By Anne Joyce

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.

Young pannists in the St. Jamestown Steel Orchestra at last year’s Caribana festival; photo by Stephen Weir.

MUSIC: There’s nothing quite as uplifting as the unmistakable sound of a steel drum—let alone a stadium full of them. One of the most thrilling events of Caribana, Pan Alive, showcases the musical and tonal qualities of the unique instrument. Though its origins—whether Trinidadian or Grenadian—have been debated in the past, the pan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, where it evolved from the drumming traditions of both Africa and India. Its hypnotic rhythms will resound well into the evening as members (both beginner and veteran) of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. Lamport Stadium (1151 King Street West), 7 p.m.–midnight, $15–25.
FILM: The Italian Cultural Institute opens its ’09 season of Opera in the Garden, a selection of outdoor screenings of classic operatic films. Tonight’s feature, subtitled in English, is based on Rigoletto, one of Giuseppe Verdi‘s most beloved works. Bring family, friends, a blanket, and picnic fixings to enjoy an evening of opera under the stars. Gardens of the Italian Consulate (136 Beverley Street); gates at 7 p.m., film begins at sunset (around 9 p.m.); FREE.
PARTY: Brood, rage, dance, or weep into your beer at Hard On for Love, an evening devoted to the music of Nick Cave. Featuring a drag show, a special disco medley, and spins from Cave’s various incarnations and numerous albums, the night promises to be as seedy and sexy as the murder balladeer himself. The Beaver (1192 Queen Street West), 11 p.m., FREE.
FASHION: The challenge? Eight participants were given one item—a black, hand-shredded T-shirt by new Toronto line Thomas—to interpret in their own unique way. The results of their inspiration will be unveiled at Show OFF, in a collection of images that shed light on the current fashion climate as envisioned by stylists, photographers, designers, and other members of Toronto’s under-30 fashion set. UPC Boutique (128-1/2 Cumberland Street), 9 p.m–1 a.m., RSVP appreciated.
COMEDY: Check out popular Toronto-based comedy troupe Lonely Cake and Frenzy perform their best sketch work at the TCA’s Comedy Night. Joining them on stage is club regular FaceKatt and host Ron Fromstein. Toronto Centre for the Arts (5040 Yonge Street), doors open at 7:15 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show, $12. 18+.