Artisan's Gift Fair at The Tranzac

Haven't finished your Holiday shopping yet? There's still one weekend left for the Artisan's Gift Fair at The Tranzac.
Why not buy from artisans? And buy local? And feel good about what you're giving?
Cheers,
Vanessa

La Boheme at the Tranzac

You read that right: La Boheme, the opera, currently is playing at The Tranzac on Brunswick Avenue, just south of Bloor.

It's only on this weekend, so you'd better get your tickets now if you're interested. They are $30.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Tranzac Update

NOW Magazine has an update about neighbourhood mainstay the Tranzac Club.

The club was hit hard by the recession, but seems to be recovering slowly but surely.

Vanessa

Did You Know That It's Beer Week?

Though I'm personally not a fan of anything other than vino of the red variety, I certainly can understand the appeal of a tall, cold stein of amber brew. Throw in a sticky, steamy day and my understanding skyrockets.

It's not sticky and steamy, but it is Beer Week and some of the events happen here in our 'hood, including Thursday lunch at Kilgour's Bar Meets Grill and a Thursday night tasting at the Tranzac Club. There are a ton of events, so hoist a brew and enjoy!
Cheers,

Vanessa

Take a SPIN Tonight At The Tranzac

This looks intriguing and it takes place tonight at TheTranzac on Brunswick as a fundraiser for the Toronto Cyclists Union.

"ONE NIGHT ONLY!
The Toronto Cyclists Union presents SPIN at at the Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Ave)
THURSDAY MAY 20th 8:30 PM with an opening set by Coco Love Alcorn
$15 / $12 for Bike Union members

An old-fashioned bicycle hooked up to modern-day effect pedals meets the wit of wordsmith in SPIN, a musical, poetic and theatrical investigation of The Bicycle as muse, musical instrument and instrument of social change.
written and performed by Evalyn Parry
with Brad Hart on the bicycle, and Anna Friz on the pedals
original direction by Ruth Madoc-Jones
"Part concert, part theatrical performance, 100% outspoken entertainment, SPIN is an inventive musical show that uses the bicycle as a musical instrument. Welding together social history, social commentary and sonic experiment, award-winning Toronto songwriter and storyteller Evalyn Parry crafts a tale that travels from 19th century feminism to the end of oil; from Annie Londonderry, the first woman to ride around the world in 1895, to Igor Kenk, Toronto’s most notorious bicycle thief, in her pursuit of two-wheeled freedom in a four-wheeled world.
Following the sold-out workshop presentation at the Hysteria Festival last October at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Parry and the Toronto Cyclists Union bring SPIN back to the stage to warm you up for Bike Month in Toronto!"
Cheers,
Vanessa

New Year's Eve Parties In The Annex

A new year looms... 2010 to be exact. The occasion tends to pass at my home with a subtle acknowledgement... perhaps an extra-special dinner, a DVD and a midnight countdown, followed by kisses and well wishes.

For those of you who feel compelled to go out to celebrate, local happenings include a bash at The Tranzac on Brunswick, just south of Bloor. Gentleman Reg, Jim Guthrie, The Magic, Diamond Rings, Mantler, Laura Barrett, Ronley Teper, Thomas, Sheezer, Hugh Oliver and DJ Craig Dunsmuir provide the entertainment. Tickets are $12 in advance at Rotate This, Soundscapes and The Tranzac and $15 at the door.

The Trane Studio on Bathurst north of Bloor is hosting a New York New Year's Jazz Party. The Don Pate trio will perform, along with Brownman and a DJ in between live sets. Tickets are $70, or $115 with dinner.
Shake A Tail takes over all of Clinton's on Bloor for a dance party. Tickets are $8 in advance at Clinton's, 693 Bloor St. W., or Frantic City, 123 Ossington Ave., or $10 at the door on New Year's Eve.

Yes, Yes Y'all is at the Annex Wreck Room at Bloor and Bathurst. Billed as "Toronto's Biggest Queer Hip Hop Jam," tickets are $15. The event features Sammy D, J-ill, Stunts, Hollyrock and Elle Nino.
Enjoy!
Vanessa

Local Christmas Shopping For Unique Gifts

Well, there's no denying it now... after a glorious, snow-free November, December arrives Tuesday. (November, please forgive all my previous disrespect... mea culpa.)
For those of you who buy Christmas gifts, there are two rather attractive local options that offer "one of a kind" gifts for sale.
Next weekend, Dec. 5/6, from 11 am to 5 pm 918 Bathurst Street presents The Art Market.
And every weekend in December prior to Christmas the Tranzac on Brunswick will be abuzz with the annual Artisans' Gift Fair.
Unlike some other gifts shows, there's no admission fees.
Happy shopping!
Vanessa

Four Simple Ways To Help The Children's Storefront

I try not to repeat myself too much on this Blog.

However, I want to emphasize something, so I'm going to break my own rule... the burned-down Children's Storefront on Bathurst was a lifesaver in so many ways for so many people.
It is one of those community -- well, actually city -- treasures that simply cannot be lost to us. And right now there are four oh-so-simple ways to help rebuilding efforts.

1) Visit the Aviva Community Fund webpage and vote for the Children's Storefront. All you have to do is register, visit once a day, click a button and you're done. Could it be simpler?

2) Attend the November 24th fundraiser at the Tranzac club. There will be family friendly programming from 1 pm to 5 pm and a concert in the evening from 7 pm to 10 pm for the 19+ crowd. In addition there will be a silent auction. Even if you don't stay long, just go.

3) Attend Nia Dance & Donate November 25th from 7 pm to 9 pm, 1443 Bathurst Street. "Whether you’re a seasoned mover, or a veteran couch potato, you are welcome to join us for an evening dedicated to dance, play and raising money to support the future of The Children’s Storefront. Suggested minimum donation of $25. "

4) Donate money online.

Thank you,

Vanessa

Many Ways To Help The Children's Storefront Rebuild

Not suprisingly, our lovely community has rallied to the aid of the Children's Storefront, which experienced a devastating fire recently.
For starters, the storefront is operating at St. Alban's Boys and Girls Club on Palmerston Avenue from 9:30 am -2 pm Monday to Friday (but closed this Friday, November 13th. The website for the Children's Storefront has slightly different hours. These ones I have posted are correct as of yesterday.)
As well, The Children's Storefront Benefit Show is slated to run from 1 pm to 10 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 24th at the Tranzac Club, 282 Brunswick Ave. Here are the details about the benefit, taken from the Facebook page devoted to it:
"Please join us for an all day fundraising event for the Children’s Storefront’s new home. There will be an afternoon drop in (1-5 pm), buffet (5:30-6:30) and an evening all star concert (7:30-10:00).
Please check in often for more details as they become available."
If you can't make the Tranzac fundraiser, perhaps you can enjoy Nia during An Evening To Dance and Donate, which also has a Facebook page set up.
Here are the details:
"Join Lainie Magidsohn, Martha Randall, and other Toronto area teachers for an evening of Nia dedicated to the relocation and rebuilding efforts of The Children's Storefront.
Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: 1443 Bathurst St, just south of St Clair (use side entrance)."
Another way to help is to send along a donation next week:
"From Tuesday, November 17 through Thursday, November 19, The Children's Storefront will be holding a toy and book drive at St. Alban's.
We will be accepting puzzles, infant toys, dress up clothes and books. All items must be clean, in good to excellent condition and labelled and packaged (in boxes or bags). We cannot accept stuffed animals.
If you'd like to offer to help at the benefit, or in any other way, drop an email to the group.
Vanessa
PS Now you also can support The Children's Storefront's bid for funding from the Aviva Community Fund.