Sway Editor Jon Sarpong

Sway Magazine Editor Jon Sarpong gives you five ways to transform your down time into prime time.

As we move from the deep cold of January to the deep (and depressing) cold of February, many of us may be tempted to stay at home and wallow in the frigidity that is the Canadian winter. But fear not friends, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or just a night on the town, I’ve got you covered.

Benny Escalante

1. Cuban Night, Trane Studio (964 Bathurst Street) Sat, Jan 29, 8pm

I’ve always loved Trane Studio, especially early on in the winter season when Toronto’s evening options are quite limited. This weekend jazz legend Benny Escalante and the All Cuban Ensemble take the stage. If you’re looking for hot music, warm vibes and fantastic fare check out Trane.

Trixx

2. Trixx, Yuk Yuk’s (224 Richmond St. W) Sunday, Jan 31, 7pm

Trixx has always been a funny guy. I grew up with him and always knew that he would be successful in the world of entertainment. The super secret taping of his new DVD, ICEMAN is taking place this Sunday at Yuk Yuk’s Toronto…but shhhhhhhhh! It’s a secret, so don’t tell him I told you!

3. Lisa Michelle, Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W) Thursday, Feb 3, 8pm

Lisa Michelle

My favourite new home grown artist is Lisa Michelle. Her sound reminds me of Ivana Santilli in a lot of ways and that is a very good thing; plus I love the fact that she writes her own songs and plays guitar…I’ve always been a sucker for the bohemian types. Download her album at: lisamichelle.com.

4. Valentine’s Day, Room Service (1006 St. Clair Ave W) Mon, Feb 14, 6pm

Last year I made the tragic mistake of believing my wife when she said that Valentine’s Day was “no big deal” – I’ve learned my lesson and this year I am well prepared. I’ll be at the very exclusive Room Service Valentine’s Day Dinner Service, which includes a three course dinner and glass of wine for $85 (plus tax, gratuity) per couple. With limited intimate seating for only 12 couples, it’s like having the restaurant all to yourself.

Lisa Sterling

5. Young Black & Gifted, Jamaican Canadian Centre (995 Arrow Rd), Sat, Feb 19,  7pm

Lisa Sterling may be the most stylish woman I know, so it comes as no surprise to me that she is hosting this ultra cool youth event which features CBC anchor Dwight Drummond, Sway’s poet-in-residence Dwayne Morgan and R&B bombshell T. Ana Cole. Each of us knows a young person that needs a bit of encouragement, so bring a youngster to this event–you may just change a life.

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