On April 27th, from 11am-2pm, our local restaurant incubator, Food Hall TO, will be hosting a fun food event for our local neighbourhood community.

Food Hall TO, previously known as Flip Kitchens, has relaunched with a new purpose, new management, and completely revised program.   The program supports newcomers to Canada, all of them fleeing refugees that are here to create a new life for themselves.  This space is now managed by Feed Scarborough, a successful not-for-profit food security initiative program.  Come meet each of the new vendors, hear their stories, and let them share with you the wonderful cuisines that span the world.  Join us ‘where every meal tells a story’.

This is a ticketed event. Please purchase tickets here: 

Neighbourhood Munch: World Tour Brunch Tickets, Sat, Apr 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

North York Open Mic: Sing, Play, Listen, Connect...in your community!

Wednesday, April 24 will be the first in a 9-week series of Spring Open Mic Wednesdays at John McKenzie House in Willowdale, North York, Ontario from 7-9pm. Arrive and sign-up to play anytime after 6:45pm. Let’s get started building a music community for networking, development, collaboration, songwriting, creativity, and live music performance in North York. Attend as a performer, or come to listen and socialize.

PA, digital piano and microphones will be provided. Please bring other instruments and/or background music.

Hosted by Chad Wenzel, and presented with the support of the Ontario Historical Society (OHS) and the WCRA Arts Collective.

Follow "North York Open Mic" on Facebook or Instagram for updates and community discussion.

The WCRA Arts Collective presents, Live Music at the John Mckenzie House, featuring an intimate performance by the Miles Cakebread-Kraus Band.

Hailing from Prince Edward County and based in Toronto, Miles Cakebread-Kraus is a passionate and creative musician, who plays in venues throughout the GTA.

Miles’ blends jazz and improvised music with other genres, such as country, folk, and different types of popular music.

He has studied with the likes of Toronto guitarists Trevor Giancola, Jocelyn Gould, and Kim Ratcliffe, as well as renowned Richmond VA saxophonist Charles Owens.

Miles has a unique vision of melody and harmony that brings about captivating and distinctive compositions. He is a creative guitarist and his work is always infused with his passion for music.

Tickets through Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/e716a348-3641-4a69-b8be-2a0e1b9c1df5 OR Registrration Link

The WCRA Arts Collective presents, Live Music at the John Mckenzie House, featuring an intimate performance by the Evelynne Ross Trio

The Evelynne Ross Trio is a 3-piece Canadian pop/rock trio from Toronto, Canada. The band has played together for over 20 years and is the core trio from the full band that was put together to showcase Evelynne Ross for her most recent EP release show in January 2023. Her EP titled Against the Fence; a six song EP was released in December 2022.

The band is comprised of multi-talented and well-established professional musicians who have played together and in different bands within the local GTA music scene for well over 20 years. The talented musicians, which include Howard Rabkin on guitar and backing vocals and Henry Lees on backing vocals and percussion come together to bring Evelynne Ross’ original songs to life. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses her memorable hooks with tight harmonies, air tight musicianship and high energy and will make you want to sing along.

Evelynne Ross, hailed as a rock luminary by Canadian Beats, writes relatable songs that evoke an emotional response and leave an indelible impression on the listener. She consistently makes fans wherever she plays.

Tickets through Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/65f7d4e9-a3b9-46b1-9a1d-3a8419cb95ac OR Registration Link

The WCRA Arts Collective presents, Live Music at the John Mckenzie House, featuring an intimate performance by the Ryan Gazzola Band

Ryan Gazzola is a Vancouver-born, Toronto-based singer-songwriter who fuses nu-disco grooves, noodling guitars, and soaring vocal hooks. His songwriting marries the sweet and catchy melodies of modern pop with a funk and soul instrumentation backbone. It takes inspiration from modern contemporaries: Maroon 5, Dua Lipa, and Charlie Puth, to icons: Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. 

The independent songwriter performs across Canada live with the four-piece Ryan Gazzola Band, a group of talented musicians formed during Gazzola’s time studying at McGill University (Montreal). 

This Event Is All Aged

Reserve Your Tickets Registration Link

More Info of Ryan Gazzola: https://ryangazzola.com/ 

Listen to Ryan Gazzola:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5z1rRFGFjuI3faU0f2jSnr?si=OwcBdunyQr-fgifXzqdj-w

• Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ryan-gazzola/1403196490 

• Bandcamp: https://ryangazzola.bandcamp.com/ 

Social Links of Ryan Gazzola

Facebook: @RyanGazzola 

Instagram: @RyanGazzola 

Youtube: @RyanGazzola

Premiered in Ottawa at the National Arts Center in 2009, Canadian composer Jordan Pal’s concert overture On the Double mixes a contemporary orchestral sound with elements of late Romantic melodic and harmonic inflection. Mixing pentatonic melodies with more tonal-functional pitch organization in the orchestral accompaniment, soloist Li Wang performs the Yellow River Piano Concerto, based on Xiao Xinghai’s Yellow River Cantata. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade opens with a whole-tone motif depicting the Sultan, followed by a subdominant-oriented ‘once upon a time’ progression similar to Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream—invoking the past-tense narrative time as Scheherazade regales her husband with a thousand and one tales.

Use the concert link below to get more details and purchase tickets

Concert Link

The Yonge North York BIA is excited to launch its inaugural signature event, Enchanted Lights: A Celebration of Cultures starting this Saturday, February 10th.  This is a FREE four week event of light display (Monday to Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.) and Cultural Programming (scheduled every Saturday evening) at Mel Lastman Square.

We encourage you to visit the YNBIA website for details - link included below...

Enchanted Lights Website Link

Councillor Cheng’s office will be hosting a hybrid Safety Town Hall. Learn about:

• SAFETO - The city’s safety strategy.

• Crime Data update in Willowdale.

• Theft & Auto Theft Mitigation.

• TCCS - Toronto’s 4th Emergency Service.

RSVP at: lilycheng.ca/events

Zoom Link: bit.ly/wsth4324

Willowdale Celebrates Lunar New Year & Lantern Festival

Join us for a Lunar New Year celebration with crafts, demonstrations, performances culminating in an evening stroll through enchanted lights, spectacular stage show and roving performers! There will also be the opportunity to purchase some sweet dumplings to celebrate the Lantern Festival.

RSVP Link

OR…

https://www.lilycheng.ca/event-details-registration/willowdale-celebrates-lunar-new-year-lantern-festival

Anticipate an evening of pure magic as internationally acclaimed dance virtuosos grace the stage. Behold the unparalleled artistry of luminaries like Koto Ishihara, Calley Skalnik, and Keaton Leier from the world-renowned National Ballet of Canada. Immerse yourself in the captivating performances of Irina Lerman—Mariinsky Theatre, Vladyslav Romashchenko—National Opera of Ukraine, and Olga Posternak—Kyiv Opera Theatre.

Prepare to be entranced by the grace and skill of Evgeni Dokoukine—Estonian National Ballet, Saniya Abilmajineva—Ballet Jorgen, and many others. Seize this exceptional opportunity to witness a breathtaking display of classical and contemporary pieces converging on a single stage for a spectacle that unfolds once in a lifetime.

Purchase Tickets for the magical event using the To Live link below:

TO Live Ticket Link

The WCRA, Arts Collective is proud to present an evening with Czech cinema pioneer and Venice IFF winner, Václav Táborský.

You are invited to a special viewing of the Venice IFF short film winner, Mud Covered City. This film represents a signature line of Táborský’s directorial activities – short satirical documentaries. Mud Covered City (1963), explores the advantages and disadvantages of living in a new housing estate in Prague-Malešice, the criticism is presented in a humorous form. The hidden price for quickly accessible housing for many young families is constituted by problems with water and heating, and ubiquitous mud. The film’s comicality is based on humorous contrasts which, on a deeper level, explore the discrepancies and flaws of the ruling system.

Along with brothers Jiří and František Papoušek, who – just like Táborský – strived to free domestic documentary filmmaking from the grip of schematism, he was one of the founding members of the creative group ČAS (“Time”) at the beginning of the 1960s. The group’s manifest promised orientation towards truth and authenticity, and according to its members, the purest form of documentary film was a report. They refused to cast actors, make up stories and create dramatic structures. The footage was to be filmed on location with real people and the authorial perspective was supposed to be represented by a montage of the filmed footage.

Following the screening of the short film, Václav Táborský will join us on stage to discuss the film and his career.

Please be sure to RSVP using the link below:

RSVP January 27th Date:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wcra-arts-collective-short-film-viewing-conversation-tickets-790138414267?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come experience David Barrett Trio’s new album, Infinito and meet the band in person!

In 2010, guitarist David Barrett founded the David Barrett Trio, an instrumental progressive rock power trio. DB3 has been produced by Terry Brown, Alex Lifeson, Alan Parsons, and Richard Chycki, and they’ve collaborated with Michael Sadler (Saga), Jacob Moon, and Crown Lands. They’ve shared the stage with Marillion, Carl Palmer, and Saga, and headlined the Canadian Guitar Festival.

DB3 is now rocking with Paul DeLong on drums and Scott Matthews on bass and their new record Infinito, produced by Terry Brown

This intimate event is sure to fill-up fast so be sure to RSVP (sboyleto@gmail.com)

The WCRA, Arts Collective is proud to present an evening with Czech cinema pioneer and Venice IFF winner, Václav Táborský.

You are invited to a special viewing of the Venice IFF short film winner, Mud Covered City. This film represents a signature line of Táborský’s directorial activities – short satirical documentaries. Mud Covered City (1963), explores the advantages and disadvantages of living in a new housing estate in Prague-Malešice, the criticism is presented in a humorous form. The hidden price for quickly accessible housing for many young families is constituted by problems with water and heating, and ubiquitous mud. The film’s comicality is based on humorous contrasts which, on a deeper level, explore the discrepancies and flaws of the ruling system.

Along with brothers Jiří and František Papoušek, who – just like Táborský – strived to free domestic documentary filmmaking from the grip of schematism, he was one of the founding members of the creative group ČAS (“Time”) at the beginning of the 1960s. The group’s manifest promised orientation towards truth and authenticity, and according to its members, the purest form of documentary film was a report. They refused to cast actors, make up stories and create dramatic structures. The footage was to be filmed on location with real people and the authorial perspective was supposed to be represented by a montage of the filmed footage.

Following the screening of the short film, Václav Táborský will join us on stage to discuss the film and his career.

Please be sure to RSVP using the link below:

RSVP January 24th Date:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wcra-arts-collective-short-film-viewing-conversation-tickets-789603183377?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hosted by North York Seniors Centre, you are invited to celebrate the famed Scottish poet, Robbie Burn!

Come by celebrate all things Scottish with food, drinks and good company.

Take part in NYSC’s Active Living Fair

North York Seniors Centre is hosting an Active Living Fair this year in partnership with the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) with funding support from the Government of Ontario.

Join us for North York Seniors Centre Active Living Fair! Enjoy a day filled with health and wellbeing demonstrations for a thriving lifestyle, informative seminars covering important aspects of living well, and a chance to explore interesting exhibitors offering specialized services.

The Active Living Fair will be held at North York Seniors Centre, Active Living Centre. 21 Hendon Ave Toronto M2M 4G8 on Wednesday, November 15, beginning at 10 a.m. 

This is a free event; tell your friends and family! exciting prizes to be won! 

Stay tuned here for updates and additional details!

NYSC Active Living Link

North York's first ever night market, Yonge North York Night Market, will take place at Mel Lastman Square (5,100 Yonge Street) alongside the inaugural Dance on Yonge Festival, July 14-16, 2023.

Expect a massive open-air street food market with over 500 menu items, a full line-up of live dance performances, a giant claw machine arcade, eating competitions and so much more!

Admission to the festival is FREE!

Times: Friday (6pm-11pm), Saturday (2pm-11pm), Sunday (2pm-8pm)

Back by popular demand, NighbourLink North York is hosting it’s 3rd Annual Yard Sale Day!

Come by Spring Garden Church to shop for everyday items at great prices. Come early to avoid disappointment.

Registration is still open, but space is limited at the market, so act fast!  Learn more and register at www.neighbourlink.org/yardsale.

Come join us every Thursday evening (6-9pm during the months of June & September) at Lee Lifeson Art Park, for a free outdoor concert. WCRA, in partnership with North York Arts, will be showcasing local musical acts from established and emerging Toronto artists.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and take in the show on the ground of Lee Lifeson park, or have a seat at the Amphitheatre.

A full lineup can be found on our website under the heading “Willowdale Concert Series 2023”

This program is possible thanks to the generous support of Oulahen Team Realty Inc. Brokerage, RBC Harbour Group, and Willowdale Central Ratepayer’s Association.

We invite you to join us for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the John McKenzie House (34 Parkview Ave). This will be an in-person event and refreshments will be served. It is very important that we get as many members out for this event as possible as we review the formal business activity of the association and vote in WCRA Directors from the general membership.

On behalf of the WCRA community, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Geoffrey Brown and Selena Kim for their dedication and commitment to the neighbourhood, they have been active Board members over the past years. As per formal protocol, we will be voting in Directors to the WCRA. If you are interested in submitting your name for a Director position, please provide your full name, contact information and a short profile (optional) by email to willowdalecra@gmail.com in advance of the AGM. Alternatively, you can declare yourself during the meeting when the moderator invites candidates.

We encourage new memberships, and membership renewals at any time.  Membership is $20 for the year (per household).  Payments can be made by cheques, or through our website. If you are not sure of your membership status, please email us at willowdalecra@gmail.com

Celebrating May Asian Heritage Month, RAW Taiko drummers are back by popular demand, and will present taiko drumming performances over the course of two days (May 20 & 21). Each performance will be interspersed with storytelling from RAW members on what it means to be an Asian-Canadian woman.

Come out to take in these talented artists, and their powerful performance - a must see event!

Celebrating May Asian Heritage Month, RAW Taiko drummers are back by popular demand, and will present taiko drumming performances over the course of two days (May 20 & 21). Each performance will be interspersed with storytelling from RAW members on what it means to be an Asian-Canadian woman.

Come out to take in these talented artists, and their powerful performance - a must see event!

Come join your neighbours for a pleasant walk, along sections of the northern reaches of Wilket Creek in Willowdale, while we listen for and see birds, including resident ones and those in migration. The walk will last about one and a half hours, starting and ending at Lee Lifeson Art Park. Volunteers knowledgeable about Willowdale’s birds will be guides. Children are most welcome! All walkways are paved, with accessible curbs for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. Sign up for the walk here, whether you are new to birds or a long-time birder. Bring your family and friends!