September 10


This week’s image:  Cabbagetown Festival on Parliament Street

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

Open Houses
This week's open house listing features a modern townhouse in a heritage exterior.  Click here to see it.

CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Riverdale Park
Art & Crafts in the Park
1 to 7pm, Friday, 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday.  180 artists. 
Cabbagetown Preservation Association
Saturday and Sunday, tent at Winchester & Sumach on Saturday and Sunday.  Community information and souvenirs.  Free 45-minute guided tours of the neighbourhood at 1, 2 and 3 pm each day.
Cabbagetown Theatre Company
1, 2, 3 & 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.  A 30-minute comedy for the whole family, “Goldilocks – Beyond the Bears”,  $5.  Necropolis Chapel (Winchester east of Sumach)
Riverdale Farm Fall Harvest Festival
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.  Corn roast ($1.50), contests and farm activities. Sunday, pancake breakfast, 9 to 11:30 am, $5.
Sprucecourt School
Saturday and Sunday.  Art and crafts vendors along Carlton at Sumach. 

Parliament Street

Cabbagetown Festival
11 am to 10 pm, Saturday and 11 am to 7 pm, Sunday.  Over twenty bands and buskers will perform each day.  Restaurant patios, street food vendors, beer gardens.  Craft tents.  Classic car displays.
Made in Canada
Saturday and Sunday. A special selection of twenty vendors whose unique jewellery, crafts and artworks are made locally.  Located on Parliament between Aberdeen and Winchester. 
Kidz zone
Saturday and Sunday. Parliament and Gerrard.  Kids activities, doggy photo booth. 
Blair’s Run
Sunday, 8 am registration and 9 am race.  The best 3 k race in Toronto – be a serious runner or zoom along with your kids, a stroller, your dog or even your spouse.  Carlton and Parliament.

Nearby events
St James Town Festival
Saturday 1 to 7 pm.  Music, games, raffles and prizes, food and more.  St James Ave & Ontario St.
Regent Park Harvest Festival
Saturday, noon to 2 pm, Regent Park (The Big Park at Sackville and Dundas). Celebrate the gardens of Regent Park with food, entertainment, games, face painting and lots more.

SPECIAL FESTIVAL EVENTS

Entertainment guide
Over twenty entertainers will perform along Parliament and Carlton each day.  For details by location and times, click here.  

Oysters at the HOP
It’s time to tune up your taste buds and get ready for the Festival.  The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) is holding its annual oyster and beer event from 6 pm on Thursday September 10.  Oysters are $2 and Keith’s beer is $5 – proceeds will support the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre so you can give more if you want! 

Frozen Cocktails at 420
Todd will be mixing up his watermelon martinis and other frozen cocktails out on the patio at 420 Smokehouse (420 Parliament) during Festival weekend.

People watching
The Peartree’s patio is one of the best places to watch the passing parade. 507 Parliament.

Open house at CCDT
Stop by the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) to tour the facilities.  While you’re there, you’ll see actual classes and rehearsals – the company is visiting New York in October and the dancers are getting ready for their trip.  In 509 Dancewear, you’ll find dancing shoes and clothing in the newly renovated store.  12:30 to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday. 

LOCAL NEWS

Jobs during the election
Our Returning Officer has announced that there are job opportunities available for people who want to work on official duties during the election.  Please contact the Returning Office at 425 Bloor Street East (at Sherbourne, beside the subway),  Suite 300.  The office is now open from 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday,  9 am to 6 pm on Saturday and noon to 4 pm on Sunday.  Call 1-866-714-6422, ext 2.

Soulpepper’s cabaret series
Intimate Saturday night cabarets at Soulpepper (Distillery, 50 Tank House Lane).  John Millard and Andrew Penner with Waleed Abdulhamid (bass) and Anna Atkinson (violin, accordion),   8:30 pm.  Tickets are $25 - available here.  

Corktown Ukes at TIFF
The Corktown Ukelele Jam will perform at the TIFF Street Festival on Sunday September 13 from noon to 12:45 pm.  Everyone interested in playing in the group is welcome. Two rehearsals are mandatory for all performers – Thursday September 10, 7:30 to 9:30 pm and Saturday September 12 from 10 am to noon.  Both rehearsals are in the Amenity Hall (90 Sumach).  Tunes from the movies will be given a Uke workover – The Rose, Love Me Tender, Mustang Sally and lots more.  Here’s the link for all the details.  

Step classes for September and October
Brenda has announced her early Fall schedule for her Step and Zumba classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (3 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store).  Step happen on Wednesdays (September 16, 23 and 30 and October 7) at 9:15 am.  Sunday Step classes are scheduled at 10 am on Sunday September 20 and 27.  From October 4, Sunday Step classes happen at 11 am.
Zumba fans will want to attend on Sunday September 20 and 27 at 11 am – these are Aiya’s last two Zumba sessions. She’ll be travelling after that date.
No classes on Sunday October 11 – Thanksgiving weekend.

Rum & Rhythm
Thursday September 17, 6:30 to 11 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Rum & Rhythm is a tasting event featuring Caribbean rum and cuisine, organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization.  It’s the CTO’s signature initiative and the major Caribbean epicurean event in Toronto.  Proceeds fund scholarships that support Caribbean students in tourism and hospitality programs.  Early bird tickets are $50, general admission is $60.  For program details and ticket info, click here.  

The Tour of Homes
Sunday September 20 from noon to 4 pm.  This year’s event looks very promising.  The big, newly renovated home on Sackville south of Carlton will be included.  Many of the homes feature incredible art collections.  There’s a loft that’s been used repeatedly for television and film productions. 
Buy a ticket online and use Paypal. Several local retailers are selling paper tickets – Epicure Shop (473 Parliament), Fairway Market (520 Parliament), Kendall (514 Parliament), Ladybug Florist (513 Church) and Mi Casa (238 Carlton).  Local restaurants and retailers have special offers for ticket holders.  $30.

The Cabbagetown Farmers Market
The market in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach) will continue to mid-October.  That’s great news – some of the season’s finest produce is coming along now and the Market will be there to deliver it.  As always, check the Market’s website  and Facebook page  for the latest details.

Farley Foundation
Every year, the Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard E) participates in the fundraising campaign for the Farley Foundation.  The Foundation assists people in need with their veterinary bills for their pets.  This year’s raffle prize is a year’s supply of cat or dog food.  Tickets are $10 or 3 for $25.  Find out about the Farley Foundation here.  Buy your tickets at the Clinic.

Community Environment Days
These events are sponsored by the City of Toronto. Local residents can drop off unwanted trash, hazardous goods and household items for proper recycling and reuse.  Two more days happen in our area in September, 10 am to 2 pm each day - Saturday September 12, Allan Gardens (along Carlton between Jarvis and Sherbourne) and Saturday September 26, Riverdale Park East (along Broadview north of Gerrard).  To see what items can be dropped off or picked up for your own use, click here.  

Congrats to Sureya Ibrahim
Photo:  CBC, Metro Morning
Sureya has been an effective sparkplug for community development in Regent Park.  She’s been given Spacing magazine’s Jane Jacobs Award for her outstanding contributions.  She was also selected as a torchbearer during the Pan Am Games.  There’s an online interview with the CBC’s Matt Galloway – click here. 

Congrats to Alan Waterhouse and the CPA
Heritage Toronto has listed Alan’s book “Adversity, Resilience, Prosperity” as a nominee for its 2015 heritage awards in its book category.  Published by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association, the book follows trends in our social history from 1941 to 2011.  Copies of the book can be purchased at the CPA’s tent in Riverdale Park during the Festival.  The award announcements will be made in October.

IN THE MEDIA

John Murtagh’s adventure to Mexico
Photo:  Bernard Weil, Toronto Star
For his 70th birthday, John will set off in September to ride his bike from Toronto to Mexico.  His 4000 km ride is inspired partly by his love for adventure and partly by his hope to raise $25,000 for Amistad Canada, a fund that was established by his late wife, Elizabeth Harris.  John’s story appeared in the September 8 Toronto Star.  

Living in a skinny house
Photo:  Justin Skinner, Inside Toronto
Justin Skinner has written about a 7’ wide house in the City Centre Mirror.  Located at 383 Shuter Street, it’s been home for the Samaros family for 25 years.  Read the story here and see how such a narrow property has been a comfortable home for them for all that time.  

The Ernescliffe
Photo:  Dave LeBlanc, Globe & Mail
During the summer, the Ernescliffe co-op at Sherbourne and Wellesley celebrated its 100th anniversary.  The Globe & Mail’s Architourist Dave LeBlanc wrote a nice story about the building and its heritage.

REGULAR RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS

Paintbox wine series
At the Paintbox (555 Dundas E), Chris Klugman will lead you through a series of different varietals and he’ll suggest food and wine matchups with each one.  All events start at 6:30 pm.  On Thursday September 10, the wines are chardonnay and pinot noir.  On Thursday September 17, it’s cabernet and merlot. On Thursday October 1, riesling and sauvignon blanc.  $28.  Register online here.  

Dinner and show
Throughout September, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) and the Mill Street Beer Hall (21 Tank House Lane) are offering a combo special for your dinner and a show.  Available on Fridays and Saturdays through the month.  Book before Wednesday. You’ll get a $25 credit plus a 15% discount on your meal (excluding alcohol).  The details are online here.  

Half-price cocktails
Extended F’Amelia (12 Amelia) now has half-priced cocktails very Thursday evening.  Add this promotion to F’Amelia’s half-price wines (on bottles priced $100 or more) every Wednesday.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13

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
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
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 SEPTEMBER 10

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music
Paintbox
6:30 pm, Wines series featuring tastings of chardonnay and pinot noir, $28

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday reserve on the guest list.  $20
White Elephant
7 pm, John Loree

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12 & SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL GUIDE

Over twenty entertainers will perform along Parliament and Carlton each day.  For details by location and times, click here.  

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper Cabaret Series
8:30 pm, John Millard and Andrew Penner with Waleed Abdulhamid (bass) and Anna Atkinson (violin, accordion), $25
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturdays, reserve on the guest list
White Elephant
7 pm, Linda Carone (vocals) with Kevin Barrett (guitar)

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16

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

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music
Paintbox
6:30 pm, Wines series featuring tastings of cabarnet and merlot, $28
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18

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 pm, Scott B Sympathy

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper Cabaret Series
8:30 pm, Rae Ellen Bodie, Brad Hampton and Patti Loach in The Picture of Happiness, $25
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Chris Wallace