By Gianluca Malatesta
Lights, Camera, Action! Celebrating over 25th anniversary, this years Images
Festival is sure to provoke and inspire audiences by showcasing some of Torontoʼs best
upcoming talent. Beginning Thursday April12, 2012 the Images Festival will run 26
installations at 16 different local galleries full of vivid performances and theatrical
productions. With 88 films and videos from over 26 countries this years festival is sure
impress all those in attendance.

As the Cityʼs oldest festival-second only to the Toronto International Film Festival
the original founders invite you to experience international contributions of
contemporary art and media. Acting as one of the worlds strongest media platform it
provides artists with a supportive professional forum to present their work and gain
exposure. The Images festival is a great influence on creators to embrace new concepts
and levels of expression.

As we look towards this years festival some of the highlights include: Opening
night with British Ghanian Jon Akomfrahʼs The Nine Muses, Legacy Programming
with the founders looking back at images of music and film from year one,
Experimental Film interpreted as theatre, and Yo La Tengo playing live to the sounds
on science.Exclusively running for 10 days, with 150 artists, at 22 Venues the festival is
something you sure do not want to miss.

Videos to Watch Out For:

The Strawberry Tree: Created by Toronto based York University graduate Simone
Rapisarda Casanova about the before and after scenes of a small village in Cuba that
got wiped out by a hurricane. The end result became a documentary that found rich and
beautiful life in people that have nothing left.

Critical Mass: A film created by Kerry Tribe that is said to be, “this years most mind
bending interpretation.” Lasting an unbelievable 24 hours, Kerry worked with two
professional actors who memorized the course of the film and then re-stage the piece
shot for shot which includes all the interruptions, partial words, and stutter effect.

For more info on the Images Festival check out www.imagesfestival.com and be sure to
follow Acid City Magazine for updates on events.

Rise Up T.O Launch Party Review

By: Andrew Borzic

Twitter: @itsmedreww

A couple of peel-region high school teachers seem to be making a move toward the greater good. Spring 2012 marks the launch of Rise up T.O, a social-networking company founded by Tia Duke and Renee Kerr.

From their official launch party Thursday night at Spice Lounge on Lakeshore’s west end, the founders exemplified the sophistication and business savvy appeal they want to bring to fellow Toronto based entrepreneurs. Rise up T.O looks to be the backbone for the many multi-talented artists and business minded individuals which operate in our city. Through working with already established artists in a classroom setting, the company would seek to assist clients in organizing a portfolio which can be used to pursue career oriented goals.

“We’ve seen it before, the right kids with the right people flourish” says co-founder Renee Kerr.

Kerr and Duke’s aim is to outreach to the numerous capable youth living within the Greater Toronto Area and provide them with the tools needed to become successful within current North American media contexts.

Check out their Summer Conference 2013 next year.

For more info or how to get in contact with Rise Up T.O check out their Facebook page or visit Rise Up T.O

Acid City had the chance of interviewing Mark from Giddy Yoyo, a fantastic chocolate company pushing forth the raw vegan movement. Not only are there chocolates absolutely divine (dont get me started on the dark chocolate mocha) but also healthy. Their chocolate contains only a few simple ingredients, including love.

1)      Why raw chocolate?

It is more the super selective sourcing of only Arrbia Nacional cacao from high-elevations in Ecuador. Keeping it raw keeps some of the nutrition in place – but even roasted our cacao is amazing. Why is our chocolate – is because it does something ‘magical’ in the brain. It is tremendously uplifting and mood boosting. It helps with cognition, focus and overall well being.

2)  What was the biggest challenge about making raw vegan friendly chocolate?

The biggest challenge was finding the right source. The extent to which our partner has gone to ensure only the best is incredible. 99% of the world’s cacao does not fit our criteria.

3)    Why do you believe in the importance of real ingredients as opposed to processed or chemical induced?

Everything we do needs to be in the context of future generations – from the way we treat mother earth to the way we affect our fertility and genetics. Highly processed foods and toxic chemicals is one of the major things degrading our entire society.

4)      Who was responsible for the warm packaging (including the “made with love”  ingredient)? Did you have any previous design ideas?

The packaging and design is a result of Bridgitte and I working closely with 6 graphic artists so far. We are about to unveil a 7^th generation. Last one for awile. We are very happy with the changes. It reflects a company that is growing up.

5)      Would you consider your chocolate a healthy snack or more of an indulgent treat?

Neither. The world’s greatest meal. Serious. Best diet food.

6)      Which flavor is your favourite and how did you decide on which flavours you wanted the chocolate to be?

My favourite flavour has changed many times. Mint, Spicy, mocha than original. And now its pink. The flavours have evolved over time. Mostly coming from customers and friends. At our last staff meeting we had a brainstorming session. Lots more ideas on the drawing board. Mocha is actually being phased out and X Dark and a secret flavour are coming soon!

7)      Was it difficult to sell/ market the chocolate to such a niche crowd? Do you find curious customers buying anyway?

Driven by our passion it is esay to ‘sell’ chocolate to an already somewhat educated audience, when we are there in person to ‘sell’. One of the step we are taking to help the bar compete against some of the other leading brands is to increase the size of the bar from 45g to 85g. There will be no price increase. Often people getting hooked on our chocolate, try to go back to there old favourite and can’t – it just feels empty.

8 )  Are there any new products in the works for the future and do you plan on expanding in any way?

We have new flavours and packaging and sizing and production location coming soon. As if that’s not enough we are also on the verge of launching a line of Superfoods. Mostly form Ecuador. Things such as Maca, goji berries, golden berries, spirulina, cacao and more. Many other projects and additions on the back burner as well.

By: Andrew Borzic

Photography by Page Casmiro

Ever since Rob Ford has been elected into office at City Hall his aim has been to “clean up.” Whether it be a detox of both him and his brother’s intestinal tracts or to rid our city’s walls of culturally adorned street art. The crowd of revolutionary minded intellects that developed at the art exhibit CENSORED at the cozy Don’t Tell Mama Gallery on Thursday, showed that people could careless about such a ridiculous cleanse.

For the past couple months socio-political graffiti artist SPUD has taken his views to the streets. Spraying and inking our city’s walls and rooftops as a means of protest toward our mayor’s attempt to stop our generation’s beloved form of free speech. SPUD’s portrayals of our colorful mayor have been made available on canvas for the public to admire. You’re able to hang a version of the animated Ford at home with prices ranging from $200 up to $15 000.

Ford’s campaign against street art and the hiring of numerous by-law officers to repress graffiti in our city has breed a distaste between property owners and artists. In a city which used to embrace graffiti as a true means of unmediated art and free-speech we are seeing citizens retract from this once communal form of thinking.

“When our city tries to censor art then our city is creating the type of war that’s happening.” Says Brooke Sanderleigh, one of SPUD’s representatives. “What we need to do is create a platform in which these artists can express themselves without censorizing them and victimizing Toronto’s business and property owners”.

The premise for many of SPUD’s pieces is to show the people that our mayor should be dealing with the many important issues at hand like transit in our city or the issue of subsidized housing. As it stand today, these issues still remain.

CENSORED is open to the public for the rest of the month of March at the Don’t Tell Mama Gallery (Queen and Ossington). A free exhibit.

Acid City interviews Erik from the Book Shop, an online website dedicated to the book lovers in this technology persistent world. Book Shop features rare, classic and personal sentimental books for all walks of interests. Not only does it profile books but also exposes artfully crafted bookshelves (if one loves books then one must understand the obsessive search for a “perfect” bookshelf) and now even an online store selling book paraphernalia!

1) Who came up with the concept of Book Shop?

The concept came from my books-related blogs, where I feature a mix of books & the things that go with them, like bookshelves, bookstores, libraries, etc. The idea for a shop version of that mix came about in a discussion with Jeff Maser, a rare book dealer in Berkeley, CA.  Maser doesn’t keep a retail space, but sells to an international clientele of collectors from his inventory of over 250,000 very, very good books. My background is in design, and I’d been working on a few bookcase-related projects.  BOOK/SHOP is a way to put those things together in a careful, small-scale way.

2) What is your favourite bookshelf to date?

I like thin-walled built in bookcases like the Eggcrate Shelves that Hugh Newell Jacobsen plans into his architecture, or the shelves that Gio Ponti designed for his own home. And of course, I like the CSB 1 & SSB 1…

3) Who picks and chooses the books that are to be featured?

We start by discussing a direction for a given month’s selection. Once we’ve done that, we pull a large pile of titles from Maser’s inventory, and I edit that selection for the web.

4) If you could pick a favourite book and author who would they be?

I couldn’t really pick a favorite. Currently I’m reading a beautifully produced biography of the American artist Robert Ryman, the poems of Andrew Young (illustrated by Joan Hassal), and a pocket-sized collection of writings from the Swiss designer Max Bill.

5) Do you think the importance of reading and literature is diminishing due to a prominent technology based world?

Not for us. Or our clients, I’m pleased to say. I do think people give up their time too easily to distractions that don’t give much back. They don’t value the hours they have very well.

6) Ebook/Kobo etc or paper book?

The books I want don’t often get made into ebooks. I’m fortunate that the kinds of books I want to read are usually published by people who care enough to make thoughtful editions worth owning. I like buying & reading those kinds of books, and I think there are enough people who feel the same way to keep us busy.

People want different things of course. While I get a lot of enjoyment from the physical presence of books, other people may not care that much about them; they may just want to blow through the text or they may think that physical books are somehow a nuisance. I think these people are served well by e-readers. For myself, I desire a little more from my experiences with books. I want more from them than just the text. Not all books are keepers, but we’re after the books that are keepers, and we’re here to serve people who also seek more from their experience with books.

7) Are there any future plans for Book Shop?

We just launched in December, so all our plans are ahead of us.  New book selections every month, new book furniture and small goods a little at a time, some exciting collaborative projects…. Keep checking back!

The Book Shop

Toronto never fails to deliver fresh talent and that’s exactly what The Midnite is! With impassioned lyrics, a robust raw rock sound, and a solid self-titled EP, it’s readily apparent that this group of young artists has the ambition and the skill to dominate the music scene. These guys are definitely a must-have for your iPod playlists.

1) How did The Midnite come together?

The Midnite came together back in March 2010. Marco and Dan have known each other through high school and Gabe become part of the family through mutual friends.

2) What is the message you are trying to send with your music?

The messages in our songs reflects the real life experiences that one goes through which connects with our audience on an emotional level. Some themes invoke issues of love, loss, self-awareness, anger and the drive to move forward.

3) Describe your favourite gig or band experience

A memorable moment has been the recording process experience here in our hometown of Toronto with talented music producer Anthony Calabretta (The Artist Life/Stereos) and Joao Carvalho who is a well acclaimed mastering engineer. After writing and producing our own demo songs, it was quite an experience to work with such industry leaders who understood our vision and sound and took it to the next level.

4) Who are some of your musical idols?

Coldplay, Linkin Park, U2

5) It’s readily apparent that you guys have put a great amount of thought into every aspect of the band. From the promo videos, to the EP. You guys are dedicated!

Thank you so much for the kind words. There is no doubt that we love what we do and we put all of our efforts in giving our audience the best we can deliver.

6) Which song of yours is your favourite to perform?

“Home”, is a definite favourite as it carries within the song, raw, explosive emotion which gives us an unexplainable energy. Also, it so happens to be the very first song that we created together, so it holds a special place in our hearts.

7) Do you think Toronto has influenced your music in anyway?

We haven’t confined ourselves to Toronto when it comes to our music. We like to get inspired on a global platform to really explore other influences and venture outside of our comfort zone. Toronto offers already a great variety of music as it is a well recognized multicultural city. We’d love to one day be recognized as yet another musical pioneer from this great city.

8 ) What can we expect from The Midnite in the future?

You can expect a full length album that we are currently working on and excited about, and a North American tour.

The Midnite Official Website

1) You say that you are unsatisfied with contemporary music, how does this result in the music you create?

We’re not dissatisfied with all of it, just most of it. As musicians, you can try to make music that you think people want to hear, or you can make music that speaks to you and that you’re proud of. Personally, we make music that people don’t really want to hear and that we’re not particularly proud of. Win Win!

2) Its rare for a hip hop group to say their influences are The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, however listening to your stuff it’s definitely prominent. Do you find it difficult to blend such opposite genres?

Do people find it difficult to put on their pants on in the morning? Yes, of course we find it difficult. Some mornings it’s damn near impossible. Like when you wake up after a night of drinking. You can wrestle with the denim devil all you like, but in the end you know you’re going pant-less.

3) My favourite track is Beat Fly. The track itself sounds like it grabbed influences from Motown to 70s Rock to 80s raw hip hop. Does the sound you produce come from every member individually? Or do all of the members contribute all aspects of sound?

Each member has their own unique style. The overall sound comes from the synergy of all those styles. We are often referred to as a fusion band which makes it sound like we are going out of our way to bring different genres together. Really, we just try to make our personal tastes come together naturally. When it works it’s like waking up from a long restful sleep and those pants just slide right on

4) So many contemporary artists are a dime a dozen, how do you separate yourselves from the crowd?

We don’t really intentionally try to separate ourselves from the crowd. We just try to make music and have a good time with it. That people think we stand out, and at the same time are not repulsed by it, is a nice bonus. Like when you put on a nice pair of pants and find a crumpled up 20 dollar bill in the pocket.

5) Do you find it hard to be placed in an industry standard with such an eclectic style of music?

We don’t find it hard at all. The industry itself is finding it pretty hard to place us in any one box though. They can’t seem to make up their minds as to what kind of band we are. This works for us because we also don’t know.

6) Are there any pre-show rituals? What do you consider a successful show?

A general preshow ritual is spending the whole time before we go on worrying that no one will show up. Whether or not a show is a success to us usually depends on how the crowd reacts. How big the after party gets is a good indicator.

7) On your down time what do you find yourself doing most?

Most of our downtime is spent practicing and making music. Apparently writing one song a year isn’t enough these days.

8 ) Do you think Toronto has influenced your sound at all?

There are so many great bands and talented musicians in Toronto it would be hard not to be influenced by them. One night you are playing with a jazz band, the next night you are playing with a hip-hop group, the night after that you become a jazz hip-hop fusion group. We are pretty fortunate to have grown up here.

9) What can we expect from Tiny Danza in the future?

The near future is looking pretty busy for us. We’re heading down to Austin, Texas for SXSW then back up to Toronto for Canadian Music Week. Shortly after that we head to Dublin, Ireland to play a bunch of shows for Indie Week 2012 before possibly heading to England to top it off. That’s just the first half of the year. Hopefully by the end of it all we’ll be able to finish the next album.

10) Tiny Danza is : to Music as Nest is to Mare

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee)

* Walt Disney
* Bill Gates
* Henry Ford
* Oprah Winfrey
* Steve Jobs

Do you recognize what all of these names have in common? They all started
with just a a simple idea and look where they are today. This past Saturday November
26th, over 1,000 of todays young professionals gathered at the Metro Toronto
Convention Centre (MTCC) for the 2011 SociaLight Conference for a day of inspiration
and innovation. Great international acclaimed speakers including the very beautiful and
talented comedian Nicole Arbour gathered in the John W.H. Bassett Theatre to inspire
and educate the very enthusiastic audience.

This years event was hosted by the very comical Arbour, who opened the
conference and introduced every guest speaker through out the day. These specially
acclaimed individuals captivated the audience through there unique experiences,
downfalls, and successes. In the company of these curated and world class speakers
was Rob Sharma who’s personal leadership and immaculate speech granted him a
standing ovation. If there is one thing that Sharma left with the audience, it was that
there is no correct formula for success, but how your bring your ideas or dreams to life.

These young entrepreneurs were not only able to learn about real world
scenarios but become apart of a community that are striving for similar goals. Through
out the day guests were encouraged to network amongst their colleagues and
exchange concepts with one another. The conference also adopted a new way of
allowing audience members to interchange thoughts and questions with the guest
speakers via electronic social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. This let the
speakers gear their discussions in additional detail towards the topics on the minds of
the spectators.

The tenacious use of the word “Entrepreneur” seemed to be on every speaker
and guests mind as they all had something to say about their prosperities through out
each discussed topic. They defined an entrepreneur as, “a modern individual who is not
subjected by change, but is inspired by it.” This in itself is one of the basic foundations
and compounds that helped choose the conventions “Light” name. The term “light” is an
acronym that stands for its L-eader, I-mpacting, G-lobal, H-umanity, T-oday.

Along with the SociaLight guests, many successful international organizations
were invited to join this years convention to provide help and assistance to individuals
interested in starting their own business. Amongst the many information booths
were the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, and Aiesec who supplied guests with
information about traveling abroad while getting your education and the proper steps
to starting your own global business. As this years SociaLIGHT conference came to
a close members of the board along with the host thanked all those in attendance for
becoming a part of bigger and brighter future and as a parting gift every guest received
a special gift bag. All guests were then welcomed to wind down at the official after party,
held at the Courthouse, which ran until 2:00am.

Over all I believe that SociaLIGHT brought together some of todays young
leaders and entrepreneurs that was beneficial on a social, educational, and inspirational
platform. This event not only allowed individuals from all different markets to come
together and exchange great ideas, but it embraced young empowerment from
a whole redefined level. The conference allowed you to be a part of a local and
international movement that empowers new entrepreneurs to leave an impact on
the world. If you missed this years conference, you don’t have to worry. You can
contact any of this years speakers, sponsors, or affiliates via email from their website.

Social Light Conference

By: Gianluca Malatesta

A week ago I was put to the challenge of attempting a detox cleanse…not a food cleanse, a juice cleanse. This cleanse included 6 juices per day consisting of different flavours including: 3 green juices (not as bad as you think), a delicous pinapple mint juice that tasted like a fresh mojito, a spicy refreshing lemonade and a frothy almond cinnamon milk for night. Now I know you’re all thinking how ridiculous this may sound and how hard it may be, but it’s all in our heads! I did not do the cleanse for weight loss so I did not even bother checking the scale while on it (you’ll gain that weight back anyway).  You’ll find yourself turned off by greasy, processed foods. My experience of eating a slice of pizza post cleanse made me feel terribly sick. I found myself wanting the juices back! Read further for a breakdown of my experience below and why everyone should put themselves up for the Blue Print Cleanse:

Day 1:

Hunger Level: Not hungry at all yet! There are so many juices that you feel satisfied. Just had the almond milk which filled me up even more!

Craving Level: Not craving chocolate yet= great sign!

Weakness Level: feeling quite weak, it was hard walking around doing daily activities. I’m thankful I didn’t attend my usual 6 AM yoga class this morning. Bed time tonight is 9:00 PM, a couple hours earlier than I would normally sleep.

Other: Head is killing!! (lack of coffee most likely), feeling surprised at how easy day 1 was.

Day 2:

Hunger Level: A little hungrier than yesterday, I have started drinking herbal tea between juices to help my appetite, it seems to be working!

Craving Level: Still am not craving anything remotely bad! (Even as my boyfriend chows down on a beautiful plate of pasta)

Weakness Level: Much weaker than yesterday, thankfully it’s the weekend and I can sit on the couch all day. I recommend trying something like this on the weekend where you are not needed under the physical and emotional stresses of the work day.

Other: Headache is gone which is nice, my skin looks phenomenal, bags under my eyes are gone and the thought of conquering another day makes me super happy!

Day 3:

Hunger Level: Today is definitely the worst, but by “worst” I’m not starving or anything, just as not satisfied as prior days.

Craving Level: Craving cheese with bread and butter! I know how odd I hardly have the combination but the thought of warm bakery bread with Swiss cheese is making my mouth (and heart) melt!

Weakness Level: Plastered myself to the couch today. I only moved when I went to the washroom, other than that I couldn’t find the strength. I kept myself occupied with reading, television and work.

Other: Sleepy but glad that I did the cleanse. I realized that drinking for 3 days straight isn’t a big deal at all and that I did some good to my body!

If you’re interested in doing the cleanse pre or post Christmas which can prepare you or fix you from holiday eating and drinking check out the Blue Print Cleanse website and order yours now! It also makes a great gift for the fitness gurus in your life! Why not give someone the gift of health? Check out the website below for more information on this invigorating cleanse.

Blue Print Cleanse