Art Battle A Roaring Good Time

The smell of acrylics, the roar of the crowd — last night’s Art Battle 17 at the Great Hall was a blast! If you’ve never been and are not familiar with the concept, Art Battle is loosely modeled after a poetry slam where pre-selected painters and wildcard hopefuls go head-to-head for prizes and bragging rights. READ MORE

Multicultural Fun at the CNE

The Black Angels Acrobats in Hall B of the Direct Energy Centre were not as disciplined or as skilled as Beijing acrobats. They were a lot more fun though. I can understand why they’ve performed with the famous Harlem Globe Trotters basketball team. The Kenyan team has the same spirit of playfulness as the Harlem group.

The Angels are displaying their rope jumping, hoop diving, and goofy pyramids daily at the CNE. Their shows will be at different times each day until September 5 (see International Stage schedule).

The Jasenka Czech Dancers who also performed on Friday were enjoyable; their six-piece band, singer, and enthusiasm were delightful. Both acts will reward a visit to the International Pavilion. READ MORE

Art Spin Season Finale

This was the scene last night as the summer season’s final Art Spin got underway in Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park. More than 300 cyclists — a 50 per cent increase over the previous record attendance — saddled up to tour West Queen West galleries and take part in an impromptu tribute to the late Jack Layton, a cycling advocate and long-time City Councillor before he went on to pursue federal politics.

Clay & Paper Theatre put on a bicycle-themed puppet show before the massive group set off on their bikes. READ MORE

Rocking Out at Taiwan Fest

Being in a young, heavy-rock band should be a great lark but when your members are all Chinese immigrants to Canada, it’s a bit of an uphill climb. Riff-rocking quintet Violets & Viruses steps out on Harbourfront’s Redpath Stage Saturday at 6:30 pm for what promises to be a rollicking appearance at Telus TAIWANfest.

“For a white person to play in a band, they’d probably get a lot of support and find friends who supported that,” says drummer Kevin Mok. “But for us it’s been hard to find a community of our own. Rock music isn’t a big thing for Asian people, even for younger people.” READ MORE

Walter Carsen Prize for Richard Rose

Toronto theatre veteran Richard Rose has won the $50,000 Walter Carsen Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts. The honour recognizes the highest level of artistic excellence and distinguished career achievement by Canadian artists who have spent the major part of their career in Canada in dance, theatre or music.

“Richard Rose’s artistic vision and directorial strength continue to move audiences year after year,” said Robert Sirman, Director and CEO of the Canada Council. “His intense passion for interpreting and presenting stories in new and creative ways aligns perfectly with what Walter Carsen intended for this prize.”

Nominator Peter Hinton, Artistic Director of the National Art Centre’s English Theatre, said, “Richard Rose encourages us to understand our own plays amidst the repertoire of contemporary works from the world stage. His work demonstrates an inherent understanding of the theatre’s power to speak to us and transform the way in which we see our world.”