Cheap Queers Keep the Laughs Coming 3 Nights Running

Posted by Tanja
Filed in Arts
June 25, 2009
Shane Mackinnon Dances up a storm at the Wednesday edition of Cheap Queers at Buddies in Bad Times TheatreFor the 3rd night in a row, Cheap Queers will take over the stage at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

The show promises two jam-packed acts of mixed entertainment, ranging from comics and music to burlesque acts and video art, all queer, all for only $6.48.

Last night's show was heartwarming and hilarious. I'd highly recommend you stop in tonight as word is the shockingly stimulating Miss Keith Cole will be hosting the extravaganza. The show kicks off at 8:30PM. Worth every penny.

Photos from last night's show after the jump...

The AGO Hosts its First Ever Pride Event: Artwherk!

Posted by Tanja
Filed in Arts
June 25, 2009
Ryan G Hinds performs at Arthwerk!The Artwherk! Collective and the Art Gallery of Ontario have teamed up to make a little history in time for Pride Toronto 2009. For the first time in its history, the AGO is hosting an official Pride Toronto event: Artwherk!

The annual Artwherk! exhibit showcases the work of young queer artists and runs through Pride week. This year, the artwork is on display in the AGO's atrium, Walker's Court. The magnificent space in the newly designed AGO shines a spotlight on local queer talent by not only honoring the artists, but making their work very accessible to all visitors of the gallery.

Art that Moves Toronto

Posted by Samantha Wu
Filed in Arts
June 25, 2009
TTC bus turned mobile computer labArts Etobicoke and Lakeshore Arts launched Art on the Move on Monday in the Distillery District.

Art on the Move is a three-year project that paired Toronto vehicle owners (public, private, and not-for-profit) with visual artists and together they conceptualize creative concepts that community groups brought to life.

Torontonians should keep an eye out on the streets... for vehicles that have been given a large dose of community-driven artistic flare.

Keele Graffiti Wall Getting a Wilderness Makeover

Posted by Jerrold
Filed in Arts
June 24, 2009
20090624_keelewall01.jpgThe Keele graffiti wall, an urban art treat for subway riders passing between Dundas West and Keele stations on the TTC Bloor-Danforth line, appears to have been given a clean canvas and a new mural is in the midst of being painted.

blogTO reader Amanda T emailed us to let us know that she's not particularly happy with the sudden covering of the eclectic mishmash that was there before, nor the choice of theme for the new project being started. "I can't imagine the artists who contributed to this wall over the years are taking it lightly. And if the owners were going to commission something... really? A wilderness silhouette?" she writes.

I just so happened to be in the area, so I stopped by to check it out. I wasn't able to confirm whether or not the new mural was commissioned by the owners of the building, nor were any artists on site to fill me in on the new project. But I did meet a giant, roaring grizzly bear.

Lansdowne Underpass Project Continues

Posted by Lisa Pasold
Filed in Arts
June 17, 2009
Bloor Lansdowne MuralBIG on Bloor comes back this weekend for its second year of street festivities from Lansdowne to Christie. And Toronto artist Richard Mongiat has returned to paint the north side of the Lansdowne & Bloor underpass, continuing the mural he created last year for the south side of this otherwise dreary stretch of Bloor.

Luminato 2009: Zisele a Yiddish Cliche

Posted by Roger Cullman
Filed in Arts
June 14, 2009
Zisele at Luminato festivalZisele, Tel Aviv's acclaimed Beit Lessin Theatre troupe that performed during Luminato this past week, put on a show that appeals more to your Bubbe or Zaidie than you and your girlfriend.

This show has the potential to appeal to a larger demographic, but at the less than half-sold performance Thursday night at the Jane Mallett Theatre it was chiefly grandparents in attendance. Perhaps that's why they cranked the volume so high.

Zisele features seven zaftig dancers prancing about the stage to canned klezmer music, dressed in 1940's-era garb, portraying naughty school children and their disapproving mothers. Where were their fathers in all of this?

It's not until well into the 55-minute performance that we hear anything out of the mouths of the troupe. But when they do, they show us they can sing just as well as they can dance. So why don't they sing more?