Winter Brewfest 2017

Second year for attending Winter Brewfest: Saturday Session. Last year I summed up the event as follows:

They definitely have work to smooth out for 2017, if they want to be successful. This would involve ensuring volunteers show up, hosting in a larger venue, trying to have tokens at a reasonable price, and switching the cups to plastic. Booths for the breweries should also have better displays, felt too tight and you could not appreciate the beers they had to offer.

First Impressions

While the organizers advertised that it was in a larger venue, it was actually in the same room at the Enercare Centre from last year. They did however cut back on the carnival games which opened up some more room for vendors. Were there still lines? Yes. And despite switching to a cashless system to “make lines quicker,” I felt the lines were actually longer this year. Did we let that stop us from having fun? Heck no.

Our game plan was to get a sample, then once acquired, move to another line and drink our sample while waiting. When we were near the front of the line, we were usually finished with our previous sample! Genius.

The organizers were also smarter this year and switched the cups to an enviro-plastic cup to cut back on the shattered glass. While the cups were not nearly as cute as the mason jars from last year, it was nice knowing I could not shatter this glass as easily in the event a good song came on.

Last Thoughts

At this point, I’m not too sure if I will go in 2018 as the organizers are still relatively new and – despite changes made this year – they still have work to do to make the whole event enjoyable.

Don’t get me wrong, I had a grand ‘ol time. I’m glad I was with people who were just as ridiculous as me. We made the concrete our dancefloor, when everyone was too serious standing in lines or sitting down to eat. They were so concerned how they presented themselves to others, it made us laugh.

This life is for living, and if I feel the need to dance? Boy, you better be ready because I’m going to dance.

Overall, I give the event three beersteins out of five. I had a fantastic time, there were improvements, but it felt that with the improvements that were made, did not actually change much from last year.

Refreshing Album – Milky Chance “Blossom”

Milky Chance have grown and it would seem, they have become more of their own with the release of their second album Blossom. A fitting title for the band, indeed the group have blossomed with their sounds. A cleaner album, in which I listen to the album in full without skipping any songs. Each song transitions so lovely to the next track. When a band can accomplished that, it’s quite something.

The return of Milky Chance happened a few months back with the release of their single “Cocoon.” I listened to this song over and over again. And still do. Next was the release of “Doing Good” which had me wanting more.

Oh and they delivered. My favourite tracks off the album are: “Ego,” “Stay” and “Bad Things.” Be sure to check out the deluxe edition, however, as there are acoustic renditions of select songs.

Getting through to you/Is what I’m aiming for
Won’t you hear me now/ Like you’ve done before

I think really what works with this album is the electronic reggae sounds. It’s refreshing for a band to bring it back to good beats, guitar riffs that stick with you, and powerful lyrics that have you nodding your head.

Milky Chance have two shows in August at the Danforth Music Hall. If you like what you’re hearing, best to buy some tickets fool.

Disney “Opens-up” with “Beauty & The Beast”

Be Our Guest

Oh musicals. You either love them, or hate them. Personally, I love them. I applaud those who have the talent to sing, dance, and the appreciation doesn’t even stop there. The amount of work that goes in for the writing and score? Oh and the sets. They usually are so fantastic.

So, that being said, I had the pleasure of watching Disney’s live-action rendition of Beauty & The Beast. It was absolutely charming. The casting is fantastic, and Emma Watson does a lovely job as Belle.

The Beast finally gets his own song! “Evermore,” performed by Josh Groban, (Dan Stevens in the movie) is lyrically beautiful. We finally see the change in the Beast. I’ll sure be listening to this on the daily!

Facing Criticism

Those who are up in arms over LeFou’s homosexuality are just pesky mosquitoes distracting from the huge milestone for Disney. Instead of another sensitized Disney movie in fear of “offending” anyone, they have their first openly-gay character. Really, for anyone who is offended, they should recheck their priorities.

Conclusions

If you have been toying with the idea of seeing Beauty & The Beast, I recommend you choose on going. If children are keeping you away from the theatre experience, I suggest paying a bit extra and treatyoself to a VIP Experience. 19+ and buy a pitcher? Need I say more?

Judah & The Lion [Case Study]

If anyone knows me – they know I’m a lover of Mumford & Sons. They are able to write, adapt, expand, and bring comfort to anxious moments. One band that is currently emerging from the shadows, is Judah & the Lion. And, I can’t help but compare the likeness that have with Mumford & Sons. Their lyrical writing is of similarity, and the vibes coming off their tracks are both calming and inspiring. Add in some banjo sounds, mandolin here and there, as well as a powerful voice, and you’ve got a good thing going on.

Take It All Back 2.0

The first real break for Judah & the Lion has been “Take it all Back 2.0” A great song about the important things in life. Brian Macdonald (the mandolinist) says the song comes from a place of “saying that our successes do not define us as people. We would give up everything we do to have the things that matter most to us: love, friends, family, ice cream.”

Suit and Jacket

The next song that I’ve been playing nonstop has been “Suit and Jacket.” A song that most of us can relate to. It’s about wanting to live. ACTUALLY live. Stop the thinking, stop the rushing, stop the surviving. But actually collect experiences, have real conversations, and try not to just exist. Isn’t that scary? I know I have spent too much time overthinking, analyzing, and trying to let everything be perfect. You are in constant battle with yourself because you don’t want to say the wrong thing to someone, as it may jeopardize your current connection.

But if we were to take the moment in, and say what we are actually thinking? Wow. What a beautiful thing that would be to express genuine feelings. I strive for this. Little by little – but I’m getting there.

“So how am I supposed to slow it down so I can figure out who I really am?”
Our Love

The last song I share with you is a live version of “Our Love” which showcases the true talent lead singer Judah Akers has. That voice! The song resonates with me, because I feel like I am searching. You can fill in the gap as you please.

 

I leave you with that. Take a listen — it’ll make your day better. I promise!

Find this amazing band on Spotify and Facebook.

Playing at the Opera House (great venue!) on March 21st.

Amy Schumer “The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo”

I was beginning to grow tired of Amy Schumer (ooo maybe not a way to open up a review?) But only because she was using the same material at each thing I saw her at. I saw her at the Oddball Festival Summer 2015, and when she was on SNL, it was the same material! I was pretty surprised about this decision on Schumer’s part, because, it’s SNL?

But — after reading her book, it was a nice break from her comedy, because she was actually real and open.  She is able to laugh at herself, accept herself as she is -flaws and all-, ignore the negative feedback and able to make a name of her own.

Kudos Schumer.

As for the title of the book? I think it’s a title that only makes sense once you get to the end of the book. When I initially started, the title was off-putting and made me think “oh so funny, ‘the girl with the dragon-tattoo'” .
But after reading the final chapter it made me change my opinion and realize, “right on! what a fitting title.”

Ya feel?

Follow my reading adventures over on goodreads.

JoJo Moyes “After You”

After You definitely took longer to read than I would have preferred; it’s chick lit so it doesn’t require much attention.

This is the follow-up novel to Me Before You, and despite taking too long to read the book, I actually enjoyed it more than the first book.

The novel follows the life of Louisa Clark after losing Will Traynor. She struggles to move on after a part of Will’s past shows up at her door one night, pulling her life into another direction she is fighting to avoid.

I enjoyed this book because it teaches you to live your life, which is definitely important. Questions I always have are, “Why is it that I feel obligated to post this photo on Instagram? Is it to prove I have an active social life? Why can’t I enjoy the moment without posting it?”

With another birthday coming up in my own life, I’m learning I need to do things for myself. Yes it’s okay to do things for others – but if it’s not being returned, you need to learn how to let go.

“You don’t ask, you don’t get.”

My review of JoJo Moyes’ Me Before You..

Follow my reading adventures over on Goodreads.

Wednesday Listens E31

Oooh I haven’t posted one in a few weeks my loves. Let’s get to it, shall we? Because my thoughts have been driving me crazy lately!

One of my all-time favourite tracks off of the VS. mixtape. Bastille pairs with HAIM to bring us listeners to a delight of a soundtrack.

You don’t have to look any further//I’ve been waiting here for you for time//You don’t have to look any further//You’re missing what is right before your eyes

Hits it right on the head? Doesn’t? Once you realize the lyrics basically describe your life, you also realize the beat is super sick, and gets ya grooving in time.

“falling for you somehow”

The latest single from Milky Chance brings up some stellar beats. Milky Chance want their newest album to show the development of the band. Instead of pure electronic sounds, we are hearing more of a rock tone.

I love this take on Ellie Goulding’s “On My Mind.” I like how it’s less “pop-y” and there is more percussion.

 

Realizing the direction of this playlist, oooops. C’est la vie. Sadly.

Sherlock Series 4 Ep 2: The Lying Detective

Hey my scruffy socially-inept love who has turned back to drugs. This was the darkest episode of Sherlock yet. Sherlock subdues himself with heroin to cope with the aftermath that was the opening. John is no longer talking to Sherlock, while Sherlock is having difficulty determining what is in fact reality. A mind-boggling case turns up after a woman visits Sherlock saying her father is planning on murdering someone.

That father figure is Mr. Culverton Smith. Sherlock is determined to expose Smith’s dark secret. Sherlock labels him as a serial killer, Smith uses this as a strategic marketing for a brand of cereal, he is indeed the “cereal killer.”

Brilliant writing, and the last few moments will have you on-edge. Brilliant!

Sherlock Series 4 Ep 1: The Six Thatchers

My socially inept love is back with series four. Sherlock “The Six Thatchers” premiered yesterday, and yes, you are quite right. It was a strong opening that provides a rollercoaster of emotions. In one moment you are smiling like a bloody idiot because your boys Cumberbatch and Freeman are back on screen together, and then you are crying as the writers rip any happiness away. Phew. No, not bitter at that ending of an episode.

“The Six Thatchers” presents us with the promise that in some way, Moriarty is back. Sherlock realizes that to draw Moriarty’s “game” to him, he must keep himself busy with other cases. Sherlock ensues in a frenzy of solving as many cases as he can, all while joining the hashtag world. #221bisback

Then brings us the case of the “Six Thatchers.” A pattern of smashed Margaret Thatcher head sculptures begins, which sparks the interest of Baker Street. Who is smashing these head busts, and what is the purpose? Is there any link to Moriarty? Well my dear, bring that episode online and get to watching.

Miss me?

Wednesday Listens E30

Exited to see where this Toronto band goes. They give off a Runaways or Heart vibe. I love the bad girl feel to the song, and the keyboard tune? Yeah can’t deny those excellent sounds.

Which leads us to The Runaways. An iconic group breaking traditional feminity stereotypes in rock n’ roll. Look at these badasses on stage.

Another strong all-female group is HAIM. Three sisters with some stellar bass face if you watch ’em live. They’ve got strong vocals and work great together.