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Urban Planner: January 27, 2010
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].
Photo of Nouvelle Vague courtesy of REMG Entertainment.
MUSIC: Nouvelle Vague is a French musical collective headed by Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux, with a rotating lineup of more than fifteen young chanteuses who dole out covers of punk and New Wave songs that have been reworked in a variety of styles: bossa nova, reggae, folk, and bluegrass. The collective was born out of the idea of singers covering classics from bands unfamiliar to them, such as the Sex Pistols, The Clash, New Order, and Joy Division, ensuring a unique interpretation of the songs. The group is touring to support its third album, 3, which features duets with fans of the project: Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, Ian McCulloch of Echo And The Bunnymen, and Terry Hall of the Specials and Funboy Three. The Opera House (735 Queen Street East), 8 p.m., $24.50 (available at Ticketmaster, Rotate This, and Soundscapes).
FILM: Now in its third year, the 8 fest is back for three nights of screenings and a group installation celebrating the seventy-year history of small-gauge films. The festival, which runs through Sunday, is touted as North America’s only festival devoted to showing small-gauge films (Super 8, 8 mm, 9.5 mm, and loops) in their original formats. Expect contemporary artists’ works, home movies, animation, and instructional loops from Canadian and international contributors. Check out the full schedule (PDF) for more details on the film screenings, which are all happening at the Canadian Corps Headquarters (201 Niagara Street). The festival opens tonight at Fountain Enterprises with a reception for “up & down & back & forth & round & round,” an exhibition featuring interactive pieces inspired by the optical toys (cameras, projectors, and viewers) of early cinema. Fountain Enterprises (1261 Dundas Street West); 7 p.m.; opening reception FREE, screenings $5 each or $25 for a festival pass.
PARTY: ArtStars*, the video blog dedicated to Toronto’s art scene, is hosting a party tonight. It promises to be an entertaining evening, with music by DJ Vaneska and LBC & Baller (a.k.a. Kristie Muller and Lauren Burns Coady). Special guests will include Kevin Ritchie of OMG blog and Xtra, along with Tony Ochre, who will present his scandalous ArtStars* comic book. The first fifty people through the doors will score some free loot: the uncut ArtStars* Bruce LaBruce interview and indie pins by Alex McLeod. Tonight’s party is perhaps best summarized by the onomatopoeic words of the organizers: BIF! BAM! POW! Double Double Land (209 Augusta Avenue, 2nd floor), 10 p.m., $5.
LECTURE: Iconic Toronto artist Michael Snow is known for his work in photography, sculpture, experimental film, and improvisational music. You’d surely recognize his life-sized flying Canada geese at the Eaton Centre or the cheering fans pouring out of the Rogers Centre. Tonight’s lecture is in conjunction with his current exhibit at The Power Plant, “Snow: Projected Works by Michael Snow,” which is a survey of Snow’s screen-based work over the past decade. Harbourfront Centre, Brigantine Room (235 Queens Quay West), 7 p.m., $12 (members FREE).
FUNDRAISER: Over the past twelve years, the Friends For Life Bike Rally has raised more than six million dollars to help fund services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Guided by the theme “Stay Strong,” the group will cycle more than six hundred kilometres from Toronto to Montreal again this year to raise funds for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA). Tonight’s launch party is hoped to build momentum for this year’s event, which is expected to draw more than four hundred riders who will make the trek over six days in July. London Tap House (250 Adelaide Street West), 7–10 p.m., FREE.
FOOD: With New Year’s resolutions out the door and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you might be looking to treat yourself or your loved ones to some sweets. In the first of a new series of culinary events planned by Tastes of Tomorrow, Chef Norbert Maushagen of George Brown College will lead participants through a DIY workshop to make chocolate praline with a liquid filling, along with chocolate moulds and forms. Or maybe consider investing in a membership and enrolling in other upcoming workshops. George Brown Chef School (300 Adelaide Street East, Room 112), 6:30 p.m., $10 (FREE for members). RSVP by emailing [email protected].