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Parties We Can Believe In
According to our highly unscientific, entirely unreliable survey, about 87% of us would have voted for Obama given the chance. In fact, we love him so much that we’ve taking to dancing in the streets. Even our animals are getting in on the action. January 20 is inauguration day; to accompany this epic moment is an epic amount of coverage and an epic round of parties. Share the joy, the happy tears, the drunkenness, and the sheer unmitigated relief by checking out one or all of Toronto’s inauguration events. Our guide to everything Obama is after the fold.
STUCK AT THE OFFICE: The television networks are offering an absolute bonanza of coverage, almost all of which you can stream live from your computer. Throw one of these broadcasts up on your monitor and watch as co-workers magically start hovering around your desk. In addition to a full roster of American network coverage, you can watch the inauguration live on the CBC, Global, CTV, and a host of international stations. Broadcasts start as early as 7:30 a.m.
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: The place to be is the Bloor Cinema, which has a much bigger screen, and way more beer, than you have at your own house. Democrats Abroad are hosting, and we’re predicting that this will be the best party you’ve ever been to on a Tuesday morning. The inaugural broadcast will be capped by a programme of presidential-themed flicks lasting well into the night. Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor Street West), 10:30 a.m., inauguration showing is FREE for members/$3 for non-members. Separate post-inauguration movie pricing applies.
STATE ROOM: If you’d like to enjoy this historic event in an historical setting, The University Club of Toronto is hosting an inauguration-watching party in its bar. There’s a special menu featuring Chicago-style pizza (Obama’s fave, of course!), and a giant cut-out of Barack for your goofy picture-taking needs. The University Club of Toronto (380 University Avenue), 11:15 a.m., $14 lunch (optional).
YES WE CAN (DRINK): Imbibing at lunch has never been more socially acceptable. Canada Votes Obama is holding an all-day party and encourages you to take the afternoon off and enjoy a beverage or two, including a mysterious concoction called Barack on the Rocks. We don’t know what’s in it, but we imagine it’ll do the trick nicely. Wayne Gretzky’s (99 Blue Jays Way), 11:30 a.m., FREE.
THE INAUGURAL BALL: While Toronto may not be hosting any official events, Democrats Abroad are throwing their very own faux “ball.” Break out your tuxes and gowns (suggested but not required) and share your excitement over canapes and champagne. Empire Restaurant and Lounge (50 Cumberland Street), 7-11 p.m., $10.
GROOVE IS IN THE HEART: Once the official ceremonies are over, the real parties get underway. The Obama Inauguration Boogie Down will be going until last call and beyond to ensure you get the very most out of inauguration day. Headliner DJ Dirty Dale will be spinning deep house while up-and-comer Double K (aka Parkdale Funk) will kick things off with some old-school soul and funk. Lybido of Footprints and Atomic Shuffle, Splattermonkey, and DJ Medley will also be on the turntables. Dressing in red and white, or upscaling it in general is encouraged, but not mandatory. Drink specials are promised, as are a few “inauguration surprises.” Augusta House (152 Augusta Avenue), 10 p.m., FREE.
GLEEFUL MOCKING: The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival’s popular End of an Error show made us laugh at Bush when the only other alternative was to cry. Derek Forgie hosts a line-up of six comics in a stand-up edition of the show, so that we can all indulge in one last round of hilarity before Barack Obama’s complete sentences and looks of actual understanding deprive comedians of some of their favourite material. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West), 8 p.m., $8.
Hat tip to Urban Planner Vicky Peters.
