May 24, 2012
Bookmark and Share Email this page Email Print this page Print Feed Feed

Hot Summer Guide - Thornhill


MUSIC
 

MARTHA JOHNSON’S MUST-SEE SHOWS - SECRETS TO A SUPERSONIC SUMMER
 

1. AEROSMITH AND ZZ TOP @ AIR CANADA CENTRE, SEPT. 3

“He’s just got such a great strut onstage, and I’d like to see that big show. I saw Bruce Springsteen in Philadelphia in 1980, and that was such a spectacular show. I think Aerosmith would put on that kind of a big, bravado show.”

2. COLDPLAY @ ROGERS CENTRE

“I’ve never seen Coldplay, but I admire their music. They not only have a great band, but really great writing. I’d love to see what kind of show they do and how they fill such a huge space like that. They’ll be around for many years.”

3. NEKO CASE @ MASSEY HALL

“She’s a country-alternative, interesting artist. Kind of out of the ordinary, but traditional at the same time. Seems like a very liberated female artist, which is the way I fashion myself, as well. A strong female image and a good role model.”

4. DAVE BRUBECK @ TD JAZZ FESTIVAL

“Dave Brubeck goes way back to my early days of listening to music. It reminds me of summer. And it sounds so easy, but it’s so complex. I think to pull that off is quite a feat.”

5. DAVE HOLLAND QUINTET

“He had a groundbreaking album in the ‘70s called Conference of the Birds. It was the perfect mixture of improvised jazz with structure. He’s always had great bands and they’re bound to do something phenomenal each time you see them.”

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


SECRETS OF THE 905
 

1. MOONLIGHT MOVIE

Enjoy a movie under the stars on a giant inflatable movie screen. Richmond Green, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, August 26 & September 2

2. CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Give your ears a little treat Thursday evenings in July (beginning July 9) and August at Mill Pond Park and some Sunday afternoons at Richmond Green Park.

3. FUNDRAISING BIKE TOUR

The best in big band, swing and jazz take the stage at Mel Lastman Square. Even better: it’s free. Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St.), 7:30–9 p.m., July 12–Aug. 24
 



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

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

3. MCCONAGHY RICHMOND HILL BARBECUE

June is seniors’ month, and what better way to show our appreciation for our beloved grandparents than to attend the yearly BBQ event. At this, the third in a series of three events in the monthly series, take part in the third annual Seniors’ Fair Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge Street at Wright St., 10 a.m.- 2p.m., June 25
 

 
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

Comments to the Post City Magazines website do not reflect the opinions of the company or the author of the article in question. We do not edit comments for grammar, length or clarity. Offensive comments will be removed at the discretion of Post City Magazines. To read all of our website policies, click here.

Add your comment:
Verification Question. (This is so we know you are a human and not a spam robot.)

What is 9 + 9 ?