Event: Festival of South Asia
Cost: Free admission
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5! - yummy Indian ice cream, mango lazzi, samosas, chai tea and many more free sampling!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
From CHRIS
One of the few street festivals that actually showcases the unique cultural background of the area. Delicious food also brings people closer: Jade is the best example....
From Jade
Getting chicken tikki and ?? (like harsh brown) from a particular restaurant, waiting in line for the free henna, and enjoying an almond kulfi from that restaurant at the end of the street (the one that it's still under renovation after 1+ year) become my routine at this festival!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Architect Talk: Going Green
Event: Going Green: Designing Sustainable Homes and Communities. Speaker: Dr. Avi Friedman
Organizer: Architecture for humanity
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5 according to June 23's talk
Post-event rating: 5 out of 5!
(We struggle to write this post: Dr. Friedman's message is so powerful that we don't know how to capture all we learn from this talk. Then we realize the essence of his speech lies in his persuasiveness and positive attitude. Here's our attempt to convey this in written format)
A good friend becomes a firm supporter to a US president candidate after listening to that candidate's speech a few years ago. After attending this workshop, we feel like yelling Dr. Friedman for President after this talk as well!
Dr. Friedman discusses the four key elements of a sustainable society: They are economy, society, environment and culture. He stresses the inter-dependence and the cause and effect relationship of the four. E.g. Building more bike lanes decreases the carbon outputs from cars (the environment), which also helps people to maintain healthy weight (society) and so there is less burden on the public health system (economy). Government then can allocate resources on cultural events.
He analyses examples of successful sustainable communities. He proposes bold changes on how to build a sustainable community and sustainable housing. He explains his long-term plan for a green society. He believes in spreading the message and changing one person at a time. His positive attitude motivates us to believe in his vision, and, most importantly, gives us courage to confront the biggest challenge he points out--the lack of forward-thinking plan and the fear of implementing changes in life.
From Jade and CHRIS
Organizer: Architecture for humanity
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5 according to June 23's talk
Post-event rating: 5 out of 5!
(We struggle to write this post: Dr. Friedman's message is so powerful that we don't know how to capture all we learn from this talk. Then we realize the essence of his speech lies in his persuasiveness and positive attitude. Here's our attempt to convey this in written format)
A good friend becomes a firm supporter to a US president candidate after listening to that candidate's speech a few years ago. After attending this workshop, we feel like yelling Dr. Friedman for President after this talk as well!
Dr. Friedman discusses the four key elements of a sustainable society: They are economy, society, environment and culture. He stresses the inter-dependence and the cause and effect relationship of the four. E.g. Building more bike lanes decreases the carbon outputs from cars (the environment), which also helps people to maintain healthy weight (society) and so there is less burden on the public health system (economy). Government then can allocate resources on cultural events.
He analyses examples of successful sustainable communities. He proposes bold changes on how to build a sustainable community and sustainable housing. He explains his long-term plan for a green society. He believes in spreading the message and changing one person at a time. His positive attitude motivates us to believe in his vision, and, most importantly, gives us courage to confront the biggest challenge he points out--the lack of forward-thinking plan and the fear of implementing changes in life.
From Jade and CHRIS
Buskerfest (Aug 21-24, 2008)
Event: Buskerfest
Cost: Donation + tips for the buskers (keep all your loose change!)
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5!! (I highly recommend the gala performances on Fri and Sun if you are tight on time.
Post-event rating: 5 out of 5!
This year's line up is even better than last year. There are more variety of performances and more buskers from outside of North America.
The best show is definitely the grand finale: Some buskers collaborate and produce special acts that are not in their normal routine. For example, Alakazam and Space Cowboy show off their juggling skills with flaming torches at the top of the pole or on the unicycle. (And big applause to Sharon Mahoney for holding onto the rope and standing still in the "cross fire").
We enjoyed over 10 acts over 3 days, and are particularly impressed by these buskers (not in particular order):
1. Bence Sarkadi (Puppet show) - Equally entertaining and skills-demanding as sword swallowing, and definitely refreshing to see the revival of an old form theatrical acts.
2. Squid - We only caught the 2nd half of their show... argh! It's a spectacular show of percussion music, dance and gymnastics all at the same time. Check them out @ http://www.tastysquid.com/
3. Sick Sound Syndrome - Ever heard that everyone owns a musical instrument? (Hint: your voice). Well, it sounds like God gave them more than one! With only a microphone in their hands, they introduced us to the tunes of hip hop and R+B.
4. Sublimit - No buffing or comedic talk, they jam-packed their 30-minute program with a series of acrobatic and gymnastic moves to display the beauty of strength and flexibility
5. Space Cowboy, Mr. Spin, and The Fire Guy- We flinched at their "near-misses" in their death-defying attempts but it's their perseverance that truly impressed us.
6. Charlie Caper - He turned a $10 bill into a $20 one before returning it back to the audience!
7. Silver Elvis - Words cannot explain his talent! You got to see it yourself to understand why we would stand there for 10 minutes to looking at the "rotating Elvis music box."
8. Dr. Draw - His performance was electirc this weekend! In fact, he was over-excited at times and the tempo for some pieces was too fast. One of my favourite piece is Danny Boy. The opening showcased the electric harp (by Andrew Chan) and gradually transitioned into heavy metal.
Looking forward to next year's show!
Cost: Donation + tips for the buskers (keep all your loose change!)
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5!! (I highly recommend the gala performances on Fri and Sun if you are tight on time.
Post-event rating: 5 out of 5!
This year's line up is even better than last year. There are more variety of performances and more buskers from outside of North America.
The best show is definitely the grand finale: Some buskers collaborate and produce special acts that are not in their normal routine. For example, Alakazam and Space Cowboy show off their juggling skills with flaming torches at the top of the pole or on the unicycle. (And big applause to Sharon Mahoney for holding onto the rope and standing still in the "cross fire").
We enjoyed over 10 acts over 3 days, and are particularly impressed by these buskers (not in particular order):
1. Bence Sarkadi (Puppet show) - Equally entertaining and skills-demanding as sword swallowing, and definitely refreshing to see the revival of an old form theatrical acts.
2. Squid - We only caught the 2nd half of their show... argh! It's a spectacular show of percussion music, dance and gymnastics all at the same time. Check them out @ http://www.tastysquid.com/
3. Sick Sound Syndrome - Ever heard that everyone owns a musical instrument? (Hint: your voice). Well, it sounds like God gave them more than one! With only a microphone in their hands, they introduced us to the tunes of hip hop and R+B.
4. Sublimit - No buffing or comedic talk, they jam-packed their 30-minute program with a series of acrobatic and gymnastic moves to display the beauty of strength and flexibility
5. Space Cowboy, Mr. Spin, and The Fire Guy- We flinched at their "near-misses" in their death-defying attempts but it's their perseverance that truly impressed us.
6. Charlie Caper - He turned a $10 bill into a $20 one before returning it back to the audience!
7. Silver Elvis - Words cannot explain his talent! You got to see it yourself to understand why we would stand there for 10 minutes to looking at the "rotating Elvis music box."
8. Dr. Draw - His performance was electirc this weekend! In fact, he was over-excited at times and the tempo for some pieces was too fast. One of my favourite piece is Danny Boy. The opening showcased the electric harp (by Andrew Chan) and gradually transitioned into heavy metal.
Looking forward to next year's show!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Five Gods Two Kings and the Frog Princess (Aug 17, 2008)
Event: World premiere of Five Gods Two Kings and the Frog Princess by inDANCE
Organizer: Harbourfront Centre
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5--sun+music+picnic!
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
This is a newly composed dance that incorporates traditional Bharatanatyam dance. It is accompanied by various Indian musical instruments and Indian style chanting. This type of dance is originally performed in special ceremonies. A story is told through the special meaning behind each hand gesture. Although I don't quite understand the story, it's still fascinating to experience a different type of musical performance.
Kudos to the curator for the Music Garden for introducing us to music in different cultures!
CHRIS
Organizer: Harbourfront Centre
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5--sun+music+picnic!
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
This is a newly composed dance that incorporates traditional Bharatanatyam dance. It is accompanied by various Indian musical instruments and Indian style chanting. This type of dance is originally performed in special ceremonies. A story is told through the special meaning behind each hand gesture. Although I don't quite understand the story, it's still fascinating to experience a different type of musical performance.
Kudos to the curator for the Music Garden for introducing us to music in different cultures!
CHRIS
Dr. Draw @ Taste of Danforth (Aug 10, 2008)
Event: Dr. Draw @ Taste of Danforth
Cost: Free
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
We first heard of Dr. Draw's performance at Taste of Italy in 2007. We were initially attracted by his virtuosic performance, and were mesmerized by the unusual twist of classical music. (Jade: And yes, I love violinists!!). We became part of the growing number of fans who follow him and his band in every single street festival.
But Dr. Draw is more than a pretty face. At Taste of Danforth, he experience some technical difficulties with the sound system (probably due to the rain). The band improvised for 10 minutes while he and the crew worked feverishly to fix the problem. And he would rather stopped and switched the violin than to continue playing on a slightly out-of-tune violin. He and his group strive for quality performance, whether it is in the Music Hall on Danforth, or on stage at a street festival. You can tell the crowd really appreciates it!
Don't miss out his performance at the Buskerfest (Aug 21-24)!
Jade & CHRIS
Cost: Free
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
We first heard of Dr. Draw's performance at Taste of Italy in 2007. We were initially attracted by his virtuosic performance, and were mesmerized by the unusual twist of classical music. (Jade: And yes, I love violinists!!). We became part of the growing number of fans who follow him and his band in every single street festival.
But Dr. Draw is more than a pretty face. At Taste of Danforth, he experience some technical difficulties with the sound system (probably due to the rain). The band improvised for 10 minutes while he and the crew worked feverishly to fix the problem. And he would rather stopped and switched the violin than to continue playing on a slightly out-of-tune violin. He and his group strive for quality performance, whether it is in the Music Hall on Danforth, or on stage at a street festival. You can tell the crowd really appreciates it!
Don't miss out his performance at the Buskerfest (Aug 21-24)!
Jade & CHRIS
Monday, August 11, 2008
Book talk: Minding your business (Aug 8, 2008)
Event: In conversation with author and founder of Aveda Horst Rechelbacher on his new book: Minding your business: Profits that restore the plant
Organizer: Indigo
Cost: free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5
Heather Reisman is a good interviewer... but it is hard when the guest is more interested in chatting than answering her questions. We also discover that critical thinking is our second nature now: We search the whole book for references on many proclamations Rechelbacher makes. It is encouraging to know that his hard work and passion brought him a successful business though.
Our past experience with book talks at Indigo with Heather Reisman is highly positive. Heather prompts her guests to discuss their views on a topic and to share their life experience, without putting words into their mouth. We always walk away with great insights. We will definitely attend the next book talk.
Jade and CHRIS
Organizer: Indigo
Cost: free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5
Heather Reisman is a good interviewer... but it is hard when the guest is more interested in chatting than answering her questions. We also discover that critical thinking is our second nature now: We search the whole book for references on many proclamations Rechelbacher makes. It is encouraging to know that his hard work and passion brought him a successful business though.
Our past experience with book talks at Indigo with Heather Reisman is highly positive. Heather prompts her guests to discuss their views on a topic and to share their life experience, without putting words into their mouth. We always walk away with great insights. We will definitely attend the next book talk.
Jade and CHRIS
Persian Music (Aug 7, 2008)
Event: Persian Music
Organizer: Harbourfront Centre
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5--sun+music+picnic!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
This is the best performance this year so far! It's a nice change from the usual western classical music performed in music garden and Roy Thompson Hall. As a piano player, I am in awe to know that santour, a Persian musical instrument, is actually the precursor of the piano. I love the unique sound of it!! The musician (Pirouz Yousefian or Farzad Yousefian??) plays the santour expresses intense emotions in music, yet light and effortless-looking with his hands.
The duo receive the first standing ovation I have seen from the audience at the music garden--and they deserve every minute of it!
Organizer: Harbourfront Centre
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5--sun+music+picnic!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
This is the best performance this year so far! It's a nice change from the usual western classical music performed in music garden and Roy Thompson Hall. As a piano player, I am in awe to know that santour, a Persian musical instrument, is actually the precursor of the piano. I love the unique sound of it!! The musician (Pirouz Yousefian or Farzad Yousefian??) plays the santour expresses intense emotions in music, yet light and effortless-looking with his hands.
The duo receive the first standing ovation I have seen from the audience at the music garden--and they deserve every minute of it!
Modern Calligraphy works at Master Ms. Shiko Kataoka (July 29, 2008)
Event: Modern Calligraphy works at Master Ms. Shiko Kataoka
Organizer: Japan Foundation
Cost: Free
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 from previous events!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
Sansei Kataoka's work is very different from the regular Chinese calligraphy. She puts in a lot of thoughts on which variation of the word to write and how to arrange the words on the paper for the best artistic view. In fact, I think her calligraphy works is more like visual artworks!
Many of her works are in the exhibition. Some are framed on a big screen, some are shorter poems. I like the simple calligraphy she did for a few lucky audience in attendance at the end of the demo. The one character representing "harmony" in Chinese in ink on a off-white washi paper is so stunningly beautiful that it can hold the weight as the focal point in a living room, yet the simple presentation and the meaning of the character brings serenity to the viewer.
Organizer: Japan Foundation
Cost: Free
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 from previous events!
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
Sansei Kataoka's work is very different from the regular Chinese calligraphy. She puts in a lot of thoughts on which variation of the word to write and how to arrange the words on the paper for the best artistic view. In fact, I think her calligraphy works is more like visual artworks!
Many of her works are in the exhibition. Some are framed on a big screen, some are shorter poems. I like the simple calligraphy she did for a few lucky audience in attendance at the end of the demo. The one character representing "harmony" in Chinese in ink on a off-white washi paper is so stunningly beautiful that it can hold the weight as the focal point in a living room, yet the simple presentation and the meaning of the character brings serenity to the viewer.
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