oronto is a busy place. With restaurants and bars opening and closing everyday, concerts being performed nonstop, and news developing faster than it can be reported, it's hard to stay afloat. You need a guide. Martiniboys.com is here to help. Keeping our ears to the ground and our eyes to the blogs, we've collected all the hot buzz that you need to stay informed about your fair city. Whether it be a new store opening or a shocking political scandal, you'll find it here. There's no need to thank us, we're just doing our jobs. Okay, you can thank us.



You can handle the red teeth and the sudden influx of confidence. You can even handle waking up beside, well, whatever. The only thing that deters you from diving into a vat of wine and drinking your way out is the prospect of a wine hangover. And that's where food comes in. Head to the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo at the Convention Centre for the best of both worlds. Though going gluttonous does not guarantee a hangover-free morning, it certainly helps. Furthermore, it's not like you're chowing down on Sneaky Dee's (though, that's typically a good idea as well); this food is actually more than palatable. Now clean your teeth and dive in. The expo continues until Sunday.





Why Chris, why? Like most children of the '90s, I was a big grunge fan. But where most were from the cult of Cobain, I was always more of a Chris Cornell man. He's playing Friday at the Kool Haus, but I'm not going to go. I really don't think I can take that kind of disappointment. My nostalgia-loving heart just can't handle it. I was willing to forgive Cornell for Audioslave. It's okay, we all make mistakes. Even his misguided acoustic cover of "Billie Jean" was excusable. But working with Timbaland? C'mon Chris, you were in Soundgarden for fuck's sake! If early '90s Chris Cornell saw what you were doing now, he would go the Cobain route. The new Timbaland collaborations sound like the most vapid of adult-contemporary drivel. I'm sorry Chris, but it's over. R.I.P Soundgarden.





Have you ever wandered into the AGO (perhaps this past weekend) and wondered if some of the works would be as celebrated if they didn't have an artist's name attached to them? I have. OCAD's Whodunit? Mystery Art Sale is a great way to test this hypothesis. Art students, faculty, alumni, artists, and celebrities have all donated 5 ½ x 7 ½ inch works. Some come from established artists and some don't, but you won't know which. Today until Friday, you can go to OCAD and take a look at the pieces and pick your favourites, but you won't know who did them until you've bought them. Each work is $75, but it could be worth a lot more than that. Everything officially goes on sale this Saturday.





Comedy fans in Toronto have a lot to be thankful for these days. For starters, Comedy Bar has just celebrated it's official grand opening, providing a new home for comedy in the city. The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival begins today and fittingly it has extended to three venues (Diesel Playhouse, Second City, and the aforementioned Comedy Bar). Lauded as the largest independent comedy festival in Canada, the festival brings together more than 30 sketch troupes from Toronto and beyond and gives them a venue for their twisted and hilarious antics. I'm a big fan of sketch comedy; since the performers don't truly have to flesh out their ideas, they can make them as off-the-wall as they wish and there's never really an opportunity for the joke to run dry. Check it out for yourself until November 23.





Toronto has been very film-centric as of late, with about 143 film festivals scheduled before holiday blockbuster season. Even so, the Eh! U European Film Festival should be on your radar. More than 30 films from 24 different countries will be screened, many of which, like Steve McQueen's (the Irish Steve McQueen) Hunger, have already won big at some of the biggest film festivals. How much would you pay for such a thing? $39.99? $19.99? Nope, these screenings are absolutely free. Since every film is sponsored by its Consulate, they can afford to screen them not for profit, but to spread European culture. Today's screenings are Taarka (Estonia) and Vaclave (Czech Republic) at Innis Town Hall. The festival continues until November 30 at Innis Town Hall and the Royal Cinema.





You may know Tom Morello as the pedal-abusing, feedback-loving, left-leaning guitarist of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, but his solo project The Nightwatchman is nothing like that. His way-left political lyrics are still there, but he opts for a more folky acoustic sound. Morello started the band as a new outlet when he was in Audioslave (and I can't say I blame him). If you can't handle seeing him without his electric, you should probably avoid this show. But if you want to be politically engaged while hearing some top-notch folk music from one of the best guitarists of our time, head to the Opera House this Sunday. I'm sure Obama's victory has got him reenergized for a great show.





I'm not sure if you've heard (you've heard), but the Art Gallery of Ontario is reopening tomorrow. The hype has been steadily bubbling for Toronto native Frank Gehry's new design, which is already getting accolades by default (i.e. this is already much better than whatever the ROM is supposed to be). But while the AGO's new façade has been the main source of news as of late, look for the focus to shift inwards upon debut. The permanent collection has received a massive boost thanks to the late Ken Thomson who donated 2000 works. At 68 000 total pieces, the AGO has an impressive roster of works, from favourites like Group of Seven selections, to contemporary works. This is as big a deal as people have been telling you, so you can expect a big opening day to-do. For starters, admission will be free from 4 pm to midnight, but the celebration will spill outside with local artists drawing portraits of passersby, a series of large outdoor canvases (that you design), refreshments, and a "Special Surprise". Full Story





In case you haven't heard, Girl Talk plays the Kool Haus tonight. The infamous mash-up DJ (real name Gregg Gillis) has been on the tongue of seemingly every music fan and his mother, both for his "innovative" music and the social ramifications thereof. See, Girl Talk is the current leader in the art of the mash-up, the "art" of taking other artists' music and layering it to make unique songs. The thing is, he doesn't pay a cent for royalties. Remarkably, no one has sued him yet. I'd call him lucky that he's getting all of this publicity now, because if anyone ever decides to challenge him (and with the state of the music industry today, I really don't know how no one has), he could easily owe millions upon millions of dollars. See his sweaty, energetic performance while there's still time; I doubt he'll be as celebratory when he's living on the street, mashing up the sounds of the streetcar tracks with the freestyle groove of Boxcar Steve.





I'm going to let you in on a secret. I love North by Northeast. The music, the drinking, the energy; everything about it, I love. So if the organizers want to start previewing the summer music festival in November, so be it. Tonight at the Horseshoe will be a NXNE Kick-Off Showcase. Granted, the festival isn't until June, but this is actually to celebrate the first round of artist submissions. Some of the most buzzed-about NXNE alumni will be performing, including The Evelyn Room, The Golden Hands Before God…, Spiral Beach, and The High Dials. If you've never heard of any of these bands, you need to check out NXNE next year. These are some prime Canadian bands ready to breakout.





Tom Russell and the Flatlanders play tonight at Hugh's Room. Typically, Monday is a wasteland for concerts. The weekend has just ended and it's back to business as usual. No one has the energy for a rock or pop show. Country-folk is a different story, especially country-folk of this caliber. Tom Russell's unique mix of country and Tex-Mex have influenced everyone from Johnny Cash (in his later career) to Calexico. The real draw, though, is the Flatlanders, a kind of supergroup in reverse. When the band was originally together in the early 1970s, not many people took notice, but the success of Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock as later solo artists brought the original band out of obscurity, and now they're regarded as Texas folk legends. If you have any interest in country, folk or Texas, go to this show.





There are a lot of CD release parties in Toronto, but The Bicycles are the only band that really emphasizes "party". Rather than just performing and selling their new disc, Oh No, It's Love, the band has put together an all-star collection of musicians to help celebrate. The night will start with an opening performance by Young Rival, which will afterwards be followed with a performance of the new Bicycles record in its entirety. Following that, the band will play back-up to other Canadian musicians in a performance they call "The Last Schmaltz" (possibly the most brilliant Yiddish pun I've ever heard). Included in this part of the show are: Matt Murphy, Sandro Perri, the Old Soul, Brutal Knights, $100, Forest City Lovers, Hooded Fang, Green Go, Henry Fletcher, Brent Randall, Cock'd Gunns, Laura Barrett, and Sebastien Granger. Trust me, that's a pretty fantastic collection of musicians. If you like upbeat pop, or really any kind of music at all, this is a can't miss. And it's only 10 bucks. The party happens Saturday at Lee's Palace.





Some hard rock (or should I say "rawk") purists may be upset at AC/DC's recent decision to release their new album exclusively at Walmart in the US, but really it's a misconception that the band ever had any artistic integrity to begin with. Don't get me wrong, they do what they do very well. It's just not a complicated formula: a couple of big riffs, lyrics about rocking, and a high pitched cock rock lead singer wailing overtop (it doesn't matter whether it's Bon Scott or Brian Johnson). While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, the band's longevity is a testament to people's unfailing compliance to buy the same record over and over again. You know what to expect at this concert, and if you want to go, you've already got tickets. This bad boy is sold the fuck out. AC/DC play Friday at the Rogers Centre.





If you've ever been on an airplane with individual televisions for each passenger, you've probably lamented the only choices seem to be today's News, a rerun of Everybody Loves Raymond, or some movie with Jennifer Anniston. Starting last July, Air Canada decided to change that with the enRoute Student Film Festival. Short films were created by some of Canada's best up-and-coming unestablished filmmakers and shown to an audience of over 3 million monthly passengers. Tonight at Scotiabank Theatre (5 pm – 7 pm), you can see the best of these films without having to battle gravity. The nominees for five awards (Best Student Film, Achievement in Animation, Achievement in Direction, Achievement in Cinematography, and People's Choice) will be screened at the theatre, and later at the Spoke Club these awards will be…well…awarded.





Doesn't it say a lot about Canadians that there are a ton of election-watching parties all over Toronto tonight and there were hardly any for our own election? Let's be honest; when it comes to hoopla (political or otherwise), the Americans have us beat. We can't vote in the election (well, most of us anyways), but that won't stop us from watching the shit hit the fan. Most self-respecting bars will be broadcasting the election tonight, but if you want a true communal celebration (or conciliatory boozefest), head to the Bloor Cinema for a NOW Magazine sponsored event titled America Votes. CNN's live coverage of the event will be projected onto the big screen, as well as The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, both of which shine at times like these. The balcony will be licensed in case you feel like celebrating, or alternatively drowning your sorrows. There will also be commentary from NOW editors Alice Klein and Susan G. Cole and a costume for best Sarah Palin look-alike. You're going to watch it anyway, so why not make it fun?





Unless you've been living under a rock on mars with your eyes closed and fingers in your ears while yelling "La La La. I'm not listening," Feist has been unavoidable over the last year. From the overwhelming breakaway success of her sophomore album The Reminder to the incessant iPod commercial featuring her song, "1234", it was hard to go anywhere without hearing about the pint-sized singer-(sometimes)songwriter. If you feel like you haven't had enough of her yet, or if you didn't catch her last week at Massey Hall or the Cameron House, you can see Feist tonight at the Air Canada Centre. As a bonus, Canada's troubadour laureate, Hayden opens. Expect scruff-tinged strumming, whimsy, and audience swoons.





Seeing Fucked Up on any night of the week is like Halloween, but with the Toronto punk band playing on Devil's Night, Halloween, and the day after Halloween (Angel's Night?), you can expect blood, moshing, outrageous costumes (or alternatively, lack of clothing in general), and one hell of a…well… Fucked Up Halloween. From playing in a New York clothing store for 12 hours straight to trashing MTV's bathroom on live TV, these hardcore revivalists have done a lot to stay in the spotlight. They're sure to try to outdo themselves in these Halloween shows. Just what they'll do, I can't say, but it'll be something. If you're going to forgo parties and opt for a concert, see Fucked Up. You certainly have enough opportunity. The band plays Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Sneaky Dee's, plus the aftershow to all three nights at Rancho Relaxo, then one show Saturday at the Reverb. In case you're keeping track, that's seven. I think.

If you're looking for more Halloween debauchery, check out the Martiniboys.com Toronto Halloween Guide '08





In addition to playing stellar retro-soul with Sharon Jones, the Dap Kings have also played with the likes of Amy Winehouse on songs like "Rehab". They probably would be, too, if she had taken her own song's advice. They've also collaborated with Mark Ronson, Ben Westbeech, They Might Be Giants, and Rufus Wainwright. It's no wonder these guys (and girl) are considered to be one of the foremost bands of the new-funk revival (I bet you didn't even know that existed). Wednesday night is as good as any for a bit of funk, so make your way down to The Guvernment tonight.





Montreal is a utopia for indie rock. Fortunately for Of Montreal (who aren't actually of Montreal), Athens, Georgia is a close second. The kitchen sink pop band typically delves into basement, shoegaze, lo-fi, art-rock, and psychedelia while staying at home in all of them. You've never heard such upbeat and danceable songs about death, loneliness, and despair. Still relevant and innovative, of Montreal have become stalwarts without stasis. Their recent stage performance has been known to include scantily clad men (mainly lead singer Kevin Barnes), props, a mock hanging, and an entire song performed from atop a majestic white horse. This will be, if not the best, at least the most memorable concert you'll attend all year. If you're convinced by now, you can attend their show Tuesday at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. If you're not convinced, there might be something seriously wrong with you (or alternatively, not enough wrong with you).





No one does spoken word quite like Henry Rollins. Once the lead singer of Black Flag and The Henry Rollins Band (what a coincidence), old Hank now hosts his own show and tours as a spoken word artist, discussing politics and just being a professional badass. If you want to hear serious political discussion peppered with as many four-letter words as you can handle, this is where you want to be. It's easily the only political monologue you'll attend this year where there's a chance that you'll get your ass kicked in the parking lot. If that appeals to you, you should be at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre tonight.





Straight from Brooklyn, NYC comes a much needed new genre experiment to revamp the stale infiltration of bland indie rock. Yeasayer plays heartfelt gospel showtunes with deep bass to get you feeling like you're back in church on Sunday Morning except, since this is a concert, you'll probably be drunk and/or stoned. If you follow music, blogs, or music blogs, there are good odds (somewhere in the vicinity of 2 to 1) that you've heard at least one Yeasayer track. Around the time of its release, the song "2046" took over the internet. Seriously, it was everywhere. Put a few faces to the song at this show tomorrow at the Horseshoe and get ready for a trippy fun good time.





The latest in a long line of cooler-than-ice-trays Swedish chanteuses, Lykke Li, triumphantly returns to Toronto for a headlining gig. Her consternated countenance and measured stomping have set many a skinny-jean boy's heart aflutter. You know what I mean. Pitchforkers who feel like its too mainstream to lust after Scarlett Johansson typically pick a suitable indie-rock alternative. If she's Swedish, all the better. If you want to get anywhere near the stage, now's the time to go. Lykke Li plays the Mod Club tomorrow night.





It wasn't long ago that Word on the Street swept through the city, but Toronto's ink-stained literary groupies already have a new festival to obsessively attend. Starting today is the International Festival of Authors. Everyone from powerhouse authors like Margaret Atwood to hack Grub Streeters like Lewis Theobald (well not him, but people like him) have participated in the event. Over 64 authors from 13 countries are expected to attend, and there will be no lack of options for the literary masses. There will be everything from readings to lectures, discussions, signings, and interviews. Some big names scheduled to attend: Neil Bissoondath, Austin Clarke, Rohinton Mistry, Don McKellar, and the legendary Farley Mowat (who pretty much shaped my childhood). If you have any interest in literature whatsoever, you can't miss this one. The festival continues until November 1.





This is an indiscriminate Radar. Yesterday I told you about L'Oreal Fashion Week, but today I've got something completely different. Starting today is the X AVANT Festival. It's a music festival, yes, but it certainly isn't V Fest. The goal of the festival to showcase the diversity of avant-garde music: free-jazz, improve, contemporary composition, and just plain old left field weirdness. They're setting the tone early with a performance today called "Hypm to the Universe", a collaboration between the Sun Ra Arkestra and Coleman Lemieux Dance Company. Sun Ra is no longer with us, but his orchestra of cosmic jazz performers still is. I'd tell you what to expect, but I honestly couldn't say. If it's anything like Ra himself (who claimed to be of the Angel Race of Saturn), it'll be pretty off the wall. The world premiere of the performance happens tonight at Palais Royale. The festival continues until Sunday.





Today marks the start of L'Oreal Fashion Week, Toronto's premier event for fashionistas and fashionisters. To start the week off right, Nathan Phillips Square will become the backdrop to one of the most anticipated fashion unveilings of the year. Both Pink Tartan and Alfred Sung will unveil their Spring 2009 collections and the tented venue, The Studio will be showcased. Concurrently, Ultra Supper Lounge is hosting a late night fashion show featuring the first look at J. Lindeberge's Spring '09 Collection and accompanying mash-ups by Team Canada DJs. This is just the start of what will be a full week of new collection unveilings, fashion shows, and afterparties. They'll be a lot like regular parties, but with models. Yeah, I've hooked you. L'Oreal Fashion Week continues until Saturday.





Are you ready for Halloween yet? If you're a cinephile, you'd better get ready, because the Toronto After Dark Film Festival starts today. Originally an event for horror geeks and sci-fi nerds, the event has escalated to the point that now it's an event for a lot of horror geeks and sci-fi nerds. Last year the festival was attended by 6500 people. Not too shabby if you ask me. Expect to see films ranging from horror to sci-fi, fantasy, action, and cult. Try to keep a firm grip on your popcorn; people have to clean up that shit. The festival runs from today until next Friday at the Bloor Cinema.





In case you don't know much about this Montreal indie-rock trio, let me help you out: they're not wolves. Now that we've got that out of the way, we can talk about We Are Wolves's music. These guys are the definition of an "art school band". Both Alexander Ortiz and Vincent Levesque are originally from the visual arts world and they use that sense of experimentation to create a raw, animalistic sound that fits their music to a tee. The exact genre of their band, according to third member Antonin Marquis, is "a post-punk landscape with analogue trees. Like rock after the postmodern explosion". That clears that right up. We Are Wolves play Friday at El Mocambo.





Typically, I end up in a car on the first day of the year. I like New Year's Eve road trips, but the radio on the way home can prove a little taxing. I never want to hear "New Year's Day" again (I didn't want to hear it the first time). This year, my obsessed-with-the-unabashedly-apropos friend brought along a copy of Death Cab for Cutie's Transatlanticism. On January 1st, he played "The New Year" over and over and over and over and over. Damn that got tired fast. Tonight, he should be going to The New Year's show at Lee's Palace. At least next year I'll get three records instead of a single song. The five piece Touch and Go outfit play old-school indie with an inherent Bedhead-nod. Expect scruff and head bobbing.





Yes, we know, Eric Trip-ped a long, long time ago. While he occasionally, temporarily recovers from his stumble long enough to play a couple of gigs, he doesn't remain standing for very long. Luckily, he never takes Julie Doiron down with him. Since her Eric's Trip days she has dolled out a number of fragile and affecting solo records, collaborated with artists like Herman Dune, and continuously stayed in the scruffy-kid spotlight. Lately, she teamed up with headphone-hero, Mount Eerie, for a new record of subtle and moving songs; it’s called Lost Wisdom and it's out today. To celebrate, tonight Doiron and Eerie play the appositely august confines of the Church of the Redeemer.





When I first saw this event listed, I misread Howlin' Rain as Howlin' Wolf and got really excited and confused. But once I realized my mistake, I was still intrigued. Whoever said that Black Mountain was the last great rock and roll band (hint: it was J.T.) forgot about Howlin' Rain and Quest for Fire (also on the bill). Revivalists but not imitators, Howlin' Rain inject their music with some seventies soul while adhering to the balls-to-the-wall rock credo. Even more impressive are Quest for Fire, woefully on the undercard. Made up of members of the Deadly Snakes, Cursed, and No No Zero, the band does psychedelic metal as well (if not better) than Black Mountain while breaking your ears in the process. If you like effects pedals, you'll like Quest for Fire. You may not have heard of either of these bands, but I guarantee you you'll enjoy this Thanksgiving concert. The show goes on Monday at the Horseshoe.





Pre-boom Montrealers, The Dears, have always occupied a strange place in the Canadian music firmament. Tangentially affiliated with various acts but stringently unique, the fluid crew grows and shrinks (aside from its two leads) while consistently creating swelling, atmospheric indie rock. Despite being a Gang of Losers, Murray Lightburn and company are slightly happier these days. Not to worry, old favourites will still depress the hell out of you in that pulling-on-a-hangnail-hurts-so-good way. In anticipation of a forthcoming new record, the Dears play the sonically-stirring confines of The Music Gallery tonight and tomorrow.





What can I say about Stereolab? To try to explain the band's sound would be doing them a disservice; it avoids an easy categorization. One of the most independent and innovative bands of the last 20 years, Stereolab have been reinventing alternative rock since the early 90's. Mixing lounge, electronica, post-punk, indie rock, Brit pop, and just about any other genre tag you can think of, the band has created a sound that is incomparable to any other band. The Marxist lyrics and sometimes French language songs have also turned some heads. Seeing them live is just as unique an experience. Now's your chance. They play the Phoenix tonight.





Now that the madness of the admittedly disappointing Toronto International Film Festival has finally worn off, we can all rekindle our love of cinema absent of celebrity-stalking and party-hounding. Here's a good place to start: The Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival. Now in its sixth year, the festival remains modest but continues to grow every year. It helps to have a stellar selection of films to screen. Japan has always (at least since the days of Kurosawa) been a major player internationally and its directors continue to churn out intriguing films, so you can expect a good program no matter which night you choose. The festival starts tonight at Innis College Town Hall with an Opening Gala and a program dedicated to the Cannes-winning Hiroyuki Nakano. The festival continues until Friday.





If not for Wire, Pitchfork Media wouldn't have any bands to fawn over or write 700 word treatises upon. Whether you think that to be a good thing or a bad thing, the influence of this 70s-era band is undeniable, even if they don't always get their just dues. While technically a punk band, Wire were more inclined to experiment with song structures and conventions than many of their all-attitude peers. Albums like Pink Flag and Chairs Missing established the band as post-punk pioneers. You may like the Bloc Party or Black Kids, but without Wire, they wouldn't have a leg to stand on. Sure, reunions are often disappointing, especially when it’s a punk reunion, but a chance to see a band like Wire should be taken. They play tomorrow at Lee's Palace.





So it turns out the International Art Fair isn't the only art-related event in Toronto this weekend. Who knew? As your loyal Radarist (Radeer?) I usually have a suggestion for your Friday night that involves drinking, revelry, and live music. Tonight, though, I suggest you take it easy and get some rest. Lame, I know, but you'll need the energy for tomorrow night's Nuit Blanche. This all night city-wide art hop will feature projects from hundreds of artists in 155 venues, separated into three convenient zones (A, B, and C) that span from St. Clair to the lake and Jarvis to Roncesvalles (i.e. everywhere). Nuit Blanche is only as good as you make it. Depending on your companions, your booze consumption, and your pre-planning, Nuit Blanche can either be the night of your life or a disappointment of Matrix Reloaded proportions. In the two years that the event has existed, I've had my share of both. If you want it to be good, plan wisely but leave a lot of room for spontaneity. Oh, and read this and this. I'll see you on the streets.





It's a huge weekend for art in Toronto. Not only is there an exhibition called "upArt" at the Gladstone, but there's also some big art thing called Nuit something (maybe I'll be able to remember the name tomorrow). If you're an art lover, don't let those things overshadow The Toronto International Art Fair at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Now in its ninth year, the event is hardly limited in scope. Over 5,000 works from major Canadian and international artists (over 14 countries are represented) are displayed for connoisseurs gluttonous for all the art they can take in. The opening preview takes place tonight and features an appearance by Mayor David Miller (who will be busy this weekend) and other bigwigs in the art community. If you can't afford the $190 (who can?), then go anytime from Thursday to Monday. Or you could just pray there could be a free way to see some art this weekend. If only. Ask me again tomorrow.





Nick Cave is a polarizing figure. The Australian singer-songwriter and his band The Bad Seeds have been creating skewed rootsy folk-blues-country-rock for more years than I've been born, but they're always going to have as many detractors as they have overzealous supporters. When you're as weird as Nick Cave, have as many songs that meander into religious allegory, and have as full a mustache, you're bound to make a strong impression, whether it be positive or negative. You can colour me a fan, although not as strong a fan as many people I know. His last album Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! was so-so at best (despite having a kick-ass title), but the intensity of his live performances will more than makeup for that. Plus, you can be sure he'll perform "The Mercy Seat", "Straight To You", "Henry Lee" and all those other classics. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds play tonight at the Kool Haus.





It’s tricky: Hot Chip will still break your legs but now they concede that they are “ready for a fall;” you have a chance of getting out of tonight's Kool Haus show okay. The UK’s pre-eminent dance-pop crew offers splendour-inducing smooth blips, loops, and bedroom-kid ebullience. Riding a comber of blog salivation all the way to a Mercury Prize nomination, several world tours, and sought after remix commissions, Hot Chip continue to fuse esoteric lyrics with party-ready beats. Expect water consumption to hit a high around "Boy From School." Tip: splurge on fortitudinous deodorant.





Tonight is the Polaris Prize Gala. For music fans – and I mean real music fans – in Canada, this is the holy grail. Sure there are other prominent music awards in Canada, but this one beats them all. I'll demonstrate using a method I like to call "the Nickelback scale". Nickelback has received nine Juno Awards and 21 nominations. Nickelback has received four awards MuchMusic Video Awards from eight nominations. Nickelback has received zero Polaris Prizes from zero nominations. See how much more prestigious the Polaris Prize is? Modeled on the UK's Mercury Prize, the Polaris Prize is handed out to the best full-length Canadian album "based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales, or record label". The award comes with a $20,000 prize, which, for some candidates, is badly needed. The shortlist has already been determined and tonight at the Phoenix Concert Theatre the winner will be announced after live performances by the nominees, Black Mountain, Basia Bulat, Kathleen Edwards, Holy Fuck, Plants And Animals, Shad, Two Hours Traffic, and live video performances by Stars, Caribou, and The Weakerthans. The gala is invite-only, but it will be broadcast live on CBC Radio 3.





For avid readers, this is Christmas. Word on the Street offers more than 500 literary attractions including exhibits by local and national publishers, booksellers, and writers' associations. Expect some big name authors doing readings, some discussions, advice for young writers, events for kids, and a ton of music, food, and entertainment. Plus, you can pick up a bunch of free and cheap books that you'll probably never read. Last year, the annual event took place the same weekend as Nuit Blanche, but still managed to attract record attendance, which means you know this festival is getting big. Apparently people in Toronto actually read books. I was under the impression the only way to read nowadays was off a computer screen. Word on the Street takes place Sunday at Queen's Park.





Most Torontonians (the ones not living there) only experience The Beaches about twice a year: Victoria Day fireworks, and the Beaches Jazz Festival. But, as true Beachers know, there's a vibrant and self-sustained community next to the water. Especially during summer, The Beaches neighbourhood is one of the most beautiful and pleasant in the city. This Saturday (tomorrow), Beaches residents will take part in their favourite activity – celebrating themselves. The Celebrate the Beach Festival only lasts from 11 am to 5 pm, but in that time there's an impressive array of events. The headliner is Mookie from Canadian Idol (meh), but there's also a display of classic British and European cars in Kew Gardens including one James Bond drove in Casino Royale, a puppet show, a children's entertainment, a collection of local band performances, historical photo displays, readings, and street food. Perhaps the coolest thing, though, is the vintage PCC streetcar that will make the rounds, including live performances on board by and the Banjo Rascals, Mel Collie, and Jim Groulx. The whole event takes place on Queen Street East from Lockwood Avenue to Neville Park.





Santogold (A.K.A. Santi White) is one of those artists that seems to have come out of nowhere. All of a sudden, her name seems to pop up everywhere, but before that not many people had heard of her. But she's actually been in and around the music business for close to a decade. She got her start working at Epic Records as an A&R representative, but left to pursue a career of writing and producing for such artists as Christina Aguilera (I'm sorry if I'm ruining your cred, Santi-pants). It's no surprise, then, that the Brooklyn performer's debut has been accused of being "too calculated", perfectly suited to the newest trends in music. It'll be a test of time, then, to see if her music has any staying power or if it's just a case of blog hype and being in the right place at the right time. One way to find out? Attend her concert tonight at the Guvernment, which will be her first performance in Toronto (not counting her opening set for Coldplay because, well, Coldplay is a terrible excuse for a band).





I'm going to go right out and say it: 30 Rock is the best TV show out there right now. A lot of this has to do with the perfectly-written fast paced comedy style, but more than anything else it's success is due to the brilliant ensemble cast. Sure, Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin are at the centre, but actors like Tracy Morgan and Judah Friedlander do their part to steal the show every week. Today and tomorrow at Second City you can catch Judah Friedlander in a non-30 Rock context. Admittedly, it's a lot like his character on the show: fat, disheveled, and wearing trucker hats with funny slogans written on them. His stand-up show, though, has already received quite a bit of acclaim. Most of the humour comes from his self-proclaimed title of "World Champion of the World". For example, he claims have once scored 243 goals in a single game of international soccer while playing goalie. He also regularly smack-talks Michael Phelps. Have you seen this guy? If you like comedy, I'd say go.





I've never been to Iceland, but, judging from their export-worthy music, I imagine everyone is laidback. How does anything ever get done? Everyone must be walking around in a daze all the time. Is everyone there as weird as their musicions?. A country full of Bjorks is a scary proposition. Like Bjork, the sublime Sigur Rós play intense, ethereal, atmospheric, almost diaphanous songs that encourage blissful nodding and transfixed stares. And, like Bjork, they're fuckin' weird dudes. Take, for instance, their album () (how do you pronounce that album title?). All of the lyrics are sung in Hopelandic, a language invented by the band. Supposedly, the listener is supposed to interpret the meanings and write them in the CD booklet, which is blank. Ummm, right. As you can imagine, a live performance from these guys is something that you have to experience to believe. Lucky for you (or unlucky, depending on your disposition), Sigur Rós will play tonight at Massey Hall. Tell me how it goes.





With the recent Queen West Art Crawl, the upcoming Nuit Blanche, and this weekend's Canadian Art Gallery Hop, it's a good time to be an art aficionado in Toronto. The Gallery Hop started yesterday with a gala at the Guvernment and Koolhaüs with cocktails, a three-course dinner by the ubiquitous Jamie Kennedy, and an auction of works by some important contemporary artists. Sounds good right? Sorry you missed it? Well it was $300 for a single ticket and $4000 for a patron table. Chances are, that was a bit too rich for your blood. If that's the case, this will be a little more up your alley. Tomorrow there will be free panel discussions about post-millennial art at OCAD and an afternoon of free gallery tours throughout the city with art talks by curators, critics, and artists. That's better. Even high-culture fanatics like to get something for nothing. Cue discussion of whether or not art should be free.





So I've already told you about the Manifesto Festival of Music and Art and its packed schedule of hip hop themed events, but I left out the main event…literally. This Sunday at Nathan Phillips Square is an event called, appropriately enough, The Main Event. They've definitely left the best for last, with a full day of activity for the low low price of zero dollars. Graffiti artists Artchild, Elicser, EGR, Skam, Anarkia, and Case will be creating an enormous 70-foot mural that will serve as the backdrop to the various elements of urban culture on display – everything from breakdancing to DJing to emceeing. But, of course, the real draw is the music, a who's who of the Canadian hip hop scene. The headliner is k-os, a man who always seems to find ways to stay innovative. Also performing will be the veteran Rascalz and K'nann, plus D-Sisive, Hero, Toki Wright, Kaleb Simmons, Notes to Self, Kamau, and 4th period. That's a lot of hip hop.





The Manifesto Festival of Music and Art starts today. Now in its second year, the festival has already proven itself to be one of the more innovative festivals in the city, and certainly the best hip hop fest. Taking place in seven different venues, the festival brings together more than 120 artists. That's a lot of hip hop. I hope you have a proclivity for beats and rhymes (I'm so very white). As the official start date, there's a lot in store for tonight. For starters, there's Shad at the Mod Club. The Polaris-nominated rapper has a wicked sense for hooks and humour definitely worth seeing. Or, if you fancy yourself a bit of an emcee yourself, head to Hip Hop Karaoke at Revival. I went to this event once at The Drake and I really was surprised at how professional these amateurs are. Definitely an event worth checking out. And, if that's not enough, there's the Manifesto Film Festival at the ROM featuring a full program of hip hop themed documentaries. That's way more options than I'm used to for a Wednesday. The Festival continues until Sunday.





Last year I went to a U of T event called "The Poetry Massacre". It used a tried and tested formula, a poetry reading, but the idea was to read bad poetry. Most people brought along some obscure children's lit or R. Kelly lyrics, but a few actually brought pieces they had written themselves. It's these same brave types that will probably be at Awkward Show & Tell: Things My Ex Gave Me, tonight at the Victory Café. These sadistic self-humiliators will show off the weirdest left-overs from former relationships, things like poems, songs, bad gifts, dirty pictures – anything at all, as long as it's funny. Just don't invite your ex, and it should be a good time. Cover is free if you've got the balls to present something or if you're willing to spend some cash on beer. Either way, it spells a good time.





Shad is the ultimate underdog success story, even if his success is still in progress. The London, Ontario emcee, originally born in Kenya to Rwandan parents, grew up with very little money, but still managed to make two albums that have earned a ton of critical validation. His first album, When This Is Over was entirely self made and financed with a $17,500 prize from an urban radio station. His newer album, The Old Prince was nominated for a Juno and the most coveted of all Canadian music awards, the Polaris Prize, which ignores stature for pure musical ability and inherent merit (try and say that five times fast). Shad will perform Wednesday at the Mod Club in what is surely one of his largest concerts ever. Expect socially conscious lyrics typical of the Canadian hip hop scene and catchy beats.





Well, it's been fun, but the Toronto International Film Festival is winding down. Was it good for you? Did you see any good films? Did you attend any exclusive afterparties? Did you bump and grind with Paris Hilton? Or, did you watch in envy as only people with connections got to attend the best films and parties? For many people, the latter question is probably the most appropriate. But, if you happened to miss out on the excitement, there's still a chance for you. Tomorrow night at Yonge and Dundas Square, organizers are holding the first ever Public Festival Wrap Party. This'll be one party you're guaranteed to get into. And while you're there, you can catch some quality live Canadian music. Headlining is Stratford born trip-hopper Esthero, while Cadence Weapon and The Midway State will also perform. Unfortunately, there's less of a chance for a celebrity encounter. If that's your thing, hit Yorkville for some last minute celeb-stalking.





If you've ever walked through West Queen West, you know how serious they are about art. I mean, every third building is a contemporary art gallery (the other two are a trendy bar and an American Apparel-esque clothing store). Thus, the Queen West Art Crawl, taking place from tomorrow until Sunday is just an extension of what is already there. Every little bit of public space is covered with art, while installations and performances take place inside the many galleries and storefronts. Public parks, such as the uber-hip Trinity Bellwoods are also canvassed, as are Parkdale haunts like the Gladstone hotel. This year there's also some live music from the likes of PURR, Low Level Flight, and the Eatons (among others). This is the best time to see the neighbourhood show its true colours (so to speak). The art crawl spans Queen Street from Spadina to Roncesvalles.





You're used to seeing this kind of thing set up by U of T, but you've got to hand it to York University who landed some top notch talent for their event, Rise Up! Resist! Retaliate! event at Downsview Park. For the political nature of the event, they couldn't have done any better than Talib Kweli who will play for free in the park tonight. Kweli's brand of alternative socially-conscious hip hop has won him a dedicated fanbase and flirtations with mainstream success, but never a full out breakthrough like his one-time collaborator, Mos Def. The chance to see him for free is a big one, and I'd suggest you take it. Downsview Park may seem a bit far, but if you can get to York, there'll be a free shuttle. Also on the bill are Toronto jangle-rockers Born Ruffians.





Spamalot already took Toronto audiences by storm once, but it was so popular that they're going to do it again. Starting tonight at the Canon Theatre, the play will begin a second month-long sojourn in Hogtown. Expect plenty of silly banter, knights who say things along the lines of “Ni”, and a killer rabbit with big nasty pointy teeth. Is the show as good as the original cinematic classic? Of course not! But it’s not trying to be. This is a different beast altogether, but one that at least retains the patented Monty Python brand of comedy that elevates surreal silliness to the level of an art form. And look on the bright side, at least Clay Aiken will be staying on Broadway and won’t have a chance to ruin this production. Seriously, how does he still have a career?





TIFF offers its fair share of high-profile galas and big club parties. If there's anything celebrities love (and actually need to survive), it's publicity. On the one hand, you've got the Paris Hilton camp, the celebs that thrive off appearances in tabloids and rumours about epic skankiness. On the other hand are the Clooney's and Matt Damon's of the world: the type who cultivate a public persona of "the celebrity that cares". Say what you will, though, the One X One Gala, now in its third year, has done a lot for children suffering locally and globally. Matt Damon will once again host the event tonight, featuring a motley assortment of performers: Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Russell Peters, Nikki Yanofsky, the African Children's Choir, and the Canadian Tenors. For the first time ever, the event will take place at the unfortunately decrepit and unused Maple Leaf Gardens, which will open its doors for the first time in eight years.





Ever since Richard Branson made his surprise helicopter-bound announcement that his already-successful Virgin Festival would be coming to Canada, the festival has failed to live up the hype. While the festival generally draws a few big name artists to Olympic Island, the quality and stature of performers never lives up to its American equivalent. Add to that last-minute changes such as Broken Social Scene replacing Massive attack three days before last year's festival, and the annual end-of-summer festival has a lot to prove. This year's lineup could be hit or miss. Foo Fighters are on top of the marquee for Saturday, while The Kooks and The Fratellis will play a near-identical brand of catchy but glossy and overproduced Brit Pop. MGMT and Bloc party will satisfy the hipster quotient. Sunday could be an anglophile’s wet dream with Oasis headlining and Paul Weller (of The Jam) and the Stereophonics supporting. It looks like it could be a really good show, but for now you can colour me skeptically optimistic.





I hear there's some sort of festival in town or something. Toronto Film Something… Oh right, the Toronto International Film Festival. All kidding aside, TIFF is always something to look forward to. Every year the most exciting films from Hollywood and all over the world are shipped to Toronto along with their producers, stars, directors, and agents. The city is simultaneously overrun with cinephiles and celeb-stalkers as films share the spotlight with high-profile and exclusive nightclub parties. Get ready for it, because for the next ten days, if you go anywhere near Yorkville or the entertainment district, you'll have to deal with the circus that is TIFF. Today is the official start of the festivities, and, as usual, the occasion is marked by a Canadian film. Paul Gross's Passchendaele is getting a surprising amount of "important film" buzz considering his only other directorial effort was Men With Brooms. The gala premiere of the film tonight will anoint ten days of TIFF craziness.





Savour this one, loyal Radar readers, because after today, most of what you see here will in some way combine the words "film" and "festival". So, in the interest of fairness, I'm going to recommend you something interesting that will probably fly under the radar (so to speak) of Yorkville galas and paparazzi crowded hotels. Starting today is the Junction Arts Festival, which takes place on Dundas between Keele Street and Quebec Avenue. Unlike your run-of-the-mill Toronto street festival (and there have been many this summer), the focus is not on reduced price street food or hastily rehearsed cover bands. Instead, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Junction's incorporation into the city, the neighbourhood will celebrate its vital art scene with more art installations than you could imagine, free movie screenings, and some excellent free live outdoor music (including acts such as Revival Dear, Justin Rutledge, and David Usher). The festival goes from today until Sunday.





David Berman, after years of trying, finally seems to have shed the notion that Silver Jews are a Pavement side project. It might have something to do with the fact that Stephen Malkmus is no longer contributing to the band and Pavement broke up nearly 10 years ago, but it's still about damn time. Of course, it may also be due to Berman's growing reputation in his own right. His idiosyncratic vocal delivery and clever sardonic lyrics, which are so good as to have been often compared to Bob Dylan, have made him somewhat of a cult figure amongst indie rock fans. He's a reluctant live performer (as a musician, not a poet), so you should take any chance you have to see the Silver Jews live. I would be going to the show tonight at Lee's Palace, if not for the fact that the show is sold out. C'est la vie. There's always scalpers.





The admittedly wonderfully named Labour of Love returns for an end-of-unofficial-summer decks and drips party. Hardcore electronic music fans, occasional club people, and even anyone who's once done E (you can admit it) will be floored by this lineup. If you're a fan of DJs, this is practically Woodstock. Take a look at this sample of the lineup and try not to overdose on excitement: Benni Benassi, MSTRKRFT, Steve Aoki, Nasty Nav, Armin Van Buuren, and many, many others. Grab your best white clothes and head to the Guvernment this Sunday for what is, in many people's minds, the last big Toronto event of the summer. You can't afford to miss it.



This one was too awesome to pass up. This week is the Ashkenaz festival, the last of Harbourfront's stellar World Routes summer lineup. As part of the celebration of Yiddish Culture, the Sirius Stage will feature Abraham Inc. tonight . The ten piece supergroup includes such disparate elements as klezmer clarinet master David Krakauer, funk trombonist Fred Wesley (who's formerly played with James Brown and George Clinton), and Socalled, a Yiddish Hip Hopper. You read that right; this is a fusion of klezmer, funk, and hip hop. Together at last. How could you not go?





We've been pretty excited about this one for a while. Pizzeria Libretto opens tonight at 221 Ossington. This place has some distinguished personnel on board. The owner, Max Rimaldi, has some heavy-duty experience at such renowned restaurants as Ferro, Brassari and Brant House. Meanwhile, the kitchen and menu will be set up by Rocco Agostino, owner and chef of Silver Spoon on Roncesvalles. Considering the level of service and high quality of food that the Silver Spoon has been serving for almost a decade, we're pretty sure that that is going to be some pretty fine pizza. But don't expect the kind of slice you're used to. According to the restaurant, this is the only authentic Neapolitan pizza in Toronto. Everything else is either Chicago or New York style. Toppings are set to include Wild Boar, Duck, Montforte Cheese, and Capicollo. So yeah, this ain't Pizza Pizza.





There's always tons of free stuff to do in Toronto in the summer months. But summer will soon be over and you'll have to dust off the old wallet again. Tonight's a good time to get your last bang for your non-existent buck. Every Tuesday for the last couple of months, Toronto has put on the most romantic films of all time for free in Yonge/Dundas Square. They made the right choice in saving Casablanca for last and not ending it last week with The Notebook. Chances are I can't tell you much about the film because even if you've never seen it you still know every line by heart. It's that good. Just go.





Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd are playing tonight at the Molson Amphitheatre. This is sure to be dubbed "White Trash Tour 08". I would comment on the injustice of having Skynyrd opening for Kid Rock, but didn't more than half of that band die in a plane crash? Why are they still performing? Does Kid Rock make up for all four dead members? Oh well, any concert where I can yell "Freebird" and mean it is okay in my books. Expect guitar solos, confederate flags, mullets, gap teeth, and beer, lots and lots of beer. Don't expect Pam Anderson. That is, unless she develops an affinity for one of the Skynyrds.





In case you haven't had enough fests in your life, this Sunday provides another one for you. In case TaiwanFest and BuskerFest aren't our cup of tea, grab yourself a big glass of Ward's Island Jamboree. This thing is perfect for the island location. With acts like the Rizdales, Backstabbers Country Stringband, Swamperella, and the Cameron Family Singers, you'll have yourself a twangy jammy good time. Summer's almost over my friends. An island getaway featuring summery music sounds like the perfect way to preserve the fair season before it slips away. You'll thank me in December.





Harbourfront Centre continues its stellar summer program this weekend with TaiwanFest, a celebration of Taiwanese dance, music, food and art. Hanging out at the Harbourfront Centre this summer has practically been like seeing the world, except without all the travel. Places and cultures that you knew nothing about are suddenly your areas of expertise. Bubble Tea, Ang Lee, Karaoke. These are just three things that grew in Taiwan and incorporated themselves into our culture. What's next? There's only one way to find out - by going to TaiwanFest. Or I suppose you could go to Taiwan. Y'know, either way.





You'd better savour these "Fests" while you can. After BuskerFest, and of course the ubiquitous Toronto International Film Festival, that's basically it. The word "Fest" tends to disappear with the sun. Largely considered the last big Toronto event of summer, BuskerFest brings buskers together from all over the world, eschewing territorial disputes in favour of the common good (i.e. entertaining the wandering masses). Look for musicians, magicians, dancers, clairvoyants, and a plethora of other performers from around the world. Audience participation isn't only encouraged; it's expected. You'd best not miss it, believe me. The festival runs from tomorrow until Sunday.





Technically, Maroon 5 is the headliner here, but how they survived one hit wonder status is a mystery to both me and everyone who isn't a fifteen year old girl. The real reason to keep your eyes on this concert at the Molson Amphitheatre tonight is for the opening act. Counting Crows were many people's guilty pleasure band back in the nineties, but ever since "Mr. Jones" it seems as though their entire career has been a downward slope. That's the shame of peaking too early. Even a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" with Vanessa Carlton didn't seem to put them squarely back into the spotlight. Tonight they hope that an opening spot for the popular Maroon 5 can bring them back. Here's hoping.





This weekend marked the opening of Woody Allen's brand-new film Vicky Christina Barcelona, a film that has already garnered a number of glowing reviews. I would definitely suggest you check it out since any Woody Allen release is worth a view, but if you haven't seen it yet (or even if you have), you should check out Manhattan at the Bloor Cinema tonight. This 1979 black and white masterpiece about a 42 year old man's relationship with a 17 year old (disturbingly prescient) has often been considered Allen's best of all time, a high distinction if there ever was one. See it for the naturalistic action, the beautiful cinematography, and the well-written script. Then compare it against Vicky Christina Barcelona and impress all your friends (if your friends are all film geeks).






The Canadian National Exhibition is always a bittersweet celebration. It's an unavoidable Toronto tradition, but at the same time it signals the end of the summer, the last hurrah on which to tightly cling. This year's two week event features a rodeo, ventriloquist, and an air show, but if you've ever been before, you generally know what to expect: the most giant and varied food building you've ever seen, gambling, games, carnies, tribute bands, and a midway for the kiddies. Plus, the rides at The Ex are generally more effective than the rides at Canada's Wonderland. Hear me out. People go on rollercoasters for the simulated thrill of danger. At The Ex, the danger isn't simulated; you actually fear for your life. Maybe that's not better, but it's more effective. The whole shebang spans from today until September 1.





Radiohead are quite possibly the biggest musical act in the world right now; bigger than Coldplay, bigger than U2, even bigger than Neil Diamond. Every time this band puts out a record it's an event. Take their latest album, In Rainbows as an example. When Radiohead decided to allow fans to pick their own price it sparked a media shitstorm. It even created a new term for our modern vernacular: the "Radiohead Model". That just wouldn't happen if it were, say, The Pussycat Dolls. But there's good reason for all of the attention; I would argue (with the exception of Amnesiac) that every successive Radiohead album has been better than the last. Not only that, but their live show is supposedly legendary. Personally, I wouldn't know since I was unable to score tickets. If you have tickets to their concert tomorrow night at Molson Amphitheater, colour yourself lucky. This'll be one you can impress your future children with.





Free Tacos! This is the kind of thing that Radar was invented for. Straight out of Denver, American casual fast-food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill has expanded to the Canadian market with a new location in Toronto Life Square (right across from Yonge and Dundas Square). With more than 500 restaurants on the continent, it's a bit surprising that this is the first location North of the border, but the established success of the chain suggests that these guys know what they are doing. To tell you the truth, though, whether or not they know what they're doing is irrelevant to us today. The only thing we hear is "free tacos". The restaurant has its official opening tomorrow, but anyone who shows up today will eat for free: tacos, burritos, fajitas, whatever. I'm not making this up. Are you going to pass up free Mexican food?





Ah, what says summer more than heavy power chords, long greasy hair, and lyrics about Satan? For metalheads, Masters of Metal might as well be Woodstock. Four of the most legendary metal bands have been assembled on the same stage today with a 4:30 pm start time, presumably not to upset residents. Headlining the tour is Judas Priest, a band who has just released its most ambitious album after almost 40 years together. But challenging Priest for top band honour has got to be Motörhead, whose combination of heavy metal with punk rock speed defined an entire genre (for those keeping track, that genre is thrash metal). Then you've got Testament, yet another legend. And finally Heaven and Hell, a band whose moniker may not be initially familiar. The band is essentially the Dio-fronted Black Sabbath, but with a new title. This tour should just be called Masters of Metal 1983.





When Cirque du Soleil started to get popular in the mid-nineties, some people may have been mystified. After all, the circus is designed for children, but this version of the circus contains much more spectacle and grandeur than the usual children's entertainment (and it doesn't patronize the hell out of them). Now that it's nearly 25 years old, circus will never be looked at in the same way again. As the oldest Cirque du Soleil touring show, Saltimbanco contains all of the classic acts associated with the Quebec entertainment review: juggling, trapeze, tightrope walking, etc. The creators say that the life-affirming urban world-view contained within the show is designed as an antidote to the violence and despair of 20th century life. In short, Nietzsche would fucking hate this show. Saltimbanco runs from Aug. 13 - Aug. 24.





Summer is quickly winding down. If you're like me, you want to salvage as much out of the next month as humanly possible. Nothing says summer more than a cold beer on a hot day. Now's your chance to indulge (and possibly overindulge) in the summer institution. Toronto's Festival of Beer features over 200 brands of beer just waiting to be tasted. With that many brands, they aren't all winners, but there are some needles in the haystack waiting to be discovered. How will you find them? Just sample them all! But be sure to bring some extra money; the rather hefty ticket price only includes five (not too large) sample cups. Admission, though, also includes entertainment and a full lineup of beer-friendly musical acts. The headliner, The English Beat, unfortunately already played, but you've still got some solid acts like The Mahones, The Eradicators, and the Practically hip (great name). Cheers!





Major Toronto streets typically taste like asphalt and broken dreams. However, come summertime, select thoroughfares soak up the surrounding epicurean ambiance, drag it out of doors, and press it to the tongues of lucky urbanites. The city's most famous roadway extravaganza: Taste of the Danforth. Now in its 15th year, the three-day festival takes over the titular street in a huge celebration of Greek culture. Cars are barred from Broadview eastward as area restaurants --largely but not exclusively Greek -- set up stalls and ad hoc kitchens to satiate gluttonous revelers. Large beer tents lubricate the proceedings, while traditional and contemporary bands take over the mid-street stage and a series of other attractions distract over a million fest-goers from increasingly stressed belts. Taste of the Danforth runs from Friday, August 8th until Sunday, August 10th.





It's been over forty years since Iggy and the Stooges first took the stage, but their music still has that feeling of danger and excitement missing from so much of today's music scene (I'm looking at you, Coldplay). From smothering himself in peanut butter to playing with open cuts all over his chest (gross, but very punk) to playing a vacuum cleaner like a guitar, Iggy Pop has earned his status as one of the most animated and exhilarating frontmen of all time. Forty years down the line, he may have chilled out a bit on the crazy front (the lack of drugs probably helps), but he still brings the excitement (and the shirtlessness). And, as if a Stooges concert needed a bit more intrigue, this will be the first concert that they have played since having all of their equipment stolen in Montreal a couple of days ago. Can the Asheton brothers still shred with borrowed instruments? Come to Massey Hall tonight to find out.





The first day back after a long weekend is always a bit tough. Either you've just had an insane weekend full of adventure and debauchery, or you've used the extra day off to catch up on some well-needed rest and relaxation. But now, for better or for worse, you've got to get back into your daily routine. What better way to unwind after a looooong day's work then to grab some popcorn and to settle in with a good movie? Lucky for you, you live in Toronto, the country's premiere cinephilic destination. Today alone, you've got at least four top-notch films to choose from. Bloor Cinema is showing Terry Zwigoff's quirky (yet depressing) masterpiece, Ghost World, the film that lent Scarlett Johansson all of her indie street cred before she became the generation's "it" girl (and a terrible Tom Waits cover artist). If you're more of an art-cinema type, then head over to Cinematheque Ontario, where they're screening Luchino Visconti's neo-realist classic, Death in Venice. Maybe you spent all of your money this weekend and can't afford to pay for a movie. No problem! Just head over to Yonge and Dundas Square where you can see the fairy tale-aping, Andre the Giant-starring 1985 classic, The Princess Bride. Or, alternatively, head to the Harbourfront Centre and catch the 1998 German film Run Lola Run. Four fantastic films to choose from. I'd suggest you pick one.





Technically speaking, the Caribana Festival has already been going on for two weeks now, but if you're a true Torontonian you know that it's the parade that's the real draw. Taking place this Saturday, the Caribana parade is a real sight to behold; that is, if you can maneuver your way through the crowd to actually see any of it. It's nothing but glitz and glam, colour and pageantry, steel drums and costumes. It overwhelms all five senses and some other senses you didn't even know you had. If you can handle it, it's one of the many bits of Torontiana that everyone has to experience. But really, that's all irrelevant. Whether or not you want to go, you probably won't be able to avoid it.





This is a begrudging FYI. While I'll conceal my own personal feelings towards the band (I think you can guess), I have to grit my teeth and admit that Coldplay are still one of the biggest bands in the world right now. Enough so, that when they come to town, it's always newsworthy. So I couldn't in good conscience ignore it. For those who don't know, Coldplay play a non-offensive brand of arena-ready (good for the Air Canada Centre crowd) bombastic rock anthems that have been compared to Jeff Buckley and Echo and the Bunnymen, but in reality are more comparable to Rod Stewart and Peter Gabriel. Oh, and U2. It's impossible to forget U2, what with Chris Martin's Bono Complex. Yes, that's a thing. So get out your lighters (or these days cell phones) and get ready to soft rock!





You may have already seen the posters around town featuring shameless puppet cleavage. But what can you do? Sex sells. Even if it's puppet sex. And Avenue Q is full of it. For those of you who don't already know (likely because you're living under a rock on Mars with your fingers in your ears), Avenue Q is a parody of Sesame Street for adults. It's a lot like Sesame Street except instead of singing about numbers and colours, these puppets sing about AIDS and fetishes. Just what Sesame Street has been missing for the last 50 years. The musical opens in T.O. for the first time tonight and runs until the end of August. This is worth seeing if only to hear such hilarious musical numbers as "The Internet is for Porn", "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist", and the one that best applies to me, "What Do You Do With a B.A. in English?". The answer: write about the opening of Avenue Q.





For some of us, the last thing we want to think about on a Monday morning is drinking. For others, the thought of future partying is the only thing that will get us through thelongest of all work days. Hopefully you're the latter. This Thursday, July 31, Hart House presents a Craft Beer Festival and Summer BBQ (spelling out whole words is for suckers). The ultimate summer event, the beer festival offers samples of various local breweries. Why drink Molson when you can try out Great Lakes Brewery, Cameron's, or Big Rock? The BBQ portion of the event is covered by free snacks to munch on while sipping a microbrew. Then, of course, there's live music outdoors and in the sun (or, more likely, rain). Are you over your Monday yet?





The Just For Laughs Festival, only in its second year in Toronto, has already blown up to nearly twice its size. Not only does it have a much bigger scope than last year, but the comedians that they have enlisted are much higher-profile. The 'headliner' of sorts is Jimmy Fallon. Fallon is a polarizing figure. His charisma and boyish good looks appeal to a certain demographic (teenage girls), while his inability to maintain characters and impressions without laughing and mugging for the camera repels others (mostly Saturday Night Live fans). Whether you like him or hate him, though, the future host of Late Night is likely the biggest name talent so far in both years of the festival and will likely do a lot to attract other such celebrities. Plus, his show at Montreal Just For Laughs last week impressed critics, so that's a good sign.





Looking for something to do this weekend? Tonight marks the beginning of Wakestock, the event of the year for surfer douches and bikini ditzes from the GTA and beyond - a veritable bevy of tanned and toned guys and girls downing Bud Light, watching some extreme watersports and saying the word "dude" far more than God ever intended. Don't let me talk it down though. The lineup actually looks pretty decent. Standing at the top of the list are 2 integral parts of Wu Tang Clan, RZA & GZA. Then you've got Metric, We Are Scientists, Classified, Dillinger Escape Plan, Dragonette, and many many more. It's a good mix of rap, rock and indie. To borrow a phrase, it looks real gnarly. Do people still say that, "gnarly"?





Why, you ask, am I buzzing you about a band you've probably never heard of? That's simple: if you haven't heard of them, you should. King Khan, a former resident of Montreal and current resident of Berlin, puts on one hell of a live show. And he's playing both tonight and tomorrow, so I guess you could say he'll put on two hells of a live show (can hell be pluralized?). Think the Rolling Stones in their prime, but fronted by a man of Iggy Pop's maniacal potential. Now add about a bucket of sweat and you've got King Khan. For some, this might sound disgusting, but I, for one, prefer some excitement in live music. From jumping into the audience and singing in the face of confused patrons, to taking off his shirt and exposing his pregnant man-belly, King Khan brings the excitement. Just ask anyone who attended last year's North by Northeast performance. For those who enjoy 60s style garage rock, this is a can't miss. King Khan plays both tonight and tomorrow night at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern.





The newest venture for Splendido owners David Lee and Yannick Bigourdan, in partnership with restaurateur Franco Prevedello, is Noto Bene. Opening today, this is sure to be a snazzy endeavor. Considering those involved, the design by KPMB, and the Canada Life building location, (in close proximity to the Four Season's Centre), the new place will no doubt attract Toronto's elite with its multi-ethnic cuisine, and offer the esteemed crowd prime views of the tattoo parlor and condom shop across the road. Expect an uncomplicated menu- no tapas, no shared plates, just simple, wholesome food like spare ribs and suckling pigs. Lee assures us that this restaurant will make you feel good from the moment you walk in.





Torontonians are all aflutter over a heroic Swede appearing in our fair city, and for once it's name is not Mats Sundin. Some real buzz has been growing over the last few weeks for a soon-to-be-opened IKEA-branded building at 143 King Street. Just one problem: it's not a store. Sure, it'll be filled with all of IKEA's trademark furniture, but you won't be able to buy any of it. It may sound somewhat bass-ackwards, but IKEA wants this address to be somewhat of a showcase environment where people feel comfortable walking throughout a virtual catalogue. And, yes, indeed, the IKEA annual catalogue – blissfully free of horny dog images - is released the same day that the location is projected to launch – July 31st. Think of it as a pop-up store, IKEA style, as the Swedish furniture company location on King St. E., between Church and Jarvis is merely a temporary situation. Or perhaps you might think of it as a viral marketing campaign for the 6.5 million new IKEA catalogues that will be distributed that day. Whatever the case, don't call it a store. The Swedes don't take kindly to mislabeling.



These daily occurrences come to you via The Radar, our daily heads up of noteworthy stuff happening in the city. Did we miss something? The tip line is open. or 647-477-6011.