Entertainment

Out There with Melissa DiMarco is already into its seventh season of bringing viewers a unique blend of comedy and celebrity interactions. The plot of the show has Melissa as an entertainment journalist always on the look out for her next celebrity interview. It’s part scripted and part ad lib.
Over coming episodes DiMarco will be interviewing such luminaries as Elton John, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler, U2, and Kermit the Frog, to name a few.
The production company, Out There Productions, is based in the Beach, and if you look closely you will see Beach business landmarks – Le Sauvignon and Joy Bistro, for instance – in the background. The show airs on Citytv Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit outtherewithmelissa.com.
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Corktown for Kids is a comedy workshop for youngsters aged 8 to 14 looking to explore all aspects of comedy, from sketch and improv, to stand-up and animation. Participants will work on self-expression, gain self-confidence and have fun.
Working comedians such as Kyle Dooley, Dave Brennan and Amy Zuch will be among the many artists working with participants, guiding them on their path to hilarity. The program is run by Brian Coughlin, who grew up in the Beach.
Corktown for Kids begins April 21. To register call Brian at 416-988-CORK (2675) or visit corktownproductions.com.
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Beach band The Porchdog Choir will be appearing at The Green Dragon Pub, 1032 Kingston Rd., April 28. This will be one of the band’s first performances since the launch of their CD Trucker Girl in December 2011. The Porchdog Choir consists of John Keating, Bill Hedefine, Gary Krantz and Stephen Neal. Their mix of rock, blues and country swing has garnered them a loyal following of ‘choir members’ in the Beach. For more information visit theporchdogchoir.com.
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Beach resident Andre Sills is part of the cast in Soulpepper Theatre Company’s latest production, You Can’t Take It With You, April 26 to June 21 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in the Historic Distillery District. Sills plays the character Donald in this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama.
You Can’t Take It With You, by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, is one of the most enduring comedies of the 20th century. Directed by Joseph Ziegler, the play features the talents of Eric Petersen (Corner Gas), Brian Bisson (The Time Traveller’s Wife), and Krystin Pellerin (Republic of Doyle) among others.
Tickets to You Can’t Take It With You are available by calling the box office at 416-866-8666. For more information visit soulpepper.ca.
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The East York Skating Club performs its 61st annual ice show, Fantasy on Ice, April 27 and 28 at East York Memorial Arena, 888 Cosburn Ave. The East York Skating Club is non-profit and run by volunteers, with more than 300 young skaters.
Tickets to Fantasy On Ice are $15, and will be available at the door. For more information call Greg Beal at 416-458-7475.
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The East York Concert Band will be performing its annual spring concert at 7:30 p.m. on April 20, in the Centennial Ballroom of On The Park, 1095 Leslie St. (formerly the Inn On The Park). The concert is called A Spring In Your Step, and will feature a family-friendly mix of popular concert band pieces. The East York Concert Band was founded in 1948 and is made up of musicians from the GTA including the Beach.  For more information visit eastyorkconcertband.ca.
Tickets to A Spring in Your Step are $15 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased by calling 416-439-3542, emailing tickets@eastyorkconcertband.ca, or through the website.
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Live Jazz is finally coming to Bluffers Park when the 11-piece Swing Shift Little Big Band performs Sunday Lunch with Jazz, April 29, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Bluffers Restaurant. The band will perform their mix of dance band favourites featuring Sinatra-style vocalists. Tickets include an elegant hot lunch.
To reserve call 416-805-1283, or email bigbandboxoffice@hushmail.com. For more information visit swingshiftbigband.com.
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The 44th Annual East York Barbershoppers’ Charity Auction & Sale takes place May 4 at 7 p.m., at 2 Gower St. There will be bargains galore including new items from The Shopping Channel and assorted boxes of frozen meat. The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. with an early bird sale featuring fresh fruit, vegetables and household items. The East York Chorus will sing several selections, then auctioneer Matt Penstone begins the official auction at 8 p.m.
The auction is held yearly to raise funds for Harmonize 4 Speech, an organization to help children with speech impediments. Auction items are always welcome. There is a $5 admission fee, with a cash bar, snacks and hot dogs available.
For more information call George Shields, 416-751-6456.
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The third of the Family-Friendly Concert Series at Kingston Road United Church takes place May 6 at the church, 975 Kingston Rd. This concert features Canadian jazz violin legend Lenny Solomon and his trio.
Solomon began his career as a member of the pop duo Myles and Lenny in the 1970s. He is the founder and artistic director of Bowfire, a group made up of leading names in each genre of string playing (bowfire.com). The Lenny Solomon Trio includes Pat Collins, bass, and Bill Bridges, guitar. The group has recorded three CDs and tours throughout North America.
The whole family is welcome at these performances. Youth members of the church have also taped interviews with the performers that will be posted on the church’s website. Tickets are $20 each with family rates available. For more information call Kingston Road United Church at 416-699-6091, or visit kruc.ca.

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