This was a very humbling experience for me as I had to be bright eyed and bushy tailed at a time when I am usually sound asleep.  As a self proclaimed night owl a 6:30 am carpet call totally ruffled my feathers.   Then when I got there the media peeps didn't have me on their list.  No worries I wasn't crashing!  I had an email to prove it.  So I showed them my email at which point they told me to just sit aside for the time being until they gave me a number.

Eventually I just walk into the photo pit section and secured a corner.  I am finally given the number 12.  OK.  Whatever.  Then the person organizing the pit comes in and starts prioritizing photographers by number.  Thereby allowing them to commandeer the prized locations of the blue carpet.  Now the big boys (physically and figuratively) took up the prime locations on the carpet.  I'm not easily deterred.  I still managed to pull off some decent shots by shooting  under, over, or between the preferred peeps. 

Maybe, just maybe, in the future, the organizers could confirm whether or not those peeps are staying to cover the main event. I was not thrilled when I heard in the pit that the tallest of the preferred photographers was rushing off to shoot some corporate execs new head shots. Priority should probably have been given to a) those that showed up first and b) those that were going to stick around for the main event.  Just sayin'.               

One of my all time favourite things to do is grab my camera(s) and hop on my bike in search of street art.  Yesterday I went out and captured these beauties.  #SundayFunday isn't just a hashtag anymore.        

I know you are probably wondering where the full body shots are.  Well someone else took those, I don't want  to focus on the clothes on the red carpet. I want to focus on the people.

​Besides, the only shoe that you needed to see from the Hollywood North TIFF Party was the one below ... An absolutely stunning ice sculpture.     

The fourth annual TDOT FEST at Yonge and Dundas Square happened on September 2nd, 2018. 

I definitely appreciate the fact that they continue to reinforce the notion that this is a family friendly event.  There was a hand printed sign facing the stage that clearly stated anyone using foul language would have their mic cut off immediately.  Just in case they needed the reminder.  

It's sad though really that some of these artists don't practice a clean version of their songs.  In the last couple of years it seems that the majority of the times the sound guys cut the microphone I was completely vibing with what the performers were trying to say.  Leaving me shaking my head when everything goes strangely silent as I struggle to re-enter my own mind front and center at YDSquare    

​For the record artists that perform on their stage this year are getting the message.  From what I recall, only one  performance was cut short.    

(Photos were original published to my Instagram .)

Toronto, ON - Thursday, August 30, 2018 – Are you a Banksy-fan and would you like to win one of the infamous Di-faced Ten Pound notes. The "Art of Banksy" thanks its Toronto visitors by organizing a very special lottery and giving one lucky visitor the chance to win one of these iconic works.

The graffiti artist Banksy is known for his irreverent humor and critically witty pieces. Here his punning, counterfeit ten-pound note, replaces the Queen’s portrait with that of Princess Diana, the people’s princess. In 2004, the artist printed one million pounds worth of his “Di Faced Tenner”. The altered bills, which also feature the words "Banksy of America", were then dropped into a crowd at the 2004 Notting Hill Carnival and later that year, at The Reading Festival. 

Starvox Exhibits and Live Nation will randomly pick one winner of the Di-faced Ten Pound Note, which has been appraised at $3,000.00 and comes with a certificate of authenticity.. All ticket buyers from June 13 until September 16, 2018 at 8pm will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win. The winner will be contacted on September 17. 
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Visit www.banksyexhibit.com/entertowin to see how you can enter to win.  Good Luck!!!

Indie Week strives on presenting a festival that is about discovering the best new music.  Returning from November 6th - 11th, 2018 for it's 16th year Indie Week proudly announces the First Round of Artists for Indie Week Canada 2018!
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It’s our biggest year ever with artists from 16 countries around the world, International showcases from Chile, the UK and Brazil, Road To Indie Week winners from 5 competitions, and the most exciting new music ever. There will be more showcases, special events, parties and performances than ever before.

Click here for the complete list of artists.

Toronto, ON - Thursday, August 23, 2018 – Due to popular demand, Starvox Exhibits and Live Nation announced today that, “The Art of Banksy” at 213 Sterling Road (Lansdowne TTC stop), is being extended for one final time and must close on Sunday, September 16, 2018. A new block of tickets will go on sale beginning Thursday, August 23, 2018.  To date, over 70,000 tickets have been sold.
The Art of Banksy exhibit, featuring 80 original works (Or is it 79? Remember that one that was reportedly stolen before the exhibit was even open to the public?) associated with, arguably, the most intriguing and talked about artist in modern history.  This, is the world’s largest collection of Banksy’s works ever exhibited. Included in this collection are original paintings, prints, sculptures and rarely seen pieces.
Since it opened on June 13, The Art of Banksy has generated rave reviews. Thousands have already visited the exhibition in Toronto, and the exhibit is now the talk of the town. All good things must end however, and now the show is moving on. This will be your last chance to view the enigmatic artist’s works in Toronto..
To purchase tickets and for more information on The Art of Banksy go to www.banksyexhibit.com

TORONTO, ON – B.C. based singer-songwriter and guitarist, Jesse Roper announced he is bringing his electrifying live performance on the road in support of his latest album, Access to Infinity. Canadian dates will kick off on October 12 in his hometown of Victoria, BC and wrap November 16 in Niagara Falls, ON. 

“If I could be on the road 364 days a year I would. No joke. I feel alive when I'm on tour," said Jesse Roper. "It's my dream to see the four corners of this crazy planet and have music as my vehicle. I love the road and the road loves me back.”
Joining Roper will be Vancouver Island rockers Band of Rascals. The band’s latest EP Tempest blends elements of hard-hitting modern rock, with the vintage aesthetic of southern blues. The band will showcase their distinct sound and energetic stage presence in support of nine of the tour’s west coast dates. 

Produced by Ian Davenport (July Talk, Band of Skulls, Supergrass) Roper’s third album Access To Infinity encompasses the raw riffing on which Roper has built his reputation, combined with a modern take on the psychedelic explorations of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. Since the album’s release early this year, Roper has reached 2.8 million streams on Spotify and has hit the stage with numerous other top acts including, Big Wreck, Johnny Reid, Tash Sultana and Burton Cummings.

Information about tour dates and purchasing tickets can be found here.