This week's best parties include The Public Butter's 4th anniversary, Sheroes' tribute to Etta James, Steam Whistle's Unsigned showcase, the launch of Freshhaus at Smith Bar, and more.
Thursday: Sheroes #7: Etta James, a remix tribute
With reeraw & DJ Noloves. The Beaver, 1192 Queen Street West. #WQW Free. 10 p.m.
It’s finally that time. Last month, I formally introduced you to Sheroes , a monthly jam celebrating the League of Legendary Ladies organized by local artist/writer/salonnière reeraw . This is only the second time it’ll be live from its new home, The Beaver, and my feelers tell me it’s going to be one extraordinary night—probably because reeraw has upped the ante like woah. While January’s installment fêted Erykah Badu, and tonight is all about Etta James who, sadly, passed away on January 20. Go for performances by Colombian-born starlet Lido Pimienta (just click play below) and Emcee Silk Degrees. Alongside the other usuals—art, GIF and visual—there will be a special addition: Etta-inspired nail creations for you, by the gifted Brittany Bennington . Uh huh. SOLD? Find out more here .
Friday: Steam Whistle Unsigned #21
With Boys Who Say No, The Paint Movement, Luke Lalonde. Steam Whistle Brewery, 225 Bremner Boulevard. #DTN $5 at the door. 8 p.m.
If you pride yourself on being on music’s cutting edge, or even if you like to think you’re one of those true supporters of The Grid’s famed “Toronto is the best music city in the world right now” movement, then Steam Whistle Unsigned won’t harm your cred. In fact, it may actually give you something other than Drake to talk about. With outlets in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, this indie music series has been going five years strong, providing a stage for current faves like Austra and Hooded Fang. Friday’s instalment also brings a delightful blend of the fresh-faced: Boys Who Say No (“quirky party pop”), The Paint Movement (produced by David Newfeld of Broken Social Scene fame), and a solo set from Born Ruffians ’ bashful frontman Luke Lalonde. All ticket proceeds go to Artists’ Health Centre Foundation, and Unsigned has raised over $50,000 so far. This is the real movement—join it. Now enjoy this also-fresh Austra cover of a Robyn song.
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Friday: The launch of Freshhaus at Smith DJ Rhubix, DJ Chris Abbott, Aeryn Pfaff. Smith Bar, 533 Church St. #CHS $5. 10 p.m.
There’s a new gay—or, sorry, all-inclusive—dance party and it looks gooood . It’s the brainchild of Aeryn Pfaff—a veritable fashion-y scenester—who feels there’s been a piece of the scene missing since Circa’s Randomland party met its end. Funny enough, when I interviewed Charles Khabouth about his new Cube venture and the re-invention of Toronto’s clubbing experience this week, we both agreed that the city was missing a definitive gay club (aside from run-down, but under reno, Fly). Smith, a new-ish, three-floor, under-the-radar eatery-slash-bar in the Village, may not be that venue, but Freshhaus may just be that night the gay-friendly scene is currently missing. Simply put: “electro house bangers all night. No themes, no dress code.” On the playlist: Skrillex, Azealia Banks, Azari & III, Peaches, etc. I’m also titillated by the promoter’s description of Angel from the Haus of Omega: “the cuntiest Voguer you will ever feast your eyes on.” Obviously, they haven’t seen me yet. I’ll hand it to Pfaff: gay dance nights have been in desperate need of something other than Beyoncé for a long time. The shift is finally happening. Find out more here .
Very honourable Friday night mentions:
Songs: A Dance Party happens live from the sixth floor of the Burroughes Building with breakout popsters The Elwins and special guest DJs Tokyo Police Club. I chatted with promoter Bobby Kimberley about the ins-and-outs of the jam—and why you should go—earlier this week .
Happy Endings, the dim sum dance party I like so much, will celebrate its one-year anniversary in association with Yes Yes Y’All in the heart of Chinatown. Check out the details here .
Saturday: Women’s Arm Wrestling Championship 751, 751 Queen Street West. #QNW Registration at 8 p.m., action at 10 p.m.
Roller derby intoxicates me, but I’m put to sleep by stuff like pillow fighting. The Women’s Arm Wrestling Championship, then, is a happy medium, and it supports a truly great cause. This Saturday, grease those elbows and work those triceps for the chance to “twist some wrists.” Get schooled by greats like Pussy Galore and Scarlett O’Terror, or set a precedent and be the Sandy to someone’s Rizzo, or the Ellen Page to Juliette Lewis a la Whip It —but, like, with arms and not skates. Participants choose their own theme songs/entrance music, and play as “characters” that verge on performance art. Also, you are so encouraged to bring a posse as back-up. (Btw: I’m free and pretty—pretty tough !) All in the name of winning that championship belt—and to get to the Bad Taste after-party in the basement of 751 afterwards. Door proceeds go to Plan Canada’s becauseiamagirl.ca , fighting for a brighter future for girls in the developing world. Pre-register by e-mail at classyladiesarmwrestling@gmail.com , and find out more about the friendly fighting here .
Wednesday: The Public Butter 4th anniversary 1290 Queen Street West. #PRK Free. 8 p.m.
If you frequent the Toronto vintage circuit, you’ve probably hit up The Public Butter four, five, 30 times by now. (It’s the westernly little sis to The Black Market.) On February 29—exactly four years to the first day of operation—TPB is throwing down with a modest party for locals, admirers and the still-as-yet unconverted. It’s really a place of wonder, with trinkets and Christian Dior blazers hiding at every turn. (NB: I’m a regular.) Since it opened, TPB has become a Parkdale fixture, so go out and show them love. In return, you’ll get to shop some sweet deals and enjoy nibbles and bits from Outhouse Panini and Espresso Bar and the Amsterdam Brewery. Oh, and there’s an art show by dreamy, landscape-happy Jake Summers .
