Results tagged “tranzac”

If you're into DIY culture, hate prickly thieves, and can appreciate a well-intentioned fundraiser, then this is the post for you. The Toronto Zine Library—known best for providing you with good times and thousands of genre- and decade-spanning zines for your perusal out of the Tranzac—were recently broken into and burgled clean of all the money they'd raised (primarily used to maintain the space and acquire new materials).

It was as if the crowd were gathering for the show of a famous stand-up comedian. Featured up at the mike, however, were the dramatic realizations, the rampant hormones, the missteps, triumphs, and wounds of childhood preserved fresh in writing.

MUSIC: Tonight at Lee’s Palace marks the halfway point for Exclaim's nation-wide Wood, Wires and Whisky tour, headlined by Broken Social Scene’s Jason Collett. The show opens with the band Zeus, who later double as Collett’s backing band. Rock Plaza Central, touring their current awesomely-received album Are We Not Horses? complete the bill. Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor Street West), 9:30 p.m., $18.

MUSIC: Today, War Child Canada is presenting "Busking For Change," a day-long busking event featuring a number of reasonably successful Canadian performers. Among those performing are Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida (a fervent supporter of War Child Canada), Chantal Kreviazuk, Zack Werner, The Waking Eyes, and Neverending White Lights. Expect to see lots of teenaged girls unable to control their excitement, and a slough of disgruntled buskers who've had their spots stolen by real musicians with stable income. Various locations in the downtown core, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.., FREE (plus the donation to War Child Canada you'll inevitably end up making).

FESTIVAL: The TrekZac FestiCon, a day-long celebration of Star Trek, returns to The Tranzac today for its second year. The mini-convention kicks off at 1 p.m. with a Steam Whistle Brewing beer tasting, along with performances from Laura Barrett, Mackenzie King (formerly Ontario Power Generation), and Woodhands frontman Dan Werb. At 3 p.m. the “convention” begins and will include a lecture by David Dineen-Porter, a demonstration of Klingon ceremonies and rituals, and a panel discussion entitled “Am I a Borg?” which will be moderated by Trampoline Hall host Misha Glouberman. From 6–8 p.m., the Star Trek: TNG fan film Chains of Betrayal will be screened, there will be a Star Trek trivia contest and Star Trek-themed craft making, and, best of all, visitors will get the opportunity to control a video game with their brainwaves (seriously). At 8 p.m., there will be a showcase of comedy and music, featuring performances from the Bicycles, Laura Barrett, Woodhands, The Cheap Speakers, and The Rural Alberta Advantage. The Tranzac (292 Brunswick Avenue), 1 p.m., $5–$10.

MUSIC: This morning, come to the Tranzac to celebrate the release of the highly-anticipated first album from Laura Barrett, Victory Garden. At 11:30 a.m., a healthy brunch made by Laura Barrett and Ajay Mehra will be served. At 1:30 p.m., music! There will be a set by Ghost Bees, a solo performance from Woodhands singer Dan Werb, and—of course—a performance by Barrett herself. The party will be framed nicely with animations and artwork brought to you by Tin Can Forest, Isaac King, and Chris DeCastro. Tranzac (292 Brunswick Avenue), 11:30 a.m., $10 ($17, with brunch).

WORDS: “This Is Not A Reading Series For Tots,” a new monthly literary program for children that we told you about a few weeks ago, is launching today at the Gladstone Hotel. Kids aged two to eight will get to meet the authors of childrens’ books and participate in art activities, sing-a-longs, and puppet shows. Speaking today is Matt Hammill, who will be giving a PowerPoint presentation about his new book, Sir Reginald’s Logbook. Kids will then get to do some art projects with author/artist Irene Luxbacher, who will guide the kids through some of the lessons in her Starting Art Series for children. Hosting the event is playwright/novelist Claudia Dey. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West), 8:30 a.m., FREE.

BENEFIT: In support of international children's aid organization ONEXONE, Maple Leaf Gardens will be opening its doors to the public for the first time in eight years. The 2008 ONEXONE Benefit Concert will feature performances by Grammy Award–winner John Legend; the African Children's Choir; The Canadian Tenors; and the ultimate ambassador for children and strippers alike, Wyclef Jean. Maple Leaf Gardens (60 Carlton Street), 8:30 p.m., $150.

MUSIC: You've got some options today, reader. You could head over to Sneaky Dee's tonight for the 428th edition of weekly music series Wavelength. This week's lineup features Winnipeg funk pop group Flying Fox and the Hunter/Gatherers, followed by improvisational jazz group The WoodChoppers (431 College Street, 10 p.m., PWYC). Alternatively, you could go to the Tranzac, where folk rock singer Andy Swan is playing in the Southern Cross Lounge (292 Brunswick Avenue, 10:30 p.m., FREE).

ART: Photographer/former photo editor of Vice Magazine Tim Barber is celebrating the release of his new limited-edition art and book series, TV Books, adapted from his online art gallery Tiny Vices. Tonight's opening reception is being held at Studio Gallery and will feature appearances by Tim Barber and some of the other Tiny Vices artists. Studio Gallery (294A College Street), 7 p.m., FREE.

LECTURE: Dr. Marianne Sommer of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology is giving a lecture called "Popular Primates: A Time-Travel Through National Geographic." The talk is a reflection on the history of National Geographic, and how public interest in primates has been shaped since the publication's inception in 1888. Hosted by broadcaster Erika Ritter. OISE (252 Bloor Street West), 6 p.m., $20.

"Think more about working less."

It’s pretty much accepted fact that garage sales are in the top ten of all things awesome. And any time a business does one, like the TRANZAC is this Saturday, it only adds to that awesomeness.

No, you are not mistaken; Michael Bublé, Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie are all passing through the city this week. Imagine Michael Bublé (for some unknown reason) making a vocal cameo during Ozzy’s sure-to-be "Crazy Train" encore? Best mash-up, ever! Or not. Ozzy, Michael, and that ridiculous idea aside, there is a show worthy of your attendance for reasons beyond an ideal encore.