Urban Planner: April 4, 2009

ART: Showcasing fifteen visual artists from Canada, United States, and Mexico, "Remix: New Modernities in a Post-Indian World" is the AGO's latest exhibition, and it opens today. The exhibit aims to redefine the modern indigenous artist by showcasing a generation of artists less compelled than their ancestors to reflect a traditional tribal identity. As a result, the paintings, drawings, and photographs on display articulate a truly unique cultural perspective and make for a fascinating exhibition. "Remix" runs until August 23. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas Street West), 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., $10–18 (free for members).

THEATRE: Attention, early risers who also happen to be thespians: there are two open casting calls going on this morning in the city! At 10 a.m., Bloor Cinema is holding an open call for its upcoming Fringe production The Silver Stage, which will give the Rocky Horror Picture Show treatment to Blue Velvet, Jurassic Park, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, and that episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer where all the characters sang. "Shadow cast" participants will mirror and complement the action on screen, using props and costumes to recreate memorable sequences (506 Bloor Street West, 10 a.m., FREE). Over at Roy Thomson Hall, Mirvish Productions is holding open auditions for the U.S. national tour of Spring Awakening. So...in the off-chance you're between the ages of 17 and 21, read this article before 11 a.m., and happen to have some alternative rock sheet music on hand, then you should go audition, if you want (60 Simcoe Street, 11 a.m., FREE).

FUN: More than six hundred patrons are expected to line-up at the Second Cup next to the MuchMusic building today for "Pay It Backwards," an event which will combine a charity benefit with an attempt to break a world record. The concept is simple: you buy a coffee for the person behind you, and for every dollar you spend, fifty cents goes to the SickKids Foundation. Event organizer Darius Bashar said the idea stemmed from the random acts of kindness Torontonians perform in their everyday lives. Each participant will be given a number, marathon-style, in the hopes of breaking the current world record for the "pay-it-backwards" concept, which currently stands at 491 participants. Second Cup (307 Queen Street West), 1 p.m., FREE.

WORDS: Sarah Stanley, Carl Wilson, John Kameel Farah, and Ross Manson will join forces for a panel discussion this afternoon at the Lower Ossington Theatre. "What Has Changed?" will discuss the artist's responsibility in relation to current events, particularly with regard to the Obama inauguration, the economic recession, and recent events in Gaza. Evan Webber will moderate. "What Has Changed?" is part of the Performance Creation Canada festival, for which advanced registration is required. Lower Ossington Theatre Studio B (100A Ossington Avenue), 2–3:30 p.m., $10.

WORDS: A reminder that Re: Reading, the new used bookstore that we told you about yesterday, is celebrating its grand opening today. Re: Reading (548 Danforth Avenue), 11 a.m.–7 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: After a successful first showcase last month, local rock duo Hooded Fang are holding a second all-ages concert today at Rolly's Garage. The afternoon show kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with performances from Bonjay, Forest City Lovers' Kat Burns, Boxes and Bags, Pixelators, and a rumoured special guest. Rolly's Garage (124 Ossington Avenue), 12:30 p.m., $8.