Spring in Toronto is such a tease. Just when I’m ready to bare it all and spend the day in a tank top, a cold wind gets thrown into the mix, followed by grey clouds and a sprinkling of rain and I begin to wonder if the sun is really going to hold up to its end of the bargain.
That said, spring IS in the air. One sunny day on a patio still seems to make up for four dismal lack luster week days. Plus another indication that spring is here are all the shows and festivals that are bulking up my facebook account and making me wish that I could dedicate the next month to cultural outings and debaucherous festival goings…..or something of that nature.
So what’s on my list of events that I really do hope to attend:
SERIES 8:08
Saturday, May 24th – YMCA – 8:08pm
This is where you really get to see the talent that is bubbling out of our dance community. This month’s Series 8:08 choreographers: Mariana Medellin-Meinke, Newton Moraes, Laura Kappel, Tom Brouillette, and Marie France Forcier.
The audience becomes a part of the exciting creative process by giving the artists written feedback about the works they see. An open-dialogue between the choreographers and the audience is encouraged at our post-performance meet and greet.
PEDESTRIAN SUNDAY GRAND OPENING
Sunday, May 25 – Kensington Market
Why is it that we all get such a kick out of walking through a street that would normally be covered with cars? I love it, it makes me think of Europe, it’s what the warmer weather is all about and there will be tons of live music/art/people making it fabulous throughout the day. It’s like one of those big ‘Where’s Waldo’ images, oh and the weather people are forecasting sun, sun and more sun this Sunday.
PEE-WEE HERMAN PICTURE SHOW
May 29 – Bloor Cinema – 7 pm
Who DOESN’T love Pee-Wee and who doesn’t LOVE biking? Pee-Wee Herman’s Big Adventure is a classic, so this is one bike themed fundraiser I don’t want to miss.
A film screening of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, supported by a live cast featuring members of the Hidden Cameras, Broken Social Scene, Apostle of Hustle, Kids on TV, The Old Soul, Republic of Safety, the Phonemes and more! Lex Vaughn as Pee-Wee. Gentleman Reg as Francis. With guest appearances by Sook Yin Lee & others. $14. A fundraiser for the Toronto Cyclists Union.
THE POWER PLANT‘S SUMMER EXHIBITION OPENING PARTY
June 6 – Power Plant – 7:30 pm
I’ve been to this opening party a couple times, last year’s sucked due to crappy weather but the vibe was fun and the hotdogs were tasty. It’s an arty way to start the month of June, check out a new exhibit and drink outdoors under a big white tent.
NOT QUITE HOW I REMEMBER IT 7 June–1 September 2008
Diane Borsato (Canada) / Gerard Byrne (Ireland) / Nancy Davenport (Canada) / Felix Gmelin (Sweden) / Sharon Hayes (USA) / Mary Kelly (USA) / Nestor Krüger (Canada) / Michael Maranda (Canada) / Olivia Plender (UK) / Walid Raad (Lebanon/USA) / Dario Robleto (USA) / Michael Stevenson (New Zealand) / Kelley Walker (USA) / Lee Walton (USA) Curated by Helena Reckitt, Senior Curator of Programs
Highlighting forms of re-enactment and reconstruction, ‘Not Quite How I Remember It’ combines the work of Canadian and international artists to investigate how we channel, mediate and memorialize history.
TORONTO’S MILLES FEMME MAGNIFIQUE
Luminato Festival – BCE Place Exhibit by Photographer Maraval – June 9 – 15
So yeah, like I’m one ‘of’ a thousand, which is nothing like being one ‘in’ a million. I wanna be one in a million next time and the ONLY one 😉 Putting all my prima donna attitude aside, not only will you see my smile amongst a see of faces but this is just a swell way to celebrate 1,000 inspirational, motivational and sensational women who are making a difference in Toronto’s creative sector. Mad props to ALL the ladies!
Toronto’s Milles Femmes is a tribute to 1,000 artistic, creative and inspiring women from Toronto and their protégés, who embody the passion and heritage of the city. Architects, actors, dancers, designers, journalists, musicians and others have been chosen in recognition of their achievements and leadership in their field. Joined together, the 1,000 portraits will become a visual network, a chain of recognition that celebrates not only an extraordinary community of women, but also the creative character and diversity of Toronto.
Have fun!