OCTOBER 28 The fabulous Liza Minnelli brings her theatrical élan to Toronto for a one-night-only exclusive. Her lively show and memorable voice is guaranteed to dazzle. Roy Thomson Hall, 8 p.m., $59.50 to $199.50; call 416-872-4255 or visit here to buy.
OCTOBER 29 & 30 Follow the yellow brick road
to the Entertainment District, as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, under the conductorship of Emil de Cou, performs and augments the soundtrack to The Wizard of Oz while the timeless film plays on screen. In the spirit of the beloved movie, audience members are encouraged to dress up as their favourite character. Roy Thomson Hall, Saturday
8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m., $20 to $105; call 416-872-4255 or visit here for tickets.
OCTOBER 23 Call your banners, fifes and drums and commemorate an important part of Canada’s proud history at the 22nd annual Massed Military Band Spectacular. Produced by the Royal Canadian Military Institute, this tribute concert features “sounds triumphant”—the timbres of horns and pipes resonate in rousing tunes like The Dambusters and Braes of Mar. The performance also remembers the Crimean and Korean wars with pieces from their respective eras. Military artifacts and regalia are on display outside the auditorium before showtime. Roy Thomson Hall, 2 p.m., $32.50 to $74.50; call 416-872-4255 or visit here to buy.
Christopher Plummer (photo by Richard Bain)
SEPTEMBER 22 & 24 The Toronto Symphony Orchestra celebrates the launch of its 90th season with a special appearance by Christopher Plummer. The legendary Canadian actor delivers a resounding narration of Shakespearean classics with musical accompaniment, including renditions of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, and the world premiere of Larysa Kuzmenko’s composition Behold the Night, which incorporates passages from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Roy Thomson Hall, 7:30 p.m., $49 to $179; call 416-593-4828 or check here for tickets.
Friday: Show Aretha Franklin some respect at David Pecaut Square
Friday, June 24
Start the weekend on a high note as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, opens the TD Toronto Jazz Festival with a free show at David Pecaut Square. The festival continues until July 3, and promises performances by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Branford Marsalis, and even hip-hop outfit The Roots.
One of the largest GLBT celebrations in the world, Toronto’s Pride Week begins this weekend with events throughout the city. Tonight the Gladstone Hotel hosts a Gay-Straight Alliance Dance Party, with DJs including Cosmic Cat and Broken Social Scene’s Brendan Canning, spinning tunes. The festival culminates with the annual Pride parade on July 3.
Enjoy an evening of timeless classics and traditional swing-jazz numbers at a Roy Thomson Hall performance by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Directed by renowned trombonist Gary Tole with special guest Susie Arioli, the big band’s setlist includes all-time favourites like “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”
Saturday: Sway to the sweet sounds of folk crooner James Taylor
Saturday, June 25
The sweet sounds of acoustic folk music fill the open-air Rexall Centre at York University as James Taylor makes an appearance at the BlackCreek Summer Music Festival. Fans of the Grammy-winning troubadour can expect to hear his hits including “Fire and Rain”, “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Carolina in my Mind.”
Cheer on all the competitors at the 23rd Annual Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival. The two-day event at Centre Island offers multicultural food and entertainment, plus more than 180 teams paddling teams competing for glory.
Calling all cycling enthusiasts! Join the fun at Mountain Equipment Co-op’s Bike Fest in the Distillery Historic District, featuring clinics and seminars, demonstrations, a scavenger ride and even live local bands.
Sunday: Les Chiclettes and other francophone artists perform at Franco-Fete.
Sunday, June 26
Round out the weekend by celebrating Canada’s other official culture at Harbourfront Centre‘s Franco-Fete. The city’s only francophone festival presents a bevy of family-friendly performances, culinary demonstrations and much more. Très bien!
The Toronto Zoo marks the occasion of the International Indian Film Academy Awards being held downtown with it’s own Bollywood party. The festivities include music and dancing for children, as well as storytelling, henna tattoos and more.
Welcome the start of summer with a 1920s-style garden party at Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens. Guests can marvel at the mansion’s decor—recently restored to its Jazz Age heyday—dance to jazz rhythms, enjoy period-appropriate refreshments, and even solve a murder mystery.
Friday: See designs by Lux and Luster (and 300 other designers) at the Clothing Show
Friday, May 27
Find a unique treasure amongst the offerings of 300 independent designers and artisans at The Clothing Show. Whether you’re looking for vintage accessories or eco-friendly clothing, you can find it all at this annual event at Exhibition Place’s Queen Elizabeth Building.
Shoot down to the Niagara region for a culinary adventure at the Niagara Food and Wine show. Local chefs and vintners gather all weekend long at the Scotiabank Convention Centre to show off the fruits of their labours. Stop by and pair local wine with delectable gourmet food.
Delighting audiences since the mid-sixties with his soulful voice and authentic lyrics, Gordon Lightfoot returns tonight to Massey Hall for the second of four Toronto shows. Hear the celebrated Canadian singer and songwriter’s favourite hits, including “If You Could Read My Mind” and “Sundown.”
Saturday: the Spadina Museum is one of many Toronto buildings participating in Doors Open
Saturday, May 28
Ever wonder what some of the city’s favourite landscapes look like behind the scenes? This weekend you can get an inside look at 150 buildings across Toronto during Doors Open. The free, annual event allows you to see many of the city’s most interesting and historic spaces—from Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens to City Hall’s green roof.
Check out the vintage, classic and modern aircraft and vehicles on display at Downsview Park during the Wings and Wheels Festival. Flight enthusiasts of all ages are sure to be delighted by planes such as the C-130J Super Hercules, plus a variety of other exhibits, vendors and more
Known as the “Pied Piper of Manila,” Carlos Celdran performs If These Walls Could Talk, his world famous “walking tour” of Intramurous, the oldest district of Manila. This entertaining re-telling of the city’s colourful history takes the stage at Harbourfront Centre.
Sunday: Tan Dun appears at Roy Thomson Hall (photo by Chris Lee)
Sunday, May 29
Renowned Chinese composer Tan Dun picks up the conductors baton at Roy Thomson Hall to lead a performance of his personal Water and Paper concertos. The pieces call for unique solo instruments, including some that interact with water and that are constructed from paper.
The CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival kicks off with a free party at Yonge-Dundas Square tonight. In addition to live performances by local bands, a selection of videos will be projected onto a giant cube.
This year’s first Pedestrian Sunday occurs today at Kensington Market. In addition to browsing the neighbourhood’s eclectic boutiques and grabbing a bite at one of many internationally flavoured restaurants, local studios and galleries are also opening their doors to the public.
Trumpeter and vocalist Byron Stripling performs with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
MAY 17 AND 18 Return to the roaring 1920s with A Night at the Cotton Club, where tunes by the likes of Cab Calloway and the Duke Ellington Big Band get a dash of classical elegance courtesy of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jeff Tyzik. Featured performers include trumpeter Byron Stripling (pictured), drummer Bill Breithaupt, sultry vocalist Carmen Bradford and tap dancer Ted Levy. Roy Thomson Hall, Tuesday 8 p.m., Wednesday 2 and 8 p.m., $29 to $109; call 416-593-4828 or navigate here to purchase.
Friday: Thrill to the operatic feats of Korean soprano Sumi Jo
Friday, April 15
Grammy Award-winning Sumi Jo brings her elegant coloratura soprano voice to Roy Thomson Hall tonight. Joined by pianist Gary Matthewman, this Korean-born operatic singer promises an uplifting evening of songs by Vivaldi, Rossini and many other classical favourites.
Laugh with him—or at him. Discover out how Charlie Sheen continues “winning” when he brings his My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option tour to Massey Hall. Even if you find yourself booing the actor’s rants and antics, rest assured that he is donating some of the show’s proceeds to the Red Cross’s Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund.
Learn how to sustain yourself—and the environment—at the Green Living Show, happening all weekend long at the Direct Energy Centre. Eco-conscious consumers can sample local food at the Good Eats Market, find chic green apparel at the Eco Fashion Show and get crafty in the EcoKids Zone. Admission is free if you bring an old electronic device to recycle.
Saturday: Embrace Night at Factory Theatre (photo by Andree Lanthier)
Saturday, April 16
Witness the convergence of Inuit and southern Canadian culture in Night, presented by multi-disciplinary troupe Human Cargo as part of Factory Theatre’s Performance Spring series. This emotional and poetic play is set on Baffin Island, and is performed in both English and Inuktitut.
Pick up something unique while supporting local artists at Creative Heart Collective’s Spring Show & Sale. West Queen West cultural hub the Gladstone Hotel hosts a range of artists, entrepreneurs and retailers showcasing their one-of-a-kind crafts, jewellery, gourmet food and vintage apparel.
Put on your beacon-red jersey and make sure your vocal cords are ready to cheer on Toronto FC, who return to BMO Field today for a Major League Soccer match against DC United. Arrive early and enjoy the passionate pre-game festivities outside of the stadium, including face painting, street soccer matches and live band performances.
Sunday: See this piece from Matsutani Takesada's Circle series, and more, at the Toronto Art Expo
Sunday, April 17
More than 200 distinguished Canadian and International artists and galleries present their collections at the Toronto Art Expo. Seasoned connoisseurs and first-time buyers are equally certain to find something special at this exclusive display at the Metro Convention Centre. Be sure to check out the featured installation by Japanese artist Matsutani Takesada.
Education is always entertaining at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, which presents two ongoing productions: As You Puppet introduces youngsters to the Shakespeare play As You Like It using cute, stuffed-animal puppets, while I Think I Can presents the challenges youth face with bullying through hip urban tap dance.
The clock is ticking for those bells to be ringing! Prepare, plan and purchase everything you need for your wedding at Toronto’s Bridal Show at the Direct Energy Centre. This weekend’s expo features more than 100 industry specialists, prizes, and even a live taping of the reality show Last Bride Standing.
Friday: Ladysmith Black Mombazo enlivens Roy Thomson Hall
Friday, February 25
Gather at Roy Thomson Hall tonight to have your spirits lifted by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The South African a capella group—known for its stirring harmonies—is slated to perform songs from its latest album, Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu.
Join Anne Sofie Von Otter and Brad Mehldau at Koerner Hall as they perform selections from their recent effort, Love Songs. The immensely talented Swedish mezzo-soprano and American jazz pianist are adept at playing everything from Brahms to the Beatles.
This evening offers a final opportunity to hear the melodies of The Magic Flute, as performed by the Canadian Opera Company at the Four Seasons Centre. Toronto-based soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian is among the talented cast of this beautiful Mozart opera.
Saturday: Bloor-Yorkville's IceFest offers all manner of frosty sculptures
Saturday, February 26
Bloor-Yorkville’s annual Icefest runs all weekend long at the Village of Yorkville Park. Today, visitors can view a “Circus Extravaganza” with ice sculptures of elephants, lion tamers, fortune tellers, and more. The big top atmosphere also offers magic tricks, acrobatics and yummy cotton candy, too.
Follow a young girl’s battle for liberty as Brothel #9 opens tonight at Factory Theatre. Telling the story of a girl who struggles for freedom after being sold to a brothel in Calcutta, the play is a true testament to the endurance of the human spirit.
Drama lovers will also find interest in the final day of Nightwood Theatre’s Groundswell Festival, which presents new works by female playwrights. The Happy Woman closes the festival, and features a panel discussion following its performance.
Sunday: See Sacred Moon (detail pictured) and other works by El Anatsui at the Royal Ontario Museum
Sunday, February 27
Today offers the final opportunity to view the Royal Ontario Museum’s acclaimed exhibition, When I Last Wrote You About Africa, by El Anatsui. The Ghanaian artist transforms overlooked and discarded objects into monumental sculptures that reflect global, local, and his own personal history.
In celebration of the Juno Awards’ 40th anniversary, Lula Lounge hosts a performance by the Juno Jazz All-Stars tonight. Eight Juno-winning artists—including Guido Basso, Don Thompson and Dave Young—take the stage at this sure-to-be-smoking show.
Looking for a fun way spend Oscar night? Walk the red carpet to the Drake Hotel’s own Oscar Party. The evening of entertainment features popcorn, drinks, a cinematic trivia contest with great door prizes, and, of course, a viewing of the Academy Awards.
Friday: Be enthralled by South Pacific's timeless love story (photo by Kim Ritzenhaler)
Friday, February 18
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved, Tony Award–winning musical South Pacific has returned to charm audiences at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. This timeless tropical-island tale follows four lovers who must overcome adversity against a backdrop of World War II.
The Canadian International Auto Show has rolled into town and parked at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Rev your engines while admiring the latest consumer, luxury and concept cars. Classic cruisers and environmentally friendly vehicles are also on display.
Get your eyes—and ears—ready: the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Juno Tour of Canadian Art opens today, to mark the 40th anniversary of Canada’s music awards. This innovative project pairs great Canadian art—as well as the AGO’s collection of Henry Moore sculptures—with tunes and commentary from Juno-winning musicians.
Saturday: See the seductive Saint Carmen of the Main (photo by Bruce Zinger)
Saturday, February 19
A Greek tragedy gets a Canadian twist in tonight’s performance of the Canadian Stage Company’s St. Carmen of the Main. This unique play Carmen leave Nashville and return to her roots in Montreal, where she sings of the hustlers and whores who attend her nightclub shows and sees those on the fringes of society become the heroes of her songs.
Classical music is always in fashion at Roy Thomson Hall, where the Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents masterworks by Brahms and Dvorak. Estonian conductor Eri Klas and Israeli violinist Vadim Gluzman are featured in this evening’s performance.
The National Home Show has set up shop at the Direct Energy Centre. Don’t miss an appearance by interior design expert Debbie Travis today at noon, followed by a book signing. Afterwards, check out many other design and renovation features including a futuristic glass house built by Concept PolyHome.
Sunday: Jesse Cook's flamenco stylings heat us the Rose Theatre in Brampton (photo by Simon Law)
Sunday, February 20
Those who head to Brampton’s Rose Theatre tonight are rewarded with a lively performance by Jesse Cook. The Toronto-based nuevo flamenco guitarist has is renowned for his sensuous picking and strumming, showcased most recently on his Juno-nominated album The Rumba Foundation.
Experience the avant-garde as Los Angeles–based art collective My Barbarian offers its Post-Living Ante-Action Theatre performance at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Starting at 2:30 p.m., the show draws on current events and politics—and references avant-garde theatre collectives of the 1960s—to create an interdisciplinary work of art.
Sway to the sultry sounds of R&B-gospel-jazz vocalist Liz Wright, who performs music from her latest album, Fellowship, at Glenn Gould Studio.
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