TORONTO FASHION NEEDED A RESET

With Toronto Fashion week behind us, The Great Hall is looking back to RE/SET‘s first two seasons held throughout our venue.
Runway shows in Longboat Hall, a market in the Main Hall and showcases taking place in the Conversation Room, the building was buzzing.  That was also the case when RE/SET landed in Yorkville for their third season.
RE/SET, developed but Toronto based The Collections helped Toronto Fashion week evolve and the world took notice.  The Great Hall was proud to be a part of their beginning and continues to support this amazing talent.
To read more about this exciting company and showcase, check out the V Magazine article here.

Ronald McDonald House Charity Fundraiser

Nothing feels better than giving back. The Great Hall cherishes being able to host fundraising events like this Falls Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) 4th Annual House Party.

The Main Hall was the perfect host for RMHC’s Hollywood inspired evening of dancing and dining.  As the young philanthropists excitedly bid on the silent auction items and took advantage of the movie star inspired photo booth, The Food Dudes were busily passing delicious canapes around the dancefloor.

The Main Hall’s mezzanine was buzzing with VIP guests as they enjoyed the delicious cocktails Station Cold Brew and Viritus Vodka created and The Food Dudes exclusive stations were not to be missed.

The Main Hall’s dance floor was full of energy when the last surprise of the evening arrived.   McDonald’s midnight tasty treats were a perfect way to wrap up the evening and sent everyone home with a smile.

 

TCO X Paris in Springtime

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.

 

COORS LIGHT X RAPTORS

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 Great Hall hosts RE/SET

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.

RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY x CASEY MQ

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!

 

https://www.facebook.com/RedBullMusicAcademy/videos/10155497833494846/

PINK PEARL FOUNDATION

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.

Adidas x Tango League

 

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!

 

 

 

Starbucks x Nitro Cold Brew

Honestly, we think it’s impossible to have a great day without great coffee. Lucky for us, on July 13th the fine folks from Starbucks came to The Great Hall to share with us the “taste and craft” of their fine coffee with the launch of their new Nitro Cold Brew!

They transformed our Main Hall into a caffeine cathedral where energetic attendees learned about the quality and process involved in Starbucks’ latest essential offering. Oh, and they got to drink A LOT of fantastic coffee.

Our friends The Food Dudes joined in with edible delights to perfectly complement the  bean-based drinks on offer. And to round out the feast for the senses, everyone was able to take advantage of the truly unique “make your own terrarium” and facial exfoliant stations.

It goes without saying that Starbucks did the right thing by teaming with Behaviour and M Possible Events in putting together this amazing day for all involved.

As for us, we’re still buzzing.

 

 

 

Julia & Rodrigo Get Married!

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!