April 30


This week’s image:  Forsythia Festival

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

REAL ESTATE NEWS

There are open houses in a home on Aberdeen and a townhouse on Earl .  Click here to see the details.

The Spring real estate market is in full swing now and there are sales and open houses through the area.  Two noteworthy homes are on the market.  Their histories and character make each one worth watching. If you have a chance, check them out.

#6 Wellesley Cottages
This cottage was the first restoration done in the Cottages row.  In the early 1980s, a developer had wanted to alter them drastically or tear them down.  Their facades were stucco and the rear walls, as one owner notes, were largely made from early 20th century copies of the Toronto Star.   There were dirt lanes and a dirt parking area in the front.  They were protected by Part IV heritage designation in September 1983.
The current owner bought #6 in 1982.  It had 400 square feet in four little rooms.  His renovation expanded it into a 2800 square foot home with parking for four cars, a small front yard and a deep backyard onto the St James cemetery, all on a 30’ wide lot. It’s still the largest of the Cottages. The original dirt front area has been transformed into a paved brick courtyard. It’s the eastern home in the row.
It’ll come on the market this weekend.  For listing details, contact Larry McGill of Right At Home, (416) 391-3232.

397 Carlton Street
This is a big, beautiful Victorian Italianate heritage home on Carlton facing Riverdale Park.  Built in 1883, its inner rooms still retain much their original charm with 10’ ceilings, high crown moulding, a marble fireplace in the living room, two staircases and three large bedrooms and a den upstairs.
There’s a 421 square foot coach house, a separate one bedroom lower apartment and driveway parking for two cars.  It’s a detached house with a 50’ by 90’ lot.  The back verandahs overlook a private rear garden.  
Its latest owner was the writer, director and artist Patricia Watson who lived here for 45 years, including time with her then-husband film maker Allan King in the 1970s. It’s currently being shown with her furniture and paintings.  It’s now an estate sale “as-is, where-is”.
Susanne Hudson at Chestnut Park is the listing agent.  (416) 925-9191.  It’s on the market at $2.7 million. 

TWO BIG EVENTS

The Forsythia Festival
After months of hard work, the organizers have prepared a great program for Sunday’s Forsythia Festival.  It starts, as usual, in Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester) at 10 am.  The neighbourhood parade launches off at 10:30 am and takes the crowd through Don Vale up to Wellesley Park and the day’s events get underway.  There’ll be a Beer Garden with great barbeque from St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) and ice cold Steam Whistles. You can buy tickets for the fabulous raffles – two draws  will be made each half hour from noon to 3 pm.  A fire truck will visit from 1 to 2 pm at the end of Wellesley and kids are invited to climb aboard and meet the firemen.  All day long, there are free kids activities – an arts and crafts table, a beanbag toss, a bouncy castle, bubbles, fishing, dangling donuts, face painting, parachute games, a police car, a Scouts rope bridge and more.  From 11 am to 3 pm, a DJ from Jet Entertainment will provide onsite music, there’ll be a Taekwondo demo and a gentle tai chi performance.  Plus, most important, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to meet your friends and have a good gossip. 
For maps, a program guide and a list of donors and prizes, click here.  

Congrats Lenny Long and Erica Benson
Erica has been named the Forsythia Festival Queen and Lenny is the King.  Both were nominated because of their continued efforts to improve our community. This is well-deserved recognition – congrats and have fun on Sunday.

Jane’s Walk program – Friday May 1 to Sunday May 3
There are, of course, walks in all of Toronto’s corners.  Here’s a sampling of the walks, times and starting points in our area:
·      Building roads together, Regent Park (10 am Friday, Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E)
·      Everybody walk St James Town (11 am Friday, Wellesley Community Corner, 200 Wellesley St E)
·      St James Town & the Filipino community, (10 am Saturday, Glen Road exit, Sherbourne subway station)
·      School gardens (10 am Saturday, Sherbourne subway station)
·      Poor people’s history of downtown Toronto (10 am Saturday, 51 Division, 51 Parliament St)
·      Queer & Fabulous (11 am and 1 pm Saturday, Wellesley subway station)
·      Regent Park, an insider’s perspective (11 am Saturday, Tim Horton’s Parliament & Dundas)
·      Riots to responsibility, the Irish in Toronto (11 am Saturday, St Paul’s, Queen & Power)
·      Distillery District photo tour (1 pm Saturday, Pikto Gallery, 22 Gristmill Lane, Distillery)
·      Revitalization or displacement: mixed neighbourhoods (2 pm Saturday, All Saints Church, Dundas at Sherbourne)
·      Three Centuries of Corktown (10 am Sunday, Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 105 Trinity)
·      Radical History of Allan Gardens (10 am Sunday, corner of Carlton & Sherbourne)
·      Queer & Fabulous (1 pm Sunday, Wellesley subway station)
See the full city-wide list of walks, dates and times plus detailed info about each of them here. 

LOCAL NEWS

Free dirt
Pam McConnell will arrange for a load of compost to be dropped off at Riverdale Park on Sunday May 3.  Please note that this is a new location – in previous years, the dirt was dropped on Hillcrest near Wellesley Park.

Cabbagetown South meeting
The next regular Association meeting – 7 to 9 pm, Wednesday May 6, Retsina Restaurant (209 Gerrard E).  Among the topics for discussion will be the proposal by St Michael’s Hospital and the Sherbourne Health Centre to open a residential withdrawal program.  For more info, click here.  

Corktown Residents & Business Association
7 to 9 pm May 5, Little Trinity Annex, second floor, 403 King E.  The Association’s May meeting will include a presentation on the local impact of the Pan Am, ParaPan Games, details about the Live Art Festival in Underpass Park on June 20, and updates on local community and development issues.

CRC Open House
Visit the CRC (40 Oak Street) on Thursday May 7 from 4 to 6 pm for its annual open house.  Find out about the programs offered there – community meals, food skills, advocacy, gardening, housing and housing support, clothing, community enterprises and drop-in activities.  At 6 pm, be part of the CRC’s annual community meeting to see what was done last year and learn about future plans.  Meet special guest Joy Connelly, social housing consultant and blogger.  Light refreshments.  See the website at www.tcrc.ca

Spinning workshops
Riverdale Farm (Winchester east of Sumach) will conduct two workshops on Saturday May 9.  At 9:30 am, the first topic is “How to use a drop spindle”.  From 1:30 pm, the second one is about “How to use a spinning wheel.”  Each workshop is limited to ten participants and fees for each range from $21 to $57.  Call (416) 338-4836 to register. 

Cabbagetown Cycling Club
Sunday’s ride meets and rolls out from Jet Fuel (519 Parliament) at 7:30 am – 65K to the Zoo. If you aren’t yet registered with the Club, you must bring your completed waiver.  Find out more and join the Club online here.  

New arena on Cherry Street
Ports Toronto has announced plans to build a new community arena on federal property at the foot of Cherry Street, the home of the terminal for the defunct ferry project to Rochester. The 75,000 square foot building will house two indoor rinks, locker rooms, viewing areas and other amenities.  Its still at the conceptual stage – developer must still be selected to create a business plan, manage construction and manage the facility’s operations.  There are also several steps to complete in order to get the City’s approval. 

Sports centre for Jarvis and Dundas
Maple Leaf Sports Enterprise is planning a 42,000 square foot sports centre to be built on derelict TCHC property near Dundas and Jarvis. It will have multi-sport courts, classrooms, office space and a cafeteria.  Justin Skinner has written about the proposal in Inside Toronto – click here to read it. 

Lynn’s tee in California

Lynn Walker regularly visits California for bike rides and training.  This year, she was in Santa Monica mountains and covered over 20,000 feet of climbing during the week.  Of course, she took her Cabbagetown tee.  Congrats Lynn. 

ONSTAGE

Laili Biali at Little Trinity
Laila Biali is an award-winning jazz pianist, vocalist and songwriter.  She’ll be releasing her album, Laila Biali and The Radiance Project, at a concert in Little Trinity (425 King E) on Saturday May 2 at 8 pm.  Tickets are $20 and $25 and they’re available online

Soulpepper’s Cabaret Series
Intimate musical performances featuring both established artists and fresh, exciting talents.  Star Crossed Lovers focuses on popular music’s fascination with Romeo and Juliet themes.  On Saturday May 2 at 8:30 pm.  Soulpepper’s regulars perform music from Sondheim to Radiohead. Tikets are $20 and $25, available online here.  

Momentum 15
An ambitious main-stage production featuring dancers from all three years of the Professional Training Program, School of Toronto Dance Theatre.  Choreography by Christopher House, Sasha Ivanochko, Sharon Moore, Julia Sasso, Ofilio Sinbadinho and Heidi Strauss.  8 pm, Thursday April 30 to Saturday May 2 and Thursday May 7 to Saturday May 9, Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester).  Tickets are 15 and $20.  Tickets are more info – click here. 

Gathering Momentum
This is the annual fundraiser for the School of Toronto Dance.  The program includes featured works from Momentum 2015 plus an award ceremony.  7 pm – wine, dessert and a silent auction.  7:30 pm, performances.  Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester) Tickets are $30, click here.  

God and the Indian – May 2 to May 17
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor.  While panhandling outside a local coffee shop, Johnny, a Cree woman, is shocked to recognize a face from her childhood spent in a residential school.  She’s desperate to hear him acknowledge the terrible abuse inflicted on her and other children at the school.  Native Earth Performing Arts with Firehall Arts Centre.  Saturday May 2 to Sunday May 17.  Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).

Looking for Elvis & the Man in Black – May 5 to May 9
Two works.  Looking For Elvis, choreographed by Laurence Lemieux, explores the life of a young Elvis Presley.  The Man in Black, choreographed by James Kudelka, is a celebration of American working-class grit and the man whose voice embodied it.  May 5, 6, 8 and 9 at 8 pm, $20.  The Rockabillie Rumble Fundraiser, May 7 at 7 pm, $100.  The Citadel (304 Parliament). Tickets and more info available online.  

Trudeau comes back to Soulpepper
Two of Michael Hollingshed’s plays about Pierre Trudeau and Canadian politics return in late April to Soulpepper. Trudeau and Levesque - onstage from April 25. Trudeau and the FLQ - from May 12.  Soulpepper’s Spring season continues with Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce from May 1, Vern Thiessen’s adaptation of Somerset Maugham’s Of Human Bondage from May 2 and Anton Piatigorsky’s The Dybbuk Or Between Two Worlds in mid-May.  For details, schedules and tickets, click here.  

Corktown Ukulele Jam
Throughout May, the Jam will continue on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm at the Paintbox Bistro (535 Dundas) 

Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Jeff and Noah make their regular monthly visit next Thursday May 7, 8 to midnight, The Local GEST (424 Parliament).  Open Mic with Porter is Thursday April 30 and Thursday May 14, 9 pm to 1 am.

SHOPPING NEWS

Mama knows best
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has a wonderful assortment of gifts for Mother’s Day.  Good from local artists, vases for a lovely bouquet and charming home accessories.  And how about this apron that says “Mama knows best”.  Visit the store and see the new arrivals – 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday and 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday.

Workshops at Little House in the City
Two workshops are scheduled for the coming week.  On Saturday May 2 from 10:30 am to noon, join historian Harold Troper for a guided walking tour through Old Cabbagetown.  $12.  On Monday May 4 from 7 to 9 pm, Dan Pryce from Spade & Feather will hold a workshop on growing your own backyard hops.  $20.  For details and registration, click here.  555 Parliament

RESTAURANT & PUB NEWS

Welcome back
The Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament) has reopened.  Stricken by a fire in its ventilation system, it needed extensive repairs for its kitchen equipment as well as a thorough cleaning in the dining room.  There’s now a new tin ceiling in the front room and the whole place has a comfortable, fresh feeling.  Drop in for a lunch special and, of course, there’s takeout and home delivery.  Open from 11 am to 3 pm and from 5 to 10 pm.

Little Shmiddy’s Hot Meat House
This attractive little room opened a few weeks ago at 584 Parliament just south of Wellesley.  It’s immediately obvious that the exterior has been very nicely improved with new colours, a thorough paint job and an attractive bench.  Inside, it’s a surprise – well finished in dark and relaxing colours and finishes.  The menu changes regularly.  Last weekend, both the burger and the schnitzel sandwich were big hits at reasonable prices. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.  Click here for the website and here for Facebook.    

Kanpai Snack Bar
Here’s another amazing small room.  Located at the northwest corner of Carlton and Parliament (252 Carlton), its façade and interior have been really well designed.  There’s an open kitchen, longer tables for groups plus a row of seats along the bars facing the kitchen and the service counter.  The roll-up garage door windows have fortunately been saved along Parliament Street from the old Ginger site. The menu highlights “Taiwanese street food delights, handcrafted Canadian cocktails and a hip-ass vibe”. It’s been busy since it launched and appears to be on the road to success. Open 11:30 am to 1 am.

Kanpai’s Collaborative Dinner
Kanpai (252 Carlton) is one of six Toronto restaurants teaming up with international experts to create a Collaborative Dinner Series under the auspices of Terroir Hospitality Industry Symposium.  Kanpai’s dinner happens on Wednesday May 13 at 7 pm.  It’ll be a six course tasting menu together with Samuel Adams beer and samples of artisan cocktails.  $50.  For lots more information about the series and Kanpei’s event, plus tickets, click here.  

Dinner and a show
Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane) has a dinner and theatre special offer at The Brew Pub and The Beer Hall.  If you’re seeing a play at Soulpepper, show your ticket to enjoy a 15% discount on your dinner or dessert. 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 30 TO SUNDAY MAY 10

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
Cranberries, 601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330
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
House on Parliament, 454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, www.facebook.com/pages/House-on-Parliament
The Irv, 195 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, http://www.theirvpub.ca/
The Local GEST, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, http://www.thelocalgest.com/
Merryberry, 559 Parliament, www.merryberry.ca
Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, http://toronto.millstreetbrewpub.ca/
Murgatroid, 568 Parliament, (416) 323-9381, https://www.facebook.com/MurgatroidTO
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Stirling Room, 16 Trinity, Distillery District, www.stirlingroom.com
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, https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto
White Elephant, 366 Queen E. (416) 364-9999, www.whiteelephant366.com

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

Please note: 
Two of our regular Clubs are currently closed.  The Flying Beaver is being renovated after a fire in late February.  The Dominion on Queen has been closed since the summer of 2014 for renovations.

THURSDAY APRIL 30

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with Jeff Eager
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke
White Elephant
Open mic

FRIDAY MAY 1

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke
White Elephant
7 to 10 pm, Ryan Carter


SATURDAY MAY 2

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20

SUNDAY MAY 3
FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL, WELLESLEY PARK, 10 am to 3 pm

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Zim Zum
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY MAY 4

Murgatroid
6 pm, Games night
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY MAY 5

El Catrin
6 pm, Cinco de Mayo, DJ, tequila sampling and Mexican eats.
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY MAY 6

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night with Jill
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam

THURSDAY MAY 7

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music
White Elephant
8 pm, Open mic night

FRIDAY MAY 8

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20
White Elephant
6 to 9 pm, Arthur Renwick

SATURDAY MAY 9

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list
White Elephant
9:30 pm to 2 am, Toastr Party

SUNDAY MAY 10

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Chris Wallace Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

April 23


This week’s image:  this year’s first ride with the Cabbagetown Cycling Club.  Photo – Cabbagetown Cycling Club

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

OPEN HOUSES
There’s a rarely offered townhouse and a classic Victorian on the Open House list this week.  Click here.  

LOCAL NEWS

Who pays what – tax analysis
As reported by the Cabbagetown Residents Association, recent research shows that Ward 27, just west of us, is home to more than $24 billion of taxable residential real estate – the highest in the city – and residents pay $151 million in residential taxes annually.  Trinity Spadina pays $122 million and our Ward 28 pays $76 million.  Together, the three downtown wards contribute over $600 million more in commercial taxes for a total of almost $1 billion in combined commercial and residential tax.  These are city taxes only and do not include education tax.  Click here to read the report and see the maps from Metro News.   

Cabbagetown Cycling Club
Wil Mills has announced that last Sunday’s opening ride was a great success with 30 riders rolling out from Jet Fuel (519 Parliament).  Today’s ride was cancelled because weather forecasts predict possible freezing rain.  Sunday’s ride meets and rolls out from Jet Fuel at 7:30 am – if you aren’t yet registered with the Club, please ensure that you have your waiver.  Next week’s rides are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 am and Sunday at 7:30 am.  Find out more and join the Club online here.  

Pam’s environment day
Pam McConnell has announced her Community Environment Day.  You can drop off unwanted electronic devices, hazardous waste, unused medications, oils, solvents and pesticides.  You can also donate various household items like art supplies, clipboards, costume jewellery, dress-up clothing and cameras for school use.  Goodwill Industries will be available to receive your sporting equipment, books, small household items and clothing.  If your green bin or kitchen container is damaged, you can exchange it for a new one.  All of this happens in Lower Sherbourne Park (Frederick Street and the Esplanade).  Thursday April 30, 4 to 8 pm.
If you want to wait until the Fall, Ward 27’s event happens in Allan Gardens on September 12 and Ward 30 happens in Riverdale Park East on September 30.

Park upgrades
Councillor McConnell has also announced that work will be done to improve the wading pools in Wellesley Park and Winchester Park over the summer.  In addition, the small upgrades planned for the end of Carlton at Riverdale Park will be done.  In Corktown, a Parks Master Plan is being reviewed with public consultations and work on the Bright Street parkette and the 51 Power off-leash area will happen this year. In the Pan Am Games area, a revitalization of Berczy Park will start after the Games are finished. 

Easter flower show
This is the final weekend for the Easter Show at Allan Gardens  (Sherbourne and Carlton).  Don’t miss the Jade plant – it’s still blooming.

Earth Day walk and clean-up
Our MPP, Glen Murray, will lead  community walk through three local parks – Winchester, Allan Gardens and Riverdale.  At each stop, the group will hear from experts on urban agriculture and eco-friendly business.  Bags and gloves will be supplied and the group will pick up debris and litter at each park along the way.  Sunday April 26, 11 am, start at Winchester Park (149 Bleeker).  

Fuel The School
Save the date – Thursday April 30, 8 pm, Jet Fuel (519 Parliament).  This is a fundraiser on behalf of the Cabbagetown Co-op Nursery School (2 Lancaster).  There’ll be live and silent auctions with amazing stuff that’s being donated by local businesses. Tickets are $25. Refreshments. 

Jane’s Walk
Save these dates – Friday May 1, Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3. Among the Walk’s highlights in our neighbourhood are tours of Regent Park, a poor people’s history of downtown Toronto, the Irish experience, a feminist’s walk through Toronto, schoolyard gardens, Distillery District photo walk, the lower Don River, three centuries of Corktown, St James Town diversity within a block and queer and fabulous.  These are justa  few of the choices available.  You can browse through the list here.  

FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL

Festival poster
Congrats go out to Maggie, Molly and Talulah for their bold, lively poster design for this year’s festival. It won the special design contest organized in the late winter. 

Donors
The Festival thrives because of the financial donations made by business and individuals.  Another group are just as important - the people who make donations in kind. They help organizers to hold events and raffles.  You can see the list of raffle prizes and the full donor list here.  

Two gold level sponsors are making gifts worth more than $500.
St James Town Steak and Chops (516 Parliament) will organize the barbeque – a major Festival feature. 
Lemon Bucket Orkestra will perform. 

Silver level donors contribute between $200 and $499
Carlton Cleaners (252 ½ Carlton)
Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament)
Epicure (473 Parliament)
expedia.ca
Pehr Design (326 Davenport)
Sinate Creations (480 Parliament)
Starbucks (492 Parliament)

The bronze donors contribute gifts worth $50 to $199. 
Cabbagetown Preservation Association, cpa.com
Claudia Salzmann & Associates (78 Amelia)
Hair Spa by Lam (440 Parliament)
Imperial Vending Services (Markham ON)
Jordano Skincare (252 Gerrard E)
Labour of Love (242Carlton)
Mi Casa (238 Carlton)
No Frills (449 Parliament)
Outlet Tags Canopies (390 Progress Ave)
Pizza Pizza (560 Parliament)
Spruce Home Décor (455 Parliament)
Star Nails (442 Parliament)
Steam Whistle Brewing (255 Bremmer)
Sundara Yoga (492 Parliament)
Urban Stroll, etsy.com

GARDENING NEWS

Winchester Square
Victoria Hadden reminds gardeners that gardening will start this weekend in the boxes at Winchester Square Park (Ontario St just north of Carlton). Preparations and seeding will be done on Saturday April 25 from 10 am.  Sunday April 26 is the rain day.  Check out the garden’s Facebook page – the gardeners obviously have a good time.  

Free dirt
Pam McConnell will arrange for a load of compost to be dropped off at Riverdale Park on Sunday May 3.  Please note that this is a new location – in previous years, the dirt was dropped on Hillcrest near Wellesley Park.

Farming with The Local GEST
If you have a serious urge to get down and dirty, the Local GEST  (424 Parliament) can satisfy your longings.  The staff are renting and working a farm plot just north of the city to grow produce for the pub’s kitchen.  Volunteers are welcomed for work on most Sundays from 7:30 am to 3 pm.  Please call (647) 760-5696 or email thelocalgest@gmail.com.

Riverdale Park
Check out the Spring blooms in Riverdale Park at the Farm.  New stuff is sprouting daily.

ONSTAGE

Beatrice and Benedict – onstage this weekend
Based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.  This production features a stellar group of emerging Toronto-based talent.  Prsented by Metro Youth Opera. Friday April 24 (7:30 pm), Saturday April 25 (7:30 pm) and Sunday April 26 (2:30 pm).  Click here for tickets and info.  Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E)

Looking for Elvis & the Man in Black – May 5 to May 9
Two works.  Looking For Elvis, choreographed by Laurence Lemieux, explores the life of a young Elvis Presley.  The Man in Black, choreographed by James Kudelka, is a celebration of American working-class grit and the man whose voice embodied it.  May 5, 6, 8 and 9 at 8 pm, $20.  The Rockabillie Rumble Fundraiser, May 7 at 7 pm, $100.  The Citadel (304 Parliament). Tickets and more info available online.  

God and the Indian – May 2 to May 17
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor.  While panhandling outside a local coffee shop, Johnny, a Cree woman, is shocked to recognize a face from her childhood spent in a residential school.  She’s desparate to hear him acknowledge the terrible abuse inflicted on her and other children at the school.  Native Earth Performing Arts with Firehall Arts Centre.  Saturday May 2 to Sunday May 17.  Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).   

I am Marguerite – onstage to April 25
Shirley Barrie’s play draws on events from Canadian history to tell the story of a woman exiled in 1542 to an island offshore of Newfoundland for pursuing love over duty.  Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley).  More info, tickets and a short video, click here.  

Trudeau comes back to Soulpepper
Two of Michael Hollingshed’s plays about Pierre Trudeau and Canadian politics return in late April to Soulpepper. Trudeau and Levesque - onstage from April 25. Trudeau and the FLQ - from May 12.  Soulpepper’s Spring season continues with Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce from May 1, Vern Thiessen’s adaptation of Somerset Maugham’s Of Human Bondage from May 2 and Anton Piatigorsky’s The Dybbuk Or Between Two Worlds in mid-May.  For details, schedules and tickets, click here.  

Dinner & a show
Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane) has a dinner and theatre special offer at The Brew Pub and The Beer Hall.  If you’re seeing a play at Soulpepper, show your ticket to enjoy a 15% discount on your dinner or dessert. 

Spotlight South Africa – onstage to April 25
The festival highlights the vitality of South African performance.  Chandelier (April 22 to 25) is in the Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs (26 Berkeley).  For detailed notes and tickets sales, click here.   

SHOPPING NEWS

The Leslieville Flea
The Flea’s winter season at the Distillery winds up on Sunday April 26, 10 am to 3 pm.  The market features vintage, salvaged and up-cycled goods, collectibles, antiques and handcrafted artisanal work. In June, it moves to its summer location at Ashbridges Estate.  The Fermenting Cellar, 28 Distillery Lane.

Beautiful inside and out
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has added four new patterns to its popular outdoor rug series just in time to freshen up your cottage and city home.  Favoured for their synthetic soft fabrics and durable versatility with mold and mildew-proof properties.  Available from 2’ by 3’ to 8’ by 10”, starting at $79.  Visit the new shop (open 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 11 am to 5 pm Saturday).   Check out the new styles online here.  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Paintbox Bistro
The program at The Paintbox (555 Dundas E) is getting busier.  Fashion Art Toronto is hosting its Global Village After Party on Friday April 24.  FAT Art & Fashion week is a platform for inventive and contemporary expression by fashion designers, visual artists and performers.   Doors open at 10 pm.
Hummingbird is Paintbox’s monthly Open Mic event.  The first one happened on Tuesday and the house was packed.  Save the date for the next one, May 19. 

Peartree`s April three-course prix fix dinner
Appetizer choices include an organic green salad, a Caesar salad or homemade soup.  For your main course, there’s a prime rib steak with a red wine sauce at $26.99 or blackened tuna with mango salsa for $24.99 or Cajun creole chicken breast with sweet pepper, red onions and a creole sauce at $22.99. All entrees include veggies and rice or potatoes. To finish off, there`s chocolate truffle cake, carrot cake, lemon coconut layer cake or strawberry rhubarb pie.  507 Parliament.

F’Amelia contest
Joanne Kates, the food critic, produces an annual list of Toronto’s 100 top restaurants.  Last year, F’Amelia (12 Amelia) was #37.  This year, F’Amelia has a contest – pick the spot where it’ll be on her list and win a $75 gift certificate.  You can review last year’s list here.   Contact F’Amelia here -  info@famelia.com.
And if you’re planning a wedding, be sure to contact F’Amelia for groups from 10 to 100. 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 23 TO SUNDAY MAY 3

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
Cranberries, 601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330
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
House on Parliament, 454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, www.facebook.com/pages/House-on-Parliament
The Irv, 195 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, http://www.theirvpub.ca/
The Local GEST, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, http://www.thelocalgest.com/
Merryberry, 559 Parliament, www.merryberry.ca
Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, http://toronto.millstreetbrewpub.ca/
Murgatroid, 568 Parliament, (416) 323-9381, https://www.facebook.com/MurgatroidTO
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Stirling Room, 16 Trinity, Distillery District, www.stirlingroom.com
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, https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto
White Elephant, 366 Queen E. (416) 364-9999, www.whiteelephant366.com

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

Please note: 
Two of our regular Clubs are currently closed.  The Flying Beaver is being renovated after a fire in late February.  The Dominion on Queen has been closed since the summer of 2014 for renovations.

THURSDAY APRIL 23

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8:30 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music with Greg Wyard
White Elephant
8 pm, Open mic night

FRIDAY APRIL 24

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Paintbox
10 pm, FAT Global Village After Party.
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20
White Elephant
7 to 10 pm, Sean Pinchin

SATURDAY APRIL 25

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list
White Elephant
9:30 pm to 2 am, Toastr Party

SUNDAY APRIL 26

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz - the Brick House Trio with Paul Llew-Williams, Greg Allworth & Devin Patten
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY APRIL 27

Murgatroid
6 pm, Games night
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY APRIL 28

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY APRIL 29

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night with Jill
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam

THURSDAY APRIL 30

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with Jeff Eager
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke
White Elephant
Open mic

FRIDAY MAY 1

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY MAY 2

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20

SUNDAY MAY 3
FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL, WELLESLEY PARK, 10 am to 3 pm

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Zim Zum
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema