GREY MATTERS
You don’t have to be a scientist to see that cognitive health issues, including dementia, are among the most pressing concerns for our aging population. Fortunately, Baycrest Health Sciences employs a slew of scientists, nurses, researchers and caregivers whose mission is to investigate and improve upon geriatric brain health. This summer, The Brain Project, unique brain sculptures by 100 artists and celebrities from around the world including the one above by Canadian designer and artist Roger Edwards, will appear around Toronto as a joint public art initiative and awareness campaign for Baycrest. So if you happen to spot a brain in downtown Toronto, be sure to take a selfie with it, vote for your favourite and even put in a bid when those same pieces of art are auctioned off in support of Baycrest. And then head over to www.brainproject. ca to learn more about the facility and possibly even make a donation. Investing in the health of our brains – that’s using your noodle. —MC
For groundbreaking and original theatre this summer, look no further than Hamilton – the city, not the blockbuster Broadway megahit musical – where the Hamilton Fringe Festival kicks off in July. And if the Hammer is a little out of the way, you’ll find Fringe festivals popping up throughout July and August from Nanaimo, B.C., to Charlottetown, P.E.I., and most major cities in between. In past years, Fringe, which mounts new, original and exciting shows, has seen some of them go on to become huge successes post-fest, including ‘Da Kink in My Hair, The Drowsy Chaperone and Kim’s Convenience – all of which began as Toronto Fringe shows. And since the fest sets up performances everywhere from local theatres to coffee shops to alleyways, you could literally turn a corner and walk right into a performance. If that happens, be ready to improvise. You never know if you might suddenly be part of the next big theatre hit! For more information about locations and dates of Fringe Festivals across Canada, go to www.fringefestivals.com.