Show Details

Fall Show A Great Success

With his finger on the pulse of Toronto's event-planning industry, entertainer and entrepreneur Rick Levine has filled a void in planning parties, corporate meetings and charity events. By launching his www.torontopartyguide.com, in 1999, Levine - with 20-plus years in the business and a reputation for paying attention to the smallest details - gave others access to the best of the best in the community: live music, decor, photography, catering and everything else you need to create the best possible function. As Levine explains, the site has "everything needed to plan the perfect party. [It's] the only event planning site in Canada catering to bar and bat mitzvahs. It's a real good resource."

Viewing the site is free, and it contains a wealth of party ideas, from the smallest party favour to a hall accommodating thousands.

Ten years ago, Levine partnered with event planner Lynn Cohen to establish their very popular event-planning shows. They were the first of their kind, and they continue to be the most successful in Canada. Always well ttended, as many as 2,000 people come to the three events per year to learn about services offered in the community.

The next show will be Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Beth Tikvah Synagogue, from 6 to 10p.m.

If you leave the show with good vibrations, you may be in the mood to hear Good Vibra-tions, Levine's band.

For more than 20 years, the band has performed at thousands of weddings in some of the finest halls in Toronto. And business has never been better. "Live music has made a comeback at bar and bat mitzvahs," Levine says. "People want a lively party."His capacity to entertain is enhanced by Times Square Entertainment Group, which offers DJs, dancers and even a light show.

With Times Square, Levine can plan parties and provide music, sound, lighting and decor when needed.This year, he orchestrated a large corporate event, with 3,000 guests in attendance, which included guest speaker Don Harron, who showed up as himself and his alter ego Charlie Farquharson. Levine's background in fine arts - he is a graduate of York University - also led him to start Custom Graphics, which specializes in digital signage, brochures and posters. "We do a lot of work for all the synagogues," explains Levine.

Some other past clients have also included B'nai Brith Canada, the Jewish National Fund, Beit Halochem, Reena, Mount Sinai Hospital and Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. Not one to rest on his laurels, Levine is also promoting a service that offers partygoers a good rest. Relaxfx offers on-site chair massage and is a great extra for promotional events, trade shows and golf tournaments. By charging per massage, it can also make a great fundraiser. For more information, visit www.relaxfx.com.