Sometimes when I think there's no one out there I discover something like this:
To look out the window is to be visually accosted by an impressive
cluster of sky scrapers- overwhelming to my small town Maritime girl
sensibilities. Although, once I resolved to explore Canada's largest city, the
swirling drone of traffic noise, sidewalk musicians, and street vendors was a
heady lure into a multicultural mix that was both curious and
inviting.
It was apparent the moment I touched toe to Yonge Street, I
willingly crossed a point of no return. Like Alice through the looking glass, I
had committed to follow Yonge St. towards a din of the city's hustle and bustle.
When I turn to see from whence I came I realized the road is infinitely long,
dotted with lighted decorations, quaint community flags, and signage advertising
the city sanctioned abolishment of left turns on Yonge.
Once at Yonge Dundas Square a bustling market is well underway.
Hundreds of booths with international vendors are erected across this small open
air space in the heart of the city. While the temperature outside is chilly, the
air has a warmth to it, and the former clash of generic city noise is quelled by
rich Iranian airs magically constructed by the musicians voluntarily taking
residence on the open air stage. The music, combined with the voices of vendors
selling their wares including rich Middle Eastern textiles, Italian gelato and
South Asian silk saris magically ushers me into an international utopia.
With my interest piqued and my courage growing I quickly climb
aboard one of Toronto's landmark streetcars. There I stand, proud and
courageous: the small town girl who demystified the great Toronto. Then as the
bell rang to summon an upcoming stop, it dawns on me, I don't know where I'm
going.
And, I really didn't care!
For some reason, I get a lot of folks asking lil' ol' KC what's going on in the city.
Why me?
I have a blog.
Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
So, what's going down on March 15th in the T. Dizzle Dot?
Fun Thing #1
HIP-HOP Karaoke - God Damn, it's the return of the funky jam!
@ The Boat (158 Augusta Avenue, Kensington Market)
What you need to know:
Sign-up for songs is at 9pm. Arrive early. Avoid Disappointment.
Song List available here
Hosted by - More or Les & Dalia & Numeric & Ted Dancin'
Why it's hot:
Never Forgive Action, Kids! I know them, I've checked their nights out, they are a solid crew and this is a solid night. Besides, all degrees of seperation aside, doesn't it sound like fun?
Fun Thing #2
Bata Shoe Museum - If I walked a mile in anoth-Ah, Hell! Madonna's Shoes are there!
Corner of Bloor and St George
What you need to know:
It's free Thursday nights 5-8pm
Why it's hot:
Umm... Did I not just say? Madonna's Shoes are there? Marilyn Monroe's as well.
Fun Thing #3
Shopping Addicts Sale - Feel like you're RICH, BEYOTCH!
129 Spadina Ave (just south of Richmond)
What you need to know:
Prices so dirty low you'll feel like you're making money
Spring 2007 collection.
Click here for the website
Why it's hot:
Unlike the Clothing Sale at the Automotive Building, this is free entrance. No penance for entrance, just how KC likes it!
Traditionally, I don't go to watch dance.
A mix of longing and unavoidable regret laces every performance I witness as a reminder of my disability.
You always want something you can never have.
Right?
Last night was the exception. Escorted by my friend Parul, her girlfriend, Melissa and her roommate David, I bravely walked into the Distillery District's Young Centre for the Performing Arts.
The chosen performance? Double Dora Award winning Susie Burpee's first full-length evening of dance The Spinster's Almanac.
Once the show began, I settled into my front row seat and allowed myself to get sucked into the world of the Spinster. One defined by themes of loneliness, abandonment, joy, reflection, regret and passion.
The moment the first tear rolled down my cheek I was in love.
A woman so consumed by the parameters of her life, she begins to embody the characteristics of those items she cherishes and subsequently developes a ritualistic attachment to. The Spinsters eccentricities makes her both relateable and an imaginative caricature in this tragi-comic retelling of loneliness and survival.
Ever intriguing is Burpee's ability to spin the tale of the Spinster deftly with gentle actions universal to the aged while contrasting said movements with moments of violent torment and reprises of joy.
Yes, I can say without a doubt, the performance haunts me.
Burpee's mastery of movement is great and while it is obvious that Spinster's Almanac is a labour of love, I feel that it is but the tip of the iceberg and even greater full-length performances are left to come from the depths of her creative spirit.
While I should bring this post to a close, a word of praise is to be said for the original song cycle composed by Christine Fellows. Without it, the Spinter's tale would have only been seen in black and white and not colour.
Following uproarious applause a reception next door took place with the usual assortment of cheese, crackers and smoked salmon canapes. But, I gorged on strawberries dipped in sourcream then rolled in brown sugar, bite size caprese salad on skewers and brie (or swiss) cheese layered onto wafer thin oatmeal raisin cookies.
Of course, I have to mention the food!
So what's my verdict on The Spinster's Almanac for the ticket price $18-$22 you really can't go wrong. The show is entertaining and would most definitely be appreciated by the rare, the occasional and the seasoned art lover.
Trust TheCake, when have I ever led you astray?
I cried kids.
I cried.
You can get tickets through TOTix (You know the half price ticket booth at Yonge/Dundas Square)
My answers to Derrick's "IF I WAS DRUNK" survey
As requested by Thunderpuss Geisha
1.If I was drunk the least likely job I'd be able to perform would be?
The job of a sober person. Of course!
2. If I was drunk the job I'd most likely have no problem performing would be?
Chemist. The only people who mix liquids at work are Chemists and Drunks. In an effort to conceal the former, I’ll sign up for the latter.
3. If I was drunk the song I'd have the least shame about singing outside of a paramours bedroom window would be?
“Bob Bob Bob! He Doesn’t Attract Mosquitoes! Bob Bob Bob! He likes to eat Doritos!” (Doritos ad circa 1992)
Or, Sir Mix A lot’s “Baby Got Back” translated into French. Yes, I know it, I did it, I’ll make it happen with a few margaritas and a request to turn on the radio.
4. If I was drunk the most brazen question I'd ask on a first date would be?
If the person sitting next to us would be so kind as to give me money so I can buy my date and I another drink.
5. If I was drunk the piece of clothing I'd have the least amount of shame parading around in public would be?
A shirt that says,”Bachelorette” so I can get free drinks at the pub.
6. If I was drunk at the governors ball immediately following the Academy Awards the person I'd feel best about throwing up on would be?
Kirsten Drunks-Dunst! Just give me one good reason why one should NOT puke on her.
FYI: Kirsten has successfully answered questions #1-actor, #2-actor, #5-the hideous dress she wore to the oscar’s this year and #6 – herself.
7. If I was drunk the car I would most want to vandalize would be?
My own, so I could find a hottie to drive me home, whilst under the influence and, subsequently, unable to drive myself/ unwilling to pay for a cab.
Kirsten Dunst also vandalizes her own car, but, by running into things.
8. If I was drunk the job I'd lie about having in order to get laid would be?
I don’t need to lie in order to get laid.
Kirsten Dunst lies about being a good actress
9. If I was drunk the sign I'd most likely ignore would be?
Men’s Room. Do I really have to explain?
Kirsten Dunst ignores stop signs on the road
10. If I was drunk the woman I'd feel least ashamed about giving an open handed slap to the face would be?
Ted Simonette – The Canadian Tire Guy. Hate that bitch and his multi-use Mastercraft socket sets!
11. If I was drunk the friend I'd feel most comfortable about lying about having had sex with would be?
Derrick, because no doubt he's lied about sleeping with me. A body like mine has the ability to turn sinners into believers.
12. If I was drunk the tattoo I'd most likely INSIST on getting would be?
Forget Me Nots on the front of my… umm… Because, once you’ve seen it you will forget me not.
Yeah, I can hear the groans.
Kirsten Dunst would get Enter Here just above her rear (That's how Jake Liked it.)
13. If I was drunk the person I'd ask to stop 'hating' on my dancing would be?
*Insert Your Name Here*
14. If I was drunk the most socially awkward thing I could accuse my mother of being would be?
Honestly, my mother is a saint! Why would I ever say something terrible?! Now, YOUR mother on the other hand. Historically, I stand next to her and make beeping sounds when she steps back. She doesn't take offense, she actually find it helps in maneuvering her wide load.
15. If I was drunk the family restaurant I'd feel the least ashamed about throwing up in would be?
Golden Griddle… Misery loves company.
16. If I was drunk the most ridiculous racial slur I'd use against someone would be?
LIMEY HEADED TOWEL HEARDER!
17. If I was drunk the most Pius person I'd ask to 'stop judging me' would be?
Jesus. Because I have more friends than him on facebook.
18. If I was drunk the storefront I'd feel the least ashamed pissing on would be?
Ew. No. However, I would love to smash the whore-endous mannequins at B2.
19. If I was drunk the most random thing I'd have a candle light vigil for would be?
A candle light vigil for the speedy close of this survey.
20. If I was drunk the deity I'd most want to blame for my problems would be?
Tom Cruise’s Witchcraft God.
Causes me a lot of stress he does.
Oh, man, the candle light vigil worked!
Now I’m going to go and inject some vodka into an orange so I can keep this buzz going at work tomorrow.