Union Station renovations

After a few years of being the baby in a corner, rising gas prices and the additional hassles associated with flying have brought rail transportation back into vogue. I've been a huge proponent of rail for quite some time. It's environmentally efficient, fairly fast, exceedingly comfortable, and I always seem to meet interesting people on the train.

At long last, Canada's premiere rail station is getting a massive facelift.

Between GO and VIA trains, it serves well over 250,000 passengers a day, and that's not even counting the TTC passengers and pedestrians passing through. It is a national historic site aswell. The beaux-artes architecture of its Great Hall is a key stop for any tourist visiting town, whether they're taking the train or not. It is the beating heart of the city, from which its lifeblood flows in all directions. Outside of the Great Hall, however, it's been a grimy, ugly, functional mess for over 40 years. The track level looks like a bomb shelter, the GO concourse looks like the basement of a mental institution, and the trains idling in the yard are a noisy neighbour to the billion-dollar condo and hotel developments that have sprung up around it. It needed a change. Badly. I've been ever so happy to watch the renovations on it slowly progress.

The renovations started in 2011, and will be fully complete in 2016. The estimated cost is $640 million. When it's all said and done, it will be prettier, have much higher passenger capacity, better amenities, less congestion in the PATH connections, and be far greener. Here are some highlights.

The Train Shed

The biggest difference communters will notice is the four-storey high, 5,000 square metre glass box being built over the boarding area. Standing at track level, you'll be able to see the skyline of the financial district on one side, Maple Leaf Square and slivers of Lake Ontario on the other, and the blue skies up above. The stairways will also have glass panels, as opposed to the beautiful, worn, dirty concrete that's there now.

At either end of the glass structure, there will be 30,000 square metres of green roof interspersed with solar panels. The green roof will reduce the heat retention in the summer and reduce cooling costs, as well as filtering rain water. The solar panels will generate electricity to offset the station's usage. Hopefully the green roof will also reduce the noise from the trains idling in the yard. The 11:45 VIA train kills me on a daily basis.

On top of all of that, they're adding another platform to the south end of the station, replacing all the wiring, laying brand new track through the station, and replacing all the switches and signals. It'll be like having a whole new train station.

Passsenger & PATH Levels

While the Train Shed will be the sparkling jewel, the true value lies underground. Hidden from prying eyes, workers are digging down underneath the tracks, bracing the supports, then adding a whole new level underneath. The idea is that instead of the platforms letting out directly into the PATH, they'll let out on their own level. Those who live south of the station and pass through it on their 10 minute pedistrian "commute" won't get stuck in the human traffic jam taking the train or waiting for the train anymore. There will be 5,000 more square metres of retail space as well.

This dig is a massive undertaking, especially considering that the station is still functioning at full steam ahead while the work is underway. In all, they'll reinforce or replace 447 columns, and dig out 45 truckloads of dirt every day over 4 years. The York St. concourse should be open sometime next year, with the Bay St. side being done for 2015.

VIA first class & sleeper customers can also use the new Panorama Lounge with its business centre, WiFi, comfy couches and complimentary drinks. The Lounge opened in May, 2012. According to the Toronto Star, if the craftsmanship and attention to detail shown in the lounge is the mark of the entire project, it's going to be a beauty when it's all said and done.

A world-class train station for a world-class city. It's all good. :)

July Music Picks!

Yes, it's been a while. Spare time has been at a premium. If you don't like it, get your money back. Without further ado, here's my pics for the hot shows in July!

June 30-July 1 - Digital Dreams Music Festival - Ontario Place

OK, this will probably be more of the club crowd than the rave/festival crowd (brace for lots of skeezing), but it's hard to ignore a great big multi-day festival in the heart of the city. Rogers is the title sponsor, and the venue is legit, so you know that sound & lighting will be top notch. I was just at a concert at Echo Beach, and it's a beautiful venue for music. Two day passes are in the $120 range right now, while one day wristbands are going for $80.

For the Saturday, Afrojack, A-Trak, Mr. Brown & Spinz, and Thesupermaniak are the acts that jump off the page for me. I'm not sure when Robb G is scheduled to throw down, or which day, but it'll be worth checking out one of his last DJ sets ever - he announced his retirement earlier this month. On Sunday, don't miss London Elektricity & Dynamite MC, the legendary Marcus Visionary, Dubfire, Major Lazer and Kaskade.

Flip flops, sun block, a low-profile beach chair (whatever that is), and a big ol' bottle of water are the orders of the day. Full details on the website or facebook page.

July 6 - Norah Jones - Massey Hall

The soulful American jazz singer touches down at one of the best live music venues in the city for what's sure to be one of the concerts of the year. Touring in support of her fifth full album, Little Broken Hearts, Ms. Jones has gone a little darker, a little more introspective with this one. Tickets are $49.50-$69.50, linked from the Massey Hall website. Check out the video for the album's namesake song:

July 4, 11, 18 & 25 (Wednesdays) - Devin Cuddy - Cameron House


I had the pleasure of catching this kid - well, he's 25, but he's got the youthful glow of Colby Rasmus - the son of Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy, at the Cameron a couple of weeks ago, and let me assure you, he is one talented dude. Self described as "Dixieland" piano blues, he sings, tickles the ivories, and woos the audience one verse at a time. Count on a mix of blues classics & his originals, like this one:

Still not sold? How's this for a love of music? (from an interview with Toronto.com)

“My favourite moment so far is when I played at a bar in the east end called Dora Keogh. My grandmother was there, so were my parents, and we played a song called “The Tennessee Waltz,” which was the first song my grandmother danced to at her wedding with her husband in 1952. As we started to play, my dad got up and danced with my grandmother in the middle of the room. Hands down, the most beautiful intergenerational experience I’ve ever had."

Free. Get off your ass and enjoy.

July 20-29 - Beaches International Jazz Festival

The 24th iteration of the festival will have stages at Woodbine Park, the boardwalk and the streets of the Beaches, and the main stage at Kew Gardens. You can peruse the whole lineup on the festival website, but I'd recommend checking out: Afroteque at Woodbine Park on the 20th; the piano jazz & blues of Tyler Yarema at Woodbine on the 22nd; Toronto's own Heavyweights Brass Band and Sharrie Williams on the 28th at Kew Gardens, and; the Swing Shift Big Band at the boardwalk & Lee Ave on the 28th and 29th.

The festival also includes music, improv & dance workshops, a charity 5, 10 & 20 km run, food vendors, art installations and, of course, the beach. Best part? Free!!!!

The (aptly named) Beauties

What could be a more Canadian name for a band? In case you don't speak Small Town/Northern, let me break it down for you:

Beauty: noun, plural [byoo-tee]

1. the combination of all the qualities of a person or thing that delight the senses and please the mind;

also, interjection:

2.  an expression of approval or agreement.

 e.g. "Did you see Crosby's deke last night? He's a beauty!"

I digress. I first encountered the Beauties, who have been on the indie music scene in Toronto since 2006, at a Canadian Music Showcase at the (Legendary) Horseshoe Tavern, one of my favourite places to see live music in the city. It was one of the best concerts I've seen in a looooong time. Sure, there was some cheesy Canadiana, covering Summer of '69 and such, but it featured members of Our Lady Peace, the Arkells, Treble Charger, the Hip... it was who's-who of awesomeness.

The Beauties had the challenging task of being the "house band" for one of the sets. They provided the core of the band, then various members of different bands joined them for a song or two. Their ability to step back and let the guest shine wasn't lost on me, as I'm sure it wasn't lost on the musicians that joined them. What I really enjoyed was hearing their originals. They're hard to pidgeonhole into one particular style - a little bit rock, a little bit country, a little bit bluesy, a little bit folk - and a whole lot of awesome. Case in point, my personal favourite - their version of Holly Golightly's "Devil Do."

It's may or may not be my new theme song. They're a regular fixture at the Dakota Tavern, and their upcoming gigs can be found on their website or Facebook group.

Even better, you can listen to their whole album for free on their website: http://www.thebeauties.ca/music/

February Music Picks

... and we're off. Better late than never. I'm loving the slicker way to add videos on Blogger now, btw.


A-Trak - Thursday 9th - The Hoxton

Fresh off gracing the cover of Billboard Magazine, this Montreal-born-former-World DMC champion (at age 15, no less) is sure to attract the douchebag set, but his skills on the decks are worth braving the crowds of greased up blazer & pointy-shoe wearing wankers, and self-important hipsters, finding a bit of tile for yourself, and alternating between shaking it & trainspotting. He's played everything from skeezy raves to Lollapalooza, worked with Kanye, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and was the first DJ to headline at Madison Square Gardens,  and on this night he's playing the Hoxton, the new-ish shabby-chic concert venue at 69 Bathurst.

$20 advance on Ticketweb.


City & Colour - Fri-Sat 10 & 11th - Massey Hall 

Sold out long ago, this will be a hard ticket to get a hold of, but may be worth the exorbitant Craigslist scalper prices. Dallas Green, formerly of Alexisonfire, now operates under the City & Colour moniker. A little bit folksy, a little bit rocky (mostly the former), and 100% Canadian, his voice is unmistakable. He's touring in support of his 2011 "Little Hell" album. Not much further ado is required. Go if you can. Be envious if you can't.


Cyantific/The Upbeats ++ - Friday 17th - Guvernment


Alright, ever since my run-in with the bouncer who tried to roll me for my watch, I haven't been back to Guv, but if you're in a dark mood on a Friday night, and feel like sweating all the bad 'tings out on the dancefloor, make your way there. Four headliners - Cyantific, Wildinson, Chasing Shadows & The Upbeats - will rock the decks for a huge drum n' bass dance. Local support from the legendary Marcus Visionary & Gremlinz. Check Destiny's website for the full details.

$25 advance, more on the door. 19+

The Ataris & The Queers - Saturday 18th - The Horseshoe

Yes, of course I mean the LENGENDARY Horseshoe Tavern, it just won't all fit in the big kind of font. Ease up selector. This double bill will be a wickedly fun night. Two classic American pop-punk bands will rock the place, no doubt.

The Queers (n.b.: don't Google them in public places, unless you're inviting that kind of attention) have been on the case since the early 1980's, and are probably best described as the Ramones meet the Beach Boys... if the Beach Boys were a little more direct about their drinking/fucking/partying urges in their lyrics. They've How times have changed. The only real constant is lead singer Joe Queer - they've gone through a laundry list of band members over the past 30 years. It's currently a 3-piece (guitar/bass/drums).

The Ataris... well, Boys of Summer. Need I say more? OK, you talked me into it. They formed in 95, and skyrocketed to success in the punk scened. They really broke out with their cover of Don Henley's Boys of Summer  in 2004, and they haven't looked back. They're still very much active, and are touring in support of their upcoming Graveyard of the Atlantic release.

$15, on the door only. Get there early, or risk missing out.


Dropkick Murphys - Wednesday 22 - Sound Academy

On the case since 1995, these guys are one of the best-known Celtic rock/punk bands in the world. High energy, and undeniably new-world Celtic (from near Boston, if I recall correctly) - they're a punk band with the added joy of bagpipes, mandolin, tin whistle, and acordian sounds. They're touring on their "Going Out in Style" album. They're also the only other band that can cover "Home for a Rest" that isn't Great Big Sea and have me still listen to it. That's worth it's weight in gold, innit.

Tickets work out to $53.50 each with service charge, which is a bit steep, but hey, it's the Murphys, and it's gonna be nuts. Just do it.


Biodiesel - Saturday 25th -  The Garrison

Toronto breakbeat legends converge on Dundas West (way way west... essh) for DJ Czech's birthday bash. He's coming back from Prague to play on this night, and he's bringing the live PA act Biodiesel in, who will bell be playing drums & bass live, making music on the spot. Check the vid if you don't believe me. The funky Dave Saddler, and Farbsie Funk round out the local support. Bring your dancing shoes, and a towel. B'oh!


Tix are $15 advance at Ticketweb.


The Twilight Sad - Wednesday 29th - Lee's Palace

A Scottish indie-rock trio, they've got the real difference of actually sounding Scottish. The lead singer's brogue is thick enough to be noticed, but not so thick that you can't understand a frickin' word he's saying. They call themselves "folk with layers of noise" (think early Alexisonfire and other bands with the 'wall of sound' mentality) Their live performances are known for being almost excessively loud, so maybe bring earplugs to hear them at a normal level. They're touring to promote their shiny new album "No-one Can Ever Know."

Tickets are $15 advance at Ticketmaster.

Toronto Roller Derby - Season 6 Opener - Feb 4th

Now, I've never actually been to a real, live roller derby, but the folks at Toronto Roller Derby have been added to my "Like" list on the ol' Facebook. The downside? You've got to make your way all the way up to Downsview park to take in the event. The upside? Booze & bruising babes bashing and brawling in board-to-board bouts... This post is brought to you by the letter B. Deal with it.

The Toronto Roller Derby is the largest flat-track league in Canada, with four of its own house teams, a travel team, a farm team, and over 100 active skaters. They've even spawned a couple of other teams that train and compete out of other locations in the city. It's had five seasons so far, with each bringing bigger crowds, and a bigger following than the last. Check out last year's promo video:






Event Details:


On Saturday, February 4th, 2012, they'll kick off their sixth season with two matches - the cleverly named D-VAS (one of the Toronto teams spun-off from ToRD) will fight amongst themselves, then the Gore Gore Rollergirls will take on 2011 Toronto Champions Chicks Ahoy. No, I'm not making these names up.

Doors at 5:00, early bout at 6:00. Food & booze for sale at the venue. $14 in advance from their website, or $12 advance from ticket outlets listed on the Facebook event page.


Rules:

So, we all know it's cool chicks in themed outfits smashing into each other at high speeds, but what's the actual object? They play according to the Women's Flat Track Derby Association's rules. Basically, there's a flat oval track that's between 13 and 15 feet wide , and about 90 feet long. It's played in 2 x 30 minute periods, each divided into multiple "jams", which are races to score points. Each jam is two minutes or less, and has a maximum of four Blockers (including one Pivot) and a Jammer (see below).

There are three main positions players play - Blocker, Pivot, and Jammer. The Jammer is the one who does the scoring of points by passing opposing skaters (except the first time through the pack). Each skater she passes is a point. Blockers don't score points, and skate in "the pack"... basically to gum up the works and keep the Jammers from skating by by "blocking" or bodychecking them. Pivots are a special blocker that can turn into a Jammer if the "star" is passed to her by swapping helmet covers. Phew. Got all that?

General info on all upcoming shows, and for those ladies of sound constitution, how to skate with the teams is on their Facebook page. They're also selling calendars to raise awareness and funds for the fight against prostate cancer. As the proud owner of a prostate (or so my Doctor claims when he's spelunking), that's a whole lotta allllright.

I, for one, am looking forward to some lively competition and good times. The only question is, who should I root for? My support is up for auction.

No worries. It's all good.

The Real Jerk is Closing!

Now, normally I try to keep it to happy news, and refrain from posting things that I don't like, but this bears mentioning, if for nothing more than motivating you to get out and make one last stop at this Tdot institution.

According to an article in the Toronto Star, The Real Jerk, a Jamaican-Canadian-owned Caribbean restaurant that's graced the corner of Queen & Broadview for the better part of 30 years is the latest casualty of condominium developers. No word on if the mural will form part of the glass & concrete exterior.

I'm taking this one a little bit personally, since it's been a place where so many fond memories were made. Back when we were young and unencumbered by things like debt and morals, we used to fuel up there before attending all-night dance-a-thons (or something like that) at the nearby Opera House.

Every two months a group of us would descend on the Jerk to devour some delicious jerk pork or roti, and guzzle down the generously poured double rum & cokes. We would endure its service provided on "island time" and the somewhat forgetful servers along with everyone else because the chaw is the real deal.

Doors close at the end of January, so you've still got a few weeks to get down there for one last hurrah. I'd suggest a reservation, since you won't be the only one making the pilgrimage. 709 Queen East. Main courses $10-15.

Hopefully it finds a new location, and hopefully nearby, since the only other pre-drink option is Jilly's... well, maybe it's not all bad, but I wouldn't trust the burgers...

It's all good, before it's all gone. Get 'r India.

January music picks!!!

January 11 - Caveman - The (Legendary) Horseshoe Tavern

A five piece band out of Brooklyn, USA, they're not the peppiest of songwriters, but if you're in the mood for beautifully composed indie rock/folk/godknows, with a bit of a poetic edge to the lyrics (i.e. thinking music), check these dudes out. Wow, that was a long sentence. They're still pretty raw, and on their way up, but that's understandable considering they've only been together a few years. Don't believe me? Check out Exhibit A:




They're playing alongside co-Brooklyn-ite chick-led peppy/cheeky-indie-style Hospitality, (that's a hell of a lot of hyphens) and Volcano Playground, another orchestral-sounding 70's-ish style band out of Tdot, who desperately need to get something other than Myspace where people can listen to their shit. This jam is at my absolute favourite rock dive, and should be a great way to spend your Hump Night. $12 on the door.

January 14 - Ginger St. James & The Grinders - The Dakota Tavern
 
Alright, so I've blogged about this chick before, but you probably haven't gotten off of your couch to see her play yet, have you? Right, so, here's your chance. She's got one of the best voices I've heard in a loooonnnngggg frickin' time, and a wonderful stage presence. She'll have her whole band in tow on this night, which promises to be a rollicking good time. The Dakota is a honky-tonkin' good time at the worst of times, and she'll rock the place. Don't miss it. $10 on the door.




January 20 - Real Estate - Lee's Palace

A band out of New Jersey, and a little reminiscent of the Arkells. it's hard to believe that they've only been rolling together for a little over three years. They're known as a "band to watch" by many, and they're on their way up. Catch them now for their lovely song-writing, if only so you can brag that you saw them "back before they were big."

These boys are playing Lee's Palace, another great rock dive/must experience kind of place.

January 20 - Stanton Warriors - Ame
A breakbeat duo out of the UK, Stanton Warriors have been on the case since 1998. Their sound has evolved from speed garage, which, let's be honest, nobody ever really liked... but these dudes have taken it to the next level. Ranging from haunting to cheeky, all of it danceable, you can just close your eyes and move to their sets. No thinking required. So, if you're up for a little rump shakin', this is your jam.




Different kind of venue too - Ame - a high end sushi joint at 19 Mercer St. Curious to see how well it converts. $25 advance tickets, more on the door.

December 28 - Birthday Bass - Nocturne
 

If you haven't gotten all of your rump-shaking out of your system at the Stanton Warriors the night before, then check out the lovely Lady Bass' birthday jam at Nocturne. Some of Toronto's top hard house spinners are making an appearance to drop big, bassy, dancefloor-driven tunes to help Ms. Bass celebrate another year. She throws semi-regular jams, every month or two in the same space, and the lineup is always top-notch. Check out the website for more details. Free before 11, $5 after. BYODS.

December 29 - Collie Buddz - Sound Academy

Probably best known for his hit "Day & Night," this pot-centric reggae artist out of Bermuda. He credits Tdot as being his "home away from home" and claims that he wrote most of his biggest song here. This jam is sure to be packed, as Tdot shows its love best for those who love it. He's touring in support of his "Playback" release of last year.

My personal favourite made one badass drum n' bass remix. I gave you his original, just for the sensuous pace of it. $21.50 + service charge (so $24-5).


Enjoy your mild & wild January, 'cos it's alllllll good. ;-)