Canvas Los Angeles is celebrating their one year anniversary and it’s going to be big. Artwork by some of the world’s most renowned tattooers will be displayed starting November 15th to mark their success in being the only dedicated Tattooer Art Gallery in the world. Having kept to their original mission of exposing Tattooers to the world of fine art with a dedicated space just for them, Canvas has reached unexpected levels of success and notoriety for displaying works from artists from around the world in a setting just for them. Come make the night special and get your chance to see what your favorite artists can do on canvas instead of your skin.

It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce the triumphant return of BME’s ModProm! Everybody’s favorite excuse to break out the seersucker and classy it up for one special evening is back for another year, this time in one of downtown Toronto’s premier party establishments (the specifics of which we will announce shortly).

Make no mistake, though — this isn’t just a night to play dress-up. This is a real prom, complete with tearful, mascara-smearing exchanges in the ladies’ room, awards (at the moment, the superdelegates are split 50/50 on Prom King) and the chaperonage nonpareil of renowned family man Bob Saget! (No, we haven’t seen the Aristocrats, why do you ask?) As if that’s not enough, you can also look forward to delicious food, an open bar and, above all else, a night with friends and family that will be impossible to forget.

Check this page frequently for new information — advance ticket sales will be announced shortly! Until then, pop your zits, buy a corsage and prepare for June 28, 2008! The war is over — tonight, we dance, prom-style!

Details:

The Field House at The Berkeley Church
315 Queen Street East
Toronto ON M5A 1S7
Saturday June 28th, 2008
Hors d’oeuvres/Reception: 7pm
Dinner: 8:30pm
Dancing: All night!
Bar: Sponsored by Great Lakes Brewery.
Menu: Buffet Style, plenty for everyone from Vegan to Carnivore! If you have allergies, please email us.

Tickets

$100 USD Per Person

Travel & Accommodations

The two main airports to fly into are Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Toronto’s City Centre (YTZ). There is also Hamilton (YHM) and Buffalo (BUF), NY. Significantly cheaper flights can be found by flying into BUF and then taking either the bus or the train.

FlyPorter.com
Inexpensive flights from the NYC area to down town Toronto

There is a new bus service called Mega Bus which offers service from all over the east coast and can get you from NYC to Toronto for 26 dollars round trip. This is assigned seating so if you’re going to take the bus, book as soon as possible!

Expedia.com
Cheaptickets.com
Orbitz.com
Hotels.com

Any hotels in the downtown core will work perfectly. Remember that it is the end of Pride Week so hotels will be selling out quickly. I will be posting block room rates shortly but if you find a good deal before then, book it!

Sponsors

This year would not be as fabulous as it’s going to be if it wasn’t for the most amazing donations from sponsors around the globe. So far we have tons of goodies from the following:

Great Lakes Brewery

LeRoi Body Jewelry
Aesthetics Body Mod
Anatometal
BMEzine.com
BodyArtPro
ByBlair.com
Canvas LA
Diablo Organics
FadeFast Tattoo Removal: Laser Tattoo Removal by Allen Falkner
Fakir.org
GlassHeart Studios
Glasswear studios
GoodWood Organics
Gorilla Glass
David Vidra & Health Educators
Hi-tech Tattoo
Industrial Strength/Naked
Infinite Body
Jananas.com
Mike Storey
Mike Tidwell of Obscurities.com
Modern Epic
Paul’s Plugs
Philip Barbosa
Relic Stoneworks
Reign Designs
Sister Salvation
Steelwerks Extreme
Symbiotech
Thrive Studios
Under the Weather Bags
Venus by Maria Tash
Keylan (Endless Summer Tattoo)
BodyArtPro

Contests

Win Shawn Porter as your date to Modprom 2008. As you can see, kissing isn’t included but you will get one free ticket to Modprom, a limo with Shawn, a classy corsage and guaranteed color commentary throughout the entire night!

Raffle tickets are $5 dollars each and can be purchased by sending a payment via Paypal to bmefest@bmezine.com. Or click the image below!

Tickets for Modprom are now available for sale at $100 USD per person! Please purchase your ticket as soon as possible. Don’t forget to include the name for each ticket as well as shirt size in case we do a limited edition t-shirt.

Save the date — BMEfest is back! We’re thrilled to announce a three-day extravaganza, running from June 27-29, starting with an exclusive Friday night party at one of Toronto’s finest nightclubs, the exact location of which will be announced as soon as humanly possible.

You heard it right, friends. Gas up the jet, plug in the electric car, grease up the wheels on your little red wagon, start doing thumb stretches and reread The Hitchhiker’s Guide … whatever it takes to get your collective asses to Toronto for BME’s annual BMEfest.

Now, we hear you asking, “Well, that’s fine and good, but what does a BME party at a nightclub have to offer that a night drinking dandelion whiskey with my cousin Mose and playing Warhammer doesn’t?” And to that we say, nothing … unless you happen to be a fan of awesome music, VIP access (because who stands in lines anymore?) and dancing your ass off with a few hundred of your closest friends — not to mention a few surprises we don’t want to spoil quite yet.

Vague? Maybe a little. But check this page often, as we’ll be announcing more and more details frequently. Until then, shine your shoes, buy a silver shirt and prepare for June 27, 2008! The war is over — tonight, we dance!

It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce the triumphant return of BME’s ModProm! Everybody’s favorite excuse to break out the seersucker and classy it up for one special evening is back for another year, this time in one of downtown Toronto’s premier party establishments (the specifics of which we will announce shortly).

Make no mistake, though — this isn’t just a night to play dress-up. This is a real prom, complete with tearful, mascara-smearing exchanges in the ladies’ room, awards (at the moment, the superdelegates are split 50/50 on Prom King) and the chaperonage nonpareil of renowned family man Bob Saget! (No, we haven’t seen the Aristocrats, why do you ask?) As if that’s not enough, you can also look forward to delicious food, an open bar and, above all else, a night with friends and family that will be impossible to forget.

Check this page frequently for new information — advance ticket sales will be announced shortly! Until then, pop your zits, buy a corsage and prepare for June 28, 2008! The war is over — tonight, we dance, prom-style!

BMEfest FAQ!

Do I have to buy a ticket to BMEfest?

No, the gathering in High Park this year is free. ModProm II – the formal dinner/party to follow is not, you must have purchased a ticket to ModProm II.

What time does BMEfest start/wrap-up?

BMEfest will begin in High Park at 10:00am and will wrap-up by 3:00pm.

Where is BMEfest?

BMEfest is located in High Park, Toronto, Canada. Take the TTC Subway to High Park Station and walk across Bloor Street to enter the park. For those of you driving, High Park is located between Bloor Street & The Queensway, just west of Keele Street. The main entrance is located at Bloor & High Park Avenue.

(Click here for a map of the park (PDF). The party will be located in Picnic Area #8, which is located between the Grenadier Café and the sports fields.)

When you enter the park follow either the West Road or Colbourne Lodge Road until you reach the Grenadier Restaurant (there is some parking at the restaurant), and then walk behind the restaurant over “Hawk Hill” until you reach the picnic area. Alternatively you can follow the West Road into the park and cut through the sports fields (there is a path that follows them around) straight through until you reach the picnic area.

Will there be parking available?

There is parking in the park, however you should arrive early if you’re driving because parking will be in high demand for Canada Day.

How do I get a BMEfest Event Shirt?

Because of the park permit rules we’re not allowed to have any type of open-air market set up. But if you want a BMEfest event shirt, speak to Ryan at the event. He may just have a few in his car!

Will there be suspensions at BMEfest?

NO! For two reasons:

1: It gives the Toronto Parks & Recreation a reason to come and hassle us.

2: Attaching anything (including a person) to a tree is a violation of the permit we have been issued and could result in both personal fines for the event organizer and termination of the event.

What should I bring?

Bring: Sunblock, water & food (we will be providing some refreshments), money for snacks & other sundries. It’s a picnic – prepare for that: Blankets, et cetera..

Will there be alcohol at the event?

Alcohol is NOT permitted in the park. If you feel the need to drink there is a restaurant nearby. As per the conditions of the permit, obnoxious alcohol consumption will result in the termination of the event by park authorities.

What if I’m too shy to play the Scene Points Game?

The “Scene Points Game” is designed to be a humourous social experiment only, a way to meet people, NOT a hazing ritual. Everyone is encouraged to play. There are some great prizes and you might just make a new friend or two!

ModProm FAQ!

Where is ModProm?

ModProm will be held at the Academy of Spherical Arts, located at 1 Snooker Street, Toronto (also known as Hanna Avenue). The closest major intersection is King & Dufferin. Click here for a map & directions.

What do I get with my ticket?

The t-shirt you’ve already received, dinner, entertainment, a drink ticket (check out the customized Martini list!)

Will there be Coat Check?

Yes!

Will tips be expected for Coat Check/Bartender/Servers?

It is always nice to tip those who help you out.

When is ModProm?

Doors open at 7pm, Dinner will be served at 7:30. Entertainment & Billiards Tournament begins at 8pm. Things will wrap up at 2am.

What if I didn’t buy a ticket in advance?

There will be no entry for those without tickets, and no tickets can be bought at the door.

Is there parking at the Academy?

There are two parking lots nearby, and a Green P lot just around the corner.

How many people will be at ModProm?

Over 100 of your closest IAM friends!

When will E-tickets be sent out?

We are still working on the logistics of the E-tickets, but don’t fret, if you’ve bought a ticket your name will be on a paid list.

If someone bought your ticket for you, pease try to arrive with that person..

If there are other circumstances, or for some other reason you have other concerns – bring a printout of your BMEshop order & confirmation.

I have special dietary requirements (vegan/vegetarian/heavy meat eater), have I been considered?

Yes, you can find the full menu here – Please advise the chef at each food station of any requirements and/or allergies and they will do their best to accommodate you.

Will there be someone taking photos at ModProm?

Yes – Lane Jensen will be taking photos.

I can’t go to ModProm this year/ I didn’t buy my ticket – what can I do instead?

Shakespeare in the Park (PDF) is happening that night in High Park, or check out Toronto.com or NowMagazine.com for other event listings in the city.

You have until noon EST on Monday, June 25 to confirm your ModProm ticket! After that, there will be no way to get a ticket because Phil and I will have confirmed our numbers with the caterers. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKET! If you can not place your purchase online because you don’t have a credit card, please email me.

I may have a small number of spots that I can give away (but no promises!). If you really want to come, and have a formal outfit of some type to wear, and really can’t afford it, please email me and include why you want to come. If you’re a regular BME supporter, I’ll do my best to help. Write me ASAP though if you want to do that.

Now please go get your ticket before it’s too late!

After putting it off for far too long, yesterday I visited Syd Silver and Freeman Formal to be fitted for my ModProm II suit.

Not having worn a suit for quite a few number of years I wasn’t really sure what to expect..

I first wandered into Freeman Formal looking decidedly scruffy after a long day at work, and I immediately noticed they weren’t too impressed and adopted rather a snooty demeanour, I wouldn’t go as far as to say they “looked down at me” but they certainly gave the impression they weren’t going out of their way to help me in my hour of need, after a few minutes looking around and have my questions answered with no success, I turned tail and fled towards Syd Silver, the experience I had in there was a vast improvement!

From the moment I stumbled through the door they were courteous, polite, super-duper helpful and generally a bunch of wonderful people, they showed me all the suits they had available (and didn’t have, as I’d left it so late and some had been reserved as far back as March) the various combinations of vests (or waistcoats as we English call them), shoes, ties, hats et cetera.

After half an hour of deliberation I settled upon a suit that tickled my fancy, complete with vest, shirt, tie, and pantaloons. I didn’t need shoes as I already have a pair, when I mentioned that they were Doctor Martens and would that make a difference he giggled, rolled his eyes, told me he didn’t recommend Doctor Martens to be worn with their suits but all to their own and he’d measure my legs again to compensate for my silliness.

All in all I’d thoroughly recommend Syd Silver if you’re still in need of a suit for ModProm II. It’s not too late! Mine will be ready by the 28th of June and it cost me a grand total of $168, including tax and a twenty dollar rush fee.

For those of you have met me, you’ll also remember I have the most awkward body shape imaginable (26″ waist, incredibly long legs, ridiculously gangly arms and shoulders the width of Scotland) when it comes to clothes shopping, but this wasn’t a problem for the fine folks at Syd Silver, they took it all in their stride!

Sales pitch over, roll on ModProm!

There are about twenty tickets left for ModProm II, the main event (in his opinion) of the BMEfest day. Click here to get your ticket (and a shirt too) from BMEShop with your credit card. If you need to make alternate payment arrangements (as in you don’t have a credit card), please contact Phil. Tickets will be on sale until Monday.

Now get your ticket… or party in Russia with Dem (this photo is from their New Year’s party):

This is a friendly (yet urgent) reminder to those of you who have expressed interest in attending or have already signed up for ModProm II.

To secure a place at the event of the year please ensure you purchase your ticket and t-shirt from BMEShop post-haste, time waits for no ModPrommer!

Regarding the Hooker School, we are still looking for people willing to suspend as part of the tutorials, please contact Philip Barbosa for details.