Book now! These shows will sell out fast
Buzzcocks The English punk legends return to Toronto. Danforth Music Hall. Doors 7 pm, all ages. $20-$30. ticketmaster.ca. September 25. See listing.
Die Antwoord Freaky South African rap-ravers take over Sound Academy. Doors 7 pm, all ages. $42.50. On sale June 24. rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.ca, ticketmaster.ca. October 16. See listing.
Friday 24
Toronto Jazz Festival Thirty years in, the Toronto Jazz Festival is stronger than ever. Its 2016 lineup nods to the past and the future, emerging local talent and big-name international stars, and has a healthy mix of genres (and genders). Catch the unstoppable Sharon Jones at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday (June 25), old-schooler Chick Corea at Koerner Hall on Wednesday (June 29), or try out someone new, like Kandace Springs, who opens for Gregory Porter at Nathan Phillips Square on Tuesday (June 28). Billed as a cross between Erykah Badu and Norah Jones, the neo-jazz/funk singer/pianist was also Prince’s last protege. Enough said. Doors 7:30 pm, all ages. To July 3. See listing.
Bovine 25th Anniversary Music Series The Queen West watering hole and heavy music hot spot celebrates a quarter-century, with Biblical and Public Animal. Doors 9 pm. $10 at the door. See listing.
Give back to Fort Mac Hold The Fort concert at the Rivoli benefits Red Cross Alberta’s fire appeal. 8 pm. $20-$25. See listing.
Rufus Does Judy Rufus Wainwright performs his iconic tribute to Judy Garland, with conductor Stephen Oremus. Don’t miss our interview with Wainwright. See listing.
Saturday 25
Bells On Danforth Pedal-powered parade to turn people on to biking takes over Danforth. Free. 11 am-2 pm. Meet at Prince Edward Viaduct Parkette and ride east to Danforth Road. See listing.
Sunday 26
An Evening With George Takei The Star Trek star discusses everything under the sun in a Pride event at Ryerson Theatre. Q&A to follow. 7 pm. $25. See listing.
A Night At The Aqueerium Pride dance party with DJ Kitty Glitter, mermaids and thousands of fish. 8 pm. Ripley’s Aquarium. $40-$50. See listing.
Tickled (NNNN) It may be “the strangest” doc of the year, but it’s also one of the best. This fetish documentary documents journalist/co-director Farrier’s inquiries into an ad seeking models for tickling videos, only to uncover more than he anticipated. See listing.
Monday 27
A Third Gender (NNNN) The ROM’s show of Edo-period Japanese prints brings startling insight into sex and gender in another culture, to November 27. $15.50-$17. 416-586-8000. Check out our review. See listing.
Off The Ground Local designer Ken Greenberg heads up NXT City panel on ideas for public spaces. 6 pm. $20. Gladstone Hotel. See listing.
Tuesday 28
AIDS Candlelight Vigil Annual remembrance of queer fighters and pioneers at Barbara Hall Park behind the 519. 9 pm. FREE. See listing.
Wednesday 29
Sting and Peter Gabriel The former Police and Genesis frontmen delve into each other’s catalogues and also play solo sets at the ACC. 8 pm. $50-$250. See listing.
Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival The 150-show fest kicks off today at various venues and runs to July 10. $8-$12. Not sure what to see this year? Check out our comprehensive directory of Fringe shows. See all things Fringe 2016.
Next week June 30 – July 6
Buffy Sainte-Marie and the TSO Head to Roy Thomson Hall for what’s sure to be a powerful collab by the singer/songwriter and our local orchestra. 7:30 pm. $27-$70. June 30. See listing.
DVSN The OVO Sound-signed R&B upstarts play some of their first local shows, including tracks from their debut album Sept 5th. Mod Club. Doors 8 pm. $20. June 30 and July 1. See listing.
Pride Parade Show your solidarity in this important year. Begins at Bloor and Church at 2 pm. July 3. See listing.
Matilda The musical based on the Roald Dahl story begins preview performances at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. 7:30 pm. $38-$139. July 5. See listing.
Get more Toronto event listings here or start your summer planning with our Hot Summer Guide here:
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