Open Roof Festival ~ Tomi Swick and "The Grand Seduction"

Gord and I went to the Open Roof Festival tonight.  It happens every Thursday night during the summer and tickets are $15 ... it was sold out tonight (we got our tickets a couple months ago).

Open Roof Festival is a not for profit, outdoor music and film festival providing Toronto with a summer experience like no other, highlighting independent filmmakers and artists from Canada and around the world. The Festival is a fun, unique experience that is more than just a party – its an evening of shared experiences. Of Toronto’s music and film scene. Of refreshments. And, of enjoying Toronto’s beautiful summer nights with friends. 

Open Roof Festival is an almost entirely volunteer-driven event and all profits raised are put forth in support of Canada’s independent film production and music communities. 

It's like going to a drive-in movie except you're sitting in chairs rather than your car.  So nice to watch a movie outside ... it was a nice cool night for it.

It was in the parking lot of 99 Sudbury, which is in our 'hood. The gates opened at 7:30pm and we got there about 8ish.

Tomi Swick was provided music and then The Grand Seduction (with Brendan Gleeson, Taylor Kitsch, Liane Balaban and Gordon Pinsent) was the movie.

Everyone got a wristband at the entrance which entitled you to a free beer after the show at four local bars if you were so inclined.

If you were hungry, you could get something to eat (we ate before we went).  Keeping with the Newfoundland theme (the movie is set there), you could buy oysters, clams, fish 'n chips and/or squares.

You could also buy snacks like popcorn, bars, candy, etc.

You could buy refreshments like beer and wine.

That's my Amsterdam Blonde!  Thanks!

A rep from the Festival thanked everyone for coming and thanked the sponsors.

Tomi Swick played for about a half hour.  He played rock and ballads ... he was good!

The movie started just after 9pm.

Gord and I sat in front ... this is looking back at the crowd.

The small harbour of Tickle Cove is in dire need of a doctor so that the town can land a contract to secure a factory which will save the town from financial ruin. Village resident Murray French (Gleeson) leads the search, and when he finds Dr. Paul Lewis (Kitsch) he employs - along with the whole town - tactics to seduce the doctor to stay permanently.

The movie was excellent!  It was funny and well-acted (there are lots of Canadian actors and actresses in it).  It was set in a small harbour in Newfoundland, a boat ride from St. John's (the scenery was awesome).  Fisherman aren't allowed to fish so some have moved away, while others have stayed and are collecting welfare.  When the opportunity comes up to have a factory in their village which will provide with jobs, money and their pride, they did whatever they could to make it happen.  One of the conditions is that they must have a doctor so they trick Dr. Lewis into staying for a month (and hopefully longer).   I'd suggest you see it if you have a chance.  If you liked Waking Ned Devine, you'll like this.