Urban Planner: July 9, 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.

Meredith Thompson and Kate Franklin perform their Get on Board. Photo courtesy of Dusk Dances.

DANCE: This summer Dusk Dances launches a GTA initiative to introduce its site-specific dancing-in-the-park festival to a wider audience. Earlscourt Park denizens get the initial treatment to five days of dusk dancing under the guidance of host Lisa Anne Ross, who will tour the audience through five different dance pieces by five different dance teams in different areas of the park. Percussionists Samba Squad contribute pertinent beats. Earlscourt Park (1200 Lansdowne Avenue), 7 p.m., pay-what-you-can.

ART: Toronto-based artist Bill Buzadi loves an underdog—who doesn't?—and for the past few years he’s created hundreds of character drawings that develop the story of an awkward organ grinder searching for his matching proverbial square hole. “Symbolic Logic” is a selection of these drawings and paintings, and the short animated film they inspired and served as a foundation for. Meet the artist tonight at the opening reception (exhibit on until July 19). Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts (984 Queen Street West), 7–10 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: Staggered Crossing have reformed to play host for a tribute to former Wilco member Jay Bennett who died last month from an accidental painkiller overdose. Bennett produced Staggered Crossing’s 2002 album Last Summer When We Were Famous for their own Bent Penny Records label, who then co-released Bennett’s first solo album, The Palace at 4 A.M. (Part 1). Staggered Crossing isn’t the only connection Jay Bennett had to Toronto—Blue Rodeo’s Bob Egan was also a former bandmate of Bennett’s, when they played in Wilco together. Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West), 9:30 p.m., $10.

FILM: There are some really interesting workshops lined up for the Caribbean Tales Film Festival, including a practical day-long “Guerilla Filmmaking” workshop with The Harder They Come’s cinematographer, Franklyn St. Juste. Which isn’t to say that you should skip the films. This year’s festival theme is “Caribbean Film—A Tool for Social Change,” and it launches tonight with the opening gala screenings of Where do the White People Go When the Long Weekend Comes?, Gathering the Scattered Cousins, and Carmen and Geoffrey. William Doo Auditorium, New College, University of Toronto (45 Willcocks Street), 7 p.m., $20.

MUSIC: The Gladstone Hotel launches a new free live-music night they’re labelling “Thursday Night Confidential.” The Gladstone pairs up established independent music producers with established beverage producers. First up are Live! Productions Inc and Sauza Tequila presenting Guh’s Unearthed album release party followed by singers Curtis Santiago and Anna Cyzon, with guests. Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West), 10 p.m., FREE.

LECTURE: The Parkdale Residents Association and Friends of Brock Avenue want you to know what four hundred diesel trains a day running through the neighbourhood will mean. Guest speakers Mike Sullivan, Gord Perks, Cheri Di Novo, and Randy Park will discuss Metrolinx’s asphyxiation plans, and what’s at the heart of the diesel-versus-electric train debate. Mary Robinson Auditorium (20 West Lodge Avenue), 7 p.m., FREE.