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.

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.

[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.

Halloween Events 2012

With the end of October quickly drawing near, the city is getting decidedly spooky! There are lots of events going on, particularly this weekend, but also for the rest of this week and in to next. And all of this is on top of the walking tours listed in the last post. Most events listed below are free.

Night of Dread
This parade, put on each year by Clay & Paper Theatre, starts at Dufferin Grove Park on Saturday night at 6 pm. As the name might suggest, it features lots of dreadful over-sized puppets, shrines, masks and other imagery. After the parade, they continue the revelry with Pageantry in the Park. Dress code is black and white and dreadful, and the event is PWYC, although a $10 donation is suggested.

For those who would like to be even more involved in this event, Clay & Paper Theatre is holding drop-in community workshops every day prior to parade day where you can help them create all of the puppets, shrines, etc. that will be used during the parade. Workshop participation is free and it takes place in Dufferin Grove Park between 1 and 8 pm on Wed & Thurs, and from 10 am - 10 pm on Friday October 26.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival
While not specifically a Halloween event, what could be better for creating the mood than a festival of horror, sci-fi, action and cult movies? There are 2 screenings every night, at 6:45 and 9:45. Movies are shown at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on Bloor near Bathurst, and tickets are $14, or $24 for a double feature. Festival ends this Friday, October 26.

Halloween Star Party
If you like a little science with your spooky, visit the Ontario Science Centre on Friday night for this free star-gazing Halloween event. High-powered telescopes will be set up for viewing the night sky, and there will be themed events such as a costume parade, storytelling and spooky science demos. And the best thing is, this is a free event. Let's hope the weather cooperates!

Phantom of the Organ
For music lovers, the Metropolitan United Church on Queen St. is holding a special concert on Friday night. The event will feature creepy music (of course!) plus strange tales, mood lighting, and a visit from the Phantom. Again, a great free event.

The PawsWay Halloween Party
Dog lovers haven't been left out of things either. The PawsWay, on Queens Quay West, will be hosting their annual Halloween party. Their will be games, prizes and activities, and free treats for all dogs that show up in costume. Just imagine the cute! This is a not-to-be missed event (for me at least!). From 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Participation is free (as is gawking).

 

Family Events on the Weekend
If you want to take the kids out for some themed fun, there are lots of options this weekend. Riverdale Farm is once again putting on the Halloween Boo Barn, on both Saturday and Sunday. It features a haunted barn for kids aged 3 - 10 years, as well as a pumpkin patch with opportunities for pumpkin carving. Costumes are encouraged. While entry to Riverdale Farm is always free, they are encouraging people to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the food bank.

On Saturday, Bloor West Village is having PumpkinFest in the Village with pumpkin carving, face painting, stilt walking, fortune telling and more. On Bloor St W between Jane and Runnymede, from 11 am - 4 pm, and it's free. Not to be outdone, the Kingsway neighbourhood is hosting Pumpkinfest in the Kingsway, featuring pumpkin decorating and live entertainment. At Royal York and Bloor, from 11 am to 3 pm, also free.

Many of the city's historic sites and family attractions are also offering lots of special programming this weekend, free with regular priced admission. 




Halloweek
Church and Wellesley Village bills itself as the best place to be for the week of Halloween and to back it up they have lots of events going on. Saturday night they're having a Jack-O-Lantern Competition at the intersection of Maitland and Church streets from 6 to 8 pm. Expect to see some amazing artistry at that. Then on Halloween itself, which awkwardly falls on a Wednesday, they're having a full-on street party with a live stage show starting at 7 pm and a costume contest at 9:30 pm.

Twilight Pumpkin Float
For something a little magical, head out to High Park on Sunday night and make your way to the wading pool in the northwest corner of the park. There, for a minimum donation of $2.50, you can carve a pumpkin and set it afloat.

Monster Dash
While not a typical costume parade, the Monster Dash, which is a running event that supports Holland Bloorview Foundation, could still be really entertaining. It takes place on Sunday night and runners are encouraged to wear costumes. They're out there supporting a good cause, so if you're in the neighbourhood (the run takes place in the area around Holland Bloorview, Leaside and Sunnybrook Park) get out there and cheer them on. You might be able to snap some great pics.

Halloween Tour of the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres
While tours of this unique double-decker theatre are available throughout the year, the tour on Monday October 29 is a special ghosty version. No reservations required, but there is a charge of $12, cash only. Tours start at 7:30 pm.

Mimico Pumpkin Parade
Not sure what to do with your pumpkin after Halloween? Why not take it to Mimico Square in Amos Waites Park and add it to the countless others on display at the first annual Mimico Pumpkin Parade? Compare your carving to others and get inspiration for next year.

Day of the Dead
Learn all about this Mexican festival which honours the dead at Harbourfront Centre on the weekend after Halloween. Lots of entertainment, workshops and fun activities. November 3 and 4th.

The Wheel: A Samhain Masquerade
For those who choose to celebrate in the pagan style, there's a new event this year. The Wheel: A Samhain Masquerade will take place in Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday November 3 from 5 to 8 pm. Featuring the Dragon Ritual Drummers and much more.

As a final note, if you're still looking for inspiration, or a final piece to make that perfect Halloween costume, this Friday - October 26 - both the Salvation Army and Goodwill thrift stores are having 50% off sales events.

Happy Halloween!

Ghostly Walking Tours

October is a great month for getting out and walking. The leaves are turning, it's cool but not usually bitterly cold, and there are lots of opportunities to take haunted walking tours to get you in the mood for Halloween. I was actually surprised at the number of options available. I haven't taken one in a few years, having been a bit disappointed in the off-the-cuff nature of the last tour I took - generally, I prefer a well-researched tour which brings in the history of the buildings and area, rather than just relying on stories told by the guide's friends and neighbours. Also, I find that a smaller tour size makes for a much better evening - it's worth asking your guide before you book what the maximum group size is.

From my browsing, here are a few of the walk options that seemed most appealing:

The Toronto Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society have put together a self-guided ghost walk of Toronto and offer it for free on their website. This means you can take the tour at your own pace, and without fear of crowds spoiling the mood. It provides some basic history on the building or location, along with the types of ghostly disturbances that have been reported on site. It doesn't tend to go in to a lot of detail about what or who the ghosts are thought to represent, but I think it's a good starter walk, especially because it's free.

Exhibition Place is said to be the home of many ghosts, and every Friday evening in the fall they offer haunted walking tours of the grounds. They start at 7 pm and cost $20 per person.

One of the consistently well-reviewed walking tour companies is Muddy York Walking Tours, and their tours aim to make Toronto's history interesting. They offer a Haunted Streets of Downtown Toronto tour and a Ghosts of the University of Toronto tour, as well as some other ghoulish sounding tours including Bloody York: Crime and Punishment, and Historic Cemetery Walk. Prices are $20 per person, but this goes down if multiple people book together ($15 each for 2 or 3 people, $10 each for four or more).

And finally, a relative newcomer on the scene, is the Haunted Walk of Old Toronto. This tour focuses on the area around the Distillery District and the St. Lawrence Market, and runs throughout the year. Cost is $18.75 for adults.

If you'd rather not get out there yourself but are interested in what buildings or spaces in Toronto might be haunted, check out this 2008 article from Toronto.com on Haunted Toronto.

UPDATE: While searching for events for the What's On page, I've come across a few more family-friendly Halloween-themed walking tours and I've listed them below.

Fort York After Dark Lantern Tours. Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd. 7:30 - 9:30 pm. $12.50 plus tax, pre-registration required. Oct 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

Family Nature Walk: Halloween Howl. Walk led by staff of the High Park Nature Centre. Costumes recommended! Meet at the High Park Nature Centre, 440 Parkside Dr. 6:30 - 8:30 pm. $2 suggested donation. October 27

Spirit Walk. Ghost walk of some downtown laneways, ending at Mackenzie House with mulled cider and biscuits. Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St. 6:30, 7 & 7:30 pm. $12.50 plus tax, pre-registration required. October 27

If anyone tries out a ghost walk this fall, leave a comment and tell us what you thought!

Fall Festivals 2012

Harvest festivals are a long-standing tradition in Southern Ontario, and while Toronto isn't exactly rural, there are lots of festivals going on this month to get you out and enjoying the gorgeous fall weather.

If you're hankering for a good old fashioned fall fair but can't get yourself out of the city, check out Riverdale Farm's Annual Fall Festival. It's taking place September 8 & 9 and features lots of traditional farm-style events, like a corn roast and chances to meet and talk with the farmers. Sunday morning there will also be a pancake breakfast from 9:30 to 11:30. $5 will get you 2 pancakes, 2 sausages and your choice of beverage, with all proceeds going to support the farm.

 

The Riverdale Farm Festival is happening in conjunction with the larger Cabbagetown Festival. Parliament Street from Wellesley to Gerrard, and Carlton Street from Parliament to Berkeley will both be closed for both days of the festival allowing for lots of entertainment, activities and vendors. There will also be arts and crafts in Riverdale Park, and apparently over 200 garage sales in the surrounding streets.

Many other neighbourhoods and cultural groups are taking advantage of the friendly fall weather to host similar street festivals. A partial list is included below, so pick a weekend, get out there and mingle with your fellow Torontonians.

Sep 7, 8 & 9
Taste of the Kingsway Festival. Fall festival with live entertainment, over 200 exhibitors, beer and wine gardens and more. Bloor St. W. between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Rd.

Sep 8 & 9
Cabbagetown Festival & Riverdale Farm's Fall Festival

Sep 8 & 9
Toronto Chinatown Festival. Food, entertainment, kids activities. Spadina between Dundas and College. Noon - 11 pm.

Sep 8 & 9
Romanian Festival. Folk music, dances, food, art, exhibitors and live performances. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St. 11 am - 8pm.

Sep 9
The Beach Celtic Festival. Kew Gardens, Queen St. E. 9 am - 7 pm.

Sep 14, 15 & 16
Toronto Ukrainian Festival.  Bloor West Village, between Jane St. and Glendowynne Rd.  

Sep 15 & 16
Roncesvalles Village Polish Festival. Roncesvalle Ave from Queen to Dundas.

Sep 22
Far Enough Farm's Fall Fair. Parade, activities, BBQ food and corn roast, beer garden and free live entertainment. Far Enough Farm, Centre Island. 11 am - 9 pm.

Sep 22
Lakeshore Villages Shop the Shore Event. Entertainment, special sales, kids activities and more. Lakeshore from 1st - 10th Streets. 10 am - 6 pm. 

Sep 22 & 23
Uptown Yonge 2012 Fall Fest. Sidewalk sale, entertainment and activities for kids. 11 am - 5 pm. 

Sep 22
The Junction Music Festival. Free public concerts. Starts at noon.  
     
Sep 29
Harvest Day. Annual autumn celebration. Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E. 12 - 4 pm.  

Oct 13
Parkdale Harvest Bazaar. Face painting plus art and vintage vendors. Queen St W & Cowan. 11 am - 5 pm. 

Canadian National Exhibition

When you live in Toronto, it's not cooler nights that warn you that summer is coming to an end, it's the start of the CNE. So, it's time to cram in those last few patio drinks and backyard barbecues, because the Ex has opened once again.

The Canadian National Exhibition has been signalling the end of summer for over 130 years now. In addition to the Midway with all its noise and smells and lights that brighten the sky each night, there are shows and concerts, shopping and food, animals and all the unusual add-ons you expect from an exhibition - like the sand sculptures which are part of the International Sand Sculpting Competition.

New this year on the Midway is a zip line, the Nitro, a new roller coaster, and the ride I'm looking forward to - the Sky Ride. A little sedate if you're a thrill seeker perhaps but for those of us who loved and remember the Alpine Way, this will be a must for its aerial views of not only the excitement of the CNE grounds, but the beauty of the Toronto Islands, and the city skyline.

While most of what's offered on the Midway costs extra, there's lots to enjoy that's included in the price of admission. In addition to the line-up of concerts at the bandshell and the bands at the Midway Stage, there are lots of other shows to keep you entertained. There's the always amazing Super Dogs (with 3 shows a day), an illusionist, a hypnotist, ice shows, international performers, and lots more, including a whole raft of culinary celebrities including Anna Olson, David Rocco and Marc Thuet.

Food this year includes all the old favourites (Tiny Tom donuts with icing sugar and cinnamon please!) plus 17 food trucks, some disgusting treats like the Krispy Kreme burger and deep fried butter, and a Wine Bar in the Garden Show featuring Ontario wines, craft beers and local cheeses.

Admission to the Ex is $16 for adults, $12 for kids and seniors, and kids under 4 are free. Family passes are also available. General admission gets you access to all shows and buildings, but this year there is no entrance to Ontario Place as it is now closed. Midway ride tickets are extra. There are a few options for a cheaper visit if your schedule is flexible however:

• Admission after 5 pm on Monday thru Thursday is only $5.
• On Monday August 20 & 27, kids 13 and under get in for only $2 when accompanied by a paying adult, and there's a related deal on coupons for the Kiddie Midway.
• Thursday August 28, the day 30H!3 is playing the bandshell, those 19 and under get in free until 3 pm, courtesy of Pizza Nova. And there are discounts for Midway tickets that day as well.

If you plan to go, save yourself some money on parking and take public transit. GO has a stop right at Exhibition on the Lakeshore line, and TTC offers 4 routes to the park including the 193 Exhibition Rocket from Dundas West subway station.

Come on everybody, let's go to the Ex!

Movies Under the Stars 2012

It would seem, based on the number of offerings, that Torontonians love to watch movies under the stars. This summer, there are at least 4 regular programs offering free outdoor movie viewing. Plus hosting films in the local park seems to be taking off as a great community builder for local organizations and even politicians. Here's a list of the offerings for some of the regular programs, and keep an eye on the What's On page for those one-off events.

Tuesday Night: City Cinema at Yonge-Dundas Square. 
Shows start at sunset. Some seating is provided but you are encouraged to bring your own chair.
Theme: Cult Classics

• July 24: The Big Lebowski
• July 31: Do The Right Thing
• August 14: Double Bill - The Princess Bride & Labyrinth
• August 21: Brazil
• August 28: Hush..Hush, Sweet Charlotte

Wednesday Night: Free Flicks at the West Jet Stage, Harbourfront Centre
Shows start at sunset. Bench seating is provided.
Theme: Rise of the Underdog

• July 25: Napoleon Dynamite
• August 1: The Social Network
• August 8: Whip It
• August 15: Whale Rider
• August 22: Moneyball
• August 29: Audience Choice

Wednesday Night: TIFF in the Park at David Pecault Square (formerly Metro Square)
Some seating provided.
Theme: Classic screwball comedies

• July 25: His Girl Friday
• August 1: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941)
• August 8: The Philadelphia Story
• August 15: What's Up, Doc?
• August 22: The Lady Eve
• August 29: It Happened One Night

 Friday Night: Cultura Festival at Mel Lastman Square

• July 20: One Week
• July 27: Life in a Day
• August 3: Rio
• August 10: The Artist

The Importance of Earnest

I'm sure that many of you will think that this is a misquote. It's not. Earnest is someone who brightens my day. He happens to be a character in a web comic and he's very important to my Mondays. And Thursdays. But I find a giggle and a smile are often harder to come by on Mondays - hence the Importance of Earnest.

The only Toronto connection here is that the artist and author is based here, so in effect, Earnest was born - and may live in - Toronto. But I wanted to share him. And Ramble. And their roommate. The strip is called Ramble, and it just posted its 50th comic. The latest series has been focused on Earnest, so it's been a favourite. I hope you enjoy it too.

A new strip is posted every Monday and Thursday. Check in. Leave a comment. Enjoy.

Below, one from the latest series. I hope Stephen doesn't mind.