About 12 Prides ago, there wasn’t really much of an alternative to for those who wanted to have a different type of Pride. One with a bit of soul and had a different voice to be heard. Sure there were stages where, if you pardon the bold statement, black men were tolerated by gay white men. However,  to hear the really good Soul, House, R&B, Reggae or Hip-Hop really gay men of colour were at DJ’s mercy. You were hard pressed to hear any Patra, L’ll Kim, or even Rick James.  So a committee was formed made up of members of black queer and trans communities that volunteer their time to put together Block-O-Rama every year.

Now in its 12 year, Block-O-Rama is loud, proud, strong and well attended. My own experience with Block-O-Rama is a personal one.  Having been to gay parties and event all over North America I wanted to see more of soul and multi-racial side to Toronto Pride. I first attended Block-O-Rama when my friend Junior promoted it and told me about DJ Jojoflores, a Montreal DJ, who was spinning the last set. From the moment I arrived, Block-O-Rama captivated me and had me coming back every year. Though Block-O-Rama has faced a number of challenges from changing locations annually to noise complaints this multi-cultural event with black faces has risen to whatever push-back it may face.

This year exclusively for GayGuideToronto.com I bring you two of the unique faces involved with Block-O-Rama, DJ’s Jojoflores, I caught up with him in Johannesburg as he just landed, and BlackCat who have sat down with me to give me their unique views of this event’s place in Toronto Pride on Sunday, July 4th from 12-10 p.m. in George Hislop Park.

DJ Jojoflores

Based in Montreal Jojoflores has built a reputation as music’s “Mixed Tape King” and in addition to being a well known, respected and energetic DJ he is CEO of Gotsoul Records and founder of the infamous Therapy events. In addition he’s opened a club, a record shop; and produced numerous records and CD’s.  He was voted “Best International DJ” 4 years running by NYC’s Undaground Archives.  His hard work and talent have garnered an enviable corporate client list which includes the Thompson Hotel Group, MAC Cosmetics, Apple, Hugo Boss, Vanity Fair, Puma, Details Magazine, Banana Republic, Cadillac, and The Delano Hotel. Headling events with Wyclef Jean, Jody Watley, K-OS, Jazzy Jeff and D-Squared. Jojoflores is the 2010 winner of the Marc Echo Stylus Award as House DJ of the Year.

Max MacDonald:  Why DJ Block-O-Rama again?

Jojoflores: I was able to make the time of Block-O-Rama against this year. I am usually in Toronto at this time of year. Every year they invite me back and show their loyalty to me and it’s a great party. I find it shows a great artistic spirit.

MM: What’s the importance of Block-O-Rama in your mind?

JJF: Well it’s one of the few events which is soulful and ethnic. Block-O-Rama is more geared to an ethnic group and I find it nice. It’s a very community oriented event.

MM:  What can your fans and attendees expect at Block-O-Rama 12?

JJF: [Laughs] I don’t know yet. They can expect to hear same type of music presented differently.  One of the things I try and do through my music is make people dance. However, that’s sort of tough as I don’t know the direction I will go. I will probably figure it out closer to the event.

MM: What would you say to an aspiring DJ who wants to be the next Jojoflores?

JJF: Hmmm…get your name out there and give out mixed CD’s. Try to get the right gigs but respect other DJ’s. It is also important to respect the art of DJ’ing and be business savvy. You have to set goals for yourself and try to get to the next level.

For information on Jojoflores click here.

DJ BlackCat

It’s funny. You think at a time in Toronto where there is an abundance of parties and events a “gala” would be last thing on people’s minds. However that was not the case tonight at The Carlu. So stepping into the gilded marble foyar, pressing the button for the seventh floor, and sharing the elevator ride I didn’t know what to expect. Now I’ve been to many galas before so I’m a pretty jaded gala goer. Though I was not disappointed. Greeting you as you stepped off the elevator was plush red carpet bordered by a velvet rope. As you made your way down the red carpet you never knew who would surprise you.

Once you strolled down the red carpet you were greated by two big video screens of Toronto Pride 2009. There you ran the chance of reliving the bad outfits that you wore. Or seeing the guy who were cruising while strolling with a gaggle of your friends. Once behind the Toronto Pride pull-ups and behind the white curtain, it was mixed bag of guests. There among the many sponsors, Board members, and special guests were the 2010 award winners: Robert Sirman (Arts and Culture), Neill Kernohan (Human Rights), Kyle Rae (Lifetime Achievement), PRIDE House (Sports).  Circulating around the press and cameras were various politicians who support the Pride Toronto.

The Dangerous "Two Rae's" Bob (Left) Kyle (Right)

As the evening went on attendees sipped on cocktails and shared stories of why Toronto Pride is important to the city. Approaching Kyle Rae I congratulated him on his work with the community. Rae thanked me and said, “it was a joy and challenge to see Pride go on some years but the show must go on.” The one guest who everyone was waiting for was Ashley MacIsaac, the renegade fiddler and musician who has turned the art of making music on his ear.  Along with crafted sounds where the words of Kink My Hair – Writer and Director Trey Anthony who had the crowd captivated with her presentation.

This year’s gala was billed as having “top-drawer” entertainment and did not let people down. Though the only question I have is at $350.00 per individual ticket, Pride is suppose to be accessible to everyone. Yes this is a fundraiser and an event during Pride but here’s food for thought. Is Pride sending an exclusion message by having such a steep price for gala ticket and not making it cost-effective so more people of diverse backgrounds can attend? Could there be different way to show our Pride without the pomp and circumstance? For remember 30 years ago, the word “gala” would have never been associated with Pride. I wonder if those who gave their lives at Stonewall and the bath house raids knew their hard work would amount to a group of people standing around more worried about the location of nearest canape rather than activism behind gay rights. Now that we are mainstream and have our basic gay rights, in Canada, what do we fight for now with our Champagne Socialist complacentcy?

Now that I have your attention. As Toronto Pride (http://www.pridetoronto.com) thunders into weiry and beligured post-G20 Toronto, the events star pouring out daily. You know, like MAC body pigment from the clear tube. One of the more popular street events, other than actual parade is Cafe California’s Underwear show. The annual boypalooza, sponsored by The Bay (http://www.thebay.com) promises hot, muscular boys in well…underwear. As the boys circulated and gyrated to thundering dance music the crowd, which always spews onto the street, gawks and cheers for friends in the show or their favourite model. So without further delay, here’s a sample of what went down the runway. Oh yes the clothes were nice too.

From The Persuasion Of Men

Having a huge love for contemporary art and viewed various exhibitions all over North America, I’m pretty critical and cynical when it comes photography. Whether I was viewing AA Bronson’s work at The Power Plant or posing for Spenser Tunick during his Nude Adrift Tour in Montreal back in 2001, an artist has to “wow” me in under two minutes or I leave.

As Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, the month-long photography fest, rolled around I decided to see what the noise was about. However, when I heard Drasko Bogdanovic , who also shoots for FAB Magazine, was exhibiting I had to stop by. Located in Grasp Erotica Bar which shares the same space as the St. Marc’s the art snob in me kicked in, and automatically began to dislike it. So without even seeing Bogdanovicwork it was going to be hard to impress me. He did with his exhibition “Persuasion Of Men”. One would expect sharing space with a bathhouse, his photos would be riddled with dick shots and men with the asses splayed open. It doesn’t.

Bogdanovic’s work is actually innocent and gives you the impression that most of the guys (some who are hetro) are easily approachable. Yes there is the odd cock shot however it’s done with a purpose not just there for titillation. The most interesting aspect of his work are the facial expressions he was able to bring out in his models, which includes the artist as well. Through his lens he captured a hidden eroticism mixed with a softness in some of his models. Where in others you can see the unleashed sensibilities ranging from playful to naughty. My favourite photo is actually of Bogdanovic himself. The photo has him standing in front of soft car headlights with his erect penis out but not with the usual “come fuck me porn face”. He conveys  a feeling that is reminiscent of a warm summer night, while walking through an almost empty parking lot, except for that one car which you can’t ignore.

In conjunction of with the opening of his exhibit he was launching a coffee table book by the same name. If you ask him why he didn’t use the gay cliche muscle boys he will humbly tell you, “I’m tired of it. I wanted regular guys as some of the guys are straight.” Straight or not Pesuasion of Men is definitely worth a peek at and runs from May 7-20th. The photos are for sale and range from $200 framed to $150 unframed.

If you haven’t noticed there has been a lot of great sales lately and here’s another. Fashion Group International the global member organization dedicated to the promotion, education and advancement of the fashion industry has it own special sales and not just for members. (Yours truly is a proud member.) For two days only FGI hosts a “not to be missed” sample sale and thankfully it’s not all women’s. Venerable Canadian menswear designers Philip Sparks and Farley Chatto will be there. If you are looking for designer deals don’t speed walk, run to this sale. The good stuff always goes first and remeber; getting a great deal on something stylish is always in fashion.

The FGI Designer Sample Sale runs Thursday, April 29 and Friday, April 30th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both day. Located in Liberty Village, you can max out your credit cards at: 171 East Liberty St, Suites 18 & 19, Ground Floor Galleria.

Start the car! Start the car!!!

Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week,  within Studio City’s Film Studio Complex in Liberty Village, concludes it’s 5th year anniversary by presenting |FAT| Market. |FAT| Market is an industry viewing and designer sample sale that looks to promote the inventive fashions of the festival. It is a timely extension of |FAT|’s mandate to connect emerging designers with industry, media and the public. This intimate space will allow for a closer examination of the runway collections while assessing their viability for the marketplace.

From 1pm – 5pm |FAT| Market welcomes the public for a unique buying opportunity. With collections from 18 designers the public will be able to purchase unique clothing hot off the runway.

|FAT| Market will feature 20 national and international designers from the 2010 |FAT| lineup, including Kirsty McKenzie, Felicia Burke, Dayna Philips, Dystropolis, youth.inAsia, Fashion Whore, William Pointon, Jessica Mary Clayton, Avendano, Paria Lambina, Sans Soucie, Taessa Chorny, Aimee Tobolka, One Of Us Swimwear, Anúna by Tami & Lubica, Jasper Garvida, Romandin and Melow par Mélissa Bolduc.

Entry into the market is free
Please bring cash only for the sample sale.

Here’s some of the highlights from the collection:

Dimitri Chris Fall/Winter 10

Dimitri Chris Fall/Winter 10

Dimitri Chris Fall/Winter 1o

The End Of The Show

Backstage after the Dimitri Chris. The designer talking to the press.

Here who was at Evan Biddell:

Jamaican-Canadian Supermodel Stacy McKenzie @ Evan Biddell

Designer Andrew Majtenyi @ Evan Biddell

Of all the Canadian designer collections I try to never miss Zoran Dobric’s (http://www.zorandobric.com) is on my top must view list. It was my good friend Julian at Model Citizen in Kensington, who happens to be the largest retailer of Dobric’s collection, who got me hooked on it. I bought my first piece last summer and the amount of compliments I got on it, in Montreal, got me hooked for life. This season Dobric did not disappoint. Sitting front row I was able to see,  as you will, first hand of why Dobric is one Toronto designer to watch.

Each season he plays on different themes, shapes, colours and designs. So with the new masculine edge returning to menswear I was curious to see what his interpretation would be. The collection description calls it “tribal and belle epoque” inspirations for the prints. However, I see much more. There were richly constructed vests done in earth tones, low-seated pants which sat at the waist pockets, deconstructed cardigans and unconstructed jackets. Each look was tied together with either a gold leaf print or tribal jewelry. This compliments fall’s more masculine edge by giving men a new way to look at rich tones and gold without having the tacky 80s feel. For any guy looking for a standout piece a piece from the collection will uplift the simplest look to something elegant and noticeable.

Where To Get It: Model Citizen, 279 Augusta Avenue

What I Wore To Zoran Dobric

Beginning of the Zoran Dobric Show

Menswear From Zoran Dobric

Menswear From Zoran Dobric

Menswear From Zoran Dobric

Menswear by Zoran Dobric

Zoran Dobric (on the left) taking his bow.

So imagine being surrounded by $800 Jimmy Choo (http://www.jimmychoo.com) shoes, giggling preteen girls, gaggles of gay men and adoring women. The one thing they all have in common is they are primping and touching up for an audience with Miss J. Alexander from America’s Next Top Model. That’s exactly what happened to at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14th at Holt Renfrew(http://www.holtrenfrew.com). iMaxFashion was there exclusively for GayGuideToronto.com. Two men and four women including the Host of Breakfast Television, ET Canada’s host, our own Sofonda Cox plus Hello! Canada’s Ciara Hunt (usually wears Alexander McQueen but didn’t for the walk off) all took to the runway. Though the competition was tough and Canadian model king Elmer Olsenwas a judge, the winner hands down was Ciara Hunt who strutted to much to audience cheers and Miss J.’s astonishment took the crown and sash clicking in Manolos. Hunt stated she did it for her two daughters. After the merriment died down Miss J. got 10 of the audience for a walk off which proved to be more cut-throat than an actually episode of ANTM! Miss J. took it in stride and did not have a bad word for anyone.

Miss J. Alexander

Sofanda on the Runway At Holt's Celebrity Walk Off...

Hello! Canada's Ciara Hunt - Queen of the Holt's Catwalk!!!

Me With Miss J. Alexander. Two fabulous dark-skinned gay men!!