Not Far From the Tree

 

Not Far From the Tree (NFFTT) is an organization that is helping Toronto make the most of its existing food resources by tapping an under-utilized resource - the fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs in the city's yards and green spaces. Almost 150,000 pounds of fruit have been picked since they started in 2008. Their system is structured to provide wins all around.

• Homeowners get their fruit picked by volunteers at the peak of ripeness, saving them time and labour. They also get to keep 1/3 of the yield and have the satisfaction of knowing that the other 2/3 won't go to waste.

• Volunteers get to spend their time enjoying the outdoors, putting their picking skills to use, and meeting other like-minded people. They also get to take home a share of 1/3 of the yield. These pears that I received on a pick were enough to make jam.

• Local community groups which partner with NFFTT, like shelters and community kitchens, receive deliveries of fresh, nutritious fruit, equal to 1/3 of the yield from each pick. 

• As an added plus, the environment benefits from the group's commitment to using cargo bicycles for deliveries.

If you have a fruit tree on your property that you aren't able to take full advantage of, consider registering with NFFTT. They currently only operate in the most central wards in the city, but knowing where accessible fruit lives will help to guide their expansion plans. Their website also has a handy fruit guide which can help you determine if your fruit is ripe. 

If you want to get in on the fruit action, you can sign up to become a volunteer. Once you register and tell them what parts of the city you'd like to pick in, you'll start receiving notifications of when picks are happening. Then it's up to you to sign up. Picks, especially for things like pears and apples, are extremely popular and it can take a while before you're successful. Having a flexible schedule and willingness to travel helps. 

If you're intrigued by this whole concept, follow them on Twitter @NFFTT. They post about all kinds of neat stuff like urban gardening, sustainability, and beekeeping, and of course you'll also find great recipes and kitchen tips. 

Thanks to Not Far From the Tree for providing the following images and permission to use them: logo and bike image

Winter Exhibits at Toronto Galleries

With the colder weather now firmly upon us, it's the perfect time to explore some of Toronto's many free exhibits. There are many small exhibit spaces around the city that regularly curate special exhibits, and most are free to visit. Many also schedule special events related to the exhibits, such as curator tours and discussions. Check out their website or browse this site's Toronto Events page. So don't let the ice and snow stop you, go get your culture on!

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Artful City: Mapping Toronto's Public Art Landscape 1967 - 2015
To May 21, 2017

A map providing the first comprehensive visual view of public art in Toronto. It reveals important patterns of production, ownership, and networks linking artists over time. This map shows who has access to the vast majority of the artwork and who does not. It also illustrates what type of work has received the most support. You are invited to explore and help complete this evolving map by identifying areas in need of public artworks. What does public art mean to you? What can it look like in the future?


First Canadian Place Gallery

Unfamous: The Works of Gary Taxali
To February 3, 2017

Internationally renowned and acclaimed recipient of numerous awards for his artwork, Gary Taxali has been trailblazing a path that intersects the paradoxes/anxieties of contemporary society through imagery of bygone eras. Reminiscent of 1930's Depression era signs, posters, packaging, vintage graphics and ephemera, Taxali confronts themes of human relationships, love, sex, isolation, frustrations and consumerism through our yearning for nostalgia.

Mind the Gap: Birch Contemporary Gallery Artists+
To March 17, 2017

The premise of this exhibition is to create awareness of a 'gap' of sorts, bringing attention to artworks produced between exhibitions or outside of more well-known bodies of work that have slipped into inventory without a formal public airing.

The gallery is located on the street level, near the Adelaide Street entrance by the Duke of Westminster.

Gallery hours:
Monday to Friday, 11:00 - 3:00. Hours are subject to change for private events.


Harbourfront

Harbourfront hosts a number of visual arts exhibitions in its gallery space at 235 Queens Quay West.

Workwear
Organized by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura
January 27 - April 23, 2017

Curated by Milan-based architect, designer and artist Alessandro Guerriero, Workwear re-imagines common uniforms through the work of 40 artists, designers and architects.

Workaday
January 27 - April 23, 2017

This group exhibition sheds light on the process of creation, by presenting works in various media alongside the tools used to make them.

The Essentials 
January 27 - June 18, 2017

A group exhibition devoted to the jewellery we wear daily.

Everyday Lighting
 January 27 - June 18, 2017

Led by designer Katharine Tessier, Craft & Design Studio Artists-in-Residence explore illumination for practical use.

Tong Yan Gaai
January 27 - June 18, 2017

A record of Morris Lum’s journey across Canada with a large-format camera on a search for cultural memory and Chinese identity.

Gallery hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Noon - 6:00
Wednesday: Noon - 6:00
Thursday: Noon - 8:00
Friday: Noon - 6:00
Saturday: Noon - 6:00
Sunday: Noon - 6:00


Istituto Italiano di Cultura

The gallery is located at 496 Huron St.

The Necessary Time 
To February 17, 2017

A photographic exhibition by Ljubodrag Andric.

Gallery hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 1:00, 2:30 - 5:00


Japan Foundation Gallery

The gallery is located in the Hudson's Bay Centre at Yonge & Bloor, 2 Bloor St. E., Suite 300

Legendary Loyalty: The 47 Ronin in Japanese Prints
co-presented by Stuart Jackson Gallery and The Japan Foundation
To March 4, 2017

A presentation of original 18th – 19th century woodblock print illustrations of theatrical performances of the story of Chushingura, and artistic depictions of the actual ronin (masterless samurai).

Gallery hours:
Monday: 11:30 – 6:30
Tuesday: 11:30 – 4:30
Wednesday: 11:30 – 4:30
Thursday: 11:30 – 6:30
Friday: 11:30 – 4:30
Select Saturdays: 11:00 – 4:00


Market Gallery

The gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St. E.

Unearthing Toronto's Oldest Marketplace
To March 18, 2017

This exhibit showcases the history and ongoing archaeology of North America's longest continually running food market.

Gallery hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 - 4:00
Saturday: 9:00 - 4:00
Closed: Sunday, Monday and holidays


Osgoode Hall

The exhibit is located on the first floor and mezzanine levels of the Law Society side of Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen St. W.

Fact or Fiction? Deciphering the Fence at Osgoode Hall
To end of March, 2017

Osgoode Hall's fence is one of its most recognizable features. Today, it stands as one of the few remaining ornamental iron fences - not only in Toronto, but also in Canada. The fence's gates are the stuff of Toronto urban legend: were they really built to keep cows from munching the manicured lawn of Osgoode Hall? This exhibit features images from all over the world, including intriguing images of Toronto in the 19th century.

Accessible hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 5:00


Papermill Gallery

The gallery is located at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site in the Don Valley. There is a charge to visit the rest of the site but the Papermill Gallery is free.

A Child's World: Victorian Photographs of Children and their Pets and Toys
To January 22, 2017

Unlike today where digital photography is a common aspect of life, photography in the 19th-century was a formal occasion. Studio photographs were the norm and in this intimate exhibition of never publicly seen before photographs of children, their pets and their toys, we see that even though more than a century separates us and the subjects in the photographs, there is still a common thread that has not changed – children's fondness for their toys and the family pet.

Hours change according to season. Check the website for current hours.


TD Gallery

This gallery is located inside the Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St.

Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales from the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books
To January 22, 2017

This exhibit explores classic fairy tales and traditional stories from around the world through a surprising array of books, toys, games and art held at the library's Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books.

Vice & Virtue
February 11 to April 30, 2017

A new exhibit that explores changing attitudes and increasing regulation of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, gambling, homosexuality, juvenile delinquency, and prostitution in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century in Toronto. Featuring tabloids, photographs, manuscripts, posters and pamphlets from the library's Baldwin Collection of Canadiana, the exhibit reveals a seedier side of our strait-laced city.

Gallery hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 8:30
Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00
Sunday: 1:30 - 5:00


Many other Toronto Library branches regularly host exhibits. Of particular note is the Lillian H. Smith branch on College Street, which features both the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books and the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy. A complete list of all current exhibits can be found on the library's website.


UTAC Gallery

This gallery hosts both temporary and permanent exhibits. It is located at University College, 15 King’s College Circle.

The Art of Devotion
Permanent

This exhibition, drawn from the University of Toronto’s Malcove Collection, features Byzantine and Post Byzantine Icons from the Malcove Collection and is organized around two central themes: icons dedicated to Mary and the Christ Child, and icons representing Christ and important saints in the Christian tradition.

Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience
January 26 – March 4, 2017

Cree visual artist Kent Monkman's  new, large-scale exhibition takes the viewer on a journey through Canada’s history that starts in the present and takes us back to a hundred and fifty years before Confederation. With its entry points in the harsh urban environment of Winnipeg’s north end, and contemporary life on the reserve, the exhibition takes us all the way back to the period of New France and the fur trade. The Rococo masterpiece The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard is reinterpreted as an installation with Monkman’s alter ego, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, in a beaver trimmed baroque dress, swinging back and forth between the Generals Wolfe and Montcalm.

Kent Monkman, The Bears of Confederation, 2016. Acrylic on canvas. 76" x 136".
Collection of Michelle Bilodeau and Matt Kingston.

Gallery hours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 12:00 - 5:00
Wednesday: 12:00 - 8:00
Thursday: 12:00 - 5:00
Friday: 12:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 12:00 - 5:00
Sunday: CLOSED

* Images used with permission.

Canadian Opera Company

Going to the opera probably isn't the first thing you think of when you're planning a cheap night out, but the Canadian Opera Company's discount ticket options and their impressive range of public programming, which goes well beyond their operatic offerings, makes them worth considering.

Toronto Continuo Collective and Capella Intima

While it's true that booking a premium seat to one of the COC's operas can cost several hundred dollars, there are cheaper options available. Regular seats can be purchased for as little as $50. If you have a youngster showing signs of interest in this art form, tickets for those 15 and under are available at half the price of normal tickets, although this excludes Grand Ring seating and they must be accompanied by an adult. Even better news for adults under 30. They can purchase tickets in designated areas for only $22, or pay $35 in advance and be moved into the best available seats on the day of the performance. For people like me who prefer to act spur of the moment, the COC also has two last-minute programs. If you're able to stand for the duration of the performance, there are 60 standing room tickets available for each performance. They go on sale at 11 am at the box office the day of the performance and cost only $12. Rush tickets, if available, also go on sale at 11 am but according to the website, "discounts are at the discretion of the Canadian Opera Company".

In addition to the operatic productions, the COC hosts an impressive amount of free programming. From September to May they host a free concert series which provides an average of two free performances each week. The offerings are divided into a number of series: Jazz, Vocal, Chamber Music, World Music, Piano Virtuoso, and Dance. One slight hitch for some might be the timing: most performances are held from 12 - 1 pm during the week. Great if you happen to have time off or work downtown and have the ability to take a long lunch but not so convenient otherwise. Occasionally performances are held at 5:30 pm, but there are no more evening concerts scheduled this season.

If you enjoy talks and lectures, the COC also has you covered. Opera Insights is a series of free events billed as "big conversations & interactive events". Tickets must be booked in advance, but they are free. Tickets for the new spring series, which starts April 19, are available starting on April 5.

COC Costume Supervisor Sandra Corazza speaks at an Opera Insights event

Opera Talks are a bit more casual and are held in conjunction with Opera Canada magazine and the North York Central Library. Again, the talks are free to attend but registration is recommended. The talks are held throughout the opera season, and the last one for 2015/2016 will be on April 28.

If you want to learn a bit more about opera but don't want to leave the house, the COC also hosts a number of pod casts on its website. They're no longer in production, but 30 episodes produced between 2012 and 2015 are still available for your listening pleasure. They also provide a list of links to a number of opera-related blogs if you want to browse.

The photos in this article are by Karen E. Reeves and were supplied by the COC.

The Distillery District

While the Distillery District is a popular destination throughout the year, it is during this pre-Christmas season that it really shines. The Toronto Christmas Market, now in its sixth year, begins November 20. The staggering crowds attracted last year (over half a million people visited in 2014) have prompted two changes to this year's market. First, it's longer, running for 28 days. Second, they have instituted a $5 admission charge for visits on Saturdays and Sundays. It is hoped that ticketed weekend entrance will help redirect some of the visitors to the less crowded weeknights. Whenever you decide to go, you can expect to find food, shopping, free entertainment and lots of festive cheer.

Now, because there's so much more to the Distillery District, and because everyone seems to love lists, here are my top 5 affordable things to do in the Distillery, regardless of when you come:

1) Take your picture with the giant red heart. This installation, called "Under the Mistletoe", was installed for the 2014 Christmas market but remained after the market was dismantled.

2) Visit the Mill Street Brewery on a Thursday night for Tap That Cask. The brewers at Mill Street like to experiment and every Thursday they tap a cask of something a little different. At 7 pm they distribute free samples with a cheese pairing, and for the rest of the evening, or until the cask runs dry, pints are only $5. There's also live music. If you're interested in taking part, you can also apply to be a guest cask tapper.

3) Pop in to Soma and breathe deeply. The smell alone is heaven, but take it a step further and buy yourself one of their unique truffles. Each one is a mini masterpiece and makes for an affordable but luxurious treat.

4) Get rush tickets for a play at Soulpepper. While it's not unusual for shows to be sold out, if they're not, tickets are available 60 minutes prior to the performance for only $25, or $5 if you're under 21. Cash only.

5) Learn a little about the site's history. Artifacts from the distillery's industrial past, complete with explanatory signage, are displayed throughout the site. If you're not the type to walk through unmarked doors, they can be easy to miss as many are located in building pass-throughs. So get brave. If the door isn't marked "Private", take a peek!

Beyond TIFF

The city is currently experiencing TIFF fever. The world class festival is celebrating its 40th year and the stars have come out once again to help us celebrate. If for no other reason, this 11 days of international movie magic makes Toronto a great place to be a fan of all things film. Lucky for those of us who live here though there's lots of other options to keep us happy the rest of the year. And many of them, while lacking the glamour of TIFF, sport much smaller price tags.

Did you know that Toronto currently hosts over 70 different film festivals throughout the year? When you think about it, that's more than one a week! We host short films, documentaries, genre films, films from the LGBTQIA community and films from many of the cultural groups that call Toronto home. Some of the festivals offer free screenings and most have tickets in the $10 - $15 range. A great site for upcoming film events is Toronto Plex which also includes a list of festivals throughout the year so you can plan in advance!

The city also boasts a number of unique venues for seeing movies. If you're a fan of documentaries, there's the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. Located in one of Toronto's classic heritage theatres, this theatre programs documentaries from home and abroad and hosts other festivals, community events and special screenings. Memberships are reasonable, are available in various levels and provide great value. Community activism saved the Revue Cinema at 400 Roncesvalles, which now shows predominantly second run movies for $11, but a star card gets you $3 off every movie you see for a whole year. They're having a town hall meeting on September 26 so if you live in the neighbourhood and have ideas about how they can better serve the community, think about attending. Other heritage theatres with second run and special offerings include The Royal Cinema at 608 College, The Fox at 2236 Queen St. E. and the Kingsway at 3030 Bloor St. W.

Many of the city's cultural organizations, such as the Japan Foundation and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, regularly sponsor free film screenings, either at their own locations or more commonly, at one of the community-based theatres listed above. Many of these are listed on this blog's Events page. Some organizations have their own theatre, like the Art Gallery of Ontario's Jackman Hall which regularly screens films related to current exhibits. The University of Toronto has Innis Town Hall, whose theatre has recently been refurbished. The Cinema Studies Student Union programs regular free features there every week during the school year, including premieres and screenings with special guests.

The Toronto Public Library is another organization that regularly schedules movie screenings. Many are geared to families, with appropriate movie selections and time slots. Others are intended for a broader audience. Some branches have regular screenings, such as Barbara Frum which hosts afternoon movies at 2 pm two Thursdays a month, while others are geared to special events or programming. For example, the Hillcrest branch will be hosting Puppetmongers Movie Night on September 17 which will show movies featuring puppetry from around the world, and starting September 16, the Brentwood branch will be hosting a monthly Polish film night.

The library also has a vast collection of movies to borrow, ranging from popular titles and foreign films to documentaries and how-to videos. New movies are added regularly.

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning two of the bigger players in Toronto movie houses: Cineplex and the Magic Lantern and Rainbow theatres. Cineplex offers two programs that I love. The first is Scene, their customer loyalty card. It's free and the concept is simple: see movies, use the card, earn free movies. Plus 10% off movies on Tuesdays and concessions. The second program is their Classic Film Series. About once a month it puts classics back on the big screen for the reasonable ticket price of $6.

Rainbow Cinemas has a few locations around the city and if you don't mind seeing your films on a slightly older, smaller screen, it's a good way to save a few bucks. They even have $5 Tuesdays. The Carlton Cinema, which operates as a Magic Lantern Theatre, is also special in that shows a lot of new independent and foreign releases and on the third Saturday of the month as part of their Carlton Midnight Society they screen cult oddities.

There's lots more to say about the movie offerings in Toronto. As the summer has just ended, I've completely ignored the outdoor screenings that happen at multiple venues across the city for example. Watch the Events page for free and special screenings, check out Toronto Plex or Cinema Clock for listings, and add your favourites by leaving a comment on this post.

Duotang Chesterfield's Mystery Theatre

Growing up, one of the things I looked forward to each week was the Sunday night airing of Theatre of the Mind. For those of you not familiar with it, it was a radio program that aired the best of the radio plays from the 1930s and 40s. Full of drama, suspense and sound effects, the radio plays were a great way to pass the time, especially on long car rides.

Yesterday at the Fringe Festival, I discovered Duotang Chesterfield's Mystery Theatre. A group based out of Toronto, they are keeping the tradition of radio plays alive, presenting stories from "the case files of fictional detectives across the 20th century". You can follow the exploits of C.H. Arles, The Oregon Twins, Jim Buckles, or my current favourite, Myrna Sinclair. The podcasts, released on the 11th and 25th of the month, lovingly re-create the experience of listening to those vintage shows, but they're modern and funny too.

In addition to the podcasts, the group also presents live shows, re-creating the vintage radio studio atmosphere on stage. Don't worry, it's much more than watching people read lines. With their adopted personas, you feel transported back to this golden age and it's always fun to watch the foley artists in action. Currently, you can catch the gang at the Toronto Fringe Festival. 

Duotang Chesterfield's Mystery Theatre Live! is playing at the Randolph Theatre on Bathurst. Tickets are only $10, $12 if you buy in advance. Two twenty minute episodes are presented at each performance, and there are four different programs in total.  

Wednesday July 8 at 8:45 pm

Thursday July 9 at 1:45 pm

Friday July 10 at 7:30 pm

Sunday July 12 at noon

If you don't catch them at Fringe, download their podcasts - they're free - and follow them on Twitter and Facebook to find out when their next live performance will take place.

Pictures courtesy of Duotang Chesterfield's Mystery Theatre.

Lunchtime fun

June is a great time to give yourself a break and get out and enjoy some lunchtime entertainment. Not only is the weather glorious (well, when it's not pouring) but there are also a lot of options. Many summer programs have started and those programs that take the summer off still have a few weeks before they wrap up. Music seems to be the most popular lunchtime offering, but there are a few other options for those who like a little something different. Please comment with other lunchtime programs!

Music

Music Mondays
A largely instrumental concert series at the Church of the Holy Trinity, next to the Eaton Centre. Piano is a heavily featured instrument but there is variety in the schedule. Concerts are at 12:15 and are PWYC, $5 minimum suggested.

Lunchtime Live!
A live concert series featuring an eclectic range of music. It runs on Mondays in the spring and fall in Yonge-Dundas Square. Concerts start at 12:30 and are free.

Organ Recitals at St. James Cathedral
The organ in this historically designated church at King and Church was originally built in 1888 and has been carefully expanded and maintained through the years. Concerts on this amazing instrument are presented twice per week, including at 1 pm every Tuesday. Admission is free but donations toward the upkeep of the organ are welcome.

Play the Parks
The Downtown Yonge BIA is planning lunchtime, early evening and weekend entertainment at various locations around the downtown core this summer. On Wednesdays from noon to 1 pm there will be live music in College Park Courtyard and on Thursdays you can catch concerts at the same time in Trinity Park next to the Eaton Centre.

COC Series
The Canadian Opera Company runs a number of different series over the lunchtime including Jazz, Chamber, Vocal, World Music and more. Unfortunately the series wraps up in early June but it will return again in September. Concerts are held at the Four Seasons Centre at 12 pm and are free.


Other

1812 Re-enactors
On Thursdays throughout the summer costumed re-enactors will be in Berczy Park near Church and Front from 12:30 to 1 pm to tell first person accounts of life in 1812 in the Town of York, re-enact sword fights, and then visit the historical locations in the neighbourhood, including St. James Cathedral, Ontario's first Parliament buildings and the St. Lawrence Market complex.

Tours of the Ontario Legislature
30 minute lunchtime tours of the Ontario Legislature happen every Friday at 12:30 p.m. during the months of March, May, July, August and October. Each month offers a different theme. Tours meet in the lobby and are free. If 12:30 doesn't fit your schedule, the legislature runs regular building tours throughout the day, and a special inside and out tour during the summer months at 10 am and 3 pm. All tours are free.

Osgoode Hall Tours
During July and August, Osgoode Hall opens its doors each day and welcomes the public in for a tour. Tours start at 1:15 pm and last an hour.

First Canadian Place
The First Canadian Place gallery is open Tuesday thru Thursday for viewing, from lunch to early afternoon. Hours change so check their website for details. Events such as concerts by the Waterfall Stage and talks in the gallery are frequently held over the lunch hour as well.

First Canadian Place Events

First Canadian Place is a 72 storey office tower in the heart of downtown Toronto. Despite its central location and having three floors devoted to stores and restaurants, I most often find myself simply passing through while using PATH to escape the elements. Until recently that is. The building hosts a small gallery whose programming has recently caught my attention. The gallery itself is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm and is free to browse. Exhibits change periodically, and they host some pretty interesting free lunchtime talks and panels. 

The most recent event I attended included author David Balzer and a panel of speakers discussing the role of curators in today's art world and beyond. The next talk presents the amazing Dr. Roberta Bondar (Canada's first female astronaut) speaking about her landscape and nature photography. Her images of the African Savannah and its wildlife are on display at the gallery until May 29th, and her talk is coming up on April 15th.

Events at First Canadian Place aren't limited to the gallery however. Lunchtime concerts by the Waterfall Stage happen periodically and the main floor lobby often hosts special programming. Right now the exhibits and talks have a green theme for Earth Month, including talks on growing edible plants and making room for pollinators in your green space, even if that means your balcony. Check out the events calendar for the full list of talks.

Theatre on a Budget

The theatre scene in Toronto is incredibly robust. I spoke to a woman in the lobby before a show recently and she admitted that she and her husband were well on their way to seeing 300 unique shows in 2014. I have no doubt that they made it. I love live theatre but my budget and schedule work together to restrict my consumption. When I have the time, I often feel I have to conserve my resources. Over the years however I've come up with some ways to stretch my theatre budget and here I'll share them with you.

Volunteer
If you have more time than cash, the very best way to see more theatre is to volunteer. Theatre festivals such as Summerworks, Fringe, and NextStage (which is on now!) all rely heavily on volunteers. Usually they work on a shift to show basis - work a shift, earn a stamp which gets you in to another show in the festival - but often the perks go beyond that. Depending on the shift you're working, you might get to sit in on a show, and sometimes companies, recognizing the importance of volunteers, host volunteer appreciation shows where volunteers get to go for free, without using a stamp. Unsure of your skills? Don't worry about it - training is provided and everyone from volunteer coordinators to front of house staff to fellow volunteers are generally extremely supportive. If you're still uncertain, my advice is to start with Fringe - their training is superb. Just be prepared to wear a bright yellow shirt. Volunteer shirts are always bright yellow.

Many theatre companies also rely on volunteers as ushers, especially the smaller companies and venues. Check out their websites or give them a call to see if they're accepting new volunteers. Find out what sort of commitment they expect, and what perks they offer. While my experience here is limited to Canadian Stage, they are excellent. Volunteers are only used at the Berkeley Street Theatre but working 25 hours (a shift is clocked at a minimum of three hours) earns you two vouchers for shows at the Bluma. They also host a volunteer appreciation dinner and theatre performance every year and put on special enrichment nights specifically for volunteers. January is when they typically bring on new volunteers, so if this sounds good, contact them!

Sign up for newsletters & follow social media
Most theatre companies provide special discounts to followers through social media. Twitter seems better for great limited-time special deals but newsletters are great for general information like which performances are PWYC, and for receiving special offers on shows, especially the bigger ones. Signing up for the Mirvish newsletter for example will get you promo codes for significant savings to most shows, and while you might not get discounts for shows with incredible buzz, you'll likely get an opportunity to buy tickets before the general public. Sometimes you have to pay full price if you're determined to see the show. I can't miss seeing Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit for example so I know I'm going to have to pay for it. The other plus to receiving newsletters is that you always know what's playing.

Buy at the box office
Service charges and order fees can really add up when you're buying online or over the phone. Earlier in 2014 I went online to order 2 tickets for a show. The tickets were $19 each and the total fees on the order were $18.50. I cancelled the transaction and walked to the box office instead. I got the 2 tickets and paid no service charge. If you receive promo codes which specify "web promo code" don't be turned off going to the box office unless it's really inconvenient for you to get there. I've never been told I couldn't use a promo code because it was only good for online orders. But who knows, maybe I've just been lucky.

RUSH, PWYC & more
Get to know the different pricing options available at your favourite theatres. Many offer discounted pricing for preview performances, discounts for groups and cut-rate last minute tickets. There is often special pricing for different groups such as youth, students, seniors and arts workers so it pays to find out if you're qualified. Another reason to volunteer at a theatre is that it often qualifies you to receive arts worker discounts at other theatres. At the bottom of this post is a list of some special pricing available at the time of posting.

Buy a subscription
If you're not afraid of commitment and can afford to pay for your tickets in advance, consider buying a subscription or a multi-seat pass. You usually save at least 20% on ticket prices and there are usually other perks as well. For example, some theatre companies offer Member Discount Cards which grant you discounts at local merchants, handy for pre-show dining. The biggest perk for me though is that I usually end up seeing something I wouldn't otherwise have seen.

Be adventurous
Don't be afraid to try out smaller theatres and theatre companies and make it a point to take full advantage of Toronto's various theatre festivals. Tickets tend to be very affordable for these performances and the pool of talent in Toronto is incredibly deep so your risk of seeing something sub-par is pretty limited.

House Seats
I've written a whole post on this subscription service which offers subscribers free last minute tickets to all manner of events from theatre to music to comedy to sports. The only catch is you actually have to show up. Subscriptions are very affordable and can be bought for a two month trial period or for a whole year.


Buddies in Bad Times
Regular tickets: prices vary
Previews: generally $20 - $25
PWYC: A limited number of seats available for Sunday afternoon shows. Tickets available in person starting at noon, maximum 4 per person.
RUSH: Available from noon the day of the show. Tuesday - Thursday performances only. Limit 2 per person.
Discounts available for Under 30 and arts workers.
Group discounts for groups 10+
They also offer an earn and save program.

Canadian Stage
Regular tickets: $29 - $89 for Bluma, $29 - $49 for Berkeley
PWYC Tuesday. $20 recommended. Tickets available in person at the box office the day of the performance.
RUSH: 50% of the top ticket price. Available 1 hour prior to show time.
Under 30 tickets: $15 when you join C-Stage.
Arts worker tickets: $22

Factory Theatre
Regular tickets: $35 - $45
Preview tickets: $23
PWYC Sunday 2 pm matinees. $15 recommended. Tickets available in person at the box office from noon the day of the performance. Cash only.
RUSH: $15. 1 per person, cash only. Available 10 minutes prior to show time, line opens at 7 pm.
Student, senior & arts worker discounts available.
Group discounts for 10+

Soulpepper
Regular tickets: $58 - $89
PWYC Tuesday. $20 recommended. Tickets available in person at the box office the day of the performance.
RUSH: $24 ($5 for 21 and under). Available 30 minutes prior to show time, line opens 1 hour prior. Cash only. 2 ticket limit.
30 & under: special pricing available upon sign-up
Student: $38
Arts worker tickets: special pricing available. In person at box office, except Mondays can be booked in advance online.
Group discount: 10% off for groups of 12 or more

Tarragon Theatre
Regular tickets: $50 - $60
Preview tickets: $23 - $29
RUSH: $15. Available 2 hours prior to show time, in person at box office.
Under 35: sampler passes available
Arts worker tickets: $27 - $31
Seniors: $42 - $49
Students: $27 - $31

Theatre Passe Muraille
Regular tickets: $38 Mainspace, $33 Backspace
Preview tickets: $22.50
PWYC Saturday and Sunday matinees. $15 recommended. Tickets available in person at the box office 2 hours prior to show time.
Under 30 tickets: $17
Arts worker tickets: $33 Mainspace, $28 Backspace
Seniors: $33 Mainspace, $28 Backspace

LEAF - Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests

LEAF is a not-for-profit organization in Toronto whose motto is “Improving city life one tree at a time”.

Established in 1996 they seek to mindfully increase the urban forest in Toronto which includes not only trees, but also shrubs and other plants. They do this through careful planting programs and by attempting to turn all citizens into tree ambassadors. Their website has lots of useful information and they regularly give talks and appear at community events to talk about the many benefits of a greener city, both for society and for individuals. For example, did you know that proper placement of trees around a home can reduce summer cooling costs by as much as 40 percent, and winter heating costs by 10 percent? Or that mature trees in neighbourhoods and on your property can contribute significantly to increased property values?

Toronto has a tree cover of approximately 26 percent but the ice storm of last winter is estimated to have cost us about 20 percent of those trees. The Emerald Ash Borer is costing us even more. If you’re a homeowner who suffered a loss, or are interested in planting a tree on your property, LEAF can help. Their Backyard Tree Planting Program will help you pick a species that will thrive in your yard based on the conditions and challenges that you have, supply the tree, plant it, and provide you with information on how to care for it. All for one low subsidized fee thanks to funding from their corporate partners. Shrubs are also available. They also have a tips page to help you hire a qualified tree care company when you require work done on your trees.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to get your hands dirty, LEAF hosts a number of events throughout the year that let you get up close and personal with trees around the city. They also have an Adopt-a-Tree program which works with Park People and local Friends of Parks groups to help ensure the survival of newly planted trees.

Finally, if you love tours, LEAF does tree tours around the city. Their live guided tours cost only $5 and they have made past tours available as pdfs through their website.

Metropasses and More with Air Miles

No one should be surprised to learn that I’m a big fan of loyalty programs. I have a whole separate wallet for the cards that collect points. One of my favourites is Air Miles. While I went for years getting very little value for my points, since the Air Miles Cash program started it’s been a whole different story.

I still collect Air Miles the same way I always have which is mostly, I admit, at the liquor store, but now when I accumulate 95 points, I suddenly have the option to take $10 off my bill at other participating sponsors (unfortunately, not at the LCBO). Thanks to the fact that I also have a no-fee Air Miles American Express card, which I only use at Air Miles sponsors, the points add up faster than you might think. Especially if you pay attention to special promotions.

While I think the new Air Miles Cash program is awesome, you’re not limited to instant gratification. Dream Miles, those that you spend on things like flights, still exist and if you take the time to browse you might be surprised at what you can get. As well as the usual suspects, like car rentals, hotel certificates, televisions and other merchandise, there are some surprising items. Did you know 1045 Air Miles will get you a TTC Metropass? Or that you can donate to programs like Trees Ontario or World Wildlife Fund using your Air Miles? They also offer special night out programs which can be tickets to theatre or special events, sometimes paired with dinner or other unique perks. The site is definitely worth a browse.

By default, all Air Miles earned are earned as Dream Miles. Once you have them, they can’t be converted to Air Miles Cash points, you have to use them for Dream Rewards. To earn Cash points, you have to log in to your account and set your collecting preference – what percentage of points earned go toward each program. You can set it for whatever you like, and change it whenever it you like.

 As an example of how quickly points can add up, my trip to the LCBO today to buy 3 bottles of wine cost me $38.80 and earned me 19 Air Miles:

LCBO Standard Offer: 1+ (1 for every $30 spent, cumulative monthly spend)

LCBO Product Bonus Offer: 16 (8 each on 2 bottles with promo offer)

AMEX Offer: 2 (1 for every $15 at Air Miles sponsors)

Olympics 2014

Do you have Olympic fever? Or has all the controversy surrounding Russia's hosting of the Games dimmed your enthusiasm? Regardless of where along that spectrum you find yourself, watching the events and celebrating our athletes in the company of others can't help but raise your cheer level.

As official Olympic broadcasters, CBC is taking steps to raise everyone's interest in these Games. Out on the snowy streets this morning, CBC reps were handing out print copies of the broadcast schedule. On the back is a list of events taking place at the Broadcast Centre on Front Street. The atrium has been turned into a viewing area and they are officially inviting everyone to come out between 10 am and 5 pm daily to join the fun and cheer on the athletes.

Feb 7 - Opening Ceremony
Feb 8 - Taste of Russia
Feb 15 - Pin Day (a pin swap day for pin collectors and sports enthusiasts)
Feb 17 - Family Day Sign Day (bring your best sign)
Feb 20 - Women's Gold Medal Hockey Game
Feb 22 - Taste of Russia
Feb 23 - Men's Gold Medal Hockey Game & Closing Ceremony ** this is at 7 am and includes a pancake breakfast

Plus try out some of these additional fun activities:

• Hoist the Flag on the CBC Podium, just like our athletes 
• Curling: Try your hand at Canada's other national sport 
• Get your picture taken as an athlete with our life-sized cut outs 
• Tattoo Station: Show your pride in (temporary) ink 
• Enjoy Sochi-themed kids' crafts with your youngest CBC fans

Visit the CBC website for full schedule and all the Olympic details you crave.

TD Gallery

The Toronto Reference Library, centrally located just north of Bloor and Yonge, is much more than a place to research your latest passion. It’s also a community hub offering talks, classes, lectures and exhibits. While display cases filled with fascinating treasures can be found throughout the library, the main exhibition space is on the main floor, just to the right of the entrance. The TD Gallery is a wonderful space which is used to highlight rare and interesting items from the library’s varied collection.

 

The TD Gallery is free to visit and hosts roughly four exhibits per year. The current exhibit is entitled The Gilded Age of Fashion: 1890-1914 and it uses text and original and reproduced illustrations and ephemera to explore this exciting time in fashion. It also looks at how the theatre has interpreted this period in fashion through wardrobe sketches and actual theatrical costumes on loan from the Shaw Festival. If you can’t get out to the show, or just want to get a sense of what you’ll see when you do visit, the library has prepared a virtual exhibit that you can enjoy from home.

 

The library has also planned some special events in relation to this exhibit so you may want to time your visit to take advantage:

Designing for the Shaw  November 26, 2:00 p.m.
Cameron Porteous, former Head of Design at the Shaw Festival Theatre, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at designing costumes for the Canadian stage. The presentation will be followed by a curated tour of the gallery.

Vintage Fashion: Reliving the Gilded Age  November 27 , 7:00 p.m.
Live models will wear period costumes, including summer party dresses from the Downton Abbey era.

 

General Gallery Details:

Location: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street - Main Level
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Exhibit closes January 5, 2014.

[murmur]

If you've ever been out exploring and wish that the trees or walls could talk, you're in luck. Thanks to the [murmur] program, many of the most interesting spaces and neighbourhoods around the city are giving up their secrets.

Started in 2003 in Kensington Market, the program collects and records the stories of places and the people who live there, from the people themselves. It's an oral history project that aims to provide a more intimate connection between people and the city. Large green ears mark locations where [murmur] recordings are available, and the sign lists a phone number. Call it and listen to a slice of history. All recordings are also available through the [murmur] website.

If you're visiting other cities, [murmur] has so far spread to Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, San Jose, California, Edinburgh, Dublin and Geelong, Australia.

Festivals - July 2013

There's always lots to do in Toronto, but over the next few weeks the festival season really hits high gear. The next few weekends present a choice of neighbourhood street festivals, which provide ample opportunities to shop and sample food, while being entertained. Many also include a beer tent, to augment the street-side patios. There are also film, theatre and music festivals which run throughout the week. And Summerlicious runs through it all.

• Italian Contemporary Film Festival. June 26 - July 6. 

• Toronto Fringe Festival. Various venues. July 3 - 14.

• Taste of Lawrence International Food & Cultural Festival. July 5 - 7. 

• Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. Nathan Philips Square. July 5 - 7. 

• Corso Italia Street Festival. July 5 - 7. 

• Summerlicious. July 5 - 21. 

• Festival of South Asia. July 6 - 7.  

• Mad Pride Toronto. July 8 - 14.

• Soundclash Festival. July 12 - 14. 

• Salsa on St. Clair.  July 13 - 14.

• Festival of India. July 13 - 14. 

• Unity Festival. July 18 - 21.  

• Tirgan Festival. July 18 - 21. 

• Beaches International Jazz Festival. July 19 - 28. 

• BIG on Bloor Festival. July 20 - 21. 

• Toronto Burlesque Festival. July 25 - 28.

• Frugal Fashion Week. July 25 - 28.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, though built to serve as the final resting place for Torontonians of all faiths (it was one of Toronto’s earliest non-denominational cemeteries), was, from the first, envisioned as much more than just a place for the dead. It was planned to also function as a place of recreation for the living, and was designed by landscape gardener H.A. Englehardt. Its varied topography is augmented by special plantings and the inclusion of winding pathways. Wandering through this space can be a lovely experience, especially in the spring when some of the many flowering trees and shrubs are in bloom. If you feel a little weird taking your exercise in a cemetery, don’t. The Mount Pleasant Group, which manages the cemetery, encourages it. They even offer 1, 3 and 5 km suggested route maps for walkers and runners on their website.

The variety of plantings in the cemetery is of special note to anyone with an interest in trees. Over the years, the number of plantings has increased and now the cemetery is said to be one of the finest arboretums in North America. If you’re interested in learning more, on May 26th arborist Jack Radecki is presenting a guided tree walk starting at 2 pm at the Yonge Street gates. The walk is free.

Other free programming is also available at the cemetery. Starting in July, students of the Royal Conservatory perform every Saturday at 5 pm in the Visitation Centre. Special memorials are held throughout the year, tied to events or burials within the cemetery. For example, on May 26th they are having a 99th anniversary memorial in remembrance of the sinking of the Empress of Ireland.

The cemetery runs as a not-for-profit business and like all cemeteries in Canada must put aside a portion of revenues to a Perpetual Care Trust Fund which ensures that the grounds will forever be looked after. According to their website, Mount Pleasant’s fund has the highest balance per developed acre of any cemetery in North America, which means that not only are they able to keep the grounds beautiful and well-maintained, but they will likely always be so.

Canadian Broadcasting Centre and the CBC Museum

The Canadian Broadcasting Centre at 250 Front Street West is a large space that houses many treasures. The ground floor is open to the public and features a large, light-filled central atrium with a couple of take-out food places and limited seating. It occasionally hosts special events, like a farmer's market or craft shows. The south west corner, near the Front Street entrance, houses the CBC Shop and the entrance to the Glenn Gould Studio, a performance venue. Step outside and visit the statue of Glenn Gould, seated nonchalantly on a bench.

The highlight of a visit to this building however is the CBC Museum. The main gallery space is located just off the north west corner of the atrium. It contains vintage equipment, including a large display of microphones, a wall of general CBC history items, and two themed areas. The first looks at CBC's tradition of producing excellent children's programming, and features Mr. Dressup, The Friendly Giant, and Sesame Park. Look at props, like Mr. Dressup's tickle trunk (don't miss Casey's tree house, which is across the hall from the museum entrance), read about the series and their hosts, and watch clips - sure to take you back! The second area looks at the creation of sound effects, and includes some really simple but fun hands-on activities. If you're going with kids in tow, why not download one of the activity sheets prepared by CBC?

Once you're done with the main space, there is still lots to see. If you're getting foot sore, why not stop in next door at the Graham Spry Theatre. Small but comfy, it shows programming from CBC's vast archives. If you continue down the corridor toward the Wellington entrance, you will see some large vintage cameras. The hallway leading to John Street is lined with recessed display windows featuring vintage radios, including a Sony Walkman complete with box.

The rest of the collection is displayed in the Ivan Harris Gallery which is located one floor below. The stairs are located off the south east corner of the atrium, part way to the Front Street entrance. This gallery presents even more equipment, props and merchandise, and provides a glimpse into the storage area. There are lots of nostalgic pieces here so take some time to browse.



The main museum space is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. The other areas, including the Ivan Harris Gallery, are open whenever the building is. And thanks to recent improvements, the CBC building is now connected to the PATH underground network, so the cold weather is no longer a reason not to visit.

St. James Cathedral

Every May the City of Toronto hosts a program called Doors Open that encourages buildings to open their doors and welcome us ordinary citizens in to take a look around. For those of us who are interested in architecture, or just pretty things, it can be an exhausting weekend. So much to see, and so many other people out there trying to see it at the same time. So it's a nice treat when buildings of interest, with beautiful interiors, open their doors to the curious year-round.

The building I'm thinking of is St. James Cathedral, at the corner of Church and King. Opened in 1853, this beautiful Gothic Revival structure welcomes visitors during open hours, asking only that you be quiet and respectful of those using the space for worship. They even provide a downloadable self-led tour booklet, which is chock full of terminology and interesting facts. Like for instance, that this church has the tallest church spire in Canada. On their tour page they also indicate that tours can be arranged by contacting the Archives and Museum.

The Archives and Museum is located in the adjacent Parish House and can also be toured by appointment. They periodically mount exhibits in their large gallery space, which are also free to view. Unfortunately, their current exhibit celebrating The Queen's Jubilee recently closed, but it can be hoped that their annual exhibit of nativity scenes from around the world will open shortly.

The church also hosts a number of regular musical events which are open to the public and free to attend. This includes their weekly organ recital series held on Sundays at 4 pm and Tuesdays at 1 pm. In addition to this they also occasionally program special events. On Friday December 14, the St. James Cathedral Choir will be joined by a live orchestra for a performance of Handel's Messiah (part one) and Vivaldi's Gloria. Tickets for this performance are $40.

The three images of St. James are courtesy of Michael Hudson Photography.