June 25

This week’s image:  morning rush hour on Parliament Street

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

St James Town Cultural Collage
Saturday June 27, 1 to 4 pm, 260 Wellesley Street E.  Drop by the east side of 260 Wellesley and enjoy food, dancing, singers and kids’ activities.  It’s a multicultural event that gives local artists a chance to display their talents and to meet their neighbours. Many of them have just arrived here and they’re starting to make an impact on the local art scene.  It’s a free event organized by Community Matters Toronto and St James Town Arts. 


Looking for a family doctor?
St Michael’s Hospital is opening a new family medicine clinic at 73 Regent Park Blvd, third floor.  Doctors are available to take new patients. There’s a website page about it – click here to see hours, doctors, location info and more.  To find out about it and to enroll as a patient with the clinic, you can take advantage of the open house at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) on Saturday, June 27 from noon to 3 pm.


Cabbagetown  Farmers Market


 
Its official launch in Riverdale Park is scheduled from 3 to 7 pm on Tuesday June 30. It’ll continue every Tuesday through to the end of August. 

Check out the market’s website and then click through onto its Facebook page.  An amazing group of vendors is coming to the park along with entertainers and opening day celebrations.  Congrats and thanks to everybody whose energy and enthusiasm is rebuilding this important community event.

The Bloor Street viaduct closure
The bridge is closed to traffic from 8 pm Friday July 3 to 6 am Sunday July 5.  From 5 to 10:30 pm on Saturday July 4, there’s a three-pronged event happening.
At 10 pm, the viaduct bridge will be lit up to launch the Luminous Veil that’s been installed along its suicide barrier (see the Metro News article listed below.)  
To add to the celebration, there’ll be a Juno-award winning band and the Pan Am Torch will arrive. 
From 6:30 pm, the Thrill of the Grill takes over the east end of the bridge with barbeques from Danforth restaurants, drinks from specialty suppliers and visits by celebrity chefs.  This is a ticketed event – proceeds support kidney cancer research at the Odette Cancer Centre.  For more info, click here. 

Rescheduling for Canada Day
A couple of local events are cancelled for next Wednesday to avoid conflicts during Canada Day.  The Taste of Regent Park and the Corktown Ukulele Jam will both resume on Wednesday July 8 at their normal times and places.  Cyril at Merryberry has rescheduled his quiche Lorraine cooking class to Tuesday July 7. 

Save the dates – PANAMANIA
PANAMANIA is the arts and cultural event that runs throughout the Pan Am/ParaPan Games.  Over 250 events will happen across the city, many of them here, close to the Games’ centre and Athletes Village.  There will be original dramas, photographic exhibitions, fashion and design shows, art exhibitions and lots more.  The Distillery hosts both outdoor free events daily (excluding Mondays) and ticketed events in the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.  The city-wide list of venues and events is here.

Cabbagetown’s medical history – Saturday July 18
Save the date – the Cabbagetown Preservation Association and Heritage Toronto are sponsoring a walk about Cabbagetown’s considerable impact on Toronto’s medical institutions.  It will highlight those places where hospitals, clinics and services were located and show as well the homes where influential medical professionals lived and practiced.  The walk starts beside the No Frills store on the corner of Spruce and Parliament at 1:30 pm, July 18. No charge but donations are welcomed.

School tours with the Cabbagetown People Project
The Cabbagetown People Program organizes the blue plaques that appear in front of our neighbourhood homes.  It’s an extensive project that includes plenty of information beyond the plaques.  Last Tuesday, Quest Alternative Senior School toured the Necropolis and several students made presentations at stops along the way.  Christopher Dew celebrated his birthday by leading the tour.  Visit the website for lots of specific details about each person and about the Program.  If you’re interested in a personalized guided tour, contact the Program at its website.

Congrats for the Corktown murals
Photo: Dan Phillips
Underpass Park in Corktown was given additional colour and life with new murals painted during the Corktown Day & Live Art Festival last weekend.  Dan Phillips has a collection of photos from the event on Flickr. 

Splash pad progress
After a puzzling delay over the past couple of weeks, work has started again on the Wellesley Park splash pad.  Concrete is being poured.  Once the pad is in place, the concrete will cure for about a month.  Then the Morrisseau design will be applied (thanks to the Cabbagetown Residents Association) and an acrylic film will be painted on.  Good news – there’ll be wet kids before the end of the summer.

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER STUFF

CCDT's summer dance classes
The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is welcoming students for its summer sessions.  Sun Dance is aimed at students ages 8 to 20 and it happens from June 29 to July 17.  Ignite, a program for 15 to 22 year-old students, takes place from July 20 to 25.  Little dancers ages 4 to 8 will enjoy a mixed program of music, dance and visual arts from July 27 to 31.  Find out more about each program and get registration details online. 

Register your kids now
The Cabbagetown Co-op Nursery School (2 Lancaster) is registering kids for its Fall programs.  For little ones 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 years old, there’s an engaging morning program.  For 3 to 5 year olds, there’s an educational program in the afternoon.  The school operates in a big sunny room in the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  For over 40 years, it’s given local kids a wonderful first-time school experience.  It’s licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Education.  To find out more and to register, call (416) 964-2984 or go to the school’s website.  

COBA`s Children Dance and Drumming Program
High quality dance training that`s rooted in an African movement aesthetic. It builds skills and encourages young artists to express themselves in a fun and open environment.  Classes range from Caribbean folk to hip hop and they`re available for children as young as 3 years old.  Registration for the 2015-2016 season (September to June) is now open and all registrations received before July 5 will get a 10% discount.  For more info and for registration forms, email info@cobainc.com and visit the website.

IN THE MEDIA

Thanks Global News
On Tuesday June 23, Peter Kim did a news story about the derelict building at 456 Parliament.  His story generated some interesting reactions and there are indications that it’s picking up steam across the Internet.  A senior municipal bylaw official plus our Councillor’s staff actually talk about fixing the problem.  Of course, we also heard the latest version of the property owner’s side of the story – a hitherto-unknown account of divisions within the family. It would be disappointing if all these powerful City officials were just making noises to get Global TV off their backs.  But let’s be optimistic – this pressure might provoke some badly needed improvements. 

Daniel Boulud in a Cabbagetown kitchen
Photo: Darren Calabrese, Globe & Mail
Jacob Richler wrote in the Globe & Mail about a visit to his Cabbagetown home by renowned French chef, Daniel Boulud.  The interview was part of the public relations campaign about the remake of Café Boulud in Yorkville’s Four Seasons Hotel.  It’s a charming story – click here. 

Lighting the Luminous Veil
Illustration - Metro
35,000 low maintenance LED lights have been installed on the Bloor Street Viaduct.  They’re computer controlled and can produce up to 16.5 million different colour possibilities. Cost overruns reduced the coverage that was originally planned but extra lighting can be added whenever extra funding is found.
On Saturday night July 4 when the switch is turned on, the lights on the bridge will display a special “unveiling overture”.  During future summer nights, their patterns will present cool colours and in the winter, warm ones. 
There’s a good article about the project in Metro News.  Click here. 

Mitch Cohen’s Journey
Photo: Linda Marie Stella, Toronto Star
From the beginning of the revitalization project in Regent Park, Mitch Cohen has been writing songs about its impact.  He’s a songwriter and a musician and he’s also the president of the Daniels Corporation.  He’s been at the top of the revitalization work for the past nine years.  His music became a full show and it was staged in the Daniels Spectrum over the past week.  Catherine Porter has written about the background and the show’s contributors in the Toronto Star. 

ON STAGE

Whiskey Jack on Saturday
Whiskey Jack is changing its schedule at the Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen W) to Saturday matinees, starting on Saturday June 27 from 4 pm. Kids are welcome and old guys too.  Duncan, Bob, Howard, Jen, Eric, Randy and Al will fill up the patio with their music.

Wild Women are back
The Paintbox is hosting the fourth chapter of Lorraine Segato’s Wild Women (don’t get the blues) on Monday June 29.  Her guest performers include Colleen Allen, Miku Graham, Michelle Willis, Saidah Babba Talibah, Roula Said, Iskwe, Diane Flacks, Suzie Vinnick and Brita B.   Doors open at 6:30 and show starts at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are available here and they’re $20/advance, $25/door. 

Canada Day in The Distillery
Kristine Schmitt and the Lonesome Ace String Band are playing in Trinity Square from 6 pm on July 1. No cover charge.

TD Toronto Jazz Festival
The Trinity Stage in the Distillery is home for free concerts in the Jazz Festival to Saturday June 27.  Performers include Jay Douglas & the All Star Band (Friday June 26), Club Django Toronto and Alexis Baro Quartet (Saturday June 27).  Detailed info about times and musicians is available online. 

Soulpepper’s Cabaret Series
The cabarets happen every Saturday night at 8:30 pm and they showcase established artists, new talents and innovative groupings.  On Saturday June 27, enjoy an evening with Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell in FreePlay Duo.  Tickets are $25 general and $20 students – click here. Soulpepper at the Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)

SHOPPING NEWS

Pride and joy at Kendall
Kendall and Kevin are the proud owners of Kendall & Co (514 Parliament).  Over the years, Cabbagetowners have experienced their joy of decorating and unique home accents.  In its new home, Kendall & Co has expanded its international designs.  You can also find original works by local artists and goods by local artisans here.  Did you know that the custom blinds and upholstered furniture are made right here in Toronto.  Come by the shop to browse and see lots more – open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday and 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

Congrats Grinning Face
Our local gelato shop (540 Parliament) has been making waves for its inventive non-dairy gelato flavours, making its coconut-based gelatos from scratch. The shop is open on weekends from noon to 6 pm and the company is expanding into retail outlets and a farmer’s market.  Both Toronto Life and blogTO have put Grinning Face on their Top 30 ice cream lists.

RESTAURANT NEWS

A new date - Merryberry does quiche
Cyril will honour his hometown heritage in Lorraine with a cooking class at Merryberry (559 Parliament). Learn how to make quiche – from the dough on up.  Tuesday July 7, 6 pm.  Contact him at (647) 348-0411 or, better yet, visit the restaurant, have a bite, talk to him about his plans and then book a seat.  $45.

Summerlicious
Our annual summer restaurant festival starts next week on July 3 and continues until July 26.  Each participating restaurant offers a prix fixe menu. Lunch prices are $18, $23 or $28 and dinner prices are $25, $35 or $45.  There are 210 restaurants city-wide and three in our immediate area, all in the Distillery – Archeo (31 Trinity, Distillery), Cluny (36 Tank House Ln, Distillery) and PureSpirits Oyster House & Grill (17 Tank House Ln, Distillery).  For the full list and lots of details, go to the Summerlicious website. 

Pride weekend celebrations
Odin (514 King E).  Corktown Show Your Pride starts at 10 pm on Friday June 26.  Special guest, DJ Chiclet.  No cover.
Under the Table (568 Parliament).  $5 Pride specials for the weekend including a drink special and desserts - apple pie with cheddar cheese, chocolate Bailey brownies with ice cream, salted caramel nut cake and New York cheesecake.

The Irv’s new Cabbagetown Tee
The Irv (195 Carlton) has designed attractive new tee shirts with Cabbagetown’s name boldly printed across the front.  Available in four nifty colours.  Visit The Irv and buy yours today or email regan@theirvpub.ca to make your arrangements.  $20.  Congrats Regan for a fine idea – when people travel, their souvenir photos can be posted here for everyone to admire!

Games night at Odin
Game designer Paul Tseng hosts the July edition of games night at Odin (514 King E).  Tuesday, July 7 from 6 to 10 pm.  Enjoy the games in Odin’s library or bring your own favourite.  Everyone welcome – all ages, no experience needed.  No cover.

Thai Room
The Thai Room (243 Carlton) has now been open for two months.  So a celebration is happening – to thank everyone for welcoming them with traditional Cabbagetown warmth.  From June 15 to June 30, you can enjoy a 20% discount on your dinner menu – for pickups and eat-in customers. 
There’s also an exhibition of selected artwork by four women from June 19 to June 28 -  Kathleen Urdahl and Tara McLellan (both Cabbagetown residents) along with Jackie Casimir and Helen Costco. 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JUNE 25 TO SUNDAY JULY 5

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
Cranberries, 601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330
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
Odin, 514 King W, (647) 350-6346, https://www.facebook.com/odinhus
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Soulpepper, Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,  http://soulpepper.ca/performances/music_at_soulpepper.aspx
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.

THURSDAY JUNE 25

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
9 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music by Dan Gagnon
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke
White Elephant
Open mic

FRIDAY JUNE 26

Distillery, Trinity Stage
6 pm, Jay Douglas & the All Star Band.  TD Toronto Jazz Festival.  Free.
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
7 to 10 pm, Sean Pinchin

SATURDAY JUNE 27

Distillery, Trinity Stage
2 pm, Club Django Toronto.  TD Toronto Jazz Festival.  Free.
7 pm, Alexis Baro Quintet.  TD Toronto Jazz Festival.  Free.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Odin
10 pm, Corktown Show Your Pride with DJ Chiclet
Soulpepper Cabaret
8:30 pm, Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell in FreePlay Duo, Inspired Eclecticism, $20 and $25
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20
White Elephant
9:30 pm, Toastr Party

SUNDAY JUNE 28

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Samantha Clayton & Steve Cole
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY JUNE 29

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY JUNE 30

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY JULY 1

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night with Jill
Paintbox Bistro
Corktown Ukelele Jam – the Jam resumes next week.
Trinity Square, Distillery
6 to 8 pm, Kristine Schmitt & the Lonesome Ace String Band

THURSDAY JULY 2

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 by Mel Monaco
White Elephant
8 pm, Open mic night

FRIDAY JULY 3

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

SATURDAY JULY 4

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper Cabaret
8:30 pm, Denzal Sinclaire presents Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Vol 5, $20 and $25.
Stirling Room
Resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list

SUNDAY JULY 5

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