This week’s top happenings include a musical tribute to the Motor City, a pretend getaway to Mexico, and more.
Thursday: The Artist Project opening party
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place. $23 online , $25 at the door. Runs until Feb. 24. Doors at 7 p.m.
You like the art, yes? Well, there’s nothing better for budding collectors than The Artist Project , where over 250 carefully-selected talents from all over will showcase their newest works, for sale on the spot. Now in its sixth year, it’s quite a spectacle, and tonight’s opening jam is just the first champagne cork to pop, with live music, cocktails and eats. What’s more is that the entire weekend is great for first-time buyers at all price points looking to support independent, contemporary artists. Plus, a portion of opening night ticket sales will be donated to the Canadian Art Foundation. Here’s a preview video from last year’s show.
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Friday: cirQlar & Electro Swing Club Toronto present The Lost Fingers Revival, 783 College St. $20 online , more at the door. Doors at 9 p.m.
The Electro Swing Club is still alive and kicking in 2013, teaming up with cirQlar to bring The Lost Fingers in a “two-room feast for the senses, complete with hot licks and jive kicks while this Platinum sporting, JUNO-nominated, Gypsy-jazz joint-jumpin’ trio cranks it up to eleven on the main stage.” Even better is that the whole place is going to be transformed into an old-school good time. Look for host Dylan Studebaker , a renowned sleight of hand artist, and burlesque from Mina Lafleur and high-flying Kadri Hansen . Costumes are encouraged. All the details here . I mean, where else would you be if you’re not going to see Solange, right?
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Saturday: YES Detroit Academy of Lions, 64 Ossington Ave. $5 before 11 p.m., $10 after. Doors at 9 p.m.
Guess who’s back? Sometimes I can’t believe that the boys behind YES/N have been throwing parties since way back when my column had a different name. That’s probably because they haven’t worn out their concept jam yet, where they pay tribute to musical cities that used to mean something. (Half-kidding.) I was recently in Detroit, and I can tell you that joint is still stuck in its golden era of Motown and Motor City, so it’s about time they got a new coat of paint. What might make Saturday night extra special for you is a banging custom-created 3D projection project. “The visualizer projects an augmented Jasper Johns American painting onto a 13-foot screen,” one of the organizers wrote to me. “When music is played the flag turns into a wave form and is distorted by the sound.” Warehouse styles, tunes from The White Stripes, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and all the rest. Annnd a portion of the night’s bar sales will be going to Lift Toronto , which supports at-risk youth ages 12-19 and helps them reach their potential through athletics, coaching, mentorship, and camaraderie. Find out more here . And, obviously, here’s the best Diana Ross song ever.
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Saturday: #CrushTO Cosmic Love Club 120, 120 Church St. $10. Doors at 10 p.m.
I don’t know what it is, but a lot of my friends have been feeling super lonely lately. So here’s something to brighten your horizons. #CrushTO, the party that uses Twitter to connect y’all with a messaging system , is bringing you to outer space from their new digs in the Village. It’s friendly, it’s sex-positive, and it’s got all the good stuff hook-ups are made of. All persuasions welcome. And by the way, if my print column in The Grid last week was any indication, dating offline is most definitely better than on. Find out more here .
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Tuesday: The Magic of Mexico El Trompo Restaurant, 277 Augusta Ave. $75. Doors at 6:30 p.m.
Take a trip south of the border without leaving the city. The Kulture Klub is hosting a series of “Latin Extravaganza” jams, transporting event-goers to three cozy cantinas right here in Toronto. Next up is a Mexican getaway at El Trompo. While the price is a bit steep, it includes live entertainment and a margarita, plus games and authentic Mexican dishes. Guests are guided on a fiesta through the 32 states of Mexico, indulging in guacamole and pica de gallo y quesadilla con queso. Sounds steamy, no? Purchase tickets here .
