fourONEsixSTYLE

I’ve been sitting on the edge of the fence, deciding whether I wanna pay my $80, for day one of Virgin Festival on Toronto Island September 8th. I would’ve gone for Amy Winehouse and Bjork but now the bitchy crooner has dropped out and I don’t feel like paying the bucks to see cute little Bjork perform for only an hour or two. I’ve seen her on the Island before and it was okay. The view sucked for everyone unless you were on a picnic table or right at the front since the grounds have no naturally built-in gradient.

My fav show/concert ever was Bjork at the Hummingbird Centre, each song built up methodically over 15 minutes, layering effects by computer technicians Matmos, a choir from Greenland, a harp and Bjork herself emerging on stage as if in a fairy tale. Virgin festival, with its wham bam attitude, won’t come close to comparing.

Winehouse was really the clincher for me, having missed her appearance at The Mod Club earlier this year, but she’s cancelled all her September shows and is out of the line up for Branson’s big music festival. Must have something to do with all the gory details emerging from a bloody fight with her beau. Hope those two sort out their drug problems before Winehouse’s father-in-law convinces everyone to boycott her and business plummets. Despite her drug issues and bitchy demeanour I would’ve dropped the cash in a sec to see her. Now I’m dropping my plans to go to V-fest instead.

lady miss kier
Originally uploaded by 416style

Every year I get to see a bit more of Pride. My first visit threw me right into the middle of a parade overflowing on Church Street while last years’ visit was overshadowed by big adverts and cheesy beer tents. This year I steered clear of both. I headed straight for the main stage to see Lady Miss Kier, front-woman for Dee-light. She broke out classics like Groove Is In The Heart, reminding my how much I loved her fun tracks and far-out antics. Lady Bunny came next to the stage whipping us with musical satire and punchy one-liners. She screamed at the crowd and we threw it back in her face. She was rude, lewd and dirty and we loved every minute of it.

For a taste of Gay Pride, check my flickr pics, a collection of highlights from Toronto Pride 2006 and 2007.

Last year my friend, actor and indie filmmaker Brett Reason, shot and cut a short video which followed four car junkies (including himself) getting wasted and heading to the auto show. Their goal? See how long they could sit in the Mercedes S550 before someone kicked them out. After he showed me the piece, we debated what the name of it should be. He thought Loaded at the Auto Show would be good, I figured Fully Loaded would be more slick. It was his bit, so he won.

Brett called a couple days ago to tell me what the slogan is for this year’s show - it’s Fully Loaded. I’m not sure if he was more excited that we nailed their ad slogan before they did or just because the show would be starting this week, either way he got me hyped to go and I’m no car buff.

While him and his buddies cruise the fast car corner I might see what’s new in hybrids. If you’re still driving an old jalopy maybe you should check it out too - Metro recently reported that the biggest emissions (up to 37 times the normal amount) can come from cars 20 years old and up.

Scrap watching the auto show’s promotional vid on their site, there’s nothing innovative about it. Instead, amuse yourself with a little dark humour at theigloo, where you too can get Fully Loaded at the Auto Show.

photo: Richard Tamayo

According to Matt at blogTO the Borat film during Toronto’s International Film Festival was a bust. While over 300 people showed up to see the Kazhakstani star ride in on his white horse, 20 minutes into the flick the projector broke. Michael Moore and Ali G / Sasha Baron Cohen / Borat entertained the restless crowd.

I thought I was one of Ali’s biggest fans, convincing my boyfriend to dress up as him for Hallowe’en 04, but it turns out I’m not the only one. Even some dude who paid $400 bucks wasn’t disappointed he didn’t see the film, instead getting to see the star of HBO’s Da Ali G show in his element.

While I think Borat’s character deserves “Great Success!” for me it’s Bruno that knows how to give a great interview:

Sometimes I really miss being a Toronto lifeguard, sitting by the cool pool as the sun feeds my soul. Best way to spend the summer I’d say. That is, if you remember to slather on the sunscreen. Good news is we can all enjoy Toronto’s public pools. As of the past weekend, 41 of 60 outdoor swimming pools opened across the city. Couldn’t be better timing. You can call 416-338-POOL to see if your neighbourhood pool is open.

My favourite time to go? During “extended hours”, when the pool extends opening hours until 11:45pm. Only a handful of pools offer this, and there are a few conditions: the temperature has to be 30C or over by 3pm with no chance for thunderstorms. It’s one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets (until now), and a great way to beat the heat before climbing into bed.

Woofstock, the festival for dog lovers, is back this coming weekend and appears to have outgrown its previous location in the Distillery District. This year, the free event will close down four blocks between Berczy Park at the Flatiron building and the historic St. Lawrence Market.

Everything you could want for your pooch and more await you. Watch for the latest trends on the doggy runway then shop for clothes, collars and other accessories. Show off your best pal in contests like best Stupid Dog Trick or the Canine Canada Pageant. Some of the prizes are pretty cool: stays at the dog-friendly King Edward Hotel and an oil painting of your dog. If your pooch isn’t so pretty send in a picture for a chance to participate in an Extreme Doggie Makeover, or celebrate a life of leisure by bringing your older pup along for the Salute to Seniors Dog Parade. Head down and relish a city that’s dog-friendly, if only for the weekend.

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Originally uploaded by funkin.

Jay Kay’s funk bank Jamiroquai played at a little publicized concert at Toronto’s Koolhaus Friday night. A girlfriend called me late that afternoon to see if I wanted to try and get in somehow, even though it was already sold out. I was still game, only because she seemed very optimistic. I’d been listening to the band since high school and never seen them play live. At one point it didn’t look good, but my girl Rachel, in a stroke of genius, scored a way in for me and Liz as well as herself. A wonderful, fun and polite crowd nearly filled the place, everyone unable to stop shakin their thing. We danced the whole time and could’ve kept going for hours while Jamiroquai played classics like Cosmic Girl, Alright, High Times and You Give Me Something. Jay Kay also used the opportunity to promote the new CD “Dynamite” and played it’s signature track. I was impressed; more fun, danceable tracks by the group who knows how to get down and get funky. I was only put off a bit that the group didn’t seem to explore their musical range which includes several unusual instruments. I’d still definitely pick up the new CD, in fact I was just about to but noticed it isn’t yet available on itunes Canada. Big surprise. Guess I’ll have to go to the record store just like the high school days.

Is it just me or is the summer party scene dying down? There are a couple cool things going on this weekend, but it’s not enough. People want options, places to go with guaranteed good music, and not the usual places, or anywhere in the Entertainment District. Certainly some of us thirty-somethings are feeling wanton, been-there done-that, while many of our friends drift out of the scene and just like quiet evenings at home. What about those of us who still like the scoial scene in this city? Time to do something about it and start throwing my own parties I think. Hook it up with my girl Julie. With a little help from my friends we could bring in some hot DJs and find a cool space to keep us satisfied during these restless summer nights.