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15 Must-See Artisans at the One of a Kind Show

Each year in the lead-up to the holiday season, Toronto’s arts and crafts–loving hordes descend on the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place to spend hours browsing the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale. On from November 24 to December 4, the massive event features hundreds of talented Canadian artisans showcasing their best wares, from designer apparel and unique accessories to glassware, works in metal and more. The sheer selection can be overwhelming, so in advance of the show, Where Toronto offers our 15 favourites.

Farm Livin’ is the Life for Me: Where Toronto Previews the 98th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

For the next ten days, from November 4 to 13, the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place becomes a little less convention centre and a little more barnyard, as it hosts the 98th edition of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. We got a sneak peek at some of what’s on show at this year’s Fair, in the process acquainting our city selves with a bit of the country. By Rasheed Clarke

We crunched through scattered strands of hay and sidestepped splats of manure on our way to see cowboys practicing their riding technique on a bull of the mechanical variety. After a ride of our own on the spinning, bucking machine, Royal Rodeo organizer Ross Millar assured us that the 2,000-pound bulls featured in the Royal Rodeo (Sunday, November 6) will prove more of a challenge to the professional riders. The event, at the adjacent Ricoh Coliseum, pits top riders from across Canada against each other in barrel racing, bronco busting and bull riding competitions.

Next, we walked around the cattle barn and watched farmers trimming, washing and blow drying their livestock with all the attention to detail a Yorkville stylist would put into your coiffure. While the grooming sessions continued around us, we got intimate with an Ontario dairy cow. A few udder squeezes and there was enough milk (unpasteurized, natch) for a pot of coffee.

After dusting off our boots, we made our way to a set of showcases displaying prize-winning cheeses. It’s a shame they were under glass! We did, however, get close to a nearby block of butter and tried our hands at butter sculpting. Well, more like chiseling. The real sculptors will have their artistic creations judged next Thursday.

With butter carving crossed off our bucket list, we strolled the rest of the grounds and got a glimpse of the fair’s many other attractions: gargantuan vegetables, llamas and goats and ponies in the petting zoo, new products for city slickers and farmhands alike, and tasty treats made from local ingredients.

Yes, we can say from experience that this year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is loaded with rural-style merriment. Plus, there’s the little matter of the Royal Horse Show, which runs for the duration of the fair at Ricoh Coliseum. This year’s show includes equestrian performances from Olympic gold medalists Eric Lamaze and Mark Todd, and former Toronto Maple Leafs Darcy Tucker, Curtis Joseph and Darryl Sittler trade their sticks for mallets in a game of “horse hockey.”

For more information on the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Royal Horse Show, and to purchase tickets, call 416-263-3400 or click here.

Weekend Roundup, April 15th to 17th

Friday: Thrill to the operatic feats of Korean soprano Sumi Jo

Friday, April 15
Grammy Award-winning Sumi Jo brings her elegant coloratura soprano voice to Roy Thomson Hall tonight. Joined by pianist Gary Matthewman, this Korean-born operatic singer promises an uplifting evening of songs by Vivaldi, Rossini and many other classical favourites.

Laugh with him—or at him. Discover out how Charlie Sheen continues “winning” when he brings his My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option tour to Massey Hall. Even if you find yourself booing the actor’s rants and antics, rest assured that he is donating some of the show’s proceeds to the Red Cross’s Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund.

Learn how to sustain yourself—and the environment—at the Green Living Show, happening all weekend long at the Direct Energy Centre. Eco-conscious consumers can sample local food at the Good Eats Market, find chic green apparel at the Eco Fashion Show and get crafty in the EcoKids Zone. Admission is free if you bring an old electronic device to recycle.

Saturday: Embrace Night at Factory Theatre (photo by Andree Lanthier)

Saturday, April 16
Witness the convergence of Inuit and southern Canadian culture in Night, presented by multi-disciplinary troupe Human Cargo as part of Factory Theatre’s Performance Spring series. This emotional and poetic play is set on Baffin Island, and is performed in both English and Inuktitut.

Pick up something unique while supporting local artists at Creative Heart Collective’s Spring Show & Sale. West Queen West cultural hub the Gladstone Hotel hosts a range of artists, entrepreneurs and retailers showcasing their one-of-a-kind crafts, jewellery, gourmet food and vintage apparel.

Put on your beacon-red jersey and make sure your vocal cords are ready to cheer on Toronto FC, who return to BMO Field today for a Major League Soccer match against DC United. Arrive early and enjoy the passionate pre-game festivities outside of the stadium, including face painting, street soccer matches and live band performances.

Sunday: See this piece from Matsutani Takesada's Circle series, and more, at the Toronto Art Expo

Sunday, April 17
More than 200 distinguished Canadian and International artists and galleries present their collections at the Toronto Art Expo. Seasoned connoisseurs and first-time buyers are equally certain to find something special at this exclusive display at the Metro Convention Centre. Be sure to check out the featured installation by Japanese artist Matsutani Takesada.

Education is always entertaining at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, which presents two ongoing productions: As You Puppet introduces youngsters to the Shakespeare play As You Like It using cute, stuffed-animal puppets, while I Think I Can presents the challenges youth face with bullying through hip urban tap dance.

The clock is ticking for those bells to be ringing! Prepare, plan and purchase everything you need for your wedding at Toronto’s Bridal Show at the Direct Energy Centre. This weekend’s expo features more than 100 industry specialists, prizes, and even a live taping of the reality show Last Bride Standing.

Hot Date: A Floral Affair

MARCH 16 TO 20 Surround yourself with six verdant acres of colourful blossoms and plants at Canada Blooms. The festival of flowers and gardens features numerous vendors catering to the green thumb in everyone, as well as more than 200 hours of seminars, workshops and demonstrations with such speakers as Frank Ferragine, a.k.a. Frankie Flowers, and author Mark Cullen (The Canadian Garden Primer, An Organic Approach). Check out the stylized Juno Rocks Gardens—interpreting the theme of “rhythm” in honour of this month’s Juno music awards. Exhibition Place, Direct Energy Centre, general admission $18; call 416-447-8655 or navigate here for further details.

Weekend Roundup, February 18th to 20th

Friday: Be enthralled by South Pacific's timeless love story (photo by Kim Ritzenhaler)

Friday, February 18
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved, Tony Award–winning musical South Pacific has returned to charm audiences at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. This timeless tropical-island tale follows four lovers who must overcome adversity against a backdrop of World War II.

The Canadian International Auto Show has rolled into town and parked at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Rev your engines while admiring the latest consumer, luxury and concept cars. Classic cruisers and environmentally friendly vehicles are also on display.

Get your eyes—and ears—ready: the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Juno Tour of Canadian Art opens today, to mark the 40th anniversary of Canada’s music awards. This innovative project pairs great Canadian art—as well as the AGO’s collection of Henry Moore sculptures—with tunes and commentary from Juno-winning musicians.

Saturday: See the seductive Saint Carmen of the Main (photo by Bruce Zinger)

Saturday, February 19
A Greek tragedy gets a Canadian twist in tonight’s performance of the Canadian Stage Company’s St. Carmen of the Main. This unique play Carmen leave Nashville and return to her roots in Montreal, where she sings of the hustlers and whores who attend her nightclub shows and sees those on the fringes of society become the heroes of her songs.

Classical music is always in fashion at Roy Thomson Hall, where the Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents masterworks by Brahms and Dvorak. Estonian conductor Eri Klas and Israeli violinist Vadim Gluzman are featured in this evening’s performance.

The National Home Show has set up shop at the Direct Energy Centre. Don’t miss an appearance by interior design expert Debbie Travis today at noon, followed by a book signing. Afterwards, check out many other design and renovation features including a futuristic glass house built by Concept PolyHome.

Sunday: Jesse Cook's flamenco stylings heat us the Rose Theatre in Brampton (photo by Simon Law)

Sunday, February 20
Those who head to Brampton’s Rose Theatre tonight are rewarded with a lively performance by Jesse Cook. The Toronto-based nuevo flamenco guitarist has is renowned for his sensuous picking and strumming, showcased most recently on his Juno-nominated album The Rumba Foundation.

Experience the avant-garde as Los Angeles–based art collective My Barbarian offers its Post-Living Ante-Action Theatre performance at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Starting at 2:30 p.m., the show draws on current events and politics—and references avant-garde theatre collectives of the 1960s—to create an interdisciplinary work of art.

Sway to the sultry sounds of R&B-gospel-jazz vocalist Liz Wright, who performs music from her latest album, Fellowship, at Glenn Gould Studio.

Hot Date: Home Decor and More

FEBRUARY 18 TO 27 Colin and Justin of HGTV’s Home Heist are among the guests at the National Home Show, which offers ideas for pros and do-it-yourselfers alike. Direct Energy Centre, $12 to $16; call 416-644-5400 or visit here for details.

Weekend Roundup, January 7 to 9

Friday: Witness the Duel of Ages at the Next Stage Theatre Festival

The weekend immediately following the revelry of New Year’s is a quiet one for many people. But if you’re still itching to get out, Toronto’s got you covered.

Friday, January 7th
Start your weekend with some drama courtesy of the annual Next Stage Theatre Festival. Tonight’s programming includes a history of personal combat in Duel of Ages and the intriguing whodunit Fairytale Ending.

Treat the family to a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario. Among its numerous current exhibitions is a collection of four shows united under the title Animal Tales: Beasts, Toys and Fables. These displays feature bright and dynamic images celebrating the magic of visual storytelling, and particularly emphasize the fables of Aesop and the illustrations of Walter Trier.

The Second City has extended performances of its latest hit, Something Wicked Awesome This Way Comes. Act fast to get tickets—you don’t want to miss out on discovering just how awesomely wicked this show really is.

Saturday: Take a spin on the Natrel Rink

Saturday, January 8th
It’s not to early to think about summer—and, particularly, how you’ll spend time on the water. So make your way to the Direct Energy Centre, which hosts the Toronto International Boat Show. Among the expo’s highlights are the world’s largest indoor lake, which features wakeboarding and boat-handling demonstrations.

Step back in time a couple of decades at the Horseshoe Tavern, which celebrates Canadian music of the 1980s as part of the Juno Decades 40th Anniversary Concert Series. Featured artists include Maestro Fresh Wes and Platinum Blonde.

Take a spin around Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink tonight while DJ Medicineman drops a hot mix of global grooves and electro hits. The pulsing music is sure to take the edge off of winter’s chill.

Sunday: See the Ontario Science Centre's mythic beasties for a final time

Sunday, January 9th
Just west of the city, Mississauga’s International Centre hosts the North American International Motorcycle Supershow, featuring more than 500 exhibitors and 1,000 motorcycles. These bikes will excite as you ride on over for seminars, a showbike competition and more.

Whether on foot, by car, or on the back of a beast, be certain to travel to the Ontario Science Centre. Its Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, and Mermaids exhibition, which explore the mystical world of the mythical creatures, concludes today.

Welcome the Toronto Raptors as they return from the road. Today the National Basketball Association squad—featuring rising stars like Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan—take on the Sacramento Kings.

Hot Date: Environmental Expo

Chef Michael Steh of Reds gives advice on sustainable cuisine at the Green Living Show

APRIL 23 TO 25 Browse more than 400 vendors showcasing environmentally friendly products and services at the Green Living Show. Sample biodynamic wines, test drive fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, learn from eco-activists presenting on the main stage and watch as farmers and top chefs like Michael Steh (of Reds Bistro) whip up a feast. Exhibition Place, Direct Energy Centre, $8 to $12; call 416-360-0044 or visit here for further details.

Hot Shopping: Meet the Makers

Avril Loreti offers Toronto-landmark napkins at the One of a Kind Show

MARCH 31 TO APRIL 4 For five fantastic days, spring shoppers are invited to indulge acquisitive urges by perusing the wares of more than 450 Canadian artisans at the One of
a Kind Spring Show and Sale. Though housed in a massive exhibition hall, this is no department store shopping excursion: face-to-face interaction with the creators of handcrafted jewellery, clothing, home decor pieces, visual art, toys, organic food items and beauty products adds a personal touch—the makers are often eager to share the stories behind their unique goods. Among the pick-up possibilities are charming hats by This is J, aromatherapy candles from Golden Goose Naturals and napkins with local landmarks by Avril Loreti. Exhibition Place, Direct Energy Centre, $6.50 to $12; call 416-960-4515 or check out this site for more information and tickets.

Hot Date: Perennial Favourite

MARCH 17 TO 21 For those who can’t wait any longer for spring to arrive, Canada Blooms provides a sanctuary in which to worship the season’s stunning colours. Here, budding gardeners and veteran green thumbs alike can take pleasure in more than six acres of landscaped gardens, as well as a 100,000-square-foot marketplace with retailers selling everything from patio furniture to flower and vegetable seeds. Edifying workshops and seminars by Canadian horticultural experts are also offered daily. Direct Energy Centre, $14 to $18; call 416-447-8655 or click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

February Editor’s Picks: Entertainment

Ty Pennington offers tips at the National Home Show.

FEBRUARY 19 TO 28 Find all of the decorating, remodeling and landscaping tools you’ll need for your next big project or mini-makeover at the National Home Show. North America’s largest home design and renovation expo boasts more than 700 exhibitors as well as themed stage shows, eco-friendly displays and a lush 32,000-square-foot garden. Even reluctant rehabbers are sure to be inspired after touring the impressive modular dream home created by top Toronto designers. And don’t miss on-stage appearances by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition star Ty Pennington and experts from HGTV, who share tips on the hottest interior design trends throughout the week. Direct Energy Centre, admission $11 to $15; call 416-644-5400 or click here for more information.

Eric Clapton

FEBRUARY 21 Guitar legends and long-time chums Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck take to the stage for an extraordinary musical collaboration. Currently working as solo artists, but with individual careers spanning more than four decades—including stints in some of rock ‘n’ roll’s seminal bands—the British axemen earned rave reviews when they performed together last year in Tokyo, Japan. Toronto is one of only three scheduled dates for the duo and promises the best that both Clapton and Beck have to offer. Each guitarist is slated to play a solo set before joining forces for a special finale. Air Canada Centre, 8 p.m., $69.50 to $225; call 416-870-8000 or visit Ticketmaster for tickets.

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (photo by Cylla von Tiedemann)

This month, Roy Thomson Hall hosts show-stopping performances by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and a renowned European ensemble. Call 416-593-4828 for information, times and tickets to all performances.

FEBRUARY 10 & 11 Canadian conductor Douglas Boyd leads an evening that pairs two Beethoven masterpieces—Symphony No. 5 and the overture from Fidelio—with the North American premiere of A Table of Noises, a percussion concerto by British composer Simon Holt.

FEBRUARY 18 & 20 Soprano Michele Crider and tenor Maxim Aksenov are joined by the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir for a sublime choral rendition of Verdi’s Requiem, considered by many to be the Italian composer’s greatest work.

FEBRUARY 24 The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra graces the stage with works by Messiaen, Ravel and Richard Strauss. French-Canadian wünderkind Yannick Nézet-Séguin performs baton duties for this varied program.