Urban Planner: November 25, 2008

ART: Art Metropole presents "Cash is King But Your Love Rules," an art auction designed to raise funds for a possible upcoming move. Both established and emerging artists have donated works available for bidding. There is a free daytime preview (12 p.m.–5 p.m.), then a ticketed reception with the artists at 7 p.m. The auction starts at 9 p.m. sharp. The adjacent MOCCA gallery will be open to auction guests for a special viewing of their exhibit "Art Metropole: The Top 100." Edward Day Gallery (952 Queen Street West), 7 p.m., $10.

MUSIC: Dave Bookman celebrates fifteen years of "Nu Music Nite" at the Horseshoe with guests Mobile from Montreal (2007 Juno winner of “New Group of the Year”) and The Waking Eyes from Winnipeg. Bookman also promises other “special surprise guests,” whom he’ll apparently be announcing on his radio show this afternoon. The Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West), 9 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: Tonight there’s a unique opportunity to experience some of the best aboriginal performers in the country when Working Title Artists presents "Larger Than Life," a celebration of Canadian aboriginal musical talent. The showcase—featuring Sierra Noble, Plex, Marc Nadjiwan, Jason Burnstick, The Johnnys, and Winston Wuttunee—is being filmed for presentation at Cineplex theatres across Canada during Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards week in January. Revival (783 College Street), 7 p.m., $25.

ART: Monthly independent multi-media event "Night at the Indies" is now two years old. Celebrating the birthday are rCurrentz, Mobile Jam Fest, four Bravo!Fact shorts, Jamieson Eakon, Joyann Tonge, Chelsea Manders, and LAL (a musical ensemble who describe themselves as sounding like “everything”). Gladstone Hotel, Melody Bar (1214 Queen Street West), 8 p.m., pay-what-you-can ($10 suggested).

WORDS: Last year’s Canada Reads ended in a passionate face-off. Jian Ghomeshi (did anyone end up with his Whodunit piece?) makes the big announcement today identifying this year’s panelists and the 2009 title contenders. The panel will have one week to decide and defend Canada’s favourite book. The Canada Reads 2009 website also launches today, giving you the opportunity to get involved and perhaps even influence the panel’s decision. If you are able to make it to the CBC studio, there’s an opportunity to win all five books, or to at least have the authors sign the copies you’ve just bought at the CBC bookstore. CBC Broadcast Centre (250 Front Street West), 12–12:30 p.m., FREE.

Let's Hope... by Ann Dean and Tonik Wojtyra, courtesy of Art Metropole.