In the ’90s, the Rogers Centre was the SkyDome, Joe Carter was da bomb, the Leafs were still playing at Maple Leaf Gardens (and making the playoffs), the skyline wasn’t riddled with high rise condos and Mel Lastman ruled the new megacity with a Bad Boy iron fist. So for those feeling nostalgic, the ’90s will be making a return to our city in the form of these five upcoming events.
Party Like It’s 1999
There were a lot of memorable couples from the ’90s, both in real life and in television: Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder, Kelly Kapowski and Zack Morris and Topanga Lawrence and Cory Matthews. Those who thought these pairings should have lived happily ever after should head down to ’90s Party: Couples Edition at The Annex Wreck Room this Friday. Best costume gets a $200 prize.
I don’t wanna wait… for another Trivia Night at the Gladstone
You may be into more intellectual activities now, but let’s face it, the ’90s was all about TV. After all, there was no YouTube or DVD boxed sets. So come show off your knowledge of ’90s TV at The Gladstone Hotel, which will be holding various trivia events on the cheesiest shows of the era (like Dawson’s Creek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
Hangin’ Tough with the boy bands
Even though these are now technically “man” bands instead of boy bands, New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men still hold a special place in our hearts. Well, maybe NKOTB and Boyz II Men. For 98 Degrees, we just remember Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson’s tuna fish of a marriage. Regardless, the three groups are getting together for a tour starting in May with a stopover in Toronto on June 7.
Keanu “Whoa” Reeves
Though TIFF’s Keanu Reeves film retrospective will also include some work from the ’80s, his best work was probably done in the ’90s, starting with Speed and ending with The Matrix (though an honourable mention goes to Point Break). If you’re a fan of his ’90s work, stop by the TIFF Bell Lightbox for some popcorn, memories and 11 films of static facial expressions.
Spice up your life
As much as we’d like to groan at the thought of seeing a Spice Girls tribute band, we have to admit that there’s a 99 per cent chance we’d actually sing along if we were at the show. Wannabe: The Spice Girls Tribute Band is gearing up for a show this weekend at The Great Hall. But don’t mistake this for an impromptu karaoke session: the five members have been practicing for months and are accompanied by a full band.