Photo: "The ROM" by likwoka, member of the blogTO Flickr Pool.

Events on Toronto's Radar for SATURDAY DECEMBER 5 and SUNDAY DECEMBER 6, 2009... lovingly handpicked from blogTO's events calendar.

Saturday, December 5:

MUSIC | The Hidden Cameras w/ Gentleman Reg at the Opera House
Self-described gay church folk band the Hidden Cameras are back with their fourth album Origin: Orphan, which sees the band maintaining their trademark whimsy while adding some heavier elements. The band returns to Toronto tonight after a massive North American tour, and will be joined by ex-member Gentleman Reg who recently won acclaim across the board for his album Jet Black. These are two of the city's most established and beloved acts, and it should thus be a very special homecoming show.
Opera House, 735 Queen St. E., $15, 8 pm

ARTS AND CRAFTS | Winter Fling...A Craft Thing
The city is full of craft shows this holiday season, but the Winter Fling is probably the most indie of the bunch. Made up of 24 local craftspeople the Fling is partnering with hip women's mag BUST and the Glitter Pie Art Studio to bring unique crafts to the community. The sale has a school-dance theme, which means paper decorations and a DJ spinning tunes all afternoon. There will also be loot bags at the door and handcrafted jewelry, knitware, paper crafts and much more.
St. Stephen's in the Fields, 103 Bellevue Ave., $1, 11 am - 6 pm

SKATING PARTY | DJ Skate Nights
Every Saturday night from now until mid-February the Harbourfront Centre hosts the city's coolest on-ice dance party. Lace up your skates and get in the groove laid down by some of Toronto's sweetest djs. The hip-hop, reggae, dub, and disco beats will be so hot there's no guarantee the ice won't melt. Best of all it's completely free and for those of you who don't own skates (you call yourselves Canadian?!) rentals only cost $7.
Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink, Free, 8 pm - 11 pm

PARTY | House of Helder Presents Pastel's Pin-Up Calendar
Fritz Helder and the Phantoms get behind the decks at Blondie's on Saturday to spin some tunes and maybe even preview some new music of their own. The party is a launch night for Phantoms member Pastel Supernova's pin-up calendar. Pastel pulls off the old-school pin-up look very well, and all proceeds from the sexy calendar will go towards um... paying for cancer treatment for her pet ferret. There are probably parties for better causes this season, but not many will be as fun.
Blondie's, 1378 Queen St. W., No cover, 9:30 pm

DANCE | Terra Brasil
Toronto's leading Afro-Brazilian dance company presents two hours of spicy performance Saturday night. Reflecting the multi-ethnic origins of Brazil's northeastern states, Dance Migration's show incorporates several genres including Samba, Silverstre, Afro and Capoeira. The result is a passionate homage to one of the world's most diverse and interesting cultures. One night only folks.
Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. W., $35 advance, $40 door, 8 pm

Sunday, December 6:

MUSIC | Under the Mistletoe: Good Lovelies 4th Annual Christmas Show
Charming folk country swing trio the Good Lovelies seem to be on the cusp of long-lasting success. In just three years they've firmly installed themselves as the first ladies of Canadian flirty folk, holding down a residency at the Cameron House and recently completing a cross-country tour. They hold their fourth annual Christmas concert tonight with guest host Tom Power of CBC Radio and of course a special appearance from St. Nick himself.
Hugh's Room, 2261 Dundas St. W., $20 advance, $22.50 door, 8:30 pm

SALE | Heart at Work: A Silent Auction for Casey House
Casey House has come a long way in its 21-year existence. Originally founded as a hospice for those dying of AIDS, with the evolution of HIV treatment the organization is now at the forefront of helping Torontonians live with a disease that was long thought to be a death sentence. They continue to expand their operations to improve the quality of life of those afflicted with the disease and host a silent auction on Sunday to raise much needed funds. Works by burgeoning artists Laura Darling, Jeff Talon, Anna Pantchev, and Julie Gladstone will be up for sale.
Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., $10, 7:30 pm - 12 am

MEMORIAL | Candle Light Vigil: 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre
In December 1989 fourteen women were killed at Montréal's École Polytechnique in an act of misogynist violence that continues to resonate in this country's memory. Tonight Torontonians will gather at Philosopher's Walk to remember the women killed that day as well as other victims of violence against women. The vigil will be followed by a screening at Hart House of Finding Dawn, a film documenting the stories of over 500 native women who have been murdered or gone missing in Canada.
North End of Philosopher's Walk, South Side of Bloor St. West of Avenue Rd., 6 pm

ARTS AND CRAFTS | Under 30 Crafts
There are a whole bunch of craft shows happening this weekend but this one's a little different. First of all it's in the East End, and secondly everything is on sale for under thirty dollars. You'll get your usual collection of Christmas ornaments, mittens, table runners, and handmade journals but all for a price that will leave you with enough change to grab a pint of something to make your cheeks rosy on the way home.
Ralph Thornton Centre, 765 Queen St. E., 2:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Ongoing events:

FESTIVAL | Cavalcade of Lights
Throughout the month of December the Cavalcade of Lights festival will be throwing weekly Saturday parties in the heart of the city. The festival's family-friendly entertainment including skating parties, fireworks and concerts have become an annual tradition for many Torontonians, and the festival continues Saturday night with a performance by Jully Black and a skating party by DJ Jun.
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W., Free, Saturday 7 pm

PHOTOGRAPHY | Photorama 2009
For 23 years the Photorama event has showcased the work of some of this country's best photographers. The exhibition and sale began last week and is the annual fundraising event for Gallery TPW. Admission is free but of course you'll have to shell out if you want to take one of the works home. The gallery is hoping to raise $30,000 for the expansion of its operations and community-building events. Saturday is Photorama's final day so it's your last chance to pick up some great photos.
Gallery TPW, 56 Ossington Ave., Free, Saturday only 12 pm - 5 pm

ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR | One of a Kind Show and Sale
The One of a Kind Show wraps up this weekend, after another succesful year as one of Toronto's favourite holiday shopping destinations. It's Christmas shopping without the gaudy atmosphere of the shopping mall, and nowhere else in the city can you find such unique handcrafted gifts. This year's show features art classes for children and piazza at the fair's centre where you can relax with a coffee, or if you're feeling festive, a cup of cocoa.
Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd., $6.50-$12, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm

For full listings, head on over to our events calendar.
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