What's on in Queer Toronto Ontario September 18 to October 7, 2010



Compiled by Michel F. Paré, for the Gang of Souls Collective.



Queen West Art Crawl

The Queen West Art Crawl 2010 Join us this weekend - September 17th, 18th and 19th - along the Queerist street in Canada West Queen West. located in the beautiful Queer West Village, Toronto Ontario
 
Our theme for 2010 - “Intersections” - has generated an exciting series of art mash-ups, collisions and collaborations along Queen Street West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles.

In addition to our tried and true Outdoor Art Show & Sale in Trinity Bellwoods Park (September 18th & 19th, from 11am – 6pm) and Community Partner Crawl along Queen West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles, in 2010 we are pleased to present several new and dynamic art events taking place as part of the Queen West Art Crawl!

We’ll kick off the weekend on Friday September 17th at 7pm with our Opening Night Gala at the Gladstone Hotel. Following a cocktail reception on the 2nd floor, Toronto art collective Art Battle will present a night of thrilling, live competitive painting at 8pm in the Ballroom. Selected artists will face-off against each other with a time & paint constraint and a voting audience of patrons. The resulting paintings will be auctioned in Trinity Bellwoods Park, with proceeds going to the Parkdale not-for-profit KUPE Arts Society.

Also new to QWAC 2010 is the Symposium Series, which will celebrate the ways that women explore their relationships with craft and design, as individuals and as communities. 

* Maximalist feminist pop artist Allyson Mitchell gives a talk about her recent work (Saturday, September 18th, 2 pm in the Art Bar at The Gladstone Hotel)

* Local female car enthusiasts The Wrench Wenches will discuss vintage car design and all-female car clubs (Saturday, September 18th, 4pm, Trinity Bellwoods Park Symposium Zone)

* Group walk to the studio of Parkdale artist Amy Swartz, for a studio talk and tour showcasing her installation-in-progress, Pest (Sunday, September 19th, 2pm. Meet outside 1313 Queen West)

* A panel of hip Toronto crafters discuss Stitch ‘n’ Bitch communities of all kinds (Sunday, September 19th, 4pm. Trinity Bellwoods Park Symposium Zone)

Four partner organizations will offer free guided Art Tours in association with QWAC 2010. 

* On Saturday, September 18th at 2pm, meet in front of the Parkdale Library (1303 Queen West) to join ROMwalks on a tour of the dream homes of 19th and early 20th century Parkdale.

* At 4 pm meet in front of the Trinity Bellwoods park gates for Art Spin - an art crawl style bicycle tour of galleries, performances and studios in Toronto’s west end.

* On Sunday September 19th, Jane’s Walk offers a unique tour of Parkdale studios, galleries and public art. Meet tour leader William Huffman, Associate Director of Toronto Arts Council, outside 1313 Queen West at 2pm.

* The popular West Queen West BIA crawl will take place on Sunday at 1pm. Meet guide Betty Ann Jordan at the WQWBIA booth (E63) in Trinity Bellwoods Park, and hit the streets for a food and design themed tour.

On the evening of Saturday, September 18th, QWAC will descend upon Parkdale to celebrate nocturnal culture of the wrong side of the tracks. 

The first ever Parkdale Prom will be held in the Green P parking lot at 1325 Queen Street West, from 6 – 11pm. We will put the ‘green’ in Green P with clean energy provided by Bullfrog Power. 
Designed by public art event planners Newmindspace, this prom offers four distinct themes to enjoy – the Space Prom, Enchantment Under the Sea, the Fairytale Prom, and 1920s Old Hollywood. DJs Fawn B.C., Mikey Apples, and Vivi Diamond will pump out the best prom boogie tunes. Step across the street to Official Prom Lounge Blondie’s for some suds. From 6 – 7 the Junior Prom, a family-friendly dance fest, is hosted by Bunch Family Dance Party.

The Parkdale Nightcrawl, in which the hottest venues in Parkdale will offer up a smorgasbord of art, music and style, takes place on Saturday from 7pm – midnight.

* The Mascot, at 1267 Queen West, present legendary Canadian graffiti artists “Ren” and “Dazer”, with music by Circle Research and an old school set by Daser.

* Wrongbar (1279 Queen West) presents a performance fashion and live music mash-up.

* Stampede Bison Grill, at 5 Brock Ave, will display Parkdale artists in their gallery in the alley, with live music on the patio.

* At Mitzi’s Sister (1554 Queen West) live band karaoke collides with a life drawing class. Belt out your fave tunes with live karaoke band Shark Week, while a group of artists capture your likeness on paper.

* Parts and Labour, at 1566 Queen West, presents a fusion of indie film and live punk bands at The Shop under Parts & Labour.

Take a walking tour this weekend, you'll have lots of fun. queenwestartcrawl.com

Canada's first LGBT Tourism Conference in Toronto

Register today for Canada's first Annual LGBT Tourism Conference in Toronto on Friday, November 5, 2010, at the InterContinental Hotel. Hosted by Travel Gay Canada (TGC), Canada`s LGBT Tourism Industry Association

Tourism industry professionals from across North America will gather for a day-long conference to examine who the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) travel market is, what they look for when travelling, and how to successfully reach them.

The North American LGBT travel market is estimated to be worth more than $70 billion. Canada is recognized as one of the most progressive and inviting countries in the world, and it is a choice destination for LGBT travellers. But as more and more countries from across the globe enter the market and start welcoming LGBT tourists, Canada must continue to actively reach out and promote itself to remain competitive.

Leading authorities on the LGBT market will present on topics as diverse as creating cost effective marketing strategies; using the power of online and traditional media; LGBT project development; and more. Confirmed speakers include such experts as David Whitaker, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto.

www.tgcconference.com TGC 2010 Conference Information Agenda Download a copy of theTGC_Conference_Agenda (PFF) (PDF) Fees'TGC Member Conference Registration - $279.00 + HST Non-Member Conference Registration - $399.00 + HST

Wednesday September 15 - Granny Boots @ The Gladstone Granny Boots is early evening entertainment for queer folk who like to be in bed by 11.This week Granny Boots presents all things Virgo!!!! Join your Virgo host Ryan G. Hinds as he welcomes friends to perform with and for him. 7:30pm! 1214 Queen St W, Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Wednesday September 15 - Following Granny Boots - Vitamin G a Queer Dance Party hosted by Kaleb Robertson and Shane @ Gladstone Hotel.. This week Vitamin G ladies will keep you dancing! We welcome DJ Jane Fonda (Top Heavy, Crybaby) and DJ Le Slow (Cover Girl)!!!!! Hosted by Shane MacKinnon and Kaleb RobertsonVitamin G is a weekly, queer-friendly, neighbourhood dance party! 10pm, every Wednesday & always free, make your way to the Melody Bar to hear your favourite djs play alongside new ones and dance, converse, make out, whatever you feel comfortable doing! 1214 Queen St W, Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Friday September 17 - Tapette - Bonjour Fall Edition! @ Naco Gallery. The weather may be getting cooler outside, but Tapette only continues to get hotter!

Tapette- Bonjour Fall Edition is a très special event and here's why: DJ Phil is joined by VERY special guest DJ Myron [Мирон Koзak] and this garçon specializes in '90s French hip hop and and pop. Combine that with my French house hits et violà! Dance party perfection. Secondly, Naco Gallery is newly renovated! Now with more dancing room! Finally, that is a Tapette MC Solaar on the poster this month! Oui! Bouge Ta Ficelle!... Phil V

The Details: Naco Gallery and Cafe, 1665 Dundas Street West, just past Brock Avenue on Southside, beside laneway. Queer West Village Toronto, Ontario.
 
Saturday September 18 - Sodom Enchanted Toronto's Decadent Dance Party @ Goodhandy's Sodom resident DJ Sumation spins decadent dance and all your favourites, plus takes your requests. Show starring the Queen of Sodom, Mahogany Browne, who demonstrates what it takes to be a man, and the innocent Ivory Towers, who has magical powers. Hosted by the Prince of Sodom, Woodrow Monteiro, the General of Sodom, Myles Sexton, and the Duke of Sodom, Aeryn Pfaff. Glitter & glam makeup station by Andrew Randall.Fantasy outfits encouraged: think fairies, pixies, elves, trolls, orcs, witches, dragons or mythological forest creatures like centaurs and satyrs. Doors unbolted @ 10pm Cover $7 b4 11pm, $10 after • $5 student rate all night @ Goodhandy’s 120 Church Street (at Richmond Street).



Sunday September 19 - Plasticine Poetry @ The Central, Tonight's poets Lara Bozabalian, Ian Burgham, Philip Cairns, Molly Peacock. + Open Mic.  

Hosted by: Cathy Petch and David Harry Bateman. Philip was the MC for Queer West Arts Festival - Sexy Words (Lula Lounge) and Bent Expressions in January at the Press Club. It's free. The food is great. Come early, as the place usually fills up quickly. Note the early start time: 6 pm. The Central, 603 Markham Street, beside Honest Ed's. www.thecentral.ca Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Sunday September 19 - Aids Walk For Life (AIDS Committee of Toronto) 5K walk followed by live stage entertainment. 11 am. Pledges. Church and Alexander, city core downtown Toronto ON

Tuesday, September 21 - Trans Film Night: "Cruel and Unusual @ The Centre for Women and Trans People Uof T. We offer this night in recognition of Prisoners’ Justice Day (August 10th) and in opposition to a summer (and history) of police violence. This specific night’s plans are still growing so please check-back for additions or get in touch if you want to be involved. CRUEL AND UNUSUAL This documentary follows five trans women incarcerated in men's prisons across the U.S. Ashley, Linda, Anna, Yolanda and Ophelia describe their experiences undergoing inhumane and violating treatment including rape, violence, solitary confinement and denial of medical care. Their stories raise very important questions about the prison system, the criminalization and institutionalization of particular bodies, and the relationship between human rights and gender identity. The film asks if the punishment for their crimes is indeed cruel and unusual. These women are not criminal in the way the public understands them to be. This unsettling documentary exposes harsh realities and pain - please be aware that the film may be triggering. dir. Janet Baus, Dan Hunt, Reid Williams (2006) rated: unrated Everyone welcome. Allies welcome. Light vegan meal/snacks (ingredient list available). Open discussion afterwards. * This screening is part of Queer Orientation 2010 Date and Time: Tuesday September 21, 2010 6pm-8pm FREE at The Centre for Women and Trans People at U of T 563 Spadina Ave. North Borden Building rm. 100 wheelchair accessible entrance through Bancroft Ave. womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca womens.centre@utoronto.ca 416-978-8201.

Sunday September 26 - Word On The Street Readings, author talks, signings, a literary scavenger hunt, kids' events, books for sale and more. 11 am-6 pm. Free. Queen's Park, thewordonthestreet.ca.

Sunday September 26 (Runs all week) - Small World Music Festival Performances by Funkabelly, Darbazi, K'naan, Sashar Zarif, Kinobe and many others plus Small World on the Street. Various prices and venues. smallworldmusic.com

Monday September 27 - Foundry Theatre Company September's Reading - "\The Spadina Monologues" @ Rearview Mirror. Play Synopsis: What happens when your first date is on the Spadina Street car? King is African; Queen is Portuguese/ Lebanese. Told through random anecdotes, monologues, experiences and observations, their date plays out like a consumer contemplating a new car. Witty dialogue, faced-paced sparring, and engaging characters make this is an encounter you don’t want to miss.

...The writer: Christine Estima is a playwright, novelist and arts journalist. Her writing has appeared in many local and online publications such as Now Magazine, Exclaim!, Bitch Magazine, and The Canadian Theatre Review.

The director: Richard Beaune is a critically acclaimed director who’s worked across Canada. Most recently, he directed the award winning “The Belle of Winnipeg”, is also the winner of a Canadian Comedy Award for “Trapped in Taffeta”, and is the Artistic Director of Keystone Theatre.

The Details: To learn more about The Spadina Monologues, watch Christine & Richard, in our inaugural video series, Forging Ahead on YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHfyYblEleY Event Location: Rearview Mirror, 193 ½ Baldwin Street Kensington Market, Queer West Toronto, Ontario






Friday October 1 - Big Primping @ The Wrongbar. DJ Phil Villeneuve spins, Hip-hop and hot times for homos, their friends and admirers Wrongbar 1279 Queen Street W (west of Dufferin) 10pm. $5 cover big-primpin.com


Thursday October 7 - Queer Mountain Biking Trail Ride @ Toronto Don Valley Parklands. Queer Mountain Bike event down the Don Valley this coming October. It might be right up your alley and it could be a great way for you to meet other GLBT riders from around the city and Ontario.

Expect to meet a few Gay West Bicycle Club members on the trail. www.queerwest.org/bikeclub.php
You can enjoy zig-zagging through the woods with no cars in sight! The air is clean, the trails are sheltered, you may even see deer; just don’t daydream as the challenges keep coming. Logs, rocks, mud, sand, gravel and hills to keep you at the top of your game while getting fit and making a few friends.

Here are the details for the event: Queer Mountain Bike Toronto presents an intro to mountain biking in the Don Valley. 2 hour skill session with top MTB instructor, presented by OUT Adventures & Sacred Rides. Thursday October 7, Time: 6-8 PM followed by Gay Sports Mixer @ Whistler's Grille, 995 Broadview Avenue Toronto, ON .$40 per person or $60 including bike/helmet. Web Site: www.facebook.com/gaymountainbiking or call 416-531-8795 to RSVP

If you have any questions about the event, please do not hesitate to ask! Jeremy Walker, Sales and Marketing Coordinator OUT Adventures Inc. ph. +1 416.531.8795 | fax. +1.416.583.2699 www.out-adventures.com| e. jeremy@out-adventures.com

Thursday October 7 - Pas de Chance 25th anniversary Book Launch @ Naco Gallery and Cafe. Pas de chance is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the launch of four new limited edition books. Meet the authors.  

From Toronto: Derek McCormack and special guest from Mexico: Elissa Joy. Free Fudge. Free Tattoos. Free books with purchase of Lucky Elephant Pink Popcorn. Naco Gallery Cafe, 1665 Dundas St West (just west of Brock Ave, southside) Queer West, Toronto Ontario

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