Sharron Matthews. Photo by Tracey Nolan.

• Dance: Spend your lunch hour with Ballet Creole and their new drum and dance production, courtesy of the Canadian Opera Company. Tounkande, which means “the gathering of people,” celebrates the cultural heritage of the Malinke people. Elements from the drummers' backgrounds are infused into the production, which combines songs, dances, and rhythms of Guinea, West Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West), 12:00 pm, FREE.
• Music: Miranda Mulholland, the redheaded "Fiddle Ninja" from Great Lake Swimmers and Belle Star, has spent the last few years between Toronto and Los Angeles, writing and recording a solo album. Now she's sharing her new tunes during a month-long residency with her band of Toronto friends: Patrick Brealey (piano), James Robertson (guitar), Burke Carroll (pedal steel), Anna Ruddick (bass), and Josh Van Tassel (drums). She plays every Tuesday in March. Cameron House (408 Queen Street West), 6:00 pm, PWYC.
• Trivia: You can never remember what to pick up from the grocery store, but you can recite every '90s sitcom line by line. Does this sound familiar? Well friend, tonight is your time to shine as the Gladstone hosts TV Trivia Night, the Seinfeld edition. Come alone, or with a team of up to six people, and get ready to answer questions to win both prizes and prestige. Special treats will be given to those who dress up. Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West), 7:00 pm, FREE.
• Theatre: World Stage presents Lear, a retelling of Shakespeare's tale of family, legacy, and tragedy, with Canadian legend Clare Coulter in the title role and director Philip McKee. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queen's Quay West), 8:00 pm, $15-$30.
• Performing Arts: The vocal coach on Global's Canada Sings! and an international cabaret superstar, Sharron Matthews plays a two-night stand at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, where she's an artist in residence. Full Dark will showcase new songs and stories by the wisecracking diva, backed by a three-piece band. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander Street), 8:00 pm, $20.
• Music: The Bourbonite Regret Society of Toronto, a rapscallion group of musicians who dabble in spirits and country-infused music, is holding its second official party. BRST members The Old Salts also happen to be celebrating the release of their Blue Collar EP. They'll be performing, along with fellow BRST member Mikey Chuck Rivers, and friends The Most Loyal and Gavin Slate. The Piston (937 Bloor Street West), 8:00 pm, $5.
• Theatre: The Canadian premiere of Ashlin Halfnight's Laws of Motion, about an accident that sparks a chain reaction of events, boasts a powerhouse ensemble assembled by Small Elephant Co-Op and director Chris Stanton, and is staged in a second-floor jam shop in Leslieville. Update, March 12: The show has now been extended to March 23—but they absolutely have to close after that. Jam Factory Company (2 Matilda Street), 8:00 pm, $23.53.
• Theatre: One of Canada's most acclaimed and prolific young playwrights, Hannah Moscovitch, has her own mini festival at Tarragon Theatre this season. It started with This is War in January, and continues into March with three one-act plays, all concerning children. Two of those three plays form the double bill now on: Little One and Other People's Children. (We've got a full review right here.) Later this month Other People's Children will continue, paired with another one-act piece called In This World. Tarragon Theatre (30 Bridgman Avenue), 8:00 pm, $13–$53.
• Music: Sunparlour Players, a Torontonian folk-rock institution, is taking over the Dakota Tavern every Tuesday in March to debut some new songs and bring new life to the older ones. They'll be joined by a different guest act every week, including Emilie Mover, Milk & Honey, Kate Rogers Band, and many more. Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington Avenue), 9:00 pm, $10.

Museum experts are leaving their comfort zone to chat with the public during ROMCafé. Photo by {a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwallis/5021551559/sizes/z/in/photostream/"}DWallis{/a} from the {a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/torontoist"}Torontoist Flickr Pool{/a}.

DISCOVERY: The brilliant minds behind the Royal Ontario Museum made a discovery: not all intellectual discourse has to take place in a formal setting. And just like that, ROMCafé was born. Join ROM experts as they emerge from their labs to chat with the public in coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. Tonight, grab a pint and talk meteorites with ROM Technician Ian Nicklin. 7 West Cafe (7 Charles Street West), 7–8:30 p.m., FREE.

TALK: Tonight, join all five finalists competing for the 2013 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction for an engaging discussion. Moderated by Dr. David Staines, the panel will feature Carol Bishop-Gwyn, Tim Cook (no relation), Sandra Djwa, Ross King, and Andrew Preston. One writer will be awarded $25,000 on March 4. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), 7:30–9 p.m., $10.

THEATRE: Tonight, Rarely Pure Theatre premieres its five-night production of The Pillowman. Written by Martin McDonagh, the play revolves around Katurian, a victim of twisted childhood experiments carried out by his parents, and a writer of brilliant but grotesque stories. Now suspected of killing three children, he finds himself blindfolded and subject to questioning by two brutal detectives. The Propeller Gallery (984 Queen Street West), 8 p.m., $10.99.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

Hiroaki Umeda showcases Japanese avant-garde hip hop in Haptic and Holistic Strata. Photo by Ryuichi Maruo (YCAM).

DANCE: Canadian Stage presents a special showcase of Japanese performance art this week, with Spotlight Japan. Tonight, catch the hypnotic Haptic and Holistic Strata. Choreographer and dancer Hiroaki Umeda showcases Japan’s avant-garde hip-hop scene in these two pieces, which combine street dance, sound, video screens, and light effects. Berkeley Street Theatre, Downstairs (26 Berkeley Street), 7:30 p.m., $54.

THEATRE: AfriCan Theatre Ensemble celebrates Black History Month tonight with their production of Jeff Stetson’s The Meeting. In this one-act drama set in a Harlem hotel, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X engage in an imaginary debate over civil rights, freedom, and the use of violence. To be followed by refreshments and a Q-and-A. Hart House, Reading Room (7 Hart House Circle), 7:45 p.m., FREE.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

4.48 Psychosis pays special tribute to its playwright, Sarah Kane, tonight at Berkley Street Theatre. Photo courtesy of Necessary Angel Theatre.

READING: Interested in local politics? Tonight’s participatory event, Toronto Talks: The Future of Our City, is where you’ll want to be. The evening, hosted by Edward Keenan, author of Some Great Idea, and Ivor Tossell, author of The Gift of Ford, will feature a series of special presenters and their ideas for Toronto’s future. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), 7:30 p.m., $10, FREE for students and youth.

THEATRE: Join Necessary Angel Theatre Company tonight for a special production of 4.48 Psychosis in memory of its playwright, Sarah Kane, who took her life 14 years ago. The play is a stark portrait of clinical depression, isolation, relationships, and love. It’s directed by Vikki Anderson, and it features Laura Condlin, Raven Dauda, and Bruce Godfree. A screening of Kane’s film, Skin—as well as a discussion with Vikki Anderson, Brendan Healy, and Jennifer Tarver—will be included in tonight’s tribute. Berkeley Street Theatre, downstairs (26 Berkeley Street), 8 p.m., $25.

MUSICAL THEATRE: Warning! If you check out this event, you may never look at your favourite musicals the same way again. Angelwalk Theatre presents Villains and Vixens, featuring Jay Davis, Jayme Armstong, and Astrid Van Weiren. Playing some of Broadway’s most loved and hated characters, they’ll show the darker and sexier sides of popular musical works from the last 100 years. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre (5040 Yonge Street), 8 p.m., $30.

COMEDY: Up for a little comedy mayhem? Check out Switch-Off, a show in which three comedy duos swap their best material. The result? Three sketches, each performed three different ways, and total chaos. Audience members vote on who did each one best (and enjoy the ensuing hilarity, of course). Tonight’s edition features The Beau-Ties, Ladybusiness, and The Whisky Dicks. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West), 9:30 p.m., $10.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

Contemporary dance legend Peggy Baker puts on a free show courtesy of the COC today. Photo by Chris Hutcheson.

COMEDY: There’s a new comedy show in town! Tonight, That Was Great holds its inaugural event, hosted by comedians Amanda Brooke Perrin and Mikey Kolberg. Join them for a night of standup, as well as silly sketches and chats with performers Chris Locke, Deborah Etta Robinson, Alex Pavone, Ben Beauchemin, and Nick Flanagan. There will also be a special musical performance by Darryl Orr and the Darryl Orr Six. The Central (603 Markham Street), 8 p.m., FREE.

LIVE LIT: The Write Club reconvenes tonight for another live literary battle in support of various charities. How does it work? Two writers go head to head with opposing ideas in four seven-minute rounds. The winner of each round gets proceeds from the door donated to their charity of choice. Tonight’s word warriors are David Heti, Aaron Berg, Miriam Verberg, Evan Davies, Steve Patrick Adams, Jess Beaulieu, Mikaela Dyke, and Matt Esteves. The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West), 8 p.m., $10.

WORLD DANCE: Heat things up tonight with the Harbourfront World Stage presentation of two dance routines, Sem Mim and Ímã, by Grupo Corpo, a dance troupe from Brazil. This double bill features a mixture of classical ballet technique with contemporary Brazilian and world dance forms. Queen’s Quay Terminal, Fleck Dance Theatre, 3rd Floor (207 Queens Quay West), 8 p.m., $50, $40 for seniors.

UPDATE: February 19, 2013, 11:05 AM Nick Flanagan will be performing instead of Sam Rudykoff in That Was Great tonight.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

Spectrum Music hosts a pre-Valentine concert tonight with vocalist Jessica Stuart. Photo courtesy of Spectrum Music.

OPERA: Sick of all the mushiness that comes with “love month?” Perhaps what you need is a harrowing account of obsession, downfall, and madness. Tonight, The Toronto Opera Repertoire presents The Tales of Hoffmann, Jacques Offenbach’s opera about a German poet’s three loves, and the ways in which they break his heart. Bickford Centre Theatre (777 Bloor Street West), 7:30 p.m., $28, $20 for seniors, $15 for students.

DANCE: Love Letters Cabaret heats things up tonight with their presentation of Smoke, a peek into one woman’s fantasies. Let go of your inhibitions and allow the 15 dancers and musical guests to seduce you with their celebration of love and beauty that mixes contemporary dance, traditional jazz, and old world cabaret. Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas Street West), 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., $25.

READING: WordStage, the monthly reading series that showcases both aspiring and experienced writers and poets, returns tonight. Join Matthew Tierney, Naomi Freeman, Chris Eaton, and Cynthia Gould as they read selections of their work. Q Space (382 College Street), doors at 7:30 p.m., readings at 8 p.m., FREE but donations encouraged.

MUSIC: Spectrum Music covers every angle of the impending Valentine’s Day with Love, Loneliness, and the Spaces Between. Jessica Stuart and the Spectrum house band combine classic jazz with angsty poetry in this concert for the lovestruck, and the heartsick. Al Green Theatre (750 Spadina Avenue), 8 p.m., $15, $10 for students and seniors.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

The Reel Paddling Film Festival brings us a touch of summer tonight. Photo courtesy of Trevor Halton Creative.

PERFORMING ARTS: Our very own listings editor, Steve Fisher, plays host tonight at In Conversation With… as part of Theatre Local’s WORKSPACE festival. Get to know playwright and actor Julia Lederer, singer-songwriter MJ Cyr, and Theatre Local’s principal artist and WORKSPACE creator, Rebecca Singh as they give insight into their art and creative processes. Artscape Wychwood Barns (601 Christie Street), doors at 6:30 p.m., event at 7 p.m., PWYC.

FILM: Think warm thoughts and surround yourself with images of summer tonight at the Reel Paddling Film Festival. They’ll be screening some water-themed films to inspire viewers to explore nature, and all proceeds from the night support Project Canoe, an organization that engages at-risk youth in outdoor adventuring. Royal Cinema (608 College Street), 7 p.m., $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

THEATRE: Join the Studio 180 Theatre as they premiere their production of Clybourne Park tonight. Spanning over two generations in a Chicago suburb, the play offers a satirical look at race, class, property ownership, and community. Starring Audrey Dwyer, Michael Healey, Sterling Jarvis, Jeff Lillico, Mark McGrinder, Kimwun Perehinec, and Maria Ricossa. Panasonic Theatre (651 Yonge Street), 8 p.m., $25–$79.

FILM: As part of Black History Month, the Canadian Film Centre presents Celebrating Bold, Black, Risk Takers: An Evening with John Singleton. Learn about his influential films (Boyz N the Hood, Shaft, Poetic Justice, and Baby Boy), his inspiration, and becoming the the first African-American to be nominated for a best director Oscar. TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street West), 8:30 p.m., $20.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

Kinship is the theme of February’s art exhibit at Steam Whistle. Image courtesy of Ross McAuley.

TALK: Take a peek into the life of a Canadian music legend tonight with Dan Hill: Up Close and Intimate. The man behind such hits as “Sometimes When We Touch” and “Can’t We Try” will sit down with jazz musician Joe Sealy to talk about his life and music. Space is limited. Call 416-395-5660 to reserve your spot. North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street), 7–8 p.m., FREE.

ART: Steam Whistle celebrates family with its February art exhibit, Kinship. Thirteen Toronto artists demonstrate how familial relationships are defined in portraits. Featuring pieces by Ross McAuley, Gillian Blekkenhorst, Melanie Tranchemontagne, Trevor Henderson, Erin Rei Ornstein, Jenn Woodall, Ron Boyd, Sarah Walterhouse, Mary Verhoeven, and more. Steam Whistle Brewing (255 Bremner Boulevard), launch party 7–11 p.m., exhibit runs all month, FREE.

OPERA: Tonight, something rare and profound is happening, courtesy of The Canadian Opera Company. The Ensemble Studio, a group of young aspiring artists, will be taking over principal roles for a special rendition of Mozart’s final opera, La clemenza di Tito. Under the same artistic direction as the regular mainstage production, the Ensemble will be accompanied by the full COC orchestra and chorus. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West), 7:30 p.m., $25 or $55.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

The evolution of feminism is this month’s Cinema Politica topic. Video still from Status Quo? The Unfinished Business Of Feminism In Canada.

TRIVIA: Let’s face it: you’ll probably never get on Jeopardy, but your sitcom knowledge is second to none. Put that talent to use at TV Trivia Night! Tonight’s edition celebrates the iconic TV families in Full House and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Come as a team of six or by yourself, and get ready to face a slew of trivia questions, audio clues, skits, and more. Gladstone Hotel, Melody Bar (1214 Queen Street West), 7 p.m., FREE.

DISCUSSION: Despite what some may think, video games aren’t all about violence. Some even incorporate political, environmental, and educational topics. Join the International Game Developers Association Toronto tonight for Why So Serious? A Panel Discussion on Serious Games, with industry experts Jim Munroe, Jennifer Jenson, Jeremy Friedberg, Benjamin Rivers, and Alex Jansen. To be moderated by CBC’s Jesse Hirsh. OCAD U Auditorium, Room 190 (100 McCaul Street), 7 p.m., FREE.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

Catch a sneak preview of Sidney York’s new album at C’est What tonight. Photo by Leigh Eldridge.

MUSICAL ART: Indie folk rock band Evening Hymns and artist Sean Frey join forces tonight to create an aural and visual adventure. Explore themes of loss, pain, and hope through their careful mixture of music, live projections, and animation. University of Toronto Scarborough, Leigha Lee Browne Theatre (1265 Military Trail), 7–9 p.m., FREE with RSVP.

LECTURE: Need some peace and happiness in your life? Consider attending Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong’s “Meditation & Modern Buddhism for Today’s World” lecture tonight. Using Buddha’s teachings on compassion and wisdom, Gen-la gives practical advice on how to reduce dissatisfaction, frustration, and stress in daily life. Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles Street West), 7:30–9 p.m., FREE with RSVP.

THEATRE: Trawling Craigslist missed connections is good for a laugh from time to time, but how would they sound as song lyrics? Veda Hille and Bill Richardson have the answer for you: Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata. They’ve set actual Craigslist ads to music, creating a funny and poignant social study. Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst Street), 8 p.m., $22.

MUSIC: Canadian indie-pop act Sidney York plays a special show tonight, giving fans a sneak peek of new material from the band’s upcoming album, Hearts. Attendees are encouraged to submit anonymous personal secrets on scraps of paper, which will be incorporated into the album cover art. C’est What (67 Front Street East), 9 p.m., $8 in advance, $12 at the door.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

The Canadian Opera Company’s Tristan und Isolde opens tonight. Photo, from Opéra national de Paris’ 2005 production of Tristan und Isolde, by Kira Perov.

OPERA: Watch a rapturous love story unfold to Wagner’s music and Bill Viola’s video imagery tonight in Tristan und Isolde. World renowned dramatic singers Ben Heppner and Melanie Diener play the ill-fated young couple, bound by a love potion. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West), 6:30 p.m., $60–$390, $22 for those under 30.

OPEN HOUSE: The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) opens its doors to the public tonight to show off its facilities and talk about upcoming workshops. Learn more about this cultural and educational media arts organization, and how to become a member. Staff-guided tours of the building will be provided. LIFT (1137 Dupont Street), 7–8:30 p.m., with tours at 7:15 p.m. and 8 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: Angela Meade, a veteran of New York’s Metropolitan Opera, makes her Toronto debut tonight with “Four Last Songs,” by Richard Strauss. The Ontario Philharmonic will close the evening with “Bruckner’s Symphony no.4 ‘Romantic’,” under the direction of Marco Parisotto. Koerner Hall (273 Bloor Street West), 8 p.m., $45–75.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.

Descant Magazine's A Winter's Guide to Melancholia will help you endure three more months of this. Photo by {a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddotg/8369467400/sizes/z/in/photostream/"}DdotG{/a} from the {a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/torontoist"}Torontoist Flickr Pool{/a}

LECTURE: What exactly is a green economy? Is it possible? Join former mayor David Miller and Dr. Frank Cunningham tonight for a lecture on the fundamentals of the idea. They’ll debunk myths and talk about what it might take to ensure a sustainable future. Great Hall, Hart House (7 Hart House Circle), 6–8 p.m., FREE with RSVP.

READING: It’s that time of year: Everyone is throwing around words like “blue” and “doldrums,” so no wonder Descant Magazine‘s newest issue is called A Winter’s Guide to Melancholia. Contributors David Norman, Sandra Jensen, Hendrik Slegtenhorst and Karen Green will be reading selections of their work. No One Writes to the Colonel (460 College Street), 6:30–9:30 p.m., FREE.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Human rights are the focus of four new photo exhibitions opening today at Ryerson. Human Rights Human Wrongs features 316 original prints from the Black Star Collection, and questions whether images of political struggle, violence, and suffering work for or against humanitarian goals. Alfredo Jaar’s The Politics of Images, Clive Holden’s UNAMERICAN UNFAMOUS, and Dominic Nahr’s Captive State pose similar questions about ethics and nationality. Ryerson Image Centre (33 Gould Street), 7 p.m., FREE.

THEATRE: It’s the ’60s: the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, and the era of the Vietnam War. Join the long-haired, politically-active youths of HAIR as they struggle to create their own rite of passage amidst the chaos. Presented by First Act Productions and starring Sam Moffatt, Colin Asuncion, Rebecca Hergett, and Tanya Filipopoulos. The Papermill Theatre (67 Pottery Road), 8 p.m., $22.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. 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.