Jessica Lewis

This is where the author's biography goes. They haven't written one yet, so for now this space will remain full of these inane and pointless words. Still reading? Really? Wow.

July Monthly Music

July 8, 2011

Around this time of year, I start to crave something. Besides the usual cravings like ice cream, cold beer and not witnessing gross old men or even egotistical jocks shirtless (sup, dorks?), I yearn for some really good summer music. You know, the kind that you can blast at BBQs? The kind of music that make your steps a little more energetic while you walk to work and anthems you can sing along to. I think we all experience a form of this craving, so here are my local ideas for how to keep satisfied this July. Continue reading

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North by Northeast 2011 Preview

June 14, 2011

Apologies; long time, no music advice, Dork Shelf-ers. But I have returned to these parts for the mighty occasion that is the North by Northeast festival! I’ve got a handful of acts – here, take a few – you should check out if you’re planning on perusing the festival market for the rest of the week. Here goes. Continue reading

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Hot Docs 2011 Review: The National Parks Project

May 6, 2011

The National Parks Project documentary is about two hours long. Two things will result from this: 1) If you see it in a theatre, your ass and legs will hurt by the time it’s over; and 2) If you see it in a city, you will emerge from the film incredibly restless after seeing thirteen of this country’s prettiest places. Continue reading

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Hot Docs 2011 Review: Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop

May 5, 2011

It’s been about six months since Conan O’Brien took back the night with his talk show on TBS, but any fan of his or at least anyone still interested in what happened while he was off the air will want to see this documentary. Continue reading

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April Monthly Music

April 1, 2011

2011 is finally working up to something stronger this month; are we all in agreement that these first few months have been kind of slow in terms of music? Or maybe we’re just impatient. Anyways, while we’ve surely had some musical finds each month, April has definitely kicked it up a notch. In just the first week, Toronto will be visited by acclaimed international acts such as The Joy Formidable, The Raveonettes, Foster the People, The Mountain Goats, Nat Baldwin (of the Dirty Projectors), Cut Copy and Toro Y Moi. Continue reading

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Canadian Music Week 2011: Free Events Preview

March 8, 2011

Every year, Canadian Music Week takes over Toronto, letting 800 bands take over 55 different venues over five nights. It’s really fun chaos. This year’s fest starts on Wednesday, March 9th. So as you’re unlikely to go buy a $75 wristband at this point, it’s in Dork Shelf’s best and wonderfully cheap interests to tell you about the great, free portions of the festival. Continue reading

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From Far and Wide New Music Challenge

February 9, 2011

There’s a new reality show in Canada that doesn’t involve crazy club-hoppers, people who think they can host a proper dinner party (but really can’t) or those who think they can be the next Canadian Idol. What it does have are indie musicians trying to catch their big break from the industry professionals who get to travel across the country searching for new talent. Continue reading

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February Monthly Music

February 7, 2011

As this year starts to get steady on its legs, we’ll all need to find some new strength as well. This month’s picks will do just that for you – all of these acts radiate confidence and are really starting to come into their own. Let’s take a note from their songbook and get going! Continue reading

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January Monthly Music

January 13, 2011

We’ve all dabbled in the business of New Years’ resolutions, yes? Whether we keep them, kibosh them or disregard them entirely, they’re still there somehow. Did you make any this year? Mine were to learn how to play my new ukulele and to get to know many more local bands. If you share that last one with me, then this month’s column should be a treat for you as I help point us both in the right direction. Here are five Toronto (or GTA) bands who are ready to make that splash in the snow (shh, I know you’re thinking ‘slush’ right now, but snow is just more nice!). Continue reading

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December Monthly Music

December 3, 2010

It’s the end of 2010! Holy crap! Music has been really wicked this year, but you know what, we here at Dork Shelf are kind of glad we’re on to the next round. We’re excited for a fresh wave of newly made-up genres and themes. While this year held Kanye, teenage dreams, The Suburbs and more in priority, next year could have much more west coast chillwave bands, danceable Brit Pop and hopefully a lot more interesting local Toronto bands (wink). Continue reading

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Review

November 18, 2010

The first part of the climax to the Harry Potter series is much different than its predecessors. It features whole new kinds of depression, anxiety and an anger that the previous films simply did not have. In the past books and films, Harry and his crew had to overcome obstacles and that was that, even though they knew something more was coming. There were epic battle scenes, and other scenes that showed Potter striving for some illusive goal. This time around, Harry, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasely are alone and confused in a dark and sinister world. Continue reading

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November
Monthly Music

November 16, 2010

Really, what is there to do in November? It’s kind of a boring month, no? Maybe stressing out about Christmas is getting to you already? (And in that case, I say ‘oy.’) Dork Shelf can easily remedy this problem. Here are my music choices of concerts to feast your eyes and ears on as well as some hot new artists. Continue reading

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