events
Weekend Planner: December 3–4, 2011
In this Weekend Planner: a children's book launches alongside a photo exhibit, the Trailer Park Boys get into the spirit of Christmas, grab a pair of skates and feel the music with DJ Skate Night, the Dave Bidini Band play songs off their latest record, an open discussion explores art and capitalism, a burlesque show opens itself up for audience direction, and a gigantic fundraiser brings together many of Toronto's best comedians and musicians.
Grab your skates and get ready to make a groove because DJ Skate Night has returned! Photo by Joshua Meles.
BOOK LAUNCH: A lonely clown embarks on a magical quest in Starfall, a new children’s book that features photographs of Toronto circus and theatre performers. This weekend check out the fantasy book’s launch (which also includes a gallery of the photos from the book). The author and photographer will be in attendance at the opening. Rouge Concept Gallery (732 Queen Street East), Saturday to January 10, 2012, 2 p.m.–5 p.m., FREE.
THEATRE: Clearly, somebody did not get what they wanted for Christmas last year. Join Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles, a trio also known as the Trailer Park Boys, as they embark on a journey called “The Dear Santa Claus ‘GO F#CK YOURSELF’ Tour” (which will undoubtedly teach audiences around the world the true meaning of Christmas). Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes’ Boulevard), Saturday, 7 p.m., ticket prices vary.
MUSIC: If you’re in the mood for some indie music, be sure to check out an appearance from Canadian musicians, the Dave Bidini Band, as they rock out to songs from their latest album, In the Rock Hall (out January 24). Blues/hip-hop group CR Avery will also perform. The Rivoli (334 Queen Street West), Saturday, 8:30 p.m., $10.
SKATING: Boy oh boy, Toronto, you’ve really lucked out. It’s still kind of warm outside, which makes it the perfect weather for strapping on a pair of skates and getting down to the grooves of some musical beats. This year’s DJ Skate Night features 10 late-night skating events with some of Toronto’s best DJs. On the agenda this weekend is an event called “Fusion Freeze with Promise,” headed by David Macleod and Irving Shaw—who promises to deliver a set filled with house, techno, dubstep, and more. The Natrel Rink, Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), Saturday, 8 p.m.–11 p.m., FREE.
DISCUSSION: For those who appreciate good conversation, one might look to the “Mostly What Is Unsaid” series, an open structure of public discussion. This weekend’s event takes a look at No Order—Art in a Post-Fordist Society, a magazine that focuses on the relationship between contemporary art systems and capitalism’s production processes. The editors will be introducing the magazine, followed by an open conversation. Art Metropole (788 King Street West), Sunday, 2 p.m., $10 suggested donation.
BURLESQUE: Here’s something different. Impromptease 3 is a burlesque show that lets the audience direct the performance. Before the pervs out there start getting any funny ideas, the audience gets to choose the songs and costumes—the performer will then improvise the act on the spot. Augusta House (152 Augusta Avenue), Sunday, 8 p.m.–10 p.m., $10.
COMEDY/MUSIC: Toronto’s best comedians and musicians are coming together for a HUGE variety-show fundraiser to benefit Third World Awareness (an organization that brings Canadians to developing countries to assist in many different areas of need). Major Celebs & General Fun features more than 40 artists, including Scott Thompson and Colin Mochrie. The Second City (51 Mercer Street), Sunday, 10 p.m., $25.
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].