1851: Spirit & Voice
Myseum of Toronto brings past and present together for playwright Luke Reece’s fictionalized virtual conference based on the abolitionist convention, the North American Convention of Coloured Freemen. The Black History Month event will include a talk Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae, “On Safety, Glass Ceilings and Feminism,” followed by a live Q&A with Reece, Ontario Black History Society president Natasha Henry and Keleta-Mae.
February 17 and 24 at 7 pm. Free. myseumoftoronto.com
The City Imagines: Loving Relationship Anarchy
Hot on the heels of Valentine’s Day and all its normative Hallmark conceptions of love, here’s a virtual discussion on the joys (and pitfalls) of relationships of all kinds – including ethical non-monogamy and “relationship anarchy.” Panellists include authors S. Bear Bergman, Natalie Zina Walschots, Kai Cheng Thom and Jenny Yuen, who was the subject of a story we did on polyamory a few years ago.
February 17 at 7 pm. Free. eventbrite.ca
Island Of Warmth
If you’re outdoors and looking to stay warm, bundle up and head on over to Yonge-Dundas Square for Island Of Warmth. A “fire” made from more than 150 incandescent light bulbs will light up the square – and your sounds and movement will help activate it. See our story for more details.
February 18-March 20, 5-10 pm daily. Free. Yonge-Dundas Square. ydsquare.ca
Winterfolk XX Blues and Roots Music Festival
The 20th edition of the cozy annual festival will be even cozier this year in a digital format, with online performances by Sue Foley, Shari Ulrich, Lucy Kaplansky, Mean Mary, Jack de Keyzer Band, Robert Priest, Jerome Tucker Band, Suzie Vinnick, Ori Dagan and others. You’ll need to register to get access to the livestreams; registration is free but donations are encouraged.
February 18-20, nightly from 7-10 pm. Free. winterfolk.com
Marker Starling, Dorothea Paas and Ejji Smith at the Monarch Tavern
If you’re ready to get out to some non-virtual concerts again, this excellent lineup of local singer/songwriters is a good way to get your feet wet. All three are NOW–approved.
February 19, doors 8 pm. $12. Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton). ticketleap.com
Winter Stations
This annual international design competition features temporary winter art installations that spread out across Kew and Woodbine beaches. This year’s theme, Resilience, is inspired by the nearly two-year pandemic that we’ve all been living in. And seeing these large public art pieces on the snowy beach will help you get through it.
February 21-March 31, Woodbine Beach (1675 Lake Shore East). winterstations.com
