Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Leonard Cohen Tribute at the 2017 JUNO Awards

Award winning musical artist Feist will perform at the JUNOs to honour the late, great Canadian musician, Companion of the Order of Canada and member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame - Leonard Cohen. The JUNOs are in Ottawa this year on Sunday, April 2nd and are presented by CTV and the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).

"More than 2,000 recordings of Leonard Cohen’s songs have been made by artists that range from Elton John, U2, Jeff Buckley, to Aretha Franklin. And from Bob Dylan to Justin Timberlake, more than 200 artists have sung or recorded the now iconic “Hallelujah” since Cohen’s original recording in 1984, including breathtaking performances by k.d. lang at THE 2005 JUNO AWARDS in Winnipeg, and the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Games."
The 46th annual awards show will be co-hosted by rocker Bryan Adams and comedian Russell Peters. Photo above, provided.

"This year’s lineup of presenters and performers were also announced today and include: electronic duo Bob Moses; music pioneer and 2017 Allan Waters Humanitarian Award recipient Buffy Sainte-Marie; singer-songwriter and JUNO Award nominee Chantal Kreviazuk; singer, songwriter and producer Coleman Hell; singer-songwriter Delaney Jane; rapper Jazz Cartier; platinum-selling country artist Jess Moskaluke; Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy; comedian and Much Digital Studios Creator Jus Reign; Marianas Trench frontman Josh Ramsay; ETALK reporter Liz Trinnear; the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Mélanie Joly; Nathan Dales and Michelle Mylett from CraveTV’s LETTERKENNY, rockers Sam Roberts Band; Arkells, A Tribe Called Red, Alessia Cara, Billy Talent, Dallas Smith, July Talk, Ruth B, Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Mendes, and The Strumbellas and Toronto rap artist Tasha the Amazon."

JUNOTV.ca will also feature live backstage access through the new Samsung Red Carpet Live Stream in 360 with 3 cameras along the carpet. The online show will include backstage views, interviews, celebrity events and of course the red carpet arrivals. With the assistance of the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) JUNO TV will also show the Gala Dinner and Awards presentations, hosted by Sam Sutherland and Lana Gay, which livestreams 6pm ET on Saturday, April 1. You can also find additional JUNO exclusive content on facebook.

JUNO TV schedule for the preshow and the award show:

3:30pm ET - Sam Sutherland and Lana Gay host JUNO TV LIVE on the Red Carpet
6:30pm ET - JUNO TV Backstage Lounge at The JUNOS co-hosted by Sam Sutherland and Lana Gay where winners, performers, presenters and more stop by for a chat!
6:30pm ET - Be a fly on the wall to see what goes on behind the scenes with the JUNO TV Portrait Studio Cam and the JUNO TV Side Stage Cam
* Curated on-demand content and real-time community engagement throughout JUNO Week

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Toronto Motorcycle SPRINGSHOW 2017

The calendar now says Spring so bring on the two wheel excitement of the March 25-26 SPRINGSHOW in Hall 1 and 2 at the International Centre. Celebrity broadcaster Jeff Woods will be meeting fans and autographing copies of his book 'Records and Rockstars' during Saturday's show. And Canadian Ice Road Rider Oliver 'Brokentooth' Solaro will be at the show all weekend.
Jeff Woods with Agent Royale's Maurizio Ancinelli, photo supplied
Oliver 'Brokentooth' Solaro, photo supplied

"Oliver has been described as the "kilted madman of the ice" because he continues to ride in conditions that only he can imagine. The frozen road adventurer survives and thrives on two where most would perish. Mr. Solaro is mid-way into his latest challenge; following the route of French explorer Samuel de Champlain over water and land. Aboard his custom "cataraft" Mr. Solaro and his specially designed CCM GP 450 will complete the remaining 1600 kms starting in late spring."

The Motorcycle SPRINGSHOW has over 250 exhibitors, new and used motorcycles, learn to ride training courses and my favourite - Canada's largest custom bike showcase with $20,000 in cash prizes. Race fans can also meet MX, road racers and Flat Track emerging stars.

Vintage bikes will be featured on the red carpet with the earliest being the 1909 Silent Grey and continuing through to Bar Hodgson's 1953 'Sandbagger and motorcycles from the Vincent Owner's Group.
You can pose with the K-2SO Droid from Star Wars Rogue One

Gator

See more bikes after the jump.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Cosplay at Toronto Comicon

It was a good ratio of comics to cosplay at the March 17-19, 2017 Spring Comicon on at the south building of the Metro Toronto Conference Centre. The amazing outfits worn by the cosplayers make the comics secondary - they bring the characters to life, but if you have to, go into the convention and meet some celebrities and browse the merchandise.
Cosplay celebrity guests included Bubbles Cosplay, Candy Cosplay, Corrupt Cosplay, Elise Laurenne, Holly Wolf, Karli Woods, Violet Love and many more. You could also take part in a cosplay craftsmanship contest where judges would inspect the costumes and you wouldn't have to appear on stage.

Lady Spidey and Spiderman
Kevin Sussman meets some fans

Comic and toy vendors filled the majority of Hall E with one end of the building holding artist alley while the celebrity autograph area was placed near one of the food courts. Celebrities for this late winter comicon were wrestling stars Mick Foley and Bret Hart, the cast reunion for Desgrassi, Sean Pertwee and David Mazouz of Gotham, Michaela Conlin and TJ Thyne of Bones, Kevin Sussman of the Big Bang Theory, Brett Dalton of the Agents of SHIELD, Ray Park of Star Wars Episode 1, Robert Picardo of Star Trek and Laurie Holden of the Walking Dead.
Power Ranger
Star Wars Rebel Alliance

See more of the comicon after the jump.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Big Brother Canada Human Curling

There weren't any Team Gushue's in Yonge-Dundas Square - just a couple of guys pushing another guy on a block of ice. Big Brother Canada setup a small curling rink in the heart of downtown Toronto and invited people to become a curling rock, hurtling down the rink towards the scoring rings, or as we like to call it in curling, the bullseye (I know, it is really called the house).
No sweepers were used to bring the rock into the house, just the force of a broom as people rode the ice, protected from getting wet and cold by a furry blanket.

This is one way to make one of Canada's top winter sports a little more exciting. See more photos after the jump.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Cavalia's Odysseo in #Toronto

Update: I somehow reposted this from a couple of years ago. Sorry it is not back in Toronto yet.

Even the tent is extraordinary, the white tent on Cherry Street that holds the new production of Cavalia Odysseo has a metal exoskeleton holding up the 4 peaked covering - it's not a tent, it's a castle. Beside the white big top set up in the Portlands is a line of smaller tents, probably holding the 71 horses that are involved with this show.
Cavalia's second show Odysseo gallops into Toronto starting May 15, 2012.

’With this new creation, Cavalia marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-before-seen levels. We’ve created a veritable revolution in live performance: the world’s largest touring big top, the biggest stage, the most beautiful visual effects, and the greatest number of horses at play. Most importantly, it’s a world of happiness’’

Fantasy Fair

Woodbine Centre Mall in Toronto has Ontario's largest indoor amusement park and it is full of rides and dinosaurs! Its been awhile since I have been to the shopping centre in the northwest part of the city at Rexdale and Highway 27 - just across from Woodbine Racetrack, and I was impressed with the fair. The large dinos are new to me and I think they are pretty realistic.
The fair opened in 1985 and there are 12 attractions that has seen over 8 million guests play on rides like an antique carousel, a Ferris wheel and bumper cars. We came to the mall to go see a movie at the Imagine Cinemas, check out the fantasy fair and a few stores, then head over to the racetrack for a little gambling on the slots and later betting on the ponies at the track. It was a good night and I won tens of dollars, finally.


Monday, March 13, 2017

Toronto Rally for Free Tibet

Protesters walked into Yonge-Dundas Square on March 10 to mark the 58th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising and to ask for freedom for Tibet. In 1950 the People's Republic of China occupied Tibet and the country's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, later fled to India in 1959 after the national uprising. 



Saturday, March 11, 2017

Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo 2017

Saturday's show opens at 10am with a full slate of events starting immediately afterwards with a road racing panel on the Johnsonville stage, celebrity meet and greets and at 11am NASCAR Pinty's Series driver Alex Tagliani showing off his new #18 car wrap and major sponsor - LOWE'S, shown in the photo at top. The car centric Motorama expo roster of events and exhibitions continue until 8pm at the International Centre. Sunday's show is on from 10am to 5pm.
"At 10:30, our Celebrity VIP Meet & Greet takes place in Room #102 in Hall 1. Linda Vaughn, Jessi Combs, Steve Darnell & ‘Barber’ Dave Lefler from Vegas Rat Rods, Dan Woods (Chop Cut Rebuild & the Degrassi TV shows), Cherry Dollface (Vintage Pinup Model) & Al Bergler (first ever Ridler winner!) will be in attendance, signing books and taking pictures. We still have some space left. Tickets are $50 and that price includes your show admission and all taxes! Click HERE for tickets and info."
Barber and Steve sign autographs and greet fans 
Jessi Combs

"At noon, Steve Darnell, ‘Barber’ Dave and Dan Woods take to the Johnsonville Stage (in Hall 2), and they’ll be followed by Jessi Combs and Linda Vaughn at 12:45.
The Drag Racing Panel (1:30) and the Car Show Promoters (2:15) are up next.
At 3:00, the Class Awards for the cars in competition at the show take place.
And at 5:15, the Drag Racing Night of Champions takes to the stage, honouring straight-line champs from all across Ontario.
At 6:15, the Short Track Night of Champions celebrates almost 100 dirt and asphalt champs from 2016. There’s nothing like this anywhere!!"

On Sunday, the final day of the show, celebrity guest autograph sessions continued along with the judging for the Motorama Grand Champion Award.
The winner was Enzo Covello with the 'Viper Red' 1936 Ford Coupe who picked up a cheque for $5,000 in a presentation on the Johnsonville Stage. "It features a 427 Big Block Chev topped with a 671 blower, a Turbo 400 transmission, Italian leather interior and American Racing Wheels."
Two time NASCAR Pinty's Series Champion and Daytona 500 driver DJ Kennington meets with a young fan after the NASCAR drivers session

After an informative automotive discussion with a Meet the Media panel, the drivers of the NASCAR Pinty's stockcar race took to the Johnsonville stage for a Q&A session with hosts Adam Ross (series announcer) and Dave Bradley from TSN.
Miss Motorama at the Inside Track Motorsports Magazine booth

The overall event was a great way to spend a winter weekend and the free parking came in handy for the thousands of people attending each day. See more photos of the expo after the jump.

Thursday, March 09, 2017

Toronto Motorama this weekend


The 3rd annual custom car and motorsports expo is on at the International Centre from March 10-12, 2017 with over 300,000 square feet of awesome vehicles and displays. This is a celebration of automobiles with custom cars, hot rods, racing vehicles and tuners and the expo starts early Friday morning and finishs late Sunday afternoon.

Special guests will be Dan Woods from the TV show Chop Cut Rebuild, Steve Darnell and 'Barber' Dave Lefler from the TV show Vegas Rat Rods, Linda Vaughn who gained prominence as the First Lady of motorsports, pin-up model Cherry Dollface and the 'Fastest Woman on Four Wheels' Jessi Combs will also be in attendance.
Race car driver Alex Tagliani will also unveil his new sponsorship in the NASCAR Pinty's Series on Saturday at 11am at the NASCAR booth in Hall 2 and on Sunday DJ Kennington will appear between 1:30 and 3:00pm at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (CTMP) booth. DJ drove in the 2017 Daytona 500, the first Canadian to take part in the race in 29 years.

Modified Cars, tuners and imports will take over Hall 4 as a show within a show. Spring Fever 2 will highlight mini and full size trucks that use air suspension in a feature called 'Afraid of Heights'.

Show Information and schedule after the jump. Check out their website for the latest news and attractions.

Sunday, March 05, 2017

@SexapaloozaShow Toronto 2017

If you are a little naughty you will probably enjoy the adult consumer sex show at the International Centre where seminars, workshops, shopping and a little tour of the dungeon can spice up your life. Entertainment host Ms. Madge Enthat stands ready at the main stage in the photo at top introducing enthusiastic burlesque dancers and contests featuring audience members competing for prizes among many other crowd pleasing shows. This is the first time that I have gone to the Sunday show and it had a lively crowd of couples and groups of friends filling Hall 6 of the conference centre.
Time to get some latex into your life

Ashley Madison main stage entertainment in Hall 6 included burlesque, pole dancing and fashion shows over the March 3-5 weekend. "Titillating, tantalizing, teasing...Can't Stop Won't Stop is not your standard runway style show. From swimwear to lingerie to costumes, these models will strut their stuff down the runway in this unique show."
houseSM studio

The show runs Friday from 5-11pm, Saturday noon to midnite and Sunday from noon to 6pm. People attending the event tended to dress casually and some brought the spice to the consumer sex show.
"Looking for something new? Interesting? Maybe a little risque? Come to Sexapalooza this weekend in Toronto for all of that and more. Take in a few seminars or take part in a workshop. Stop by and play in the dungeon. When you're ready, head on over to the Main Stage with a drink in hand to take in the sinful sights. Ask our knowledgeable exhibitors how to revamp your love life with new products and bedroom tricks. Everything you are hoping for and more at Sexapalooza Toronto 2017!"

Sunday, March 5th schedule and more photos after the jump. You can find links to previous Sexapalooza Shows on my post here.

Doors Open

Scarborough Bluffs

Pride

Redball

Beaches

Graffiti

Lake Ontario

Nathan Phillips Square

Transportation