Let's Go to the Ex, Oh Baby!

While most of us don't want to admit it, the summer of 2012 is quickly dissipating into thin air, or so it seems. With days full of hot (super HOT) weather and delicious ice cream, it's hard not to get caught up in the moment and not realize that these wonderfully warm days are passing us by!

August is only 11 days away which means that this year's Canadian National Exhibition (aka the CNE or The Ex!) team is getting ready to open its doors to thousands of eager patrons starting August 17th. With so many activities to do, games to play, food to eat, and amazing deals to find, there is always something for everyone from the ages of one to 99.

Some new attractions to look for this year:

 CNE Sky Ride - This ride extends over 40 ft above ground (at it's highest point) and riders will be elevated into thin air and moved across the CNE grounds. This ride will allow patrons to get a "bird's eye view" of the entire area including a view of Lake Ontario, the Toronto islands and of course the wonderful city skyline.


Zip Line - Riders will elevated and then be securely harnessed before zip-lining down to the ground. (side note: I am personally excited about this! I cant' wait to try it out!)


Performances to look forward to:

Acrobatics and Ice Show - featuring Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue. The duo were Olympic Gold Medalists in Vancouver 2010 and are this year's 2012 World Championship Gold Medalists. They will be performing for the first 15 days of the CNE. For Labour Day weekend, Elvis Stojko returns for the final three days of the show.

Nick Carter ft. Andrew Allen - Nick Carter will be sure to draw a crowd on August 19th, especially after the announcement the Backstreet Boys made earlier this week stating a temporary reunion with all five members creating a new album and a world tour. Though Nick will be by himself, it's sure to be a good time full of girls screaming and probably fainting with his notorious boy band moves.

Boogie Wonderland - Lace up those platform dancing shoes, squeeze into those bell bottom jeans and tease your hair because the 70s are back! Enjoy this 10-piece band playing I will Survive, Jungle Boogie, That's the Way I Like It, Love the Nightlife, It's Raining Men, and more on August 21st! It doesn't matter what generation you come from, you can't deny a little disco love!

Arkells ft. The Darcys - A band that is known for their love of Hall and Oates, this rock band often gets compared to the likes of Bruce Springsteen). These Hamilton rockers won Group of the Year (beating out Canadian favourites Nickelback and Hedley) at the Junos and just came back from a big tour south of the border. Performing hits like Michigan Left, Kiss Cam, The Ballad of Hugo Chavez and John Lennon among others, this show is one you do not want to miss. Check them out at the band shell on August 29th! (side note: I just started listening to these guys a few weeks ago and I am super pumped to see them live at the CNE. This is one show I am not going to miss!)

What I'm looking forward to:
- The Food Building

- Zip-lining
- Shopping
- The excitement on peoples faces
- The Arkells


There are way too many exciting things going on to list every one of them so to be safe you should check out the website and get all your details there. You can also pre-order your tickets online and plan your days! The Ex is way too exciting to miss and if you live in the GTA then it's a must-do summer activity for people of all ages!

Ticket prices are as follows:


General Admission (14 - 59yrs)  $16.00
Adults 60 & Better $12.00
Children (5 - 13yrs) $12.00
Children (4yrs & under) FREE
CNE Family Pass $48.00
(2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children)

- Taryn

www.theex.com
All photos are courtesy of Canadian National Exhibition's website (www.theex.com). I own no rights to both photos.

Vans Warped Tour: Toronto 2012 Picks

It's finally here! Vans Warped Tour is finally stopping in Toronto and tomorrow is the day!

Going on my third year of attendance (I started VERY late in the game, as I'm 26), I seem to be a little bit older than the average goer to this event. Overlooking that fact, I am very excited for tomorrow's extravaganza and so I have decided to post my top ten picks I hope to catch on stage at The Flats at The Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto! And just a reminder, the event venue has CHANGED. While it was held at The International Centre (The Flats also) in Mississauga over the past years, they have moved it to a much larger venue, the main stage actually being the Molson Amp.


Anyways, on to my Top Ten!


10. Four Year Strong - I listened to these guys the other day and I enjoyed their solid rock sound. I've heard of them before but I never really took the time to listen to their music. I am looking forward to hearing what they've got on stage!


9.  Sleeping with Sirens - As I was doing my pre-Warped preparation (I'm anal like that) I came across this band's new EP If Your Life was as Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack. I was instantly attracted to the vocals. I love how they put a theme to their EP and stuck with it. I went onto listen to their newest album release, Let's Cheers to This, and while this album isn't as "soft" as their new EP, it was catchy and interesting. I look forward to hearing them onstage! 


8. Ten Second Epic - I'm all for the support of Canadian bands and I haven't seen these guys play since 2008 (ish), and it was in a church in Milton Ontario. They have always been upbeat and I look forward to hearing what they have been up to over the past couple years!

7. Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols - Another crazy good, female-fronted band who knows how to rock it out. A band who opened for Bon Jovi in Toronto, this band has a some hardcore experience when it comes to rocking out on stage. With solid lyrics and wicked guitar skills, I'm excited to finally see them live!

6. You Me At Six - I saw these guys two years ago when they played Warped 2010, so I'm looking forward to hearing some of their new stuff. Listening to "Stay with Me" as we speak, I like the pure rock vibe they have. They kind of remind me of Three Days Grace and Nickelback. Now I could be completely off, but I guess we'll truly find out tomorrow!

5. Taylor Thrash - Another random find when I was doing my "research", I found that he reminded me a little of Olly Murs. Now if anybody knows of Olly Murs, he was recently on tour with One Direction - which means he's got "young fans" written all over him. But if you're into pop music with light happy tunes, then I think you'll enjoy the sound of Taylor Thrash.

4. We Are The In Crowd - These guys have been on my radar (via twitter and Facebook) for quite some time now but I never really gave them a good listen. I took the time last night and they are yet another pop-rock band that has a fun vibe about them. I think they're an easy listen and their songs will stick in your head.


3. Mayday Parade - I have been a fan since 2007/2008 and I am always curious to hear how they have improved over the years. They are definitely no strangers to Warped and they always bring in a good crowd. Their lyrics, while still teen angst-y, are catchy and easy to remember. These guys are usually one of the bands who gets a lot of sing-along moments in the crowd - and I love that!

2. All Time Low - I caught these guys opening for Simple Plan in March and it'll be good seeing them in an up-close setting instead of from the stands. As much as I enjoyed seeing them in a big venue, ATL is not a band that I'd want to see from a far. They're catchy, upbeat and a bunch of cuties. Can't wait!

1. Taking Back Sunday - When I was in high school, the majority of my music had to do with either country artists or boy bands. While Taking Back Sunday was popular with many of my fellow classmates, I never really got into it because I didn't start liking indie/rock/pop bands/music until the tail end of my h.s. career. Taking a listen now though I find that they're extremely likable and I am looking forward to jumping on the bandwagon - even if it is almost 10 years too late.

There you have it! My top 10 for this year's Warped Tour in Toronto! There would have been a few more on there had they managed to get their butts to Canada (some legal issues I assume), but alas, I am disappointed! Maybe next time around we'll get to check out The Used, It Boys and Falling in Reverse!

If you want to keep updated on my shenanigans please follow me @TarynMcElheran! I'll be posting pictures and tweets throughout the day!


If you need any tips on beating the summer heat, head to the Vans Warped Tour website for some tricks on how to stay cool!

DIY: Lemon Vanilla Body Scrub

Photo courtesy of www.elizabethannedesigns.com

Here again is one of my random DIY posts that I said I would post from time to time!

I found a recipe online for a homemade body scrub that was made from ingredients we pretty much all have lurking around in our pantries and cupboards. I'm usually kind of skeptical when it comes to homemade body creams/scrubs/lip balm etc, but I thought that I would take a risk (a BIG one I know ;) haha) and the risk was successful!





Ingredients:
3 cups white sugar
3/4 cup of Olive Oil
Juice of one squeezed lemon (I didn't have a lemon so I used lemon juice from the fridge)
2 tbsp of lemon rind
2 tbsp vanilla

And that's it!

There's no special way to mix, you just add them to a bowl and then bam! You're done!

I used it for the first time tonight and my skin is still nice and soft from the sugar scrub and the olive oil helped to moisturize my skin! I even used it on my poor rough and dry feet and they seemed to have liked it too!

You can halve the ingredients (like I did) and/or mix smells. I used a natural vanilla (instead of a clear extract) so it came out dark. I also think I added too much oil and not enough sugar. It was supposed to come out like a wet sand texture and mine was a little "watered" down. Live and learn I guess!!

Check out the website I got the recipe from and I hope you enjoy the scrub as much as I do!


http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2011/07/28/diy-wedding-favors/

Faber Drive to Release Lost In Paradise August 28th

That's right you read correctly! Faber Drive's long anticipated third album Lost in Paradise will be released at the end of August!

Being a long time supporter of the band and a friend, it makes me proud to see that they've finally accomplished this album! It's a huge deal and I'm super excited to listen to it when the time comes!

Everybody get excited!!

Oh and if you're in the Toronto area  be sure to come and check them out at Dundas Square on July 21st for a FREE show!

While you're "patiently" waiting, check out this wicked fan-based lyric video for their most recent single "Candy Store"! Oh and while your at it, be sure you call your local radio stations and bug the crap out of them until they play the song! It's catchy, it's sweet and it's full of puns! What's not to love? It's definitely on my summer playlist!
(Notice anything special around the 2:42 mark?! wink wink)

- T

S.C.E.N.E. Fest 2012

I've been a loyal fan of the S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival (@scenefest) for over five years now, and as a media guest for the last three of those five. I have never come out disappointed with the event and it continues to amaze me at how organized the committee and crew are  when it comes to executing a smooth day. Yes there have been years where they've hit some snags, really bad weather, or rowdy crowds, but they have always been calm, professional and friendly when it came to such matters - and this year was no different. For the first time (to my knowledge) they set up not one but TWO stages at Market Square (the main venue and where all the bands set up their merch) and had a 19+ area that was sponsored by Jager. And while this was a little foreign (being this my fifth year running) having two stages, I quite enjoyed the set-up (and the drinks).

SCENE is a 12+ hour affair that starts at noon and continues into the wee hours of the morning. Hosting bands from all over the province, Canada and even some from the States, there is always a band and/or venue that will have something for everybody's ears. Canadian favourites Down With Webster made an appearance for the third time in Scene history and they did one heck of a show.

Here's a list and a short review of who I managed to catch at this year's S.C.E.N.E. festival 2012:

First up was Wesley James good ol' Saint Catharines, Ontario. Not originally on my list to check out, I was pleasantly surprised when I checked him and his band out. At first listen he kind of reminded me of an edgier Illscarlett (see review below) but after listening for awhile he began to create his own sound (in my mind). With a bit of everything mixed in, it's hard to specify a certain genre of music. With everything from Dub, Ska, and Rock to a little bit of Folk and then some. What was easy to determine though was the passion he felt towards his music and performances. He even had family in the crowd that was bouncing along to the music and looked just as proud. James and his band is definitely work having a listen! Check them out on Facebook or on his website to get more information and hear some music!

We mainly stuck around the main stage this year as it was easiest and where most of the action was happening. Next up we enjoyed the musical talent of Care Failure and her band Die Mannequin (@DMannequin). Girl fronted bands are more common than most people think and they usually pack a powerful punch when it comes to the words and music performed on stage. Care was no different and she managed to wow her audience with her powerful chords and stage presence. Her sexy rough-edged voice mixed with her sharp and angst-filled lyrics made for an interesting performance. After being dropped from their former label Warner, they had reason to let out their emotions in their music. Mixing it up with old favourites with new songs off their recently released EP Danceland, Ms. Failure and her band made a great way to start off this year's 17th Annual S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival! Check out Die Mannequin's Facebook page to find out more info on the band!






With a couple of hours to spare on the main stage, we wandered the downtown streets of St. Catharine's and found a band that went by the name of Searching for Satellites at the wonderful Red Hot Chili Pepper. While not a band I normally listen too, I was intrigued by their name and their style of music. A mix of singing and screaming, it was a combination that seems to be popular with the younger crowds. I definitely enjoyed the show and thought they did a the combination of singing and screaming quite well. Didn't help that they were quite the lookers either!

We then made are way over to Rockford's. A tiny bar that barely fits in the band let alone the fans, but all the same is still cozy and intimate. I've been listening to Brighter Brightest (@BrightrBrightst) on and off for the last couple of years and I've always liked what I've heard. The last time I saw them they were heading a Skate4Cancer event in my hometown. They even went as far as showing us ladies how to do a self-breast exam. Amazing right? Anyways, their catchy upbeat songs are the big reason why I enjoy their music and watching them perform. Playing new songs off their recently released album Right for Me like "Everyday" and "Right for Me" while still keeping it real by mixing it in with old favourites and probably the best cover ever of Wave's "California". I don't know about you but part of my childhood consisted of listening to Wave on repeat. That was a great blast from the past! You can catch Brighter Brightest on their "Tourlympics" tour this summer across Canada! For more information be sure to check out their Facebook page!

Before the next choice band, we had some time to spare so we searched out the world famous Smokes Poutinery and decided to eat some delicious Canadian staple food. We then went to support our lovely friends of Illscarlett while they tried to raise some money Busking for Change for Warchild - a wonderful charity that helps children in war torn countries all over the world. As per usual they were pretty damn good. I have to say I do enjoy them being acoustic. Then again, I think I enjoy every band more when they're doing acoustic. Call me crazy but I think it's sexy.

Rockford's seemed to be my only other choice venue this time around. Winnipeg band Take Me To The Pilot (@TMTTP) were performing and I could NOT miss it. A friend of mine introduced me to this band a few years ago and it's taken me that long in order to see them perform. I missed them by a hair at last year's CMW and that was only because they had a super late (or super early?) set time at 2 a.m. These guys have a special, airy like quality when it comes to their vocals and it captivates me every time I listen. Their songs are upbeat (even when sad) and I can't help but enjoy every aspect of their performance. I also managed to pick up their newly released EP What Makes You and it`s definitely one to listen to. The performance itself was flawless and even though they were probably on the tiniest stage possible they still managed to make a great time out of it and their Ontario fans definitely didn`t complain. While singing new songs off of their seven song EP, they also sang favourites like "Call the Cops", "I Was Alive for 15 Days in the 80s" and my personal fave "Green Eyes". They also managed to play off of their pals in Brighter Brightest and did their own version of Wave's "California" as well!

Our last stop of the night was to catch the last two performances of the night on the main stage at Market Square. Illscarlett (@Illscarlett) has been a crowd favourite all across Canada for years now. I remember seeing them for the first time live when I was in my second year of University back in 2007. They have produced, sang and toured multiple times since then and even added a stay in California. As of recent they have dropped their record label and are currently in the process of writing, and recording their self-produced EP that will be released in August of this year. These guys always give an energy packed performance that allows the crowd to just release their energy. In fact, out of all the Ill shows that I have seen in the past, there is not one show that has not had a pit take over the audience. Pretty sure there were a few times where the security guards had to step in because they were harming other fans in the area. Because they haven't released an album or EP in awhile they mainly stuck to tunes that I was more than familiar with. Instead of focusing on the lyrics I was just able to get into the music and bob my head along to the beat. If you  don't enjoy an Ill show, then there's got to be something wrong with you right?

Down With Webster (@DOWNWITHWEBSTER) has been around for more than a couple of years. they started off as a basement band where nobody really heard them and now they've become a Canada and State wide phenomenon. Toronto boys born and bred, these guys always have the crowd jumping and psyched to be in the crowd. Their unique mix of R&B, Rap and Rock&Roll make for a unique, one-of-a-kind show that will always leave your ears pleased. While their set was too short for my liking, they did a great mix of old and new songs off their albums Time to Win Vol.1 and Time to Win Vol.2. It's always a thrill to hear these guys perform live and to see the audience so wrapped up in each song. It's easy to relate to and something you don't hear every day on the radio (well except them of course). I've already seen them in Montreal this year and I'm excited to see them again whenever they come back. They are addictive, super cute and super catchy. If you haven't listened to them or have never heard of them before (I know I've got some non-Canadian readers out there) you should definitely check them out on their Facebook page to hear some music and find out more information on the band!

I always have such a great time at S.C.E.N.E. and this year was no exception. As a lover of music, outdoor festivals and being with friends, this was the perfect summer kick-off and I look forward to working with them in the future!


- T 


Oh on a side note, friends and I discovered this not so appealing sticker on someone's car that stated "No Fat Chicks Allowed". Obviously we were offended but we went on about our day. Turns out someone had been just as offended and managed to peel off the "No" part. Karma's a bitch isn't it?

www.zebraprintsky.com's writer Jenny Ellis posing with the offensive sticker.