The Best of Toronto's Queer Arts Events for March 2014



MapleSyrupFestivals
Saturday March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 21, 2014 - Maple Syrup Festival @ Bronte Creek Provincial Park Fresh Ontario maple syrup begins flowing at Bronte Creek Provincial Park on the first Saturday in March when the park's annual Maple Syrup Festival gets under way. The maple syrup festivities are open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every weekend in March and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily through March Break. http://www.brontecreek.org/bronte-creek-maple-syrup-festival.htm

Saturday March 1 to Sunday April 6th ,2014 - Maple Syrup Pancake Festival @ Kortright Centre and Bruce's Mill Conservation Area in Stouffville. It's a sure sign of spring! Come out and 'tap into nature'. Demonstrations, wagon rides, activities and, of course, pancakes and maple syrup! Kortright is open every day from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Bruce's Mill opens every weekend, all March Break, and weekdays, except Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9:30am - 4:30 pm. The last self-guided tour runs at 3:30 pm. Kortright: 9550 Pine Valley Drive, south of Major Mackenzie Drive, west of Highway 400, Woodbridge. and Bruce's Mill: south side of Stoufville Road, east of Warden Avenue, Stoufville. Email: customerservice@trca.on.ca Phone: 416-667-6295 Website: http://www.maplesyrupfest.com/

Saturday April 6 - World's Largest Syrup Fest - Elmira Maple Syrup Pancake Festival attracts nearly 70,000 people from 7 am to 4 pm ready to taste the local maple syrup poured onto thousands of pancakes. The entire community comes alive and volunteers, young and old, contribute in any way they can. The proceeds raised by the Festival are donated back to non-profit organizations in the community. Good fun for all ages (6 to 106) http://www.elmiramaplesyrup.com/



March 1, 2014 - Swamperella and Co. Mardi Gras Dance and Masquerade @ El Mocambo, Swamperella 19th Annual Mardi Gras Dance and Masquerade with The Box Car Boys and Kristine Schmitt & her Special Powers, Swamperella has been throwing annual Mardi Gras Dances for almost 2 decades and this year we are inviting two of the finest roots music bands in Toronto to join us! Kristine Schmitt and her Special Powers will loosen you up with swingin' cowboy jazz. Swamperella will perform a monster dance set of Cajun and Zydeco music. The Box Car boys will send you home happy with their Gypsy meets Dixie sound. Wear a costume, there will be prizes and party favours and be prepared to dance. At: El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Ave., Toronto, Playing: Saturday, Times: 8:00 pm, Cost: $15/20 http://www.swamperella.com/

Monday March 3 to Saturday March 8, 2014 - FAC Art Exhibit Opening Reception @ Beaver Hall Gallery. In conjunction with this year's Feminist Art Conference happening at OCAD University, FAC is presenting a visual art exhibition at the Beaver Hall Gallery. Running from March 3rd to March 8th, the opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 7pm to 11pm.

Opening night will feature performances by: With performances from the WordSpell Spoken Word Series: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WordSpellTO/ Featuring: Mahlikah Awe:ri, Nicole Brewster and Ify Chiwetelu Feminist stand up comedy troupe with Catherine McCormick, Danz Altvater, Natalie Norman, and Jess Beaulieu Musical performance by Caroline Martin-Rowe Bar and Food at reception

The Details: FAC: http://factoronto.org/ Full FAC programming available at http://factoronto.org/fac-2014/ Beaver Hall Gallery:http://beaverhallgallery.blogspot.ca/ Donations accepted at the door. Beaver Hall Gallery 29 McCaul St M5T 1V7 Toronto, ON Canada

Monday March 3, 2014 - Netflix Pub Quiz @ The Beaver Cafe. Monthly trivia with QuizMaster Chris Spavin. 7 pm. $2. Beaver Café 1192 Queen W, 416-537-2768,

Friday March 7 to Sunday March 9, 2014. - Toronto ComiCon presented by FAN EXPO CANADA™ @ Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building.

 Toronto ComiCon is now a 3-day pop culture extravaganza March 7-9, 2014 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Celebrity autographs, photos, and Q&A panels include Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), IronE Singleton (The Walking Dead), Morena Baccarin (Homeland, Firefly), and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite). All-ages comic, sci-fi, horror, anime & gaming fun! Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, 222 Bremner Blvd. , Playing: Friday Saturday Sunday Times: 4 to 9pm Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday, 10am to 5pm Sunday Cost: Single Day Pass Fri $15 | Sat $25 | Sun $20 | Weekend Pass $45 | Child Pass $10 or FREE with web coupon Ticket purchase URL: http://www.comicontoronto.com/tickets/

Friday March 7, 2014 - The Vagina Monologues @ Studio du Theatre Francais de Toronto, On March 7 Scuderia Productions copresents, with Oasis Centre des Femmes, The Vagina Monologues, a play by Eve Ensler, directed by Claire Coriat . Casting: Alina Christensen,Line Boily, Sabine Mondestin, Francine Grainger, Nessya Dayan and Claire Coriat. All the performances will be in French, with English surtitles. Oasis Center will hold a discussion concerning taboos, myths, shame, and fright related to female genitalia. At: Studio du Theatre Francais de Toronto, 21 Collge street, Toronto Playing: Friday Times: 6 pm Cost: $20 Ticket purchase URL: http://scuderiaproductions.com/tickets/Web site: http://scuderiaproductions.com/shows/4/The-Vagina-Monologues/

Friday March 7, 2014 - OCADU Graduate Gallery reception for Dreaming of Bear and Crow art show @ 205 RICHMOND STREET WEST, OCADU GRADUATE BUILDING. Dreaming of Bear and Crow is an OCADU MFA interdisciplinary thesis exhibition by Patrick DeCoste. Five hundred years ago, a young Mi’kmaw woman dreamed of the coming white man to her shores in Nova Scotia. Through the dream, the artist explores his emerging Métis heritage, with a series of acrylic paintings on vintage taxidermy animal skins. The polar bear, muskox, spirit bear, wolverine, and other studio objects reveal the artist re-telling this classic first- contact story.Dreaming of Bear and Crow: A Search for Métis Identity by Artist Patrick Francis DeCoste OCADU Graduate Gallery reception 7-9 pm Fri 7 Mar http://patrickatocadu.blogspot.ca/

Saturday March 8, 2014 -Women On The Front Line Documentary screening and panel discussion on women's rights in Iran. 1 pm. $10. Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex, https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-womens-day-2014-tickets-10334505785

Saturday March 8, 2014 Toronto QUEER SLOWDANCE! - Early St. Patrick's Gay Edition @ Dovercourt House. Fabulous and inspired attire, while desired, is not required. But as this is our early St. Patrick's Gay edition, why not try for something a little green!
Finally, you do not have to be queer to attend this party, but you must have an open mind, an open heart, and have open arms. Do keep in mind that the majority of folks attending are lesbian & gay, so if you are stridently straight, this may not be the most receptive community for you.

The Details: Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd. (1 block North of Bloor, 3 blks. west of Ossington) Saturday, ((Street Map http://g.co/maps/u2kc3) Doors at 9:30, Dance from 10 PM - 2:30 AM. $10 admission includes your Dancecard-booklet! http://www.dovercourthouse.comRegretfully, the Dovercourt House is not wheelchair-accessible. 19+ Queer West Village, Toronto On.

Sunday March 9, 2014 - Lizzie Violet's Cabaret Noir One Year Anniversary queer poetry Show @ The Central. Lizzie Violet’s Cabaret Noir is a monthly event that brings you an evening of indie artistry and cabaret. The mistress of ceremonies, Lizzie Violet will introduce cabaret stylings such as poetry, Spoken Word, music, Burlesque, comedy and a variety of other vaudeville style acts. Inspired by Vaudeville of the early 1900’s, it will be an evening of pure entertainment.Each monthly event will have three features that consist of one part poetry (spoken word and slam as well), one part music and one part vaudeville (burlesque/magic/comedy)

Featuring; Toronto gay poet Philip Cairns http://www.philipcairns.com will be performing a short new play, What Ida Said, written by Cairns and David Bateman. THE RANDO BANDO -What began as a few friends doing some jazz tunes at a Toronto nightclub is quickly becoming a popular act that has garnered much acclaim solicited much attention (the good kind). Along with performing a fun blend of jazz, pop and comedy tunes, THE RANDO BANDO specialize in creating specialty numbers for a variety of audiences. For more information, visit their website http://www.floatingdeskinternational.com/ and Arlene Paculan a serenading story teller. Website: http://www.arlenepaculan.comYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/apaculan

The Details: We will have limited open mic spots (for poets, performers and musicians). Sign up starts at 7. This is a PWYC event. (the door suggested price $5 and up) The Central 603 Markham Street, Toronto, Ontario http://thecentralbar.ca/


Monday March 10, 2014 - Trampoline Hall Mini-lectures curated by Xenia Benivolski, hosted by Misha Glouberman. 8 pm. $5-$6. Garrison, 1197 Dundas W, http://trampolinehall.net
  
Tuesday March 11,2014 - Departures & Arrivals: An Evening In Support Of Crossing Gibraltar @ BuddiesThis gala to support the company's outreach program for refugees and newcomers features music, stories and a performance of The Wanderers. Mar 11, doors 6 pm. $75. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, (Cahoots Theatre Company).http:://cahoots.ca


Wednesday March 12 to Sunday March 30, 2014 - New Ideas Festival 2014 Alumnae Theatre Company proudly presents the 26th annual New Ideas Festival, running March 12 - 30, 2014 in Alumnae Theatre's Studio space. 96 writers from all over Canada and beyond (U.S. and UK) submitted original short plays which have never before been produced, making every play in the Festival a world premiere! From this, 15 scripts were selected. New Ideas features a different lineup each week, plus Talkback sessions that encourage audiences to provide immediate feedback to writers and directors. TICKETS: $15/wk + PWYC readings, or $40 for Festival Pass. Reserve at reservations@alumnaetheatre.com or 416-364-4170 xtn 1 & pay CASH at Box Office; or purchase online. Alumnae Theatre 70 Berkeley Street Toronto, ON http://www.alumnaetheatre.com/

Wednesday March 12, 2014 - The Red Panty Diaries @ Lula Lounge. Join us at Lula Lounge on March 12th for our second annual Red Panty Diaries, hosted by Femme International.We guarantee a hilarious night of menstruation-themed comedy by some of Toronto's most talented comedians! \performers include: Kate Davis Zabrina Chevannes Natalie Norman Jess Beaulieu Sara Hennessey Laura Di Labio & hosted by Sarah Bruckschwaiger http://www.femmeinternational.org/

The Details: Doors open at 7:00pm. Show starts at 8:00pm. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased online or at the door - but hurry, it's an event that is sure to sell out! Dinner reservations guarantee table seating. Reserve at 416-588-0307 orhttp://lula.ca
 
Thursday March 13, 2014 - Lucky Ball to support the Toronto Fort York Food Bank @ The Revival, Looking to spend your St. Patrick’s Day with a greater purpose? Musical Director: Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene) Hors D'Oeuvres & Open Bar Dress Code Cocktail Chic. $100 Tickets available onsite... proceeds go directly to supporting FYFB and it will be a great evening! FYFB’s Food Program provides low-income individuals and families living in our community with a three-day supply of groceries. FYFB is a member agency of the Daily Bread Food Bank and our assigned service area covers the Westside of downtown Toronto, from Yonge to Dovercourt, Lake Ontario to Bloor.
The Details: Thursday March 13th (8:30 pm – 2:00 am), · Location: Revival Bar (783 College Street) · Broken Social Scene's Brendan Canning will be music director/DJ with Sennheiser supplying the sound · Open bar sponsored by Heineken & Three Olives Vodka. Web Site http://www.fyfb.com/newsletter/fyfb.2014.0207.html


Friday March 14, 2014 - B CAMP / CHUB CAMP with DJ Nita (NYC) @ The Beaver. This month we celebrate the chubs in every sense of the word. Big boys, big bones, big boners. And we are double lucky because we are graced with DJ Nita from New York City to murder our dancefloor. Delivered from the NYC's legendary House of Aviance, do not sleep on this one! She's been turning it at all the parties you wish you were at: Tubway, Mr. Black, Westgay...excuse me miss, Scooter McCreight will be humbly warming up the dancefloor for this mama. A Bearded Boy will be greeting you at the door. $7 cover The Beaver 1192 Queen St W, 416-537-2768. Queer West village, Toronto Ontario. http://www.beavertoronto.ca | http://cubcamp.tumblr.com/

March 14 to 23, 2014 - Canada Blooms @ Exhibition Place The 17th annual home and garden event is back with lectures, demonstrations and more than six acres of garden displays. This year, Canada Blooms is celebrating The Magic of Spring, with gardens and talks geared towards rejuvenation and growth. Highlights include the JUNO Rocks garden, the country’s largest floral competition, tea tastings, contests and dozens of guest speakers. General: $17, Seniors: $14, Students: $13, Children 12 and under: Free http://canadablooms.com/

Thursday March 20 to Sunday March 23, 2014 - MCN: Queen Street Music Festival @ Bovine Sex Club. Two Way Monologues is presenting as Music City North Queen Street Festival https://www.facebook.com/musiccitynorth for our first ever show at the Bovine Sex Club and I Dan am flying in from Newfoundland to be there with all of you! Crazy stacked lineup with sets starting at 9 PM, so don't snooze. Expand for full info: Bovine Sex Club 542 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario https://www.facebook.com/events/418780474924677

Thursday March 20, 2014 - Trailer Sass: Cuntry Fried Edition ft Trixie-Dixon @ The Beaver. The Beaver is getting their Dolly on (when is the Dolly Parton Is exhibit at the AGO?? Wait, I'm not kidding.) with a "CUNTry" party hosted by Allysin Chaynes. Trixie Dixon will perform and Aqua V Ulva will play "campy doowop, dirty eighties and sleazy seventies non hits from the trailer park." Thursday, March 20, 10:30pm, The Beaver (1192 Queen St W).

Friday March 21 -MY OLD MAN world premiere Canadian Film Fest @ Royal Cimema. The details are in the name. It's the world premiere of the short film MY OLD MAN in Toronto, at the Canadian Film Fest.Directed by indie horror filmmaker, Ryan M. Andrews MY OLD MAN is the short obscure, drama/thriller/horror/art house from Blackguardism Creations written by G.M. Giacomelli and staring Robert Nolan and Adrian Cowan. Opening for Buck Productions new film The Privileged for Thriller Night at the Canadian Film Fest. It begins at 9:15pm on Friday March 21st. The Royal Cinema - Toronto 608 College Street https://www.facebook.com/CanFilmFest

Friday March 21, 2014- If being downtown is your schstick then D. F.M.O. might interest you @ Buddies. DJ John Caffery with guest Max Mohenu will spin all night long. And don't miss our quest performer, Barbie Jo Bontemps . Let's get our Dance Floor Make Out on!!! Cover $5.00 at 10:30 PM Buddies 12 Alexander St. M4Y 1B6 Toronto, ON Canada

Friday March 21, 2014 - Free Queer Spirits Film Festival @ Innis Town Hall.The Queer Spirits Film Festival kicks off with screenings of QUEEROLOGY at 3:30pm, CAMP at 3:45pm and BIG JOY at 4:30pm. There will be a Q&A after the screenings attended by QUEEROLOGY director Monica Garrido and Michiko Bown-Kai, CAMP’S Alexis Mitchell and BIG JOY’s Stephen Silha. Innis Town Hall 2 Sussex Ave., Toronto, Ontario 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm FREE Location Map https://goo.gl/maps/7Nxgg

Saturday March 22- Sissyboy Hissyfit:@ The Beaver. T's Gaywatch Nights, Princesses! Break out your SPF, cause we are gonna burn it down! Say goodbye to Old Man Winter, and hello to Manly Beach! We wanna see: - tank tops - short shorts - pool noodle couture - personal flotation devices - David Hasselhoff Himself As always, DJ Orange Pekoe will be spinning 90s hiphop, guilty pleasures, and too much Beyoncé. The Beaver 1192 Queen St W https://www.facebook.com/events/226279197563716/

Saturday March 22, 2014 - Party & Bullshit @ Parts & Labour - Need to shake the week away? Need to shake your life away? Get to the The Shop under Parts & Labour before 11pm on Saturday (otherwise you're paying a $5 cover) for a rap party hosted by K Dilla with Family Business DJs FBomb & Ry-Fi. Saturday, March 22, 10pm, Parts & Labour (1566 Queen St. W).

Saturday March 22, 2014 - The Trial Of Ken Gass @ Big Picture CinemaThis absurdist comedy in the east end will cost you $15 except on Sunday, when it's PWYC (so bring some of your pizza change). Based on the story of the dismissal of Canadian theatre legend Ken Gass, the Kafkaesque comedy will hit home for both those tangled up in the arts world and anyone who's been touched by the cold breath of bureaucracy ever. So, you. Sunday, March 23, 2:30pm matinee, Big Picture Cinema (1035 Gerrard St. East). https://www.facebook.com/events/293818580743494
 
Saturday March 22, 2014 - BALfolkFEST @918 Bathurst. Hello dancers and friends! I'd like to let you know about an exciting evening of dance, music, food and drink coming up!Come dance with us March 22nd at 918 Bathurst in Toronto. We'll be dancing old Breton dances (get your pinky muscles working!), groovy new versions of the partner dances scottische, mazurka and waltz, and the famous dance from Auvergne: the bouree! The dances are easy and fun, and we'll have musicians joining us from as far as Montreal, the USA and the Netherlands!

BTW; French folk dancing is alive and well in Toronto Balfolk Toronto Every Monday night here at The Hogtown Cure deli-café.

The Details: 6pm * Folk dance workshop for kids! 7:30 - midnight * Balfolk/Festnoz with dance instruction, live music, food and drink! Food and drink catered by La Palette and Chocosol!! Tickets available at the Hogtown Cure, 1484 Dundas St West $10 adv / $12 door / $5 kids under 15 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media & Education 918 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario

Saturday March 22, 2014 - Asian Gay Boys Night Out @ The Phoenix. The iconic Phoenix features >> massive dancefloor(1000+ capacity), balcony lounge, grand high stage, gargantuan twelve thousand watt concert sound system, spectacular lightshow & 5 fully stocked bars with full bottle service available DeeJay ALEX Precision picks of Top40 Remixes, Vocal House, Club Anthems, EDM, J-POP, K-POP SOFONDA & Her Crew Toronto Canada's World Renown Superstar Drag Artist NIKKI CHIN Toronto's hottest rising Dragshow Queen ++WITH EVERYBODY'S FULL THROTTLE AX-A-GOGO FAVORITES++ AX MAXIMUS GOGO DANCERS Sexy Sizzling GoGo Dance Troupe All Night Long!
The Details: Saturday March 22nd 2014 10pm-3am Phoenix Concert Theatre 410 Sherbourne (just north of Carleton) Cover charge $5 Before 10:30 $10 Until 11:30 $15 After * This is a 19+ event: proper ID required* http://www.aznxp.com/
 
Sunday March 23, 2014 - Toronto Vintage Clothing Show @ The Convention Centre. The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, Sunday March 23, 2014, 10am-5pm. Toronto’s fabulous sale of vintage clothing is one amazing day of fashion shopping! The show is a rare opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind vintage and retro fashion, accessories, handbags and jewellery from top independent vintage fashion retailers. Constitution Hall, NORTH Building (Off Front Street) Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6. Admission $10. Free re-admission. http://www.torontovintageclothingshow.ca/
 
Tuesday March 25,2014 - Art Battle 107 - Toronto @ The Great Hall. Ast month's all-star celebration was a truly amazing night of creation and community. This month Art Battle Toronto welcomes 16 new-star painters to the easels. We can't wait to share their talent and courage with you! Now in more than a dozen cities from coast-to-coast, Art Battle Canada is searching for the best painters from across the country and Toronto is the city that started it all! You decide who wins the title, $200 cash prize and a chance to advance to challenge Vancouver's Yared Nigussu for the National Championship. The Great Hall 1087 Queen W 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/526188910831198
 
Wednesday March 26,2014 - Queer As Fuck @ The Steady. LGBTQ+ comedy with an occasional dash of straightness for flavor. Join us as we laugh, drink and enjoy The Steady's rockin' menu. Lineup: Keelan Miller Zabrina Chevannes Sarah Grange Susan Fischer Keesha Brownie ...and more to be confirmed! Plus 1 lucky comic to sign up before the show stars can win a 5 min lottery spot! Hosted as always by the Kathy Bates of Toronto Comedy, Catherine McCormick. Show is PWYC. The Steady 1051 Bloor St W 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/1472124266339395/
 
Saturday March 29 - Screening of Taiwan Queer Film "Girlfriend, Boyfriend" folloed by Q and A @ Innis Town Hall. Set in Taipei and Kaohsiung, "Girlfriend, Boyfriend" (Ya-che Yang, 2012), unfolds a poignant coming-to-age story about relationship, friendship and political activism. Looming over the queer love triangle is the winding path for democratic reform in Taiwan from the late 1980s to the new millennium. Over the span of two decades, three rebellious Taiwanese youths’ once uncompromised faith in freedom and love gradually fades out, replaced by their tacit wonder towards their sociopolitical reality and moral integrity. The film thereby subtly interrogates the extent to which Taiwan has upheld the spirit of democracy. Upon its release, the film was critically acclaimed in Taiwan, receiving seven nominations at the Golden Horse Film Award and earning Best Actress for its lead star Kwei Lunmei. Director Ya-che Yang is also known for his earlier film Orz Boy (2008).

This event includes a panel discussion on the intersection between queer culture, cinema, and politics in Taiwan and the screening of Girlfriend, Boyfriend. Admission is free. As an effort to help fundraise for The Home Promised documentary production, a raffle draw will be held at the reception after the screening.

The Details: Schedule:7:00-9:00 Panel Discussion at Innis Café Panelists TBC (light snack boxes will be provided) 9:15-11:00 Screening of "Girlfriend, Boyfriend" at Innis Town Hall (doors open at 9:00 pm for people only attending screening)11:00 Reception and Raffle Draw at Innis Café Please register at http://munkschool.utoronto.ca/ai/event/15939/ Sign in or Register to post comments FREE Innis College 2 Sussex Avenue Location Map https://goo.gl/maps/7Nxgg Toronto, ON 7:00PM - 12:00PM http://townhall.innis.utoronto.ca/
 
Saturday March 29, 2014 - Hotnuts Betchelorette @ The Garrison. Always a Betchelorette, never a bridegroom. Your happiest dream is coming true: one night in a perpetual Betchelorette loop. Get your stretch limo marks ready and bring your best vom-it girls. It’s hurls night out! Performances by * ** Donnarama Versace, * ** Nancy Bocock, * ** Mary Messhausen,* ** Peg Zilla * ** and Buzz Garling with her first show

The Details: Hosted by Mary Messhausenwith Djs produzentin and das hussy, 10:30PM-03:00AM i Door $8 before 11:30 - $10 after, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W https://www.facebook.com/events/490751921034513/
 

Comments