Toronto in 1920 was nothing if not a clean, well-lighted place. In fact, the city’s puritan reputation rendered it so clean—at least in the spiritual sense—that it was near the point of sterility. Certainly, the church spires that dominated the city’s skyline did not inspire the type of exploration of the psyche’s darker elements typical [...]

John Irving reads at IFOA 2009. Photo by Tom Bilenkey/readings.org In 1974, the federal government bequeathed Harbourfront Centre to Toronto, envisioning a dynamic mixed-use space with parks, condominiums, and an arts centre. Authors at Harbourfront Centre (AUTHORS) was part of the original programming, debuting its open stage reading series in June of that year. Today, [...]

Photo by Irene Duma. Canada lost one of its most beloved artists and personalities when author, screenwriter, musician, and teacher Paul Quarrington passed away in his Toronto home this morning. Quarrington, 56, was diagnosed with stage four cancer in May but continued to work on a wide range of projects, including laying down tracks for [...]