Event: CelloFest from Bach to Zappa
Venue: Music Garden (Queen's Quay West, just west of Spadina)
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 (sun+music!)
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
This is our first visit at the Music Garden and I highly recommend it! It is a rare treat to enjoy music from a cello ensemble. I love cello's mellow but unyielding sound quality exhibited in Bach. I also like how the strong and rich sound showcased in the pizzicato (or spiccato?) in the Spanish Tango. Picture this: Sitting in the afternoon sun, listening to a superb performance, and having some delicious samosas. Oh what a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Monday, June 30, 2008
A Rocky Mountain High (June 27-29)
Event: A number of performances and workshops, including Puppet show by Compagnie Princesse Patate and Learn adventure photography techniques with Mike Landkroon
Organizer: Harbourfront centre and The Banff Centre
Cost: Free
Pre-event estimate: don't know but I will go because there are not many puppet shows for big kids, and photography sounds like an interesting topic.
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5
I hate to say but it is a bit disappointing. I think I need Coles notes to understand what the creator of the puppet show wants to convey to the audience. And I doubt this show is suitable for big or small kids. The photography workshop was more like a showcase of Landkroon's portfolio. The highlight of the 2-day event is the yummy samosas and Tibetan food at the food tent and the exciting "skiing" down the slope on a gorgeous mountain in Lake Louise!
Organizer: Harbourfront centre and The Banff Centre
Cost: Free
Pre-event estimate: don't know but I will go because there are not many puppet shows for big kids, and photography sounds like an interesting topic.
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5
I hate to say but it is a bit disappointing. I think I need Coles notes to understand what the creator of the puppet show wants to convey to the audience. And I doubt this show is suitable for big or small kids. The photography workshop was more like a showcase of Landkroon's portfolio. The highlight of the 2-day event is the yummy samosas and Tibetan food at the food tent and the exciting "skiing" down the slope on a gorgeous mountain in Lake Louise!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Architect Talk (June 23, 2008)
Event: "Visions of Toronto" with Margie Zeidler and Joe Lobko
Organizer: Architect For Humanity Toronto and Gardiner Museum
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: will depend on speaker but the topic sounds interesting!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I thought they were going to talk about the revitalization of the harbour front to boost up Toronto's image for tourism. How shallow I am! The lecture was about something far more important: preserving heritage buildings and respecting the environment.
Their talks showcased how architects worked with the artists community, environmental groups and local residents to transform 401 Richmond Street West, The Robinson Building, and the Brick Works. Their collective creativity and planning brought new industry to the abandoned factory buildings. They also talked about the many ways to make an old building energy efficient. In fact, not tearing the place down and dumping the waste in the landfill is a significant step!
In Q & A, we had a lively discussion on why fewer heritage buildings are preserved in Toronto compared to other cities, such as Vancouver and cities in the States. One suggestion was that Torontoians lack confidence of their past. Margie reminded us that "our future lies in our past." It is easier to knock down the old ones and build from the ground up than to incorporate existing structure. But you lose the unique favour and character of the city.
I left the event feeling empowered: I am going to embrace my past and create a better, richer future for myself!
Organizer: Architect For Humanity Toronto and Gardiner Museum
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: will depend on speaker but the topic sounds interesting!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I thought they were going to talk about the revitalization of the harbour front to boost up Toronto's image for tourism. How shallow I am! The lecture was about something far more important: preserving heritage buildings and respecting the environment.
Their talks showcased how architects worked with the artists community, environmental groups and local residents to transform 401 Richmond Street West, The Robinson Building, and the Brick Works. Their collective creativity and planning brought new industry to the abandoned factory buildings. They also talked about the many ways to make an old building energy efficient. In fact, not tearing the place down and dumping the waste in the landfill is a significant step!
In Q & A, we had a lively discussion on why fewer heritage buildings are preserved in Toronto compared to other cities, such as Vancouver and cities in the States. One suggestion was that Torontoians lack confidence of their past. Margie reminded us that "our future lies in our past." It is easier to knock down the old ones and build from the ground up than to incorporate existing structure. But you lose the unique favour and character of the city.
I left the event feeling empowered: I am going to embrace my past and create a better, richer future for myself!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Tokyo Tower: Me, Mom and Sometimes Dad
Organizer: Canadian Japan Society
Cost: $8 for non-members
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
It is not a surprise that you will shed some tears when watching this movie: A young man reflects on his relationship with his parents as he takes care of his mother in her final journey of cancer treatment.
Like father like son, he leaves his mother behind to pursue his dream in Tokyo. His mother eventually has to give up her pension to support him while he fools around until he "grows up." It is touching to see him offering to take care his mother in Tokyo. The father also does a little of growing up at the end. He finally behaves like the head of the house when he steps up to address to the procession as the "head of the mourner" at the funeral.
I admire the mother's unselfish dedication to her family. At the same time, I feel sorry for her: She lives her life satisfying other people's wishes and needs. Only at the very end that she finds the courage to refuse further medical treatment and to express her unwillingness to see the father leave. To me, the saddest part of the movie is not the end of a cherished mother-son relationship, but a life journey that has not reached its potential. I cry at the end for the mother in this movie, and for my own grandmothers and mother.
Cost: $8 for non-members
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
It is not a surprise that you will shed some tears when watching this movie: A young man reflects on his relationship with his parents as he takes care of his mother in her final journey of cancer treatment.
Like father like son, he leaves his mother behind to pursue his dream in Tokyo. His mother eventually has to give up her pension to support him while he fools around until he "grows up." It is touching to see him offering to take care his mother in Tokyo. The father also does a little of growing up at the end. He finally behaves like the head of the house when he steps up to address to the procession as the "head of the mourner" at the funeral.
I admire the mother's unselfish dedication to her family. At the same time, I feel sorry for her: She lives her life satisfying other people's wishes and needs. Only at the very end that she finds the courage to refuse further medical treatment and to express her unwillingness to see the father leave. To me, the saddest part of the movie is not the end of a cherished mother-son relationship, but a life journey that has not reached its potential. I cry at the end for the mother in this movie, and for my own grandmothers and mother.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Luminat'eau, Taste of Little Italy (Sort of...) (Fri June 13-Sun June 15)
Event: Light on your feet-part of Luminato
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
"1,2,3..5,6,7" "shake shake--turn" "1,2,3,4, pose...pose...pose"
Swing, salsa, bollywood.... no wonder my abs, deltoids, and gluts max were killing me....
Event: Luminat'eau-Many events including documentary Up the Yangtze (Sun 1pm), dance and music performances
Venue: @ Harbourfront
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: at least 3 out of 5!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I finally watched Up the Yangtze. This is the 3rd documentary I have seen this year (The other two are The Forgotten Women and American Teen). The director carefully pierced the tales of the young girl and her family with limited resources, the arrogant, money-hungry young man, and the cueless tourists in a way that produced powerful contrasts and brought tears from the audience. There are always two sides of anything in the world--including The Great Three Gorges Dam in China.
I also enjoyed the canoe ride and many music performances and art work there. I got a chance to see a modern dance (Aliooopdeeoop, choregraphed by Julia Aplin) on the rooftop swimming pool of The Radisson Hotel. But the highlight was definitely the boat ride from Harbourfront to the Disillery District! The wind was a bit strong but it was nice to have a mini-vacation away from the city!
Event: Taste of Little Italy
Venue: West of Bathurst on College
Pre-event estimate: 1 out of 5 for the street festival (assessed last year) but 4 out of 5 for Dr. Draw's performance.
Post-event rating: umm.... see below
I'm singing in the rain... Singing in the rain....
I was there but not long enough before thunder and lightening striked. When and where is Dr. Draw performing next?
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
"1,2,3..5,6,7" "shake shake--turn" "1,2,3,4, pose...pose...pose"
Swing, salsa, bollywood.... no wonder my abs, deltoids, and gluts max were killing me....
Event: Luminat'eau-Many events including documentary Up the Yangtze (Sun 1pm), dance and music performances
Venue: @ Harbourfront
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: at least 3 out of 5!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I finally watched Up the Yangtze. This is the 3rd documentary I have seen this year (The other two are The Forgotten Women and American Teen). The director carefully pierced the tales of the young girl and her family with limited resources, the arrogant, money-hungry young man, and the cueless tourists in a way that produced powerful contrasts and brought tears from the audience. There are always two sides of anything in the world--including The Great Three Gorges Dam in China.
I also enjoyed the canoe ride and many music performances and art work there. I got a chance to see a modern dance (Aliooopdeeoop, choregraphed by Julia Aplin) on the rooftop swimming pool of The Radisson Hotel. But the highlight was definitely the boat ride from Harbourfront to the Disillery District! The wind was a bit strong but it was nice to have a mini-vacation away from the city!
Event: Taste of Little Italy
Venue: West of Bathurst on College
Pre-event estimate: 1 out of 5 for the street festival (assessed last year) but 4 out of 5 for Dr. Draw's performance.
Post-event rating: umm.... see below
I'm singing in the rain... Singing in the rain....
I was there but not long enough before thunder and lightening striked. When and where is Dr. Draw performing next?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Luminato Opening Night (June 6, 2008)
Opening Night @ Dundas Sq: music and swing dance
Cost: free!
Pre-event rating: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
I enjoyed the performance by East Coast New World Orchestra! It's a nice fusion of classical, electrics and world music! You can feel the energy from the performers. And the violinist was amazing too. The group reminded me of Dr. Draw (who will appear in various festivals including the upcoming A Taste of Italy). Against my better judgement, I did try a few steps in the swing lesson. Good that it was too crowded for anyone to notice my ataxia (translation: incoordination). Tonight Dundas Square was transformed into a stage for singers and dancers of all ages and cultural background! It was FUN!!!
Cost: free!
Pre-event rating: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
I enjoyed the performance by East Coast New World Orchestra! It's a nice fusion of classical, electrics and world music! You can feel the energy from the performers. And the violinist was amazing too. The group reminded me of Dr. Draw (who will appear in various festivals including the upcoming A Taste of Italy). Against my better judgement, I did try a few steps in the swing lesson. Good that it was too crowded for anyone to notice my ataxia (translation: incoordination). Tonight Dundas Square was transformed into a stage for singers and dancers of all ages and cultural background! It was FUN!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Continuous Journey (May 30, 2008)
Organizer: Asian Heritage Month
Cost: free!
Pre-event estimate: 2-3 out of 5 (depends on your interests on the topic)
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
Continuous Journey recounts the events in which 376 people with valid British India passports were stranded on the ship "Komagata Maru" just outside of Vancouver for over two months in 1914. The government's White Canada policy at the time, the fear felt in the general public probably because of the sheer number of newcomers, and some unfortunate comments on independence of India expressed by some members and quoted by the US intelligence put those people in a political limbo. They never set foot on Canadian soil.
I was touched by Edward Bird's foresight and courage to be the defending lawyer on this case and on other cases involving minority clients. It was disturbing to learn how Canadian government at the time blatantly impose injustice based on one's ethnic background. But to me, this movie is not just about telling the tales of Komagata Maru and pointing out who is right and who is wrong; it is not only about learning what happened to Indian Canadians in the past either. The most important thing is to raise awareness that discrimination against age, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability and cultural background does exist: We need to advocate for those who may not have a voice in the society. The fight against inequality is, and will always be, a continuous journey.
Cost: free!
Pre-event estimate: 2-3 out of 5 (depends on your interests on the topic)
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
Continuous Journey recounts the events in which 376 people with valid British India passports were stranded on the ship "Komagata Maru" just outside of Vancouver for over two months in 1914. The government's White Canada policy at the time, the fear felt in the general public probably because of the sheer number of newcomers, and some unfortunate comments on independence of India expressed by some members and quoted by the US intelligence put those people in a political limbo. They never set foot on Canadian soil.
I was touched by Edward Bird's foresight and courage to be the defending lawyer on this case and on other cases involving minority clients. It was disturbing to learn how Canadian government at the time blatantly impose injustice based on one's ethnic background. But to me, this movie is not just about telling the tales of Komagata Maru and pointing out who is right and who is wrong; it is not only about learning what happened to Indian Canadians in the past either. The most important thing is to raise awareness that discrimination against age, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability and cultural background does exist: We need to advocate for those who may not have a voice in the society. The fight against inequality is, and will always be, a continuous journey.
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