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Toronto

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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Coffee With Michael Bregman

Hot On The Street - Sarah Prince and Michael Bregman

A few months ago, I wrote about drinking tea with Carly Rae Jepsen. We didn’t meet at DAVIDsTEA to catch up like old friends; we simply posed at a meet and greet. Drinking coffee with Second Cup’s chairman Michael Bregman was kind of similar. It wasn’t a one-on-one information interview, but rather a breakfast event where he spoke and young professionals listened intently.

In hindsight, Michael’s talk was similar to Annie Young-Scrivner’s keynote at QMAC 2013. At the time, Annie was President, Starbucks Canada and now she is President, Teavana. On both occasions, Michael and Annie succinctly shared their views on coffee consumption, inspired advice-hungry audiences and left enough time for questions.

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Happy Birthday Tim Hortons

TIM HORTONS - Tim Hortons recreates 1964 at Yonge-Dundas Square

“It’s like Mad Men around here.”

Even though Tim Hortons never had a chance to work with Don Draper, they’ve done quite well in the last 50 years. According to Marketel, Tim Hortons is Canadian women’s favourite brand and it ranks high on my list too.

To celebrate its 50th birthday, Tim Hortons threw a huge bash at Yonge & Dundas Square today. Actors wearing vintage garments created a vibrant scene set in the 60s, featuring parents with a baby carriage and a police officer who was delighted to put people in his black and white cop car. They put on quite a show and a caffeinated audience ‘ate it up,’ as my grandmother likes to say.

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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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American Eagle Opens On Queen Street

Hot On The Street - American Eagle Toronto - IMG 3928

American Eagle’s new location at 333 Queen St. West (one block west of John) is a welcome addition to the shopping district for hipsters, yuppies and tweens. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to the beach, cottage or camp, consider this store a go-to destination when you’re downtown.

The store’s grand opening is April 30 and the doors open at 8 AM. Everything (except jeans) is buy one, get one at half price, but I’m sure you’ll be tempted to buy more than just two items. Heads up: the black selfie beanie is out of stock, but you can find it online.

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