Thu Nov 15, 2012
Society

The Night List: Nov. 15-21

This week’s top happenings include a free Chromeo show organized by Mercedes-Benz, a major hip-hop jam at the El Mocambo, and more.

BY: Paul Aguirre-Livingston

Friday: Tokyo Twerq

Featuring Le1f, Babe Rainbow, Blackcat. Moskito + Bite, 423 College Street. $10, available online. Doors at 10 p.m.

When we lasted talked Toronto’s vogue/ballroom scene, I singled out Mansion’s Tokyo Twerq as one of the most exciting new parties to debut this year, mostly because it’s inspired by that very scene. “This is an experiment in Toronto nightlife. I feel like we’re testing the city by mixing the most unique aspects of LA/NYC gay hip-hop cultures with the fast-paced, futuristic vibe of Asia,” organizer Nancy Chen told me. “We made a point of booking [House of Monroe's] Blackcat to open up the show, and we definitely respect what [Monroe is doing] for Toronto’s vogueing community and hope they continue to grow.” For this show, which is going to see everyone throwing their limbs around, the Mansion crew is mounting a runway for battle royales. They’re also importing Le1f (who I introduced you to quickly in a summer edition of The Night List), along with Vancouver transplant Babe Rainbow. Not sure I can do this any more justice—go TWERQ. Find out more here.

Saturday: The Unibrow Bash: A Frida Kahlo Jam

With various acts. The May, 876 Dundas West. $10 at the door. Doors at 10 p.m.

Oh hey, let’s party like it’s Frida Kahlo’s birthday. It’s true: the “Frida economy” is so the it—and okay, a little bit exploitative—right now in Toronto that it’s even crossing over into the nightscape. Still, I’m a fierce Frida disciple and believe in the many celebrations of her work. (I, however, abhor that tasteless AGO gift shop.) And, since my fave gals Tegan and Holly don’t throw parties every week, I anticipate this will be extra special, especially since it’s at new DuWest haunt The May. Featuring live music from Spawn of Phil, and a set of disco/soul by Geordie Gordon. And live mural painting. See the exhibit, and find out more about the party here.

Saturday: YLMC: World’s Strongest ‘Mo

With various acts. Academy of Lions, 64 Ossington Avenue. $10, available online. Doors at 9 p.m.

Okay, this will probably be the last Movember party you’ll see here. On Saturday, the YLMC will turn Ossington’s cross-fit gym, Academy of Lions, into a world of moustachioed wonder. You remember YLMC’s The Shining TIFF party—well this one’s a similar idea: bands and badass fun. Map the moustaches on bands like Teenage Kicks, The Elwins, and Alright Alright, with installations, actors, artists and other surprises. From what I know, it’s like an old-fashioned Carnival of Horror Hair, all in support of YLMC’s girl/boy Movember team. (Think arm wrestling, those hit-the-bell hammer things, a ‘stache contest, and other freaky shit, i.e. booze.) Complete itinerary here.

Saturday: Droppin’ Knowledge

Featuring Phonte, KJ, The Antiheroes, and Soul Khan. El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Avenue. $20, available online. Doors at 9 p.m.

Alive and kicking since January 2010, the Droppin’ Knowledge series is the hip-hop party worth going to if you’re seeking out the 416′s future chart-toppers. DK aims to create a “locals-only one-off for hungry young emcees, to a showcase for world-scale breakout artists such as Action Bronson, Statik Selektah, Sean Price, Fashawn, Rittz, STS, Emilio Rojas, Iman Omari and many more.” For this edition, they’ve scored one of their biggest acts to date: Phonte, of Little Brother/Foreign Exchange fame. Last year, he headlined the 10,000-strong Manifesto Festival at Dundas Square, and there’s this sort of mythology around his unfinished work with Drake. He also recently released his solo debut, Charity Starts at Home. Find out more here.

Wednesday: B-Scene Concert feat. Chromeo & Dirty Vegas

Sound Academy, 11 Polson Street. Free. Doors at 8 p.m.

Hey, you like free concerts? How about free concerts with acts that you’ve actually heard about? To celebrate the launch of their new small family car, B-class, Mercedes-Benz is throwing a big party that very few families will actually attend. So you win! On November 21, the German auto giant will take over the Sound Academy with DJ sets by Montreal-based party-starters Chromeo and British house music trio Dirty Vegas. (Solid bookings, no?) It’s dubbed an “evening fusing art and music with stirring beats and inspired live street art.” Here’s how you get in: Until November 19, you can register online at bclass.ca/concert and tickets will be awarded on a lottery basis. You’ve got nothing to lose. Good luck.