Category: toronto blog

June 20th marked the opening night of a tremendously popular series returning to Casa Loma hosted by the charismatic singer Sean Jones. “Soul In The City”, aka Casa- Soul, joins “Symphony In The Gardens” for Summer Experiences After Dark at Casa Loma. Liberty Entertainment Group CEO, Nick DiDonato has been bringing families of all ages to our castle for many exciting experiences. With over 30 years of hospitality experience, this man knows that Toronto has fewer and fewer live music opportunities. Monday evenings it is big band music, each Tuesday rocking R&B hits.

What could top having a drink or sit down dinner in the gardens of a mansion while enjoying your favourite type of music. Sean Jones backed by the seven piece Righteous Echo Band had guests on their feet and dancing. Each week guest performers join the band so you could return and see a different show throught-out the summer months till August 29th. Evenings are full so book ahead at www.casaloma.ca Thanks again to Susan Willemsen of the Siren Group for the invitation.

[ux_gallery ids=”5681,5682,5683,5684,5685,5686,5687,5688,5689,5690,5691,5692,5693,5694,5695,5696,5697,5698,5699,5700,5701,5702,5703,5704,5705,5706″ type=”masonry” image_hover=”zoom-long” image_hover_alt=”zoom-fade”]

It was very foggy 17 floors up at the Globe and Mail Centre June 12th when the 2023 Northwest Wine Expedition came to Toronto. On this afternoon, trade, media and restaurant owners were given a sample of some of the fine vintages produced by the state of Oregon and surrounding regions. It was a chance to hear about family-owned vineyards and speak with the winemakers while enjoying what they were presenting. Thanks to Kelly of Predhomme Strategic Marketing for our invitations.

[ux_gallery ids=”5573,5574,5575,5576,5577″ type=”masonry”]

The 42nd annual YWCA Toronto Women Of Destinction Awards took place June 8th at the Sheraton Centre Hotel Toronto to recognize 7 influential women who have helped mentor so many other women by making a difference “transforming lives”. Proceeds from this important fundraising event will make it possible for YWCA Toronto to help women, girls and gender diverse people escape violence, move out of poverty and also access safe, affordable housing. This organization goes back a remarkable 150 years and must be celebrated for breaking down barriers and helping so many achieve equity in academia, health care and other fields. More at www.ywcatoronto.org Thanks to Kim Quashie, Manager of Communications and Marketing along with Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications for our invitation to the awards gala.

[ux_gallery ids=”5551,5552,5553,5554,5555,5556,5557,5558,5559,5560,5561,5562,5563,5564,5565,5566,5567″ type=”masonry”]

The 17th annual Luminato Festival returned with an upbeat opening party June 7th held at the Waterworks Food Hall, an expansive repurposed industrial space that now is an exciting event venue. Luminato artists, supporters and media were treated to several live performances as a preview as to what is ahead till June 18th throughout our city to experience exceptional art and performances in the most unexpected places. Thanks again to Ruby Sohi from Luminato and also Deanne Moser of DM Public for our invites.

[ux_gallery ids=”5587,5588,5589,5590,5591,5592,5593,5594,5595,5596,5597,5598,5599,5600,5601,5602,5603,5604,5605,5606,5607,5608,5609,5610,5611,5612,5613,5614,5615,5616,5617,5618,5619,5620,” type=”masonry”]

After 3 long years, Dixonlicious returned to Daniels Spectrum on Dundas Street East. This is the signature fundraising event that is vital to Dixon Hall, which started as a soup kitchen in 1929 and remains today as a multi-service agency that serves more than 10,000 people annually with programs and services for the most vulnerable and at-risk members of the community. Food insecurity is a serious reality for many in the Regent Park area, not having or knowing when the next meal will be. To that theme, Dixon Hall relies on local businesses and chefs to help provide meals for some 30,000 people by offering their services to generate enough funds on this one evening to support those suffering from health and mental issues for another year. Read more at; www.dixonhall.org Our thanks to Matt Song for the invitation that night.

[ux_gallery ids=”5495,5496,5497,5498,5499,5500,5501,5502,5503,5504″ type=”masonry”]

This year Scrubs In The City took place June 1st at the Evergreen Brickworks with the beautiful island of Mykonos as the theme destination. Guests attending this packed evening in support of The Hospital for Children (SickKids), dressed to impress in vibrant colours as you will see. Entertainment by Sole Power Productions was simply outstanding as were the fundraising results. If you missed out on all this fun and fundraising for a great cause don’t worry. Next year Scrubs goes to Mexico City so you can start to plan your wardrobe early. In fact this evening we had a performance from an authentic mariachi band to announce the 2024 destination. Our thanks to Taylor Huff and the SickKids Foundation for the invitation to attend.

[ux_gallery ids=”5441,5442,5443,5444,5445,5446,5447,5448,5449,5450,5451,5452,5453,5454,5455,5456,5457,5458,5459,5460,5461,5462,5463,5464,5465,5466,5467,5468,5469,5470,5471,5472,5473,5474,5475,5476,5477,5478,5479,5480,5481,5482″ type=”masonry”]

The Moonlight 2023 Gala returned May 27th attracting over 700 guests to raise funds for the many public and educational programs through ticket sales and the very important live auction with Stephen Ranger in the Great Hall. Moments after this successful auction of notable Canadian art,

[ux_gallery ids=”5295,5296,5297,5298,5299,5300,5301,5302,5303,5304,5305,5306,5307,5308,5309,5310,5311,5312,5313,5314,5315,,,,” type=”masonry”]

the Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra played a non-stop set of very danceable hits for over 2 hours and yes that was without a break. Remarkable just as the gala itself within the towering trees of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection property on a warm spring evening.

[ux_gallery ids=”5321,5322,5323,5324,5325,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5331,5332,5333,5334,5335,5336,5337,5338,,,,” type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/JBu6WSjcMgE” height=”75%”]

Sponsors, VIP guests and media had the opportunity May 18th to attend a special weigh-in at the legendary El Mocombo. Let me explain. You see these young men and women have been training in Olympic style boxing for the past 6 months (several others 3 years) all to prepare for the big event Saturday May 27th when the 10th Annual Fight To End Cancer black tie gala took place at the Old Mill Toronto.

[ux_gallery ids=”5205,5206,5207,5208,5209,5210,5211,5212,5213,5214,5215,5216,5217,5218,5219,5220,5221,5222,5223,,” type=”masonry”]

The welcoming reception featured Las Vagas style pre show entertainment with a gourmet dinner and later, amazing boxing hosted by Angie Seth Of CTV News Channel.

[ux_gallery ids=”5346,5347,5348,5349,5350,5351,5352″ type=”masonry”]

We heard that many are doing this because of a personal story of losing a loved one to cancer. Sadly we all can relate to that. All proceeds this year will again go to support work done by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Our thanks to Jennifer Huggins for the invitation to attend this important event.

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/NTvX-XbedGk”]

Inspired by the 1980’s, The Canadian Film Centre – CFC TAKE35 had it all from a lake side reception to a 3 – course dinner that presented non-stop entertainment including The Collective featuring Cleopatra Williams, Theo Tams, Gordon Deppe and Sandy Horne of the Spoons and finally Shakura S’Aida. Yes this was a wonderful evening to celebrate the advancement of Canadian talent through programs that span film and television, screen acting along with composing and songwriting and so much more thanks to the vision of Norman Jewison decades ago. CFC has produced world-class talent by providing full resident scholarships supporting the next generation of Canadian story tellers. How could you top all of this ? Well with CFC After Dark when guests were invited upstairs of Rebel for a rocking dance party with Eggpant Music and Sound. Our thanks to Cory Angeletti-Szasz for the invitation of cover this milestone event.

[ux_gallery ids=”5183,5184,5185,5186,5187,5188,5189,5190,5191,5192,5193,5194,5195,5196,5197″ type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/tSUnKxUT8tg” height=”75%”]

EURIKA ! The California Wine Discovery took place May 8th at the spaceous Beanfield Centre. Presented by California Wines and the U.S. Consul General Susan R. Crystal, this was a day-long educational and immersive walk-around tasting to showcase over 400 wines from the sunshine state worth the trip to Exhibition Place.

[ux_gallery ids=”5145,5146,5147,5148,5149,5150,5151,5152,5153,5154,5155,5156,5157,5158,5159″ type=”masonry”]

The afternoon was for trade and media, while evening public event proceeds went as always to Second Harvest. The space was very welcoming with benches, umbrellas and patio seating in the Sensory Garden to take a break and a sip from some very special vintages. All would agree meeting with the actual winemakers and hearing about what you are sampling made for an enjoyable experience.

[ux_gallery ids=”5162,5163,5164,5165,5166,5167,5168,5169,5170,5171,5172,5173,5174,5175,5176,5177″ type=”masonry”]

20 years is a long time. That milestone was reached May 4th when the Spring for Peace Gala took place at the beautiful Globe and Mail Centre. You see for 20 years this gala has been a very important fundraiser for Peace builders to raise awareness of the need for restorative justice, foremost by preventing young people going to prison and all the negative aspects involved.

[ux_gallery ids=”5088,5089,5090,5091,5092,5093,5094,5095,5096,5097″ type=”masonry”]

This evening had lots to celebrate with a youth steel drum orchestra and other performances keeping things lively. A highlight was the Fine Wine Auction with rare wines donated by sponsors and patrons as a major source of generating funds for Peacebuilders to improve lives of vulnerable young people, empowering them to overcome personal challenges and realize their full potential. More at www.peacebuilders.ca Our thanks to Anna Buchanan for the invitation to cover the evening.

[ux_gallery ids=”5100,5101,5102,5103,5104,5105,5106,5107,5108,5109,5110,5111,5112,5113,5114,5115,5116,5117,5118,5119,5120,5121,5122,5123″ type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/BbIJWv5ibCc” height=”75%”]

[ux_gallery ids=”4976,4977,4978,4979,4980,4981,4982,4983,4984,4985″ type=”masonry”]

Gotstyle in the Distillery April 27th was thematically dressed to impress for the Pink Party to celebrate the new seasonal collection inspired by retro fashion icon Barbie and “Barbie:The Movie” opening in theatres July 21st. With a pink 57 Chey at the front door, this was a lavish night of fashion, colourful food, creative Ken and Barbie cocktails along with great music that led later to dancing to throwback 80’s hits.

[ux_gallery ids=”4988,4989,4990,4991,4992,4993,4994,4995,4996,4997,4998,4999,5000,5002,5003,5004″ type=”masonry”]

Creative pink was followed by most everyone making this a very bright party scene on the two levels of Gotstyle. With only 200 tickets available, this event sold-out quickly. Our thanks to Melissa and Katrina for the invitation be be part of the action that night.

[ux_gallery ids=”5007,5008,5012,5014,5015,5016,5017,5018,5019,5020,5021,5023,5024,5025,5026,5027,5028,5029,5030,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,” type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/isCDVuhgOLM”]

The JLT Chef’s Showcase held April 27th was to support Junior League Toronto Culinary Scholarship awarded to students from the George Brown Assistant Cook Extended Training (ACET) program. This evening of food tasting and wine pairings was held at the George Brown Culinary School featuring 12 exceptional chefs at tasting tables that allowed guests to have an interactive experience, socialize and support the George Brown Foundation at the same time. After a long pandemic pause this was sold-out event for a great cause.

[ux_gallery ids=”4951,4952,4953,4954,4955,4956,4957,4958,4959,4961,4962,4964,4965,4966,4967,4968″ type=”masonry”]

For the 6th year in a row, The Red Dress Ball returned to Daniels Spectrum, raising vital funds to support people living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS. This year was also special because certain proceeds were donated as well to PWA Toronto and the Friends for Life Bike Rally, which itself is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

[ux_gallery ids=”4790,4791,4792,4793,4794,4795,4796,4797,4798″ type=”masonry”]

Can you say that is a lot to pack into one night. Well yes it was and DJ Kitty Glitter knows that 80’s hits are where it is at the keep the night moving along and the dance floor grooving. Guests showed up in their finest best red look to have fun while supporting this worthy cause. Congratulations to all the volunteers and performers who took part in the event.

[ux_gallery ids=”4799,4800,4801,4802,4803,4804,4805,4806,4807,4808,4809,4810,4811,4812,4813,4814,4815,4816,4817″ type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/VNgZTpncGjI”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/kNv6YMm28YQ”]

The 10th Annual Holi Gala – Festival Of Colours was a fabulous evening to benefit the William Osler Health System of three hospitals. This is an exciting time for Osler with a number of plans to bring more services to the community and build increased health care capacity for years to come.  More information at holigala.ca

[ux_gallery ids=”4723,4724,4725,4726,4727,4728,4729,4730,4731,4732,4733,4734,4735,4736,4737,4738,4739,4740,4741,4742″ type=”masonry”]

Once again the BVD Group returned as presenting sponsor to this sold-out event. This gala had it all ! A grand welcome reception and the many high energy performances during dinner kept patrons entertained in the beautiful ballroom of the Pearson Convention Centre

[ux_gallery ids=”4746,4747,4748,4749,4750,4751,4752,4753,4754,4755,4756,4757,4758,4759,4760,4761,4762,4763,4764,4765″ type=”masonry”]

It was the Punjabi music star Sharry Maan who closed out the Holi Gala Festival Of Colours with a performance that truly was remarkable packing the dance floor and stage area with song after song. Yes he is one of the most talked – about stars of Punjabi music and a YouTube sensation for those in the know.

[ux_gallery ids=”4768,4769,4770,4771,4772,4773,4774,4775,4776,4777,4778,4779,4780″ type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnPRJugFETNi9Xfza_0fmugMzH80uRSrG”]

Punjabi music star Sharry Maan

The 2023 Artist Project returned April 13th to the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place. Opening night patrons were given a first look at a very large show worthy of such a spacious venue.   

DJ Pogi played hip hop and R&B tracks from 6 pm-8pm, while later DJ Rob Judges spun old skool 70’s house tracks to get the night started. Rose Aura performed her aura readings and photography to really engage visitors at the show.

[ux_gallery ids=”4691,4690,4689,4688,4687,4686,4685,4684,4683,4682,4681,4680″ type=”masonry”]

Lets not forget tarot card readings from Laura Dawe Tarot, yes that is her name.

[ux_gallery ids=”4674,4673,4672,4671,4670,4669,4668,4667,4666,4665″ type=”masonry”]

This was a fun evening to meet artists, purchase art and launch this weekend exhibition. Our thanks to Mia Nielsen for the invitation to opening

Unison Caravan of Music

[ux_gallery ids=”4910,4911,4912,4913,4914,4915,4916,4917,4918,4919″ type=”masonry”]

The Unison Caravan of Music took place at the beautiful Old Mill in the west end of Toronto on April 12th. That date also marked the 60th birthday of Jaymz Bee from JAZZ.FM91 who has been an original board member of the Unison Fund since the beginning. There were 24 performances in 12 rooms for this caravan where all artists donated their time to suppor this non-profit charity that provides councelling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community in times of hardship, illness or economic difficulty.

[ux_gallery ids=”4920,4921,4922,4923,4924,4925,4926,4927,4928,4929″ type=”masonry”]

What a night this was hosted by Molly Johnson with performers including Jackie Richardson, Jane Bunnette, Theo Tams and so many other jazz greats. Guests were treated to other music stylings as well from the blues to the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band. Congratulations to all the performers, volunteers and thanks to Jaymz Bee for the invitation to be part of his birthday fundraiser.

[ux_gallery ids=”4931,4932,4933,4934,4935,4936,4937,4938,4939,4940,4941″ type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/wiIw1EeCa0Y”]

[ux_gallery ids=”4887,4888,4889,4890,4891,4892,4893,4894,4895,4897,4898,4899,4901,4903″ type=”masonry”]

Restaurants Canada RC Show returned April 10th for a 3 day conference, trade show and competition at the Enercare Centre. Heart & Hustle was the title theme for this year with an opening night reception in Heritage Court. The popular Food Truck’N Experience was back for its four year to showcase global gourmet eats from some of the most popular food trucks in our city and the long line ups showed how popular was this really was. Live entertainment greeted guests entering on the RC Show red carpet. Not to be out done later, DJ Grumpy really knows how to get people dancing with his eclectic mix of beats and hits of the day. This was an evening to network and celebrate the workshops, culinary experiences and competitions that draws so many professionals to hear from experts in the field and in turn grow their team and business as a result. Some would say 3 days was barely enough time to take it all in. Our thanks to Livija Cygas of Bubblegum Canada for the invitation to attend.

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/QwJMifM81GM”]

On the evening of April 6th, media and selected guests were invited to a preview opening night of A State of Mind – The Illusion of Choice at Casa Loma. Not too long ago President & CEO of Liberty Entertainment, Nick Di Donato was at Los Angeles’ Magic Castle where he met Jeff Kaylor. Together they discussed the possibility of staging something special here in Toronto because Liberty Entertainment has for years partnered with the city of Toronto to bring people of all ages to our legendary castle on the hill. Pure magic, right ! And it is. I really enjoyed the history and attention to detail that went into turning the 800 foot tunnel below Austin Terrace into a history lesson of sorts, really the opening act as to what would lay ahead. Pictures and video clips feature some of the famous and greatest conjurers of illusion of all time. I could not get enough of this fascinating walk back into time.

[ux_gallery ids=”4847,4848,4849,4850,4851,4852,4853,4854,4855,4856,4857,4858,4859,4860,4861,4862″ type=”masonry”]

Next up is the Celebrity Walk which is like a wax museum with famous actors in movie sets that were actually filmed at Casa Loma. A brilliant touch once again – another illusion. There are actually two shows to enjoy. Without giving away too much, world famous Jeff Kaylor has a way with cards and coins for an intimate up-close show in the specially designed Stables theatre. Sit up front and you will be in his show for sure. Music meets the magic on intermission, again in the Stables space. Next up, although each evening can be reversed is Lawrence Larouche, a 40 career mentalist who quickly knows what you think of him. Lots of laughs and “I can’t believe that” moments with Miraculum – Sleight of Mind at the larger Carriage Room Theatre. Audience members actually become part of this cast by curtain call as you will soon see. I applaud Liberty Entertainment for other themed experiences back to the annual Legends of Horror and the very recent Twilight Symphonies celebrating the Casa Loma early days with big band music. Our thanks to Susan Willemsen of the Siren Group Inc. for our invitation.

[ux_gallery ids=”4864,4865,4866,4867,4868,4869,4870,4871,4872,4873,4874,4875,4876,4877,4878″ type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/jhbnzQ8N8MU”]

A Star Is Born was the title for the Women In Insurance Cancer Crusade, WICC, 25th Anniversary Gala held April 5th at the beautiful Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Since the inception of WICC in 1996, the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry has raised over $19.2 million across the country for cancer research. All proceeds from this evening with a grant proposal process went to the Canadian Cancer Society. A highlight was in fact the presentation of a cheque for $125,000 making this a real celebration of helping others.

[ux_gallery ids=”4825,4826,4827,4828,4829,4830,4831,4832,4833″ type=”masonry”]

The Ballroom was filled with glitz, glamour and many well dressed patrons who got have their own “A Star is Born” moment walking the red carpet on arrival to the reception which was themed after the Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper movie right from the ARS Star Lounge to a Champagne Bar, an awesome ice bar and a dinner menu to complete the experience. Individuals were recognized later with the Lew Dunn Memorial, Gold Flame, and Hall of Fame Awards just prior to the ultimate party dance band United Nations featuring lead vocalists, Colin and Amelia who were also joined by costumed dancers to kick the stage show off ! Committee members and volunteers were all stars themselves in presenting such an exciting fundraiser. A big thanks to Karen Forsey and Laurel DiMaso in particular for overseeing the gala.

[ux_gallery ids=”4834,4835,4836,4837,4838,4839″ type=”masonry”]

[ux_video url=”https://youtu.be/vqU4nniw0JY”]