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Urban Planner: September 11, 2009
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 [email protected].
Hugh Evans will present “1.4 Billion Reasons” at the North American launch of the Global Poverty Project today in Toronto. Photo by Ashley Wheaton.
CAUSE: We should be proud that Toronto—a city of socially minded citizens (although plagued by our issues of urban poverty)—has been chosen to host the North American launch of The Global Poverty Project, in partnership with Chris Adams, executive producer of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, and actor and advocate Hugh Jackman. At the Torontoist-sponsored launch, fellow Aussie, humanitarian, and recent “Young Australian of the Year,” Hugh Evans, will share “1.4 Billion Reasons,” a ninety-minute live presentation based on research about extreme poverty that aims to demonstrate that we can all be part of the solution. As a bonus addition to this provoking and important event, organizers are planning for special remarks via live video link from Jeffrey Sachs, senior advisor on development and the Millennium Development Goals to the United Nations. And, as the launch coincides with TIFF, rumours have it Hugh Jackman has convinced several high-profile friends to be in attendance. Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Avenue), 11 a.m., FREE (first come, first served).
ART: Hovering somewhere between beautiful and downright creepy, Brian Donnelly‘s art is the kind you can’t take your eyes off, even if you so desperately want to. His latest exhibit, “Blasphemies, Monstrosities, & Other Perversions,” reveals the artist’s experimentation with “spoiling” or destroying the conventions of figurative art by eliminating certain elements (and/or injecting elements of the more bizarre). The oddly captivating paintings that comprise this body of work are inspired by tales of inhuman cruelty and deplorable science like The Island of Doctor Moreau and Frankenstein, yet they take on their own mythic proportions. His solo show opens this evening at what’s widely considered one of the best new galleries in town. Show & Tell Gallery (1161 Dundas Street West), 7–11 p.m., FREE.
FILM: Mixing vampire kitsch comedy with rock ‘n’ roll is a risky endeavour. And one we fully expect to pay off for Canadian Rob Stefaniuk’s Suck, screening its world premiere tonight at TIFF. The film tells the story of fictional band The Winners, seemingly doomed to play dives until one of their members (played by the beautiful Jessica Pare) has an experience that tempts them to sell their souls for fame and fortune. The film’s awesome soundtrack (featuring the likes of Iggy Pop, The Velvet Underground, Bowie, and the Stones) is complemented by acting turns by rocker Alice Cooper and his daughter Calico, Henry Rollins, and Moby (to name a few and leave some surprises). Dave Foley also stars. The Varsity Cinema (55 Bloor Street West), 9:30 p.m., go online for ticket information.
MUSIC: Known for using their concerts to draw attention to and promote green initiatives, Afro-beaters Mr. Something Something are usually remembered post-show for their inspiring, interactive, we-dare-you-not-to-dance performances. These inventors of the Soundcycle—Canada’s first bicycle-powered soundsystem—will be joined on stage by fellow T-Dot new wavers The Framework at tonight’s installment of the Junction Arts Festival. Graffiti troupe Art Fuzion will draw freestyle during the show. Junction City Square (2960 Dundas Street West), 8 p.m., FREE.
FOOD: While some see the live-food diet as yet another trend bound to pass in time, others claim truth and relevance in its immunity-boosting benefits. Dr. Brian Clement, author (The Power of Live Food to Heal Disease & Conquer Aging) and lecturer on nutrition and longevity, is in Toronto tonight to speak on the controversial subject (and, of course, sell some books). An extensive Q&A period will follow his talk, so come prepared. Trinity St. Paul’s Centre (427 Bloor Street West), registration starts at 6 p.m., $35 (available online).