Urban Planner: September 6, 2008

Robin Hatch — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

ART: There are two cool art openings today. The first is StreetSpeaks, a new photo exhibition by May Karp, a 30-year advocate of expression through street art. The exhibit showcases the street art photographed by Karp while travelling through France, Portugal, Miami, New York, Spain, the Canary Islands, and Toronto. Until September 27 (The Moore Gallery at 404-80 Spadina Avenue, 2 p.m., FREE). The second is The Artillerist, an installation by Pixel Immersive Gallery, featuring many artists including Neil Collyer, Derrick Hodgson, Niko Stumpo, and Janis Kun, among others. The show boasts an interactive premise, with visitors using Nintendo Wii controllers aimed at digital canvases in order to output graphics previously created by the show’s artists. Each visitor will be able to view their unique composition on the exhibit’s Flickr gallery, and will also be able to purchase hi-res prints of their work. Until October 4 (Pixel Immersive Gallery at 156 Augusta Avenue, 7 p.m., $5).
WORDS: As part of the Toronto Reference Library‘s current exhibit, The Circus Comes to Town, Torontonian author Al Stencell will be speaking today. A former circus owner, Stencell will be lecturing on his first-hand knowledge of carnivals and sideshows. The speech is a great complement to the exhibit, which features circus-themed illustrated books, vintage photographs, and artist prints. Toronto Reference Library (Beeton Auditorium, 789 Yonge Street), 2:30 p.m., FREE.
MUSIC: As part of this weekend’s sixteenth annual Junction Arts Festival, David Usher will be playing a free show at 10 p.m. in the Junction City Square. His new album, Wake Up and Say Goodbye is set to be released on September 23. As well, there will be performances throughout the day from ten street-performance dance and theatre troupes, presentations from environmental organizations, and an interesting display of twelve poets showcasing their creative processes as they write new poetry. Junction City Square (2960 Dundas Street West), 10 p.m., FREE.
FILM: In case you didn’t know, there’s an awesome film festival on in Toronto. We are referring of course to Darryl’s Hard Liquor and Porn Film Festival, the sexy alternative to TIFF. There will be two screenings (at 8 and 10 p.m.) of this years’ sassy, sinful, and decidedly X-rated short films. As well, improv troupe The Neutrino Project will be presenting a live comedic porno right before the audience’s eyes. Admission includes a drink ticket to the Festival’s after party at the Annex Wreckroom. Fuck Richmond Street; head over to the Bloor Cinema tonight to unleash your inner slut. 19+, obviously. Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor Street West), 7 p.m., $20.
MUSIC: Virgin Festival is back in its most commercial year yet. This year’s two day concert on Toronto Island features headlining performances by Foo Fighters, Bloc Party, Oasis, and The Weakerthans. Not just a celebration of music, attendees should also prepare to be swarmed by eager representatives from Virgin Mobile, Oh Henry!, Motorola, Energizer, and Xbox, just to name a few of the event’s many sponsors. Toronto Island Park (Toronto Island), 1 p.m., $87 for a one day pass, $159 for a two day pass.
Photo of Barcelona street art by May Karp from her current exhibit, StreetSpeak.

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Urban Planner: September 6, 2008