Out Late on a Sunday with DJ Premier

Posted by Zach
Filed in Music
September 24, 2007
20070924-djpremier.jpgI showed up to Revival at 2AM for the DJ Premier party, part of Manifesto and Red Bull Music Academy. I was hoping that I would catch some of the set, but didn't expect much arriving so late.

Not only was Premier still going at it, but he continued to play for over an hour. The crowd loved his set and the venue was packed.

After the jump are some photos from the event.

Local Artist T-Shirt 'After School Special'

Posted by Zach
Filed in Fashion & Style
September 17, 2007
20070917-tshirtauction2.jpgLast Friday at the College Street American Apparel, local artists exhibited and auctioned off T-Shirts to a crowd of fashion-minded party-goers.

DJ Fierce Helder played a selection of crowd favorites as the store filled up with people dressed for a Friday night out. After the jump, a look at some of the artist T's and outfits worn by the guests.

The Beer Fest in Photos

Posted by Zach
Filed in Eat & Drink
August 14, 2007
20070813-beerfest.jpgNever underestimate the tenacity of a dedicated beer drinker.

This is the lesson I learned after attending the Toronto Festival of Beer this past Sunday. It was my fourth year at the fest, and the first time that there was even a cloud in the sky. At first it drizzled, but then it poured.

I didn't know what to expect. Would the legions of beer drinkers who had descended on Fort York suddenly scatter? Or would they crowd under each beer tent, drinking more beer than they would have otherwise, while trying to stay out of the rain?

Look at the photos to find out (like it's a big mystery).

Graffiti Alive

Posted by Zach
Filed in Arts
July 23, 2007
20070722-graffitialive.jpgThis past Friday, Bacardi held a competition for local graffiti artists. The eight winners had 48 hours to paint a mural ad on the north wall of The Fox and Fiddle at John and Adelaide. The finished mural should be completed tonight.

I think that it's great that local artists are getting a chance to showcase their work, but I also have some mixed feelings. It's far too easy for a large company to gain a little street-cred by co-opting the graffiti community.

So while the effort by Bacardi is a bit transparent, it's also great to have local artists painting the ads we see everyday instead of nameless agencies. It was also probably a good idea to give the press free mojitos and chicken wings.

Photos after "the jump"...

Chromeo and Flosstrodamus at Spin Gallery

Posted by Zach
Filed in Music
July 12, 2007
chromeo-floss-header.jpg
Last night Chromeo, Flosstrodamus and Fritz Helder and the Phantoms played to a sold out crowd at Spin Gallery. The party was the first of the new Hissy Fitt Wednesdays, which will usually take place downstairs at The Social.

Despite the mild weather outside, Spin's large room was unbelievably hot and everyone was sweating like crazy. While most people braved the thick crowd at the stage, many stood watching from the back.

I didn't get to pay as much attention to the music as I would have liked, but people generally enjoyed the show. One friend told me that Chromeo wasn't as good as they sounded on their album, but he still had fun.

Lots of photos, after the jump.

Adam Vaughan Gets Tough on Nightclubs

Posted by Zach
Filed in City
May 3, 2007
20070303clublandadamvaughn2.jpgPolice officers make an arrest after a fight in a club line-up on Peter St.

In an effort to combat the strain on police resources and disturbance to local residents, Councillor Adam Vaughan (Ward 20) has decided that it's time to change the rules governing Club Land, Jeff Gray reports in The Globe.

We suck police resources from across the city into one little neighbourhood, to police a bunch of basically hooligans," Mr. Vaughan said in an interview. "And I say the club owners have to take responsibility for this."

If you've ever been in the neighborhood shortly after last call you can see how bad the situation can be. Hundreds of people, often with no local ties to the neighborhood are all released on the city at once, and unless you are a hot dog vendor, this is a very bad thing.