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Urban Planner: December 28, 2008
COMEDY: David Shore and a full cast of guest improv artists host a bi-weekly show called Monkey Toast: The Improvised Talk Show. For each “episode” David Shore interviews up to three celebrity guests, providing the inspiration for the improv act to follow. Tonight’s guests are Big Rude Jake and Jaymz Bee, which should make for some interesting moments. Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West), 8 p.m., pay-what-you-can.
MUSIC: Be prepared for a full metal onslaught at The Underdogs Indie Music Festival. Most of these independent bands, with a couple of exceptions, are hard, fast, and loud. Representatives from Roadrunner Records and Metal Blade Records will be in attendance. The Opera House (735 Queen Street East), 6 p.m., $20.
FILM: The NFB Toronto hosts a series of Winter Carnival workshops during the holidays (until January 4), paired with an animated Winter Carnival screening. The animated shorts (2 p.m., $2) are open to everyone and include Léon in Wintertime, Noël Noël, and The Sweater. Admission to the workshops ($5 for kids, adults are FREE) includes the cost of the holiday screening, but one must be accompanied by a child to participate. Today’s animation workshop is called Gingerbread Creations. NFB Mediatheque (150 John Street), 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., $5.
MUSIC: Trane Studio invites Toronto musicians to come blow their horns with Chicago jazz artist Ernest Dawkins. The saxophonist will be playing an open jam session with Toronto trumpeter Nick “Brownman” Ali. Listeners are also welcome. Trane Studio Jazz Lounge (964 Bathurst Street), 8 p.m., $10.
Photo of Big Rude Jake by moonwire from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.