Planetarium

ArtsFilmStage

I’m currently procrastinating most things into 2023, but there’s always space in the calendar for parties, burlesque, self care, and documentaries!

It’s pretty cool (and scary) stuff

Worlds of Ice is a film by Philippe Baylaucq, produced by the National Film Board of Canada in collaboration with the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan. It’s a 360°, 35 minute immersion into exactly what it says it is: the power and fragility of ice. It was created with the intention of putting ice at the forefront of our environmental thoughts, and is intentionally being run at the same time as COP15.

Worlds of Ice runs until February 27 at Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, 4801 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave. For showtimes and tickets, please visit the planetarium’s website

Curves & Comedic Timing

While you stuff those stockings and fa all your las, Candyass Cabaret presents A(nother) Covid Christmas Special Xmas Show to really jingle your bells.

With the MC stylings of Monica Hamburg and Jimmy Phule, plus a lineup of talent including Velma Candyass herself, it’s the perfect salve for the seasonal blues. They’re promising “wacky contests with mediocre prizes”, which I love. Bet you end up horny and laughing at the same time.

MCs Monica Hamburg and Jimmy Phule (via Candyass Cabaret on Facebook)

Xmas Show Candyass Cabaret is at Café Cleopatra, 1230 boul Saint-Laurent, 2nd floor, on Friday, December 16, 9 pm all the deets are on the Facebook Event Page

‘Cuz classy’s overrated

This Wednesday Andrew Jamieson presents A Sleazy Christmas. It’s a multidisciplinary performance event, and a fundraiser for Ever After: The Revival!, but mostly it’ll be a helluva good time. The line-up’s got comedy, spoken word, burlesque, and music.

The party’s got a cash raffle with multiple prizes, plus karaoke after the show! I’ll be schmoozing and hawking raffle tickets for the aforementioned artsy cause and fab winnings, so blow off your office party and come say hi.

A Sleazy Christmas Party is at Le Basement, 3716 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest in the basement on Wednesday, December 21, 9pm. Info and tickets available through Eventbrite

We’re all broke & stressed, happy effin holidays

At a time when debt is soaring, the gifts aren’t even all bought yet, and you’re about to sit down with the family you intentionally avoid for 364 days a year, stress is high. Therapy’s too expensive and spa days are way out of the question, but I came across this free meditation class so maybe we can all chillax.

I’ve never heard of Sahaja Yoga, but they offer free events both locally and on zoom. There are loads of times and dates, and they have a sizable online community, though their online presence is a bit scattered. I haven’t tried it yet, but this is now on my to do list. Namaste.

Find out about and book the free online and in-person meditation

Featured Image from Worlds of Ice (NFB)

If you know of an event that you feel should be covered, please contact arts@forgetthebox.net or music@forgetthebox.net

No promises but we’ll do our best

CityCulture

exaltogoodcopyIt’s time for spontaneous hangouts, drinking sangria on terraces, late night bike rides – what’s there not to love about summer? Definitely the best season of the year for cheap dates.

Here are some ideas for making the most of the warm weather. Grab your sweetheart, put on a comfortable pair of shoes and get ready to watch the sparks fly:

Such Great Heights:

This one is definitely not for the faint of heart! This month marks the grand opening of Exalto, a brand new urban acrobatic park near the Olympic Stadium.

Featuring three high-altitude acrobatic attractions including one as tall as a two-storey building, this unique new venture is unlike anything else the city has to offer. Strap on a safety harness, grab your sweetheart’s hand and get ready to test your dexterity and agility.

While you’re in the area, you could gaze up at the stars and contemplate the heaves above from the new Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. Together with the Botanical Garden, Insectarium and Biodome, this newly constructed Planetarium forms the largest natural sciences museum complex in Canada. Its unique design includes two theaters: one expresses the poetic view of the universe for your inner romantic and the other a more scientific approach for the nerd within us all.

Take Me To The River:

You’d think that living on an island would mean access to unlimited beaches galore… not that I’d really want to swim in polluted waters of the St. Laurence harbor. I’m not much of a fan of the man-made beach near Parc Jean Drapeau where the water is murky and I’m always stuck scrambling for a spot on the sand with the multitudes of Montrealers seeking a reprieve from the humidity.

vancouver-summer-date-ideasNeedless to say, last summer I was overjoyed when my boyfriend clued me in to one of the city’s best secret swimming spots in Verdun. Along the river waterfront there are a number of floating docks where you can slip into the St. Laurence after it’s passed through the Lachine Canal so the water is clear and refreshing as can be.

Get off the metro at De L’Eglise or Verdun, head for the waterfront and continue south along the path while looking for the docks. My favorite one is nestled in a little group of trees slightly off the path.

Baby You’re a Firework:

Since 2008, the city has closed Ste. Catherine street between St. Hubert and Papineau to traffic during the summer. With strand upon strand of pink spheres swaying overhead, it’s the perfect place for people watching while walking hand in hand with your sweetheart.

If you get thirsty, you can always stop for a martini or mojito at one of the terraces spilling out onto the sidewalk. Additionally, there’s the Aires Libres public contemporary art festival taking place throughout the area, including a graphic fresco and five sculptures around the Beaudry metro station.

Plus you’re really close to the Jacques Cartier bridge, the perfect place to watch the International Fireworks Festival which takes place from June 28-August 2. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the festival features competitors from Germany, Italy, France, Australia and more, with a closing night spectacular playing homage to Pink Floyd.