1 Love TO

Last night I got a sneak peek of the Bata Shoe Museum’s latest exhibition “Out Of The Box – The Rise Of Sneaker Culture”. The exhibition explores the history of the sneaker from the 19th century to today, with over 120 sneakers representing the past 150 years. The collection includes rare sneakers from the archives of adidas, Nike, Reebok, PUMA, Converse and Northampton Museums and Art Gallery, along with loans from rap legends Run DMC, sneaker guru and DJ Bobbito Garcia, plus the latest designs from fashion designers, including Christian Louboutin, Pierre Hardy, Lanvin and Prada, as well as limited editions such as the Nike Dunk Supremes and LeBron James Stewies.

The exhibition runs from April 25th, 2013 – March 30th, 2014.

For more info: batashoemuseum.ca

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As young entrepreneurs we truly understand how important it is to support small businesses within our communities. We’ve always loved to find those one-of-a-kind neighbourhood gems, so we took the American Express pledge to #ShopSmall and visited 5 of our favourite shops in Toronto.

Our first stop was Magic Pony on Queen Street West. If you’ve never been there before, let’s just say it makes you feel like a kid again. They have everything from designer toys, cool housewares, giant poster art, plus some hard to find books and magazines. We bought “Back Alleys and Urban Landscapes” by Toronto artist Michael Cho, who we blogged about back in September of 2012.

We made our way down Queen Street West until we got to Spadina where we ate lunch at What A Bagel! We managed to get the last available table during their busy lunch hour rush and ordered the “Old School” and their vegetarian breakfast. If you get the chance to eat here, ask for the owners Ely or Isaac and tell them that we sent you!

Our 3rd stop was Another Story Bookshop located in Roncesvalles Village. One of the reasons why we love this independently owned bookstore is because they focus on literary themes such as social justice, equity and diversity. They also highlight local authors and hold book readings and launches for local talent.

After a long day of shopping we needed to relax and refuel, so we headed to Yorkville to visit our friends at Sotto Sotto for dinner. This famous Italian restaurant has played host to celebrities for years, including Brad Pitt, Oprah, Diddy, and of course our very own Drizzy Drake. If you’re looking for a small, private dinning experience, look no further, Sotto Sotto is perfect for date night. (pay attention fella’s)

Shout out to Angelo for always taking care of us!

We decided to end off our night with a few cocktails at SpiritHouse located at 487 Adelaide St W at Portland. This specialty “spirit” bar has over 400 bottles to choose from, including a small selection of local beer such as Mill Street Organic, Steamwhistle, Tankhouse and Amsterdam Blonde. Next time you’re looking to try a new drink, try the “Toronto Cocktail”.

American Express recently conducted a survey to see how Canadians feel about shopping small and “Word-of-mouth” was the #1 way we find out about small businesses in our neighbourhoods. Do you have a favourite Shop Small business? Get out there and spread the word! Show them some love by voting in the Neighbourhood Gems contest on Facebook. Each vote earns you an entry into a draw to win a $50 Amex Gift Card!

We would love to hear about your favourite Toronto business! Tweet your recommendations to @1LOVETO @AmexCanada #ShopSmall

Beth Lesser’s exhibit “Reggae or Not: The Birth of Dancehall Culture in Jamaica & Toronto” is an important look at the evolution of reggae music during the 1970s and 80s. During this time she travelled extensively between Jamaica and Toronto documenting the music scene as it became popular in places like Toronto’s Kensington Market, Little Jamaica’s Eglinton Ave West and St. Clair Ave East. Dancehall music grew in popularity not only because of Jamaican immigrants and reggae enthusiasts, but from the help of community radio stations like CKLN who broadcasted Jamaica’s “Reggae Showcase”.

The exhibit runs until February 28th at the Gladstone Hotel with live music, panel discussions and film nights.

For more info CLICK HERE.

Posted by Tahnee Pantig

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Robert Nesta Marley aka Bob Marley was born February 6th 1945 and is know as an international music hero for his ability to spread the message of LOVE. It is no secret that the concept of “One Love” was first taught through Bob’s music and is now shared through our movement of 1 LOVE T.O. So with that said we’d like to honour the one and only Bob Marley.

Happy Bob Marley Day!

For more info: bobmarley.com

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Haley Ma finished his 5-piece inspirational video series “Break Perceptions” with Toronto B-Boy Piecez.

To see all 5 videos CLICK HERE.

Previously: Break Perceptions – “Dance Is Life”

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Local videographer Haley Ma has made a series of shorts entitled “Break Perceptions” with B-Boys and B-Girls in association with Unity Charity in Toronto. “Dance Is Life” with B-Boy Wei Ming is the first instalment of 5 shorts which Ma will be releasing over the course of the next 5 days.

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Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is Canada’s largest and longest running pan-Asian film festival showcasing the works of East and Southeast Asian artists. This year’s annual event includes 8 days of films, workshops, panels and parties. The festival starts today, Nov. 6-11, in Toronto and Nov. 16-17, in Richmond Hill.

The film to watch is “Prison Dancer”, directed by Canada’s own award-winning Romeo Candido. The film was inspired by the real-life dancing rehabilitation program that went viral on YouTube. “Prison Dancer” tells the very personal but yet hilarious stories of 6 Filipino inmates whose group dancing turned a maximum-security prison into a world stage.

FILM SCREENING
Date: Friday, Nov. 9th
Time: 6:45PM
Place: The Royal – 608 College St.

For more info: reelasian.com

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Here’s a great recap video of Manifesto’s ‘Live At The Square’, featuring Flavourshop, plus Scratch (of the Roots).

For more info: themanifesto.ca

Previously: Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture

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It’s about to go down…

For more info: themanifesto.ca

Previously: Manifesto: The Business of Art (Panel Discussion), Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture

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Do you believe that investment in youth, arts & culture matters?

Lately there’s been a lot of speculation about the value of investing in young people and the arts. As Toronto’s creative young people whose lives have been positively impacted by our exposure and engagement with the arts, and as those who have the honour of working in the sector and serving our communities – we know just how valuable it is.

It’s time to mobilize. We are calling out artists, organizers, mentors, youth, elders, community leaders, community members, and visionaries to walk in solidarity for youth, arts, and cultural programs. Bring your artistic expression, rally your communities and add to a collective energy as we move down Yonge Street into Manifesto’s Live At The Square – an annual youth arts festival happening that day. Calling out participation from dancers, poets, street writers, emcees, beatboxers, visual artists, documentarians, drummers, percussionists & more – it’s time to write our story ourselves.

WHAT: Yonge Street Walk For Youth, Arts & Culture
WHEN: Sunday September 23, 2012
START: Meet at the North East corner of Yonge & Bloor (2:45PM)
FINISH: Yonge & Dundas Square

For more info: walkforyoutharts.org

#walk4youtharts

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The 6th Annual Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture is taking place September 21-23, 2012.

Launch Party & Art Show: September 21, 2012
Opening night will mark the first opportunity for the public to see the newly-constructed Regent Park Arts & Culture Centre.

Fresh Arts 20 x Manifesto Summit: September 22, 2012
The festival’s second day will be an inspiring array of panel discussions, keynote speakers and mentor classess.

Live at the Square: September 23, 2012
Toronto’s Yonge & Dundas Square will be transformed into a local marketplace showcasing some of Toronto biggest brands, artists, dancers and music.

For more info: themanifesto.ca/festival

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On Saturday, Aug 4th, 1 LOVE T.O. paraded down Lakeshore Blvd as part of this year’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival (also know as Caribana). We started off our day by taking a ‘class photo’, with over 300 people rocking their Roots Canada and 1 LOVE T.O. flag/heart t-shirts standing in front of our float. We looked great and it was only a matter of time before other people started following us on the road. The heat was absolutely draining, but thanks to Nandos chicken and the good people at Red Bull and Appleton’s, we were able to withstand the heat and whine all day.

Mr. International aka Kardinal Offishall made a special guest appearance, jumping on the mic to get the crowd hype!

We also had a live performance from Trinidad’s own Kes (Kes The Band). He jumped on top of our float and performed some of his latest hits, including “Wotless”.

Toronto Raptors player Amir Johnson joined us as our official US ambassador for 1 LOVE T.O.

We had an incredible first year in the parade, with a diverse band that truly exemplified the meaning of 1 LOVE T.O. Our band members for 2012 represented Canada, Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Grenada, Barbados, St. Kitts, Philippines, and the USA.

We can’t wait until next year… #ShowYourRoots

Big thanks to our partners: Roots Canada, Amir Johnson, Nando’s, Flow935 and Appleton’s.

Check out more photos here: FACEBOOK GALLERY

Photos by Taha & Will.

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