Urban Planner: June 5, 2009

Urban Planner is Torontoist's daily guide to what's on in Toronto, published every morning. If you have an event you'd like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you've got any—to events@torontoist.com.

Randy Bachman photo by Greg Malo, courtesy of Luminato Festival.

FESTIVAL: The big thing on everyone’s mind for the next two weeks will be Luminato. The festival, which we previewed yesterday and will be covering throughout, launches with a free opening night party, where Randy Bachman will play a free concert. The question is, will he play “Taking Care of Business” now that it’s not the Great Canadian Tune? Yonge-Dundas Square, 7 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: Reggae musician Willi Williams returns to Toronto with the release of his new album DJ Real Rock. Clash fans will be familiar with Williams song “Armagideon Time” and might be interested in hearing it from the source. The intimate solo performance will be backed by the Street Drum Crew. DJs Chocolate and Patrick Roots play between sets, then well into the night. Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas Street West), 10 p.m., $15.

ART: Whippersnapper hosts the opening reception for new art exhibit “And Now This Too,” launching tonight with a big bash at the gallery. Artwork from Alex Sheriff, Brian Huynh, and others seeks to emulate how technical over-stimulation has cut short our attention spans. DJs Monster! and This play the opening. Whippersnapper Gallery (587A College Street), 6 p.m.–2 a.m., $5.

MUSIC: Three fun-filled bands play the tiny Smiling Buddha Bar, making for a hopping night in a cozy space. The Freckles, Ethel and the Mermen, and Très Bien Ensemble (we love that name) play power pop at its best—small, cramped, and wired. Smiling Buddha Bar (961 College Street), 9:30 p.m., cheap.

MUSIC: Get riprocked at the Great Lakes Surf Battle, a double-barrel surf music showdown starting tonight at the Cadillac Lounge. Seven bands compete over two nights (it’s a small-scale battle, but growing!) to see who will be given the royal crown nod. Tonight see The Blues Demons, The Flying Bordellos, and the Calrizians compete for the wildest crowd response. The Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen Street West), 10 p.m., less than $10.