Author: Kasandra Lippens

As we dive deeper into the fall, The Great Hall can’t help but think of another season of change, the Spring.  On May 6th, France’s most famous and well-loved chanteuse received a fitting musical tribute as the Toronto Concert Orchestra took up residence in our Main Hall to present Piaf Encore – Paris in Springtime.

The music resonated in the Main Hall under the conduction of Kerry Stratton, the TCO supplied a lush and lively accompaniment to the stunning vocals of Pandora Tripp as Edith Piaf. To say they did justice to the legendary icon would be an understatement. With the wine flowing and the themed decor setting the mood, the soaring renditions of Piaf’s timeless music wowed the enraptured audience all night long.

In recent years the Toronto Raptors wild success on the hardwood has been matched by their efforts in building a true fan community. Evidence of this state of affairs was on display as they teamed with Coors Light to take over Longboat Hall for the Six Squad Raptors Playoff Party.

This multimedia hoops festival brought out the Raps faithful in full force to celebrate Toronto’s (and Canada’s) team. And they definitely got what they wanted. Members of the Raptors Dance Pack? Check! A dunk competition? Check! Former player and fan favorite Muggsy Bogues? Check!

Of course, it didn’t stop there. The in-house barber created several living masterpieces on lucky heads in attendance, everyone got to visit the “Locker Room” for their free Six Squad gear, a multitude of giveaways and tickets were up for grabs, and the 19th-century roof was raised with a performance from The 6ix’s own Jazz Cartier. All this and a limitless supply of ice cold Coors Light kept the Raptors faithful refreshed and celebratory.

Thank you Coors Light! Go Raps Go! WE THE NORTH!

The future of fashion was revealed at The Great Hall during RE\SET 002. Streams of fashionistas, buyers, and media came pouring into the venue over the two-day event to view 26 of Canada’s most exciting emerging and indie labels in The Great Hall’s four unique spaces.

From runway shows in Longboat Hall to virtual reality showcases in the Conversation Room to fashion exhibitions in the Main Hall, RE/SET had something for everyone. While the Beauty Boutique provided by Shoppers Drug Mart was busy prepping the models for each show in the Drawing Room, the elated anticipation for the next unique presentation was undeniable.

It is easy to understand why the world has taken notice to RE/SET‘s second showcase produced by The Collections and The Great Hall team. V magazine, The Kit, CBC are just a few who could not resist reporting on the revival of fashion in Toronto.

Remember the name Casey MQ, because you’ll be hearing more and more about this rising star on Canada’s music scene. The singer-songwriter was hand-picked for the Red Bull Music Academy Montreal in 2016 and is set to explode with his latest efforts gaining praise from critics and fans alike.

Casey transformed our Conversation Room into an intimate performance space with a live rendition of his haunting ballad “Hysteria”, which was filmed for a special Red Bull Music Academy video piece. Watch the results for yourself, and remember we told you first!

On April 7th, The Great Hall was proud to play host to the Pink Pearl Foundation’s 11th Annual Black & White With A Touch Of Pink event, raising awareness and funds for young women facing cancer.

Attendees came together in our beautifully decorated Conversation Room to hear inspiring stories of the many women the Pink Pearl Foundation supports in their battles with cancer.

Everyone in attendance was also treated Live Clean swag bags and live entertainment with the sounds from The Doubts & DJ Pierre. A sumptuous spread of edible delights was to be had at the dessert & bar and food stations from Barque Smokehouse, Miku Toronto, Loaded Pierogi, and Gangster Cheese!

In all it was a day for community, hope, and courage as guests connected, shared their experiences. We can’t thank the Pink Pearl Foundation enough for teaming with us in the important work they do every day.

Toronto’s street style soccer fanatics made Longboat Hall their playground as Adidas presented a dazzling display of the beautiful game with their Tango League tournament.

The fast-paced, high energy competition coincided with the launch of Adidas’ latest version of their innovative NEMEZIZ soccer shoe. The underground 2-on-2 tournament was played on a custom made turf mini field caged in by wire fence for a distinctly urban feel. Spectators jamming the field level and 360 balcony above were treated to stunning skill and goals galore.

Adidas brought along eSports host Chuboi and several of Toronto FC’s hometown heroes to set the scene and mix with fans and players alike. And after all the blood, sweat, and tears the newest footie champions were showered with cheers and confetti as they lifted their hard-earned trophy. Congratulations!

For their wedding, Julia & Rodrigo put together a day of pure joy at The Great Hall.

Our Conversation Room and Main Hall looked spectacular, festooned with intricately cut paper garlands marking the special day.

The assembled family and friends were serenaded throughout the day by an authentic Mariachi band in full regalia, adding to the atmosphere of happiness and romance.

Dinner, drinks and dancing followed the ceremony as the celebration kicked into high gear with the well dressed revellers wearing huge smiles as their main accessory.

We wish the happy couple all the best and can’t thank them enough for bringing such a joyous occasion to The Great Hall!