events
Weekend Planner: February 4–5, 2012
This weekend, celebrate Black History Month at the Harbourfront Centre; former Feist opener, Bry Webb, returns to the stage; a new season of Toronto Roller Derby begins; Embryon hosts a night filled with tons of games, and more!
Toronto Roller Derby is back for the 2012 season! Photo by {a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/georgie_grrl/4657569605/in/pool-torontoist”}Georgie_grrl{/a} from the {a href=”http://www.flickr.com/groups/torontoist/”}Torontoist Flickr Pool{/a}.
FESTIVAL: In honour of Black History Month, the Harbourfront Centre is hosting a three-day festival to explore the roots of African-Canadians. Kuumba, now in its 16th year, includes an appearance by reggae legend Clive Chin (who will be helping to commemorate Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence), among many other musical highlights. Also, be on the lookout for workshops, dance performances, films, comedy, fashion, and more! Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W.). Friday to Sunday, times and ticket prices vary.
SNOWSHOEING: There may not be much snow on the ground these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some ol’ fashioned winter activities (and if you want to stomp on your racket after last weekend’s Australian Open, then this event might be for you). Snowshoeing 2012 is an all-day snowshoeing walk that the whole family can enjoy. Humber Arboretum (205 Humber College Boulevard). Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., $11.30.
SPORTS: It’s the sport responsible for more bruises than you can spin a skate wheel at. That’s right, roller derby is back! If you had a chance to check out last year’s Roller Derby World Cup, which was held right here in Toronto, then you know that these ladies aren’t messing around. Find out who will draw first blood at the 2012 season opener as the Gore Gore Rollergirls take on the 2011 champs, the Chicks Ahoy! The Bunker (30 Carl Hall Road, Studio 3). Saturday, 5 p.m., $18.
MUSIC: Canadians got their first taste of singer/songwriter Bry Webb when he opened for Feist during last year’s tour. Now, the songsmith is back, both to play in more intimate venues and to promote his debut LP “Provider” (an honest album about life, fatherhood, and all that comes with it). Wyrd Visions will also perform. The Music Gallery (197 John Street). Saturday, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., $12.
ART: An exhibition brings together a variety of artwork featuring the model Serenity Hart (also the show’s host). Besides the artwork, Free her Hart Show will also be featuring salsa lessons, live music performances, and a documentary film premiere. The event is black tie and also colour-coded (wear red, black, and white). LucSculpture Studio (663 Greenwood Avenue). Saturday, 7 p.m.–11 p.m., FREE.
GAMES GALORE: If you’re looking for some fun fun fun this weekend (how scary is it that it’s been almost a year since Rebecca Black?) then there’s no better place than Embryon’s FunFunFun, a party to celebrate their 10-year anniversary. What does this party consist of, you ask? Well, there’s laser tag, bumper cars, “cosmic” mini-bowling, a dance area, and so much more. eZone (120 North Queen Street). Saturday, 10 p.m., $20 advance.
THE SUPER BOWL: It’s that time of year again. Whether you love or hate football, there’s no denying that you’ll probably receive some invitation to watch the big game this weekend. So if you’ve ever wanted to know what it might feel like to actually be there, you might consider The Official Super Bowl XLVI Party in Toronto, an insane event that expects around two thousand fans to attend. Beside the game itself, there will be visits from NFL players, a personal welcome from the Buffalo Bill Cheerleaders, a live performance by Big Wreck, and more. Some safety advice: if a mosh pit breaks out among the football fans, run very fast in the opposite direction. The Sound Academy (11 Polson Street). Sunday, 4 p.m., ticket prices vary.
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].