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artists agitate
In town and going head-to-head with Dope Poet Society’s anti-war throwdown is the Artists Against Empire event, with Susan Swan, Shoshana Sperling, Clifton Joseph, Reza Baraheni and more. Set for Friday (March 28) at the Danforth Music Hall, the event is the jump-off for the Toronto Social Forum, a weekend-long summit of lefty thinkers like Judy Rebick and Jack Layton at Ryerson’s Jorgenson Hall. For more info, check www.torontosocialforum.ca.
bytown bash
One of the most interesting anti-war concerts is happening in Ottawa on Juno weekend and is actually worth travelling east for. The Peace Concert was organized by Toronto MC K-OS and will feature Gord Downie, Sam Roberts and David Suzuki at Barrymore’s on April 5. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
fighting words
ShantiMotions and Sumkidz (organizers of the annual OM Festival) team up to present The Alchemists’ Arena — Words Against War on Saturday (March 29), starting at 5 pm. The first few hours feature workshops and discussions, a vegetarian meal and a screening of the film Peace Is Patriotic, by Konscious Media. Later, there will be a classical Indian and Pakistani sitar and tabla performance by Anwar Khurshid and Lowell Lybarger, spoken-word performances, an open mike and finally an all-night dance party with DJs David Judah, Jah Reverend, LeeLee Mishi, Mike Lambert, Siren and Zumba. $5 before 8 pm, $10 after 11 pm. M-DO Studio, 50 Spadina. 416-760-4995.
