By Alex Nino Gheciu

“Buddy Rich” by Scott Galley courtesy of Bepo + Mimi

ART: Cut to the Drummer, a month-long exhibit at the Steam Whistle Gallery, opens tonight with a reception and drumming event. The show, a charity benefit for the MS Society of Canada Scholarship Program, features “50 portraits of 50 drummers by 50 artists,” including such drumming legends as John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Neil Peart of Rush, Questlove of the Roots, and jazz great Buddy Rich. The evening is hosted by two drummers (naturally)—Darrin Pfeiffer (of Goldfinger and 102.1 The Edge) and Aaron Solowoniuk (of Billy Talent). A VIP preview/silent auction begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by an opening reception/”Drum-o-rama” at 9:30 p.m. The Roundhouse (255 Bremner Boulevard), 7:00 p.m. (VIP preview, $150) and 9:30 p.m. (opening reception, $10 in advance and $15 at the door).
MUSIC: As part of York University’s Performing Diaspora 2009, master kora player Ballaké Sissoko makes a rare North American solo appearance tonight at the Tribute Communities Recital Hall. Sissoko has toured and recorded with Taj Mahal and Toumani Diabate and is renowned for his improvisational style that combines African rhythms with Western chords. Tribute Communities Recital Hall, Accolade East Building, York University, (4700 Keele Street), 7:30 p.m., $25/$15 students and seniors.
WORDS: The Toronto Public Library launches a series of events celebrating Black History Month with Lyrical Fireworks, a showcase of African-Canadian poets and spoken word artists. The kick-off event, moderated by Chioma of Amői Magazine, features readings and performances by Dwayne Morgan, Oni the Haitian Sensation, Boonaa Mohammed, and Michelle Muir. York Woods Branch (1785 Finch Avenue West), 7:00 p.m., FREE.
THEATRE: UC Follies, a student-run theatre company at the University of Toronto, presents the 2002 Tony Award–winning musical Urinetown at the Hart House Theatre. Taking aim at capitalism, politics, and corporate mismanagement, this satirical comedy is as timely as ever. Continues February 6, 7, and 11 to 14. Hart House (7 Hart House Circle), 8:00 p.m., $20/$12 students.
FILM: Chosen as the Best Canadian Feature at Hot Docs 2008, Junior screens tonight at the NFB Cinema. It’s a behind the scenes look at one Quebec junior hockey team’s season as the players try to fulfill their dreams of making it to the NHL. French with English subtitles. National Film Board (150 John Street), 7:30 p.m., $6/$4 for students, seniors, or NFB members.
LECTURE: The OCAD President’s Speaker Series continues tonight with a keynote address by Lisa Jevbratt, a digital artist whose work includes visualization software, biofeedback, and “interspecies collaboration.” Her current project, ZooMorph, is a set of Photoshop plug-ins meant to simulate how various animals see, allowing viewers to “experience the world through the eyes of another species”—insert tiger growls here. Ontario College of Art & Design Auditorium (100 McCaul Street), 6:45 p.m., FREE.