Rosedale keeping its clothes on this time around

Tonight in the tranquil Toronto enclave of Rosedale, a party without borders is set to unfold.

Now in its fifth year, and with all proceeds going to Serve!, an intensive program for at-risk, inner-city youth aged 13 to 24, the event has become known for the great entertainment served up in the fenceless backyards of two Rosedale homes.

In past years, Barenaked Ladies have shown up to perform, along with others, and it was known as Barenaked in Rosedale.

This year the Ladies aren't available and it's been redubbed "Big Night in Rosedale: Fully Clothed." Organizers are promising buyers of the $350 tickets "an intimate jam session with legends of Canadian music" including Carole Pope and Murray McLauchlan, plus newer acts the Arkells and Dala.

One of the hosts, a Toronto money manager we won't name because the event is at his home, tells us that despite corporate sponsorship being tough to come by, organizers hope to raise close to last year's $300,000.

"It's about getting a bunch of people together in a yard to have a good time."

lunch with mr. yang

Earlier this week, we told you about the full-court press to get a large and prestigious turnout for a luncheon on Tuesday for Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, hosted by the Canada China Business Council. It worked.

With a main course offering of sunflower-seed-crusted Queen Charlotte Islands sablefish on the table, notable politicians in attendance included Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, Transport Minister John Baird, and Liberal trade critic Scott Brison.

Among the business leaders were André Desmarais, Manulife's new CEO Dan Guloien, and BMO Investments CEO Ed Legzdins. Mr. Yang singled out Bombardier, Manulife and Bank of Montreal for praise for their commitment to China.

In turn, he received a warm standing ovation for his frank and at times humorous speech.