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music

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

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

Disney’s Most Wanted Cameos

Miss-Piggy-Hollywood-Studios-Disney-Hot-On-The-Street

Whether she’s on a billboard or the big screen, Miss Piggy is always larger than life.

It’s hard to adjust to the real world after a Disney World vacation. When you’re at Disney World, everything is great. Everything is grand. You’ve got the whole wide world in the palm of your hand (it’s true – just pick up something from Epcot!). Life’s a happy song when you’re at Disney World.

When Disney released Muppets Most Wanted, they presented an opportunity to enjoy the art of animation without paying for another flight to Orlando. I went to the theatre with high hopes, as I really liked the first film and its soundtrack, but I left feeling disappointed. At least the opening song of Muppets Most Wanted acknowledges “the sequel’s never quite as good.” That’s the only track worth downloading.

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March 26, 2014 by

Kindness Counts

Kindness Counts Facebook Cover Photo

Western University graduates Josh Stern and Russell Citron are inspiring Gen Y to pay it forward and people are listening. Their charitable initiative #FeedTheDeed discourages people from playing an online drinking game and encourages random acts of kindness.

#FeedTheDeed has sparked a huge conversation about the power of social media. Instead of producing videos of themselves chugging beer, #FeedTheDeed participants are donating blood, clothes and toys.

How It Is Promoted

In the last 2 weeks, my Facebook news feed has been filled with photos and videos of friends distributing popcorn, coffee and TTC tokens. To extend the reach of #FeedTheDeed, participants are nominating friends, family and celebrities around the world. For example, Josh Stern nominated Canadian singer-songwriter Nikki Yanofsky and then she handed out candy in Montreal on Valentine’s Day.

What I Did

I love Twitter. I like Starbucks.

When my friend Sam Pollack nominated me to #FeedTheDeed, this is what I did to support a few charities I care about:

I used Twitter to send Starbucks gift cards to Anaphylaxis Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Non-profit employees deserve to be rewarded for their hard work and I hope they will encourage more people to continue the chain.

Feed The Deed Tweet Example

Starbucks Tweet A Coffee

What You Can Do

Here are some ideas:

  • Volunteer
  • Pay for a stranger’s bill at a café
  • Send handwritten notes or cards
  • Buy a ticket to attend a charity event
  • Contribute to a Kickstarter campaign
  • Loan money to an entrepreneur on Kiva

For more information, follow Kindness Counts on Facebook!

February 19, 2014 by