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Concert Review: Fitz and the Tantrums

Hot on the Street - Fitz and the Tantrums - Sax

If Peter Bjorn and John joined forces with Janelle Monae, they could still learn a thing or two from Fitz and the Tantrums. The indie dance pop band turned the Danforth Music Hall into a wicked dance party on Sunday night, which made me forget my Queen’s Plate FOMO.

Fitz and the Tantrums (FATT) may not be a local band, but the sincerity they expressed during their commentary convinced me that they’d fit right in with polite Canadians. Their fans aren’t necessarily hipster enough for Parkdale, but maybe they biked over from the Beaches.

After FATT dedicated Out of My League to the audience, everyone stood up — including the relatively introverted fans with balcony seats. The band inspired fans to put down their phones and dance like no one’s watching. It was awesome.

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July 9, 2014 by

Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums is one of those bands you’ve heard on TV, but can’t remember how you were introduced to their music.

Begin Again star Adam Levine reportedly discovered Fitz and the Tantrums through a tattoo artist and then invited them to open for Maroon 5. Since then, Fitz and the Tantrums has been featured on Suits, Desperate Housewives, Criminal Minds and The Vampire Diaries.

More recently, Fitz and the Tantrums cemented their place in the spotlight once Ellen Degeneres danced to The Walker in the 2014 Oscars trailer.

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DisioPE86AY‘]

July 9, 2014 by

Meeting Jennifer Weiner In Yorkville

Hot On The Street - Sarah Prince - Jennifer Weiner - New York - 2013

Taking the TTC to Bay and Bloor is a lot cheaper than flying to Manhattan, so I’m glad Jennifer Weiner came to Toronto to dish about journalism, relationships and reality TV.

When I went to New York last spring, I carefully planned the trip around Lauren Graham and Jennifer Weiner’s book signings. Many tourists go to the New York Public Library branch where they filmed Sex and the City, but Jennifer’s panel with Sarah Pekkanen and Elizabeth LaBan was at the Yorkville branch, so I ventured north of FAO Schwarz and sat front row centre.

Once the panel ended, I approached Jennifer’s publicist to request a Toronto stop on her next book tour. Thankfully Indigo and Simon & Schuster made it happen!

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June 25, 2014 by

Listen To Lainey Gossip

Hot On The Street - Elaine Lui : Lainey Gossip

In every Behind The Brand interview, I enquire about professional role models. At the moment, I’d say mine is Elaine Lui AKA Lainey. Every profile of her that I read reiterates that she’s a hardworking media personality who successfully juggles several jobs in the entertainment industry.

After meeting Lainey at a taping of The Social, I was excited to see her again at Indigo. Lainey’s new book Listen To The Squawking Chicken: When Mother Knows Best, What’s A Daughter To Do? A Memoir (Sort Of) is a tribute to her mother, who raised her around a Mah Jong table and inspired her to become a professional gossiper. 

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May 4, 2014 by

American Idiot

Green Day American Idiot - Broadway WorldGreen Day Converse - American Idiot

American Idiot tells the story of three miserable, rebellious young men seeking freedom from suburban life. The angsty plot, powered by poppy versions of Green Day hits, covers romance, friendship and politics.

In the opening scene, I was intrigued by the Nam June Paik-esque backdrop of TV screens and newscasts. The pop culture references were an effective way to establish the setting and create a youthful vibe.

If you want to dress like an American Idiot character, here’s a short shopping guide:

Start your shopping spree at American Apparel for logo-free basics, then visit Bluenotes to keep your youthful look intact, followed by a stop at Urban Outfitters for overpriced hipster necessities. For footwear, I recommend picking up a pair of Converse, Vans, Keds or Dr. Martens. When you’re browsing the stores, look for clothing made of leather, denim, or flannel. If there’s a bearded salesperson wearing a plaid button-down shirt and multiple piercings, he can probably steer you in the right direction. Studded blazers can make your grunge look more professional (which is key if you’re going straight from work to see the show). A toque can protect your hair from the cold weather, while adding just the right amount of flare. If your attire strikes a balance between goth, punk and pastels, then get ready to pose for a Broadway-obsessed street style photographer.

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March 30, 2014 by