THEATRE | Mad Hot Wonderland
If madness is setting in from the summer solstice heat, Mad Hot Wonderland is the "tea party" to escape to. The National Ballet of Canada is hosting this gala fundraiser on the stage of Christopher Wheeldon's current production Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, with solo performances handpicked by the company's Artistic Director Karen Kain. The evening will feature a cocktail reception following the performances, which sample Wheeldon's production, and a gala dinner with a menu prepared by celebrity chef Mark McEwan. This decadent themed party will include a lottery with luxurious prizes up for grabs.
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West) 6:30PM $55-$133

MUSIC | Barclay and Steele CD Release
The traditional folk music of singer Rebecca Barclay and guitarist John Steele will be celebrated tonight as they collaboratively debut music from their album With The Night Fast Approaching. The musicians are set to perform songs inspired by traditional English, Scottish, Irish and Canadian folk artists with samplings of fiddles, percussion and bagpipes. The duo boasts several nominations in the folk community for their work and their performance at The Gladstone tonight promises to be intense and intricate. An open fiddle jam will follow the show.
The Gladstone Hotel, Melody Room (1214 Queen Street West) 8PM Free

DANCE | FUNd Raising Da Roof
It's been 22 years since Janet Jackson released Rhythm Nation and if after 22 years of dancing in front of the television you haven't yet mastered the moves, Melissa-Jane Shaw's class can help. The expert choreographer will be conducting a fundraising dance class, teaching attendees to dance like Janet in support of the not-for-profit and socially conscious theatre company Seventh Stage Theatre Productions. There will be food and drinks to help dancers get in touch with their nasty sides à la Janet and a silent auction will take place after the hour-long dance session.
Nightwood Studio (55 Mill Street, Building 58, Studio 315) 7PM $25

ENTERTAINMENT | Rag Bag Cabaret
Toronto performer Rachelle Elie hosts this evening of diverse entertainment featuring clowns, comedy, burlesque, dance and music performers. A cabaret with something for everyone, Rag Bag is a grab bag of talent performing in a variety show atmosphere. New York City's Renaldo Ensemble will be providing live music along with DJ Scootz as talents the likes of burlesque dancers Atomic Cherries and stand-up comedienne Sandra Battaglini take the stage. A portion of the proceeds will go to Imani Artist Collective in Kenya, which helps HIV-positive artists create, produce and sell their handicrafts.
Drake Underground (1150 Queen Street West) 7PM $15

LITERATURE | America Walks Into A Bar TINARS Launch
TINARS Artistic Director Marc Glassman sits down tonight with Christine Sismondo, author of America Walks Into A Bar, to discuss the significance of saloons and pubs in American history. The discourse will feature in-depth analyses of how the tavern played a role in the political movements and revolutions of the past, including the many pivotal events that Sismondo covers in her book about this under-researched institution. The bar will be celebrated following the discussion with cocktails from various eras as created by bartender Sandy De Almeida.
The Gladstone Hotel, Ball Room (1214 Queen Street West) 7:30PM Free

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

• People Under The Stairs
• Givers with Pepper Rabbit & 1,2,3

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by Carl W. Heindl in the blogTO Flickr pool.