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30 Things We Love About Toronto This June

3. The Art Gallery of Ontario, complete with Henry Moore sculptures (photo by Roger Yip)

1. The soulful voice of Aretha Franklin, who opens the TD Toronto Jazz Festival with a free concert on June 24.

2. Donning red and white to cheer on the Toronto FC.

3. Admiring the collection of Henry Moore sculptures housed at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

4. Sipping a cappuccino from White Squirrel Coffee Shop while seeking its namesake critters in adjacent Trinity-Bellwoods Park.

5. Practicing your swing at Polson Pier’s lakeside driving range.

10. Toronto's skyline

6. Receiving a boisterous greeting from servers and chefs upon entering Japanese izakaya Guu.

7. Examining industrial-landscape photographer Edward Burtynsky’s latest exhibit about the oil business at the Royal Ontario Museum.

8. Strolling the pedestrian-friendly outdoor retail complex Shops at Don Mills.

9. The fervor of the “scramble” at Yonge and Dundas, where you can cross the street in any direction.

10. Taking the ferry to the Toronto Islands and looking back at the impressive skyline.

13. The Rex

11. Perusing refined Scandinavian design at Mjölk.

12. Admiring the cavernous grandeur of Union Station (65 Front St. W.).

13. Winding down the week with the live jazz and laid-back vibe at The Rex.

14. Walking beneath architectural artist Philip Beesley’s Sargasso installation, featured in Brookfield Place during Luminato.

15. The sense of otherworldliness in Sarah Anne Johnson’s Arctic Wonderland photos, displayed at Stephen Bulger Gallery.

19. Buca

16. Queuing for the $5.99 lunch specials at Sushi on Bloor—it’s worth the wait.

17. TV’s Rachel and Finn—a.k.a. Lea Michelle and Cory Monteith—belting it out on stage for Glee Live! In Concert!

18. Working up the courage to step onto the CN Tower’s glass floor, then looking down at the street 342 metres below.

19. Crunching on crispy pigs’ ears within Buca’s reclaimed industrial space.

20. Centering yourself at a drop-in yoga class at the Evergreen Brick Works.

24. Stillwater Spa

21. Finishing off a meal at The Gabardine with a burnt marshmallow ice cream sandwich.

22. Ordering creative cocktails and shareable snacks at Origin.

23. Admiring the elaborately designed merchandise windows at posh Holt Renfrew.

24. Getting pampered with a deep blue Tahitian massage at Stillwater Spa.

25. Picking up a new pair of flip-flops or sandals at always on-trend shoe store Get Outside.

26. The Drake General Store

26. Quirky items from the Drake General Store to bring back home to your family and friends.

27. Tucking into tacos el pastor and a bowl of guacamole at Mexican stalwart El Trompo.

28. Coveting the volume of tomes at The Cookbook Store.

29. Scouring the rows of kitchenware at Chinatown’s Tap Phong Trading Company (360 Spadina Ave., 416-977-6364).

30. A stroll through the ravines of the Don Valley—you might glimpse a white-tailed deer by the river.

Weekend Roundup, June 17 to 19

Friday: Devo is among the bands at this year's NXNE (photo by Snarkygurl)

Friday, June 17
From June 16 to 19, the North by Northeast (NXNE) festival takes over Toronto with concerts by 650 bands, plus screenings of 40 music-related films and 50 panel discussions. Don’t miss free shows taking place at Yonge-Dundas Square this weekend, including acts like Descendents, DEVO and Men Without Hats.

Join in the annual Taste of Little Italy free street party where locals and visitors alike descend onto Toronto’s historic Italian neighbourhood on College Street between Bathurst and Shaw streets. Enjoy live bands, entertainers and street food from Friday through Sunday.

To fete its imminent opening at Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall in September 2011, British fashion store TopShop opens a pop-up location this weekend at Queen Street West and Soho Street. The Pop-Up Top Shop previews a collection for sale and also offers contest, a beach zone, free frozen yogurt and a live DJ.

Saturday: Get some haute street food at 1,000 Tastes of Toronto

Saturday, June 18
One of Toronto’s most anticipated foodie events takes place today and tomorrow along John Street (between Adelaide and Wellington). As part of Luminato, 1,000 Tastes of Toronto showcases street food-sized portions of diverse cuisine from top restaurants like Woodlot, Queen Margherita Pizza and Lee.

Visit St. Lawrence Market for its annual Strawberry Festival, inaugurating the start of this delicious fruit’s harvest. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., you’ll be treated to samples, lessons on making strawberry jam, and cooking demonstrations by Toronto chefs Massimo Capra (of Mistura) and Michael Bonacini (of the Oliver & Bonacini restaurant group).

Iconic Beach Boys singer and songwriter Brian Wilson plays an intimate show at Massey Hall this evening, in promotion of his latest album, Brian Wilson Re-imagines Gershwin .

Sunday: See a revolutionary war reenactment at historic Black Creek Pioneer Village

Sunday, June 19
Celebrate this Father’s Day at Black Creek Pioneer Village, where you can watch as 200 costumed soldiers re-enact the Revolutionary War in the “Battle of Black Creek.” Walk around the village to see how soldiers lived in camps or visit the historic brewery for samples. Last but not least, end the day with a Father’s Day barbecue rib dinner.

The second annual Ontario Craft Beer Week kicks off in Toronto today. The festival showcases 27 craft brewers from across the province—at events and venues throughout Toronto—until June 25.

Crowds of screaming fans are sure to fill Queen Street West for the MuchMusic Video Awards tonight. Co-hosted by Selena Gomez, performers and guests include Lady Gaga, Avril Lavigne, Bruno Mars, City and Colour, the Black Keys and many more.

Hot Dining: Luminato’s Local Flavours

JUNE 18 & 19 Few cities in the world boast as much culinary diversity as Toronto. As part of Luminato, dozens of chefs and restaurants from around the city present their unique dishes for 1,000 Tastes of Toronto. During this open-air street food festival, foodies of all types can sample gourmet, globally influenced bites for $5 per dish, from such lauded restaurants as Lee, Woodlot, Milagro and more. Wander to the food demonstration stage while you eat to learn about how the chefs prepare their delicacies. On John Street, from King to Richmond streets, Saturday noon to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m.; call 416-368-3100 or click here for more information.

Wealth of Nations: Your Guide to Luminato

The all-encompassing Luminato festival bestows the world’s artistic riches on Toronto.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (photo by Johan Persson)

It’s always a bit of a challenge to write about Luminato. Where has been covering this summertime celebration of the arts and creativity since its inception in 2007. Back then, newness was the event’s hook, and a small coterie of marquee stars were easy to pluck from a list of about 100 projects, but we quickly discovered many of Luminato’s smaller happenings, from public art installations to author discussions, were equally deserving of our attention, and that of our culturally astute readers. It proved very difficult to pick and choose.

Luminato continues to grow as it reaches its fifth anniversary. Its sheer scope is perilous for the scribe who would attempt to pare its programming for quick consumption. That same largesse is a boon for eager attendees. More than 150 ticketed and free theatrical and dance productions, concerts, readings and art displays are booked from June 10 to 19, and while it would be impossible to see everything on the schedule, that certainly shouldn’t stop anyone from trying.

As with many arts festivals desirous to share a cultural vision, Luminato carefully selects its programming on the basis of a particular yet broadly interpreted theme. This year, Luminato’s connective tissue is the idea, the tradition, and the many modes of storytelling, reflected foremost in its headline production, One Thousand and One Nights. Created by British director Tim Supple and Lebanese novelist Hanan al-Shaykh, and performed in Arabic, French and English (with surtitles), this special commission weaves the enthralling yarns of Shahrazad into an ambitious, two-part drama that comes complete with its own intriguing backstory. Although the show’s rehearsals in Egypt were disrupted by that country’s recent revolution, last-minute accommodations were found in a Moroccan palace—perhaps an even more fitting space in which to craft such an opulent tale. Canadians spin yarns with universal appeal, too, in such on-stage offerings as Tout Comme Elle—an oratorio for 50 voices that delves into the relationship between mothers and daughters—and the provocative Andromache, which frames the Greek myth and 17th-century French play as a tragedy of lust and obsession.

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Hot Date: Alice Dances Down the Rabbit Hole

Photo by Johan Persson, courtesy of the Royal Opera House

JUNE 4 TO 12, 23 TO 25 The peculiar imagination of Lewis Carroll is brought to life with music and movement in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a new dance work co-produced by the National Ballet of Canada and Britain’s Royal Ballet. Presented as part of Luminato, this North American premiere was choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, who is known for his unique synthesis of neo-classical and modern dance interpretation. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, $21.50 to $201; call 416-345-9595 or click here for a schedule and to purchase tickets.

Luminato Logbook, Day Ten

If imagination is the core of the soul, then Toronto’s spirit is strong indeed, and on full display during Luminato. This annual celebration of arts and creativity brings to the city an international array of theatrical and dance performances, world-music concerts, visual art displays, literary events and much more—all of which you can read about here daily. Expand your horizons and imagine new heights; for 10 days in Toronto, anything is possible.

TODAY’S (FINAL) TOP TICKETS

Climb aboard the Ship O' Fools

NAVAL GAZING It figures that a boat without a captain would find itself stranded in the middle of Toronto. Now that it’s here, why not make the best of it? Climb aboard Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller’s Ship O’ Fools—a salvaged, nine-metre-long Chinese junk—and embark on a voyage of sight, sound and discovery. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

COMMUNITY CREATES The Young Centre for the Performing Arts becomes a multidisciplinary hub as a dozen resident artists curate works involving hundreds of their peers. On the last of its three days, the Waves Festival offers short theatre, dance and music performances staged throughout the venue. Enjoy the whimsy of Nursery Now, in which nursery rhymes are transformed with innovative music and movement, or seek out the impromptu, interactive Insta-Dance. And if the festivities leave you tuckered out, you can curl up in the Bedtime Stories sleep haven, where performers lull you to relaxation beneath a ceiling of glittering stars. Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St., 1 to 6 p.m., free.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Pay tribute to Luminato co-founder David Pecaut by viewing the Atom Egoyan–curated film installation Solar Breath (Northern Caryatids)/Light Air. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free.

>> Experience a candy-coloured wonderland in the heart of Toronto: Miami-based art collective FriendsWithYou transforms the city centre into a “Rainbow City” with bouncing castles, giant totems and all-around warm feelings for its Wish Come True Festival. Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent and Wellesley Street, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., free.

>> Art, fashion and beauty are woven into the world-renowned stitch works of Canadian Mark Fast’s Luminato-exclusive display. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free.

>> Feast on 1,000 Tastes of Toronto as the city’s myriad culinary delights are brought from the restaurant kitchen to the streets for just $5 a dish. Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent and Wellesley Street, noon to 9 p.m., free entry.

>> Tunes from around the globe close out the Luminato festival with a World Music Celebration. Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent and Wellesley Street, noon to 6 p.m., free.

>> Push boundaries at the Waves Festival, which fills every nook and cranny of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts with theatre, dance, music and artwork. Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St. 2 to 10 p.m., free.

>> Three points of view merge in The Africa Trilogy, an exploration of East meets West uniting playwrights, directors and performers who ask: How do we see each other? Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queen’s Quay W., 7 p.m., $30 to $45.

>> Looks can be deceiving in Masters of Magic, starring top magicians Mac King, Max Maven, Bob Sheets and Juan Tamariz. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St., 8 p.m., $35 to $45.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Luminato Logbook, Day Nine

TODAY’S TOP TICKETS

Julia Domna tells a colourful tale

THIS WOMAN’S WORK Sensual colours and kinetic motion are visual metaphors for the passionate and multifaceted title character of Julia Domna. Staged by Enana Dance Theatre, this intoxicating production blends traditional and contemporary Arab dance and music to tell the story of second-century Syrian woman who would become an empress of Rome. MacMillan Theatre, 80 Queen’s Park, Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., $35.

FESTIVAL FEAST In between enjoying Luminato’s sights and attractions, there’s something nice about grabbing easy, inexpensive street food from a corner vendor—even better when it’s fresh from a bona fide gourmet chef. The closing weekend of Luminato brings some of Hogtown’s top restaurants and cooks out of the kitchen and on to the sidewalk for 1,000 Tastes of Toronto. More than 40 diverse restaurants offer an alfresco celebration of culinary creativity that’s sure to suit everyone’s tastes. Queen’s Park, noon to 9 p.m.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> He was only 12 when he hatched his dream of becoming a fashion designer; now Canadian Mark Fast’s knitwear is known the world over. A Luminato-exclusive showcase of his couture is on display today. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free.

>> Step on to a 30-foot Chinese junk and reflect upon life aboard the uncaptained Ship O’ Fools. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

>> Meet the masterminds behind the Wish Come True Festival‘s creative dreamland in a Lunchtime Conversation. Roots (2nd floor), 100 Bloor St. W., 12:30 p.m., free.

>> Everyone’s talking about the future of books, including four well-known writers. They’ll be examining Fiction in the Age of E-Books today. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. W., 1 p.m., $15.

>> Three points of view merge in The Africa Trilogy, an East-meets-West exploration that unites playwrights, directors and performers with the question: How do we see each other? Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queen’s Quay W., 7 p.m., $30 to $45.

>> Looks can be deceiving in Masters of Magic, starring top magicians Mac King, Max Maven, Bob Sheets and Juan Tamariz. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St., 8 p.m., $35 to $45.

>> The birth and death of a monumental structure in Sarnia inspires Homage, a theatrical tribute to the poignancy of artwork. The Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E., 8 p.m., $35.

>> All day long, Queen’s Park plays host to the National Bank Festival: Global Divas and Global Blues, featuring female vocalists such as Creole jazz singer Carmen Souza. Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent and Wellesley Street, 1 to 11 p.m., free.

>> Audience members—along with real-life gamers and game designers—help bring the theatrical production Best Before to life with the help of representative avatars. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St., 8 p.m., $35.

>> It’s your last opportunity to see Rufus Wainwright’s Prima Donna opera—a spellbinding story of an aging soprano and a dangerous romance. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St., 7:30 p.m., $50 to $200.

>> The masterful music of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is a city experience not to be missed. The renowned ensemble performs Beethoven’s thrilling Symphony no. 9 tonight! Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St., 11 p.m., $20 to $69.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Luminato Logbook, Day Eight

TODAY’S TOP TICKET

Meet the Rainbow King at the Wish Come True Festival (image by FriendsWithYou)

WORLD OF WONDER Quick! Put these guys on an urban planning committee! With its Wish Come True Festival, Miami-based design collective FriendsWithYou creates for Toronto a utopia of inflatable totems, bouncy castles and candy-coloured characters. This “Rainbow City” is sure to arouse warm and fuzzy feelings in all who enter its whimsical realm. Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent and Wellesley Street, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., free.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Art, fashion and beauty are woven into the world-renowned stitch works of Canadian Mark Fast’s Luminato-exclusive display. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free

>> Reflect on your life’s journey aboard a 30-foot Chinese junk, salvaged by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller with the intent of examining artists’ and writers’ fascination with the image of an uncaptained Ship O’ Fools. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

>> Help push some boundaries at the Waves Festival, which fills every nook and cranny of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts with theatre, dance, music and artwork. Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St. 6 to 10 p.m., free.

>> The birth and death of a monumental structure in Sarnia inspires Homage, a theatrical tribute to the poignancy of artwork. Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E., 8 p.m., $35.

>> Rufus Wainwright’s compelling opera, Prima Donna, is back for its penultimate performance. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St., 7:30 p.m., $50 to $200.

>> Looks can be deceiving in Masters of Magic, starring top magicians Mac King, Max Maven, Bob Sheets and Juan Tamariz. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St., 8 p.m., $35 to $45.

>> Arab dance and music tell the tale of Julia Domna—wife of a Roman emperor and descendant of Syrian kings, doomed to tragedy yet brilliant in her majesty. MacMillan Theatre, 80 Queen’s Park, 8 p.m., $35.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Weekend Roundup, June 18 to 20

This Father’s Day weekend is bursting with food, fun and festivals. Dad’s not the only one who’s going to have a great time!

Friday: Chortle knowingly as Jon Stewart points out what's wrong with the world.

Friday, June 18
Celebrate the proud heritage of Armenia, as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra—accompanying the beautiful voice of Isabel Bayrakdarian—fills Roy Thomson Hall with the strains of Ravel’s Shéhérazade and other related classical works.

Amidst the sprawling cityscape, The Power Plant offers an opportunity to philosophically reconnect with nature thanks to its mixed-media exhibition, Adaptation: Between Species. Enjoy a lakeside barbecue and music at tonight’s opening event.

Revel in the spry wit and piercing political barbs of Daily Show host Jon Stewart, who takes to the stage at Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. After the show, check out the nearby nightlife and get a breathtaking look at the falls.

Saturday: See art on 401 Richmond's green roof and more (photo by veggiefrog)

Saturday, June 19
Familiarize yourself with the artists whose studios and galleries pack the 401 Richmond building, Toronto’s most creative address. This afternoon, partake in a free tour of the space and chat with the gallery owners and exhibiting artists during Brickolage Tour Series.

Sip 70-plus exquisite local vintages poured by the winemakers themselves at the annual Ontario Wine Fair at Café Taste. More than 20 wineries are participating in this event, which also offers the opportunity to nosh on 30 Ontario artisan cheeses.

“Whataya want from me?” asks glam American Idol singer-songwriter Adam Lambert in his similarly titled hit single. Make sure he hears your response at his Molson Canadian Amphitheatre show tonight. Expect to be treated to a number of cuts from Lambert’s upcoming debut album, For Your Entertainment.

Sunday: Get A.R. Rahman in your sights

Sunday, June 20
Treat dad to one of many options for a Father’s Day lunch. Amuse boasts an alfresco three-course meal served family-style at their Shared Table event; or call Casa Loma to reserve a table at its Father’s Day Royal Brunch Buffet. If you’re set on Italian, savour a Taste of Little Italy—the College Street party features numerous participating restaurants. And for a diverse range of nibbles—affordably priced at only $5 each—head to Queen’s Park to try 1,000 Tastes of Toronto.

Make it a Father’s Day dad will always remember with a war re-enactment, hearty ribs and fun for the whole family. Black Creek Pioneer Village presents the Battle of Black Creek—a lively re-creation of an 18th century skirmish for control of Upper Canada. Top of the invigorating spectacle with barbecued ribs or a tour of the Black Creek Historic Brewery.

Experience the musical talents of Oscar- and Grammy-winner A.R. Rahman. Known for his Slumdog Millionaire score, the Indian composer teams up with creative director Amy Tinkham (creator of concerts for Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys) in Jai Ho: The Journey Home Concert at the Air Canada Centre, employing international musicians and dancers.

Luminato Logbook, Day Seven

Homage (photo by Nick Rudnicki)

TODAY’S TOP TICKET

SCULPTING A LEGACY It seems that with every passing day new wrinkles emerge in the debate over artistic value, rights and ownership. Halifax’s 2B Theatre Company tests the boundaries of these issues in Homage, a philosophical look at the 2005 demolition of a monumental sculpture in Sarnia, Ontario. Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E., 8 p.m., $35.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Art, fashion and beauty are woven into the world-renowned stitch works of Canadian Mark Fast’s Luminato-exclusive display. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free.

>> Step on to a 30-foot Chinese junk and reflect upon life aboard the uncaptained Ship O’ Fools. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

>> Learn more about the German avant-garde theatre troupe Rimin Protokoll’s “Reality Trend” performances in a Lunchtime Conversation. Roots (2nd floor), 100 Bloor St. W., 12:30 p.m., free.

>> Challenge perceived reality in the magic show/comedy production Masters of Magic. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St., 8 p.m., $35 to $45.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Luminato Logbook, Day Six

TODAY’S TOP TICKETS

Bruce Cockburn plays his hits with friends at Massey Hall

NATION’S PRIDE Massey Hall once again hosts Luminato’s Canadian Songbook, a multi-artist showcase of this country’s most storied popular music. This year, Bruce Cockburn gets the tribute treatment: the legendary songwriter takes the stage to survey his hits with such friends as Hawksley Workman, Colin Linden and others. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., 7:30 p.m., $55 to $85.

NOVEL STANDPOINT Just as global affairs can be dictated by geographic concerns, so are the interactions of Canadians influenced by sense of place. As such, the meaning of East/West in Canadian Fiction is always a hot topic amongst local literati. A coast-to-coast quartet of writers—including Edmonton’s Lynn Coady and Newfoundland-born Michael Winter—refreshes the debate. Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St., 7 p.m., free.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Pay tribute to Luminato co-founder David Pecaut, who succumbed to cancer last December, by viewing the Atom Egoyan–curated film installation Solar Breath (Northern Caryatids)/Light Air. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free.

>> He was only 12 when he hatched his dream of becoming a fashion designer; now Canadian Mark Fast’s knitwear is known the world over. A Luminato-exclusive showcase of his couture is now on display. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free.

>> Step on to a 30-foot Chinese junk and reflect upon life aboard the uncaptained Ship O’ Fools. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

>>The delicate subject of Rights in the Arts—artists’ rights and intellectual property—is explored by Erika Batdorf (One Pure Longing), Anthony Black (Homage) and magician David Ben. Roots (2nd floor), 100 Bloor St. W., 12:30 p.m., free.

>> Three points of view merge in The Africa Trilogy, an East-meets-West exploration that unites playwrights, directors and performers who ask: How do we see each other? Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W., 7 p.m., $30 to $45.

>> Celebrated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright achieves something stunning with his opera, Prima Donna, the spellbinding story of an aging soprano who ponders a return to the stage. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St., 7:30 p.m., $50 to $200.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Luminato Logbook, Day Five

TODAY’S TOP TICKETS

The Africa Trilogy

THE POWER OF THREE An international assemblage of playwrights, directors and performers attempt to bridge the East-West divide in The Africa Trilogy—three experimental plays that deconstruct cross-continental relationships by asking how we see each other and, just as crucially, how we see ourselves. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W., 7 p.m., $30 to $45.

NEW MOVES The interactive dance lesson cum flash mob Light On Your Feet offers its final night of fleet-footed fun. Over the past few days, dancing queens took centre stage for flamboyantly themed evenings that honoured divas of several stripes—from luscious Latinas to Bollywood superstars. Tonight’s music and dancing session culminates in an “Ultimate ’80s Dance Party.” Yonge-Dundas Square, southeast corner of Yonge and Dundas streets, 7 to 11 p.m., free.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Pay tribute to Luminato co-founder David Pecaut, by viewing the Atom Egoyan–curated film installation Solar Breath (Northern Caryatids)/Light Air. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free.

>> He was only 12 when he hatched his dream to become a fashion designer; now Canadian Mark Fast’s knitwear is known the world over. A Luminato-exclusive showcase of his couture is currently on display. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free.

>> Delve further into Luminato’s East/West theme with Canadian poet and playwright George Elliott Clarke in a lunchtime conversations on “Africadian” Literature. Roots (2nd floor), 100 Bloor St. W., 12:30 p.m., free.

>> Celebrated author Azar Nafisi—known for her book Reading Lolita in Tehran—offers insightful discussion on the contrasts and similarities between East and West in Reading and Writing Iran. Al Green Theatre (Miles Nadal JCC), 750 Spadina Ave., 7:30 p.m., $15.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Luminato Logbook, Day Four

TODAY’S TOP TICKETS

Janis Kelly stars in Rufus Wainwright's Prima Donna (photo by C. Antony Crook)

MERCURIAL MUSE It’s hard not to think that Rufus Wainwright’s career has been but a dress rehearsal for Prima Donna, such is the hype surrounding its North American debut. Known for his operatic take on pop music, the composer now offers a true French opera, in which a retired soprano, inflamed by new romance, ponders a return to the stage. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St., 7:30 p.m., $50 to $200.

AUTHOR, AUTHOR! You can judge this event by its title: Monday Night Fiction offers two separate discussions with leading writers Ben Okri and Roddy Doyle. A British-educated Nigerian, Okri weaves the oft-contrasting perspectives of these nations into a vivid literary tapestry. Doyle, the Irish iconoclast, debuts his latest novel, The Dead Republic. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave. (Okri); Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E. (Doyle), both at 7:30 p.m., $25.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Art, fashion and beauty are woven into the world-renowned stitch works of Canadian Mark Fast’s Luminato-exclusive display. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free.

>> Board a 30-foot Chinese junk as Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller explore artists’ and writers’ fascination with the image of an uncaptained Ship O’ Fools. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

>> One Pure Longing performer and director Erika Batdorf explains the inspiration for her work in a Lunchtime Conversation at Roots (2nd floor), 100 Bloor St. W., 12:30 p.m., free.

>> Swing your hips like Bollywood divas at this evening’s Light on Your Feet dance party. Yonge-Dundas Square, 7 to 11 p.m., free.

>> A powerful act is commemorated in One Pure Longing: Táhirih’s Search, which recounts through dance, poetry and music the execution of a 19th-century Persian woman who refused to wear a veil. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., 8 p.m., $35.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Luminato Logbook, Day Three

TODAY’S TOP TICKETS

Two Faced Bastard splits the stage (photo by Chris Budgeon)

DOUBLE STANDARD Approach your viewing of Two Faced Bastard with an open mind—or better yet, a mind split in two. Addressing dualities of existence, this hard-to-classify stage show is actually two simultaneously occurring performances, each viewed by one half of the audience, that eventually combine in a humorous and provocative dance-theatre mash up. Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E., 4 p.m., $50.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE A historic act of courage is revived by Toronto’s Erika Batdorf and her company in One Pure Longing: Táhirih’s Search. The multi-disciplinary work employs dance, poetry and traditional music to tell the story of a Persian woman who, in 1848, was executed for appearing publicly without a veil. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., 8 p.m., $35.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Art, fashion and beauty are woven into the world-renowned stitch works of Canadian Mark Fast’s Luminato-exclusive display. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free.

>> Reflect on your life’s journey aboard a 30-foot Chinese junk, meant to explore artists’ and writers’ fascination with the image of an uncaptained Ship O’ Fools. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

>> Members of Chunky Move, the company that presents Two Faced Bastard, provide insight into the show at a Lunchtime Conversation. Roots (2nd floor), 100 Bloor St. W., 12:30 p.m., free.

>> Three points of view merge in this afternoon’s preview of The Africa Trilogy, an exploration of East meets West uniting playwrights, directors and performers who ask: How do we see each other? Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queen’s Quay W., 1 p.m., $30 to $45.

>> Catch the last Luminato performance of the National Ballet’s West Side Story Suite, presented as part of a triple bill that also includes Jerome Robbins’ Opus 19/Dreamer and the world-premiere of Pur ti Miro by Jorma Elo. Four Seasons for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W., 2 p.m., $20 to 210.

>> Bust a move at Light on Your Feet. Tonight’s focus is drag divas. Yonge-Dundas Square, 7 to 11 p.m., free.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Luminato Logbook, Day Two

TODAY’S TOP TICKETS

Baseekou Kouyate and his band crash An African Prom

GLOBAL GROOVES The modern history of African music is partly based on its symbiotic give-and-take with Western genres. Luminato’s opening weekend highlights the fruits of this interaction in Rock the Casbah and An African Prom, a day-long concert featuring the likes of Algerian rocker Rachid Taha, Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen and a collaboration between Mali’s Bassekou Kouyate (pictured) and American bluegrass icon Béla Fleck. Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent and Wellesley Street, 1 to 11 p.m., free.

THINK LOCAL It has long been acknowledged that the arts play a major role in the building and strengthening of communities. Contemporary dance troupe Coleman Lemieux & Companie does its part with a site-specific performance that marks another step in the revitalization of Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood. Nelson Mandela Park Public School, 440 Shuter St., 1 p.m., free.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Board a 30-foot Chinese boat as Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller explore artists’ and writers’ fascination with the image of an uncaptained Ship O’ Fools. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

>> Three of Africa’s top writers read from their novels in a showcase of African Literature moderated by Dionne Brand, Toronto’s Poet Laureate. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. W., 2 p.m., $15

>> The acclaimed Vienna Academy Orchestra makes a rare North American appearance—not only does the period-instrument ensemble provide the thrilling accompaniment for The Infernal Comedy, today it also offers a separate performance of music by Haydn, Mozart and Shubert. Trinity St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. W., 2 p.m., $40.

>> Bust a move at the hybrid concert/dance party Light on Your Feet. Tonight’s theme is “Latin divas.” Yonge-Dundas Square, 7 to 11 p.m., free.

>> Three points of view merge in tonight’s preview of The Africa Trilogy, an East-meets-West exploration that unites playwrights, directors and performers who ask: How do we see each other? Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queen’s Quay W., 7 p.m., $30 to $45.

>> Experience acclaimed Canadian literature with a trio of readings. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. W., 7 p.m., $15.

>> West Side Story Suite sweeps across the stage, followed by Jerome Robbins’ Opus 19/Dreamer and the world-premiere of Pur ti Miro by Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo. Four Seasons for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W., 7:30 p.m., tickets $20 to $210.

>> Laugh until you cry in (and be profoundly moved in the process) thanks to Two Faced Bastard’s comedic exploration of the duality of human life. The Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., $50.

>> Dark Star Requiem relates the history of HIV/AIDS through poetry and music (performed by the Gryphon Trio and Elmer Iseler Singers), transcending all barriers. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W., 8 p.m., $30 to $50.

>> A powerful act is remembered in One Pure Longing: Táhirih’s Search, which recalls through dance, poetry and music the execution of a 19th-century Persian woman who refused to wear a veil. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., 8 p.m., $35.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Luminato Logbook, Day One

If imagination is the core of the soul, then Toronto’s spirit is strong indeed, and on full display during Luminato. This annual celebration of arts and creativity brings to the city an international array of theatrical and dance performances, world-music concerts, visual art displays, literary events, interactive festivities and much more—all of which you can read about here daily. Expand your horizons and imagine new heights; for the next 10 days in Toronto, anything is possible.

TODAY’S TOP TICKETS

John Malkovich takes a chilling turn in The Infernal Comedy

ACTING OUT An innovative pairing of music and storytelling sees actor John Malkovich (yes, that John Malkovich) portray charismatic Austrian criminal Jack Unterweger in The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer. His manipulative monologues are contrasted by the beautiful music of the Vienna Academy Orchestra and two sopranos giving voice to the killer’s absent mother and his many victims. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., 8 p.m., $55 to $125.

SHINE A LIGHT In Dark Star Requiem, music and poetry illuminate the history of HIV/AIDS, a disease that disregards race, class, age and culture. Created by Tapestry, a Toronto-based developer of new operatic works, this redemptive oratorio soars with the strains of the Gryphon Trio and vocal harmonies by the Elmer Iseler Singers. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W., 8 p.m., $30 to $50.

MORE MUST-SEE SHOWS

>> Pay tribute to Luminato co-founder David Pecaut, who succumbed to cancer last December, by viewing the Atom Egoyan–curated film installation Solar Breath (Northern Caryatids)/Light Air. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free.

>> He was only 12 when he hatched his dream of becoming a fashion designer; now Canadian Mark Fast‘s knitwear is known the world over. A Luminato-exclusive showcase of his couture is on display today. Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., all day, free.

>> Reflect on your life’s journey aboard a 30-foot Chinese junk salvaged by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller to examine artists’ and writers’ fascination with the image of an uncaptained Ship O’ Fools. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

>> Don’t want to miss a thing? Illuminate your Luminato experience at the lunchtime Festival Overview. Roots (2nd floor), 100 Bloor St. W., 12:30 p.m., free.

>> Three points of view merge in tonight’s preview of The Africa Trilogy, an East meets West exploration that unites playwrights, directors and performers who ask: How do we see each other? Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W., 7 p.m., $30 to $45.

>> The festival officially kicks off with a Luminato First Night concert featuring such Canadian pop divas as Sass Jordan and Melanie Fiona. Yonge-Dundas Square, 7 to 11 p.m., free.

>> Witness the National Ballet of Canada’s dynamic West Side Story Suite, accompanied by Jerome Robbins’ Opus 19/Dreamer and the world-premiere of Pur ti Miro by Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo. Four Seasons for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W, 7:30 p.m., $20 to $210.

>> Mystery readings from the Scene of the Crime are sure to send a chill down your spine, thanks to tales written by the king of South African crime fiction, Deon Meyer, and Dublin-born John Brady. Al Green Theatre (Miles Nadal JCC), 750 Spadina Ave., 7:30 p.m., $15.

>> Laugh until you cry (and be profoundly moved in the process) as Two Faced Bastard employs dance, theatre and comedy to examine the duality of human life. The Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E., 8 p.m., $50.

>> A powerful historic act is remembered in One Pure Longing: Táhirih’s Search. Dance, poetry and music tell the story of a 19th-century Persian woman who was executed for refusing to wear a veil. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., 8 p.m., $35.

Purchase Luminato tickets daily at the T.O. Tix booth, located at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Weekend Roundup, June 11 to 13

This weekend kicks off a couple of annual Toronto traditions—the Luminato arts festival, as well as the start of a new Argonauts football season. In between, you can pull up a chair, order a pint and roar for your favourite side while watching the FIFA World Cup.

Friday: Arcade Fire! (photo by tammylo)

Friday, June 11
Gather your sports buddies and crowd into the bustling Football Factory to catch the much-anticipated opening matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Catch Canadian Idol’s Sass Jordan and R&B singer Melanie Fiona at Yonge-Dundas Square for Luminato First Night. This free showcase of pop-music divas is the first of many events comprising the Luminato Festival.

Get in line early for one of two last-minute chances (today and Saturday) to see Montreal-based mega-band Arcade Fire rock The Music Hall with old favourites and new tunes from their upcoming album, The Suburbs.

Saturday: Malkovich!

Saturday, June 12
You’re almost certain to shiver as John Malkovich takes to the stage as Jack Unterweger, a real-life serial killer-turned-literary celebrity, in Luminato’s The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer.

Enjoy the penultimate day of performances for Fiddler on the Roof, the feel-good story of humble Tevye (portrayed by Broadway star Harvey Fierstein), who strives to protect his family’s traditions despite the allure of outside influences.

Who let the dogs out? And what about their owners? This weekend, the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood goes canine for Woofstock, North America’s largest outdoor festival for dogs. Check out the pooch couture fashion show and many other fun events.

Sunday: Argos! (photo by ethanf_15)

Sunday, June 13
Cheer on the Toronto Argonauts—this city’s CFL football team—as they battle provincial rivals the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in pre-season action this afternoon at the Rogers Centre.

Don’t miss your last opportunity to applaud the National Ballet of Canada’s West Side Story Suite, which features musical and dance highlights from the timeless love story. The production is complemented by Jerome Robbins’ Opus 19/Dreamer and Pur ti Miro, a world-premiere by Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo.

Help make hunger history at the Royal Ontario Museum, where a $250 ticket helps Second Harvest feed those in need—and also nets you an exquisite meal. Toronto Taste unites 60 of the city’s top chefs and 25 beverage providers for an evening of epicurean delights.

Luminato To-Do, Day Nine

Get out and enjoy fresh food, fun films and, yes, more music, courtesy of Luminato.

Celso Machado brings his guitar to Yorkville.

Saturday, June 13

Brazilian Guitar Marathon
Brazil is a long way from Toronto, but today it’ll feel a little closer. Starting at 1 p.m. some of the South American nation’s finest guitarists will be performing in the Village of Yorkville park. You’ll hear music by Grammy Award winners Sérgio and Odair Assad, who many consider to be the best classical guitar duo in the world; Celso Machado, who’s known for his guitar stylings as well as his ability to produce bird sounds using wind and percussion instruments; and Yamandú Costa the seven-string sensation makes his Toronto debut. The musical marathon ends with a grand finale medley featuring all the performers.
Village of Yorkville Park (Bellair and Cumberland streets), 1 to 6 p.m., free.

President’s Choice 1,000 Tastes of Toronto
We’d all like to get the most out of the city we’re visiting whether it’s in terms of the culture we take in, the historic sites we visit, or the local delicacies we taste, but you can only fit so much into a holiday. Well if you happen to be visiting Toronto this weekend you’re in for a treat. Head to the lakeshore for scrumptious local and international treats. All weekend, top chefs from across the city set up shop along Queens Quay West to offer their own unique takes on street food. At a similar event at last year’s Luminato, foodies were treated to fresh Oysters, braised hangar-steak sandwiches and baked perogies. We can’t wait to see what the chefs will come up with this time around!
Queen’s Quay West, between HTO Park and Harbourfront Centre, noon to 9 p.m, free entry, $5 for each food item.

Animated Films Based on Children’s Books
The National Film Board presents a selection of award-winning animated films based on acclaimed children’s books. Shorts include Blackberry Subway Jam by Robert Munsch and I Want a Dog by Dayal Kaur Khalsa—the title song of the latter is sung by indie songstress Neko Case. Each film, five in total, has a running time of 8 to 10 minutes, so it won’t be hard to keep your kids entertained and in their seats.
National Film Board Mediatheque (150 John St.), 1 to 3 p.m., free.

Luminato To-Do, Day Eight

The festival enters its final weekend with many great performances and events!

Goran Bregovich and his Orchestra (photo by Stephanie Berger).

Friday June 12

Closing Weekend Celebration featuring Cirque du Soleil
It’s been a long time since the words ‘free’ and ‘Cirque du Soleil’ have appeared in the same sentence. The success of the Montreal-based circus troupe is unrivaled, its shows play to packed houses on every continent. If you’ve been neglecting Luminato events, this one should be worth the effort. Starting Friday evening two “communities” of Cirque performers form on the waterfront: one represents nature and the other urban living. Tonight the groups emerge and move to their respective “homes” at opposite ends of the Harbourfront site. Then, over the rest of the weekend both communities will begin to interact with each other (and lucky passers by). The concept seems intentionally vague, but that just means there’s a greater chance to experience something truly, transcendently creative.
Queens Quay West, between Harbourfront Centre and the Toronto Music Garden, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (and continuing throughout the weekend), free.

Goran Bregovic
You might not be familiar with his name, but there’s a good chance you’ve heard tunes by this “musical superstar of the Balkans in such films as Borat, Time of the Gypsies and Underground. Tonight, the Sarajevo-born rocker will be joined by a 20-piece iteration of his brass-heavy Weddings and Funerals Orchestra—its gypsy-rock sound so infectious, you won’t need any Sljivovica (plum brandy) to encourage dancing like crazy. Don’t be surprised if the infectious gypsy-rock beat forces you out of your seat and onto the dance floor.
Yonge-Dundas Square, 8 p.m., free.

Addicted to Bad Ideas: Peter Lorre’s 20 th Century
“Punk musical” might sound like an oxymoron to most people, but that’s exactly what director Jay Scheib has created with the help of Brooklyn’s cabaret punk band World/Inferno Friendship Society. The show is inspired by the life of character actor Peter Lorre, best known for his roles in Fritz Lang’s M and The Raven, who obtained success while remaining something of an outsider. Onscreen and off, Lorre played sinister like no other. Part Rocky Horror, part Cabaret, Bad Ideas explores a strange life with recreations of movie scenes as well as interactive video. This unique musical paints a memorable portrait of a man who defined the role of the outsider in the 20th century.
Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne St.), 11 p.m., $35.

Luminato To-Do, Day Seven

Luminato moves closer to its home stretch, but shows no signs of slowing down!

Performers of Catalyst Theatre in <em>Nevermore</em> (photo by Bretta Gerecke).

Performers of Catalyst Theatre in Nevermore (photo by Bretta Gerecke).

Thursday, June 11

Nevermore
You need only to skim an Edgar Allen Poe biography to understand why he was never known for his sunny disposition. The fact is, people tended to die on him, like his mother when he was still a child, and his 15-year-old wife after only two years of marriage. Yes, death haunted Poe at every turn. It is this harrowing existence that informs Nevermore, the latest production by Edmonton’s Catalyst Theatre. The play, based on Poe’s unusual life, mixes original songs, burlesque dancing and creepy costumes, and has been heralded by critics and audiences alike. Definitely a Luminato must-see!
Winter Garden Theatre (189 Yonge St.), 7:30 p.m., $40 to $50

Continuous City
We may not have flying cars or summer homes on the moon, but we’re certainly living in the future. Why, you could be reading this on your laptop and talking to your friend who lives in China, or France, or wherever. Yes, as they say, the future is now, yet we rarely reflect on what it means to be so plugged in. Continuous City, a multimedia production by the Builders Association, tackles our “technological disconnect” and the notion that we’ve become “networked selves” through travel and modern gadgetry, and examines how this state affects our relationships with others. Combining live performance with video shot in Toronto and other cities around the world, this project is sure to have you pondering your own modern existence.
Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles St. W.), 7:30 p.m., $35 to $45

Nederlands Dans Theater
Words tend to fail us when describing a program of experimental dance—especially one that combines video projection, a rotating set, puppets, and some of the best dancers in the world. There is just no way to truly capture the essence of this production byrenowned Nederlands Dans Theater; however, we can tell you that the show comprises three of the company’s most acclaimed pieces, and that you’ll be witnessing its first Toronto show in fourteen years.
MacMillan Theatre (80 Queen’s Park), 8 p.m., $60 to $80

Tales of the Uncanny
It only took 90 years, but Tales of the Uncanny is finally here! The silent horror film from Germany (known in that country as Unheimliche Geschichten) finally reaches its Toronto audience tonight at Yonge-Dundas Square. As if the screening of a silent film wasn’t enough, Luminato—in association with the upcoming North by Northeast Music Festival—have brought in Berlin electronic artist Robert Lippok, local post-rock band Do Make Say Think and Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) to provide the live soundtrack for this historic presentation.
Yonge-Dundas Square, 9:30 p.m., free.