This week’s top parties include a visit from Jurassic 5’s DJ Nu-Mark, an all-star salute to Canadian-music hall of famers, and, oh yeah, free beer!
Friday: Skratch Bastid Presents: DJ Nu-Mark
Revival, 783 College St. Doors at 10 p.m. $15.
In the fifth instalment of his new series, Skratch Bastid is welcoming DJ Nu-Mark , world-famous turntable master and one the founding members behind legendary hip-hop group Jurassic 5. It’s going to be an old-fashioned (and old-school) East vs. West throw down with nothing but love. Since its launch with a DJ set by L.A.-via-Ann Arbor soul singer Mayer Hawthorne, Skratch Bastid’s monthly has become quite the artist showcase, welcoming everyone from The Rub’s Cosmo Baker to De La Soul’s Plug Three, a.k.a. Maseo. Bastid’s only request: “No jerks allowed.”
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Friday: 12 Beers of Christmas
The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W. Doors at 6 p.m. Free.
The Gladstone is the official hotel of Toronto’s Festival of Beer but, since next summer is so far away, why not celebrate the halfway point? On Friday, they’ll be hosting their first 12 Beers of Christmas party and you know The Grid loves beer. Put on that Xmas sweater and those reindeer antlers and sample some local brews from surprise local favourites. Each guest gets five free samples (plus one if you RSVP on Facebook). There will also be prizes and all your favourite ’90s Christmas albums playing. It’s free, too. “No Christmas clichés will be left unturned.” Find out more here .
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Saturday: The JUNO Concert Series—The Stuff of Legends
Various performers. The Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W. Doors at 9 p.m. $20 advance at The Horseshoe, Rotate This, Soundscapes, Ticketmaster.
While I don’t think I could actually sit through a JUNO ceremony, this seems pretty legit. In an effort to celebrate this country’s music all year round, the forces behind the awards show are bringing a crew of cross-Canada artists to the Horseshoe. Saturday night is all about honouring the Canadian Music Hall of Fame with contemporary artists reinterpreting classic songs from past inductees. Look for performances by Buck 65, Jay Malinowski (of Bedouin Soundclash), Nils Edenloff (of Rural Alberta Advantage), Jully Black, and more. Plus, how can you not love the vibe at the Horseshoe? No red carpets, no commercial breaks, no bullshit. Find out more here .
Monday: Shine On! Designer Shopping Showcase
The Spoke Club, 600 King St. W. Doors at 5 p.m. Free.
It’s that time of the consumer season when everyone wants a good deal, right? Get your shop on—and your drink on—at a one-night-only showcase featuring 11 of the city’s top design talents. Among them, look for the duo behind LABEL clothing, endorsed by The Grid ‘s own Briony Smith as “simple garments, made well ,” and Valentine K , a relatively new line of ridiculously great cashmere sweaters. You’ll also find stuff beyond indie fashion, from vintage coasters to monogrammed napkins. Proceeds will benefit Project Sunshine Canada in support of children and families living with medical challenges across the GTA. Find out more here .
Monday: BraveArt, graffiti for charity
The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W. Doors at 7 p.m. $5.
Monday is the new Thursday apparently, and The Gladstone Hotel is getting tagged for a good cause. BraveArt is a fusion of art and music in support of Art Starts, a 416 charity that aims to engage youth and adults through, well, the arts. It’s an initiative from Centennial College, where students will lead live graffiti and painting in the Art Bar through a virtual wall from Maverick Interactive (see the video below, it’s cool). There’ll be live music (courtesy of Saliva Gold, Wander Birds , and hip-hop artist Kool Krys ), raffle prizes, $5 Gladstone signature burgers, and way more. Complete details here .
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