Torontoist » “Mariko Tamaki”

Twin Showcases at the TIFF Bell Lightbox Herald Student Filmmakers

Kevin Scott — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:30:46 +0000

TIFF presents a night of films by directors who are still in high school or university.

It’s entirely possible that an early work by the next Atom Egoyan or David Cronenberg will screen on Wednesday night at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. With the 2013 Student Film Showcase featuring the best from post-secondary schools around the country and the Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase kicking off the evening with Toronto-area high-school students’ films, the night will be a coming-out party for a new crop of talent. Judging by the polished creativity of some of the entries, it’s safe to say that young people are more prepared than ever to start telling stories on film from an early age.

CBC Music’s First-Ever Festival Will Be a CanCon Love-In

Chris Dart — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:30:30 +0000

The CBCMusic.ca Festival will feature Sloan, Kathleen Edwards, Of Monsters and Men, and roving appearances by Jian Gomeshi and Matt Galloway.

According to CBC’s Chris Boyce, the goal of this weekend’s CBCMusic.ca Festival is twofold. First and foremost, the CBC wants to celebrate Canadian music. Second, it wants to celebrate CBC Music, the broadcaster’s online music service, which launched a little over a year ago.

The Barber of Seville is Not the Sharpest Shave

Carly Maga — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:30:32 +0000

A reworked version of Beaumarchais' play makes for an uneven production, on now at Soulpepper Theatre.

In 1996, Theatre Columbus premiered playwright Michael O’Brien’s “freely adapted” take on the famous Beaumarchais play The Barber of Seville, which was written in 1775. O’Brien’s version mixed in music from the 1816 opera of the same name by Gioachino Rossini, as well as original tunes by composer John Millard. The adaptation also propelled the story forward a couple centuries, with pop culture references galore. With Theatre Columbus co-founder Leah Cherniak at the helm, the musical ended the season with six Dora Award nominations (it won three) and plenty of critical acclaim.

Seventeen years later, Soulpepper Theatre is remounting this zany reimagination of The Barber of Seville, updated once again by O’Brien, Millard, and Cherniak. But, for some reason—the change in decade, or company, or sense of humour—whatever had made the original so magical, has faded, save for a few key performances.

Weekend Planner: September 22–23, 2012

Kyle Bachan — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 21:00:05 +0000

This weekend, take advantage of windy weather and go fly a kite; indie music rocks the Junction; a Korean rock group drops in on the Bovine Sex Club; book lovers unite for The Word on the Street; and more.

KITES: Brrr, do you feel that Toronto? Summer is long gone—and fall? Well, we’ll only get fall if we’re lucky. As it appears, we’re on track to head straight into winter. Fortunately, there is one way to take advantage of the windy weather. Windfest, Toronto’s Waterfront Kite Festival, returns for another year of kite flying, demonstrations, and DIY kite-making sessions. Think you’ve seen every kite that’s out there? Think again. Some of the ones featured here will blow your mind. Woodbine Beach (Lake Shore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue), Saturday, 12–8 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: So you’ve heard about Toronto’s newest radio station and you’re all excited for Toronto to go full-on indie. Well, why not run with that dream and check out the Junction Music Festival—a day of independent music for all ages. The event features more than 20 venues that will host local music acts. Also, you’ll be treated to headliners such as Bruce Peninsula, Brownman, and fittingly, The Junction. Junction Neighbourhood (locations vary), Saturday, 12 p.m.–2 a.m., FREE.

WORDS: It’s definitely a great weekend to be a book lover in Toronto. And if you need any more proof of that, all you need to do is look toward the latest instalment of the Impossible Words series. This week features graphic novelist and young adult author, Mariko Tamaki (author of Cover Me, True Lies, and Fake ID), who will be reading from her works. That will be followed by a Q&A, a PWYC lunch, and an open mic. Academy of the Impossible (231 Wallace Avenue), Saturday, 1:30 p.m., FREE.

THEATRE: The anniversary of Occupy Toronto is coming up and it seems like a right time to think about what we want from our politicians. A new play called Proud (read an excerpt from it here) does just that, and imagines a world in which the Conservatives won all of seats NDP actually got in Quebec during the 2011 federal election. Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley Street), runs Saturday to October 6, $20–$40.

MUSIC: If “Gangnam Style” has you hungry for more Korean music, check out this rock band called Apollo 18. They play a mix of post-hardcore and post-rock, won “Rookie of the Year” at the 2010 Korean Music Awards, and will certainly rock your socks off. The Bovine Sex Club (542 Queen Street West), Saturday, 9 p.m., $5.

WORD ON THE STREET: Let’s see a bunch of e-books try to host one of the most popular literary events in Toronto. The Word on the Street returns for its 23rd year and promises an afternoon of everything to do with books, magazines, and literary culture. Featuring heaps of authors (Jeff Rubin, David Suzuki, and more); readings; workshops; and books, books, and more books. Queen’s Park Circle, Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 pm., FREE.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com.

Urban Planner: August 10, 2012

Steve Fisher — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:00:54 +0000

In today's UP: Queer relationships examined in a new art book and exhibition; two celebrity comics (both of whom happen to be queer) visit T.O.; and theatre, music, and performance of all kinds at the just-opened SummerWorks Festival.

"Night Talk, 2009" is part of tonight's At The Same Time book launch/exhibition opening. Photo by Steven Beckly.

EXHIBITION: The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives plays host to a dual book launch and photo exhibition opening for At The Same Time. The show and the book examine queer romantic relationships in three different parts of the world. Artists Steven Beckly and Dylan MacNeil of Toronto, Ted Kerr and Zachary Ayotte of New York, and Colin Quinn and Oisín Share of Manchester will be on hand to sign copies and answer questions about the intimate exhibit. Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (34 Isabella Street), 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m., FREE.

COMEDY: A couple of out of town (and out of the closet) comedians guest in Toronto this weekend. Interactive “audience involver” Heather Gold plays a one-night-only double bill with Toronto’s Mariko Tamaki tonight at the Flying Beaver Pubaret (488 Parliament Street, 7:30 p.m., $10 in advance, $15 at the door). Meanwhile, Todd Glass, the popular 30-year stand-up veteran—who casually came out on Marc Maron’s influential WTF podcast at the start of the year—returns to Comedy Bar for a weekend of stand-up sets, and a taping of his own podcast, The Todd Glass Show. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West), 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., $20.

SUMMERWORKS: The 2012 SummerWorks Festival, running August 9 to 19 at several venues along Queen Street West, features a dizzying abundance of local, national, and even international theatre, performance art, music, and more. To help you zero in on the hottest events, we’ve previewed the Theatre Series, the Music Series, and the Live Art Series & Performance Bar. Prices and times vary; visit the festival website for more details.

The Literati: The Season of Hage

Stacey May Fowles — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Every Tuesday afternoon, Torontoist rounds up the city’s literary news, including book deals, events, local sales, author happenings, and insider information from the book industry.
Big national awards news today as the finalists for the Governor General’s Literary Awards were announced at Ben McNally Books this morning. No real surprises (or excitement, really) as writers Nino Ricci and Rawi Hage predictably found themselves on the fiction list, along with David Adams Richards, Fred Stenson, and (the apparently just Canadian enough New Yorker) Rivka Galchen. Hage (pictured at left) is having a pretty strong season with his novel Cockroach, which two weeks ago was shortlisted for the Giller prize and last week was on the list for Quebec’s Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction. Other notable GG nominees announced this morning include Mariko Tamaki‘s beloved graphic novel Skim in the Children’s Literature category and emerging young talent-to-watch Jacob Sheier for his shining first poetry collection More To Keep Us Warm. The GG winners will be announced November 18.
In other literary award news, there was a bit of a shocker last Friday night when Glen Downie snagged the Toronto Book Award for his sleeper poetry collection Loyalty Management. Not only was the good money on novels by Barbara Gowdy or David Chariandy for the win, it’s the first time in close to ten years a collection of poetry has grabbed the honour.
Looking for something to do this week? Torontoist’s literary event advice is to head down to the Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen Street West) Wednesday night for the frightful launch of Taddle Creek’s “fiendishly good” Halloween issue. Beginning at 8 p.m. there will be readings by Tony Burgess, Zoe Whittall, and Joey Comeau, along with music by The Weirdies. The good folks at Taddle Creek also let us know that “there will also be candy and perhaps an apple-bobbing contest. Costumes are optional, but strongly encouraged. Prizes are a possibility. Stay until midnight if you dare!”
Finally, don’t forget that the International Festival of Authors kicks off at Harbourfront tomorrow. For full details of author appearances and ticket information check their website.
Photo of Rawi Hage courtesy of Anansi.

Proud Voices, Perfect Line-up

Stacey May Fowles — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:00:38 +0000

This Saturday, Pride Toronto has teamed up with The Word On The Street for the second annual Proud Voices Reading Series. It’s a talent-packed day-long celebration of queer writers, showcasing the best of Canada’s literary skill by bringing both established veterans and emerging authors to the James Canning Gardens Stage (Gloucester and Dundonald).
The series starts at 3:00 p.m. and features back-to-back readings by a variety of authors, including the award-winning Ivan E. Coyote, celebrated graphic novelist Mariko Tamaki (pictured), and local fave R.M. Vaughan. Montreal’s break-out short story scribe Neil Smith will also make an appearance, along with Canada Reads 2008 nominee Nalo Hopkinson.
If that weren’t enough talent for one day, also part of the schedule is a conversation with Zoe Whittall, recipient of the second annual Dayne Ogilvie Grant. She’ll be receiving the award, administered by the Writer’s Trust of Canada, at 6:00 p.m. On Whittall’s talent, one of the jurors stated that “(her) writing is smart, edgy, and clear-eyed. She paints a scene beautifully, slows it down to its essence, and yet keeps the novel’s momentum moving forward. Definitely a writer to watch!”
Photo of Mariko Tamaki courtesy of Groundwood Books.

LitTO: March 25–April 2

Stacey May Fowles — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:00:00 +0000

The fantastic Ibi Kaslik is back with a follow-up to her stunning debut novel, Skinny (a book that cracked the New York Times best sellers list for two consecutive weeks earlier this year—no small feat for a young Canadian writer). Kaslik’s latest offering, The Angel Riots (Penguin Books), is the fictional chronicle of two up-and-coming Montreal bands, and speculation has already surfaced that the author (who, while in high school, was in a band with Emily Haines) drew inspiration for the novel from her real-life time spent with musicians. Perhaps this wouldn’t be a point of interest if said musicians hadn’t eventually ended up in bands like Stars and Broken Social Scene. Torontoist suggests you forget Kaslik’s musical past (and any potential scandal via the fictionalizing of sordid details) and simply enjoy the book for what it is—an engaging and entertaining rock novel from a brilliant, innovative young author. As per usual, Kaslik creates a narrative that is both accessible and beautiful, and refreshingly, something that both literature and music lovers can enjoy. On Tuesday, April 1 join Kaslik and Apostle of Hustle at the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom for the launch. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Bright and early that same day, you can head to Ben McNally Books and join John Steffler, Poet Laureate for Canada, in celebrating the launch of National Poetry Month. Beginning at 9 a.m., the event will also feature a question-and-answer session moderated by Globe and Mail Books editor, Martin Levin. The shortlists for the Gerald Lampert Award and the Pat Lowther Award will also be announced.
Speaking of awards, the first of April is also the long-awaited date of the 7th Annual Writers’ Trust Awards, where $123,000 in prize money is handed out to writers in a variety of categories. Stay tuned for Torontoist’s report on all of this year’s winners.
Full listings after the fold.

Toronto Literary Listings: March 25-April 2

Tuesday, March 25
Exile Editions presents the launch of The Selected Gwendolyn MacEwen. Dora Keogh Irish Pub (14 Danforth Avenue). 7:15 p.m. Free.
The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Jeff Latosik, Ariel Platt, and Pier Giorgio Di Cicco. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West). 8 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, March 26
Comics Industry Night presents the launch of Negative Burn #17 and The Comic Eye. Victory Café (581 Markham Street). 7:00 p.m. Free.
This Is Not A Reading Series presents Mariko and Jillian Tamaki launching Skim. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.
Thursday, March 27
Ben McNally Books presents Kristyn Dunnion and Big Big Sky. Kristyn will also have her latest video playing on computers throughout the store. Ben McNally Books (366 Bay Street). 6:00 p.m. Free.
Monday, March 31
Sumach Press launches Nila Gupta’s The Sherpa & Other Fictions. Victory Café (581 Markham Street). 7:00 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, April 1
Launch of National Poetry Month. Ben McNally Books (366 Bay Street). 9:00 a.m. Free.
This Is Not a Reading Series presents Ibi Kaslik launching The Angel Riots, featuring Apostle of Hustle. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.
Stan Dragland reads from his new novel, The Drowned Lands. Supermarket (268 Augusta Avenue). 7:30 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, April 2
Coach House Books presents NicholBack: A Tribute to bpNichol. Supermarket (268 Augusta Avenue). 8:00 p.m. Free.
Photo of Ibi Kaslik courtesy of Penguin Canada.

LitTO: March 19–26

Stacey May Fowles — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Photo by Jonathan Ponce from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.
It’s a bit of a slow week on Toronto’s literary event calendar, as most publishers are in the final, frantic phases of producing their new spring catalogues. Enjoy your rest now, because things are going to get real busy come April. Having said that, there are a few gems for book lovers to attend before the snow finally melts and a packed schedule of spring launches is upon us.
Everyone is talking about the launch of Mariko and Jillian Tamaki’s beautiful new graphic novel, Skim. Fans of the indie favourite Kiss Machine will already be familiar with an earlier, slender version of Skim as part of the zine’s innovative Kiss Machine Presents girl-comic series. The long-awaited hardcover incarnation is already in stores for your buying pleasure, and the March 26 launch will feature the Tamaki cousins discussing the graphic novel process with writer Jessica Westhead. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom for this free event.
The end of the winter season means it’s a good time to find a book bargain—many booksellers are doing some spring cleaning. Much-loved Balfour Books (601 College Street West) is currently holding its annual sale on art, design, theory, and lit books, and there are only a few more days to take advantage of the deals. Through March 19 there’s a huge selection of used books all at half off.
Full listings after the fold.

Toronto Literary Listings: March 18-26

Tuesday, March 18

The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Rudy Fearon, Clara Blackwood and Maureen Hynes. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West). 8 p.m.
The Plasticine Poetry Series presents David Harry Bateman, Yehuda Fisher, Molly Peacock, Elana Wolf, plus an open mic. Hosted by Cathy Petch. The Central (603 Markham Street). 8 p.m. PWYC.
Wednesday, March 19
This Is Not A Reading Series presents Paul Quarrington and his band Porkbelly Futures for the launch of Quarrington’s new novel, The Ravine. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.
Thursday, March 20
Creative James Dewar hosts Hot-Sauced Words: Interactive Poetry/Spoken Word, featuring Annabelle Murray and Doug Roy. Black Swan Tavern (154 Danforth Avenue). 7:30 p.m. Pass-the-hat admission.
International Readings at Harbourfront presents Jeffrey Archer and his new book, A Prisoner of Birth. Premiere Dance Theatre (207 Queens Quay West). 7:30 p.m. $8.
Saturday, March 12
Toronto Poetry Slam begins its play-off season with the Semi-Finals Slam. Hosted by Dave Silverberg. Drake Hotel Underground (1150 Queen Street West). 8 p.m. $5.
Tuesday, March 25
The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Jeff Latosik, Ariel Platt and Pier Giorgio Di Cicco. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West). 8 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, March 26
This Is Not A Reading Series presents Mariko and Jillian Tamaki launching Skim. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Shameless Shindig

Sarah Nicole Prickett — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:25:00 +0000

With temperatures finally floating above zero, tonight’s the tonight to dance and drink away the dregs of winter. And tomorrow morning? Head to the Gladstone Hotel for hangover brunch at noon… then start the party all over again with Shameless Magazine. The glossy for “girls who get it” is fêting the launch of the latest issue at the Gladstone Ballroom from 1—4 p.m. Saturday, March 15, with a something-for-everyone celebration.
Star performers include Emma McKenna, Lisa Bozikovic, and DJ Winnie; Toronto writer and performer Mariko Tamaki will be appearing with her graphic novel, Skim. There’s a raffle, of course, with prizes from Good for Her, Grapefruit Moon, Groundwood Books, Briar Patch Magazine, as well as jewellery, art, books and more. And Shameless hussies can get their very own mag-logo’d merch to wear home! Bring something to silkscreen (a canvas tote, your boyfriend’s favourite t-shirt) and head to the silkscreen both for instant DIY gratification.
$5 gets you in the doors and puts a hot-off-the-presses copy of the new issue in your hands. All proceeds go to the magazine, which is 100% independent and Canadian—need we say more? Oh, yeah, Shameless publisher Stacey May Fowles is a Torontoist contributor. But we’d totally write about this anyway—if only because afternoon parties are the new afterparties.

LitTO: March 11–19

Stacey May Fowles — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Panel from Emily Pohl-Weary and Willow Dawson’s Violet Miranda: Girl Pirate #4, courtesy of Willow Dawson.
Ten weeks of fantastic, free writing workshops have just been announced as part of the Parkdale Street Writers program. Coordinated by the multi-talented poet, YA author, and Kiss Machine founder Emily Pohl-Weary, the workshops start April 1 and are led by some kick-ass local writers and artists, including Mariko Tamaki, Willow Dawson, and Kristyn Dunnion. You don’t have to be a great writer to participate, but you do have to be 16–24 years of age and sign up in advance. You can contact Parkdale Street Writers via their website to register.
This week The Friends of the Toronto Public Library will be hosting their annual used book sale. Pre-owned books in numerous categories are going for great prices—every book is only fifty cents or three for a dollar. The sale will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Beeton Auditorium of the Toronto Reference Library (780 Yonge Street).
Full listings after the fold.

Toronto Literary Listings: March 11-19

Tuesday, March 11
This Is Not A Reading Series presents Raj Patel and Stuffed and Starved. Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue). 7:30 p.m. Free.
The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Open Stage Night, hosted by Stephen Humphrey. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West). 8 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, March 12
This Is Not A Reading Series presents Christopher Dewdney and Soul of the World: Unlocking the Secrets of Time. The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.
International Readings at Harbourfront presents Alan Drew, Ondjaki, and Antonio Skármeta. Brigantine Room (235 Queen’s Quay West). 7:30 p.m. $8.

Thursday, March 13
York University and Canadian Writers In Person reading series presents a.rawlings. Accolade West Building (4700 Keele Street, Room 206). 7.p.m. Free.
Toronto WordStage presents Melissa D’Agostino, Susan Helwig, Molly Peacock, and Stan Rogal. Cervejaria (842 College Street). 7:30 p.m. Free.
Saturday, March 15
Shameless Magazine presents their latest issue, Mariko Tamaki, and Skim. The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 1 p.m. $5.
Tuesday, March 18

The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Rudy Fearon, Clara Blackwood and Maureen Hynes. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West). 8 p.m.
The Plasticine Poetry Series presents David Harry Bateman, Yehuda Fisher, Molly Peacock, Elana Wolf, plus an open mic. Hosted by Cathy Petch. The Central (603 Markham Street). 8 p.m. PWYC.
Wednesday, March 19
This Is Not A Reading Series presents Paul Quarrington and his latest novel, The Ravine. The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Wright Award Wrap-up: Top Prizes for Rabagliati and Peter

Karen Whaley — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 14:31:21 +0000

Competition was fiercer than the Daytime Emmys on Thursday at the 2nd Annual Doug Wright Awards for Canadian Cartooning, but Michel Rabagliati took the prize for Best Book with Paul Moves Out.
Set in 1970′s Montreal, the sequel to Paul Has a Summer Job documents Rabagliati’s first days cohabitating with his future wife during art school. While this year’s nominees like Scott Pilgrim Volume 2 and Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea were remarkably strong, Paul Moves Out had the distinction of being the only contender which made Torontoist cry like a sissy girl (Page 71!!).
Sadly, Rabagliati was not there to receive his award due to prior work-related commitments in Quebec.
Toronto-based artist Lorenz Peter was awarded Best Emerging Talent for Dark Adaptation. It wouldn’t be fair to call him “the new guy”: Peter has been active in the alternative comics community since the mid-90′s and his previous book, Chaos Mission, was well-received by critics. His strip, Gregory Spalding: The Most Boring Vampire Ever, is probably the funniest thing you’ve read about vampires this month. Really!
The Best Emerging Talent category also awarded an honourable mention to the “gothic lesbian lolita story”, Skim, by cousins Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki.