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

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

 

 

Island Yacht Club – Your Cottage In The City

Island Yacht Club is often referred to as the most beautiful cove on the Toronto Islands. Your holiday event begins at Queens Quay where you board the private shuttle to your retreat on the island. Relax while enjoying the view of the Toronto Skyline on the short 10 minute boat ride to Muggs Island.

This is a popular venue for corporate meetings and weddings. The Clubhouse has a capacity of 414 guests, including the outdoor patio area. There is a full catering service on site that offers a menu for any occasion.

In the summer there is a tent set up outside for private dining, picnics etc.

The facility can accommodate the following capacities:

-Club House : 414 guests (including outdoor patio area)

-Other Activities : Two clay tennis courts, Pool(connected to patio), Nature Trail, and Kayak.

-Kids Club : It includes sailing, hikes, volleyball, badminton and swimming.

Address: 89 Queen Quay West P.O. Box 81079, Toronto, ON, M5J 2V3

Contact: admin@iyc.ca / 416,203,2582

Website: http://iyc.ca/

Is it a Restaurant? Is it a Comic Book Store? It’s FIGURES!

Step into the past and relive memories of your childhood as you enter Figures. At first glance, Figures offers visitors a look into a their small vintage toy shop, a space that’s been specially wallpapered with comics by a local artist.

If curiosity truly gets the best of you, you’ll notice a faint outline of a door that leads to the best section of Figures.

Through the secret passageway you’ll find yourself in a beautiful restaurant that takes pride in the joys of comic book imagery; custom art, comic themes and some of your favourite superheroes and villains fill the walls, filling you with feelings of nostalgia and excitement.

But what really gets people to come back is the mix of tapas, shareable plates and delicious food that is offered on the menu (which you only get to take a look at once you visit the restaurant in person!) For the curious minds however, you have choices of Yellow Beet & Yukon Gold Gnocchi ($22) or even a Warm Crab Cake over Lightly Truffled Crab Salad ($26) and more.

In terms of events, the venue is a fantastic space for networking and entertaining as the atmosphere provides an intimate space with plenty of character that will be sure to be an icebreaker for guests

Space: 2,000 Sq. Feet

Capacity: 80 seated | 150 cocktail

This space also has a DJ booth and an area for socializing, Figures’ guests can enjoy a delicious dinner into a vibrant nightlife.

Whether it’s through the use of stormtrooper appearances in your latte’s and cocktails or the Pac-Man that seems to leave behind neon trails on the ceiling, you’ll be fascinated with what Figures has to offer.

For more information visit: http://figuresto.com/

Or email: info@figuresto.ca

Twitter: @figurestoronto

 

137 Avenue Road

Toronto, ON, M5R 1R2

416-900-1022

A Timeless Beauty – Omni King Edward Crystal Ballroom

The Omni King Edward Hotel welcomed more than 100 guests to enjoy delicious foods and fantastic entertainment while leading up to the main event of unveiling the timeless beauty that is the Crystal Ballroom, fully restored and as pristine and elegant as ever.  The Omni team is excited about the new space and is already booked for a number of weddings over the next few months.

Our Deb Lewis from CityEvents was lucky enough to see the ballroom a few times over the last decade at Doors Open Toronto. The first time over a decade ago, when the room was full of cobwebs and was only used by a local fly fishing club. After that the ballroom was deemed unsafe so it was years later after the renovation started she was able to see the ballroom starting to take shape.  “It is such an exciting time to see the King Eddy ballroom rebirth for another century of key events.”

Named after their adorned crystal chandeliers, the Crystal Ballroom also kept its old-world charm meets modern luxury with ornate moldings, 8-metre high coffered ceilings and floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city. These features are what makes the Crystal Ballroom the most popular venue for hosting grand society affairs, royal galas, debutante balls, weddings and conventions.

In fact, since opening in 1922, the venue, located on the hotel’s 17th floor has hosted some of Toronto’s most prestigious and extravagant events from the 1920s to the 1970s including:

• August 8, 1927 - The Prince of Wales (later, the uncrowned King Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor) and British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin were entertained with a lavish state dinner.

• 1939 – Senator Frank O’Connor founder of Laura Secord Candy in Canada, received a remarkable testimonial dinner, which had a crowd overflow the hall and the head table was filled with the chief representatives of the king, the government and the city including Mayor Ralph C. Day

• April 12, 1955 - Polio Vaccine proved effective and safe for 80% to 90% of children across Canada and the US. Nearly 700 doctors, technicians and nurses crowded the Crystal Ballroom to watch the news report on two dozen TV Sets, installed specifically for the occasion.

And it seems that the hotel has some very strong intentions to keep doing so, especially with the new restoration that has brought new life and shine to the ballroom.

For more info about the Crystal Ballroom re-opening, click here: Omni King Edward Hotel 

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