I am a seasoned veteran at partying. People are amazed with my party skills. I will typically hit up the pre-drink party, the actual party, and the after party. Maybe throw in a couple of other parties in between. Who knows? I go wherever the night takes me.

I attribute my party stamina to the consumption of vodka redbulls. They are also highly correlated with my erratic behaviour at the bar and also with my wicked hangovers experienced the next day. Headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, lethargy, all symptoms of a great night out. But is it really worth it? Sometimes no, but usually yes.

Me with Drink

Here in Ottawa, we’re fortunate enough to have a bunch of great weekly to monthly residencies, from Rock & Roll Pizza Party, to Disorganised, to Electric Ballroom and Grind. There’s always a temptation or an excuse to go out and fraternize with a drink or four in hand knowing full well that I have to work first thing the next morning.

Me with Drink

Typically I will wake up and curse my throbbing brain and then blame it on the vodka redbulls. I’m pretty certain most of my friends have eliminated me from their facebook minifeeds because I “status-whine” about whatever stage of hangover I’m experiencing. (First world problems, I know!)

Me with Drink

With so much overtime put in on the hangover clock, I’ve decided to share some of my secrets to “Surviving the Hangover – Weekend Edition”

1. Don’t drink vodka redbulls.

2. If you do consume vodka redbulls, don’t drink more than 1. Its just trouble/batshit craziness waiting to happen.

3. Have a giant glass of water and extra strength Advil set out on your night table for immediate consumption the next morning.

4. Try not to spend all your cash while out on the town. You may need it to order a greasy pizza to nurse the hangover the next   day. Rock & Roll Pizza Party. In Bed.

5. Don’t deny yourself of a little catnap here or there. Sleep the pain away.

6.Sloth life. Adopt it.

Me with Drink

And if you’re a weekday 9-5er like myself and are easily tempted by patios, and dancing and fun and etc on weeknight, then here’s some tips for “Surviving the Hangover – Weekday Edition”.

1. Set your alarm clock before you go out. I usually set it an hour before I actually have to get up. Snooze button will work wonders. Try not to abuse it too much though.

2. Pray to god that work will miraculously disappear. If the gods fail you, you better hope that Mother Nature has taken care of business via an ice storm or tornado or something disastrous like that.

3.  If work still exists, take a shower. Depending on what kind of night you had, there’s a chance you reek of booze.

4.  Drink a redbull for breakfast. No vodka.

5.  Pack a brown bag lunch. Lots of fruits and stuff to get some of the vitamins and nutrients you probably canceled out the night before. Wikipedia also recommends packing a bacon sandwich. Wikipedia is always right.

6. Try to look busy at work. People will tend to leave you alone if you “look” occupied.

Me with Drink

As I get older, the hangovers seem to get worse. Yeah, I know I was bragging about being a veteran earlier, but truth be told, I’m still a rookie when it comes to the hangover. Take these pointers as you will, but know that the only way to truly avoid a hangover is to fully abstain from alcohol.

Fuck that.
Catch you on the flip side. The stomach flip side.

-Cobrasnatch

Yeah Booooy! Al D is back and making fancy vids for your face.

Surkin played Wrongbar this past Saturday with Meech and Nasty Nav.

If Thursday night’s show at The Phoenix was any indicator, then Thunderheist definitely knows how to party.The rain didn’t stop the Toronto electro-rap duo’s legions of fans from descending on the Sherbourne St. hotspot that night.In fact, the soaked clothing and the potential hair frizz one could get from the rain were well worth it. We are talking about Thunderheist, after all.

By the time Isis and Grahm Zilla came on around 11 p.m. headlining the 17th anniversary Exclaim! tour, the crowd of mainly 20-somethings were already pumped up thanks to locally grown Dougie Boom and Halifax’s Scratch Bastid. Isis and Zilla immediately picked up where Scratch Bastid left off, igniting the crowd’s energy even further with such hits as “Nothing 2 Step 2”, “Space Cowboy” and “Do the Right Thing” off their long-awaited self-titled debut album. Over the next hour, Thunderheist rammed that excitement even further up their fans’ throats.And boy, did we want it.

The last time I saw Thunderheist live was at the Drake Hotel’s fifth anniversary party back in February.  Sure, Thunderheist was great then, however the April 30th performance kicked their performance credibility up a notch. By the time Isis -who looked fabulous I might add in her sequined mini – belted out the opening lines to “Jerk It”, calling fans up onto stage with Zilla and her, the crowd was writhing in pleasure, so much so that bouncers had to throw some people off. All in all, the night was a hit. While some critiques have panned Thunderheist’s album for lacking emotion, emotion was the name of the game that night. It fueled the crowd. And added to the belief that Thunderheist’s follow-up album should be recorded live.

Midnight rolled around faster that anyone in the crowd could have imagined. There’s no doubt Isis and Zilla were thankful as the concert’s closure could mean some much-needed rest before they hit Halifax’s The Paragon May 2. The alcohol-infused crowd, on the other hand, was left wanting more.

By: Lorianna De Giorgio

Photos: Natalie Lisa Johnson

I, Claudia, the one-woman play starring playwright Kristen Thomson, which made its debut in 2001 at Tarragon Theatre and was later adapted into film in 2004, successfully made its return onstage last night. It opened at the Young Centre presented by Crows Theatre in the historic Distillery District to a packed audience. I had the privilege of attending this marvelous night and I thought that I’d bring my bff, along with me to capture and share this magical experience, which is exactly what it was.

Last night’s opening was such a treat, which was the word I kept repeating all night to truly express how appreciative I was to have had the chance to see this extraordinary play back onstage with its original cast; consisting of 4 characters all performed by the same woman who, by the way, is photographed with me below.

I, Claudia depicts the life of a 12 year-old tween and her struggles with being unpopular in school, her parents untimely divorce, an overdue science project and, brace yourselves, PEE-YEWberty. Kristen uses expressive, commedia dell arte-esque masks to tap into the lives of these dynamic and deep individuals.

I was introduced to this play and film in my performing arts highschool a few years ago (wink) and it quickly became one of my faves. The story has a way of touching people of every race, age, sexual orientation or gender. It hits close to home with its raw, unforgiving accounts of the vulnerable life experiences we all tend to normalize as we age. My bff and I both had tears rolling down our cheeks by the end of the performance.

The play is ‘high-larious’ly funny yet poignant. Kristen received a roaring, standing ovation that lasted longer than any I’ve participated in or witnessed. It’s truly amazing to see that this production still buzzing years later.

Kristen reprises the title role in her 2001 playwriting debut from April 30th until May 23rd at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts at 55 Mill Street, Building 49, in the Distillery District.

Tickets are available by calling the Young Centre box office at 416.866.8666 or online at youngcentre.ca.

P.S.: There was  a reception after the show and they served an array of delicious…well, treats. I couldn’t resist.

JNTHNNTHNL

There’s one thing that I walked away thinking while watching the Adele show, it was that she is the most soulful, authentic and genuine artist that I’ve seen in a while. She’s more real than the thuggish group of kids standing on Young and Dundas drinking straight out of a 2L Coke and eating a patty with cocoa bread. She came on stage blushing and obviously taken back by the always classy Massey Hall and the massive turn out for her 3rd show in Toronto. When she entered on stage dressed in her pajama top  (yes pajama top) and black Tights the crowd could not contain themselves. You wouldn’t think that  Adele won two Grammys just because she is still humbled by her fans. When she got going with her hits and covers such as: Best For Last, Bob Dylan‘s “Make You My Love “  and Sam Cooke‘s  “That’s it, I Quit ,  I’m Moving On”  the crowd got into an indescribable groove. Massey Hall is known for it’s recliner cushioned seats, so unfortunately nobody wanted to get up to get down with  Adele but everyone was tapping their feet intensely.  When she left the stage the crowd  screamed for more and she came back out doing a new song and her ever popular,  highly critically acclaimed Chasing Pavement. Adele kept saying that she could not dance so she stood still but that did not stop her from doing this cute sway over the shoulder dance. Adele’s concert as a whole was a light caress and I love it because I’ve grown accustom to the rough stuff.

Thunderheist WHUD UP. Hearing Thunderheist in our offices is like hearing downtown Toronto drivers honking; ITS CONSTANT AND LOUD. Heck yes we are fans of this dynamic duo, but now a days who isn’t? They are taking over the world and duh that’s a really great thing!

Usually the only reason people tune into MTV is to watch The Hills. STOP IT. Tune into MTV for something WAY BETTER. This Wednesday April 29th,  Thunderheist will be on MTV LIVE. Fill your brain with something worth your time! And when MTV LIVE leaves you wanting more, which it will,  then  head down to The Phoenix Thursday April 30th to catch their concert in full swing. I mean we once had 5 minutes in heaven with Isis, and trust us it’s something everyone should experience.

After seeing their television faces on MTV LIVE, and after you feel their sweat drip on your body at Exclaim’s Tour at The Phoenix, go home and watch The Wrestler. Why you’re asking? Well let me tell you why! THUNDERHEIST’S SONG JERK IT ACCOMPANIES MY MAIN MAN MICKEY ROURKE ON THE BIG SCREEN.

Make it or Break it Thunderheist? They don’t just make shit, they INVENT IT!

I fear I may be experiencing concert overload – I know, how can that even be possible? But after seeing Kings Of Leon last night and how bored I got at times during the show, I think that is the case.

To be honest, it might have to do with where the show was held: the Air Canada Centre is just too big for these southern rockers, in my opinion. They sounded fantastic, Caleb Followill’s voice resounded through the arena clearly and the audience was very enthusiastic but there was just something missing. This is the kind of band you’d want to see in an intimate venue. Maybe the fact that I was too far away to admire their prettiness had something to do with it too.

But let’s talk about the actual show, shall we? When I walked in, The Walkmen were already on – not that anyone cared these guys were playing, as most of the audience was busy getting drunk and they were just a background noise.

For all those fans who hate on their latest, super popular album Only By The Night, and who miss their long hair days when they weren’t known for a little song with the lyrics “head while I’m driving” – I’m sure they were quite pleased to hear so many oldies. After opening up the show with one new song “Crawl”, they immediately launched into a bunch of older tunes including “Molly’s Chambers” and “California Waiting” from their debut album Youth & Young Manhood as well “Taper Jean Girl” from Aha Shake Heartbreak and “My Party” from Because Of The Times.

Of course, when they played “Sex On Fire”, everyone was singing along. For me, one of the highlights was hearing “Milk” live as well as “Knocked Up” during the encore – one of their best songs in my opinion, there’s just something amazing about the way that song builds up. Overall, it was a good show, and it’s great to see that the band is still playing lots of old songs, even though a big part of the crowd would probably rather hear the new album in its entirety.

Nicole Richie has launched a jewelry line called House of Harlow. It’s a line of plastic rings and necklaces made entirely of her baby (with Joel Madden) Harlow’s used diapers. How green!

(psych. It’s totally made in the normal factory way)

Photo Cred: ARKAN

Here I am at the Holt Renfrew Launch of House Of Harlow Jewelry line by Nicole Richie.

WHAT WAS GOOD?

They had some interesting ways of selling the jewelry, like getting you to actually buy the stuff. There was a wall of lollipops with numbers on them. If you bought some HOH and grabbed a lollipop, then you could get a Holt Renfrew priz. I didn’t, but I ate that loli to death. Prize enough for me.

It was way more lively than the Fashion Week Launch. Like 10 times more. A lot more smiling faces, and younger people and just general packed-ness.

WHAT SUCKED THE BIG ONE?

Uh twenty minute lineups for beer and wine and mojito’s. This just in, maybe not the best idea to make mojito’s when you have a bazillion people who want free booze.

The actual Jewelry was laid out in these big tables that were kinda a free for all and they had mini-computers set up where you could order more online. I was diggin’ on the idea, but whoever planned out the floor map must have forgot about the user experience, cause those tables were right in the walkways making it impossible to get through the crowds and move around comfortably AND you could barely see what was there if you weren’t in the first row.

Oh hell, I’m just gonna say it: it’s not good enough for Holt’s!!!

Holt’s hunny, you are the keeper of my all my best Christmas memories from childhood. The first time the Chanel Makeup counter lady made me cry because she didn’t think I had any money to spend. The first time I got bitchy with the Dior girl (a year after Chanel-lady taught me my lesson) when I had saved up all my babysitting money to buy my mother a velvet leopard-print makeup bag to put under the tree. And all the years after when I purposely dressed like an unemployed slob to pick up subsequent gifts for family members and screw with the clerks. It was this obstacle course of sass that made me want to buy the over-priced designer duds that only you carry.

I lusted after the white (and now even more obnoxiously amazing pink) bags to carry down the street in my torn jeans and teenage hair.

Has it really come to this? You’re selling Ardene baubles fit for the Dufferin mall? All because they are attached to a celebrity who is famous for being famously the daughter of someone famous and having kids with someone famous?

Damn you recession! With excess you have taken away class AND now, taste!

(honourable mentions: bad overdone hair coupled with orange makeup on 20-something boringistas, and well-preserved older women dressing far too young for their age).

I must say that I was very excited to do this interview because of my personal love of vintage fashion. Like a blind date, Diepo and I met at a coffee house (it begins with “Star”). I ordered and peaked around the corner to check out the creative masterminds behind this line that I am anxious to see later this evening. There they were, Justine Diener and Kristin Poon, both sweetly dressed in let’s welcome spring now attires.

This is the second time Diepo will be showing at Toronto Alternative Fashion Week. Last year they did a total of ten outfits with a 1920’s inspiration behind each piece. Plenty of silks, with more relaxed silhouettes, with references to garters and shape wear, spearheaded the collection. There were also some tailored pieces à la Diener, such as smoking jackets, that juxtaposed the underwear as outerwear mantra that Diepo holds true to.

Without giving too much away, Poon reveals to me that this year at FAT, they will revive the 1950’s with a more masculine palette with navy and browns, consistent through the collection. Expect to see their signature mix of lingerie, but do not be intimidated. Diener reassures that because the lingerie is vintage inspired, they are more modest, “Like an understated sense of sexiness…there are no thongs!”

When asked about their love for vintage, Diener admits that it has always been vintage for her and that she has never seen herself as a modern girl and has always been the type to romanticize the past. Poon adds, “This era was a very defining moment for fashion and the reason why it is never forgotten.” Indeed! Machinery evolved, the roaring 20’s, World War II, and because of that, women were finding their place in society.

Diepo was conceived by Diener and Poon while studying Fashion at Ryerson. The true belief that sharing means learning is what brought the two together. Diener explains that while in school, the competition is fierce and “People are at arm’s length of each other, because whatever you are working on is this big secret.” But it was not like that with Diener and Poon at all. According to Diener, “When you’re starting out, it’s hard to put your ideas out there unless you’re a very particular kind of person and I think neither one of us are. I really love the stuff that Kristin does and I found one of the hardest things in couture is the competitive aspect.”

According to the dynamic duo, another struggle as an up and coming designer is the support that Torontonians have towards their local fashion, or rather, the lack there of. It is the choice consumers have to make; whether or not they want to pay more for their garments. “The hardest,” Diener says, “Is the mass production places like H&M. It’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s just impossible to produce pieces for the price that they do.”

So what does Diepo see for the future? “We’re kind of still dipping out toes in,” they say. Poon and Diener are enjoying full creative control and hope to begin producing and selling their pieces. Retail success is something they hope to achieve, but the women agree that when the time is right it will come. Poon explains that they are not the type to, “Just put things out there”, if the piece is not ready; leading to her advice to other designers trying to make it, “Don’t get ahead of yourself; and keep people who are honest close.” Diener adds, “You have to have people around you who are constructive, otherwise you’re doomed!”

BY: KIM CUACHON

On the Eve of Alternative Fashion Week, the official count down has begun until the stilettos hit the catwalk. Alternative Fashion Week [FAT] is right around the corner, but FAT’s Michelle Reagan says, “It’s still surreal that it’s so close!”

FAT was launched by Vanja Vasic in 2005, and she seems like this fairy godmother to everyone who I have spoken to, so now I wait in bated breath to interview her post FAT (stay tuned). In its inaugural year, it debuted with (are you ready for this?) 12 designers, 10 visual performance artists, 1 band and 2 DJs. The turn-out was 800 people. This year is showcasing 45 designers, 40 visual performance artists, and 14 musical groups. The expected turn-out this year is four thousand.

Reagan is pleased to know that FAT will be touching this many people, but knows that there is still a misconception that the show is tres avant garde, not mainstream enough, thus shooing away potential attendees. “What some do not understand is that alternative doesn’t mean weird. It can be interpreted as an alternative to L’Oreal Fashion Week or even an alternative to what’s happening in the magazines and what’s really happening in Toronto.  We have really maintained a balance between the really super crazy things and the more, ready to wear collections.”

According to Reagan, this is the first time that FAT is happening over four days, “The response from participants has gone up.” Due to the eclectic mix, the four days have been broken up into four different themes; Home, Planet, Gutter and Beyond. It is without coincidence that Planet falls on Earth Day.

So, far Reagan says, “Things aren’t too crazy. I’m just keeping things organized, trying to keep up with emails and media requests. But, like all shows, there are always last minute things that will come up. But it’s exciting.”

When asked what is the best thing about FAT? Reagan replies, “I’m really looking forward to feeding off everybody’s creative energy. It’s amazing how so many creative minds, from all different artistic backgrounds come together for this event.”

There’s no financial reward at the end of the night, but certainly a reward that has a priceless sense of fulfillment in the four day celebration of art, coming together as each participant’s craft is being given a stage to express on! Bear in mind that these are the artists of the future, who will be changing fashion for all of us.

By: KIM CUACHON

The show opened with the self-proclaimed one man band GoldenGirls, and yes its one word. He was a machine cranking out party favourites like The Big League. How could we forget GoldenGirls’ new record titled XOXO? Tom performed the single Sex War whose lyrics were too catchy to forget… “1,2,3,4 I declare a sex war”. Even though he’s quite content being a one man army he does… “Wish he had a @%#$in’ drummer.”

Up next was my new fav band… Creature from Montreal. One word NUTS. The female lead vocalist Cowbella is mega bitchin as she skanked all over the stage. Belting out hits like Pop Culture with male vocalist Kim Ho who was bustin a move like no body’s business. Kim Ho was on fire, so much so that his guitar and vocals were too hot to handle. His jittering hips and pelvic thrusts were reminiscent of Prince, in the early days. They were outta hand just like a kid with ADD on Ritalin.

Straight from Scarborough, the dynamic duo The Carps where holdin it down. The Carps with Neil White instructing the infused bass and synths had a focus akin to that of a Scientist. Jahmal Tonge played the drums until his arms fell off while singing and screaming with the soul of an RnB/soul singer. The duo belted out hits like Veronica Belmont and All The Damn Kids fully equipped with a Soca vibe.

The night ended off with a bang as wild as our Hometown Heroes The Woodhands, as they finally made a long overdue return to TO! The bass and synths of Dan Werb were so sick you didn’t know whether you were at a rave, a house party or a rock concert… just INSANE. They played crowd favourites like their cover of Eddy Grant’s Electric Avenue which had the whole dance floor grooving. The vocals and synths where so on point it hurt for the Can’t See Straight. And surprise, surprise they ended the set with the hit Dancer featuring crooner Maylee Todd.

In between sets we had the turntable duo DJ FAMOUS PLAYERS, who were dropping down some dirty beats and even nastier basslines… The night was about cutting rug and letting your backbone slide. And that we did… Can’t wait for the next one!!!

1. PATIO, PATIO, PATIO!! Need, I say more. It’s the official sign that summer is here… And frankly nothing beats enjoyin’ an ice cold beverage on a wonderful patio with awesome music and people.

2. Enjoying all the outdoor festivals & delights that T.O has to offer… From the Beaches Jazz Festival to Summerlicious, T.O has summer entertainment on lock.

3. SUMMER clothes, with the temperature rising so will those hemlines. Finally, ladies we can wear open toes without gettin’ frost bite!!! OMG… How could I forget FLIP-FLOPS!!!

VS

4. Being able to get away from T.O to cottage country… Tell-tale sign summer is upon us is the steady traffic pile-ups each weekend on Highway 400 North.

5. Honestly, just being HAPPY it’s not @#$%in’ snowing outside with a windchill… Finally we can put away the Canadian Goose Parka & toque.

By: Chantel Bedward

Last night, I headed over to the Kool Haus for the third night in a row to see Deadmau5. Now, I’m used to seeing all kinds of different crowds – Thursday I was there for Taste Of Chaos and saw a lot of emo kids, Friday for Decadence it was definitely a mixed bag as Vanessa mentioned but lord, when my friend Mary and I walked into the Kool Haus yesterday, we were shocked to see so many bros in attendance! We even witnessed two bros having a good time, humping each other enthusiastically “as a joke”. Right.

Anyway, crowd aside, the show was pretty good. The Whip and Late Of The Pier, who both hail from the UK, served the crowd some electro/rock music to warm them up – but the crowd wasn’t feelin’ it. While I was shooting Late Of The Pier, people were clearly getting impatient and starting to chant “Deadmau5, Deadmau5!”.

I admit it was a bit of a strange mix, and the openers probably should have been DJs instead of bands, but it’s not hard to show a little bit of respect, ya know?

Around 1:30am, the man with the giant mouse head himself came out on stage to the deafening shouts of excitement and clapping from the crowd. Deadmau5’s prog-house beats had everyone in the club dancing up a storm. While I may not be too familiar with his tunes, I can say he definitely ripped it, and the crowd seemed to agree.

Photos by Marine Gobert