Urban Planner: June 25, 2012

In today's Urban Planner: who'll be at the Pride Week flag raising (and who won't be), plus a late night march; Gilda's Club honours VIPs at its annual awards luncheon; TAPA honours theatre practitioners at the annual Dora awards; and the Garrison presents a night of Stones on film.

By Steve Fisher

Kristyn Wong-Tam speaking at last year's Pride flag-raising ceremony. Photo by {a href="https://secure.flickr.com/photos/alfredng/5877386995/"}alfred ng{/a} from the {a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/torontoist"}Torontoist Flickr Pool{/a}.

• The ceremonial raising of the Pride flag happens today, though once again our Mayor has confirmed that he’s occupied with pressing business elsewhere. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale) will be doing the Mayor’s job for him, hosting and officiating on behalf of the City of Toronto. Nathan Phillips Square (Queen Street West and Bay Street), noon, FREE.
• Just prior to (and during) the official flag raising, Nathan Phillips Square will also be the site of a flash mob “die-in” protesting generalized homophobia and transphobia, cuts to services affecting the queer and tran communities, and more. Participants are encouraged to dress in black or funeral attire. Nathan Phillips Square (Queen Street West and Bay Street), 11:30 a.m., FREE.
• The same group, Queers For Social Justice, is staging a night march, since so much of the violence against the queer and trans communities happens at night (such as the still-unsolved murder of Christopher Skinner). The march will depart from City Hall, and unlike the die-in, it will be noisy, loud, and festive; participants are encouraged to bring glowsticks and wear flashy clothing. Nathan Phillips Square (Queen Street West and Bay Street), 8:30 p.m., FREE.

FUNDRAISER: The annual Glida’s Awards luncheon takes place today, celebrating comedians Ron James and Andrea Martin, St. Joseph’s Communications’ (and Torontoist owner) CEO Tony Gagliano, representatives from the Princess Margaret Hospital, and more, for their contributions to the cancer-support charity. Colin Mochrie hosts. Royal York Hotel Concert Hall (100 Front Street West), noon—2 p.m., $80 (and up, way up, for tables).

PERFORMING ARTS: Toronto’s theatre, opera, and dance communities celebrate the best of the past year at tonight’s Dora Mavor Moore Awards, produced by the Toronto Alliance For the Performing Arts. Pretty much anyone who’s anyone on—or behind—Toronto stages will be in attendance. As with last year, there’s even a recent and controversial scandal sure to be on everybody’s lips—the summary firing of Ken Gass from Factory Theatre. After the ceremony, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the attendees will spill out onto the street for a ritzy late-night street after-party. St. Lawrence Centre, Bluma Appel Theatre (27 Front Street East), 8 p.m., $165 (awards and after-party plus VIP reception); $65 (awards and after-party); $18 (after-party only).

MUSIC and FILM: The Garrison’s regular “Rock Docs” series tonight features a triple bill (well, two features and a pair of shorts) of films centred on the Rolling Stones: Jean-Luc Godard’s Sympathy For The Devil, Kenneth Anger’s Invocation of My Demon Brother and Lucifer Rising, and Albert and David Maysles’ Gimme Shelter. As usual, the films are free, the popcorn’s free, and there will be prizes. The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West), doors at 8 p.m, first screening at 8:30 p.m., FREE.

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].