It's officially June!!

Any summer day is classified as busy but these coming weeks are going to be crazy!!

This weekend there is the Brantford Hockeyfest, which has grown enormously popular over the last few years, which takes place in a span of three days from Friday to Sunday. 

Friday June 3rd consists of country acts:

TARA ORAM

DOC WALKER

AARON LINES
DRY COUNTY

MARTINA MCBRIDE


Saturday June 4th is Rock Night:
THREE DAYS GRACE
FINGER ELEVEN
THE TREWS
BLEEKER RIDGE
FOZZY
THE ENVY
INAMBUSH
SLOW MOTION VICTORY
VINYL HEART

And Sunday is a Bonus Show with:

SUBLIME with Rome
TOKYO POLICE CLUB
STREET PHARMACY
THE REASON
HOLLERADO
THE ARTIST LIFE
THE ASCOT TOYALS
SCOTTY JAMES
VICTORY, SWEET VICTORY

As for the weekend after that (June 11th and 12th) you have The Milton Rocks! Show with a fabulously long list of performers including Jesse Labelle, Fefe Dobson, David Usher, These Kids Wear Crowns, Alyssa Reid, Sloan and my pals Faber Drive! 

As well, for both days Glee Live! is in town, so for all you Gleeks out there, make sure you have your tix to the show!

As the weekend of June 18-19th rolls around be prepared to have a major street party as the MMVA's make their official appearance once again at the Much Music Headquarters on Queen and John Streets in TORONTO!

As you all know there are TONS of events going on in and around the GTA so be sure you take the time and check the amazing events!! And be sure to keep an eye out for my upcoming reviews of most if not all of these events mentioned above!!

- Taryn

S.C.E.N.E.fest 2011

S.C.E.N.E.fest has been a summer staple for me for the last five or six years. The St. Catherine's music festival is a popular destination for those who live in the area and those from all over Ontario (and even some from over the border). This one day festival brings quite a few genres together from noon until the wee hours of the morning, with thousands of music fans taking it all in.

Each year this festival brings in new and old musicians and bands from all over the country and even from the U.S. Past festivals have included the likes of Alexisonfire, Faber Drive, LIGHTS, Down With Webster, Stereos, Marianas Trench, Bedouin Soundclash, City and Colour, The Creepshow, Saint Alvia, The Midway State, Billy Talent, Arkells, IllScarlett, and plenty more.

This year is no different, and with just a month left until this year's festival begins, there are plenty more artists to be excited for. The roster so far includes:

- Abandon All Ships                                                   -KO
- Arsonists get all the Girls                                         -Organ Thieves
- Cancer Bats                                                            -San Sebastian
- Counterparts                                                           -Silverstein
- D-sisive                                                                  -Structures
- Die Mannequin                                                        -The Balconies
- Dinosaur Bones                                                       -The Lucky Ones
- Farewell to Freeway                                                 -The Snips
- Hometown Beatdown                                                -These Kids Wear Crowns  
-The Set                                                                    -U.S.S.
                              -Whale Tooth                                                             -the ENVY
                              -The Flatliners                                                            -Saint Alvia
                              -This is Hell                                                               -Rebel Emergency
                              -Barebones                                                                -Gentlemen Husbands

Can't wait to keep updating the list! Keep checking back for more musicians as the weeks go on!

                           

CNE 2011: It's Summer Time!

Yes...now that we're nearing the end of MAY (crazy I know!) it's - as I've said countless times - time for summer festivals! There are plenty to go around and every time I hear of a new one, I get excited and then confused because there's so much to do, so little time and even less when it comes to money! ANYWAYS...

The Canadian National Exhibition website just released some of their performers for the Bandshell this year, and lets just say, it's super exciting! Since 2006 I have not missed a year when it comes to a great band and this year there is not one but FOUR (and if not more) performances at the bandshell that you SHOULD not miss!! Here's the schedule*:

August 19th & 20th:
Canadian Forces Musical Salute - 7:30 PM

August 21st:
Marianas Trench - 7:30 PM

August 23rd:
EXFEST Battle of the Bands - 4:00 PM

August 24th:
The Magic of Motown - The Spinners with The Manhattans - 7:30 PM

August 25th:
LIGHTS - 7:30 PM

August 26th:
Neil Sedaka - 7:30 PM

August 28th:
Bandshell Bluesfest w/ Dylan Wickesn & the Grand Naturals, Mike Goudreau, Digging Roots, Treasa Levasseur, Steve Strongman and JJ Grey & Mofro - 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM

August 30th:
Toronto District School Board Day @ the CNE (acts TBD - Down With Webster has been confirmed for this day so far)

August 31st:
Glen Campbell - 7:30 PM

September 1st:
My Darkest Days: 7:30 PM

September 2nd:
K-OS - 7:30 PM

September 3rd:
Tommy James and The Shondells - 7:30 PM

September 4th:
25th Annual Rising Star Talent Finals - 7:30 PM

*schedule is subject to change. Be sure you keep an eye out as I will change when needed!

MMVA Nominees 2011

That's right folks the MMVA Nominations were just released yesterday and it excites me to see that Down With Webster is in the lead (along with Shawn Desman and Fefe Dobson) with 4 nominations! Each of these artists have worked SO hard this past year and it's great to see that their hard work as finally paid off!

Selena Gomez, this year's co-host, picked up two nominations, while newcomers Neverest, JRDN, P.Reign, and Candy Coated Killahz pick up some nominations as well!

Here is a full list of this year's nominees:

Video of the Year:
-Blake McGrath: Relax
-Danny Fernandes ft. Belly: Automatic
-Down with Webster: Whoa is Me
-Fefe Dobson: Ghost
-Shawn Desman: Electric/Night Like This

Post Production of the Year:
-Broken Social Scene: Forced to Love
-Candy Coated Killahz: Neon Black
-Danny Fernandes ft. Belly: Automatic
-K'NAAN: Take a Minute
-These Kids Wear Crowns: Jumpstart

Director of the Year:
-Abandon All Ships: Geeving
-JDiggz ft. Neverending White Lights: This Time
-Marianas Trench: Good to You
-Shawn Desman: Electric/Night Like This
-You Say Party: Lonely's Lunch

Cinematography of the Year:
-Blake McGrath: Relax
-JDiggz ft. Neverending White Lights: This Time
-Kaskade Vs. Dragonette: Fire in Your Shoes
-Stereos: Uncontrollable
-Neverest: Everything

Pop Video of the Year:
-Alyssa Reid ft. P.Reign: Alone Again
-Down with Webster: Whoa is Me
-Fefe Dobson: Ghost
-Marianas Trench ft. Jessica Lee: Good to You
-Shawn Desman: Electric/Night Like This

MuchLoud Rock Video of the Year:
-Abandon All Ships: Geeving
-Billy Talent: Diamond on a Landmine
-Hail The Villain: Runaway
-Metric: Stadium of Love
-Simple Plan ft. Rivers Cuomo: Can't Keep My Hands Off You

MuchVibe Hip-Hop Video of the Year:
-Belly ft. Kobe: Back Against the Wall
-Classified: That Ain't Classy
-K'NAAN: Take a Minute
-P.Reign: Call my Name
-Shad: Rose Garden

MuchFact Indie Video of the Year:
-JDiggz ft. Neverending White Lights: This Time
-JRDN: Like Magic
-Metric: Stadium Love
-Tokyo Police Club: Boots of Danger (Wait Up)
-You Say Party: Lonely's Lunch

International Video of the Year-Artist:
-Lady Gaga: Judas
-Bruno Mars: Just the Way you Are
-Eminem Ft. Rihanna: Love the Way you Lie
-Katy Perry Ft. Kanye: E.T.
-Kanye West ft. Pusha T: Runaway
-Rihanna: Only Girl (In the World)
-Britney Spears: Till the World Ends
-David Guetta ft. Rihanna: Who's that Chick
-Selena Gomez and The Scene: A Year Without Rain
-JLo Ft. Pitbull: On the Floor

International Video of the Year-Group:
-Far East Movement ft. The Cataracs & Dev: Like a G6
-The Black Eyed Peas: The Time (Dirty Bit)
-Diddy-Dirty Money: Coming Home
-The Black Keys: Tighten Up
-White Lies: Bigger than Us

International Video of the Year by a Canadian:
-Arcade Fire: The Suburbs
-Avril Lavigne: What the Hell
-Drake: Find Your Love
-Justin Bieber ft. Usher: Somebody to Love (remix)
-Fefe Dobson: Stutterin


UR FAVE VOTED BY YOU

Fave Video:
-Down With Webster: Whoa is Me
-Fefe Dobson: Stutterin
-Shawn Desman: Electric/Night Like This
-Danny Fernandes ft. Belly: Automatic
-These Kids Wear Crowns: Jumpstart


Fave International Video:
-Bruno Mars: Just the Way You Are
-Lady Gaga: Born this Way
-Selena Gomez and The Scene: A Year Without Rain
-Eminem ft. Rihanna: Love the Way You Lie
-Britney Spears: Till the World Ends

Fave Artist:
-Arcade Fire: The Suburbs
-Avril Lavigne: What the Helle
-Drake: Find Your Love
-Justin Bieber ft. Usher: Somebody to Love (remix)
-Down With Webster: Whoa is Me


OK...that is a massive list but it's definitely one full of some big names! Keep an eye out for the red carpet starting at 8 p.m. on June 19th, followed by the two hour award show starting at 9 p.m. (all is Eastern time fyi!)

-Taryn

Shania Twain Book Signing at Indigo

This past Monday May 9th I fulfilled a dream that I have had ever since I was a young girl. Having my mother loving country allowed me to love the music as well and gave me access to some great artists who are still making a huge impact in the music industry today. Artists like Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Blue Rodeo and most importantly Shania Twain. From the moment I heard her song "Any Man of Mine" I was in love. She became my whole world and even going into my teens when a lot of my friends were into Hanson, The Moffatts, Nsync and the Backstreet Boys, I was still going strong on Shania. Don't get me wrong, I too was a fan of Nsync and BSB, but Shania was my idol.

I was a hardcore fan club member and remember being stoked to receive my package in the mail with my official button, signed photo and an info book among other things. It was the highlight of my year. A distinct memory that pops up in my mind constantly was when I heard on the radio (at that time it was Kiss 92.5 the BEST country station I've ever heard...and nothing really compares to it still) that Shania Twain was going to be at the Canadian National Exhibition for Fan Appreciation Day. She wasn't even performing but fans could gather at the National Bandshell and see the wonderfully talented, CANADIAN, international sensation. I begged my mom for weeks to take me because I just HAD to see her. She always said 'maybe' leading up to the actual day before she actually said yes! I was thrilled! We spent the hot august day waiting for her to show up and woo the crowd with her charm, brilliant smile and extremely positive attitude. I can even remember her starting up the crowd to sing along with one of her songs. I was in complete awe. At the end of the event on stage fans had the opportunity to go up on stage and meet the superstar and get her to sign anything they wished. We stood in line for almost 3 hours that day...before my 9 (maybe 10) year-old-self chickened out. I couldn't do it! I was too scared to finally meet my idol. And I've regretted it everyday.

It's now 16 years later and the opportunity rose again to meet the woman who made me love music. At first I thought it would be near impossible as I was sure hundreds upon hundreds of fans would be in line days before just to get a wristband to meet this wonderful woman. But I took a chance, woke up extremely early on Monday morning and trekked it to Toronto to get in line. I made it to the Indigo Book Store at the Manulife Centre at the early hour of 6:20 am and would spend the next 12 hours conversing with fellow Shania fans, meeting new friends and having an absolutely amazing experience.

The purpose of the event was to promote her new book, From this Moment On, which is an autobiographical story of Shania's life. From the small one bedroom house she and four siblings shared with her parents in the small northern town of Timmins Ontario as Eilleen Edwards to her current drama in her life as she deals with the trauma of her now ex-husband Robert "Mutt" Lang cheating on her with her ex-best friend. As I have only started to read the book I'll leave details out until I can finish it fully and write a review but it's deeply moving and it touches you to find out some disturbing information and how she stayed so strong throughout her life.

The actual book signing went by in a flash and although it only took moments to say hello and get my book signed I was in complete awe. It took years (literally!) to meet my childhood idol but it finally came true! She was every bit as humble, sweet and incredibly gorgeous as the pictures and t.v. appearances portrayed. Her smile was wide and genuine and although she'd been up since 5am doing press all over the city, she still had the energy and emotion as if she had a relaxing day. The crowd was just as happy to be there to show their support to their favourite Canadian and it showed.

It still amazes me that while going through so much in her personal life, she is still able to be the amazing, strong and incredible woman she is and share her story with the world. I don't know if she'll ever read this or even know who I am, but she has impacted me in ways I can't even describe. Her music and her hardships in life is inspiring and makes me want to do something with it. It took me looking back to realize that she is a main reason why I love music so much. I stopped listening to her music on a regular basis awhile back but seeing her this past Monday has inspired me to once again listen and fall in love. Shania you are still my idol!




Check out this video done by TorontoHD! From about 2:12 onwards you'll see me talking to Shania and getting my book signed! (Ignore my hair, it was a looooooooooong day!)

2011 Much Music Video Awards

It's that time of year again! June is FAST approaching, which means it's time for summer sun, summer festivals and the 2011 Much Music Video Awards!! The MMVA's is always an exciting event in Toronto as it brings some of the BIGGEST stars to this wonderful Canadian city! While they still have many guests and performers to announce, I am pleased to tell you that the list is already extensive!

First of all, teen TV star and pop sensation Selena Gomez has been confirmed to co-host this years star studded event that will take place on Father's Day on June 19th, 2011. And that's at 9 p.m. so make sure you mark your calenders and set your alarms!

The performers so far (and I'm SUPER excited for these guys!) are:

Lady Gaga soared up to stardom rather quickly and has become one of the worlds most loved singers since Madonna. Given her unique style, bold and meaningful lyrics, it's hard not to love this pop icon. (Personally I believe 'Born this Way' should be every young girls anthem)

Bruno Mars  first came onto the mainstream scene with his hit song "Just the Way you Are" that became the anthem for many girls (and guys). The song is STILL popular after being on the air for quite awhile and  follow-ups like "Grenade" and "The Lazy Song" , his cool vibe and sexy voice has every girl swooning. Can't wait to see what he plans to cook up on stage.

Avril Lavigne is back on  the scene with  yet another hit album, fans can't help but LOVE her music. Avril has been a Canadian staple since I (and I is capitalIzed haha) was a teen. Her pop-punk feel never gets old on the radio and everybody loves to dance along.

The Black Keys, I'm sure a lot of you are wondering who these guys are but trust me, after you've heard them you won't forget. They have a distict bluesy-rock vibe that is hard not to notice. From the rest of the performers announced so far, they are by far nothing like the rest. They have a more distict rock sound and I think they'll appeal to everybody's ears.

And last but not least  City and Colour. Everybody's Canadian faviourite, Dallas Green is back to rock the Toronto crowd. The lead singer of Alexisonfire is here to woo the crowd with sultry yet different voice that has won over many just like the unique sound of AOF.

All these acts are just the tip of the iceburg. There will be many more announcements following the big June date so be sure to keep your eye out for more exciting details as they get released!!

Get EXCITED!!!

- Taryn

Something Borrowed Movie Review

Okay for all of you that haven't seen it yet, I warn you right now...there WILL be spoilers. It's usually obvious but some people still don't get it so I just have to put that out there.

*** out of *****

I am one of those people who normally has to read the book before I see the movie because that's just how it is. I am a book worm at heart and I love to compare the differences between the two mediums. In most cases the book is ALWAYS better than the movie...maybe it's just me, but most times the writers of the movie just can't capture the essence the author does when they are writing the book. I mean yes there have been many amazing adaptations (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Social Network, just to name a few) but in most cases the movie is lacking - whether it be a character, a key moment left out of the movie that was in the book, or not enough depth.For the case of Something Borrowed, the book was definitely better than the movie...but the movie still got to me.

Something Borrowed is about Rachel, a just-turned-30 lawyer who's been unlucky in love. While back in her law school days she introduced her best friend Darcy to her friend (and obvious crush) Dex. Turns out that was a a bad idea because low and behold Darcy and Dex *gasp!* fall in love and become engaged! Forward ahead a few years and it's now Rachel's 30th birthday! While Darcy takes a hold of the party and get's completely wasted (and sent home) Dex and Rachel reconnect over a few late night drinks. And then every best friend's worst nightmare comes true: Rachael and Dex hook up.

The story line moves along smoothly from there providing your laughs and tears as every good romantic comedy should. There is love, heartbreak and the betrayal of a husband and wife but also between two best friends. But if the heart wants what the heart wants...who's to intervene? Kate Hudson is a perfect fit for the over-zealous, bubbly, attention-grabbing and self-absorbed Darcy. While she has only the best intentions for her closest friend Rachel, everything always manages to be about her. What Darcy wants, Darcy gets and Rachel is always seemingly left in the dust.

Throughout the movie you'll see the characters interact in a variety of different situations that will come to a final climax which will end the friendship between Darcy and Rachel. For example spending time on the beaches in the Hampton's where Rachel get's jealous of seeing Darcy and Dex interact, or the badminton game where Ethan almost "accidentally" lets out he knows about the affair going on (Darcy is still aloof), or the moment when Darcy realizes that Rachel and Dex had/have a fling (while inadvertently revealing her lover SHE cheated on Dex with.)

Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays the part of Rachel, definitely has that innocent, pushover, "I'd do anything for my best friend" appeal that makes her perfect for the role. Rachel is portrayed as an average looking lawyer who hates her job and is worried that her prime dating years are well behind her as she turns 30. She has the mentality that Darcy is the lucky one while she is just the opposite. Goodwin plays the role of the sweet, innocent woman who, on a whim betrays her best friend and has a sexual relationship with her fiance. While she is full of guilt the entire time, she begins to realize that being with Dex just feels right and she lets it continue to happen.

As for the character of Dex, I found him to be the most generic character in the book. He's portrayed as the "boy next door" type with a massive mind and kind heart. Played by Colin Egglesfield (yes, he's not that well known I know), Egglesfield definitely fits that generic good-looking, charming type. Although rather unknown, Egglesfield played his part as the cheater/lover as any guy would. Enjoyed his time with the mistress but refuses to leave the wife (or fiance in this case)...or does he?

The final key character in the movie is played by John Krasinski. Better known for his character on The Office, Krasinski plays the part of childhood friend Ethan. He's also the shoulder Goodwin leans on as there is nobody else she is able to talk to about her...issues. While the entire movie is rather funny, I felt that Krasinski made it that more enjoyable. His funny quirks, trying to hide from an extremely obsessive Claire (friend to both Darcy and Rachel), and blunt honesty towards Rachel's situation keeps the movie realistic and grounded.

I know I have to point out the differences from the movie and the book because that's what I do, but I am glad to say that besides a few changes, the movie relatively stayed on course with the book.

1) Darcy is a brunette in the book, while (as you well know) she's blond in the movie. And I'm fairly sure Rachel is blond (or is it a redhead...who knows...)

2) Rachel has a friend at work she can rely on to divulge all her juicy secrets too and is considered her best friend as well in the book. There was no such friend in the movie (which kind of sucks but it's not a MAJOR issue).

3) Ethan's primary residence is in London England for the entire duration of the book. He never once stepped foot on American soil. In the movie he's in NYC the entire time except for when he decides to move to London near the end. The only thing I regret about this is they left out a date scene between one of his London friends and Rachel but other than that I felt (like I said before) Ethan was a vital part as to why I enjoyed the movie. They originally had phone conversations but because Ethan was added to the script to be in person, he just added to the entirety of the movie.

Those are the three major things I can think of at the moment that were different. All in all I throughly enjoyed the movie and straight-up classify this as a girly chick-flick. Seeing as they are my weakness (as is a good Kate Hudson film) I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I may not be an expert film critique but I do know when I see a good movie, and can definitely admit when I've seen a bad one (*cough Twilight *cough).

Hope I didn't spoil it too much!

- Taryn
  

Robert Pattinson in TO?

Rumour has it that Twilight hunk Robert Pattinson and his girlfriend (yes, the one and only Kristen Stewart) have been in Toronto since May 9th. Pattinson is here filming his new movie Cosmopolis. From what I could gather through my snooping (aka daily rummage through various gossip sites - slight addiction, not gonna lie) they are here but no pictures have surfaced as of yet. Either they have been very careful, or us Canadians have a lot more respect for the budding starlets (search the fiasco in NYC when Pattinson was filming Remember Me and you'll understand what I mean).

While Rpattz doesn't get my blood bubbling like most pre-teens, teens, young adults AND adults, he's still delish and I wouldn't mind catching a glimpse of these two while in the city. Especially since no matter how hard I tried while in Vancouver during the filming of New Moon back in 2009, I just couldn't catch a break!

Remember though, be respectful. They're just people too...even if they do have their faces plastered over every magazine, billboard, big screen etc...right?


- Taryn

*photo cred to i heart him on Flikr*

The Royal Wedding = Fairytale Come True

Okay so I've been slacking huge (trust me, even I've noticed), but as the entire world knows, the wonderful and gorgeous wedding of a future King and Queen took place this past April 29, 2011 in the stunning Westminster Abbey in London England. Catherine Elizabeth  Middleton, who was once a middle-class, average girl with an average background finally wed her prince charming - literally. On a cloudy (but typical) grey day in London, surrounded by those they love (and more!) Kate and Prince William married to an in house crowd of over 3,000 attendees and millions around the world via the excellent invention of television.

Although with the time difference was five hours behind that of GB, many Canadians woke up super early to catch such a joyous event on their t.v. sets. While I know many who were annoyed and done with all the "Royal talk", but most need to remember that we were once apart of them. And still are in many ways. But ultimately in my mind, this was a fairytale come true. A realization to girls and women everywhere that any girl can marry their prince. In a world full of drama, chaos and destruction, this wedding was a sign that there is still hope. Kate and Will are for the next generation. The kids growing up who want to change the world. They are young and full of promise and really seem to be in love.

So one thing people anticipated on the big day was the dress that Kate was going to wear on her big day. There were many speculations but the dress that was kept under tight security until it was sent to her the morning of, was every bit of spectacular. Designed by Sarah Burton of the notorious designer (who sadly killed himself last year) Mr. Alexander McQueen. The dress was every bit modern while staying classic and elegant at the same time. A sweetheart neckline and cinched in at the waste that gave way to a  gorgeous bottom and a nine foot train. Surprisingly her train wasn't the longest in Royal wedding history. Princess Diana's train was over 19 feet long and Princess Fergie's dress was over 17 feet long. The dress was subtle yet romantic and the lace overlay added such a sweet look. The tiara was on lend from the Queen mother herself that was given to her by Cartier when she turned 18 way back in 1932. The tiara complemented Kate's already gorgeous ensemble and the veil added the final touch.

The ceremony itself was an hour in total and included the vows, hymns and prayers that all come with a wedding. I won't get into the details because unless you're religious or really want to sit down and read for quite a while, it's unnecessary. Plus, if you're reading this then I'm going to assume you watched it just like everybody else. What I will point out is that when they were speaking the vows of "for richer, for poorer..." Kate and William both agreed to leave out "and to obey" and they decided upon writing their own prayers. There were two parts of the ceremony that stuck out to me: 1) When Will first turned around and saw Kate for the first time he leaned over and said "You look absolutely beautiful" (I'm not going to lie, I definitely teared up then) and 2) when Kate's brother made his speech. He was strong, confident and seemed extremely sincere. I don't know about you but I don't think I would be able to speak to thousands of people IN person while knowing there are millions more watching at home.

The day ended (for the public at least) after a carriage ride through London to Buckingham Palace where they had a lunch and ended the morning's festivities atop the balcony in front of thousands of commoners. The tradition (started by Diana and Charles I heard?) to kiss in front of the crowds. Kate and Will, along with their family and wedding party stood before thousands while they kissed not once but TWICE! So sweet!

I wish my deepest congratulations to the happy couple and I hope their love will last the ages. They seem to compliment each other and I seriously hope they will overcome all obstacles! I would seriously love to roadtrip it to Ottawa this Canada day to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but needs to find some worthy companions...anybody in?

- Taryn

*First photo was courtesy of Flickr (a public website), the second was courtesy of www.beautyisdiverse.com and the last wedding photo was courtesy of the Daily Mail (dailymail.co.uk)