July 31


This week’s image:  On the slide at Corktown Commons

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

LOCAL EVENTS

The RPSM Songbook premiere
Last weekend, the Choir from the Regent Park School of Music unveiled its Songbook – a compilation of nine works by prominent Canadian composers.  These works were written specifically for five pairs of the Choir’s voice and piano students.  Lyrics were written earlier by RPSM students in a lyric-writing contest.  The Choir performed on Friday at the Canadian Music Centre and again on Saturday at Harbourfront. 
These kids can really sing.  Check out this video showing them perform O Canada with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at the opening of Regent Park. 

Don’t forget - Moss Park hockey
Last week, Megan Takeda announced the 2014 sponsorship opportunities for the free hockey leagues at Moss Park arena.  Then Louise wrote to reminisce that her (now-grown up) son “Joel and his friends learned the great Canadian game there and several alumni have returned to coach the next generation.  The coffee and tube steaks make the place a Saturday morning destination.  Many a Cabbagetown dinner party has been enhanced by goodies from the frequent fundraising bake sales.”  Your support will keep this tradition rolling along.  Contact Megan at mossparkhockeyleague@gmail.com and click here to see a great video.  

Streetscapes in bloom
Three local gardens have been nominated for the 2014 Streetscapes in Bloom award.  It’s an annual presentation by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association to honour local gardeners who have enhanced their street frontages.  Keep your eye on these three locations as the season progresses – in September, one will be the winner:  62 Amelia Street, 141 Amelia Street and 266 Carlton Street.

Transparency on the waterfront
Waterfront Toronto has just published its July newsletter.  As was widely reported a while ago, City of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong each had a bunch of gripes about expenses and transparency with the waterfront developments.  The waterfront has a big potential impact on our neighbourhood and so these complaints were important for us.  Waterfront Toronto has explained its policies in its July newsletter which you can see here.  

Waterfront updates
The newsletter also gives reports on several waterfront developments close to us: the Canary District that will first serve as the Pan Am Games village, River City, Bayside and Queens Quay. For those who struggle on a bike at Queen’s Quay, there’s a map and explanation about cycling detours through the construction zone.  Click here to read more.  

Oh no, Glen
You’re leaving us.  Sadly, Glen Murray has decided to move his constituency office in September from its current 514 Parliament Street location to new digs at 120 Carlton Street, Suite 318.  The phone number (416-972-7686) and email address (gmurray.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org) will stay the same.  You must know, Glen, that life in a high-rise office won’t have the same sizzle for you.

Artfest at the Distillery

This weekend, Artfest returns for a three-day event in the Distillery.  There’ll be artists and artisans displaying their paintings, pottery, jewellery, ceramics, leather, textiles and glass works.  Live music, mural painting, gourmet food, children’s entertainment.  It’s a free event.  Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11 am to 6 pm.  For a preview of the artists and their works, click here. 

IN THE PARKS

Music at Little Trinity
On Thursday July 31, Thomas Williams jazz combo at 7 pm.  The next concert happens on Thursday August 14 with Graydon James and the Young Novelists.  Free.  King Street east at Trinity.

The Never Ending Story at Movies in the Park
Family movies on the eastern edge of Riverdale Park East below Broadview – you can`t miss the big screen.  On Sunday August 3, it’s The Never Ending Story and on Sunday August 17, the Wizard of Oz. The shows begin when it gets dark. Sponsored by the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubs (101 Spruce).  The Club hopes that you`ll get a coffee and a snack at Rooster Coffee House (479 Broadview) – the proceeds from sales during the screenings will be contributed to the Club.

Short Term 12 at Under the Stars
A counsellor at a care facility for at-risk teens struggles to cope after new arrivals raise issues from her own past.  Wednesday August 6, 9 pm, free.  Presented by the Regent Park Film Festival. Outdoors beside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), indoors in the Ada Slaight Hall if it rains. For more info, click here.  

Farmer’s Markets
Riverdale Park, Tuesday from 2 to 7 pm, Winchester and Sumach.
Regent Park, Wednesday 3:30 to 7 pm, Regent Park Blvd beside the Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E

Diane Flacks & Katie Ford
Diane and Katie try out new material in their ``Bits & pieces`` show at the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament).  Saturday August 9 at 7 pm.  Cover charge, $10 advance and $15 door.

Save the date
The Local GEST (424 Parliament) celebrates its first anniversary on Saturday August 9.  The party starts at 7:30 pm and it should be fun.  Congrats guys.  

Can you find him? 
Cabbagetowner Danny Marks is somewhere in this picture. So are the other members of Edward Bear.  Mr Marks says that he's a bit sick and tired of this photo because so many people have sent it to him.

CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Early news
The new management at the Festival is already making an impact with interesting program announcements.
·      Festival dates - Thursday September 4 to Sunday September 7
·      2014 Festival posters are now available.  On its website, the BIA says that businesses can pick up a copy from 10 am to 3 pm at the office (237 Carlton).  No word about their availability for residents. 
·      The BIA website has a FAQ section for potential street vendors who are asked to call the office at (416) 921-0857 for a registration form.  The website also has a Paypal system set up to handle vendor payments.  The fee is $300.  
·      This year, Blair’s Run will switch from its traditional Saturday morning time to a new Sunday morning slot. 
·      The children’s area at Gerrard and Parliament will be expanded into a midway zone operated by Astro Amusements. 
·      Street entertainment will return to a more localized format with bands sprinkled along the street instead of being concentrated at one big stage area. 
·      As always, there’ll be an emphasis on artisan vendors in small tents along the street and plenty of good food. 

Festival favourites
Organizers of our Festival favourites are getting their 2014 programs ready.  Save these dates. 
·      One Night in Cabbbagetown will offer its tasting tour through local restaurants on Thursday night. 
·      The Cabbagetown Short Film & Video Festival is back on Friday night at the Winchester Dance Theatre.
·      The Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Festival takes over Riverdale Park on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. 
·      As mentioned above, Blair’s Run will switch to a new Sunday morning slot.
·      The Riverdale Farm Fall Harvest Festival will hold a corn roast in the park on Saturday and Sunday. 
·      The Cabbagetown Theatre Company’s half-hour performances are scheduled at the Necropolis chapel on Saturday and Sunday. 
·      The CPA’s neighbourhood walking tours will happen on Saturday and Sunday from Riverdale Park. 
There’ll be lots more – all of this is preliminary and the program details have yet to be announced.
  
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JULY 31 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 10

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
El Catrin, 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121,  www.elcatrin.ca/home
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 Wine Bar & Restaurant, 2 Trinity Street, Distillery, (647) 430-1111, 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 JULY 31

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia League hosted by Shannon McDonough, no cover
9:30 pm, Momo`s Karaoke, no cover
The Local GEST
9 pm, Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
Tappo
7 pm, Errol Fisher

FRIDAY AUGUST 1

Dominion on Queen
9 pm,  Caribbean jazz connection with Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Sabrina Jalees comedy with Sara Hennessy & Sandra Battaglini, $15/advance & $20/door

SATURDAY AUGUST 2

Flying Beaver
8 pm, Glen Gary`s “Toronto Songwriters Showcase”, pwyc
The Irv
9 pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective

SUNDAY AUGUST 3

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Cheesy Queer Movie Nite presents ``Dessert Hearts`` no cover.
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with Sherie Marshall, Mike Cado and Artie Roth
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY AUGUST 4
(no events to list)

TUESDAY AUGUST 5

Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown – Django Jam
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown Uke Jam
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Paul Bellini presents ``Liar Liar Pants on Fire``no cover.
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night

THURSDAY AUGUST 7

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia League hosted by Shannon McDonough, no cover
9:30 pm, Momo`s Karaoke, no cover
The Local GEST
9 pm, Open mic with Porter
Tappo
7 pm, Errol Fisher

FRIDAY AUGUST 8

Flying Beaver
7 pm, The Travelling Goon River Improv Show, pwyw

SATURDAY AUGUST 9

Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Paul James
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Diane Flacks & Katie Ford, ``Bits & pieces”, $10/advance & $15/door
9 PM, Doug Balfour & Susie Wesson, ``Foggy memories``, $10/advance & $15/door
The Irv
7 pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Local GEST
7:30 pm, The One-year Birthday Party
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective

SUNDAY AUGUST 10

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
4:30 pm, The Wintergarten Orchestra
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Jamieson Montgomery ``Under the full moon”, $10/advance & $15/door
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with the Steve Koven Trio
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

July 24


This week’s image:  Levanna and her pals at Riverdale Farmer’s Market

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND HERE

Hockey news
Photo:  Justin Skinner, Inside Toronto
The Moss Park Hockey League is seeking sponsors for its teams for the 2014/2015 season.  The League provides free hockey for kids ages 4 to 14 from Toronto’s core.  Your support helps to pay for team jerseys and the banquet at the end of the season.  As a sponsor, you name the team and your logo goes onto the League’s website.    Contact Megan at mossparkhockeyleague@gmail.com for more info.  And to see a charming video, click here.  

Cultural Collage in St James Town
Join local artists, dancers and community groups to celebrate the amazing diversity of St James Town.  There’ll be music, dancing, henna art, face painting, art exhibitions and more.  There’s a short video from last year’s Festival here.  Saturday July 26, 1 to 4 pm, in the green space beside 260 Wellesley.  Free.  Sponsored by St James Town Arts.

Soulpepper Cabaret Series
From Weimar to Vaudeville – Tom Allen’s vivid imagining of the music from the 1920s and 1930s.  Tickets from $23.  Saturday July 26, 8:30 pm.  Click here for details.  Young Centre for the Performing Arts (Distillery).

Cabbagetown’s cantautore
Peter Donato is back at the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) on Sunday July 27 at 7:30 pm.  He`ll be singing black denim ballads and cool songs for the summer.  Click here for more info and tickets - $10/advance and $15/door. 

Step and Zumba on Sunday
On Sunday July 27, Brenda Brown McNee is holding a special mid-summer edition of her Step aerobics class (at 10 am) and Aiya is conducting her Zumba class (at 11 am).  Both happen at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre gym (2 Lancaster, behind the Parliament Street Beer Store.)  Everyone is welcome for one or both classes.

Summer Music Series in the Distillery
David Newland performs in Trinity Square in the Distillery on Sunday July 27 from 3 to 5 pm.  Ontario folk-roots performer and seasoned storyteller.  Free.

Movies in the park
Starting on Sunday, the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club’s (101 Spruce) family movies in Riverdale Park East.  The shows begin when it gets dark. They`re located on the eastern edge of the park below Broadview – you can`t miss the big screen.  The Club hopes that you`ll get a coffee and a snack at Rooster Coffee House (479 Broadview) – the proceeds from sales during the screenings will be contributed to the Club.
Sunday July 27 – Footloose
Sunday August 3 – The Never Ending Story
Sunday August 17 - Wizard of Oz

LUV at Under the Stars
LUV will be screened on Wednesday July 30, 9 pm.  An 11-year old boy gets a lesson in life from his ex-con uncle.  Bring a blanket.  If it rains, the film will be shown inside in the Ada Slaight Hall. Outside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Free event – popcorn and soft drinks available for purchase.

Music in the park
Little Trinity’s open-air music series continues on Thursday July 31 at 7 pm with the Thomas Williams Jazz Combo. It’s a free event.  Little Trinity Park (King E at Trinity).

Artfest in the Distillery
On August 2, 3 and 4, 75 artists and artisans will display their work – handmade pottery, glass, jewellery, leather, gourmet foods, textiles, paintings, live music and more.  11 am to 6 pm daily. For a preview, check out the Artfest website.

Two reminders – Tai chi and Sundara Yoga
Tai chi happens every Sunday morning on the cement pad in Wellesley Park (at the east end of Wellesley Street) at 8 am.  Steve Kwan has been teaching his classes for years and he emphasizes a gentle style that`s easily done by beginners.  It`s a free event.
Sundara Yoga does free yoga sessions in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach) every Tuesday afternoon beside the Farmer`s Market. 

Farmers markets
Riverdale Farmer`s Market in Riverdale Park (east end of Winchester at Sumach). Tuesdays from 2 to 7 pm. 
Regent Park Farmer`s Market outside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7:30 pm.

So, if you complain…
Then you’ve got to acknowledge progress when it happens.  Many thanks to the owners at 456 Parliament.  Work has started up again.  The paper wrappings on the railings have been removed. New windows have been installed on the mezzanine levels and the third floor. The trash has been thinned out along the front patio space.  And there are new hoardings along the basement wall. It may be slow but it is progress.

BUSINESS NEWS

Eclectisaurus
Leslie has a mid-century modern dining room suite that includes six chairs, a table and a matching sideboard.  The table has an automatic centre leaf. Designed by Russell Spanner, the set features extraordinary geometric lines, ebonized maple wood and white upholstery.  Click here to see more detail. Eclectisaurus, Open Wednesday to Friday from 3 to 8 pm, Saturday from noon to 7 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm.  249 Gerrard E.

Don’t be a wallflower
Why stare blankly at boring walls? Turn your walls into instant works of art.  The designers at Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) have curated a wonderful collection of wall coverings in brilliant prints, subtle impressions, grass cloth, textured accents or encrusted crystals.  From traditional to modern to totally fun.  Drop in to the store, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.  www.kendallandco.ca
 
RESTAURANT NEWS

More cooking at Merryberry
Cyril is repeating his “cooking with avocado” class on Tuesday July 27 at 6 pm.  It’s his most popular class to date.  Recipes will include chilled avocado and cucumber soup, strawberry-avocado pico de gallo (salsa), chickpea-edamame salad with avocado and ginger dressing, blackened chicken with avocado sauce and mango quinoa and avocado creme brulee.  Contact him at the restaurant, call (647) 348-0411 or email cyril@merryberry.ca  Merryberry CafĂ© & Bistro (559 Parliament).

OMI closes
OMI (241 Carlton) was always a welcome part of the Cabbagetown community.  When it first opened, its modern interior style and the high quality of its menu were vigorous additions to our local restaurant scene.  It also regularly garnered wide attention across the city.  Its owners and staff can be proud of the way that they added to our experiences.

Four new restaurants on the horizon
So far, we don’t have much information about these new guys but they’re all coming soon.  One (as yet unnamed) will be located at 568 Parliament, upstairs from Under The Table.  Work on the second one, EuroBites, has started – it’s located just south of Parliament and Wellesley and will offer desserts and small dishes from the Balkans. The third is Ronnie B’s Southern Kitchen & Taps, the replacement for OMI at 241 Carlton. The fourth one will be occupying the space at Carlton and Parliament that was formerly home for Ginger – the rental agent says that it’s leased but hasn’t any other information to share right now.

Congrat’s to The Local GEST
To celebrate their first anniversary, Gary, Erick, Sean and Tiffany are having a party on Saturday August 9 from 7:30 pm. Their pub has grown into a success during its first year - the place to watch Olympic gold medal hockey games at 6 am or to hear jazz on Sunday afternoons or to enjoy favourites like Porter’s Open Mic and Jeff Barnes with Noah Zacharin.  They’ve kept the warm welcome of the Ben Wicks and added their own energy and ideas. Congrats and best wishes for many more.  424 Parliament

Congrats to The Scullery
Photo:  blogTO, Jesse Milns
blogTO has included the Scullery (200 Carlton) on its list of Toronto’s best huevos rancheros at weekend brunch.  As the article says, this Mexican dish offers a refreshing change from the usual eggs benny or pancakes that dominate brunch menus.   The Scullery's brunch starts at 8 am and there’s a vegan version available as well.  They join El Catrin (in the Distillery) on the list.  You can read the full review here.  

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JULY 24 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 3

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
El Catrin, 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121,  www.elcatrin.ca/home
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, 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 Wine Bar & Restaurant, 2 Trinity Street, Distillery, (647) 430-1111, 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 JULY 24

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
Tappo Wine Bar & Restaurant
7 pm, Errol Fisher

FRIDAY JULY 25

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Michelle Lecce-Hewitt with Brian Moran & Tom Daniels, $10/advance & $15/door
9 pm, Carrie Chesnutt’s “Xmas in July”, $10/advance & $15/door

SATURDAY JULY 26

Flying Beaver
9 pm, Caroline Martin-Rowe, “Legends in your livingroom”, $15/advance & $20/door
The Irv
7 pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective

SUNDAY JULY 27

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Peter Donato “Cantautore in summer”, $10/advance & $15/door
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with Coleman Tinsley’s quartet
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY JULY 28
(no events to list)

TUESDAY JULY 29

Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown – Django Jam
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz

WEDNESDAY JULY 30

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown Uke Jam
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night

THURSDAY JULY 31

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, Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
Tappo Wine Bar & Restaurant
7 pm, Errol Fisher

FRIDAY AUGUST 1

Dominion on Queen
9 pm,  Caribbean jazz connection with Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Sabrina Jalees comedy with Sara Hennessy & Sandra Battaglini, $15/advance & $20/door

SATURDAY AUGUST 2

Flying Beaver
8 pm, Glen Loucks “TO Talent Show”, pwyc
The Irv
9 pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective

SUNDAY AUGUST 3

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Shannon McDonough’s Holiday Weekend Show, details to come.
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with Sherie Marshall, Mike Cado and Artie Roth
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema