This week’s top happenings include an exhibit by emerging Canadian artist Jen Mann, a fifth anniversary jam for breakandenter, and more.
Thursday: Jen Mann: Gathering of the Psyche
Communication Art Gallery, 209 Harbord Street. Free. Runs until December 23. Doors at 5 p.m.
It’s been a while since we talked about art, and without a doubt, Jen Mann has become one of my new favourite Canadian artists. Tonight, she launches her newest series of works, “Gathering of the Psyche,” at the Communication Art Gallery. Mann’s marvelous technique is what draws you in. Largely inspired by the soft beauty of nature, you’ll find yourself lost, intently, in her visceral pieces. (Just try to look away from her Tumblr.) In this new series, Mann “explores ideas that are more existential and spiritual in nature, focusing on soul; the existential blanket theory that everything is the same.” The works take a cue from the Celtic rune stone Odin, illustrating “limitless possibilities” and “nothingness” at once. Find out more here.
Friday & Saturday: APOCALUST, burlesque for the end of the world
With various performers. The Projection Booth Metro, 677 Bloor Street West. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Doors at 9 p.m.
It’s recently come to my attention that some people think the world will end on December 21, 2012. Well, to them, I say: SHOW ME HOW YOU BURLESQUE. You know I have a longstanding affair with the art of sexy striptease, so let’s celebrate the snow and the impending Apocalypse in one go, yes? Enter local burlesque troupe The Underground Peepshow: “If the Mayans were right and the apocalypse is upon us, we figured that we may as well welcome it with tassels, glitter and a little skin.” And it’s live from their new home—that former porn theatre in Koreatown. Yay. Look forward to fifteen acts, and, with two shows this weekend, you can’t miss it. (P.S. Bring your flask. I mean, it is the end of the world.) Find out more about ticketing and performers here.
Saturday: breakandenter’s 5-Year Anniversary
With various performers. Polish Combatants’ Hall, 206 Beverley St. $20 in advance. Doors at 10 p.m.
Back in 2007, breakandenter began throwing parties for Toronto’s underground electronic music disciples, long before Rolling Stone told you it was cool. In short, breakandenter is way ahead of the game, catering to only the truest of EDM lovers. Founding duo Erin Berg and Brad Neil (alias: Martin Fazekas) were initially lauded for their “no nightclubs” policy and multimedia performance parties. A short while later, “rave veteran” Andrew Lochead joined the group. On Saturday, they will celebrate five years on the bleeding edge with Morgan Geist a.k.a. Storm Queen and Toronto’s Jeremy Glenn. So get ready for a night of deep disco, house, and all that’s in between. Complete details here.
Saturday: Shotgun Wedding
With various DJs. Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Road. $7 with wrapped gift for exchange, $10 otherwise. Doors at 10 p.m.
Here’s the sheer brilliance of this event: “Shotgun Wedding takes everything you love about wedding—the drinking, the dancing, the cake, the fabulous outfits, and don’t forget the awkward and hilarious speeches!—and takes out everything you hate.” It’s a night to get dressed without obligation and party like someone’s parents aren’t watching and judging you. There will be a small ceremony, hosted by Reverend Sinmonger (of Skin Tight Outta Sight, Canada’s longest running burlesque troupe), plus a gift exchange at the end. No registry required. Find out more here.
Tuesday: The inaugural HOT MESS
With DJ James Redi. Johnny Jackson, 587 College Street. Free. Doors at 10 p.m.
I always get excited about a Monday night party. What’s better? A Tuesday night jam. It’s probably full of people who don’t work nine-to-five and, like me, are okay with being hungover on a Wednesday morning. With the support of Anchorsand, a clothing line based right here in Toronto (with a terrifyingly bloody website), new-ish College Street haunt Johnny Jackson will bring you a new weekly night called HOT MESS. The poster girl: Lindsay Lohan. The tagline: “Rap music. Babes. Cheap drinks.” With a PBR and Jameson combo pack at six bucks, it’s going to be a party in the best possible way. Find out more here.
