Fun Facts for March 31st

Here are some fun facts for today's date from your favourite Toronto Backpackers.

Famous Birthdays:
Angus Young, 59
Gordie Howe, 81
Christopher Walkin, 66
Pavel Bure, 38

and Did You Know...

Today in 1967, Jimi Hendrix set his guitar on fire while on his first British tour?

Performances in Toronto This Weekend

Friends of Backpackers on Dundas are performing their "Boomer Rock" style in Toronto tonight and we just had to post about it. If you are in the area and in the mood for some fun and a few pints, check them out at the Fox & Fiddle at Yonge/Heath (south/east corner) - 1 light north of St. Clair.




If you happen to be in the Markham area, however, some other friends of your favourite Toronto Hostel will be performing at Seargent Peppers, east of McCowan on HWY 4. If you are in the neighbourhood, check out the Escape!

And if you are looking for a performance of a different kind, check out Open Fusion II at Motyka Fine Arts. Open Fusion is a perfrmance from a talented group of artists who collaborate simultaneously on one work of art in a live performance. Purchase advance tickets at Motyka Fine Arts for $5.00 or $10.00 at the door (based upon availability).

March 25th Interesting Stuff

Here are some interesting March 25th tidbits from your favourite Toronto hostel, Backpackers on Dundas:


First, on this day in 1973, Pink Floyd released the album Dark Side of the Moon.


Next, yoday's Musical birthdays include Elton John (62 years old), Aretha Franklin (67 years old) and Fergie (34 years old). Can you believe Fergie is 34 years old today?! Wow.

Upcoming Events in Toronto

Earth Hour, March 28, Nathan Phillips Square (or anywhere, really) at 8:30PM

Last year a bunch of BoD's International Hostel goers walked to Nathan Phillips Square (about a five minute walk) and had a great time watching Nelly Furtado perform live. We also watched as all of the surrounding buildings turned off their lights. It was an awesome and inspiring site to see. Check out some photos from our Earth Day 2008 blog entry. Of course we will be going back again this year! This year's performances include Suzie McNeil ,Crash Parallel, The Matt York Band, Karl Wolf, and Samba Squad.

Other Events:

Super Cross, March 28th, Rogers Centre, tickets $15 for kids, $20 -$40 for adults

Dirt, bkes, heart pounding action, pyrotechnics and deafening noise from crowd and the course. Need we write more?

Jersey Boys, Centre for the Arts, tickets $35-$95

This Tony award winning musical is a must see for theatre buffs visiting Toronto. It is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Entertaining, engaging and fun, you might just find yourself going twice!

Dane Cook performing live at the Air Canada Centre, tickets $60

Toronto Sportsmen's Show

Toronto is flocking to Canada's largest show for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, going on now until the end of the weekend at the Direct Energy Center (Exhibition grounds).

The Toronto Sportsmen's Show features some awesome demonstrations, seminars, showcases, and entertainment. If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend and you have $17 (for adult admission, $10 for Senior and adult, $40 for a family pass), check out the show's features and events. Even if you do not consider yourself an outdoorsy type person there is probably something of interest for you here. Word is they even have elephant and camel rides, lemur petting, and an AWESOME outdoor adventure zone!

*Toronto Tourist Tip* Check the Toronto Sun to see if you can find a $2 off coupon.

Malefic Past at Hard Rock Cafe this Friday

BoD's International hostel goers will be heading to the Hard Rock Cafe this Friday, March 19th to see Malefic Past perform.

With the exception of their front man, who is from Portsmouth, England, this band hails from Ontario's own NewMarket. They have been gaining a lot of attention since dropping their debut album and are definitely worth checking out. If you want to learn more about Malefic Past before seeing them at the Hard Rock, check out this write up on them and listen to a few of their songs here.

Malefic Past, Mar 20, 2009 8:00 pm (Friday) at the Hard Rock Cafe Toronto (map) 283 Yonge StreetToronto, ON Canada

What's Happening in Toronto this Weekend!

Visiting Toronto this weekend and wondering what to do? How about a few fun suggestions:

Friday, March 6

Live Music with DJs at Octopus Lounge

The Paradigm Shift Project is having a fundraiser party night with DJs G'spot and Sonny Dunn, a raffle and a lot more. The best part: admission will cost you a donation, so pay what you can. Should be a very fun event! Start at 8 pm. Octopus Lounge, 293 Palmerston. paradigmshiftproject.org.

Stories, Dance And Song

Happy Birthday Toronto! This special event is part of the city-wide celebrations honouring Toronto's 175th birthday! Don't miss this interactive night out featuring Bruce Bell, Richard Fiennes-Clinton and others. It's all happening at St. Lawrence Hall, starting at 7:30 pm. Admission is $25. 157 King E. 416-865-1833.

Saturday, March 7

Walking Tour

Join this great walking tour of Toronto's City Halls and experience the city through an historical look from the year 1834 to today. The walking tour starts at 1 pm; admission is $5. Meet in front of 145 King E. 416-939-5476.

Big Band Swing Dance Party
Get your feet moving and your heart pumping to an awesome night of swing dancing! Come early for a beginner lesson of charleston and lindy hop swing classes and then stay on the rest of the evening for great dancing. Lessons begin at 7 pm; admission is $18-$20. Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt. swingtoronto.com.

English Country Dancing

Just like in the movies, you can dance like the starlets in Jane Austen's novels. Learn how to do English Country Dancing during this Jane Austen-style dance workshop. Should be a memorable event! Starts 4pm until 5:30 pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students. St Barnabas Anglican Church Hall, 361 Danforth. Pre-register 416-929-0513.

Sunday March 8

City Hike

Join this fun city hike along the East Don River! Join the Toronto Bruce Trail Club as the group goes on this fun hike starting at 11 am. Admission is a donation of $1. Meet at the Leslie subway station. torontobrucetrailclub.org.