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Mark, Author at The Panic Manual - Page 3 of 27

TO Jazz 2012 Preview: June 22 to July 1

Posted on by Mark in Concerts, Toronto Jazz Festival | Leave a comment

Another summer is in full swing and that means festival season! The Toronto Jazz Festival is almost upon us, and this year marks the return of the main stage to Nathan Phillips Square’ renovated digs. I haven’t had a chance to check out the renovation, but my understanding is that it’s pretty awesome. More greenery, multiple viewing balconies, the flame in the Peace Garden will now burn 20 feet high, and free hoverboards are available to cross that pesky fountain! …

Hot Docs Preview: The Boxing Girls of Kabul [2011, Ariel J. Nasr]

Posted on by Mark in Hot Docs | Leave a comment

The Boxing Girls of Kabul follows the lives of a group of young Afghani women who break from the mold by joining a female boxing club. It’s a heart-wrenching dive into a world that feels very foreign to westerners who wouldn’t bat an eye at girls participating in sports. That this is actually a contentious issue in Afghanistan that results in persecution and even death threats underlines substantive cultural differences. We follow not only these young boxers, but their respective …

Hot Docs Preview: The Myster of Mazo de la Roche [2011, Maya Gallus]

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The Mystery of Mazo de la Roche is a documentary that explores the public and personal lives of the famous 20th century Canadian writer. In 1927, her novel Jalna garnered international acclaim. It follows the Whiteoak family, a northern Ontario dynasty. I can’t help but think they’re an old thyme version of Arrested Development meets Keeping up with the Kardashians meets Kids in the Hall. Having never read the book or the series, it bears mentioning that I only feel …

Concert Review: Rodrigo Y Gabriela, April 16, Massey Hall

Posted on by Mark in Concerts | Leave a comment

The last time Rodrigo Y Gabriela played in Toronto, they played the Phoenix. It was a pretty exciting show with a raucous energy. They returned last Monday, and this time the venue was Massey Hall. Their jump to MH is a pretty good indicator of how popular their energetic brand of flamenco-rock has become. This time, they were backed by a capable and talented Cuban band; a bigger sound to accompany a bigger venue. The Cuban band, subtly named C.U.B.A. …