Triple – X Thursdays @ The Drake

June 2nd was the launch night for Triple – X Thursdays at the Drake Hotel Underground which happens the first Thursday of every month.

The June edition featured, Suck Machine, an electronic art performance duo hailing from Montreal. Alexis O'Hara and Jon Ascensio gather attention by using live samples and strange noises generated through tubes and synthesizers. The accessorized get ups and quirky movements added to the show, and won over a couple of new fans in the crowd.

Ratsicule are well known on the Toronto scene as that “electro-pop karaoke freak-out dance duo”. Their stage presence and lyrics combined sexual energy with feministic charm while their euro-trash pop punk sound had some people shaking their booty Parisian style. These gals really know how to put on an amazing show. Their stage presence and ab lib "acting" make for a unique one-off performance each time they play. Their “Un Chaud Combo” CD is available at your local independent record shop or online via their web.

Triple – X Thursdays features live performances with DJ mixes of current and past hard-edged electronic beats. It’s definitely geared to the avant-garde crowd seeking something new in club land.

Interlude noises provided by DJ Triple – X (alt-indie-electro-mash up-freak out-cock rawk)

Dress up, dance, be yourself.

The Details: Triple – X Thursdays at The Drake – 1150 Queen Street West– 416 531 5042
First Thursday of every month 10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. $5.00

Next Installment: July 7 featuring The Parkdale Hookers and Kelly and the Kelly Girls.

Pride Ride 2005 and Parkdale Pride

On June 11th a dozen riders left Sunnyside Cafe shortly after 10 A.M. on their way to the Eastern Beaches, as part of the 1st annual Pride Ride. Despite the plus 30 degree temps, we all made it. Once we reached our destination in the Beaches we had a great lunch on the boardwalk to fuel up for our ride back west. This was the first Pride Ride and from all accounts from those in attendance it was a great success, with many looking forward to the next one on the second weekend of July. It was leisurely paced with us arriving back in the Parkdale area shortly before 3pm, an hour before Parkdale Pride began. Stay tuned for our next adventure or email us at zedtoronto@hotmail.com to get on the list.|

The 6th Annual Parkdale Pride began at 4pm after a few musical and BBQ technicalities. It was a fun filled afternoon of activities for everyone, drawing the biggest crowd yet. There were performances by Tantrum, Broadband, Last Nerve Productions, and I Furiosi Baroque Ensemble along with musical interludes by DJ Triple-X. Of course the great BBQ, salads (courtesy of The Drake Hotel) and pastries (courtesy of Dufflet's) were a hit again this year, along with the excellent array of raffle prizes donated by local area business owners. A good time was had by all in attendance.

Knotty Knights @ Lot 16

The Pride Edition featured the usual selection of alt-indie debauchery (with a couple dis-ko classics). Donna Summer to the Dead Kennedys. Oh yah, there was some B.B. King, the Clash, Le Tigre, Demics, ESG and more. Big gay happy anthems....NOT!!!

Check it out. Every Second Friday- Lot 16, 1136 Queen St W. 10:00 P.M. - 2:00 A.M.

The next installment happens July 1st with a full night of ALL CANADIAN TUNES, eh!

Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club @ Sully's Gym

The afternoon of Sunday June 19 was all about the girls. Seven rounds, 14 boxers, and tons of fun. These gals know how to throw the punches. The team colours were Red and Blue, however a couple of the boxers were more black and blue by the end of the 3 rounds. There were winners and losers, but all in good spirit.

The crowd were asked to stand for the national anthem, which was an electric violin rendition of the Rocky theme, The Eye of the Tiger, performed beautifully by Reena. Musical interludes were provided by DJ Triple-X providing all your favourite boxing tunes from Prodigy and PJ Harvey, to Pat Benatar and the Rolling Stones.

Stay tuned for the next installment happening in the fall. Toronto Newsgirls

Give Me Liberty Street Party @ Liberty Village (Fraser Ave)

On June 23rd summer was welcomed with this second annual outdoor street party held on Fraser Avenue, south of King Street/East of Dufferin. 4:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. There were DJ's, food vendors, and a beer garden which all made for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment on the streets of Liberty Village. Councillor Watson was on hand to unveil the new Liberty Village street signs which are pretty snazzy. What more could you ask for to get the summer started?

DJ Triple-X played World Beats.

Glad Day Book Shop Fundraiser @ Toronto Free Gallery

The masses headed east on June 23rd for the closing night party in aid of the Glad Day Legal Defense Fund. This two-level gallery is a great space for exhibitions and parties so check it out at some point. There was a Silent Auction (Cash and Carry) where individuals walked away with some amazing works at great prices, a performance by the great in-yer-face Cougar Party, and music was provided by DJ Barbarafisch and DJ Triple-X. The fact that a minimum $5.00 donation allowed for unlimited Moosehead beer drinking was definitely a perk to venture to the east. Thanks Moosehead for your support of the arts.

The Details: Toronto Free Gallery, 660 Queen Street East @ Broadview, 9:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.

Pride Week Cheek @ Gladstone Hotel

Pride Week Cheek Celebrated Gay Pride with Laughter

On June 24th the "God Mother" of the Toronto gay comedy scene, David MacLean, hosted the 3rd annual Pride Week Cheek featured some of Toronto's best gay and lesbian comics, along with headliner Dawn Whitwell, and DJ Triple-X for post show dancing and reverie.

Great laughs were provided by Peter Lynch, Doug Taylor, Jillian Thomas, The Wet Spots, and of course the very funny Dawn Whitwell from Cleveland. The show began shortly after 9 and continued late with the "Pride Get Up Dance Party". It was also a benefit for the LBGT Youth Line.

Toronto Pride Alterna-Queer Stage @ Alexander Parkette

This was definitely the place to be for Pride. Forget fighting the crowds at the Parade. This beer garden had all the coolest people in attendance, and why not with such an amazing line up:

Featuring: Cougar Party, Scandalnavia, Hunter Valentine, Gentlemen Reg, Kelly & the Kelly Girls

The crowd built slowly as the blaring sun started to hide behind the walls of Buddies. By the time Kelly and the Kelly Girls hit the stage around 7pm everyone was ready to bop. The evening continued with an entertaining burlesque cabaret and ended with Toronto's infamous Random Order.

Musical interludes were provided by DJ Triple-X with old school punk to new school junk being mixed to the delights of the scenesters. If you like it hard and heavy and all night long, be sure to be here next year for Alterna-Queer 2006

The Details: Alexander Parkette outside Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. 2:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Inside the beer garden.

Your escape from the mainstream!