Graffiti Art and Happenstance

Some of you might already be familiar with this infamous Graffiti artist's work. The angular female face with heavy eyelids is littered across alley ways, garage doors, and building walls small and wide in downtown Toronto's commercial settings, residential neighbourhoods, you name it. A series of events transpired since I first fell in love with this face in October, 2008, which led me to come very close to meeting the mysterious Graffiti artist, purchasing their artwork and discovering a hip new art gallery along the way.



I had seen this face (or according to 416streets.com, more commonly known in flickr/blog discussions as the painted lady) in passing, but the first time I actively recognized it was when I was heading Southbound on the Spadina streetcar near College Street. It was love at first site. I was dumbfounded, completely drawn to its heavy Modigliani-inspired almond eyes. I was reminded of Francesco Clemente's portraits that I came across as a youth, the signature detail being disproportionately large eyes.

In December as I was browsing through photographs at a Christmas craft sale at the Tranzac in the Annex, much to my delight I stumbled across a photograph of the familiar black and white painted lady (see above). I immediately forked out $20 to purchase it. When inquiring about the location of the image and the artist's information, the vendor informed me that the photograph was taken outside of a Second Cup on Yonge Street, south of Bloor, but that since then, this image has been painted over. They had no idea who the artist was, but had also been drawn to these faces that peak out of Toronto streetscapes. Graffiti art is pretty unstable; transient, fleeting. One minute it's there, the next an establishment, the City of Toronto, or some official authority paints over it. I guess this is when we're grateful for photographs. I have this piece of artwork captured in a photograph, yet the original no longer exists. Do people remember it? Does anyone else have it?

Well, yes, someone else does. So in January, I was supposed to play pool at the Raq N Waq on Queen West, but the fancy clothes and loud music were a major deterrent, and since on our way over there we had seen an empty dive bar with pool tables, we moved our party over to this other place (the name will not be revealed, as we're claiming it for our own). Late into the night, a group of young guys came in and when my friend spent her last two quarters on Warren G's Regulate on the jukebox, there must have been some serious appreciation because one of them handed me a card with.... a colour version of the my beloved painted lady. I was truly taken aback. The card (see above) they handed to me was promoting a show at their art gallery which was called "A Mysterious Date with Anser". Anser, at least now I had a tag name for this Graffiti artist. They even said that I may get to meet the artist.... Well as my schedule would have it, that Thursday I was at a spoken word event at the Toronto Women's Bookstore, and did not make it to the gallery. But, fueled by my desire to know and see more of this artist, I ended up making my way over weeks later.

And let me tell you, the artwork is stunning. At Funktion Gallery, there are wall-sized portraits on canvases, pieces on wood, and numerous prints, sketches, photographs and more. A Toronto street art blog covers the opening in one of their posts and you gotta read it: http://www.416streets.com/2009/02/anser/09/02/anser/ . The gallery seems pretty new, only about a month old, and run by that group of young peeps we met, who look like they're in their 20s, so I was pretty impressed. When asked about how they ran across this artist, they said that his (yes it's a male artist) manager approached them and asked them to put on the show. An interview with the artist from the Torontoist tells me otherwise; they're just buddies. However, they weren't allowed to disclose any more information regarding his identity, as Graffiti is illegal and all, and this talented artist wants to remain anonymous. In any case I bought numerous prints. The photographs (first graphic above) are by the artist himself taking pictures of his own graffiti. I also got a very fun hoodie with a portrait silk-screened on it. If you like this hoodie and have also been curious about the painted lady, I would highly recommend that you walk over to Bloordale Village (opposite the House of Lancaster between Dufferin & Landsdowne) to check out and support these young curators' space and take a peak at some of Anser's artwork. The show has been extended until March 14th, so you're in luck!

Since we're on the topic of Graffiti art, this might be the coolest video ever of Graffiti art (in motion!): http://www.vimeo.com/993998 ! Enjoy.

S.

I heart these downtown bars

I figured since I trash talked two Toronto venues the other weekend, I have to write about two other popular but different venues that I kind of love. I went to Andy pool hall last Friday and Thymeless last Wednesday. (Picture courtesy of Toronto life). Here are some reasons why these places are classic:

Why Andy poolhall

• The red lighting and 60’s décor is really unique
• It offers a variety of activities so you never really get bored. You can play pool (it does get pretty crowded though), you can dance (pretty fun music), you can sit at the bar (there are two bars), or you can shoot the shit with a group of friends over drinks at your own table.
• They have an assortment of seating from funky bar stools, comfy couches, to retro spacey armchairs
• If you go before 11 on the weekend, there's no cover! Otherwise it's only $5!
  
• You can guaranteed make new friends every time you go. No doubt.
• I love bars that have a designated queer night, and Andy Poolhall does once a month!
  
• It is no nonsense, non-pretentious, eclectic and diverse. Different age groups, different styles, people come from all over the city. Here is what their website has to say and I think it's a fab description:
  

“Embracing Toronto's multi-cultural flavour, Andy Poolhall as well as sister bar Ciao Edie cannot be defined in simple terms such as gay or straight, black or white, suburban or scenester - Andy and Edie cater to the enlightened club-goer who rejects labels and stereotypes, and respects everyone's right to have a good time. Here, you are all VIPs!"

I bet you're itching to go now. It's good for birthdays and the such. 489 College Street.

Why Thymeless

• I love grungy bars. They are the best.
• Reggae soothes my soul. On Fridays and Saturdays, Thymeless DJs play a mix of old cultural reggae, dancehall, dub and 90s stuff. It's only $5.
  
• At DJ events in small venues you can’t detach yourself from the music and become immediately immersed in the sound and space around you.
• If you love bass this bar is for you. Wednesdays offers a wicked drum n bass/ dubstep night, which if you’re into dancing is really fun to dance to. The bass is intense. There are some sweet talented young guys who deliver some intense lines and even if you’re not into dub, it’s just interesting to watch/hear. It's FREE on Wednesdays!
  
• There is a back patio that people frequent no matter what season it is.
• The back patio has a fuse ball table which is a fun activity to change things up, as well as a good way to make friends with other patio dwellers.
• It says no smoking, but you can smell the ganja everywhere.
• You always can meet interesting Rastafarians.
• While it's definitely its own scene, no one is judging anyone else
• It's the one bar I'd feel comfortable going there on my own and it ain't no thang.
• Here's an apt review from Toronto Life:
  

http://www.torontolife.com/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/thymeless-bar-grill/

While I'm sure there are plenty of decent places to listen to reggae and dub without a lot of U of T students and all, like on Eglinton West or even St. Claire West, this is a sweet downtown venue. Blog TO should do a Best of Reggae/Dub section on their website, but currently they don't have it. Perhaps I should suggest it to them? Anyways, it's located on 355 College Street, corner of Augusta, so check it out.

S.

I'm not a groupie, I swear

So there we were, outside the Drake, looking for somewhere for my friend to eat before the show. We saw a little Vietnamese restaurant a couple doors down, a Subway, and a Pizza Pizza. She was leaning towards the pizza, but I wanted to check out Saigon Flower’s menu for something small to munch on. So we paused to examine the menu outside the restaurant when K gasped and said “isn’t that…?” and I looked up, and who do I see staring back at me but Chris Chu in the window at a table with his band, the morning benders? For a split second I thought he was a friend who recognized me and I was going to smile and wave, until I processed the scene and realized that while I knew who he was, he had no idea who I was. So I refrained. But I begged K to go in so I could meet the band, just like I wanted!

So she agreed, and we went in and sat at a table close to the boys. There was hardly anyone else there, and I thought of all the ways I could casually pass by and say hello. I didn’t want to say hi and then awkwardly go back to my table and eat, so I had to do it when we left or when they left. I'm a giant dork. So we finally finished our meal, and I was all ready. I would non-chalantly walk by on our way out and say “Hey guys. I really love your album” and then they would say thanks, blah blah blah, and depending on how it went, I’d end with “have a great show, I’m gonna go and try to get a good spot”, flash a winning smile, and leave. And hopefully they’d invite us backstage. Or invite me to join the band. Or say thanks…

But alas, my heart was thumping, I over thought it, and I walked out without so much as a glance in their direction. So that was my missed opportunity. But it does get better. But first, the show.

The Submarines were first up, and K and I inched our way right up in front of the stage. Singer/guitarist/xylophonist Blake Hazard was losing her voice, but she had just enough juice left to deliver a highly entertaining and energetic set. She was adorable in her white country-bumpkin dress, pigtail braids, and cowboy-inspired boots. Her vocals were earnest and sweet, and her between-song banter was cute and ingratiating, from “I love Toronto! You have cute road signs” to “Family day? That’s f*#@in awesome!”. She charmed the pants off the audience. The music was upbeat, flowers decorated the stage, and they played all their familiar songs. Guitarist/singer John Dragonetti kept the pace lively and added complimenting vocals. All in all it was a great set, and Blake headed over to the merch table after where she chatted with fans and signed autographs.

I got a spot right up front for the morning benders as well. The boys set up fairly quickly and started their set with “Patient, Patient”. The album is largely acoustic-driven, but the boys wielded electric guitars for their live set, with some piano here and there. Three of the four wore plaid shirts, they all wore skinny jeans and beat up converse sneakers, and Chris had his guitar strapped high, maintaining their lanky and youthful appearance. While the songs had a harder, more rock and roll edge compared to the album, Chris’ vocals were consistent, and the Beach Boys-inspired harmonies helped keep their sound fresh and inviting. The songs were energetic and danceable, though they all ended with ‘freak out’ guitar solos at the end, at times causing the guitarists to head bang and fall to the floor. But in a cute way, because they all look like little boys. Chris also had some “I love Toronto” words to say, asking about Tim Hortons (“There’s a lot of them. Should I go there? Ok cool”) and inviting the audience to sing and dance along. They threw in a few new songs into the set, and ended off with the single “Waiting for a War”.

The boys headed straight over to sell their swag, and I took the opportunity to finally meet them. I picked up the 7” “Waiting for a War” and asked Chris to sign it, which he did, and then passed to drummer Julian, who also signed. Then I looked up, smiled at Chris, and then said “you guys are awesome” in an embarrassingly awkward way, and he smiled and said thanks. And I turned and walked away. And that was that.

e

what i'm listening to

All right, it's time for the long awaited 'what I'm listening to right now'. And it's a good one. The band is the morning benders (all lower case), hailing from Berkley, California. They're young, they're hip, and they're awesome.

And look how cute they are!


I discovered them when I saw that they were co-headlining with The Submarines, an on-again off-again bf/gf duo from LA who have been featured on prime time tv shows and iPod commercials. My friend bought me a ticket to their upcoming Toronto show at the Drake Hotel, Toronto’s “passé” scenester hangout, (apparently self-respecting hipsters consider it “so over”. I don’t know, I’m just quoting Now Magazine). Either way, I don’t care. Point is, the Submarines are awesome, and they’re how I found the morning benders.

So I checked out the band’s myspace and was immediately smitten by their cover of the Jungle Book’s “I wanna be like you”. Its simple, driving beat complimented lead singer Chris Chu’s sweet vocals, whose sound is reminiscent of your nerdy high school boyfriend who had no idea how cool he would be when he hit 20. And they would know, I don’t think any one of the band members is over 21 years old. Scroll to the left side of the page and you can stream their cover album (which is available for free from the band, just google “the bedroom covers”), which contains a heartbreakingly beautiful cover of Paul Simon’s “Mother and Child Reunion”. But don’t be fooled, the band's own original music definitely holds its own. “Waiting for a War” starts out thumping on the piano and the chorus gets stuck in your head all day in the most delightful way.

So I headed on over to Sonic Boom, my favourite neighbourhood CD warehouse where I blow all my money on their used CD bins. But to my dismay they’d never even heard of the morning benders, so I had to order their debut album Talking Through Tin Cans. But it arrived in less than a week, and the CD itself was printed and textured to resemble a tiny record, and came with a card congratulating me on my musical trail-blazing and offering me additional bonus tracks and videos. Fun!

Now I can’t stop listening to it. It’s one of those CDs where I just put it in and I like every song, and I don’t care which song is which, and I never have to skip over the filler song that doesn’t quite compare to the singles. “Dammit Anna” and “Boarded Doors” are fun toe-tapping pop tunes, and “Loose Change” has a killer bass line. The album ends with “When We’re Apart”, a quiet acoustic number that makes you want to email the boys and tell them everything will be ok.

I’ll be seeing them this coming Sunday, so I’ll get back to you on their live set abilities. I hope I get to meet them!

e

Two nights on the town, and was it even worth it?

Tonight E and I are going out. Out-out. That's right. By that I mean taking a shower, maybe blow-drying my hair and going to a venue where I pay at the door to have access to a space which is supposed to have something great inside to offer me.

I rarely go 'out out'. But the thing is, I've got free time, money to spend, and an inkling to meet new people these days, or let's be honest; new men. Besides, I'm much too young to be a 26-going-on-53 home body just yet, so let's start making an effort already.

And an effort I have been making. Last weekend, in fact, I was quite the socialite. I went out on both Friday and Saturday to two venues where you pay cover. I never go clubbing anymore. And every time that I do go, I remember all the reasons why.

On Friday I went to C Lounge on Wellington. Why? Because my friend was going for someone's birthday and since I wanted to fully embrace the new social me I decided to tag along. I asked E what the deal was with C Lounge and she said it was for high rollers. So, it's basically a classy and cleaner alternative to the clubbing district, and the website boasts "dangerously hip".

Fair enough, but once there I still didn't quite understand the appeal. It looked like a regular club, nothing fancy apart from the swanky bathrooms. And because I usually feel inadequate in expensive clubs, I did it right this time; I got really dressed up, and even straightened my hair (I NEVER straighten my hair).

But what for? To get there at midnight, pay $10 entrance and throw down three $8 drinks just to leave two hours later without a new friend by my side and dance to music that was definitely fun, but that I could have heard anywhere and paid less for. Also, the men in these clubs just don't do it for me; with their gelled hair, blue jeans, leather shoes and pin-stripped collar shirts.... I came home happy to have hung out with my friend, but unimpressed and looking forward to Saturday night's line up.

Saturday's equally expensive evening was on Queen West, which I already thought would be better given that it was across the street from Cadillac Lounge and I generally enjoy Queen West (minus the nonchalant scenesters). Stone's Place is known to have some pretty cool nights including its popular queer 'Big Primipin' night, so I thought that it actually might have been a good option for a friend's birthday, because she was looking for a night of dancing to soul, funk and fun music like that which I also love to dance too.

However, that's not quite what Stone's Place had to offer on a Saturday night. First of all, you could not move an inch, so dancing was out of the question and body odour was rampant. They were definitely over capacity. And apart from my immediate company, I felt completely out of place. The crowd was younger, and I was one of the only non white people there. There were lots of young girls with blonde hair wearing those dresses and boots singing songs like Sweet Home Alabama...you know that 'rock' line-up that's played at clubs like Montana and Grace O'Malley's (when their live band has stopped playing) in the entertainment district. To borrow an opinion from a friend, it was like the Maddy but everyone had just graduated from college...Or better yet, it looked like a album off of my younger sweet cousin's Facebook profile, who happens to go to school at Western in London, Ontario. Okay, not totally jocks and frat boys (it was after all Queen West) but you know, close enough.

Two disagreeable venues and a good $70 later, I'm going 'out out' again tonight. Walking over to Andy Poolhall, which to be honest I'm a fan of because you pay only $5 to play pool, and dance to fun music with a more laid back fun crowd.

I'll let you know how it goes, but right now I've got to shower and blow-dry my hair.

S.