Legends Never Die: The El Mocambo

Try as fate might, the El Mocambo is here to stay. The building that houses the legendary El Mocambo has had live music played in it since the original building was erected in 1850. Over the years it has hosted music for Toronto’s Hungarian, Irish and Portuguese communities. Had a Latin club on the top level,  a German dance club and even a striptease show at one point in 1971.

In 1972 it was rebranded to appeal to youthful blues and rock fans, bringing in the likes of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Tom Waits, U2, and Elvis Costello.  Its infamy exploded in 1977 with a surprise performance by the Rolling Stones (where they also recorded the Love You Live album). They booked massive acts like Blondie, the Ramones, Devo and Joan Jett. Basically, it was the place to go for live music in Toronto.

Changes in the music industry’s touring practices meant a decline in business for the El Mocambo, unable to book big names, they resorted to small local acts. The club was sold in 1986 and suffered many changes of hand and closures over the years.

But like a classic rock band, the El Mocambo resurrected in the 90’s as an underground and garage music venue hosting the likes of White Stripes and Zoobombs and helping in the launch of Peaches, Toronto’s breakout electronic musician and performance artist.

El Mo changed hands and was reinvented once again in 2001 to feature music from every genre and a particular focus on charity events, hosting fundraisers for War Child, Amnesty International, Free the Children, World Vision and Blanket-Fest.

 

November 6th, 2014 was to be the final swan song for the venue that could. At the last minute, the venue was bought by Dragon’s Den outspoken Michael Wekerle. But it has been closed since then, but for good reason, it’s been under renovations for yet another reincarnation.

This time around the El Mocambo will be home to a recording and production studio, designed my the same people that did Jimi Hendricks studio in NYC, as well as host live music events. The new El Mo will be managed by INK Entertainment, the same company behind REBEL, UNIUN, and Batch.  The remarketing and lead up is quickly gaining momentum on social media for the summer 2017 reopen. In the meantime, you can buy swag from their pop-up shop (when it’s not sold out of branded classic logo shirts and hats), Prohibition at 66 Kensington.

Keep an eye on our blog if this excites you as much as it does us. We’ll be sure to keep you updated

– Paula McDines

Slow Down and Smell the Culture: Taste of Little Italy

 

Every year thousand of Torontonian descend upon College St. W.,  between Bathurst St. and Shaw Ave., to enjoy the sight, smells and flavours of Little Italy.

 

This year from June 16th – 18th anyone who joins the celebration has a chance to win a round trip for two to where it all originated, Italy!

 

Come hungry , with over 50 amazing restaurants along the strip guests are sure to taste exquisite, authentic Italian and international fare. Relax on one of the many extended patios with a fragrant glass of vino, or mosey around and discover more than 20 international performers throughout the weekend.

 

Admission is free for all, as they say, “la mia casa e la tua casa.”

 

For festival line ups and vendors please visit:  http://tasteoflittleitaly.ca/

 

Woman in PR: Support, Share, Grow, Succeed Together.

On Thursday April 27th, 2017, the Toronto Chapter of  The Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations (Women in PR Canada) was officially launched. To introduce the organization to Toronto, there was an exclusive event held at the Sony Centre of Performing Arts with speeches from industry leaders addressing the question ‘What’s Next for Women in Canada’s PR Industry?’.

The evening was moderated by Vanessa Morcom, Owner and Publicist, Morcom Media; PR Leas, ME to WE and Speakers included: Christine Faulhaber, President & CEO, Faulhaber Communications;  Chitra Aanand, Doctoral REsearcher and Professor; Scott Evens, General Manager, Edelman Toronto; Daniela Kelloway, Founder and CEO, ClutchPR; and Bunmi Adeoye, Vice-President, NKPR Inc.

Over the course of the evening we were reminded by Faulhaber that we need transparency, interns need more information and opportunity to shine and feel the chance to ‘manage up’ instead of being asked. She spoke of how risk taking never stop in the PR industry and we should take those risks to grow and share. “Fostering a community of collaboration versus competition is so important and often overlooked in our industry.”

Chitra Aanand spoke to the issues of quality and how woman must become leaders in business. She spoke powerfully about how we each must find out narrative, our own unique power and to figure out the messages we send to ourselves and no never lose those things in the ace of adversity. Aanand said, “Women dominate the PR industry; we are in a very opportunistic place in this industry.  What is most important for women in any industry is to be bold, be provocative in your thinking, take risks and surround yourself with people that believe in our vision”.

One of the few males of the evening, Scott Evans, let us know that the issues at hand are recognize, that women do have male counterparts willing and ready to see and help the change happen. He also reminded us that not everyone has the same goals, we are as unique in our goals are we are on our paths to those goals. He said, “We are all responsible for talking openly and creatively about how we can continue to push for environments where women can lead and succeed.”

Daniella Kalloway took the stage, full of life, to let us know that in the future of the PR industry, we are going to have to go back to our root. I stark reminder of the technological advances being made in our lifetime will vastly change how we head forward. Bring back the human element, connect with each other, face-to-face, collaborate and share ideas, this is how we will protect the women and industry. “To be part of an industry full of inspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is a hugely rewarding experience and I feel a duty to support and mentor other women in our field. If we support each other we will all rise together.”

The last speaker came out strong and a message of the present issues, PR in a Time of Protest. Bunmi Adeoye told of her observations on the current global situation, how we need to really open our eyes and ears to what is happening because if not, missing the mark will happen. To achieve this , we must be will to learn to grow personally and to set examples and be inspiration for others. The more we know and open ourselves to, the more we can be supportive, empathetic in chaotic times.“Every time, a person has an opportunity to see a capable, competent, hardworking and inspiring leader, it’s a chance for others to envision a future where they can guide others in their own unique way with their own unique gifts.”

Canadian Women in PR was developed for women (and men!) to share ideas, contacts, experiences and advocacy. “One of our main goals when forming this organization was to provide a place for women to thrive earlier in their careers and to strengthen the capabilities of established leaders in the PR industry,” said Talia Beckett Davis, Chairwoman and President, Woman in PR Canada.

Women in PR Canada is the only organization in the country theat is dedicated to advancing women in the PR field. On the website, http://womeninpr.ca, you can find all kind of amazing and inspiring information, sign up to become a member and get access to job listings, online courses,  networking events and more.

A Summer full of (awesome) Movies!

Do you like movies as much as we do? If so, then you’re in luck! Again this year, the city will be home to more outdoor movies in a variety of neighbourhoods, sure to please any movie buff. Invite your friends and family, and grab your popcorn, for these FREE outdoor movie experiences. CityEvents has cultivated this schedule for your convenience.  

 

Movies Nights in the Park

The Beach Village hosts FREE Movie Nights in the Park every Wednesday at dusk starting July 5 – August 30! Experience these movies under the stars in our beautiful parks. (screenings will rotate between Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens Park). FREE ADMISSION and FREE popcorn!

-    July 5 @ 9pm, E.T. – Kew Gardens.

-    July 12 @ 9pm, Chronicles of Narnia – Ivan Forrest Gardens.

-    July 19 @ 9pm, Finding Nemo – Kew Gardens.

-    July 26 @ 9pm, Zootopia – Ivan Forrest Gardens.

-    August 02 @ 9pm, The Breakfast Club – Kew Gardens.

-    August 09 @ 9pm, Big Fish – Ivan Forrest Gardens.

-    August 16@ 9pm, Inside Out – Kew Gardens.

-    August 23 @ 9pm, Night at the Museum – Ivan Forrest Gardens.

-    August 30 @ 9pm, Willy Wonka and the Fantastic Chocolate Factory – Kew Gardens.

 

Please Check out the full schedule here:

http://thebeachvillage.com/2016/06/movie-nights-in-the-park/

 

Open Roof Festival

Toronto’s Open Roof Festival (ORF), celebrating indie film and music, returns for its eighth season, kicking-off on June 27, 2017, with screenings every Tuesday for 10 weeks. The Festival offers urbanites an al fresco take on hit cinema from across the globe, paired with live music by emerging artists in a variety of genres — a combination that has established Open Roof Festival’s reputation as Toronto’s ultimate summer date night and meeting spot.

-     June 27 @ 9 pm, Colossal

-     July 04 @ 9 pm, Free Fire

-     July 11 @ 9 pm, The Bad Batch

-     July 18 @ 9 pm, Get Out

-     July 25 @ 9 pm, Brimstone & Glory

-     August 1 @ 9 pm, TBC

-     August 15 @ 9 pm, Rumble: The Insdians who rocked the World

-     August 22 @ 9 pm, It Comes At Night

-     August 29 @ 9 pm, Sundowners

 

Please Check out the full schedule here:

http://www.openrooffestival.com/

 

Free Outdoor Movies at Harbourfront

Free movies are coming back to the Harbourfront this summer. Toronto loves seeing films in the great outdoors, and even more so when they’re screened down by the water.

-    July 5 @ 9pm, Air Bud – Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage.

-    July 12 @ 9pm, Wayne’s World – Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage.

-    July 19 @ 9pm, Meatballs – Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage.

-    August 2 @ 9pm, My Internship in Canada – Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage.

-    August 9 @ 9pm, Belle – Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage.

 

Please Check out the full schedule here:

http://www.blogto.com/film/2017/04/free-outdoor-movies-harbourfront-toronto-summer-2017/

 

Movies in St. James Park

Movies in St. James Park is back! Join us and enjoy free movie screenings in the park.

-    June 22 @ 8pm, Pride Toronto Affiliate Event with a free live drag show.

-    July 27 @ 9pm, Movies in St. James Park – TBC.

-    August 24 @ 8pm, Movies in St. James Park – TBC with a special live performance.

 

Please Check out the full schedule here:

https://www.oldtowntoronto.ca/index.php/events

 

Corktown Common Park

For the second summer running, Toronto Outdoor Picture Show will present films in the beautiful park at Corktown Common, in Corktown. Just minutes from many bustling east-side Toronto neighbourhoods – Riverdale, Regent Park & the Distillery, along others – this new neighbourhood is home to another great, urban TOPS screening series, under a city skyline that can’t be beat!

-    July 6: A League of Their Own

-    July 13: Hairspray

-    July 20: Invictus

 

Please Check out the full schedule here:

https://www.topictureshow.com/corktown-common-park-1

 

Trinity Bellwoods Movie Night

Join the Trinity Bellwoods BIA for a FREE outdoor movie night in the dog bowl atTrinity Bellwoods Park! A series of animated short films from the National Film Board of Canada will be screened starting at DUSK. The animated shorts are from the “Best of the Best: Especially for Kids” series, and include Every Child, The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin, Blackfly, The Cat Came Back, Sand Castle, The Owl Whom Married A Goose, Evolution, Christmas Cracker and Monsieur Pointu.

Please Check out the full schedule here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1106788049363437/

 

Open Roof Festival

Open Roof Festival is a not for profit, outdoor music and film festival providing Toronto with a summer experience like no other, highlighting independent filmmakers and artists from Canada and around the world. The Festival is a fun, unique experience that is more than just a party – its an evening of shared experiences. Of Toronto’s music and film scene. Of refreshments. And, of enjoying Toronto’s beautiful summer nights with friends.

-    June 21, Everybody Wants Some! 

-    June 28, Sing Street

-    July 05, The Lobster

-    July 13, Sleeping Giant

-    July 20, A Off the Rails

-    August 3, The Fits

-    August 10, The Splash

-    August 17, My Blind Brother

-    August 23, Closet Monster

-    August 24, Hunt for the Wilderpeople

 

Please Check out the full schedule here:

http://www.openrooffestival.com/contact/

 

City Cinema at Yonge-Dundas Square

Yonge-Dundas square is changed to nice outdoor movie theatre in this summer too. You can enjoy a free outdoor film screening. They will screen some short films and classic comedy feature films. For more information, please check the full line-up.

 

Please Check out the full schedule here:

http://www.ydsquare.ca/city-cinema.html

 

Contact Dance Film Festival

A unique opportunity for both film and dance lovers to experience the joy, chaos and intimacy of human connection through physical movement. Five different screening programs will be presented alongside dance workshops, jams and parties where dancers fly and bodies collide with force, grace and tenderness.

–    June 28 @ 9pm, Toronto Spins – Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Road.

–     June 29 @ 8pm, Zen and the Art of Dance Mechanics, Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis Street.

–     June 30 @ 5:30pm, Rotating View Points – Celia Franca Centre, 400 Jarvis Street

–     July 1 @ 2pm-  An Intimate Dance: Journeys Through Movement and Touch – Celia Franca Centre, 400 Jarvis Street,

–     July 1 @ 8pm, Gala Film Screenings and Award Ceremony – Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Avenue.

 

Please Check out the full schedule here:

http://contactdancefilmfest.com/films.html

 

Don’t forget to check out our blog and social media for more information.

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The Drake Effect

As part of Drake Hotel Properties recent expansions, the Junction Triangle will now get a taste of the hip trendsetter all to itself. The Drake Commissionary, opening this spring at 128 Sterling Rd. (right beside Henderson Brewery) will be an 8,000 sq. ft. creative culinary and social neighbourhood hub.

Drake Commissary will offer fully customizable event planning that will include every step from innovative food and drink, to art, music, and décor. Expect expert event coordination for anything from afternoon brainstorming sessions to team building events where you can get your hands messy at a cooking class. And of course, there will be a bar for after work cocktails accompanied by talks from artists.

Continuing with their promise to serve healthy, unprocessed food, the new bakery will be dedicated to exploring new and fresh creations daily using locally sourced products. The whole place is set to become a “gastronomic town square” that blends the edges of guests and chefs.

The Drake’s expanding empire now includes the Commissary, Drake Hotel, Drake One Fifty, Drake Devonshire Inn and multiple Drake General Stores. Each venue encapsulating and reflecting its own unique neighbourhood.

Read all about the features and exciting happenings here, and stay tuned for more information as it becomes available

 

 

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