This week’s best parties include the fourth anniversary of Textstyles, an outdoor movie at Brassaii, and a day party at the Trinity Tuck Shop.
Thursday: inTO, a Living Room Jam
With a performance by Eight and a Half. KITCH Bar, 229 Geary Avenue. Tickets at $69 for non-members, $49 for members. Doors at 8 p.m.
Remember when I told you about inTO , that new series that aims to bring the artists and producers of the art and culture we enjoy into a more intimate setting? It’s tonight! A quick refresh: “Each month, inTO producers will invite a rotating cast of city-famous guest hosts (“ambassadors”) to craft their own unique night out in the city that orbits the arts scene.” For its first instalment, Jeffrey Remedios, the man behind indie mega-label Arts & Crafts, will import his band Eight and a Half to perform a set and chat about their work and music with entertainment reporter/co-host Mary Kitchen. It’s an intimate and interactive experience that will see KITCH bar whip up a feast of Mexican comfort food and stimulate your senses with specialty cocktails—and it’s all included in the ticket price. Only 100 spots were made available in advance, and I’m told there are a few left to purchase online with a limited number at the door. If you’re looking for something truly different, allow me to point you in the right direction .
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Saturday: Supafrik Pop-Up Shop & Gallery
With DJ Yogi (Groove Institute) & DJ Karlando. 627 Queen Street West. Running until August 4. Free. Doors at 8 p.m.
When the first incarnation of Supafrik, a pop-up series devoted to promoting and celebrating “urban contemporary Africana,” landed in Kensington Market last summer, it made a big splash . In other words, it was hella successful, attracting over 1,500 visitors during its run. Spearheaded by local fashion designer Chinedu Ukabam (of the clothing label Chinedesign), Supafrik aims “to showcase artwork and design that re-contextualize African aesthetics and traditions within a modern framework.” When the names behind Suprafrik mounted “Afrotropolis Wanderland,” a similar offshoot of the series, at 99 Sudbury last winter, I called it a “one night only, multi-sensory art exhibit.” This summer, it’s the best of both worlds. Head to Queen West this Saturday night for the official launch, where you can shop treasures scouted from London, New York and Paris, including African-crafted sneakers, won’t-find-anywhere-else fabrics and textiles, homewares, art, and more. All over Afro house and afrobeat. Dancing is sure to follow. Find out more here .
Saturday: Textstyles 4th Anniversary Dance Jam
With DJ Diego Armand. Daniel Faria Gallery, 188 St. Helens Avenue. Free. Doors at 9 p.m.
Well, isn’t it a fashionable weekend? On Saturday, before or after Supafrik, photographer-slash-wonder woman Stefania Yarhi—one of the best people you can meet in this soul-sucking industry—is celebrating the fourth year of Textsyles.ca , her fashion photography/street style/life-as-an-artist blogzine with a big dance party. And you should come. Featuring Hudson’s Bay party favourite Diego Armand on the decks—please play Robyn?—will keep you moving, and gallerist Daniel Faria will play host at his tucked-away space in Bloordale. Plus, anticipate Yarhi-grade surprises—like, maybe, a photo booth? (And wear something white.) Find out more here . This one’s for you, girl.
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Sunday: Daydreams at Trinity Tuck Shop
With Summer Fling DJs. 198 Walnut Avenue. Free. 2 p.m.
If you haven’t yet been to the newly-incorporated Trinity Tuck Shop —a merger between designers Ashley Rowe and Dylan Davies with vintage queen Kealan Sullivan—get thyself to park heaven’s giftshop ASAP. With everything from custom dip-dye shirts to Pop Shoppe Root Beer and candy to blanket and racquet rentals, the shop will take your day in the park up a notch—or seven. And the fun just keeps on bursting out of those tiny doors. On Sunday afternoon, Young Lions Music Club presents Daydreams, “a fresh, fun, daytime sidewalk party” featuring the musical stylings of the Summer Fling DJs—with founder Bobby Kimberley and his sweet-as-pie partner in crime Anna Wiesen. There will be lemonade, popsicles and—fingers crossed—sunshine. Find out more here . Here’s a mix to get you in the mood.
summer fling vol 2 from summerflingforever on 8tracks .
Monday: Movie Mondays at Brassaii
Brassaii, 461 King Street West. Free. Screening at sundown.
Outdoor film screenings are, like, so hot right now. There’s TIFF in the Park on Wednesday nights (complete with its own CN Tower light show), and those dog bowl screenings at Trinity Bellwoods on Sunday. And so much more. So now let’s pair this summer pastime-cum-trend with cocktail service. Earlier this week, I went to the inaugural Movie Monday at King West resto Brassaii to watch The Princess Bride Twitter and Facebook; this week, choose between: Raiders of the Lost Ark , Ferris Bueller’s Day Off , and my childhood favourite The Land Before Time . Oh, and it’s free, but buy a gin and tonic or something, won’t you?
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