365 Things to Do in Toronto, Harbourfront, Toronto, Toronto events

65. Arabesque Dance Company & Orchestra – NOOR (Light)

March 6, 2011 Heikki Walden

March 6, 2011

A collaboration of diverse dance artistry, Arabesque Dance Company & Orchestra presents Noor (Light) at the Harbourfront Centre. This production highlights the Muwashshahaat tradition of ancient spiritual poetry expressed through Andalusia’s music, along with Egyptian bellydance, Lebanese debke, and the Spanish flamenco.

Watch as 17 dance artists, led by Yasmna Ramzy, and 14 musicians, led by Bassam Bishara explore this new realm of music, dance, and the sharing of ancient traditions. Today’s 2pm and 8pm performances will be the last, so don’t miss out! Regular tickets are $45 (students and seniors pay $40) and can be purchased online through the Harbourfront’s website.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, JUNOs, Toronto, Toronto music

64. JUNOs 40th Anniversary Decades Concert Series

March 5, 2011 Heikki Walden

March 5, 2011

The last in a series celebrating Canadian artists through the decades, this evening’s performances at the Horseshoe Tavern honours music of the ‘00s! Produced by Pheromone Recordings and MapleMusic Recordings, with proceeds of the event going to MusiCounts, a Canadian music education charity, this event is guaranteed to get you in JUNO mode while supporting a very worthy cause.

Tickets are $20 in advance through Ticketmaster, Soundscapes, Rotate This, and Maple Music, or $25 at the door. Celebrate Canadian music and the 40th anniversary of the JUNOs with a blast from the (recent) past!

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Leslieville, Toronto, Toronto business, Toronto neighbourhoods

63. Start a “Disloyalty Card” at Mercury Espresso Bar

March 4, 2011 Heikki Walden

March 4, 2011

Located in the heart of Toronto’s popular Leslieville neighbourhood, Mercury Espresso Bar prides itself in providing and celebrating some of the coffee industry’s best quality espresso, while featuring seasonal, exciting new coffee blends. Firmly established in Leslieville for almost five years (Mercury Espresso Bar’s “birthday weekend” is the 19th and 20th of this month), this cafe is anything but ordinary.

Participate in the “Disloyalty Card for the Toronto Coffee Conspiracy” and celebrate independent Toronto coffee shops by embarking on a city-wide espresso crawl that will take you to seven participating shops. Your starting point can be any one of the involved cafes, but today you can start the ball rolling with Mercury Espresso Bar. Make a purchase to get your Disloyalty Card, then make your way to the other six cafes to collect your remaining six stamps. When you’ve filled your card, return to Mercury Espresso Bar (or wherever you started), and collect your free coffee!

To learn more about the Disloyalty Card and Mercury Espresso Bar, check out their website! Check out Heikki’s interview with one of the shop’s owners, Matthew, to hear more about the Leslieville neighbourhood!

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto

62. Swan Lake

March 3, 2011 Heikki Walden

March 3, 2011

Possibly the best known and most loved ballet ever created, Swan Lake will be performed at the Sony Centre For the Performing Arts from March 1st until March 6th. Performed by the Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet Company with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, this production is not to be missed!

Witness the tragic love story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by the curse of an evil sorcerer, and Prince Siegfried, heir to the kingdom. Performed for over 230 years by ballet companies all over the world, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a truly classic ballet. With tickets ranging from $60 to $225, these performances are very accessible. Tonight’s performance begins at 8pm. Purchase tickets online at http://www.sonycentre.ca/

365 Things to Do in Toronto, JUNOs, Toronto, Toronto events, Toronto galleries

61. The JUNO Tour of Canadian Art

March 2, 2011 Heikki Walden

March 2, 2011

In case you haven’t heard, the JUNO Awards are celebrating their 40th year of awarding Canadian music right here in Toronto at the end of the month! There’s plenty going on in the city in March to mark this momentous occasion, and today’s event, the JUNO Tour of Canadian Art, promises to begin your JUNO experience on an artistic note!

A collaborative project between the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the AGO, this event pairs Canadian art with Canadian music. JUNO Award-winning musicians including Alpha Yaya Diallo, Buck 65, Dan Hill, Gord Downie (and more!) visited the AGO and selected pieces of art which were particularly meaningful for them. The exhibit includes the musicians’ recorded responses and a piece of their own music that they feel resonates with their chosen artwork, both of which can be found next to the piece of art.

This exhibit takes place in the Canadian collection and in the Henry Moore gallery until August 31. Today (and every Wednesday), admission to the AGO is free from 6pm to 8:30pm. All other days, General Admission is $19.50.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Harbourfront, Toronto, Toronto events

60. FemCab 2011

March 1, 2011 Heikki Walden

March 1, 2011

Celebrate the women in your life (or celebrate yourself!) by attending the Nightwood Theatre’s International Women’s Day Celebration! In its 28th year, this event features performers of every discipline coming together to honour women with an irreverent and energetic evening of performances.

Award-winning Canadian comic, Sandra Battaglini, will keep host this year’s celebration; other participants include key-note speaker Judy Rebick, musicians Shakura S’Aida, Alejandra Ribera, and the Donna Grantis Band; dancer Julia Aplin; theatre performer Judith Thompson; spoken-word performer Lara Bozabalian; and comic Chelsea Manders.

FemCab starts at 8pm in the Brigantine Room at the Harbourfront Centre; tickets are $32 (HST included). To purchase tickets, call 416-944-1740 x5, or email hilary@nightwoodtheare.net.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Greektown on the Danforth, Toronto, Toronto events, Toronto food

59. Beans and Grains – Cooking Class

February 28, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 28, 2011

Whether you’re a strict vegan, or just want to cut back on your food-costs, using beans and grains in your cooking is a great way to create delicious, nutrient-packed meals that are vegan/vegetarian-friendly and easy on the wallet! The Big Carrot offers a series of vegetarian cooking classes on Monday evenings, and tonight’s class, Beans and Grains, will have you whipping up delicious dishes such as Pinto Bean Cashew Rice Salad, Buckwheat Potato Pancakes, Quinoa Tabouli, and Barley Flake Rice Crispie Squares.

Taught by Nettie Cronish, Natural Food Chef Recipe Developer and Culinary Instructor, you’ll be in good hands as you learn about the value of incorporating beans and grains into your diet. Single Monday evening classes with Nettie are $79.10, start at 7pm and continue until 9:30pm. Bring your own apron, hand towel, and reusable containers to take home leftovers! Register by calling Customer Service at 416-466-2129. The Big Carrot is located at 348 Danforth Ave. For more information on this and other cooking classes, check out www.thebigcarrot.ca.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events, Toronto theatre

58. The Secret Garden

February 27, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 27, 2011

Based on the beloved children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden musical production will bring back nostalgic memories of reading the tale of Mary, the young orphan taken in by her extended family on the Yorkshire moors.

When Mary discovers the key to a walled garden on the expansive property that is now her home, her life, and the lives of her family, are changed forever.

The Secret Garden runs until March 19, 2011 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Today’s performance starts at 2pm; tickets range from $55.00 (upper balcony, far sides) to $110.00 (orchestra and lower balcony). Children “who are old enough to enjoy theatre performances” are welcome at this musical, so bring the family for an unforgettable foray into The Secret Garden!

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events, Toronto music

57. Beyond the Score – The Rite of Spring

February 26, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 26, 2011

Performed at Roy Thomson Hall tonight at 7:30pm, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring is one of the most celebrated ballet scores of all time.

As part of the Exposed concert series, music lovers will experience commentary on The Rite of Spring, discovering the unique elements and fascinating background of Stravinsky’s masterpiece during the first half of the concert, and will then be treated to a complete performance of the work in the second half of the evening. Conducted by Vasily Petrenko and performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, take advantage of your opportunity to be a part of the unveiling of great music at the Roy Thomson Hall!

Tickets range in price from $22.50 to $76.00. To purchase tickets, or to find out more about the Exposed: Unveiling Great Music series, visit the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s website.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events

56. Outdoor Adventure Show

February 25, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 25, 2011

See it! Do it! Live It! at Canada’s largest adventure show!

With pre-season deals on the latest in outdoor gear, a Whitewater Demo Pool, Dive Tank, Rock Wall, and over 300 exhibits to enjoy, no outdoor-enthusiast will want to miss this fantastic event!

Taking place at The International Centre at 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, The Outdoor Adventure Show is your opportunity to check out The Great Ontario Outdoor Adventure Pavilion, where you can discover fun, affordable adventures in our own province. The Canoe & Kayak Expo will have you itching to get on the water as you explore the latest equipment, clothing and accessories, witness canoe and kayak demonstrations, and dream about the many destinations where you can put your water sports skills to the test. With an Adventure Travel Pavilion, Camping Showcase, Scuba World, Running and Cycling Pavilion, and Health & Fitness Pavilion, not to mention, special guest appearance by Survivorman Les Stroud, there’s something for every adventurer at the show!

The Outdoor Adventure Show kicks off today at noon, and continues until Sunday, February 27th. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12, or purchase your ticket online for only $10!