Yonge Buzz
Your bi-weekly hotsheet on all that's happening downtown - 18 Mar 2010

Whats new Downtown Make a wish for the planet at Earth Hour Unplugged Show how much you care for the planet by heading down to Yonge-Dundas Square on March 27 for Earth Hour Unplugged. Celebrations begin at 5:30pm, when Earth Hour supporters will be invited to submit their wish for the planet. The wishes will be attached to Earth Hour wishing trees in the square. At 8:30pm, the lights will go off and Earth Hour will be celebrated with wonderful Canadian music. For more information about Earth Hour, visit wwf.ca/earthhour. Luminato brings its music program to Downtown Yonge Downtown Yonge will be in the spotlight once again for this year's Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity. The festival, which runs from June 11 to 20, is staging a number of musical performances at Massey Hall and the Elgin Theatre. Don't miss legendary guitarist and composer Bruce Cockburn on June 16, as he performs with other renowned Canadian musicians at Massey Hall in The Canadian Songbook. Then on June 14, 16, 18 and 19 at the Elgin Theatre, acclaimed singer-songwriter Rufus Playwright stages the North American debut of his much-awaited opera, Prima Donna. Wainwright will also be performing All Days are Nights: Songs for Lulu, scheduled for the Elgin on June 15. Luminato's music program also includes The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer, featuring Oscar-winning actor John Malkovich. To view the complete Luminato lineup, visit www.luminato.com. Grab your tickets to How Now Mrs. Brown Cow! Dublin’s most famous stage family – the widow Agnes Brown and her six children – is coming to Downtown Yonge for a limited engagement, and tickets are now on sale. The acclaimed comedy, How Now Mrs. Brown Cow! is scheduled to run at the Canon Theatre from August 17 to 21. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Mrs. Brown – played by the show’s writer and director Brendan O’Caroll – and her brood as they live their madcap lives right on stage. The Canon Theatre is located at 244 Victoria Street. For tickets and show times call 416 872 1212 or visit www.mirvish.com. To learn more about Mrs. Brown visit www.mrsbrownsboys.com. 10 Dundas East has a new owner Downtown Yonge recently welcomed a new neighbour: Kansas City-based Entertainment Properties Trust, which recently bought the Toronto Life Square project at 10 Dundas East. Entertainment Properties Trust is a real estate investment trust that develops and leases properties to high-quality consumer businesses such as movie theatre complexes and retail centres. Learn more about the company by visiting www.eprkc.com. Bright lights, big city The Yonge Street Lighting Project continues with the installation of new street and pedestrian lights. The latest round of installations, which started on March 15, runs on the east side of Yonge Street from Gerrard north to Carlton, and both sides of Yonge Street from College/Carlton to the northern boundary at Grosvenor and Alexander. Construction takes place weekdays from Monday to Friday, with work hours from 7:30am to 3:00pm on the east side of Yonge and 9:00am to 6:00pm on the west side. Curb lane closure affects the immediate area of construction only. Access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times.		Whats On Now Whats on now: There’s always something happening at Yonge-Dundas Square. For more information, visit www.ydsquare.ca. March 18 to 24 Beauty Runway at The Bay on Queen, Main Floor, Cosmetics. Discover beauty runway “must have tools” from our cosmetic specialists. Book your personal appointment with your favourite cosmetic representative today. Call 416 861 9111. Until March 21 Nothing beats March Break at the Delta Chelsea Downtown Toronto Hotel, 33 Gerard Street West. Take advantage of special kids stay and eat free programs, enjoy daily and nightly activities in the Family Fun Zone which features the Kid Centre, Club 33 teen lounge, and family pool with the 130-foot indoor “Corkscrew” waterslide. For more information call 1 800 CHELSEA or visit www.deltachelsea.com/marchbreak. Until March 21 March Break promotion at the Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre, 200 Victoria Street. From March 12 to 21, enjoy special rates starting from $139. For reservations call 416 945 5444 or 1 866 852 1777. You can also reserve online at www.pantageshotel.com. March 25 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm Toronto Reading Series at Commensal, 655 Bay Street. Now in its second season, enjoy a great vegetarian meal paired with readings. Join award winning writer Anne Michaels as she reads from her newest work, The Winter Vault, followed by a conversation with Dr. Barbara Rahder, Dean of Environmental Studies, York University. Tickets are $5 per person. For more information, call 905 271 9917 or 416 997 9917, email to readings@torontoreadingseries.com or visit www.torontoreadingseries.com. March 25 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm After Hours Men’s Event at The Bay on Queen Street, Men’s West End Shop, 2nd Floor. Check out the latest in Spring 2010 men’s fashions from various designers including Hugo Boss. Enjoy light food and drink. Call 416 861 6938 to RSVP. March 25 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Rachel Roy Fashion Launch in The White Space at The Bay on Queen Street, 3rd Floor. Meet one of New York’s hot young designers as she launches her collection of fashions. Call 416 861 6876 to RSVP. March 26 at 8:00pm Bobby McFerrin at Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with this accomplished musician who gave us the smash hit “Don’t Worry Be Happy”. Call 416 872 4255, visit www.masseyhall.com or purchase tickets in person at the Roy Thompson box office, 60 Simcoe Street. March 27 starting at 5:30 Earth Hour Unplugged at Yonge-Dundas Square. Celebrations begin at 5:30pm. Lights go off at 8:30pm and will be celebrated with wonderful Canadian music. For more information about Earth Hour, visit wwf.ca/earthhour. Until March 31 Family Fun March Break package at the Bond Place Hotel, 65 Dundas Street East. Starting from $99, packages include one night accommodation and complimentary breakfast for two, free underground parking, 15 per cent discount coupons for The Bay, and welcome package for your little ones, which includes discounted admission to famous Toronto attractions. Kids eat free! To book your Family Fun Package, contact the Bond Place Hotel at 416 362 6064 and quote promo code March. Or book online https://www.reservations-page.com/C00000/H01063/BE.ASHX?vl=bcff0503-840f-4116-bd91-c4d84293ffc6&rp=home&pc=march today. Mondays to Thursdays in March Bring a Man & Save at Elmwood Spa, 18 Elm Street. Bring a Man and you’ll both save 20% off a la carte spa services. For more information, call 416 977 6751 or visit www.elmwoodspa.com. Tuesdays and Weekends Tuesdays Tastings and Weekend Specials at the Duke of Somerset, 655 Bay Street. Every Tuesday at 5:30pm, treat your taste buds to samples of different beverages and appetizers. Come on in Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00pm for $5.00 martinis and a special steakhouse menu featuring AAA Alberta beef. Call 416 640 0921. Sunday and Monday NFL Football at Monarchs Pub in the Delta Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard Street. Come down and catch all the games on 11 HD screens. Featuring classic rock music with Joh “Flair Boy” Garbutt. For more information, call 416 585 4352 or visit www.monarchspub.ca. Every Tuesday until April 6 at 7:30pm Pub Stumpers Trivia League at the Duke of Somerset, 655 Bay Street. Team up with up to six people for a chance to win a spot on the pub stumpers trophy. No cover charge. Call 416-640-0921. Every Wednesday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm Live Jazz with Cara Matthew at Woo Buffet Restaurant and Lounge, 10 Dundas Street East, 5th Floor. Enjoy an evening of fine dining and great live entertainment. Call 416 977 9966 or visit www.woorestaurantlounge.com. Every Thursday at 9:00pm Jerome Goodboo presents Delta Blues Nights at Monarchs Pub in the Delta Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard Street. Listen to the sounds of Toronto’s best renowned blues musicians. Call 416 585 4352 or visit www.monarchspub.ca. Every Friday & Saturday 6:30pm to 9:30pm Live Jazz at Commensal, 655 Bay Street. Call 416 596 9364. No cover charge. Validated parking at 38 Elm Street garage after 6:00pm with minimum $10 purchase at Commensal. Special Days at the Pantages Martini Bar, 200 Victoria Street Live music with Jenny Burke and $5 Martinis on Mondays, After Work Social Thursdays, Jazz Out Fridays and Soundscape Saturdays. For details call 416 362 1777. Special Days at The Wolf and Firkin, 43 Elm Street at Bay Open mic Tuesdays, howl with Augy G. Karaoke Wednesdays with Charlie. Live music Fridays and Saturdays featuring Toronto’s top musicians. No cover charge. Call 416 971 6264.
In the Spotlight Spotlight on Wolf & Firkin Pub In case you’re wondering about the constant stream of people that poured into the Wolf & Firkin Pub on Wednesday March 17, here’s a thought: Where else would people gather to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but in a friendly neighbourhood pub where the pints are flowing, the food is delicious and the staff are as familiar as your best mates? “We are a very friendly, welcoming establishment that likes to get personal with our customers,” says Tracy Kelly, Wolf & Firkin’s manager and co-owner. “So it’s not surprising that we have customers who have been coming here since the day we first opened.” St. Paddy’s Day isn’t the only reason people flock to Wolf & Firkin. Kelly says the pub regularly attracts a mixed crowd that includes business people, university students and teaches, tourists, and families. Wolf & Firkin also hosts many private parties in its “Wolf Den” located on the lower level. “We don’t charge for the space,” says Kelly. “You just pay for whatever food and drinks your party consumes.” On October 6, Wolf & Firkin will be celebrating a milestone anniversary – 10 years of making people feel right at home. “We’ll be having a huge anniversary celebration,” says Kelly, “so watch out for details to come.” While the faces at Wolf & Firkin have changed over the years, Kelly is proud to say that her core team of loyal staff members has stayed intact, including certain employees who have been with the pub for as long as eight years. “People like coming in here knowing they’re going to see a familiar face,” she says. “After all, that’s what makes a pub a pub – the feeling that you’re among friends, that you’re part of a community.” Wolf & Firkin is located at 43 Elm Street. For more information, call 416 971 6264, or visit www.firkinpubs.com.
Take The Downtown Dare For the month of March, we dare you tell us the name of the pink flower bubble that’s coming to Downtown Yonge this month and where we can watch this adorable character perform live. Send your entry to mkocsmaros@downtownyonge.com. Winner receives a $25 gift card to Duke of Somerset at 655 Bay Street. Contest ends March 31, 2010.		Street Smart Starting March 15, 2010 Yonge Street from Gerrard north to Carlton curb lane will be occupied due to construction. Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 3:00pm on the east side of Yonge and 9:00am to 6:00pm on the west side of Yonge. Regular construction updates will be issued to provide further details. March 27 Yonge Street from the south side of Dundas to the north side of Queen will be closed for the duration of the Earth Hour Unplugged concert to be held at Yonge-Dundas Square. Shuter Street will remain open in open directions. Until March 31 Victoria Street at Shuter northbound curb lane will be occupied due to construction. Until June 25 Shuter from Victoria to Bond northbound curb lanes, Victoria eastbound curb lane, and Bond westbound curb lane will all occupied due to construction of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital. Until August 31 Bond Street at Gould Street southbound lane will be occupied due to building construction. September 6 Yonge Street from Dundas to Shuter will be closed from 9:00am to 8:pm due to the celebration of Brazilian Canada Day. For more road closure news visit www.toronto.ca/transportation/road_info.