By Saudia Mohamed

Lights! Camera! Action!

Talents swarm in from all corners at Lakeshore campus bringing in many different talents of all sorts. Performers, comedians, dancers, poets, singers, rappers an indescribable variety of talents showcased their practiced piece to over hundred and fifty guests on Sept 12. Every third Wednesday of the month an Open Mic will be held at Building K at the Lakeshore Campus.

“This Open Mic was the best turn out considering being the first one of the year compared to previous ones,” says Somya Mishra. The twenty-five year old was the main woman in charge of allowing arrived guests in. Mishra is currently in her final year completing her program in Global Business at Humber College Lakeshore Campus.

Performers anxiously waited for their turn, but one performer who could not wait any longer to get up on that stage was Paul Jolicoeur, 18 year-old first-year Comedy: Writing & Performance student had nothing in his hands but eager fingers waiting to play that Accordion away. “I just started playing the Accordion last summer, and after moving the Residents somehow the word got out that I could play really well, so I was convinced to give the Open Mic a shot,” says Jolicoeur. Paul told Etcetera he was not even close to being nervous. One piece of advice Jolicoeur who is from a small town just North of Ontario called Cochrane tells us that “Don’t shy away your talent, always perform it.”

He was the man of the night; entertainment host Colin Edwards-Crewe, the Vice-President of Campus Life at Lakeshore Campus was the most upbeat host anyone could have ever seen. “I spent a lot of my time with the staff planning for these campus events especially this Open Mic event all summer” says Crewe. Being a new comer of the game, Colin recently received his position as Vice-President this summer that has just passed and has spent countless hours preparing for the college entertainment gatherings. He also does a lot of collaborations with the North Campus as well, Colin tells Etcetera, “I hosted Frosh week this year, the few pub nights we’ve had already, and orientation for first-year students at the Lakeshore Campus.” Open Mic was a huge success and the turn out was more than expected, “A lot more people attended than we anticipated,” says Vice-President Crewe. Not only does he host events, but he stars in his own band called the, ‘Colin Response’ and mainly plays pop and soul music. Crewe has said that he’s set to release his debut album very soon. One piece of advice he tells us is, “It is important to take your career seriously and take every opportunity that comes your way.”

Inspiring Jewish Rapping artist, Ari Perlin-Bain, a19 year-old Journalism student from North Campus also thrilled the crowd on open mic night. Rapping over ASAP Rocky’s song, “A Brand New Guy” Bain rapped over the instrumental and made it his own. He tells Etcetera, “aside from rapping another thing I enjoy doing is cooking.” Caught you by surprise, yes! It caught us by surprise as well. Bain lives on Residents at North Campus and spends most of his time putting together beats at his parent’s home and someday hopes to work with ASAP Rocky. “If your going to do it, treat it like your work, give it your all, and treat it like your job. But do it for no one but yourself” a piece of advice Bain leaves us with.

Catch Open Mic performances every third Wednesday of the month at Humber College Lakeshore Campus. Feel free to contact the vice-president and find out how to be apart on stage. Do not hide your talents! You are whom you perform; so do not shy away from your shine. Until next time, “Mic check two one two Open Mic is back and we can’t wait to see you.”

By Saudia Mohamed

Over twenty thousand will be attending this year’s Caribbean festivity, Scotia Bank Caribbean Carnival.

However, today there has been updated news about this nationwide festivity that will have spectators from all over. Spectators will now be searched for this years Caribana, over 600 Police security will be more visible than before.

Toronto police say they will reveal more detail about this more visibility this week. Due to last year’s gun shoot-out at the festival and this year’s amount of gun violence, there will be a lot more patrol officers around and spectators will be searched.

Friday July 20th – Sunday July 29th, 2012
Beaches International Jazz Festival

The Beaches Jazz Festival offers free concerts at Woodbine Park, Kew Gardens and during StreetFest on Queen Street East.

Thursday July 26th – Sunday July 29th, 2012
Frugal Fashion Week

In the spirit of the economic times, Frugal Fashion Week offers a launch party, fashions shows, silent auction, shop crawl and more in the West Queen West neighborhood.

Friday July 27th – Saturday July 28th, 2012
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil

This touring Cirque show returns to Toronto for two more shows at the Air Canada Centre.

Friday July 27th – Sunday July 29th, 2012
Harbourfront Free Summer Festivals – Classical IV: Strings

Stringed instruments from around the world will make music by the water (and you can too, if you bring your uke!)

By Riannon Westall

Looking for a new way to spend a night out?

Take your girlfriends to A Chic-A-Boom Room event; the most sexy, sassy and classy you can get in one show.

The “High Society” cabaret-burlesque style show above The Saint Restaurant on July 9th proved to be entertaining.

Walking into a room dimly lit by two chandeliers and many candles on the tables, some were not exactly sure to expect. Between both bars was the small stage where four chairs sat awaiting the dancers. After about forty minutes of the audience arriving and mingling, the show started. The DivaGirl dancers Anna, Meghan, Marta and Kate took the stage in retro lingerie and soon had the audience whistling and cheering for their sultry dance skits.

After the opening routine, Meghan took the stage to prove that she can not only dance, but she can sing, too! While her soothing voice pleased the ears, her slow and seductive moves appeased the eyes.

Between the skits, dancers dressed as maids would clean off the stage and make the crowd laugh from their dramatic and humorous facial expressions.

The interactive show brought two men on stage to participate in the skits. As the second man sat back down, two dancers crouched behind the bar in feather boas hopped onto the counter and danced their way on stage.

The show ended after the four girls did a showgirls leg dance and received an overwhelming applause from the now jam-packed audience.

The atmosphere alone was enough to make the night eventful. The music and décor takes you to the 40’s and makes you feel as if you’re on a movie set. Add in humorous skits with sexy but classy dance moves, and you’ve experienced an unforgettable show.

The Chic-A-Boom Room shows, created by the partnership of DivaGirl Inc. and Nuvo-Burlesque Dance, take place in both Toronto and Vancouver. The next Chic-A-Boom Room show in Toronto is the Electronic Cabaret on August 17.

For more information about upcoming DivaGirl events or to sign up for DivaGirl fitness classes, visit www.divagirl-inc.com.

By Riannon Westall

From writing songs in her fourth grade class to reaching Billboard’s #1 “Emerging Canadian Artist,” pop singer-songwriter Kristina Maria is taking the music industry by storm.

The 22-year-old Lebanese-Canadian released her debut album, Tell The World, in April. Her fun energy is sensed through her hit songs Co-Pilot, Let’s Play, Our Song Comes On, and most recently, Animal. What’s Fab caught up with Kristina in an interview to discuss her new album.

WF: Upon your release of Tell the Word, were you excited or nervous to hear the public’s reaction?

KM: I’m sure it’s the same for everyone! It was my first album and because I got so involved with the writing of the material, it made me very nervous and excited to know how the public would embrace it.

WF: How did you come up with the album title?

KM: First of all, on the album there’s a song called Tell The World and it was always a title that intrigued me because that’s exactly what I was trying to do; tell the world about how I felt.

WF: You worked with many big co-writers and producers on your album including Andreas Carlsson (Katy Perry, Clay Aiken), Anders Bagge (Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez) and JC Chasez (Girls Aloud, Basement Jaxx). Which was your favourite producer to work with?

KM: Well that’s a vey hard question to answer. It’s like asking me who’s my favorite friend! They all brought me something special and I’ve learned a lot from each one. I feel like it made me a better singer-songwriter.

WF: Your singles are doing well on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 with Let’s Play peaking at #19, Co-Pilot at #26 and Our Song Comes On at #23. Did you expect this kind of response?

KM: I love my songs! Did I expect it? You never really know until it happens. It was definitely a beautiful surprise!

WF: When you ask an artist what their favourite song off their album is, they will often say that they love all of their songs equally. If someone forced you to pick a favourite from your album, which would it be?

KM: It really depends on the mood I’m in. But, right now, today, my favorite is Karma!

WF: At what age did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

KM: In class in fourth grade, there were moments when I was bored and words just started flowing through my head. That’s when I started writing them down on paper and trying to make sense of them.

WF: Do you write your lyrics based on personal experiences? Which song do you feel most connected with because you wrote it from a personal experience?

KM: I think when you write lyrics, most of them come from experience and what’s happening around you. Earlier I mentioned Karma, that was a sad and disappointing moment in my life.

WF: Tell The World Our Song Comes On is about not being able to listen to a certain song after a break up. What specific song was that for you?

KM: The song for me was When You Say Nothing At All by Alison Krauss.

WF: Tell The World Out of all your music videos, which was the most fun to shoot and why?

KM: They were all fun to film! Each one was a different experience.

WF: Tell The World Do you have any other talents?

KM: One of my talents is seeing the best in every person.

WF: What is one thing some people may be surprised to know about you?

KM: I’m serious about personal life and closeness of family.

WF: What in life would make you the happiest?

KM: To be happy, healthy and have fun with my career.

WF: If you could change the world in one way, what would it be?

KM: Like the legendary John Lennon said, “All You Need Is Love”.

WF: What is next for you? Are you planning on touring?

KM: There’s no next for me. I’m working in the moment and still promoting my album in Europe. We are working on planning a tour.

WF: What message would you send to What’s Fab readers?

KM: Dream big, we only have one life!

Check out Kristina Maria’s latest video for Animal featuring JC Chasez!

Be sure to follow her on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/kristinamaria

Like her on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/kristinamariaofficial

Check out her website:

http://www.kristinamariamusic.com

WE WANT TO KNOW
Which songs off of Tell The World are your favourite? Tell us in the comments!

Said The Whale

Venue: The Great Hall, Toronto ON M6J1H3 | Start Date: April 13, 2012

The Vancouver indie rockers’ latest album is Little Mountain. Get your tickets!

Classic Albums Live: Queen – A Night at the Opera

Venue: Massey Hall, Toronto ON | Start Date: April 14, 2012

Classic Albums Live present Queen – A Night at the Opera, a tribute to one of rock’s most celebrated bands. Get your tickets!
 

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Venue: Massey Hall, Toronto ON | Start Date: April 16, 2012

Impressively quick and rhythmic guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela (aka El Rodri y La Gabi) play Massey Hall with 13-member Cuban orchestra C.U.B.A. Get your tickets! 

The All-American Rejects

Venue: Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto ON M4X1K2 | Start Date: April 17, 2012

The All-American Rejects are touring their fourth studio album, Kids In The Street. Get your tickets!  

Kaiser Chiefs

Venue: Opera House, Toronto ON M4M1H1 | Start Date: April 17, 2012

English indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs are back after a three-year hiatus. Get your tickets! 

Death Cab For Cutie

Venue: Massey Hall, Toronto ON | Start Date: April 19, 2012

Alternative rockers Death Cab For Cutie are at Massey Hall this April with the Magik*Magik Orchestra, playing old and new songs with different…

Kellylee Evans

Venue: Glenn Gould Studio – CBC Building, Toronto ON M5A1E6 | Start Date: April 27, 2012

JUNO winning soul, pop and jazz vocalist Kellylee Evans play Hugh’s Room. Get your tickets!
 

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Venue: Air Canada Centre, Toronto ON M5J 2X2 | Start Date: April 27, 2012

Multi-platinum funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers are playing the ACC for their I’m With You World Tour. Get your tickets!

A Festival Of Music & Culture

Venue: Glenn Gould Studio – CBC Building, Toronto ON M5A1E6 | Start Date: April 29, 2012

Canadian violinist Adrian Anantawan headlines this benefit for University Settlement. Get your tickets!

David Occhipinti – Camera

Venue: Glenn Gould Studio – CBC Building, Toronto ON M5A1E6 | Start Date: April 30, 2012

Guitarist and composer David Occhipinti presents new pieces at the Glenn Gould. The new material includes a cycle for guitar and strings and will be… Get your tickets!

Muhtadi International Drumming Festival

Venue: Woodbine Park, Toronto ON | Start Date: June 09, 2012

This drumming festival is a celebration of musical sounds from across the globe. The event includes live performances by local, regional, national and…
 

NXNE – North by Northeast

Venue: Various Locations in Toronto, Toronto ON | Start Date: June 11, 2012

Take in a variety of music and films during the 18th annual NXNE festival when it rocks Toronto to the core. Get your tickets!

Urban Preacher at the Mod Club

Venue: Mod Club, Toronto ON M6G1C4 | Start Date: May 05, 2012

Soul-rock band Urban Preacher is the new artist in residence at the Mod Club, playing a series of shows over the coming months. 

Radiohead

Venue: Downsview Park, Toronto ON M3K 2B6 | Start Date: June 16, 2012

English rockers Radiohead are making a Toronto stop on their much-anticipated North American tour, playing their latest album King of Limbs. Get your tickets!

Beaches International Jazz Festival

Venue: Various Locations In The Beaches, Toronto ON | Start Date: July 20, 2012

The Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival showcases one of the most eclectic line-ups you’ll find on the Jazzfest circuit.  

Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour

Venue: Air Canada Centre, Toronto ON M5J 2X2 | Start Date: July 27, 2012

Cirque du Soliel’s tribute to the King of Pop is back in Toronto for two nights at the ACC. Get your tickets!

Childish Gambino

Venue: Echo Beach at Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto ON M6K 3L3 | Start Date: July 31, 2012

Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover, is back in Toronto playing his brand new record Camp.

Heavy T.O.

Venue: Downsview Park, Toronto ON M3K 2B6 | Start Date: August 11, 2012

The weekend-long metal festival returns to Downsview Park. Get your tickets!

By Harpreet Sahota

On May 5th youths can expect to enjoy great music, entertainment and network with an array of community organizations at this year’s YouthFest.

Attendees will get to hear great live music from various bands, enjoy incredible activities and most importantly find out more information about local volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s fulfilling your required community service hours or to become more involved within your community, this year’s YouthFest will be an unforgettable event.

This truly amazing event also provides over 40 local organizations with the chance to join a community village and enables them to help celebrate this spectacular event with over 5,000 young people at Burlington’s Central Park. As a part of the community village, community agencies can connect with youths and educate them about volunteer opportunities as well as provide audience members with more information about the organizations’ services.

On May 5th individuals can come out and enjoy good food, great entertainment and most importantly support youth engagement within the community. Be a part of this memorable event and build meaningful relationships and discover ways to become more involved within your community!

YouthFest Burlington is proud to be celebrating 10 years of youth engagement and better connecting youths with different community organizations.

About YouthFest Burlington

Martin Broda, bassist/vocalist from Abandon All Ships

YouthFest Burlington is dedicated to:

• Promoting youth volunteerism in Burlington in areas of their own interest such as health and social services, sports and recreation, arts and culture.
• Promoting youth philanthropy in Burlington through leadership, community participation and fundraising to support youth initiatives in the community.
• Enriching our youth through a better knowledge of their community, its services, and through partnering with community agencies, organizations and businesses.

By Saudia Mohamed

The 41^st Annual Juno Awards kicked off in Canada’s very own city, Ottawa, at the Scotiabank Place.

The Wailin' Jennys won the Juno for roots and traditional album for Bright Morning Stars during Saturday gala (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

It was Canada’s biggest night in music, with host William Shatner keeping things fun and light and performances from so many talented young artists and bands. The best in Canadian music had it’s well deserved night in the spotlight! Michael Bublé’s Christmas album beat Drake’s Juno-winning disc, “Take Care,” and Nickelback’s million seller, “Here And Now.” It seems Juno Awards are favouring indie talent rather than celebrating popular mainstream music.

Deadmau5 performing Raise Your Weapon / Hi Friend w/ Lights & MC Flipside Junos 2012

By Emma Gaudet

Singer Rihanna has a new Armani jeans ad video that has gone viral on YouTube, since being recently released.

The new Armani ad is a completely black and white video, with Rihanna spending most of the commercial rolling around in a bed dressed only in lingerie. The video goes on to show her hanging up a phone, flipping through photos, and finally a shower which then shows a message “Airport 6:00” on the mirror. The singer then proceeds to collect an airplane ticket, slide on her Armani jeans and slip out of her room. This controversial ad is said to be more about sex, than jeans, but at the end of the day, doesn’t sex always sell?

Watch Video!