Urban Planner: November 15, 2008

ART: It’s a big weekend for showcases of Canadian art. After a peek at the new Gehry-fied AGO, head over to MOCCA for the opening reception of "Carte Blanche." The exhibition is the accompaniment to a new reference book Carte Blanche, Vol. 2: Painting. The book showcases the work of 192 contemporary Canadian painters. Thirty of these (ten from each career stage—emerging, mid-level, and established) are showing at the companion gallery exhibit. Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (952 Queen Street West), 8 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: The Toronto Public Library has enlisted the advice of both Soundscapes and Exclaim! Magazine in helping to determine what local independent music warrants becoming part of the library’s permanent collection. Their partnership has culminated in the “Make Some Noise / Take Some Noise” programme at the library. The third annual “Make Some Noise” concert happens tonight, featuring Slim Twig, Masia One, Winter Gloves, and Gentleman Reg. North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street), 8 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: Imagine hip-hop played by a big brass band from the south side of Chicago. That’s the essence of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, headlining the final night of Toronto promoter NuFunk’s first annual Nujazz festival. The closing night programme features Toronto guests King Sunshine, Foot Prints DJs, Sean Sax, and Numeric. The Opera House (735 Queen Street East), 9 p.m., $25.

ART: Fourth year OCAD graphic design students have broken out of campus and organized a show of intricate type work and bold graphic design. “Creative Type” opens tonight with a reception. XPACE Gallery (58 Ossington Avenue), 7 p.m., FREE.

SHOPPING: There’s an overrun of sample sales this weekend, making it a great time to get some good buys in before stores go crazy. Mercy—an international design studio run by former Ryerson students and specializing in natural fabrics—is selling off samples and small sizes (2–8) of their fall line (176 John Street, suite 501), 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Canadian-made and celebrity-favourite RK label open their doors for a sample and warehouse holiday sale at their Studio Gallery (294 College Street), 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Need accessories? Reia N Studio is offering up to 70% off on big-name labels and their own Canadian designs. (555 Richmond Street West, suite 706), 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Octavia by Alexandra Flood courtesy of The Magenta Foundation.