Brains, the Secret Ingredient

It's dark and buzzing at the Rivoli back room. Things have heated up enough that the ceiling fans look like they could tear off. Danielle Duval is on stage, playing to an excited crowd while Louise Ferguson paints fleeting moments of the set.

This is the 9th Pop with Brains. PwB is an art mashup event held every 2 months at the Rivoli to showcase Toronto's indie bands and DIY artists while raising money for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Comparable to the Friends in Bellwoods release, this gathering of artists defines (at least to me) the cultural dynamic that drives Toronto's indie community--Art with a conscience.

Other artists strutting their stuff last night included Susie Love, a local jeweller with uniquely-huge necklaces. Her corner of the room was busy all night.

Kill2Birds was also around, offering free shots in a makeshift photo booth. I didn't get any good photos of their wares, however. Some guy with an leather attachĂŠ case kept insisting that the lights stayed off while the Amber Room were playing their set... not cool. Anyway, Kill2Birds clothing can be found at Blood, Sweat, and Shears (809 Queen W).

The next Pop with Brains is scheduled at the Rivoli on Friday July 20th.