May 24, 2012
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Hot Summer Guide - Midtown


MUSIC
 

MARK HOLMES’S MUST-SEE SHOWS
TORONTO ROCK ICON’S SECRETS TO A SUPERSONIC SUMMER
 

1. CHEAP TRICK @ MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE, JULY 4

“To me, Cheap Trick represents classic good times. The forever-young American college band. Fun and frolic. You can see why you don’t have to grow old, ever: their sound never went old. It’s rock ’n’ roll without the clever. ”

2. PROCLAIMERS @ MOD CLUB, JULY 9

“Two Scottish twins who stayed true to their Glaswegian accent. Old-fashioned beer drinking, so don’t go unless you’re prepared to stand in line for the toilet.”

3. DEPECHE MODE @ MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE, JULY 24

“That’s electro’s first mega-band, and they’re still relevant. You will see the 18- and 19-year-olds at the show, as well as people well into their 40s. They just love Depeche Mode. It was where electro music started, so you pay your due.”

4. CRYSTAL CASTLES @ MOD CLUB, JULY 25

“One of them is a former Mod Club DJ. They’re about where the sound is going. Rock with electro music, which is something I’ve really been into the last four or five years.”

5. LYKKE LI @ SOUND ACADEMY, AUG. 9

“Just a brilliant talent that’s come out making some great stuff. If you like Lykke Li, you like Feist. It’s that kind of genre. Mixture of electronic, live, indie, which is the way of the future and the present.”

Post City extends special thanks to Gary Shapiro and team at Auto Vault Canada, the premier storage facility for vintage cars in the GTA, www.autovaultcanada.com.
 
TOP 10 TORONTO ROOFTOPS TO REMEMBER

1. PARK HYATT
The 56-year-old roof lounge is the spot to go when you need to feel like a movie star. We’re nuts about their free hot nuts and roasted olives, plus they provide shawls to keep your date warm. Little extras make it well worth the rather steep price tag ($18 for a cosmo). 4 Avenue Rd.

2. PANORAMA
From the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, enjoy two of the city’s highest patios. 55 Bloor St. W.

3. BALMY BEACH CLUB
For $300 plus annual fee, you too can live like the beautiful people at one of the most exclusive outdoor patios in the city. Beach setting means gorgeous view of the water. 1 Beech Ave.

4. JACK ASTOR’S @ DUNDAS SQUARE
The name might scream lowbrow, but the view of our answer to Times Square is topnotch. Grab a frosty pint, a pound of wings and take in the most buzzing intersection in the city. With all the free shows at Dundas Square this summer, you’ll have the best seat in the house. 10 Dundas St. E.

5. REMY’S
Remy’s has become a Yorkville staple. Two spacious patios seat 350 and cater to romanceminded couples, star-gazing tourists and the tie-loosened after-work crowd. At night, young party folk tend to take over. 115 Yorkville Ave.

6. HEMINGWAY’S
142 Cumberland Street

7. SMOKEY JOE’S
4899 Yonge St.

8. SCALLYWAG’S
11 St Clair Ave. W.

9. ULTRA PATIO
14 Queen St. W.

10. WAYNE GRETZKY’S
99 Blue Jays Way


LIFE’S A BEACH
 

1. HEATWAVE TORONTO

City’s largest beach volleyball event benefits SickKids’ Hospital. Ashbridges Bay, July 11 to 12

2. BEACHES INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

21st season this month, with notable names like Junior Watson, Lady Son and Hal Linton playing free concerts under the stars. Beach, July 17 to 26

3. NATIONAL SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION

Sculptors build a giant 100- tonne sculpture of T.O. landmarks. CNE, Aug. 21 to 23

4. KIDSUMMER PRESENTS BEACH DAY

Enjoy a private coach and boat ride to Toronto Islands for a beach party. Delta Chelsea Hotel, July 28

5. ‘80S VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

Break out the neon, sweatbands and Twisted Sister references and dig, dig, dig! Polson Pier, July 11


THEATRE ALFRESCO
 

1. DREAM IN HIGH PARK

Ride out the storm that is The Tempest (starring Karen Robinson as Prospera) under the stars with picnic, blanket and your sweetie in your arms. Free performance on Canada Day, 8 p.m.; otherwise PWYC. High Park, July 1–Sept. 6

2. ROMEO AND JULIET

Canopy Theatre Company and Hart House Theatre present the classic love tale under the stars. Fearless prediction: Romeo and Juliet die. July 15–Aug. 1

3. FIRST ANNUAL SHAKESPERIENCE RENAISSANCE REVIVAL

Travelling troupe kicks off their tour with two days of twistytongued prose and poetry penned by little-known English poet, goes by Bill. King Lear and Comedy of Errors. Catch the show before it hits the road. Driftwood Theatre Group at Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Rd., July 11–12

4. CASA LOMA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Put some WD-40 on your chain mail, unsheathe your long sword and brush up on your Chaucer: duelling knights and Renaissance shoppes mean much medieval mirth is afoot! Casa Loma, July 4–6

 MIXED NUTS

Hundreds of frenzied Torontonians dash breathlessly around the city using only their feet and public transit to follow clues and collect points, then rush to the finish line— ideally within the six-hour time limit. The City Chase is part Amazing Race, part Survivor and two parts lunacy but guaranteed to be a grand time. Voted Canada’s Best Sporting Event the last four years. See www.mitsubishicitychase.com. Aug. 15


MIDTOWN SECRETS
 

1. MONDAY IS FRIGHT NIGHT

Fourteen stellar flicks, two per night. Among lineup: Hitchcock’s I confess and Sabotage. Put on by Toronto Film Society. Innis College, 2 Sussex Ave., 7:30 p.m., Mondays, July 6 to Aug. 24

2. YORKVILLE ART GALLERY WALK

Join lovable guide Marg for a free, informative tour of Yorkville’s many art galleries, followed by coffee and a chat. 55 Avenue Rd., 6:15 p.m., July 2, Aug. 6

3. SALSA ON ST. CLAIR FESTIVAL

St. Clair West plays host to music, dancing, authentic foods, a Latin market, a children’s area and more. July 11–12, between Winona and Christie
 



GOOD SPORTS
 

1. REAL MADRID @ TFC

Footy event of the year sees Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. take on our hometown boys. BMO Field, Aug. 7

2. ROGERS CUP — WOMEN

Catch green ball all-stars Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters, Aleksandra Wozniak and more as they vie for what is becoming an increasingly coveted title. Rexall Centre, Aug. 15–23

3. HONDA INDY

You think you drive fast? Fast cars, beautiful people, lively (and loud) atmosphere. Bring earplugs. Exhibition Grounds, July 10–12

 

RIGHTEOUS ROAD TRIPS


Elvis might be dead, but that doesn’t mean he’s gone. If you’ve ever wanted to see the King, you can come pretty close this summer at the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Grab your leather onepiece and a little hair gel, and you’ll fit right in. The festival begins with over 100 impersonators at the Gayety Theatre on Thursday, then on Sunday the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist will be crowned. But it’s not just about the competition: vendor alley, beer garden and more, plus it’s a kid-friendly event. Don’t miss out on this chance to see the jailhouse rocker himself — over and over again!
Collingwood, July 23–26.
 

THRILL RIDE


1. BEHEMOTH This doozy of a stomach turner debuted last year to rave reviews. Adrenaline junkies be warned: speed of first drop is 125 km/h. Canada’s Wonderland

2. MEGA DROP At 110 feet tall, takes nearly a minute to reach the top but just three seconds to plummet back down to earth. NB: Eat lunch after, not before. Canadian National Exhibition, Aug. 21–27

3. LOG FLUME RIDE Suited to kiddies, but an exhilarating (if brief) splash on a hot day. Centre Island, all summer long

ARTS & CRAFTS


1. TORONTO OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION

Now in its 48th year, exhibit features juried showcase of fine art by over 500 celebrated artists. Nathan Phillips Square, July 10–12

2. RESPECT: A PHOTO ODYSSEY

Jaw-dropping aerial photography of Canada’s natural gem the Boreal Forest, with 80 renowned Canadian shutterbugs. Harbourfront Centre, Now until Oct. 12, Free

3. PLANET INDIGENOUS

Experience the passion and innovation of the world’s aboriginal peoples. York Quay Centre, June 27–13 Sept. 13

4. ATWOOD GETS MOODIE

Exhibit based on Atwood’s rare Journals of Susanna Moodie paired with illustrations by artist Charles Pachter. McMichael Canadian Art Collection, July 18–Oct. 10

 

 
FOOD - THE CITY’S TASTIEST FESTIVALS

Make the most of our city’s eclectic food scene
 

1. HOT AND SPICY FOOD FESTIVAL

Eleven years running, this fest brings fiery fare from around the globe straight to your taste buds, so get ready to sweat. This year, in addition to the debut of Iron Chef International and talks by famous foodies, there will be a focus on aphrodisiacal foods. Fittingly, “lovers’ rock” reggae and sensual Brazilian bossa nova performances take place. Bring along a partner or crush — and expect things to heat up. Ice cubes not included. Harbourfront Centre, Aug. 15-17

2. FRESH WEDNESDAYS

Cram in a little summer fun on your lunch break with this series of free noon-hour concerts. It’s designed to complement the annual farmers’ market in Nathan Phillips Square, so no need to pack a lunch. Jazzy Shannon Butcher, singer-songwriter Lyndon John and contemporary songbird Coco Love Alcorn perform. Once rejuvenated, head back to the office with half of hump day behind you. Every Wednesday, between July 15 and Aug. 26

3. MASALA! MEHNDI! MASTI!

This mammoth South Asian arts festival celebrates 5,000 years of civilization — but don’t worry, it’s no history fest. Wander the food bazaars for mouth-watering Mughlai chicken, South Indian dosas, Hakka Chinese noodles and West Indian doubles. Also look out for dessert offerings like rasmalai (paneer soaked in clotted cream) and gulab jamun (fried dough balls). Bandshell Park and Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, CNE, July 24–26
 

 
TORONTO’S CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
 

JULY 5 2009
TONY BENNETT

Toronto Jazz Festival Canon Theatre
 

JULY 10 2009
JOE COCKER

Hamilton Place Theatre
 

JULY 18 2009
JOHN CLEESE

Toronto Just For Laughs Festival Massey Hall
 

JULY 20 2009
KISS

Casino Rama
 

JULY 20 2009
BEYONCE KNOWLES

Molson Amphitheatre
 

JULY 20 2009
STEVE NASH

takes to the links as one of the featured guests at the RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey Golf Club, Oakville
 

JULY 25 2009
JASON ALEXANDER

Casino Rama
 

AUGUST 10 2009
TORI AMOS

Massey Hall
 

AUGUST 13 2009
BRYAN ADAMS

Massey Hall
 

AUGUST 28 2009
ELVIS COSTELLO

Massey Hall
 

AUGUST 28 2009
LINDA HAMILTON

FanExpo Canada, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
 

AUGUST 28 2009
LEONARD NIMOY

FanExpo Canada, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
 

AUGUST 29 2009
COLIN AND JUSTIN OF HOME HEIST

Canadian National Exhibition
 

SEPTEMBER 5 2009
POINTER SISTERS

Canadian National Exhibition.
 


ONCE IN A LIFETIME
 

A. KLINGON KARAOKE

— Straight from home planet Qo’noS, Trekkies in
costume bellow their Klingon lungs out, all part of massive sci-fi
convention. Polaris 23, Sheraton Parkway Hotel, July 10, 9 p.m.

B. ULTIMATE BOYS’ NIGHT OUT

— Cars, boats, golf, steaks, motorcycles,
music, cigars, celebs all in the name of man — and charity! Lifford’s
Boys’ Night Out. Distillery District, 55 Mill St., July 12, 6–9:30 p.m.

C. DAVE BRUBECK

— 89-year-old jazz giant has been keeping our toes
tapping for decades. Catch him before he takes his hallowed place
in the big jazzy cloud in the sky. Nathan Phillips Square, July 1, 8 p.m.

 

This article appears in the July 2009 issue of Post City Magazines

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