Presenting: Toronto's WinterCity Festival - Culinary Treats, Arts and Entertainment

There is no doubt that Canada is a northern countryof comedy and magic is expertly interlaced to
and that our winters here in Toronto can sometimesprovoke mystery and laughter.
be a little harsh. But that's no reason to hold anyoneFlying Debris Show
back from getting out there and enjoying the city toSaturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29 at
the fullest.1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
To ease the winter blues, the City of Toronto hasKansas, USA native Richard Holmgren brings his
developed a series of special events dedicated tohilarious comedy, amazing magic and unmatched
bringing the city to life in the middle of winter. Thejuggling skills to the WinterCity festival. You'll be
WinterCity Festival is a city-wide celebration ofamazed by the wide variety of objects flying
Toronto's culinary offerings (the popular Winterliciousthrough the air during his show.
restaurant promotion), a wide variety of freeFlyin' Bob
entertainment events and a showcase of Toronto'sSaturday, February 4 & Sunday, February 5 at
vibrant arts scene, featuring live music, dance,1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
theatre, spectacle shows, rink-side concerts and evenThis one man three ring circus from Red Deer,
aerial acrobatic performances. Throw in a number ofAlberta has been entertaining audiences across
child-friendly events, and WinterCity has somethingCanada and around the world for the last seventeen
for everyone in the family.years. Flyin' Bob's action packed show showcases his
I had a chance to talk to Grant Ramsey from theown brand of physical and verbal comedy, energetic
City of Toronto who is one of the key people behindjuggling, spectacular balancing, and audience
WinterCity and he is providing a much more detailedparticipation.
overview of all the special events, artistic and culinaryScot Free Daredevil Stunt Show
treats on offer.Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, February 5 at
1. Please give us an overview of Toronto's12 noon & 6 p.m.
WinterCity Festival. When did it come into being?One of Toronto's favourite performers! Check out
When and where is it held?this skillful mix of character comedy, exciting
This year will be the fourth WinterCity held. Prior todaredevil stunts, sharp improvised wit and audience
the name change, it was called WinterFest, whichinteraction. Fun for all ages, come see if this daredevil
took place on one weekend. Since expanding thegets off ... Scot Free!!
festival, it now runs for two-weeks and is held9. Please tell us about "Soup's On!" - a special event
primarily at Nathan Phillips Square from, Jan. 27 tooffering cooking demonstrations and soup tastings.
Feb. 9"Soup's On!," presented by Liberty Tax Services,
2. Please tell us more about the "Wild on Winteroffers cooking demonstrations and soup tastings
Series".from Toronto's top chefs matched with live
The Wild on Winter Series (WOW!) combines someperformances from some of Toronto's most diverse
of the best performances in Toronto. Two largebands.
outdoor spectacle shows, "Walk the Plank" and "IlThe world of soup is vast and sophisticated. There
Corso", which take place on Saturday and Sundaysare thick soups such as bouillabaisse that nearly cross
of both weekends, feature some of the bestthe line from soup to stew, thin clear
pyrotechnic, special effects and sound displays inconsommés, and everything in-between.
North America. Other WOW! Series performersNearly all cultures have their own soup specialties:
include, stellar Canadian talent presenting the best inhearty Russian borscht, garlicky Spanish gazpacho,
dance and live music all at Nathan Phillips Square.and Pot-au-Feu, a French clear soup made from
3. Please tell us more about the "Warm-up Series"?boiled beef and vegetables.
Where does it take place, what events does itFeaturing soups from Spain to China and Jamaica to
include?Greece, the "Soup's On" pavilion will have something
The Warm up series offers great discounted eventsfor everyone. Hosted by food enthusiast Marty Galin,
at some of Toronto's hottest destinations. For thosechefs from Toronto-area restaurants will provide live
who just can't brave the cold, The Warm Up Seriescooking demonstrations in a heated pavilion on
offer excellent interactive entertainment at TheNathan Phillips Square with the public able to
Toronto Eaton Centre and other venues around thetaste-test the results while listening to music from
city.the themed country.
Toronto Eaton Centre Schedule:10. Please tell us about the "Tower of Light"
- Spin Cycleperformance.
Monday, January 30: 12:30 & 5:30 pmToronto's 14 day city-wide celebration, the
The international vaudevillian duo of Greg Tarlin andWinterCity Festival, presented by the American
Kristi Heath combine their talents as award-winningExpress Philanthropic Program, presents the North
circus performers, Second City comedy veterans andAmerican premiere of The Tower of Light, a
skilled writers to engage, amaze and entertain withlarge-scale outdoor production blending fireworks and
skills that include juggling, unicycling, stilt dancing andfire sculptures, music, lighting, special effects and
more.spectacular visual images. The production is
- The Silk Road Acrobatsperformed January 27, 28 and 29 at
Three Man Acrobats & Hula Hoop Act7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.
Tuesday, January 31: 12:30 & 5:30 pmFramed by the silhouette of Toronto's City Hall, this
This performance combines the grace, delicacy and30-minute production features a 15m tower of light
poise of the Chinese acrobatic tradition with theand a carefully orchestrated outdoor performance of
power and athleticism of Russian acrobatics. Threevibrant special effects and atmospheric music.
professional acrobats perform multiple towers, fallsBuckets of fire rise up into the sky as the lighthouse
and strength poses along with an up-beatpulses with flares. Fireworks erupt from every level
performance using a multiple hoop apparatus.as the performers dance beneath the silver rain. The
- The Silk Road Acrobatsshow comes to a dramatic close with a spectacular
Seven Man Acrobats & The Female Contortionfireworks finale.
DuoWalk the Plank is widely recognized as one of the
Wednesday, February 1: 12:30 & 5:30 pmUK's leading producers of innovative shows and
Professional acrobats perform an amazing groupmagical spectacles. The company was established by
demonstration of strength, coordination, groupJohn Wassell and Liz Pugh, its current management
dynamic and impeccable timing. While balancingteam, in 1991. Site-specific shows and fireworks have
delicate vases on their hands and feet, the acrobaticbeen a feature of the company's work since the
female duo perform graceful contortions andbeginning, but this area of work has expanded and
remarkable poses, creating an effect that is trulydeveloped over recent years. In 2001 Walk the Plank
enchanting.undertook its first international work with shows in
- High Strung Aerial Acrobats "Dy-no-mite"Singapore and Portugal.
Thursday, February 2 & Saturday, February 4,The Tower of Light has been performed at the
12:30 & 5:30 pmSingapore Arts Festival, Greenwich and Docklands
A two-woman high energy aerial show with a sassyInternational Festival and Stockton International
disco flair. Performed to hits from the 70s, like DiscoRiverside Festival.
Inferno, Ring My Bell and Macho Man, the show10. Please tell us about "Il Corso", a 60-minute
features aerial straps, a swinging ladder and trapeze.open-air theatre spectacle.
Throw in some audience participation, acrobatics and11. Please tell us about "Il Corso" performance, based
a kick-ball change or two, and you have a spectacleon a book by Pablo Neruda.
like no other.WinterCity presents the North American premiere of
- High Strung Aerial Acrobats "Impressed"Il Corso, a 60-minute open air theatre spectacle
Friday, February 3 & Sunday, February 5:featuring actors, acrobats and musicians from
12:30 & 5:30 pmGermany's Theatre Pan-Optikum. The production is
Witness aerial dance artistry, superior and surprisingperformed February 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. outdoors at
manipulations, and skills that seem to defy gravity.Nathan Phillips Square.
Wonder and marvel as these two breathtakingIl Corso will take place all over Nathan Phillips Square
airborne lovelies perform startling acrobatic feats.as the venue is transformed into a stage. Individual
Events & Shows hosted by some of Toronto'sspectators will continually change their positions as
top attractionsthey are caught up in the movement and, ultimately,
Don't miss this series of special WinterCity events ateven become part of the performance. Featuring a
Toronto's top urban destinations. For more details,wall of fire, dancers on 10 ft. sway poles and huge
contact each attraction directly.metal structures including a human propeller, the
4. Please tell us about the WinterCity Weekendproduction combines dramatic movement, installations,
SeeSaw at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Youngmusic, text, huge expressive images and
People.pyrotechnics.
WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at Lorraine KimsaIl Corso tells the story of a human being in search of
Theatre for Young Peoplefulfillment and happiness and is based on "The Book
Meet four ordinary kids coping with the ups andof Questions" by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda.
downs of their lives. Paige, the popular yet insecureThe 74 short poems contained in the book are
girl. Adam the tough bully who is also a budding artist,structured as two-line verses raising 316 puzzling
shy Josh who learns magic tricks in order to becomequestions. Many of Neruda's questions are ones
invisible and Charla the new girl who wants to bechildren sometimes pose such as "Where do shadows
everybody's friend. (recommended for ages 9-12)disappear to?" and "Why are leaves green?" These
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29, 2questions often expose the fact that adults cannot
pmexplain everything they claim to know. As Neruda
Kids and adults WinterCity price just $12 each.says, "What we know is so small and what we
Regular price $15-20 eachassume so great."
165 Front Street EastIn 2001, the "Kunstfest Weimar" art festival opened
416-862-2222with Il Corso. In 2002, Il Corso was chosen from 80
6. You also have an event planned that involvesinvited open air productions and awarded 1st prize at
"Franklin the Turtle", "Elliot Moose" and the CN Tower.the street theatre festival in Holzminden, after which
Please tell us more about that.Il Corso played 27 times in Germany and the
Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose & friends visitNetherlands. Il Corso is currently the most played
the CN Toweropen air production in Europe.
Join Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose and their author10. What about the "Winter Moves" dance
friends, Elizabeth MacLeod, Irene Luxbacher andperformances?
Aubrey Davis, at the CN Tower. Enjoy winter crafts,As part of the WOW! (Wild on Winter) Series, The
no-bake chocolate recipes, storytelling and more.WinterCity Festival presents Winter Moves - dance
This fun filled event is included with your special CNperformances from four of Canada's top
Tower coupon admission of 3 people for $30contemporary dance companies. Performances take
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29place outside at Nathan Phillips Square on Festival
11 am - 4 pmweekends. Participating companies include:o Company
3 people for $30Blonde - Company Blonde has a unique and vital
301 Front Street Westpresence in the independent dance scene in Canada.
416-868-6937Since it's inception in 1999, Company Blonde has been
For full details on this event please visit,dedicated to creating dance works that are
6. You also offer special free skating events, beeraccessible to a vast audience of all ages blending
tastings, a big band event, discounted opera eventscomedy and theatre with classical modern dance.
and theatre performances, please provide anCompany Blonde will perform:o Awright, Awright,
overview of those.Awright! -- Clad in bright 70's style one-piece
DJ Skating Night @ Harbourfrontsnowsuits this highly energetic piece was designed
Slide down to Harbourfront's beautiful rink and skatefor the outdoors but has found its way onto many
to music including house, progressive and breaks withsmall stages. The dancers (Monica Dottor, Michelle
DJs Phantasm, Simon Jain and Tommy Gunners!Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and
Free hot chocolate! Skate rentals, sharpening, lockers,Nicole Rush) arrive in a car, music blaring, put out a
snacks and drinks all available.few plastic palm trees and dance with all their heart
Friday, February 3, 2006to the pop music of Outkast. It is nearly impossible
8-11 pmto resist shakin' it along side them. Awright, Awright,
FREEAwright! premiered at the Guelph Contemporary
235 Queens Quay West, South of York Quay CentreDance Festival in March 2004 and has been
416-973-4000performed many times since, at schools, on stages
A Bite before Twilightindoor and out and always in snowsuits.o Binder
Under 30? Join the Canadian Opera Company for aTwine -- This hilarious Wild West piece features
feast of traditional Bavarian fare at the exciting Bieroutlaws, saloon girls, line dancers, tumble weed and
Markt Esplanade and a quick update of "the story sobaked beans! Featuring dancers Monica Dottor,
far" before gorging on the dramatic final installmentMichelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath
of Wagner's epic Ring Cycle - The Twilight of theand Nicole Rush Binder Twine premiered at the
Gods (Götterdämmerung). Meet otherGuelph Contemporary Dance Festival in April 2005
young opera lovers and fortify yourselves with beerand was performed at the T.O Twang Festival at
and worst, fine food and good cheer in preparationHarbourfront in August 2005.o CORPUS -- Founded in
for the experience of a lifetime.1997, CORPUS is devoted to creating original work
Saturday, February 4, 2006for broad audiences including children. Led by Sylvie
$60 for opera ticket and meal (includes taxes andBouchard and David Danzon, CORPUS is known for
gratuity)its precise and surrealist humour, the company
4 pm dinnercombines contemporary dance and physical theatre.
Bier MarktCORPUS will perform:o Les moutons (The Sheep) --
58 The EsplanadeLes moutons is a humorous "live installation" where
6 pm performance of Götterdämmerungreality meets fantasy. Meet Julie, Marie-Louise,
Hummingbird Centre for the Performing ArtsBernadette and Cesar, three healthy young sheep
1 Front St. E.and an old ram. The Shepherd is here too, talking you
To order tickets, call: Ticketmaster at 416-872-2262through a carefully studied overview of sheep
A Return to the Golden Era of Swing at Casa Lomabehavior.o Tina Fushell / Choreographer / Dancer --
Dance the night away in one of Toronto's mostBorn and raised in St. John's, Nfld., Tina Fushell studied
beautiful rooms with the Toronto All-Star Big Band.at the Quinte Ballet School and the School of
Resembling a Mediterranean Courtyard, Casa Loma'sToronto Dance Theatre. In 2002 Tina co-founded
The Conservatory is a spectacular setting with itsAmbitious Enterprises (AE) with Kate Franklin and
gleaming brass doors, opulent marble and 30-footSamm Higgison, producing the "At the Wrecking Ball"
stained glass dome. One of the most exciting bandsseries, a now yearly event which has garnered much
around, the 17-piece Toronto All-Star Big Band,praise for the young company and ushered in a new
"cooks" with its powerful tributes to the heady hitsgeneration of choreographers and collaborators from
of the 1930s and 40s. It's like watching Goodman,various disciplines. Tina Fushell will present:o sTOries --
Dorsey, and Miller live.sTOries is performed to live jazz music. This
Saturday, February 4, 2006contemporary dance piece is inspired by Torontonians
8:00 pmstories about Winter. The highly physical sTOries
$25.00 per person (includes G.S.T. and finger foods)features a trio of dancers (Tina Fushell, Anisa Tejpar
Tickets available on-line atand Kate Franklin) dressed for Winter in full wool
One Austin Terraceskirts, blazers and boots.o Larchaud Dance Project is
416-923-1171known for their strength-testing choreography and
Letters from Lehrergravity defying movement and are certain to
CanStage offers a 20% discount to the February 9thcaptivate, provoke, and entertain all audiences.
performance of Letters from Lehrer - written andLarchaud Dance Project's upcoming June 2006
performed by Richard Greenblatt featuring the wordsproduction is based on the world and culture of
and music of Tom Lehrer.videogames. Each piece in the show is based on a
There will be a Satirical Lyric Writing workshop forworld/level of the game, albeit a jungle, a labyrinth,
the closet songwriter. This pre-show workshop willunderwater, etc. At the WinterCity Festival, Larchaud
run from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by theDance Projects will present:o Ice World -- Of all the
performance at 8 pm.levels of a videogame the ice world proves to be the
Thursday, February 9, 2006greatest challenge. Not only must the players
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (workshop)overcome the treacherous conditions of their
8 pm (performance)environment, but they must conquer the evil Queen
20% discount on regular priced ticketsand her Henchman. It is she who controls this world,
Regular price range: $26 to $51and in her defeat, they may progress onto the next
Berkeley Theatrelevel.
26 Berkeley Street11. Toronto's WinterCity Festival will also feature a
Box Office: 416-368-3110number of live music performances. Please tell us
Coupons for discounted rates are available by visiting:about those.
where they can be printed.The WinterCity Festival, presented by the American
7. Please tell us about "Winterlicious", Toronto's winterExpress Philanthropic Program, the award-winning 14
restaurant promotion.day city-wide celebration of Toronto's culture,
The phenomenally successful restaurant promotioncreativity and cuisine, will feature two weekends of
Winterlicious, presented by American Express, returnsFREE live music and DJ's on an outdoor stage at
to Toronto January 27 - February 9, 2006. TheNathan Phillips Square as part of the WOW! (Wild On
fourth annual Winterlicious is part of the WinterCityWinter) series. The WinterCity Festival takes place
Festival, an award-winning 14 day city-wideJanuary 27 - February 9, 2006.
celebration of Toronto's culture, creativity and cuisine.Friday Jan. 27
More than 120 participating restaurants will offer aOpening Concert
special three-course prix fixe menu where patronsLes Batinses, 7:30 p.m.
can sample the establishment's tasty fare at fantasticThis young sextet plays world music with a
price points. Prix fixe menu price categories are $15Québécois slant. They embrace music
or $20 for Lunch and $25 or $35 for Dinner. Pricesfrom anywhere and everywhere to marry old-style
are per person, plus taxes and gratuity. Beveragesfolk and roots ballads with funk-driven acoustics.
are additional.Saturday Jan. 28
In addition to the hugely popular prix fixe menus, 10Sizzling Hot! Latin Dance Music
establishments will be offering unusual food-relatedDJ Billy Bryans, 12 noon
events. These culinary experiences allow guests toGet on the ice and move! DJ Billy Bryans drops the
savour delectable meals followed by dancing, uniquelatest in Latin music, reggaeton, salsa and the hottest
tours and other rare experiences. To obtain details ontimba cuts directly from Havana.
the Winterlicious Culinary Experiences, the public canChiva featuring Brownman, 12:30 p.m.
visitToronto's Chiva fuses seductive Colombian rhythms
In past years Torontonians and tourists alike havewith funk grooves and urban hip-hop beats against a
enthusiastically celebrated Toronto's diverse andLatin-jazz backdrop.
innovative cuisine with delicious menus available atLatin Roots Orchestra, 2 p.m.
restaurants city-wide. Winterlicious 2005 sold moreWith a nod to the golden age of Latin music, this
that 183,000 meals over the 14 days - an increase ofToronto group blends the hottest sounds of classic
67% from the previous year and resulting in ansalsa with the latest hip-shaking Latin grooves
estimated $6.4 million in economic activity.guaranteed to burn up the dance floor.
8. Please tell us about the family entertainmentTumbao Inc., 3:30 p.m.
offered in the American Express Cool Ice Lounge,One of Toronto's newest Latin orchestras, Tumbao
including ice sculptures, carving demonstrations andInc. offers catchy lyrics and memorable melodies
live entertainment.combined with powerful percussive beats in
The third annual WinterCity Festival, the City ofmerengue music and electronica.
Toronto's city-wide celebration of the world's coolestBrownman & CRUZAO featuring Fito Blanko, 5
winter city, presents the most fun one family canp.m.
have with 200,000 pounds of ice at temperaturesLed by multi-award-winning trumpeter Brownman,
below -5 C -- the American Express Cool Ice Lounge.CRUZAO mixes authentic Latin rhythms, jazz
Created by Custom Ice Art and managed by theharmonies and modern urban grooves. CRUZAO is
Liberty Entertainment Group, The American Expressjoined by special guest Fito Blanko, Toronto's rising
Cool Ice Lounge is Toronto's first ice lounge ideal forstar of reggaeton.
the whole family.Ricky Franco, 6:30 p.m.
During the day, stroll through the Ice LoungeTalented singer/songwriter/composer, Ricky Franco
enjoying contemporary ice sculptures, carvingdelivers slick vocals layered over powerful Salsa
demonstrations and live entertainment. Stop for aDescargas with a soulful edge and the popular dance
beverage and snack at the ice bar and relax on therhythms of Bachata.
frosty furniture. Catch ice carving demonstrationsBetween sets, DJ's will spin. Following the final band,
twice a day at 2 & 5 pm on January 28 &DJ's will spin club music outside until 11 p.m.
29 and February 4 & 5, 2006.Sunday Jan. 29
By night, this venue is transformed into a frozenCool Blues
night club venue complete with icy seating, an ice bar,Ndidi Onukwulu, 12:30 p.m.
and Toronto DJ's spinning the latest tunes.A new voice in Toronto's blues community, singer
During the day, the American Express Cool Icesongwriter Ndidi Onukwulu was born in BC and grew
Lounge will include live family entertainment, including:up listening to a variety of music including Nigerian
The Magical Comedy of Stephen Elvayjuju. Set for release early in 2006, her eclectic debut
Sunday, January 29 & Saturday, February 4 atalbum defies labels.
12 noon & 6 p.m.Tyler Yarema, 2 p.m.
Witty, engaging and supremely entertaining, Elvay isOriginally from Thunder Bay, Toronto pianist-vocalist
one of Canada's funniest and most popularTyler Yarema dishes up high-energy boogie-woogie
entertainers. His fast paced and visual extravaganzacomplemented by a smooth, fiery vocal delivery.