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The 'hotbed of culture,' otherwise known as Queen West’s arty institution – the Drake Hotel – turned 10 on Feb. 20 with an evening of music, munchies and merriment. The plaid-clad event was part homage to the past and part toast to the future with the hotel’s first customers – George Barron, Tina Cyrenne and Donny Paterson – making an appearance. Similarly, Justin Peroff of local band Broken Social Scene deejayed the event, which was a throwback to the hotel opening when the group first performed. The music didn’t stop there: Toronto rocker duo Ice Cream kicked off the night with a synth-y set and Light Fires gave a solo performance, followed by The Cruelty Party. The night capped with a rock-out by local indie darlings Hooded Fang. Fashion illustrator Danielle Meder live-sketched throughout the night but the big bang moment was when local artist Niall McClelland smashed a six-foot tall cake pinata to reveal festive tattoos and gifts for the taking. Happy Birthday to The Drake!

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Tess Degenstein and Ron PedersonJenna Marie Wakani/The Globe and Mail

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Danielle MederJenna Marie Wakani/The Globe and Mail

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