The Weekender: June 12-14
With Russell Peters and Cirque du Soleil in the city along with two major foodie fests, it’s going to be a busy weekend. Here, the best ways to spend it By Stacy Lee Kong
1. LIBERTANGO
This concert spices things up with a musical tour of Spain and Latin America courtesy of Christopher Lee (flute) and James Brown (guitar). Expect Astor Piazzolla’s tango nuevo style, sexy Brazilian vibes and a little romance from the Spanish guitar. June 12. $25. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave., libertango.webs.com.
2. RUSSELL PETERS
Brampton funnyman Russell Peters isn’t exactly politically correct, but that’s why we love him. Consider his funniest comedy routines, where he describes being disciplined as a child or haggling at the Pacific Mall. No matter how offensive, the 20-year stand-up veteran still sells out top venues around the world. If you miss out on tickets to this weekend’s ACC appearances, there’s always YouTube. June 12 and 13. $52.50–$99.75. Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay St., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.
3. REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA
This rock opera was released only last year, but it’s already on its way to becoming a cult classic. In the year 2056, the world is overwhelmed by an epidemic of organ failures. Enter GeneCo, a company that offers transplants—but when customers miss payments, the sinister Repo Man pays a visit. This screening features a live shadow cast acting out scenes with salty dialogue and even a little nudity. June 12. $6–$9. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., 416-516-2331, bloorcinema.com.
4. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL (FREE!)
This is probably the only way to see Cirque du Soleil for free, so venture down to the waterfront to catch a performance, part of Luminato’s closing weekend festivities. Created especially for the fest, the event is described as an “inquiry into the very essence of human civilization.” Acrobats will form two groups on Friday night, one representing the natural world and the other the urban world. Over the course of the weekend, performances will centre on what happens when they encounter each other. June 12 to 14. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000; Toronto Music Garden, 475 Queens Quay W., harbourfrontcentre.com.
5. QUEER WEST FEST
This week-long LGBT event explores the queer art experience through art, dance, theatre, literature and film. This weekend, check out What Are You Searching For?, a multimedia showcase of work by 12 artists and writers. It’s part art show, part dance party and part charity event; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Arts for Children and Youth. Athletic types will enjoy Sunday’s Pride Ride from 12:30 to 3 p.m.; not-so-athletic types can meet cyclists for celebratory drinks at the Cadillac Lounge afterwards. June 13 to 20. Various locations, queerwest.org.
6. TORONTO TASTE
A must-attend for Toronto foodies, this charity evening is billed as one of the city’s foremost culinary events. Over 30 chefs—including Scaramouche’s Keith Froggett, Splendido’s Victor Barry and Marc Thuet—and 15 vintners, brewers and wine agents join forces to assemble a wide (and delish) array of food and drink for attendees to enjoy while strolling the park. In addition to the good eats, there’s live entertainment, a raffle and fine wine auction. Proceeds will go to Second Harvest, which distributes food to local shelters and food banks. June 14. $225. Village of Yorkville Park (at Cumberland and Bellair Streets), 416-408-2594, torontotaste.ca.
7. DAY OF DELIGHT
This one’s for those who love love. The seventh annual Day of Delight celebrates the L-word, courtship and desire with music, dance, theatre and stilt walking. Go for the mushy stuff, stay for the giant puppet parade and belly dancing class. June 14. PWYC ($10 suggested). Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin St., 416-537-9105, clayandpapertheatre.org.
8. DISTILLERY DISTRICT EAST COAST FESTIVAL (FREE!)
For the first time ever, T.O. celebrates Canada’s East Coast heritage with this thematically appropriate fest. Such bands as The Mahones, Fiddlestix and Trip Doubt will perform, and world oyster-shucking champ and Starfish owner Patrick McMurray will be doing his thing at Saturday’s shucking competition. The Boiler House and Mill Street Brew Pub will even host Toronto versions of the traditional Newfoundland kitchen party, where guests are free to sing, tell stories and perhaps dance a jig or two. June 13 and 14. Distillery District, 416-364-1177, thedistillerydistrict.com.
Comments
Comment on this story
Neither Stacy Lee Kong nor Toronto Life necessarily agree with the comments posted here. Editors will not correct spelling or grammar. Toronto Life reserves the right to edit or delete comments entirely. Read our full policy
Some articles on this site require that you have a Torontolife.com account in order to comment, and this is one of them. If you do not have an account, you can register now.


Follow Toronto Life on Twitter, Facebook and via RSS