Author Archives: fordhampr

“V IS FOR VARIETY” SHOWCASES CANADA’S FUNNIEST LADIES @ TORONTO’S BUDDIES IN BAD TIMES THEATRE

Thanks to funny ladies SHANNON McDONOUGH and MAGGIE CASSELLA for inviting me to their final V is for Variety show at the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (Toronto) last Friday. Their V shows will return in the fall but for this last laff-fest before their summer hiatus, the audience was treated to some insanely funny (i.e. f*cking hilarious!!) monologues from Shannon (below) and Maggie (lower pic)…. …..plus emotional and insightful observations on life presented by my old friend from 1980’s Yuk Yuk’s days, writer & producer of TV & film hits like Miss Congeniality, Family Ties, Desperate Housewives, KATIE FORD (below). A lot of folks were sniffing and wiping eyes after Katie’s gentle reminder about finding beauty and joy in simple everyday things.Engaging young singer and writer Jennifer Walls also shared a few songs accompanied by Chris Tusjiuchi on piano. Jennifer actually performed her own show, Amazing Women, in the theatre right after the V is For Variety show. Whew…that girl has energy to spare!
One of the show-stopping sketches performed by Shannon & Maggie was an updated version of the great 70’s TV show All in the Family, with Archie & Edith discussing their grandson Joey (below) that had the audience squirming with laughter and recognition of the underlying message of acceptance and love (an eerie premonition of what was to happen within 48hrs in Orlando?!).Maggie and Katie recently formed a creative alliance, Ford Cassella Productions, that will be bringing us lots more laughs so I encourage you to follow them @FordCassella on Twitter and Facebook, plus Periscope and Instagram.

Thank you to all the entertainers for a fabulous evening of entertainment, and make sure you catch the next V is for Variety show when it relaunches in September.

TSE INTRODUCES MUZIK EVENT CENTRE’S INTERIOR RENO’S & POOLS WITH SEXY NETWORKING SOIREE

The folks at Toronto Special Events were kind enough to invite me to the industry networking event over at MUZIK ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE in Exhibition Grounds to unveil their multi-million dollar renovations, pool installations and their oh so delicious catering thanks to the tasty Food Dudes. Accompanying me was hairstylist to the stars (and me!) Cathie D of “Cut, Do or Dye” in-home hair services and being kinda silly when we socialize, we spent a great deal of time playing with the Boomerang app on my phone posting silly videos on Instagram. How old am I? LOLThe cavernous interior of Muzik was made very intimate and cosy thanks to some great drapery and huge table displays in the various seating areas (below)….…and the food service was non-stop, both pass around and buffet style. This lovely young lady (below) kept Cathie and me well-fed all night! DJ Tay James spun hot tunes all evening although they stuck him in the dark surrounded by giant potted palms. Trust me, he was cute! And he’s Justin Bieber’s official tour DJ. Wonder if he does weddings & bar mitzvahs, too?We were also treated to lots of lovely cocktails – I played it safe with my usual G&Ts (gin and tonic, for those non-Brits reading this). Think I was on my 3rd round when Cathie snapped this somewhat demented pic…I was thrilled to run into old friend Omar Leslie (below R), a charming young man who was one of my earliest blogging inspirations. He attended with friend Paul (L) who works in Special Events/PR industry.Out back of the giant showroom (formerly the Horticultural Bldg at the CNE) is a series of glamorous terraces and patios including turquoise pools for swimming, paddling or whatever people do in public in pools…oh my!!!! Also scattered around the Muzik terraces are a number of statues (above) that are part of Toronto’s public arts programme.
Back inside, we watched some great promo videos on the giant screens , then Cathie decided I needed “one more for the road” and hit up the bar for another G&T.Big thanks to everyone at Muzik, especially Amy Tomes who gave me the best directions and parking info earlier. Check out the website for their weekly entertainment and corporate events info. www.muzikclubs.com

A redhead and a blonde walk into a bar…..(add your own punchline here!)

NATURAL LIVING WELLNESS CENTRE OPENS IN TORONTO with special appearance by GRAMMY-NOMINATED FLUTIST/COMPOSER RON KORB

I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the NATURAL LIVING WELLNESS CENTRE, Toronto’s newest pain management and natural wellness centre located at 200 Spadina Ave (between Queen W & Dundas W Streets). The Centre’s principal owner KEVIN HALL (pictured below L with massage therapist Andrew Foster RMT, ART, CST) invited his good friend and international award-winning recording artist RON KORB to come play for the guests so the flutist/composer obliged with excerpts from his brilliant Grammy-nominated album Asia Beauty.The Centre focuses on education as much as treatment, and aims to empower clients/patients with access to research, publications and seminars, and partners with allied organizations, doctors and other pain clinics across the country. The beautifully appointed, loft-style offices offer 2,300 sq. feet of space dedicated to treatments, classes and consultation rooms, along with a well-stocked boutique carrying a wide variety of products for mind, body and spirit. But no smiling buddhas or incense sticks here – you’ll see clean urban design featuring exposed brick, dark wood floors, stylish lighting, elegant wall tiling and state-of-the-art equipment and fixtures. Services provided include: Chiropractic, RMT & Occupational therapy, music & art therapy, chronic pain support, cannabis education, hypnotherapy, integrative wellness services and products, group classes (yoga, nutrition, mindfulness) and guest speakers, plus a full teaching kitchen for those (like me!) who need a good kickstart to preparing & eating healthy food choices. Below, Kevin introduces everyone to the Centre and Ron’s performance….

….then I managed to wrangle Kevin’s very busy colleagues Lauri-Anne and Jessica (below L to R) into posing for a quick pic with Ron in between topping up the catering platters and greeting guests!Thank you to Ron for his invitation, and a big thanks to Kevin, Lauri-Anne and Jessica for your warm hospitality – I look forward to sharing your story as you grow the business. www.natural-livingcentre.com

Toronto singer DEENA performs live @ 70 DOWN in Yorkville, Toronto

The beautiful and talented DEENA entertained guests at Yorkville’s 70 DOWN resto-lounge this past Saturday evening, accompanied by JACK LENZ on keyboard and GRAHAM YOUNG on guitar.

Jack Lenz (with Deena, below) is a multi-award winning composer who heads up Lenz Entertainment, a world-renowned film, television and music production company providing diversified creative services to the entertainment industry. www.lenzent.comGraham Young (below) is a young musician currently exploring various genres including country, pop, jazz and rock. He sounds fabulous here with Jack and Deena.

Deena is a multi- talented recording artist who is also developing her acting and TV/film production chops. She can be seen in TV commercials and she frequently models for various advertising campaigns. Based in Toronto, Deena has her sights set on a global music career that will allow her to promote arts & culture as well as share her philanthropic & humanitarian consciousness. Deena has been performing since childhood and in 2015, honed her songwriting skills by collaborating on two original singles You’re Not Alone and Supernova with renowned industry professionals Derek Brin and Rupert Gayle. http://projects.swiftweb.ca/deenatheartist.com/

One of my fave songs is Besame Mucho and I captured this quick video of Deena serenading us with her sexy rendition of the Latin classic.

Thank you, Deena, and BRAVO to you, Jack and Graham for a fabulous night of live entertainment. We hope to see you back at 70 Down again real soon.

Check out all the live entertainment presented (Thurs-Sat) at 70 DOWN, 70 Yorkville Ave, Toronto www.70down.ca

Toronto artist KIRK SUTHERLAND opens “Synesthesia” show at URBAN GALLERY

One of us…one of us! When I spoke this evening with artist KIRK SUTHERLAND at the opening of his show at URBAN GALLERY, I realized we had a lot in common – synesthesia. Apart from being the name of his show that runs until July 2nd at the gallery, both Kirk and I share a gifts that are very similar: he sees colours emanating from objects and beings while I see music in shapes and forms. Both “abilities” are referred to as synesthesia. Here, let Kirk explain……

Sutherland’s work is influenced by the Abstract Expressionist Movement, Post-Painterly Abstraction and Lyrical Abstraction. He is also influenced consciously and subconsciously by his surroundings as well as the formal elements of art and the materials with which he creates. The two predominant elements in Sutherland’s work hinge between his keen sense of colour, and his use of pictorial space.

I feel my creative process bridges and somewhat amalgamates both intuitive, and conscious realities. My paintings do not imitate life, but perhaps harness the energy and the essence of life. I find myself channeling to a higher energy or light, in which the medium, the action, and the paintbrush are collectively an umbilical between the soul, the essence and that of the material world. Kirk Sutherland

PRIDE Toronto’s Marc Lalonde dropped in to offer congrats to Kirk for opening his show during PRIDE month and was given a quick lesson in art appreciation by the artist (above) and shared some thoughts about this year’s celebrations…..(below)

Gallery director Calvin Hambrook posed with Marc in front of Kirk’s paintings (below)…….and below, gallery curator Allen Shugar (L) and Wayne Abell of Urban Source Catering (R) flank frequent gallery visitor Stephen.Also visiting Kirk was talented artist and musician Laura Nashman (below)Laura has an equally talented doggy companion, Ito, the wise Pomeranian, who has his own book of wisdom coming out soon. Maybe a book signing at the gallery in the near future???

Lots more guests dropped by to wish Kirk luck with his show, including fellow artist Erik Chong and his wife, Jeannette (lower pic) I caught Erik enjoying the blueberry-kabobs (!) at the refreshment table….gotcha, LOL!Thanks to Edwin of Snapd newspaper for capturing the evening’s activities…and me! …… but I really have to work on my selfie skills, dontcha think?Congrats to Kirk on such a wonderful turnout tonight. I look forward to seeing lots of red dots alongside his paintings by the end of the show. For gallery hours and more details, visit www.urbangallery.ca

URBAN GALLERY HOSTS IN MAGAZINE’S PRIDE TORONTO LAUNCH PARTY

IN Magazine is Toronto’s premier LGBT glossy magazine and last night, Publisher Patricia Salib and her colleagues hosted a party to help launch this year’s PRIDE Month (and introduce the office PRIDE Guide) at URBAN GALLERY, catered by sister-company URBAN SOURCE CATERING. And what a fun party it was, too.Sponsored by TD Bank, guests posed at the photowall, including Gallery director Calvin Hambrook shown here (below L) with Patricia and TD’s Regional Mgr of LGBT Business Development, Al RamseyThe delicious hors d’oeuvres circulated constantly….. …and they disappeared just as quickly!Here’s Maria Khan (below L), Mgr of Talent Acquisition Strategies at Scotiabank who brought her colleagues to support IN Magazine. They’re posed in front of the beautiful paintings by Kirk Sutherland who’s exhibiting at the gallery during PRIDE month – his opening night party is tonight so I’ll share more of Kirk’s work with you later.Also in attendance, M.A.C. Cosmetics representative Drew Bowden who cut such a dashing figure in the crowd, esp. alongside friend Sharon Deebrah of Toronto City Planning (lower pic)More fabulous guests and IN Magazine folks and speeches….Thanks to the hard-working gallery and catering staff, and to Kelly who worked the door, checking the guest list and greeting everyone with her charming smile!

www.urbangallery.ca

www.urbancatering.com

www.inmagazine.ca

REBARN OPENS NEW DOWNTOWN STORE, BRINGS MASTER WOODWORKING TO URBAN HOMES

Oh, I’m a lumberjack and I’m okay….. I know, I know – this is how most people imagine all Canadian woodsmen, but let me introduce you to Mark Livingston, Founder of REBARN, a true master craftsman who works with repurposed reclaimed wood from barns, railway ties, churches and other architectural salvage, turning them into works of art for installation in your home, cottage, office or store. This new 2nd location for Rebarn is 1611 Dupont St (10 mins. from Dundas W subway) and has only been open for about a month – Mark and his lovely lady Lola Kerecki (an artist herself) are working hard getting ready for an official opening event – they will retain the original workshop on Alliance Ave to handle the high volume of commissions received since Rebarn has been featured on TV shows like Colin & Justin’s Cabin Pressure (see below) and Cityline.Mark sources “rescued” wood and then crafts stunning barn doors for home installation using authentic hardware (below) in various finishes and styles to suit every decor or theme. Sometimes beautifully sanded and finished to a mid-century modern feel, other times more rustic and raw in appearance, each piece of furniture offers unique charm and appeal.And using old railway ties, Mark creates stunning fireplace mantles and shelving that look good in any home (below).Mark’s in-store loo (still under construction) showcases this wonderfully whimsical countertop upon which a glass sink will eventually sit…You can choose your preferred hardware from a wide selection (some of which is shown below)……but if you’re not looking for doors, you can find all manner of home decor accessories (see below) handcrafted by Mark and a colleague who specialized in woodburning. Don’t you just love this fun wee beastie? Much better to have a wooden moosehead than one that had to die, yes?And I spied this Noguchi-esque desk at the back of the showroom….isn’t it gorgeous?Lola has contributed a number of pieces to the store…love her moose painting on wood – see how she’s incorporated a western mountain lake scene into the body.I had fun playing with this giant mirror……and spent time sitting on this bench embellished with the “bird on a wire” burnt into its surface.Rebarn can customize barn doors, mantles, furniture or simply supply hardware for your own projects so contact Mark for design ideas and a quote: 647-968-4004 or info@rebarn.ca www.rebarn.ca Big THANK YOU to Lola and Mark for their hospitality…and good luck with the upcoming official opening party for REBARN!

70 DOWN RESTO-LOUNGE BRINGS AFGHANI-FUSION CUISINE TO YORKVILLE (TORONTO)

When I learned about the exciting, exotic and super-tasty menu on offer at the 70 Down restaurant/lounge in Yorkville, I couldn’t wait to go try for myself. Previously a late night lounge, the venue, located at 70 Yorkville Avenue, just W of Bay St, was recently transformed by owners (and brothers) Alex and Wali Seddiqi, who brought in two experienced chefs to completely renovate the kitchen and menu to showcase their family’s heritage dishes – Afghani classics with a twist of Greek and Mediterranean. www.70down.caWanting to push beyond the conventional ethnic restaurants they encountered in Canada, the Seddiqi brothers created 70 Down as a hub for patrons of diverse cultures to feel comfortable and at home.

My brother and I had this great idea of one day opening a fine dining modernized Afghani cuisine restaurant, Alex recently told me. We were inspired by the great history of our country and noticed there was nothing like it in Toronto; the demand and opportunity was there as the city is known for its diverse and multicultural community.This unique approach to food, ambiance and art/decor all contribute to creating a sense of modernism while retaining the essence of the Eastern/Afghani heritage the brothers brought with them to Canada. Appreciating the growing movement of healthy lifestyles and sustainability, 70 Down consciously integrates local and organic food into the menu.

As Alex goes on to explain: We are totally blessed to have a fusion between two totally different types of chefs. Chef Hamayuun has been in the industry for more than 25 years and highly experienced in the culinary field specializing in traditional authentic Afghani food. Chef Sebouh is a highly skilled Armenian chef specializing in Greek cuisine. So we get to blend old school and modern style cuisine for our diners.

There’s a stunning patio fronting onto Yorkville Avenue providing great people-watching opps, but discreetly sunken slightly below street-level so that you’re not bombarded with traffic noise and exhaust from passing cars. It’s truly a perfect oasis of calm and serenity for sharing cocktails and nibblies with friends…or that special hot date!On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, 70 Down presents live entertainment courtesy of some of the city’s most exciting jazz, soul/R&B and Latin singers and musicians. Starting at 7:30pm each night, the shows run until approx. 10pm and there’s never a cover charge! The servers and bar staff (below) are friendly and eager to please, and able to make recommendations for your appetizer and entree choices (I always recommend the hummus…the best I’ve had in years!)The late night club life returns to 70 Down Thurs. through Sat. nights when the venue turns into a hot dance cave and hangout where the millennials blow off steam from their heavy work week. 70 Down offers VIP table & bottle service with special packages available for groups – details can be found on the website. 70 Down is ideal for private functions, corporate events (they can host up to 160 for cocktail receptions) and celebratory soirees. Send your enquiries to info@70down.ca or call 416-323-3696

www.70down.ca

KANGA AUSSIE MEAT PIES CELEBRATES 2nd ANNIVERSARY IN TORONTO…YUMMM

I was thrilled to celebrate KANGA AUSSIE MEAT PIE’s two years of feeding Toronto’s hungry tummies when I dropped in to enjoy a couple of meat pies and some Lamingtons, too!

I must admit to a twinge of homesick blues as I walked thru the balloon-bedecked doorway….growing up DownUnder, meat pies were a staple on every school kid’s menu. Our school tuckshop doled out thousands of them at lunchtimes over the course of a year and I can still remember the glorious fragrance of fresh baked pies coming from the kitchen wafting through the class windows. That memory came back the minute I walked into Kanga! As I walked in, my salivary glands were working overtime and Erynn welcomed me with a big smile from the front window….I immediately made myself at home with a steaming “traditional” Aussie pie topped with ketchup, or as we call it in Oz, tomato sauce. ….and soon made short shrift of the whole thing. Believe me, if I wasn’t out in public I would have licked the plate, too!!! The crust was flakey and light, just the way they make ’em back home. And of course, no Aussie meat pie is complete until you finish up with a Lamington…..yummmmmm. Erynn and Megan had lots of Kanga fans dropping in to wish them a happy anniversary, including these two lovely ladies who tucked right in…apparently they’re frequent flyers here at Kanga!Thanks for the great DownUnder hospitality, Kanga, and I can’t wait to come back for more.

Kanga Aussie Meat Pies, 65 Duncan St (south off Queen St W, just W of University Ave), Toronto.
Check their website for all the different pie flavours they offer: www.eatkanga.comPS: Look what Megan gave me as a surprise treat to go…OMG, I’m in Lammie heaven!

MONTREAL JEWELLERY DESIGNER GLORIA BASS BRINGS STUNNING COLLECTION TO TORONTO POP-UP BOUTIQUE

The other day I received this invitation (below) via email and being located only a few blocks from my home, I decided to visit the pop-up shop in Yorkville and meet fine jewellery designer Gloria Bass. I’m sooooo glad I did!Just extended for one more day, the pop-up is located on the West side of Bellair just past Sassafraz, in the Ritchie Estate Jewellery store at #24, the walls are lined with display cases filled with Gloria’s exquisite jewellery. My photographs don’t do the “wearable art” justice so I borrowed a couple of shots from her website (linked at end of story) – I encourage you to visit online for descriptions of each unique piece, handcrafted with the finest gems and metals (18ct gold) and South Sea pearls of varying sizes and colours. Gloria’s signature filigree gold wire accents and clasps are intricately woven into each piece. For over forty years, Ms. Bass has channeled her passion for design and her skills as a goldsmith, to steadily build the reputation of Gloria Bass Design. As the soul of the company, her sensibility can be found in every Gloria Bass Design creation.Based in Montreal, Gloria (above Right, with her charming assistant Marie-Josee, above Left) and her team of highly skilled assistants and craftsmen continue to serve an international clientele. The pieces of jewelry produced in her workshop are the outcome of her curiosity, creative talent and thought. They evoke sensuality and elegance. The unique Gloria Bass Design style is easily recognized in each stunningly beautiful and quality-made piece of jewelry. The world’s most voluptuous pearls and breathtaking gems are combined with distinctive goldsmithing techniques to become wearable, and at the same time, extremely comfortable pieces of art. Insistence on precision and detail, and the use of the finest materials, ensures superior quality.The exhibition and sale has been so popular that Gloria is extending the pop-up for another day (Monday May 16) before returning to Montreal, so if you’re in Toronto, please make sure you drop in anytime tomorrow between 10am and 7pm to see the magnificent statement necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and men’s cufflinks. 24 Bellair in Yorkville….and be sure to tell Gloria and Marie-Josee I sent you. www.gloriabassdesign.com/