street.  When it’s finished, it’ll cover the south wall of the building and at a height of 250’, it’ll be the tallest mural in Toronto.  It’s been designed and coordinated by STEPS Initiative and funding comes from the Ontario Arts Council, Trillium, ING Direct, Street Art Toronto and local businesses.  Just four years ago, the building was devastated by a six-alarm fire.  The mural, named Phoenix, celebrates its rebirth and renewal.  Global News has a video clip and a short story here. 

Kendall & Co
Kendall has been nominated in two categories in the NOW Magazine Readers’ Poll and the voting is still happening. Click on these links and send your vote to push Kendall right to the top.  For Best Design Firm, click here and for Best Design Shop, vote here.  At the site, click on Kendall’s name and then scroll down the page to the “Cast your vote” button.
There are new arrivals at Kendall & Co (221 Carlton).  The staff really likes them and so they tried them on and struck a pose.  They’re inviting you to drop by and try one on for size as well.  And while you’re there, check out the home accents, lighting and rugs that are included in the summer clearance sale – you could save up to 50% off the regular prices.

Quick gossip about our restaurants
 
Local Gest (424 Parliament) has a Facebook page and a website.  Their menus are listed on the website.
 
Que is a new dining lounge and event space at 364 Queen E.  They're offering BBQ fushion and tastes where you least expected them.  Menus and photos on their website here.  http://www.quesupperclub.com/
 
CLUBS & PUBS
 
THURSDAY AUGUST 15 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 25

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
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
Local Gest, 424 Parliament St,  (416) 275-1586,  http://www.thelocalgest.com/
Paint Box Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Que, 364 Queen St E, (647) 748-1783,  www.quesupperclub.com
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 we know that there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, we’ve listed the prices.
 
THURSDAY AUGUST 15

Cafune
6:30 pm, Henrique Matulis (guitar) and Paco Luviano (bass) - Brazilian jazz
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Zoe Sky Jordan, pwyc

FRIDAY AUGUST 16

Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Often Running
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Lucas Silveira. $10/advance & $15/door
9 pm, Comedy, cabaret & coffee talk with Ryan G Hinds, Jennifer Walls, Seth Drabinsky and Mme Belle Jumelle, $10/advance & $15/door.
Que
10 pm, DJ Nights to 2 am
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Michelle Bozzoto fundraiser

SATURDAY AUGUST 17

Flying Beaver
9 pm, Aastha Lal, “Words to laugh by”, $5/advance & $10/door
Paintbox
10 am – Junior Jazz presents Jazz for Children with Sophia Perlman quartet, no cover
Que
10 pm, DJ Nights to 10 pm
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Roncy Boys Double Bill

SUNDAY AUGUST 18

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Toronto’s only rockabilly brunch with the Cosmotones, no cover
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Brandon presents Hypnotixx, $10/advance & $15/door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm, Beau’s presents Open Mic with Porter

MONDAY AUGUST 19

Dominion on Queen
6:30 pm, Oak Recording Studio seminar
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm Win-Prov
10 pm,  Industry Night
 
TUESDAY AUGUST 20

Dominion on Queen
8:30 to 11:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown Django Jam, pwyc
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Epic movie Tuesday

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 21

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Christian Jeffries, Songs from the Couch, $20/advance & $25/door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7:30 pm, Winchester Trivia
10 pm, Karaoke at the Winch with Jason Rolland

THURSDAY AUGUST 22

Cafune
6:30 pm, Attila Fias (keyboard) & Henrique Matulis (guitar)
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Julie Michels solo show, $15/advance & $20/door

FRIDAY AUGUST 23

Dominion on Queen
Murata Music School student concert – time tba
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Peter Lebuis, Bitter Sweet Love, $15/advance & $20/door
9 pm, Liz Tansey sings with Ted Quinlan on guitar, pwyw
Que
10 pm, DJ Nights to 10 pmWinchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Shot Gun Wedding Band

SATURDAY AUGUST 24

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Reenie Soul-pop quintet, pwyw
9 pm, Kevin Wong quit his day job, $10/advance & $15/door.
Que
10 pm, DJ Nights to 10 pm

SUNDAY AUGUST 25

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly Brunch with the Cosmotones
Flying Beaver
8 pm, ChrisTsujiuchi’s monthly tsubaret with special guests, $10/advance & $15/door
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Strategy Board Games
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7 pm, James Allen magic show
9 pm, Beau’s presents Open Mic with Porter