On Saturday March 28th, ANOKHI Media celebrated its 12th anniversary event in association with Johnnie Walker. The highly anticipated event was held at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, where hundreds gathered to celebrate trailblazing celebrities, honorees, performers, and activists within the South Asian community.

Among the festivities, there was a Red Carpet Celebrity Reception, where the likes of International Actor, Rahul Khanna, Legendary Musical Artist, Manj Musik Legendary Music Producer, Rishi Rich, Actress & Singer, Karen David, Actor, Vinay Virmani Singer-Songwriter, Zameer Rizvi and Stand-Up Comedian, Danish Anwar (and MUCH more!) posed with fans and kept ANOKHI Pulse TV and several other media outlets in action.

Guests enjoyed a scrumptious fusion styled 3-course meal while Buddha bar music played in the background in the Concert Hall.

The Awards-Fashion-Entertainment show was the highlight of the night as South Asian stars graced the stage to accept an array of  awards and live performances to entertain the crowd. JUNO Nominated Alysha Brilla performed her latest hits and was presented with the Musical Artist of the Year award.

Celebrity fashion designer Archana Kochhar showcased an exclusive runway show for the first time in North America for Anokhi guests that was full glitz and glam!

Special to this year, ANOKHI Media unveiled and released ‘THE ANOKHI LIST 2015’ – a beautiful coffee table book to celebrate the regional, national and international success stories of some of today’s more prolific South Asian personalities. Only 2,500 copies were produced and guests left the event with the coffee table book and a luxurious gift bag from L’Oreal Paris.

To end the night, guests partied at the After Party with all the special guests and celebrities. The ANOKHI Media’s 12th anniversary event was a great success and CityEvents was honoured to be a partner in the extensive planning process and execution of the event.

Until next year!

 #ANOKHI12

The Beaches host a very interesting event, which the artist lovers among you will like! The Beach Guild of Fine Art group presents it’s annual fall show and sale featuring paintings by over 40 of the Guild artists. You will also find lucky draw and a gift boutique there. The event takes places on Friday September 19th to Sunday September 21st from 10 am to 5 pm. Come to Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.

The Beaches host another event that’s is especially interesting for families and kids! The Mooseketeer Kid’s Club encourages children to come up with creative ideas to collect loose change all summer. By doing so, they help take a bite out of canine cancer. There are prizes for top coin collectors! This is the kid’s portion of the 3rd Annual Walk to End Canine Cancer. The event takes place Saturday September 29 at noon. Come to Kew Beach and walk to End Canine Cancer. Visit www.beachesliving.ca/ to check out more events at the beaches!

At this time of the year almost all of the crops are in! Come to the Leslieville Farmers Market and buy local and seasonal food! The Market’s Mission is to “Foster engagement and relationship among market goers and local environmentally responsible food producers, The Leslieville Farmers’ Market increases access to and awareness of local and seasonal food.”

Taste the different flavor of locally grown food and appreciate its organic origin. The Farmer’s Market is at Jonathan Ashbridge Park?and takes place every Sunday from 9am-2pm ?on Queen St E. between Greenwood & Coxwell. The? 2014 Season: May 25th to October 26th.  Check out their website for more details http://leslievillemarket.com.

Last but not least we want to introduce you to a small and unique festival at RoncesvallesVillage. If you have Polish roots or if you are interested in getting to know their culture, this event is the best opportunity! This Polish Festival is North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture in Toronto’s neighborhood! You can enjoy local and international music, folklore and entertainment from near and far on multiple stages. Join the  “Dance Under The Stars” polka party as well as cuisine from Roncesvalles’ renowned restaurants and experience a traditional Polish fare. The event takes place from Saturday September 13th to Sunday September 14th.  To see more pictures visit the event’s website click here 

As you see, there are lots of great events coming up! But there are so many more taking place in Toronto this month. Check out our event calendar and find out what is pleasing you.

By Mareike Kanning 

What music do you want to discover? Blues, folk, Jazz or even electro-pop, indie-rock…?
You just need to pick one of them, Here is a list of music festivals we have heard about happening this summer.

July-August (from 6PM-10PM) Toronto Concert Orchestra at Casa Loma
Every Wednesday evening. FREE with admission to Casa Loma.
July-September, Summer Music in the Garden at 475 Queen’s Quay West
July 10th (7PM – 9PM), KC Roberts and the Live Revolution at St. James Park
July 11, Hudu Rising Blues Band at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
July 11-13, Waterfront Blues at Woodbine Park
July 12-14, Soundclash at Harbourfront Centre
July 17, Queen of the Fleet at Little Trinity Park (King Street E at Trinity St)
July 17 (7PM – 9PM), Bertie and the Gents + Free Swing Dance Class (6:30PM – 7:00PM)
at St. James Park
July 18, David Leask at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
July 18-20, Beaches International Jazz Festival at Woodbine Park
July 19, TIME Festival at Fort York/Garrison Common
July 22-23, Beaches International Jazz Festival at Woodbine Park
July 23, Drew Jurecka Trio at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
July 24, Carissa Klopoushak at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
July 24 (7PM – 9PM) Nostalgia Chamber Ensemble + Free Blues Dance Class (6:30PM – 7:00PM) at St. James Park
July 24-26, Beaches International Jazz Festival at StreetFest Queen St E.
July 25, Marin Nasturica at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
July 25, Chris Robinson Trio at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
July 25-27, Beaches International Jazz Festival at Woodbine Park
July 26-27, Lab Cab Festival at Parkdale
July 30, Lui Fang at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
July 31,  Nico Dann’s Rhododendron at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
July 31, Thomas Williams Jazz Combo at Little Trinity Park (King Street E at Trinity St)

August 1, Endless Summer Duo at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
August 1, Carol Gimbel and Pemi Paull at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
August 1-4, IRIE Music Festival at Nathan Phillips Square, Mississauga
August 2-3, Veld Music Festival at Downsview Park
August 3-4, OVO Fest at Molson Amphitheatre
August 6, University of Toronto Jazz Combo featuring staff and students
of the renowned jazz program at U of T at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
August 7,  The Bicycle Opera Project Part 1 at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
August 8, The Bicycle Opera Project Part 2 at Yorkville’s Heliconian Hall
August 8, Big Rude Jake Duo at the Village of Yorkville Park  (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
August 9 (6PM-12AM, Taste of The Danforth at 699 Danforth Avenue
August 10 (12PM-12AM), Taste of The Danforth at 699 Danforth Avenue
August 11 (12PM-8PM), Taste of The Danforth at 699 Danforth Avenue
August 14 (7PM – 9PM), MALOO at St. James Park
August 15, Attila Fias Duo at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
August 17 (8AM-12PM) Open Streets TO at Bloor, Yonge Street
August 15, Mad Decent Block Party at Garrison Commons (Fort York)
August 21 (7PM – 9PM), Union Duke at St. James Park
August 21-24, Buskerfest at Downtown (Yonge St.)
August 22, Andy Earle Duo at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
August 23-24, IRIE Music Festival at Nathan Phillips Square, Mississauga
August 29, Raz Hilland Trio at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
August 29-31, Paradise Music Festival at Atlantis
August 31 (8AM-12PM) Open Streets TO at Bloor, Yonge Street

September 4, David Leask at the Village of Yorkville Park  (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
September 5, Jamie Reuben Trio atthe Village of Yorkville Park  (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
September 5 (6PM-10PM), Taste of the Kingsway at 3029 Bloor St. W. Etobicoke
September 6 (11AM-10PM), Taste of the Kingsway at 3029 Bloor St. W. Etobicoke
September 7 (11AM-6PM), Taste of the Kingsway at 3029 Bloor St. W. Etobicoke
September 6-7, Riot Fest Toronto at Downsview Park
September 9, Farrucas Duo at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
September 11, Donald Guinn Trio at the Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
September 12, Kenny V Duo atthe Village of Yorkville Park  (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
September 24, Junction Music Festival at The Junction (Dundas St. W.)

Lose yourself to sing and dance, HAVE FUN!

…And let us know on Instagram @CityEvents!

Author: Annie NGUYEN

If you’re thinking ‘ I hate Valentine’s Day, it was created by card companies to get more money’, you’re in luck because we have a list of anti VDay activities for you too!

Couples 

This weekend (Feb 15-16) the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will be screening the classic film Casablanca as the TSO will perform Max Steiner’s iconic score.

For couples wanting to sweeten things up, Le Dolci is offering a Valentine’s Day cupcake decorating class. Learn how to bake and decorate like a pro while working with fondant, and buttercream making hearts, roses, bows and Cupid’s arrows, in this hands-on decorating class.

Sweep your partner off their feet with the Valentine’s Big Band Dance.  An evening promising to deliver a night of romance, dinner and dancing. The band will be performing hits from the big band era, including hits by Bobby Darrin, Peggy Lee and Glen Miller.

For the animal lovers out there, The Toronto Zoo will be featuring a Valentine’s event with the opportunity for couples to look at how different animals raise their young.  The evening will start off with a romantic dinner, followed by meeting some animals, learning about their offspring, and culminating in a visit to the zoo’s reproductive labs.

Family 

For parents who want an evening of romance but can’t find a sitter, Pawsitively Pets has an exciting alterative that the kids will love. Close encounters with several animals and a special pizza dinner! A fun evening for everyone.

On Sunday if you’re feeling to lazy to cook from all the weekend excitement, Old Mill Toronto will be hosting Sunday brunch and dinner buffet with a little Valentine’s twist on it. Both meals will feature a selection of favourites and specialty dishes. And did you know the Old Mill is celebrating 100 Years?

Take a walk on the sweeter side of Kensington Market at Tasty Tours.  Chocolates, cupcakes, pastries, you name it the tour will bring you there.  The tour will take place on Friday, February 14.

Singles 

Single and ready to mingle? Well you’re in luck because Valentine’s Day seems to be a bumping time for singles events.
On Friday House of Moments will hold the Sugar and Spice Valentines Party. This event features a dinner, dance with open bar option included.  Attendees will groove to live music and DJ Ricky Lee amusing music.

Those in their 20s to 30s can search for love at Simply Sophisticated Speed Dating with a complementary glass of wine and gourmet appetizers.

Singles looking for their Sherlock or Nancy Drew make your way to the Royal Ontario Museum. The ROM is holding a singles-only murder mystery. A curator has been murdered and a trail of clues left behind. After the code has been cracked have the opportunity to explore the ROM famous collections. A night of mystery, learning and maybe even love.

The Beaver (ladies only) on Queen West, with a DJ’s spinning all female artists (LGBTQ)

An all male singles evening will be held at The Marquis of Granby. Meet 10 – 12 single bachelors while enjoying complementary drinks and appetizers. (LGBTQ)

The BOND Affair Pop Up Dinner Series promises to be a night of mystery and luxury. Four course gourmet meals, unknown set locations (golf clubs, museums art galleries ect.) and hors d’oeuvres with drinks in the Bond lounge.  Valentine’s Day has already sold out but will be hosting others, so keep your double o’ open for the next one!

Anti-Valentines Day

Finally those of you who can’t stand this day, why not be surrounded by others who feel the same.

Revival Restaurant will be holding its 2^nd annual Anti-Valentines Day Mixer. Enjoy fun and games as well as Dj Ideal who will be spinning everything from R&B to Funk.

Looking to let off some steam, Zirger Academy Martial Arts has a workshop for you.  Pad Drills Valentine’s Day workshop is a great workout and an even better way to forget the chocolates, flowers or even that ex. 

If you need a good laugh to get through the day, Second City has the show for you,  “We’ll Tickle The Funny Bone. The Rest is Up to You.”  So put down the ice cream bucket and save the tissue for tears of laughter.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon welcomes you with western style interior.  It has a capacity of a group of people up to 299.  In summer, you will enjoy the large rooftop patio, which allows you experience one of the best views of Toronto’s skyline.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon features the southwestern style menu such as chili, corn dogs and barbecued entrees and more. It offers you not only restaurant and bar experience but also entertainment such as live music, line dancing and a mechanical bull, making your country style night more exciting.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon coincides with MRG Ventures’ continuing journey into the music scene in Canada. Blog TO has already voted one of the city’s Best Live Music Venues. Most recently, MRG Ventures opened Hideaway Records & Bar in London and the Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon will be the latest addition to the group of cutting edge music venues and bars.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon will take you to country and let you experience home-style food, great music and welcoming hospitality in a comfortable and warm atmosphere.  The space is great for a themed event with a saloon feel.

For more information:

Website: www.rocknhorsesaloon.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknhorseto

Twitter: @RockNHorseTO

Instagram: @RockNHorseTOb

Come celebrate & have fun, food and music!

This Fall Festival take place along Bloor Street W. (from Prince Edward
Drive to Montgomery Road) is a food & entertainment extravaganza for the whole family.

Where: The Kingsway BIA (On Bloor Street West. between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Road), 3029 Bloor Street West, Etobicoke

When: Friday, September 6th, 6pm-10pm,

 Saturday, September 7th, 11am-10pm,

 Sunday, September 8th, 11am-6pm

Free admission.

Getting there: The Taste of the Kingsway is located on Bloor Street (between Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Road) easily accessible by subway, exit at the Royal York Subway Station, leave the car home and come enjoy this 3 day festival using the TTC.

For more information contact:
Email: info@kingswaybia.ca

Web site: http://www.kingswaybia.ca/

Twitter : @thekingswaybia

For more information on upcoming Liberty Social events visit:

Liberty Village BIA website http://www.lvbia.com

OR go on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LibertySocials

The inaugural edition of the Dundas West Fest took place on the 8th of June 2013!

In collaboration with the Dundas West BIA & the Little Portugal BIA. The Dundas West Fest aimed to unite businesses, residents and the many communities that together make up the neighbourhood.

Where: Dundas Street West from the Old Village of Brockton to Little Portugal

The 12 city blocks fest  featured: 3 entertainment stages, 6 busker zones, over 40 Licensed patios, Children’s activities, great food, live music and fabulous shopping.(Over 200 Unique Vendors).

Dundas West Fest was a premiere destination for music lovers. From hot world music to hip independent sounds. Music lovers found what they sought. Musicians of all types were playing live at many of the bars.fabulous shopping.(Over 200 Unique Vendors).The list of food places on Dundas was incredible. From locations such as Enoteca Sociale, Quinta, Wallflower, Bivy, The Lakeview, The Guild, Brockton General, and The Grove.2 Kids’ Zones within its perimeter, filled with fun activities for kids and families.Hope you enjoyed a full day of arts, music, kids’ activities, food, drink and shopping! 

For more information contact:

www.dundaswestfest.ca

 Twitter:@DundasWestBIA, @DundasWestFest

Facebook:DowntownDundasBIA

Interested in what the latest Toronto’s arts and music scenes have to offer? Education Remixed is an evening showcasing the talented artists and students of Toronto’s The Remix Project, a charity dedicated to educating and inspiring Toronto’s marginalized youth. You’ll have the opportunity to soak in creative music, film and art experiences, snack on delicious Pizza Pizza and Steam Whistle Brewing options and arrive in style with UBER cab.

On April 5, 2013 at 8pm, Humber College Event Management Students will host Education Remixed, benefiting The Remix Project and the Humber College Scholarship Fund.

Students helping students is the philosophy behind the Humber College student run company, TwoTen Events who have been sharpening their event management skills all year long to host the inaugural Education Remixed (#EDxTO), benefiting the Remix Project and the Humber College Scholarship Fund.

Headlining the event is DJ Romeo bringing R&B mixes to the Berkeley Church Stage. The work of The Remix Project graduates, photography and paintings, will be displayed in the mezzanine.

Special guests such as Andrew Jones, Grey Cup winning offensive line for the Toronto Argonauts are lending their support on April 5^th, 2013.

There are a limited number of Education Remixed tickets available through the event sponsor Atendy ($20.00)

WHEN: Friday April 5^th, 2013 8pm – 1am
WHERE: Berkeley Church located at 315 Queen St. East.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support your local community and fantastic new music.

Website: http://educationremixed.com

Tickets: https://www.atendy.com/event/education-remixed-6609?

Donations: https://www.atendy.com/event/education-remixed-6609?

This years celebration took place June 21 through 24, 2012, down on Queen’s Quay. It included Saltscapes and the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and a celebration of the East Coast lifestyle. There was also The Wharf at York, with interactive folklore performances.  Sweet Smokin’ Suga’ Beach Jam, a folk and blues music showcase and beach BBQ.

This year’s Redpath Waterfront Festival brought music, art, culture and cuisine to a variety of waterfront locations.  There were people visiting from all over the Canada and performances from all types of musicians, public private and even students from a nearby school for girls here in Toronto.

Headlining the event was ‘Saltscapes’ a celebration of east coast culture at HTO Park East.  At Harbour Quay, the area was transported into an interactive old port settlement called ‘The Wharf at York’ with sail makers, weavers, musicians and more. Sugar Beach had live music, a beach barbeque and a unique lightshow where they transformed a fountain display into a nighttime multimedia water theatre.

Overall the event was great, great food, great music and a great celebration of Toronto’s waterfront.