Category Archives: Entertainment

Highlights from Music’s Biggest Night

Entertainment, Music

The 2016 Grammy Awards have concluded, and what better way to relive the star-studded night than to highlight some of the best performances?

Tori Kelly and James Bay performed a duet of their songs “Hollow” and “Let It Go”

The 2016 Grammy Awards was a first for both Tori Kelly and James Bay, who both received their first Grammy nominations and made their first performances at the show. Their mashup of the singles Hollow and Let It Go was captivating, with powerful vocals complemented by the strumming of acoustic guitars. The harmonizing of these two artists was certainly a great addition to the show.

Lady Gaga performs a tribute to the late David Bowie.

Dressed in the iconic clothing of Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie’s alter-ego, Lady Gaga performed a medley of Bowie’s hit songs in an almost 7-minute set. She comanded the stage with her back-up dancers (dressed in Bowie-inspired clothing, of course) and received a standing ovation at the conclusion of her performance.

Aside from his Grammy wins, Abel also celebrated his 26th birthday.

The Weeknd hit the stage and performed his hit songs, Can’t Feel My Face and a slow version of In the Night. He also celebrated wins for Best R&B Performance and Best Urban Contemporary Album. The singer celebrated his 26th birthday at the Grammy Awards after-party.

Adele performing “All I Ask” from her new album, 25.

Adele once again delivered an emotional performance. She performed the song All I Ask from her new album 25. Although there were technical issues that caused a slight hiccup in her performance, she recovered flawlessly and delivered with her powerful vocals.

Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying performance got people talking

Finally, as for the most talked-about performance of the night Kendrick Lamar’s performance of The Blacker the Berry and Alright from his award-winning album To Pimp a Butterfly brought down the house. The fiery (literally) and energetic performance was politically charged, and won’t soon be forgotten.

A LOVEly Valentine’s Day

Desperation, Entertainment, Events, Food & Drink, Whimsical

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Alone on Valentine’s Day? Do not fear, for Aphrodite is here (jokes, it’s just me)! Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and while being with that special someone on this holiday is always great (if you have one), who better to spend the day of love with than your girl friends? These ladies are, after all, the ones who have been there and supported you since the beginning. What’s also amazing is the fact that we live in a vibrant and fabulous city with tons of potential for V-Day fun.

Firstly, what’s better than a night full of food and gossipping? Nothing! Toronto has a wide range of restaurants and pubs that have the perfect Valentine’s Day atmosphere. For those (like me) whose heart is dedicated to Hogwarts, there’s The Lockhart near Dufferin Station. For those (like me again) who like sweets, there’s the Nutella Bar! Another entertaining idea is going to a theatre production. Possibilities? Kinky Boots at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, The Winter’s Tale at the Coal Mine Theatre, Gaslight at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, and many more.

If your ideal girls day is one of relaxation, what better way to spend it than at the spa? Toronto has a variety of spots doing Valentine’s Day packages. Want to stay home instead? A DIY spa is easy to make.  Glamour has some great tips, including how to make a sugary scrub and tasty (healthy!) drinks. Another way to relax on Valentine’s Day is to watch a rom com. Whether at home or at the movies (How to Be Single is coming out on February 12th), binge-watching romantic comedies with your besties at a sleepover with popcorn and nail polish is a good idea any time of year.

Hope you feel the love! XOXO!

Club Profile: University of Toronto Electronic Music Community (UTEMC)

Arts, Clubs, Entertainment, Events, interview, Music, On Campus, social media

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Image by UTEMC

Interested in electronic music? As per one commenter’s request, read on to learn more about U of T’s only electronic music community!

blogUT: How was the UTEMC created and what is its mission?

UTEMC: The UTEMC was created by two close friends who have been going to EDM events together forever. They decided to create a club where U of T electronic music fans could come together to meet other people and attend events together, as well as foster a culture of electronic music appreciation by fans from all over the three campuses. Our mission is to establish a group of like-minded individuals with an interest in electronic music and DJ events. Our goal to is set up a place for everybody to congregate and discuss events (both upcoming and past), new music, or just to meet somebody else with whom you might share a similar electronic music taste to. Throughout the year we’re going to be hosting events to bring people together, including in-house DJing events and workshops. Continue reading Club Profile: University of Toronto Electronic Music Community (UTEMC) →

The Best French-Language Films on Canadian Netflix

Arts, Entertainment, Film

Netflix Canada boasts an impressive roster of foreign language films. But you already knew that (right?).

I watch French films to keep up my grasp on the language, which having left Montreal at age 14 I try with some success to maintain at an 8th-grade level. I love French films for their originality (compared to Hollywood’s endless stream of sequels and reboots) and startling array of strong leading ladies. To follow is my list of what I consider to be Netflix’s best, all of which feature English subtitles. In no particular order:

  1. Romantics Anonymous (2010)

Watch two incredibly awkward people who share a passion for chocolate fall in love. Sounds like every relationship ever to me.

“The tale of two pathologically shy chocolate makers who are meant for each other but are too afraid to connect is a mug of warm cocoa with marshmallow topping that produces a comfy feel-good glow.”- Stephen Holden, New York Times

2. The Intouchables (2012)

A runaway hit both in France and abroad, this film will leave you with all the feels and warm-fuzzies.

“In this sentimental feel-good saga of an ultra-wealthy quadriplegic and the petty criminal who becomes his caretaker, the chemistry between the two lead actors goes a considerable way toward elevating the broad-strokes culture clash. That’s crucial to a film that is, in essence, a love story.” Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times Continue reading The Best French-Language Films on Canadian Netflix →

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13th Annual Regent Park Film Festival

Arts, Entertainment, Events, Film, , , ,

Celebrate diversity, community, and creativity at the 13th Annual Regent Park Film Festival. The best of emerging filmmaking talent and films from around the world.

November 18 – 21 at Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St. East, Toronto).

FREE ADMISSION | FREE CHILDCARE

FULL PROGRAM SCHEDULE

As Toronto’s only free-of-charge multi-cultural community film festival, we are dedicated to showcasing local and international cinematic works relevant to inner-city communities. Continue reading 13th Annual Regent Park Film Festival →

UC Follies’ AGAMEMNON Review

Arts, Campus Theatre, Entertainment, On Campus, Review, theatre, UT Life, , , , , , , ,

The UC Follies’ adaptation of Agamemnon held onto the core values of the original play. To quote the artistic producer, Agamemnon “explores gender and power”,  and incorporated the devotion to Greek gods and the seduction and destruction of war.

There is a clear disregard of a woman’s value throughout the play, especially between the chorus and the Queen, Clytemenstra. They honour her, but only in the King’s absence (a 10 year absence, and still they resent a woman in power). They say she’s “like wax, too easily softened”. Even the king, upon his return, says “A woman who fears nothing, is she a woman?” Well, to answer your question Agamemnon: hell yes.We think all women can relate to Clytemenstra with her sassy sarcastic adoration of her husband, and powerful defence of herself and her lost daughter (killed by her husband!). Continue reading UC Follies’ AGAMEMNON Review →

Yes to Board Games!

Entertainment, Food & Drink, ,

Say goodbye to boring Saturday nights or to the typical Starbucks run and say hello to board game cafés. Located on 600 Bloor Street West is North America’s top board game café, Snakes and Lattes. Snakes and Lattes provides an exciting environment that combines food, coffee, and board games to create the ultimate café experience. Visitors can choose and play any games that interest them and can order delicious food and drinks from a full menu handcrafted by experienced baristas and chefs.  The café also offers the magical help of Game Gurus which teach and recommend games to clients. This way visitors can fully enjoy Snakes and Lattes’ wide range of board and card games (i.e. Cards Against Humanity, the Game of Life, Eldritch Horror, etc…) for only $5. This friendly fee allows you to come whenever you have a moment to spare whether it is for one hour (in between classes maybe?) or six hours (Saturday night is always game night). Moreover, Snakes and Lattes allows clients to purchase games (perfect for playing on campus) both online and in-store.

However, Snakes and Lattes isn’t the only board game café around. Situated close to the intersection of College Street and Spadina Avenue at 454 Spadina Avenue is another board game café known as Castle. Once again, visitors can enjoy a variety of amazing food and drinks and can choose from hundreds of board games, however at a cost of $2.50 per hour. Similar to Snakes and Lattes, Castle’s great hours of operation (Sunday to Thursday from 12pm – 12am and Friday to Saturday from 12pm – 2am) makes it very accessible and gives students a well-deserved break. So remember Saturday night is game night.

Editor’s note: some details of this article were corrected on 27 August.