I’ve had something I’ve wanted to say for a while.

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I realize that people somewhat cringe at the idea of venturing outside of the ‘oh so comfortable boundaries of Toronto’s Church Wellesley District’ for some fun and entertainment, but I recently (and frequently) do so to discover new areas of the city and new opportunities for personal indulgence.

My good friend Patrick, General Manager at The Annex Wreckroom, had been trying to get me to come out to this specific event for some time so I decided to give ‘YES, YES, YA’LL’ (a GLBT hip hop event) a whirl that night.

Off to Bathurst & Bloor I went.

Now, Most people will remember The Annex Wreckrom as the birthing grounds for DJ Shane Percy’s Grapefruit which has now grown into a larger capacity event and moved on and into Fly Nightclub to be able to house it’s partygoers – good on Shane for his achievements but even better that another GLBT monthly event grabbed the space.

As I stepped outside of Bathurst Station and looked down towards Bloor I could see a considerable lineup outside waiting to get in (The Annex Wreckroom is conveniently situated just barely down the street across from the subway), but the people lined up were all smiling and security was doing an excellent job of efficiently checking ID’s and ushering people inside.

After checking in with Patrick and having a quick beer (yes, I love the stuff, carbs or not) I was off into the fray of beats and bumpin` bodies – and man there were some hot bodies I’d like to have bumped into that night!

What was really amazing about jumping into the midst of everything was that Mark Atkinson, the owner/operator of The Annex Wreckroom, was right there in the middle of everything enjoying a drink and a conversation with some of the regular patrons of the bar and that specific event. I really enjoy seeing this kind of interaction from establishment owners and upper management – it really shows an appreciation of the people who come to spend their hard earned dollars!

Coming back for a refill of my drink, two of my favorite bartenders are both on deck smiling their pretty little heads off. Char & Lindsay, two of the most babe-illicious knockouts with attitude you’ll ever meet. Exchanging quick hellos and pleasantries because of how busy the bar was (it was a capacity event) I turned around and saw another good friend of mine – Diane, who is also the table/VIP server for the night.

After some dirty-dancing with Diane (girl knows how to dirty dance, trust), I decided that it was time for me to catch a cab out of there and back home.

On the way back, in the solidarity of the cab, I had a thought that often enters my head wondering why it’s so hard for some of the GLBT crowd to go out and try something new or explore the greatness that the city has to offer outside of the Church Wellesley District?

With a packed venue of GLBT partygoers and their friends, great music (especially if you like Hip Hip & RnB), a pool table, great friendly staff, accessibility right out front of the subway, and even a stripper pole! (Awesomesauce) – there is no reason.

But, I have yet to resolve this personal query so I’m going to ask my readers for plausible explanations on this.

Do you venture outside of Toronto’s Church Street neighborhood for new sources of entertainment? Make sure to let me know why you do or don’t.

SERIAL SEAN
xo

Originally when GayGuideToronto.Com proprietor Shaun Proulx initially approached me to start my ‘Unhinged & Raw’ column on this site he mentioned 3 things to me that really made me want to be a part of it.

1. ‘…You’re everywhere, I see you at everything!’
2. ‘You’re a straight-shooter, a no BS kinda guy…’
3. ‘I LOVE your photos!’

That Proulx had taken the time to research my work (and was unknowingly stalking me at events) was instantly flattering (and creepy). This type of professional background checking on other business-minded individuals is very common, especially when business is being negotiated between entrepreneurs – both parties involved have their own paths to tread and are usually VERY protective of their projects.

However, when two creative and savvy professionals come together and ideas are shared with both parties goals and interests taken into consideration (and to heart) a lot of greatness can come from it – and I’ve seen a lot of it come out of Proulx.

The comments I just made speak pretty clearly about Proulx’s recognized trait number two – so let’s move on down the list to Proulx’s third comment, ‘I LOVE your photos!’

Remembering that very straight-forward comment is why I have displayed the accompanying images below. Normally, my column focuses on events, performers, and people working within the creative entertainment community. Today, I am showcasing a photo that was taken at Toronto’s Fly Nightclub of performer Gia in two stages. Photo one is the raw photo straight out of the camera, and photo two is what you can do with that kind of image with a little imagination and creativity.

Photo 1 - Original raw image of Gia performing at Fly Nightclub in Toronto, Canada.

Photo 2 - Creatively edited version. Gia performing at Fly Nightclub in Toronto, Canada.

Moving forward with my ‘Unhinged & Raw’ column I will be doing this type of entry once a month – showcasing a candid image taken at an event and then transforming it into something that will hopefully be more creatively interesting.

What are your thoughts on digital photography and being able to creatively manipulate images in this fashion? Leave me a comment below.

SERIAL SEAN
xo

Sofonda Cox rings in 2010 at Fly Nightclub, Toronto, Canada. Photo: SERIAL SEAN

Ok folks, this is it.

2010, the year in the 90′s that was supposed to give birth to hovercrafts, flying skateboards, and intergalactic travel (alongside 2 ties in a suit).  None of the aforementioned happened (thankfully, especially the 2 ties) – but, are you really surprised considering the claims of complete technological failure when we went into the year 2000?  There’s a reason these ideas are given birth and it’s not to meet a timeline – it’s to make people think, and react.  Precisely what I’m doing this year – reacting.

There has been a surge in the media in the last few years of only reporting bad news.  Where death and destruction certainly sells movie tickets, it’s not quite so popular when it’s actually real.  Taking a step backwards from the trend (as I usually do) I have resolved that 2010 (for me) will be all about the positive.

As this is my first entry for a year of positivity, I do have mention of a few wonderful events that happened over the holidays that brought warm smiles and cheer to everyone involved.  Toronto’s Fly Nightclub & Fire on the East Side Restaurant raised $4179 for the CP24/CHUM Christmas Wish drive helping contribute to 70,000 underprivileged children experiencing a Christmas this year.  The funds were raised at the two establishment’s staff holiday celebration.

Another event that took place was the Mr. Leatherman Toronto Bottle Drive which saw $600 being raised for the LGBT Youth Line, an organization that delivers support to our community’s youth.  I was recently informed that another drive will take place in the summer so start saving those empties!  Hats off to both initiatives.

On a personal note, I will be contributing photographic & graphic design services to a few additional charitable/non-profit organizations this year.  As a business owner I strongly feel that giving back to the community and city that supports your goals and projects is important.  News of these projects will be detailed here in the near future.

With 2009  left in the dust and vanished from view (minus of course the annual filing with Revenue Canada) and 2010 glowing bright and sunny before us i think that in order to have a great year we all need to want to make it happen.  Take a more goal oriented mind frame, set some goals, make sure you have a plan to achieve them, and most importantly – make sure you have the best rockin` out great time with a stupid smile on your face all year long.

Together, we can make this year our best one ever!

SERIAL SEAN
xo

MLT Victory Ball, Primrose Hotel, Toronto Canada

True, each pageant’s winner must selflessly give of themselves for a year after being awarded the title, MLT differs in the respect that personal core values must be aligned with that of the Leather Community – a community that does astounding charity work and raises funds for many non-profit and charity organizations. Being a charity fundraiser himself, SERIAL SEAN definitely gives two very big thumbs up!!

This year’s winner was David Ivey, Mister Leatherman Woody’s/Priape, and will continue to represent Toronto in the Mister Leatherman International Competition.

A new restaurant is opening!

Pizziolo, a North American known pizza establishment, will be opening it’s doors very soon on Church Street – just a few doors south of Woody’s.  The gourmet pizza restaurant will be licensed (that’s right, pizza AND beer) and I’ve confirmed that they will be doing community and charity work as well!  What a great way to start the new year!

In Other news, Dance Camp also occurred over the MLT weekend which included a performance by local performer Gia. ‘Camp’ was definitely a word to be used as the young performer did a saucy rendition of ‘Candyman,’ from the Scandinavian band Aqua – most noted for their single ‘Barbie Girl’ in the late 90′s.

With many other events occurring around the city in a less than lip-synced fashion, I think that Toronto is headed straight into a renaissance period of artistic re-creation.

What are your thoughts?

SERIAL SEAN
xo

This past weekend had a few memorable events occur. First, on Saturday night, Tel Aviv DJ/Producer, Tommer, landed at Toronto’s Fly Nightclub. Once local DJ Jamal warmed up the crowd, the alcohol started flowing, the water bottles were held high, and the evening was full of shiny sweat-streaked faces all through the night. What will probably be a blur to many people present that evening will undoubtedly be a returning event in the future.

Second, Sunday night featured the finale showcase (and added date because of the show’s demand) of local darling Nina Arsenault’s ‘The Silicone Diaries,’ which was a sold out show all week – leaving many people without even standing space at Toronto’s Buddies In Bad Times Theatre.

‘The Silicone Diaries’ has been in the media all week, with rave reviews from all of the local theatre critics and papers – 4 out of 4 stars, spectacular indeed. If you missed Nina Arsenault in action this time around, you’d better make sure you buy your tickets in advance for her next awe-inspiring performance.

Last, our very own GayGuideToronto.Com founder, and Toronto’s 103.9 Proud FM media star, Shaun Proulx, returned from Los Angeles after interviewing Buck Angel and gets ready to host the upcoming Mister Leatherman Toronto Competition. The competition weekend kicks off tomorrow with a tribute dinner for the 2009 titleholders and runs through until Sunday with the 2010 competition & Victory Ball.

Make sure that you check out the complete run of events and after parties on the MLT website – I’ll be attending most of these events as a media correspondent and photographer so make sure to say hi and enjoy yourselves responsibly!

SERIAL SEAN
xo