Star Gazing

This year, TIFF has decided to close down King St. for the 1st 4 days. This has been a controversial decision since this street sees heavy use during rush hour from both cars and public transit. But the pedestrians strolling along or waiting around to see celebrities in front of the Princess Of Wales Theatre were having a good time. The restaurants also took advantage to expand their patio space, which were filled up with festival goers. Too bad they all serve middling food.

But Thursday night, I wasn't there for movies or munchies. I dropped by the open-air stage for some music. First up was the chameleon Maylee Todd. Tonight, Todd and her dancers were dressed in short black outfit with multi-coloured foam strings and bangles. Her brand of neo-soul gradually drew a crowd as they listened to Baby's Got It, Hieroglyphics, and I Tried. Even the laid-back or schmoozing boozers in the beer section on the side got into the groove. She even got a Soul Train started, though perhaps a bit more reticent than usual.

The night also had on the bill the energetic Rich Aucoin and cerebral guitarist Adrian X. But unfortunately I could not stick around for these performers.