Brainsgiving 08: Making the Funny for your Brain

On December 1 at the Gladstone Hotel Eyes on Toronto presents Brainsgiving a evening of Comedy to benefeit for St. Michael's Hostpital Foundation.

Brainsgiving is the erm...brain child of Amanda Terfloth who was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour at the age of 17 and told she would need medication (with nasty side effects) for the rest of her adult life. After seeking a second opinion Dr. Harley Smyth (a St. Michael's neurosurgeon) operated and repaired the rebellious gland. Brainsgiving is Amanda's way of giving back. The story is actually much better than this you can read it all here: http://www.brainsgiving.ca/08_cause.html.

This year's Brainsgiving will feature Trevor Boris, Dave Martin, Jillian Thomas, James Salisko and Levi McDougall and the Eyes on Toronto cast. Doors are at 7:30, cost is 10 bucks and the rest of the info is at brainsgiving.ca or the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=34973299933&ref=ts.

Next I was going to post the trailer, but I can't because it appears to only be on Facebook Video so I can't embed it, so I'll use last years and if you want to see this year's go to http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=45893381536&oid=34973299933.

Beyond that, go to this on Dec. 1 - it will be amazingly fun and all for a good cause.

The 2007 Brainsgiving Trailer

Eyes on Toronto to Return for Nuit Blanche

On Saturday, October 4 Nuit Blanche returns to Toronto from 6:52 pm (don't get there at 6:51 it'll do you no good) until sunrise. Nuit Blanche is, as always, market by arts events all over the downtown core. This year 155 'destinations' in three zones will be featured as part of the official celebration. (Details are here.)

Amoung these 155 destinations is an all night edition of Eyes on Toronto at the Gladstone Hotel you can check out the Nuit Blanche profile for the event as well as the Facebook Event or just visit Eyesontoronto.ca. No word on who will be performing yet, but Eyes has in the past managed to get some great guests. There are samples of some of them on the Eyes On Toronto YouTube Channel. Eyes has also said that the Eyes on Toronto crew has "Huge Moves" coming in the fall, but has dropped no hints as to what that might mean.

RVT: Levi MacDougall

Almost everyone knows who Levi MacDougall is. If you don't know the name he is the guy with the really bad cell phone service in Rogers Wireless ads (Don't believe the hype, Rogers service is not that great.) But Levi is more than a guy with bad cell phone service. He's also one of Toronto's better stand up comics.



p.s. It's also his birthday. Happy Birthday Levi

Eyes on Toronto This Monday

The next and maybe last Eyes on Toronto is this Monday, July 7 at the Gladstone Hotel. I kinda doubt that this really is the last, last show. I know that they were gearing up an all night show for Nuit Blanche but I know that they are taping this one to use as a pilot that they can show around, so who knows what will happen going forward. At any rate it’s the last show for now.

As for the guests:

First up is Mr. Ongoing History of New Music himself Alan Cross. After allan is a return visit from Comedian Fraser Young (I believe he’s the only guest to actually come back!)



Rounding out the Evening is musical guest Clothes Make the Man doors are at 9 I think, they usually are. So if you want to see Eyes on Toronto one more time, or for the first time before it gets picked up by a network and Steve is too good to be on your talk show come on out!

RVT: Amanda Terf: Fukits

Just a little reminder that Eyes On Toronto is tonight, at the Gladstone Hotel with Bruce McDonald, Ron Sparks, and the Sunparlour Players: One of the regular features of Eyes On Toronto has been short video sketches from Amanda Terf. This is one of those sketches (please have your Claritin ready).

Bruce McDonald at Eyes on Toronto June 2

Legendary Canadian filmmaker Bruce McDonald, Director of such films as the Tracy Fragments, Hard Core Logo, Highway 61 and currently at work on a documentary about Broken Social Scene's Brendan Canning will be at Eyes on Toronto this Monday, June 2nd at the Gladstone Hotel.

Also on stage that night will be the hilarious Ron Sparks and the Sun Parlour Players who are not as funny as Ron Sparks but have more rhythm.
If you can't be there live in person, and you really should be, you can watch it live at eyesontoronto.ca.

This is the second to last show before the Eyes on Toronto cast and crew take a summer hiatus, so if you've been saying to yourself "I really should go to one of these..." now would be a good time!

New from Bob & Bob er...Levi

If you were at Eyes on Toronto last November you were treated to Levi McDougall training to be a stand in for Bob Wiseman (see below). Coincidentally, today Bob and Levi both launched new pages.

Bob Wiseman now has a Facebook 'fan page' which you can find at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bob-Wiseman/37706300359?ref=mf

Levi McDougall now has a new web site which you can find at levimacdougall.com

What I Learned at Eyes on Toronto

Alot of good news came out of last nights Eyes on Toronto.

First Jeff McEnery is funny. Not really that suprising, but in case you didn't know...also quite the ladies man if you're in the top 40%.

Second Ed-Glass Donnelly's acclaimed film "This Beautiful City" is finally coming back to Toronto and beginning a run at the Royal on May 23!

Third the newly redesigned Diableros are as good as the old Diableros, possibly better! Definitely check them out at Lee's Palace on May 21.

If you were unfortunate enough to miss last nights show - make sure you're there next month when Stephen Eyes and co will present: A debate between Stephen Harper, Paul Martin, Jean Chrétien, and Brian Mulrooney. The debate will be moderated by Stephen and special guest Mike Myers and each PM will have to do a tequila shot before they answer each question. Also appearing will be sketch comedy troupe the Kids in the Hall and musical guests Broken Social Scene....ok, not really, that's all bullshit but I'm sure they have something equally good planned (No pressure Steve).

Do Your Homework Before the Next Eyes on Toronto

Before you go to Eyes on Toronto this monday (and I know you're all going) there a little extra background for you. First there is an interview with Pete from the Diableros on CBC Radio 3. Also, for those of you with Facebook (and that should really be everyone by now...seriously) there is an awesome new hi-light video from the last show at http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=36664510289&ref=share. (For some reason it's not on YouTube yet.)

Eyes on Toronto May 5

Eyes on Toronto Returns May 5 with what promises to be the best show in at least a month.

Coming up this time around, are Ed-Gass Donnelly, writer and director of This Beautiful City, Comedian Jeff McEnery, and the Toronto debut of the new look Diabloeros. Seriously, what more could you want for 10 bucks on a Monday night? So be there - 8:15 pm, Monday, May 5 at the Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street in Toronto and if you really can't be there in person - watch live online at EyesonToronto.ca.

This Beautiful City by Ed-Glass Donnelly recently swept the ACTRA awards, taking the Best Actor (Aaron Poole), Best Actress (Coroline Cave) Awards and has been showing to rave reviews at film festivals across North America.

MTV Feature on This Beautiful City



Jeff McEnery has won Yuk Yuk's great Canadian Laough off, "Best Stand Up Newcomer" at the Canadian Comedy Awwards, and has appeared on Just for Laughs" and the "Global Comedy Fest". Jeff McEnry on the Great Canadian Laugh Off



After releasing the critically acclaimed "the Diableros Aren't Ready for the Country" Toronto favourites the Diableros came close to being over. But, just a few short months later the band is back with a new lineup and will make it's Toronto debut at this month's Eyes on Toronto.

the Diableros - Sugar Laced Soul



Plus DJ Medley of Hello Saturday's at Revival. Remix this Wednesday's

Diableros Preview at Eyes on Toronto

Earlier I mentioned that the Diableros (with the new lineup) are playing at Lee's Palace on May 21. Before that though, if you want to get a sneak peak, they will be doing a mini-set at the next Eyes on Toronto on May 5. Also on the bill for that show are comic Jeff McEnery and a "Very special guest" - who Steve is being all mysterious about. Stay tuned...

Jeff McEnery

Eyes On Toronto, Monday April 7

This Monday, April 7, Eyes on Toronto goes again at the Gladstone. This months guests include Tonya Lee Williams founder of The Reel World Film Fest (Running April 2nd to April 6th) and She's also Olivia from Y & R, comedian Pat Thornton and musical guest USS plus DJ Medley, the usual cast of Eyes on Toronto and, of course, beer!

March 3: Eyes on Toronto with Trevor Boris, Major Maker and Kendra Francis

Did you know that February is a very short month? It's true and that's why Eyes On Toronto is almost ready to go again. On March 3 Stephen and co will bring you the latest roster of world class performers from our world class city (really, we are, I swear!) So, here are the details:

Date: Monday, March 3, 2008
Time: 8:15pm - 11:15pm - all times "ish"
Location:The Historic Gladstone Hotel
Street: West Queen St West
City/Town: Toronto

For more details see eyesontoronto.ca (where you can also watch online in the event you really can't come) or the Facebook Event Page.

DJ Matt Medley will be there along with this months guests:

Winnipeg native Trevor Boris of NBC's Last Comic Standing, MuchMusic's Video On Trial and CTV's Comedy NOW. Trevor has also recently completed two television pilots and is a regular contributor to CBC's 'the Debaters' - amoung many, many, many other things.

Toronto band Major Maker Who have been incredibly successful at getting airplay by getting their songs in other people's advertisements. From

"It’s a well-known fact that bands, especially independents, have fewer traditional outlets for airtime, while emerging avenues are being navigated to varying degrees of success. The marriage between musicians and marketers is nothing new. In 1984, Michael Jackson had his hair singed in a pyro accident during the filming of a Pepsi ad that earned him millions (as well as a trip to the hospital). The major difference now? You don’t put famous music in ads — the ads make your music famous."

Ryerson grad and Toronto Fashion designer Kendra Francis of Project Runway and Franke (920 Queen Street West).

Eyes On Toronto Again Feb. 4

Sabrina Jalees, Laura Barrett and Sasha Von Bon Bon are all coming to the Gladstone on Feb. 4 for the latest installment of Eyes On Toronto. You should definitely be there. If you can't because you're busy on a Monday (yeah, right) or because you don't live in Toronto (ok, I guess) you can still catch it on eyesontoronto.ca or you can subscribe to the new YouTube channel and get hi-lights when they're posted.

So for those of you who are coming, watching online or thinking about it, here are the details

Date: Monday, February 4, 2008
Time: 8:00pm - 11:55pm
Location: Gladstone Hotel
Street: 1214 Queen Street West
City/Town: Toronto, ON

Map
Facebook Event Page

For anyone who doesn't know

Sabrina Jalees

Is an internationally renowned comic (no criteria for that so I just decided right now that she is) and (from Wikipedia"dancer, actor, and writer from Toronto, Ontario, who writes a weekly column in the Toronto Star's ID section. She has made many Canadian media appearances, including as a commentator on MuchMusic's Video On Trial, Stars On Trial and LOL!, as well as Jian Ghomeshi's Monday correspondent on CBC Radio One's Sounds Like Canada in the Summer." If you are in B.C. you can also catch Sabrina at "Smash the Roof" on Feb. 7 and if you're on Earth you can see Sabrina promote herself on SabrinaJalees.com

Sabrina Jalees Stand Up

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Laura Barrett

Is also Internationally renowned (might as well). In addition to her regular appearances with the Hidden Cameras and Henri Fabergé and The Adorables Laura's Album "Earth Sciences" is out on Paper Bag records Feb. 25. According to Exclaim:

"...it really is Barrett’s solo work that makes her such a compelling figure. Her devotion to the kalimba — otherwise known as the “thumb piano,” of African origin — as her primary instrument certainly helps her stick out among other quirky indie rock contemporaries, yet it’s really Barrett’s fascinating and innovative approach to writing songs that bolsters her use of novel sounds."

Laura Barrett - Robot Ponies

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Sasha Van Bon Bon is definitely internationally renowned. She performs with the the Scandelles and is currently on stage with Who's Your Dada at the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. From Xtra:

Who's Your Dada (written and produced by Van Bon Bon and costar Kitty Neptune), follows the multimedia footsteps of past cabarets Les Demimondes, Under The Mink and Neon Nightz. The raucous revelry is complete with The Blue Box, a secluded set-up where attendees are invited to perform in their very own porn.

If all of that is not enough The Internationally renowned DJ Holt will be spinning before and around all of this. What more could you ask for? Beer you say? They've got that too..It's a bar people.

Eyes on Toronto - The Channel

So do you ever get tired of me posting Eyes on Toronto stuff? Didn't think so (no comments please). Now you don't have to wait - Eyes on Toronto has it's very own You Tube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=EyesOnToronto. So you don't have to wait for me to post them all any more, though I probably will eventually. Now - Pirates of the Caribana!

RVT: Bob vs. Bob

From December's Eyes on Toronto here are Bob Wiseman and Levi McDougall as Bob Wiseman

Eyes on Toronto Returns January 7

Stephen Eyes & company are returning Monday, January 7 to the Gladstone Hotel for the next installment of the Queen West talk show Eyes On Toronto.






Cueing up for the show are:

Poet, performer and author Zoe Whittall - who Now Magazine named the best emerging author of 2007. Zoe's blog and more info on her book can be found at zoewhittall.blogspot.com.

Finalist on NBC's 'Last Comic Standing' Debra Giovanni

and

Musical guest Royal Wood: see youtube clip below or visit myspace.com/royalwood

If you haven't been to Eyes on Toronto yet it is the best show ON Toronto IN Toronto and it's on a Monday night so you know you're not busy. For more info visit EyesOnToronto.ca or the Facebook event page - if you really can't make it (because you don't live in Toronto or something) you can also watch the show live on the web as it happens (sweet eh?).

Royal Wood:

48 Abell A Memorial

I've added a new subdomain to the site to collect stories, thoughts and memories and to serve as a reminder of the downside of gentrification. Gentrification can mean many things to many people. For a community it can mean a huge economic influx, it can mean more jobs, cleaner, safer streets, affordable housing and increased economic opportunity. If it is done improperly though, as it is in Toronto, it can mean the death of that which attracted people to a community in the first place and for long time residents of that community it frequently means disruption, displacement and even homelessness. Visit abell.publicbroadcasting.ca for the full scoop.

RVT: Levi MacDougall

This just in: Levi MacDougall will be joining Bob Wiseman, Actor Joe Dinicol and Artists Michael Toke and Jessica Rose at this Monday's Eyes on Toronto!

Eyes on Toronto Returns Monday

Just a reminder to those of you fortunate enough to be in Toronto. Eyes on Toronto will be back at the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom this Monday with special guests Bob Wiseman , Actor Joe Dinicol and Artists Michael Toke and Jessica Rose.

I made it to last months show and it is better, funnier and more interesting than ANY of the late night talk shows. Want proof? All of the talk shows you watch on TV give out free tickets. This one charges 10 bucks and still fills the room. If you can't be there in person (which I really highly recommend) you can watch it via the web. Each show is streamed live as it happens. Check out http://www.eyesontoronto.ca/ or http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=6272098302 for details.