Cyndi Lauper + Free Pride Concert?!

Pride Toronto: WELL DONE.

While researching various 2010 summer festivals in Toronto, I naturally wandered over to the Pride website for details. Pride Toronto celebrates their 30th anniversary this summer and events are scheduled to rock the downtown core from June 25th to July 4th.

Little did I know what stunning information I would stumble upon.

On Sat. July 3rd, Cyndi Lauper is headlining a FREE CONCERT at Queen's Park. FREE, people. She is going to celebrate Toronto Pride and let us join her FOR FREE. Don't believe me? Check out the press release for yourself.

Former attendees to Pride celebrations in Toronto will note this as the first year Queen's Park numbers itself among the official venues for the festival. We're branching off from the main Gaybourhood of Church and Wellesley and the alternative scene on Queen St. West. In addition to the massive weekend draw of a FREE Cyndi Lauper show at Queen's Park, visitors will also find an array of queer-friendly exhibitors and a "beverage garden," as the site calls it.

KYAAAA, I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL JUNE! I'm aiming for this to be the first visit to the official Pride Parade. I've been to the Dyke March twice and I also plan to mark this summer for the third visit. Still, I want to be part of the energy for the MAIN SHOW. And this is also my first Pride after coming out to all those nearest and dearest to me. 2010 -- it's a big deal, folks.

Now, if you will excuse, I am off to sing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" at the top of my lungs. I best prepare as early as possible.

Apologies and a Tuesday Recap

Apologies for missing yet another Tunes for Tuesdays post -- methinks this is the Universe's decision. It's telling me to change the night for new music. Paf, I say. Paf. I dismiss the notion.

Despite the absence of a post last night, I was involved with some music-related fun in Toronto. One of lil' brother's school bands played at The Trane, so my sister and I headed in to check it out. It was the first time I'd stepped into a self-proclaimed jazz lounge and I was quite impressed. The Sister and I were sitting near the stage and didn't notice the crush of people building behind us until the band finished their set.

WOW. It gets packed, even on a Tuesday.

Lil' brother's band is (unofficially) known as The Suspects and their niche is African-styled music. It's quite the sight with that number of people on stage: one bassist (lil' brother), one pianist, three brass instruments, two guitarists, three singers, and... about four percussionists? I know. I think half his music program is in The Suspects (hence their "suspicious" aura). Serious it was energetic and fun and very different from what the lil' brother writes himself.

Hmm, I find myself gravitating toward the city more and more these days. I love the potential of it, all the youth and vitality. I know, I sound like the suburbanite girl I am. Still, I know it's the city life for me, whether in Toronto or another spot.

I find those little reminders helpful.

So, yes -- it is St. Paddy's Day as I write this. I shall return with a special music post for the occasion. Do stay tuned.