Maps & Atlases. Photo by Drew Reynolds.

FILM: It’s Wednesday and you’re already getting excited for the long weekend, so it’s understandable that you can’t keep your focus for long. That’s no problem, because NFB Mediatheque has a line-up of short films that are just long enough that you won’t lose interest. Today’s theme is Mission Impossible, meaning the films’ subjects will range from an inescapable water tank, to a subway car, to an impossible mother. NFB Mediatheque (150 John Street), 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $4–$6.

FUNDRAISER: Get your chequebooks ready for a silent auction tonight in support of a great cause. Beautiful Before and After is a silent auction fundraiser for Transforming Faces, with an evening of eating, drinking, and bidding in support of a charity that raises money to treat children overseas affected by cleft lip and palate. The event is being hosted by Canada AM’s Bev Thomson. 68th floor of First Canadian Place (100 King Street West), 6 p.m., $75 (a portion is eligible for a tax receipt).

CELEBRATION: In case you didn’t get the memo, today is “It’s All About Kindness Day” by official mayoral proclamation. The day is in honour of June Callwood, a journalist, author, and activist, who founded over 50 social organizations. The mayoral proclamation encourages Torontonians to emulate the late Callwood’s way of life by making a difference through kind thoughts and acts. An evening celebration with speakers and music is being organized by Parler Fort, Fort York National Historic Site’s discussion series. The event will also showcase the new city park named in her honour, as well as a recently released book titled It’s All About Kindness: Remembering June Callwood. Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Boulevard), 7:30 p.m., $10 (FREE for students).

MUSIC: Chicago indie rockers (or math rockers) Maps & Atlases are making a stop in Toronto to promote their latest album, Beware and Be Grateful. The sophomore album has received positive reviews, with the The A.V. Club claiming the “band injects just enough focus and fluidity to make the songs fun, without compromising to the point of becoming another arty, African-inspired Vampire Weekend rip-off.” Joining them onstage tonight are Zechs Marquise and Chang-A-Lang. Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West), 9 p.m., $11.50–$13.

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.

PROJECT Trio. Photo courtesy of the performers.

LITERATURE: Canada’s biggest reading festival for children is back with a little something for kids of all ages. Forest of Reading Festival of Trees takes place over a two-day period and more than 8,000 readers will be checking out the action. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the festival’s Blue Spruce Award, Harbourfront Centre is featuring an exhibition with 65 artists that have been nominated throughout the years. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), various times and prices.

MUSIC: Chamber music isn’t for everyone, but if it has ever piqued your curiosity, there’s one group that may be just the ticket for you. PROJECT Trio is a high-energy, genre-bending ensemble that also happens to be a YouTube sensation, with more than 70 million views and 70 thousand subscribers to their channel. The trio is made up of beatbox flutist Greg Pattillo, cellist Eric Stephenson, and double bassist Peter Seymour. They are making a one-night-only stop at the Gladstone today. Gladstone Hotel Melody Bar (1214 Queen Street West), 7:30 p.m. $10–$15.

FESTIVAL: Celebrate Latin Canadian and Latin American culture at a festival to honour Aluna Theatre’s 10th anniversary. Panamerican Routes (or Rutas Panamericanas) is a two-week theatre festival focusing on human rights, with themes including displacement, migration, violence, and revolution. It’s not all serious, though; tonight’s performance by Loco7 is called Urban Odyssey and features giant puppets depicting experiences of immigration to America. The festival is also running workshops and conference sessions alongside the performances. Theatre Passe Mureille (16 Ryerson Avenue), 8 p.m., $30.

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.

Sarah English and Grant Tilly in Love Notwithstanding. Photo by Glowing Hearts photography.

TALK: Can fighting climate change and creating jobs go hand in hand? It’s the question former mayor David Miller is going to tackle tonight at a Thought Leader Forum. As the former chair of the C40 Climate Leadership Group, and someone who is still involved with the initiative, he will be advocating for the creation of sustainable urban economies. Trinity St. Paul’s United Church (427 Bloor Street West), 7 p.m., PWYC.

LITERATURE AND ART: Get a new perspective on the city at the book launch of Patrick Cummins and Shawn Micallef’s Full Frontal T.O.: Exploring Toronto’s Architectural Vernacular. For the past thirty years Cummins has wandered the city streets taking mugshots of houses, garages, and storefronts and their transformation is chronicled in the new book. Also, as part of a CONTACT Photography Festival exhibition, Cummins’ photographs are being showcased at Urbanspace Gallery until May 31. Urbanspace Gallery (401 Richmond Street West), 7 p.m., FREE.

THEATRE: Opening today is a play about the complications of a cross-country romance called Love Notwithstanding. The play by Grant Tilly is about two young artists who agree to a one month relationship only to find that it’s a little more complicated than they originally thought. The play is directed by Rona Waddington and stars Sarah English and Tilly. The Red Sandcastle (922 Queen Street East), 8 p.m., $15–$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.

Gabrielle Papillon. Photo courtesy of the performer.

PHOTOGRAPHY: The Design Exchange is hosting a series of photography and architecture/urban design/interior design talks and events this month and next in recognition of the CONTACT Photography Award Exhibition. Today’s exhibition walk-through will be led by Barr Gilmore, who is the exhibition and book designer for Lynne Cohen: Nothing is Hidden. Design Exchange (234 Bay Street), 6:30 p.m., $10 (FREE for DX members).

MUSIC: Get your fix of new artists at Dave Bookman’s Nu Music Nite at the Horseshoe. This week’s edition features Mammoth Grave, Toronto rockers Patti Cake, Los Angeles–based pop rockers The Goodnight (formerly Goodnight Sunrise), and Waterloo’s pop indie rock band, Daybreak Gentlemen. Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West), 9:10 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: East coast folk singer Gabrielle Papillon’s cross-country tour makes a stop in Toronto tonight. The singer is promoting her latest work The Currency of Poetry, while embarking on her fourth coast to coast tour. Papillon will be joined on stage by Corinna Rose & Brie Neilson Trio with Mary Milne. The Piston (937 Bloor Street West), 10 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.

Alert the Medic. Photo courtesy of the performers.

COMEDY: Game of Thrones fans can get a different take on the hit show as Bad Dog Theatre gives a live, unscripted interpretation of the television series based on the fantasy novels. Canadian actor and improviser Colin Munch has turned the 1,000-page book into a four-night event called Throne of Games. The shows (taking place tonight, May 9, May 16, and May 23) will feature 17 Canadian comedians, including Paul Bates, Aurora Browne, Nug Nahrgang, and Sarah Hillier. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West), 8 p.m., $10–$12.

DANCE: France and Brazil aren’t the most obvious of partners, but hip hop prodigy Mourad Merzouki has found a way to bring them together with Agwa/Correria. The performance—which Le Monde called “poetic and organic”—was created in 2006 when Merzouki brought 11 young dancers from Rio de Janeiro to France and fused hip hop, capoeira, samba, electronic music, and bossa nova. Fleck Dance Theatre (207 Queens Quay West), 8 p.m., $15–$45.

THEATRE: Tarragon Theatre is bidding adieu to its 2011/2012 season with a classic play that first premiered at the theatre almost 25 years ago. The Real World? is a play within a play about the mother of a young playwright who takes issue with his work about some private family issues. The Michel Tremblay piece has been translated by John Van Burek and Bill Glassco, and will feature Matthew Edison, Cara Gee, Sophie Goulet, Tony Nappo, Cliff Saunders, Jane Spidell, and Meg Tilly. The play officially opens today and runs until June 3. Tarragon Theatre (30 Bridgman Avenue), 8 p.m., $21–$51.

MUSIC: East Coast favourite Alert the Medic has just begun an Ontario residency, with multiple shows taking place at Supermarket in Toronto. Last year’s Fan Choice Entertainer of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards are promoting their sophomore album, We, the Weapon, which was released in 2009 and has received strong reviews. Tonight they’ll hit the stage with an acoustic set. Supermarket (268 Augusta Avenue), 9:15 p.m., PWYC.

HOT DOCS: It’s North America’s biggest documentary film fest, it’s celebrating a new home cinema, and it’s got everything from the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling to a penis museum. What’s not to love? Everything you need to know about Hot Docs 2012 is at our festival hub.

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.

Miike Snow. Photo courtesy of the performers.

ART: An innovative culture project with the goal of connecting art, business, and community programming across the city unveils the first of seven nights of productions today. The Tennessee Project is seven nights of seven productions of Tennessee Williams’ one act plays, which will rotate though seven neighbourhoods. Head to Cabbagetown, Greektown, Roncesvalles, The Annex, North York, Leslieville, or St. Clair West—each venue will host a different production each night. Check out the project’s website for all the details and show dates. Locations vary, times vary, $18 (single ticket) $45–$85 (3 or 7-day pass).

LITERATURE: The Playwrights Guild of Canada continues its five-day reading series in celebration of its 40th anniversary. Tonight’s event features a reading by Drew Taylor Hayden, who will be reading from two of his works: Motorcycles and Sweetgrass (which was nominated for the Governor General’s Award for fiction) and Drunk White Writer on the Floor. Chapters/Indigo (142 John Street), 6 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: Swedish trio Miike Snow will hit the Sound Academy Stage tonight along with Penguin Prison. The Swedish indie pop rock band is comprised of Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, and Andrew Wyatt, and even if you haven’t heard the band before, you’ve likely heard some of their work: Karlsson and Winnberg have produced and written songs for stars including Madonna, Britney Spears, and Kylie Minogue. The band is fresh off a recent trip to Coachella and tonight is their only stop in Toronto. Sound Academy (11 Polson Street), 8 p.m., $26.50.

HOT DOCS: It’s North America’s biggest documentary film fest, it’s celebrating a new home cinema, and it’s got everything from the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling to a penis museum. What’s not to love? Everything you need to know about Hot Docs 2012 is at our festival hub.

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.

Pulga Muchochoma and Kaitlin Standeven rehearse Rivers. Photo by Guntar Kravis.

FUNDRAISER: Some Toronto ladies are taking up the mantle of Wonder Woman in the name of an important cause. Wonder Women IV is an evening of words and songs in support of the Red Door Family Shelter, which assists women who have been victims of domestic abuse. Tonight’s show will feature Second City vet Kat & the MP3, slam poet Cathy Petch, poet Lizzie Violet, and jazz/pop singer Arlene Paculan herself. The Central (603 Markham Street), 7:30 p.m., $10.

DANCE: Today is the world premiere of a new dance work based entirely on Toronto composer Ann Southam’s score, Rivers. Christopher House’s piece, also named Rivers, features ten dancers who will create a fluid counterpoint to the music. The score will be played live by Christina Petrowska Quilico, who is one of the most respected interpreters of Southam’s music. Fleck Dance Theatre (207 Queens Quay West), 8 p.m., $15–$40.

DANCE: If the piece above isn’t up your alley, then head right next door for another dance option. The three-time Dora-Award-nominated show, Paris1994/Gallery, will be on stage for four nights. The work, choreographed by D.A. Hoskins, uses dance to tell the story of two lovers as they “move from the lull of their shared history to the immediacy of the present in a rumination on longing, desire and our reconstructed pasts.” Featuring Hoskins, Tyler Gledhill, and Danielle Baskerville. Enwave Theatre (231 Queens Quay West), 8 p.m., $15–$35.

MUSIC: If you’re looking for some folk music to liven up your hump day, head to The Garrison to catch Graydon James & the Young Novelists. The six member group is on tour to promote their upcoming album In The Year You Were Born, which is scheduled for a fall release. The group has been a touring machine the past few years, playing over 150 shows, including stops at Canadian Music Fest, Indie Week Toronto, and NXNE. The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West), 9 p.m., $7.

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.

Carolyn Doucette's Falling Among Cedars is at FAT's Arts and Fashion Week today.

FESTIVAL: A five-day celebration of homegrown fashion and arts talent starts today at Fashion Art Toronto’s Arts and Fashion Week. Each day of the fest has a new theme; the event kicks off today with LANDscapes, then progresses to CITYscapes, BODYscapes, and FUTUREscapes, before coming to a close with FASHIONmarket. Today’s line-up features a mix of music, film, photography, and runway. Industrial warehouse on Sterling Road(213 Sterling Road), times vary, prices vary.

LITERATURE: The CBC has been a hot topic of discussion across the country for a number of reasons of late. The release of ex-CBC Vice President Richard Stursberg’s new book, The Tower of Babble: Sins, Secrets and Successes Inside the CBC, certainly won’t stop that discussion. Stursberg will sit down with Royal Canadian Air Farce‘s Don Ferguson tonight to talk about the somewhat controversial new work. The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West), 7:30 p.m., $5 or FREE with book purchase.

MUSIC: A new trio takes to the stage for the first time together tonight in preparation for the release of their debut full-length album in September. WUNDERSTRANDS is a collaboration between Mara Pellerin of Gramercy Riffs, Brad Kilpatrick of Holy Fuck, and Juno Award winner Hawksley Workman. The band first teamed up in summer 2011; the name pays homage to the Viking exploration in North America and the beach they followed along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Drake Underground (1150 Queen Street West), 9 p.m. $7.

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.

Peter Wildman, Paul Chato, Dan Redican, Rick Green of the Frantics. Photo courtesy of the performers.

LITERATURE: Stop by the inaugural Human Rights Watch Book Series to hear about The Unfinished Revolution, a collection of essays about the ongoing global struggle for basic human rights for women and girls. The event will feature a conversation about women’s rights in the world today, with Minky Worden from Human Rights Watch; journalist, author, and activist Michele Landsberg; and Erna Paris, author of Long Shadows: Truth, Lies, and History. Harbourfront Centre, Brigantine Room (235 Queens Quay West), reception at 6:15 p.m., event at 7:30 p.m., $40–$50 for reception, FREE–$10 for event.

FUNDRAISER: There’s no better feeling than laughing and rocking out to some music while supporting a great cause at the same time. That’s what’s in store for you tonight at “Autism is a Pain in the Aspergers,” an evening of comedy and music in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The extensive line-up of performers includes Heather Bambrick, Neil Crone, the Frantics, Shakura S’Aida, Colin Mochrie, Deb McGrath, Bill King, Illustrated Men, Judy Marshak, and Mairlyn Smith. Hugh’s Room (2261 Dundas Street West), 7:30 p.m., $25–$30.

ART FUNDRAISER: Get your fill of art today at “The Big ASS Spring is Finally Here Show” The Zoey’s Projects fundraiser will feature dance, film, music, spoken word, and visual arts with a lengthy list of performers. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West), 8 p.m., $17.

COMEDY: A group of funny ladies are ready to take to the stage for a show titled “Laugh Through This: All Girl Comedy Show.” The event will feature local comedians performing improv, sketch, character monologue, and an improv jam. About 15 acts will take to the stage, as Moniquea Marion and Danz Altvater host the evening. Black Swan Tavern (154 Danforth Avenue), 8 p.m., PWYC.

THEATRE: A brand new play by Sky Gilbert is debuting on the Buddies in Bad Times stage today. Dancing Queen is a mix of dance and theatre that tells the story of an intergenerational double love triangle, complete with scandalous questions about sex, love, and monogamy. The piece stars Nick Green, Dora award-winner Ryan Kelly, and Dora nominee David-Benjamin Tomlinson. The show will be on stage until April 29. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander Street), 8 p.m. $18–$30.

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.

Chilly Gonzales. Photo by Alexandre Isard.

MARKET: If your closet is looking a little bare after too much spring cleaning, you can fill it back up with a trip to the Mutts & Co. Traveling Market. Support local artisans at the six-day event, which sells Canadian clothes, accessories, furniture, and food. If you’re not in a buying mood, you can still check out the demonstrations, tastings, and installations on display. Hunt Club (709 College Street), 11 a.m.–7 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: Our city is full of rising young musical talent, including the winners of the 2011 Canadian Music Competition. The classical musicians will take to the stage today for the Spotlight on Young Artists concert. The concert of chamber and solo music is part of the Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre (145 Queen Street West), 12 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: Grammy-nominated MC and musician Chilly Gonzales is touring North America with his one stop in Toronto taking place tonight alongside a string quartet. The Canadian performer is multitalented, with electro albums, keyboard-focused discs, a Guinness World Record for longest live piano performance, and collaborations with artists including Feist, La Roux, and Peaches. The L.A. Times said his style “attacks frontal lobes with carefully thought-out bursts of ambient noise or clever rhymes, delivered with equal parts irony and reverence for hip-hop artists such as Rakim or poets such as Allen Ginsberg.” Glenn Gould Studio (250 Front Street West), 8 p.m., $29.50.

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.

A still from Kevin McMahon's Waterlife.

FILM: With the announcement last week that NFB Mediatheque’s downtown Toronto cinema is closing, you only have a limited time left to check out some of their great screenings. The long-running Free Favourites at Four series is featuring the film Waterlife today about the fresh water supply on earth. The Globe and Mail called the Kevin McMahon film “a dire warning in the vessel of a tone poem, simultaneously a lyrical paean to the lakes’ lingering beauty and a relentless documentation of their rising toxicity.” The film is narrated by the Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie and features music by Sam Roberts, Sufjan Stevens, Sigur Ros, Robbie Robertson, and Brian Eno. NFB Mediatheque (150 John Street), 4 p.m., FREE.

THEATRE: Canada Reads 2012 nominee Prisoner of Tehran has been adapted into a play, and the official opening takes place tonight at Theatre Passe Muraille. The piece is based on Marina Nemat’s memoir about her life, imprisonment, and torture in Iran, which MacLean’s called “one of the finest [memoirs] ever written by a Canadian.” The play, which runs until April 28, was adapted by Dora Award winner Maja Ardal and stars Bahareh Yaraghi, Mirian Katrib, and Razi Shawahdi. Theatre Passe Muraille (16 Ryerson Avenue), 7:30 p.m., $20–$35.

COMEDY: The Barenaked Ladies’ Tyler Stewart joins the Egg Zeppelin team of Kris Siddiqi and Marcel St. Pierre on stage for the second edition of the duo’s monthly show. The improvisational comedy and variety show features a new guest each time, with the Illusionoids’ Nug Nahrgang and stand-up comedian Dawn Whitwell also joining the madness tonight. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West), 8 p.m., $10–$12.

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.

Kat Goldman. Photo courtesy of the performer.

LECTURE: While Toronto is often a stand-in for Chicago in films, the cities differ in many ways—with one of the most obvious being the construction of public spaces. Ed Uhlir, executive director of Chicago’s Millenium Park, is speaking at an event today titled “A Little Help from Friends: Partnerships for Parks,” which is the third talk in a series at the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance. Uhlir oversaw the construction and completion of the iconic park, coordinating the contributions of major Chicago-based corporations and world-class artists and architects, including Frank Gehry, Jaume Plensa, and Anish Kapoor. Tonight, he’ll speak about the innovative funding tools and corporate partnerships needed to create new public spaces and what that means for the future of Toronto. Munk School of Global Affairs, Vivian and David Campbell Conference Facility (1 Devonshire Place), 4 p.m., FREE (reservation required).

READING: Daniel Karasik is fresh from winning the 2012 CBC Literary Award for Fiction for the short story “Mine,” and his play Haunted will receive a public reading tonight. Haunted—about a university professor who becomes involved with a synagogue’s rabbi, and a daughter who sees her father’s ghost—was the recipient of the 2011 Canadian National Jewish Playwriting Award. The reading will feature Sascha Cole, Rosemary Dunsmore, Sarah English, and Jordan Pettle. Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre (750 Spadina Avenue), 8 p.m., FREE (donations encouraged).

MAGAZINE: Maisonneuve is celebrating its 10th birthday—a very big deal for an independent Canadian magazine—with a special anniversary issue and party. The anniversary issue features a piece by Tim Falconer about a tone-deaf man who loves music, and a story by Paul Gettlich about what really happened at Occupy Toronto—among many other pieces. Head to the party tonight to celebrate the milestone, chat up the editors, and drink to the health of print magazines. The Ossington (61 Ossington Avenue), 8 p.m., $5.

MUSIC: A near-fatal freak accident made Kat Goldman take a step back from her music career, but the local songwriter is back with the release of a new album. Gypsy Girl is an autobiographical journey for Goldman, who now makes her home in the Boston area and is studying at Harvard. Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies will open the CD release party and Kenny Hotz will also make an appearance. Hugh’s Room (2261 Dundas Street West), 8:30 p.m., $20–$25.

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.