Summer Soup- Chapter 1

Recently, I have had the opportunity to experience the thrill and chaos of organizing two fashion shows. I don't specialize in fashion, but I have grown to appreciate the artists and creativity behind the madness. I'm always on the lookout for new trends, designers and the events that follow them.

Only July 11th, OFF THE WALL Productions and ARIS presents: "ARIS Evolution." Designer and friend Andra Bogdan showcases her new urban wear line. The launch party will be taking place at the Mod Club in Toronto. The night will continue with live dance performances and DJ battles. Come support your local Canadian artists!

Summer Soup- Luminato

Summer time! Well, in my mind. The amount of festivals and events taking place in Toronto this time of year can be overwhelming. Don't worry, I am here to help you hunt down all the fun with my Summer Soup series!

First on the block is Luminato, taking place June 11-20th in various locations in Toronto. The first attraction that caught my eye is the stage show starring John Malkovich called "Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer."

If you are not into theatre style events, there is much more to see and do. "Light On Your Feet," is a collection of different cultures and groups showcasing their unique style and passion for dance. These performances take place at Yonge and Dundas Square on different days throughout the festival and the best part is, it's free!

For a list of the events at a glance CLICK HERE.

30 Seconds To Mars- Sound Academy 2010

Many people dislike this band and Jared Leto but the fact still remains that 30 Seconds to Mars knows how to put on a good show. Last night at the Sound Academy they rocked the stage with fans in the crowd ranging from 15-50 something year olds. It was the most intimate and interactive concert I have ever been to. They love Toronto and it definitely showed.

23rd Annual Images Festival

I've always liked a good festival, and though they are generally accociated with music and the outdoors, there are plenty that take place year round with tons of things to do and see.

Next week is the 23rd annual Images Festival taking place from April 1-10 in various locations around Toronto. Experience film, art installations, artist talks, live performacnes and more!

"Over 100 films by artists from Canada and 18 other countries are on hand. Partnered with the festival are 15 galleries and museums, which present over 32 art installations by both Canadian and international artists. Youth workshops and screenings, and artists talks are free admission. The festival also has an awards ceremony as part of the closing night gala at St. Anne's Church on April 10 at 9 p.m. There are also parties and tours happening within the 10 days." (Toronto.com)

For more information on the Images Festival visit their website at: www.imagesfestival.com

This Week and Beyond!

Spring is in the air! Time for love, warm weather and a whole bunch of events! Lots to do, lots to see, check out what's happening in the next couple of weeks.

CSEME will be inspiring at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this week March 24-26.

As I stated a few posts ago, the Toronto Comic Con is this weekend March 26-28 at the Direct Energy Centre.

LG Fashion Week is taking over Toronto in style, from March 28-April 1. My good friends from Balanche Communication & Events will be there as a sponsor for the Ryerson LG Fashion show taking place on Monday March 29 at 7:00pm.

Canadian designers Andy Thê-Anh, Pink Tartan, David Dixon, Joe Fresh (and much more) will be showcasing their work next week. It's show time Toronto, suit up!

Bright Night 2010

“Moments will be lit. Experiences will be tasted.”

Indeed moments and experiences like no other occurred this past Thursday as Balanche Communication & Events hosted “Bright Night,” at Toronto’s O.Noir. The team and I have worked hard the past couple of months to put this event together. The results were amazing!

Fashion designers Jeffrey MacKinnon, Comrags, Sheila Lam, Lizares, Ashley Boutcher (to name a few), created stunning garments that represented the evening’s theme of fashion for the blind. Click here for full list of designers.

When guests arrived they were greeted by the Balanche team and were then asked to proceed to the lounge area where guest speakers, Robin Kay - President of Fashion Design Council Canada, Dr. David Rootman - Medical Director of the Yonge Eglinton Laser Eye Centre
and David Errington - President & CEO of Accessible Media Inc, welcomed everyone.

After the silent auction and speeches, visually impaired serving staff then escorted guests to the dark rooms where they were able to feel the garments and enjoy a three-course meal completely in the dark. After the exquisite dinner, it was back to the lounge area where models showcased the garments like mannequins in various poses.

I had so much fun that I will be joining the Balanche team again for a gala that will be hosted by CNIB in May. I will have more information on this event soon!

FOR BRIGHT NIGHT PICTURES CLICK HERE

ComiCON vs. Comic Con

After some extensive research I've come to the conclusion that the Toronto ComiCON and the Toronto Comic Con are not the same thing. Call me ignorant, but I am no self proclaimed nerd. I'm working on it!

The Toronto ComiCON opens its doors on Sunday February 28, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. If you are into the comic book scene, I suggest you put on your best superhero tights and go. It's only $5!

The Toronto Comic Con oddly enough, is not all about comic books. Meet actors, authors and artists from all over the nerdy spectrum. Eliza Dushku from Dollhouse is going to be there and that pretty much sold it for me. The Toronto Comic Con is a three day event from March 26-28, 2010 at the Direct Energy Centre. Ticket prices range from $24.00-49.00 depending on how many days you plan to attend. There are also VIP packages available for the hardcore Comic Con fans. Click here to see prices.

"Do you trust me?" Good, see you at the Comic Con!

Rich Bride Poor Bride Wants You! That Is, If You're Getting Married...

That's right folks! The beloved reality TV show Rich Bride Poor Bride is back for another season of fun, intense and oh so real drama (not kidding). Slice is looking for engaged couples to share their big day with all of Canada (and other parts of the world). This isn't an event per say, but if you’re getting married and want to broadcast it over television; here is your chance to have an event you'll never forget!

Happy Mardi Gras

It is Fat Tuesday and I have not had a single pancake, for shame! Despite the fact that no other place celebrates Mardi Gras like New Orleans, the festivities are not limited to the south.

If you are into the club scene, you can check out The Guvernment on Saturday February 20th. They are giving out $1500 to the person with the most beads. So...$1500 - admission fee - coat check - drinks, you could very well leave with $20.00 in your pocket!

If you're not in the mood for dancing but still want to do something with the New Orleans feel, why not head to THE REX and listen to some local jazz musicians play.

Whatever it is you decide to do or not do, my friends, "Laissez Les Bons Temp Rouler!"

Bright Night- Count Down

Only a couple of more weeks until "Bright Night," hits Toronto's O.Noir. This unique dining and fashion experience has been creating a lot of buzz and I am proud to be part of the amazing team that is making it happen.  For those of you who don't know...

Balanche Communication & Events presents "Bright Night," on Thursday March 4, 2010 at O.Noir in Toronto. The premiere interactive and in the dark fashion and dining experience is here to arouse your senses.

Top Canadian designers will excite the night by showcasing their original garments that incorporate Braille and texture. Net proceeds from this event will go to CNIB.

How Romantic!

It's that time of year again! Stores replace the old, stale Christmas chocolate for the new, pink and red wrapped ones. If you have no plans for Valentines Day, good for you. If your looking for something different to do with your significant other..can't help you there either.

I was going to suggest seeing "Dracula-A Love Story," but according to the Casa Loma website http://www.casaloma.org/, limited dates and space are available.

Feb. 11,12,13,18,19,20, 26 and 27.

Please see below for availability

February 11: SOLD OUT

February 12: SOLD OUT

Feb 13: SOLD OUT

Feb 18: Limited Availability

February 19: SOLD OUT

February 20: SOLD OUT

February 26:

February 27: Limited Availability

Kevin Smith 2010

Went to see An Evening With Kevin Smith this past weekend at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. It was one of the most entertaining shows(?) I have ever seen. Definitely worth checking out next time he is in town! *Skips away*

Catch Up

Sam Roberts at the Mississauga Waterfront Festival 2009.