June 26

This week’s image:  Peter shows off a vintage 2008 Cabbagetown Tee on the shores of Georgian Bay

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Riverdale Farm Aid
Congrats to the organizers and supporters of last week’s fundraiser at the Farm.  Anne Pastuszak reports that 550 people attended including 100 kids who romped around the Kids Zone.  The auction featured 33 items and raised over $8,000.  In total, with donor support, proceeds from the auction and ticket sales, the event raised $24,000 which will be used to refurbish the Simpson House into a Welcome Centre for visitors to the Farm. There’s a Facebook page about the Farm that’s worth bookmarking and visiting regularly – click here. 

Anniversary Park project
The Cabbagetown BIA is planning a pilot project together with the City of Toronto and the Daniels Corporation to test ideas for Anniversary Park (Gerrard and Parliament). Traffic will be redirected and several ideas tested for future use.  The park’s location places it in a crucial spot right at the junction of the new Regent Park and the Cabbagetown shopping area.  The BIA is asking for the community’s ideas about the park and its future use.  Contact cabbagetownbia@gmail.com   

TCHC housing
Two different Cabbagetown houses owned by TCHC have been sitting empty because of fire damage.  One on Prospect Street has been empty for almost ten years.  The other on Aberdeen was damaged in the winter.
The Prospect Street home is in the process of being repaired for a new occupant.  City Council has approved a TCHC report about its use and negotiations with a social service agency about a partnership with TCHC have been concluded.  It will likely be back in use by the Fall.
The Aberdeen house has been closed up and stabilized.  TCHC is dealing with insurance issues and neighbours` claims. No decision has been reached about its future.  Three choices are open – a sale on the open market, a conversion to a different use or restoration to its previous use as a rooming house.

456 to 460 Parliament
This site is the scene of a fire in 2010 and subsequent neglect over the past three years.  Although the owners originally cleared away much of the fire damage and worked on the interior, the work stopped in the past year.  This is the same report that we got a year ago and there`s been no progress since then. It`s continuing to be an eyesore and a drag on the whole neighbourhood around it.  Enforcing improvements will be very difficult.  The City can periodically demand that debris and garbage be removed but there isn`t much that can be done about an unsightly, half-finished building.  It`s possible that the owners have run out of money to complete the work.  If so, the best cure at this time probably involves a sale of the property to someone who can afford to finish the repairs.

In the media
Photo - Torstar, Marta Iwanek
Christopher Hume has written a column in the Toronto Star about the new park space in Regent Park.  The official opening for the new Regent Park at Dundas and Sackville happened last Saturday.  Hume describes it as a park destined for success. Click here to read his story.

Summer Arts at CCDT
Summer Arts brings an exciting mix of creative dance, visual arts and music for children ages 4 to 8. It`s a week-long program that`s day-long for 5 to 8 year olds and mornings for 4 year olds.  Registration is now open.  For all the details about the program and about registering, click here. 

Borne at the Young Centre
RARE Theatre Company in association with Soulpepper presents Judith Thompson`s Borne.  Nine actors in wheelchairs share their hilarious and heartbreaking stories and explore myths and preconceptions about living with disabilities.  On stage from Friday June 27 to July 18.  For tickets and more info, click here. 

Brenda’s class photo
Photo: Alec Morier
Brenda Brown McNee leads a weekly Zumba and Step class at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  Last week’s class was the season’s finale and wrap-up party.  The group photo was taken by 6-year-old Alec using a cell phone.  Great job Alec.

CNH needs a runner
If you’re a marathon runner and want to combine your sport and your contribution to the community, please contact Amanda Laronde at Central Neighbourhood House at (416) 925-4363.  CNH wants to participate in the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon on Sunday October 19.  Your registration fee will be covered and CNH will use your run as a focus for their fundraising. 

ROMwalks at the Necropolis
ROMwalks tours the Necropolis on Sunday at 2 pm.  The tour starts at the gates of the cemetery. This is a free event.  The ROM conducts these walks throughout the summer – the July itinerary includes Wednesday July 16 at 6 pm (Cabbagetown North), Saturday July 26 at 2 pm (Cabbagetown South) and Sunday July 27 at 2 pm (back to the Necropolis). For a brochure about all of the walks, click here. 

Steve Kwan’s Tai Chi classes
Starting on Sunday July 6, Steve is offering free Tai Chi classes from 9 to 10 am on Sunday mornings in Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley Street).  Join him at the Kids’ Pool near the Wellesley entrance.  Steve has long been teaching Tai Chi classes in our area. Everyone welcome - he conducts a gentle course that’s good for beginners and people of all ages. 

Pride of Cabbagetown
 
Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) is selling an Equal Marriage mug.  $2 from each purchase will be donated to 519 Church Street Community Centre.  It’s Kendall’s way to contribute to the community.  Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm.

NOW “Best of” Votes
For the second year, Kendall & Co is on the ballot for two categories in NOW Magazine’s “2014 Best of” competitions.  We can help by casting our votes – for Best Design Store, click here and vote.  For Best Design Firm, click here and vote. 

Duncan and Whiskey Jack
Duncan Fremlin and his pals in Whiskey Jack are making preliminary announcements about their summer plans.  They`ll be appearing at the Royal Canadian Legion in Stratford for the Whiskey Jack`s Stompin` Tom Music Tribute Show on Monday August 4 at 8 pm.  It`s part of the Stratford Summer Music Festival and Sean Cullen will be there to act as Master of Ceremonies.  As Wm Shakespeare would undoubtedly urge us, ``Forsooth, don`t miss it.`` To book your tickets, click here. 

WEEKLY SUMMER EVENTS
Raoul & The Big Time
Soulpepper`s weekly cabaret evenings continue with Raoul & The Big Time on Saturday June 28 at 8:30 pm. The cabaret is an ongoing series of musical evenings sponsored by Soulpepper.  TD Studio in the Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) Tickets are $15 and $20 and you can get them here. 
Kidnapped for Christ
The feature movie at this week’s outdoor screening in the Under the Stars Festival.  A young evangelical filmmaker is granted free access in a Christian behaviour modification program for teens where she discovers shocking secrets and young students who change her life.  Wednesday July 2, 9 pm.  Outdoors beside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  If it rains, the screening is indoors in the Ada Slaight Hall at the Daniels Spectrum. No cover – buy your own pop and popcorn at the venue.

Music in the Park
Thursday July 3, 7 pm.  This week’s guests are The Birds of Bellwood, a Toronto group playing folk/Canadiana .  Little Trinity Park (King Street E at Trinity). No cover charge.

Riverdale Farmer’s Market
Tuesday from 2 to 7 pm.  Riverdale Park (Winchester & Sumach).  This year’s new events include yoga by Sundara Yoga and a wood oven pizza.  As the season progresses, there’s more produce and more vendors are attending.

Regent Park Farmer’s Market
Wednesday from 3:30 to 7:30 pm.  Beside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Now open for the season.  Check out the Market’s Facebook page for weekly updates about new produce and vendors.

RESTAURANT & CLUB NEWS
Errol Fisher performs in The Distillery
Every Thursday night, Errol Fisher will be singing in the Tappo Wine Bar & Restaurant patio (2 Trinity Street) from 7 to 11 pm.  Errol appeared several years ago at the Cabbagetown Festival.  His style and strong presence make his performances memorable. 

Jazz Festival News
Jazz Festival events continue this weekend at three local pubs. 

At the Dominion on Queen (500 Queen E), there`s a very full calendar that includes Ralphe Armstrong & the International Detroiters on Thursday, the Partisans with new wave British jazz on Friday, Beverly Taft`s Bossa Nova project on Saturday afternoon and in the evening the Wintergarten Orchestra.

At the Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E), the G-Three Music Series continues with the Alexis Baro Trio (Latin, Caribbean, traditional and modern jazz) on Thursday, the Anthony Fung Quintet on Friday and then in a big show on Saturday, Archie Alleyne and Jackie Robinson. All shows at the Paintbox happen at 9 and 10:30 pm and have various ticket prices. 
 
The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) is host to the Alex Tait Trio on Friday at 9 pm.  She`ll be playing a mix of her original compositions, choice standards and interpretations of popular artists. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Extended F`Amelia
The relaxed patio and wine bar next to F`Amelia is now open on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 5 pm to late hours.  The patio will have the full F`Amelia pasta and pizza menu.  8 Amelia.

Sunday jazz at The Local GEST
Alison Young brings a jazz hurricane from 4:30 pm on Sunday afternoon.  No cover charge.  There`s also a celebration of World Pride week including Open Mic with Porter on Thursday at 9 pm and DJ Mike Reid on Friday at 10 pm as well as the Sunday jazz with Alison Young. 424 Parliament.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JUNE 26 TO SUNDAY JUNE 29

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
The Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
Gilead Café & Wine Bar, 4 Gilead Place, (647) 288-0680, http://www.jamiekennedy.ca/
House on Parliament, 454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, www.facebook.com/pages/House-on-Parliament
The Irv, 195 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, https://www.facebook.com/theirvpub
The Local GEST, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, https://www.facebook.com/thelocalgest
Merryberry, 559 Parliament, www.merryberry.ca
Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Ln (Distillery), (416) 681-0338, Facebook and http://toronto.millstreetbrewpub.ca/
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Tappo, 2 Trinity Street, Distillery (647) 430-1111, http://www.tappo.ca/
Under the Table, 568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, we’ve listed the prices. Otherwise, the event is free.

THURSDAY JUNE 26

Dominion on Queen
6:30 & 8:30 pm, Ralphe Armstrong & International Detroiters, Toronto Jazz Festival
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia League hosted by Cajo, no cover
9:30 pm, Karaoke with Cajo, no cover
The Local GEST
9 pm, Open mic with Porter
Paintbox
9 & 10:45 pm, Alexis Baro Quintet, G-Three Music Series and Toronto Jazz Festival, $15
Tappo
7 pm, Errol Fisher

FRIDAY JUNE 27

Dominion on Queen
7:30 & 10 pm, Partisans, Toronto Jazz Festival
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Shirley Gnome, $10/advance & $15/door
9 pm, Alex Tate Trio celebrates Toronto Jazz Week, $10/advance & $15/door
11 pm, Mullets & Mom Jeans comedy duo,
Paintbox
9 & 10:45 pm, Anthony Fung Quintet, G-Three Music Series and Toronto Jazz Festival, $15

SATURDAY JUNE 28

Dominion On Queen
4 pm, Beverley Taft’s Bossa Nova Project, Toronto Jazz Festival
9 pm, Wintergarten Orchestra, Toronto Jazz Festival
The Irv
9 pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Paintbox
9 pm, Archie Alleyne & Jackie Richardson, “Archie’s Final Gig”, G-Three Music Series and Toronto Jazz Festival, $30

SUNDAY JUNE 29

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with Alison Young’s Trio
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema