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Urban Planner: November 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].
Toronto rap artist D-Sisive will perform at tonight’s musical tribute to Elvis’ stillborn twin, Jesse Presley. Photo courtesy of the Music Gallery.
MUSIC: If not for the stillbirth of his brother, Jesse, Elvis Presley would have been an identical twin, which may or may not have had a significant impact on his success, superstardom, and final demise. Curated by music critic and Globe and Mail editor Carl Wilson and co-presented with The Power Plant (in conjunction with the “Candice Breitz: Same Same” exhibition, which explores twins, fans, and identity), “Songs for Jesse Presley” pays musical tribute to The King’s twin. Tonight, a few of Toronto’s most inspired musicians reveal their artistic zygotes by playing covers of the artists who influenced them, as well as the clonings, mutations, and deviations that are their own songs. Featured on the bill are novelist and musician Joe Pernice, The Reveries (returning to the stage after an eighteen-month hiatus), and Toronto rapper (and winner of the 2009 Echo Songwriting Prize) D-Sisive (Derek Christoff). The Music Gallery (197 John Street), doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., regular $10, students and members $9.
HISTORY: In the latest edition of the ROM‘s “Director’s Signature Lecture Series,” former Quebec premier Bernard Landry joins Canadian historian, author, and York professor Jack Granatstein and historian and McGill professor Desmond Morton in a debate about the impact of the 1759 battle on the Plains of Abraham. Inspired by the ROM’s painting The Death of General Wolfe (1776) by Benjamin West, this debate explores whether or not Wolfe’s victory over General Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham was beneficial for New France, its inhabitants, and its future. The evening should offer some engaging discussion and insights on the lasting influence of war, particularly fitting on a day when we remember the Great War and Canada’s crucial role in it. ROM, Level 1, Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery (100 Queen’s Park), 6:30–8:30 p.m., regular $22, students and members $10.
DANCE: In a retrospective of her choreography for Dreamwalker Dance Company, spanning the past seventeen years, Andrea Nann presents “Tumbling Dice: Uncollected Dances by Andrea Nann & Friends.” This intimate evening of short dances, songs, and poetry will showcase several of Nann’s most interesting pieces, including “Reveries” (2001), a work that marries spoken word and raw physicality, created in collaboration with Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie. Young Centre for the Performing Arts (55 Mill Street, Building 49), 8 p.m., $20–$30 (call 416-866-8666 or go online for tickets).
THEATRE: Combining opera, oratorio, cantata, dance, and digital media, York University’s music department brings you their unique interpretation of The Aeneid, the founding myth of classical Roman culture. The final work of the poet Virgil, the story follows the warrior-hero Aeneas and his fellow Trojans on their adventure-filled journey to find a new home after the fall of Troy. This tale of momentous battles, love affairs, suffering, and sacrifice is brought to life by a motley group of York musicians and artists and features a guest appearance by the award-winning Mississauga Children’s Choir. Professor Michael Coghlan conceived the project, composed the music, and scripted the (English and Latin) texts. Tribute Communities Recital Hall (4700 Keele Street), 7:30 p.m., regular $15, seniors and students $5.