DRAKE'S "OVO FESTIVAL" BOASTS SURRPISE GUESTS ON CARIBANA WEEKEND

Drake at the 2011 JUNO Awards

Drake's OVO Festival at Molson Amphitheatre has secured its place as one of the biggest highlights of Caribana, now known as the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival in Toronto.  Now in its second year, some are anticipating some big names to show-up tonight to the Show. Last year, the Audience were wowed by surprise performances from Jay-Z, Eminem and Beyoncé.

Expected to perform this year are acts like The Weekend, Rick Ross, NAS and Travis Porter but leave it to Drizzy himself to throw in a few surprises.  For one, Stevie Wonder was spotted flying in from Los Angeles yesterday and was seen by several Diners at Fusion hotspot Spice Route, known for its enticing Appetizers and $20 Chow Mein. I "wonder" though if he knew that he could get perhaps better and cheaper Chinese food over in Chinatown? Could the R&B/Soul legend himself be making an appearance at the OVO Festival?  We'll soon know!

Although some members of the Young Money Entertainment family, including Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne are due here in August, there also are rumours that they too might be lending their support.  Minaj surprised at Jay-Z show on Friday night, but it should be noted she is opening for Britney Spears tonight at Verizon Center in Washington, DC and likely won't be able to make it back to Toronto in-time tonight.  She will definitely be here on August 13th and 14th though.

RACHEL MCADAMS AND MICHAEL SHEEN DATING?

It was reported that during TIFF a couple weeks ago that McAdams was at the premiere of Shawn Ku's Beautiful Boy starring Sheen, which already struck me as odd.  But my Tipsters are dropping a line to tell me now that both McAdams and Sheen were seen together last night at the Bell Lightbox as part of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche festivities. Sheen I can reassure you, is not in-town filming anything right now, so unless they are v. good friends who really just like flying back and forth to see each other, I think there might be some validity to the rumour.

Now if it were true, this would be amazingly positive news and I'm sure nobody would have the slightest objection.  Two truly wonderful people who are a perfect match... as lovers...  or just friends!

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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2010 SCOTIABANK NUIT BLANCHE (PICS/VIDEO)

Toronto's Dundas Square alive
during Scotiabank Nuit Blanche

Toronto was transformed tonight into a mecca of Contemporary Art for the annual Scotiabank Nuit Blanche festival.  With 130 exhibits divided into three zones, Torontonians came out in full force, making this year's edition the most popular yet with visibly a significant increase in attendance over last year.

Although I felt that fewer creative risks were taken overall this year from the contributing Artists, there were a number of exhibits which stood out in my mind.  One thing I will note is that with an increasing number of Artists utilizing Video as a medium to showcase their work, it is a bit challenging to recall which ones actually stood out best in that format.  Nonetheless, this year's Nuit Blanche succeeded with flying colours in achieving its main objective - creating a sense of comraderie among Torontonians, as clearly the word is spreading about what a great experience the festival is.  And moreso, it is penetrating an even younger crowd.  

Kim Adams' Auto Lamp

Improvements though could be made in terms of efficiency, as I noted a number of the marquee exhibits, such as the popular Interactive Landscape Dunes at lower Bay Station by Dan Roosegarde, which required Nuit Blanche-goers to wait a minimum one hour. And of course, cries of "I'm still waiting to see real Art!" could be heard occasionally among some of those with discerning tastes.  The greatest disappointment I would say, was mega-producer Daniel Lanois' multi-media installation Later That Night At The Drive-In which had the prestige of being showcased at Nathan Phillips Square.   Although much hyped, it was perhaps too dimly-lit and subdued in terms of mood (i.e. a drawn-out love letter to Neil Young) for what should have been a festive experience at one of this city's greatest landmarks.

SCOTIABANK NUIT BLANCHE LAUNCH PARTY

Our gorgeous friends at Capital C Marketing: Will,
Rachel, Kim, Mary & Jon

For those of you looking for something to do in the city this weekend, do not forget about Scotiabank Nuit Blanche.  The annual city-wide Contemporary Arts festival begins this Saturday night at 6:57 PM and ends at the break of dawn.   Once again, Scotiabank and Capital C Marketing threw a fantastic bash this time at Scotia Plaza, celebrating the launch of the festivities.  

Excuse me while I reminisce about those Pink Champagne Cocktails, Sushi, Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus, Brie & Fig Canapés, Lobster-stuffed Purses, Cakes and oh, so much more.  Oh yes, all done now - thanks.  Did I mention there were Contortionists there too?

Yes, a Contortionist.

Above this, you can join in on the fun and win one of six Apple iPads or one of 50 Pre-paid VISA Cards just by voting for your favourite installation/exhibit.  Click here to find out more details about these prizes and how to map your night.  See you there, Mavenati!

And thank you again, Capital C and Scotiabank. xx

EXPERIENCE SCOTIABANK NUIT BLANCHE AND WIN!

Scotiabank Nuit Blanche

It's back. Scotiabank is proud to present Nuit Blanche, Toronto's annual all-night Contemporary Arts Festival in and around the city featuring work by some of our most brightest talents. From 6:57 PM to Sunrise on Saturday, October 2, 2010 the city will be split into three different zones with more than 130 destinations with installations and exhibits for you to see.

The Zones will be grouped as follows:

Zone A - Downtown North

Zone B - Downtown Central / East

Zone C - Downtown South / West

In addition to supporting to supporting the Arts, there's something in it for you too! Scotiabank is awarding you with a chance to win one of six Apple iPads or one of 50 Pre-paid VISA Cards. To qualify, you must vote for your favourite Art Project either: online, in-person at the Scotiabank Info Centres or the Night Navigator Application for your Smartphone. The artist who receives the most votes will win the Scotiabank People's Choice Award $5,000 Cash Prize. Unless you go out and experience Nuit Blanche, how else will you know who to vote for?