The White Stripes under dimmed West Queen West lights: Jack and Meg hit the Beaconsfield

The White Stripes under dimmed West Queen West lights: Jack and Meg hit the Beaconsfield

Go west: Jack and Meg White head to The Beaconsfield to celebrate the documentary White Stripes Under the Great White Northern Lights (Photo by James Helmer)

Not only do they dress in the colours of our flag, but the Detroit duo Jack and Meg White of The White Stripes has done what few Canadian bands have ever done: they toured every province and territory (including a show in Iqaluit). A documentary film crew followed them across Canada; on Friday, the elusive ex-husband and -wife were at the Toronto International Film Festival to screen and celebrate the resulting movie, The White Stripes Under the Great White Northern Lights. Note to all high school geography teachers looking for cool cred: this film is a cross-country journey that offers some original perspectives on Canada. If theatrically released, this would be just about the best class trip ever.

Way too cool for Yorkville, the Stripes had their after party in West Queen West. Typically overflowing with awesome haircuts and messy drunks seeking one-night stands, The Beaconsfield patio was shrouded by cedars and the front windows were whited out, preventing hipsters from leering in from the sidewalk. The guest list was kept tidy at 70 people, but not even a seven-nation army would hold us back from whooping it up with our favourite band.

Barflies described the evening as “tame” and “chill” and said that “nothing got out of hand”—that is until we showed up and started dancing circles around K-os. Unfortunately, Jack and Meg had already left by that point. Jack reportedly spent most of the night hanging with his mom, and Meg was her usual modest self. Among their entourage was sexy Adrian Grenier, who is not only a lead actor in Entourage but is also one of the founding fathers of Brooklyn cool. “I was in Williamsburg before Williamsburg was Williamsburg,” he said.