BOOKS & LIT | Freehand Spring 2012 Blowout
Freehand Books is a Calgary-based publisher of Canadian literature that branched out in 2007 from the academic publisher Broadview Press. Tonight is Freehand's Spring Launch at The Gladstone, and three authors will be previewing new works. Alex Leslie will be reading from "People Who Disappear", the author's first collection of short fiction. "Seen Reading" is Julie Wilson's 'microfiction' work, containing over one hundred short pieces about people whom Wilson has encountered reading in public places. Ian Williams' "Personals" is a collection of "almost-love poems" from this Toronto poet, now residing in Massachusetts where he teaches English at Fitchburg State University. This should be an interesting evening for anyone looking for something new and challenging in the literary department.
The Gladstone Hotel ballroom (1214 Queen Street West) 7PM

MUSIC | Flash Lightnin' at The Bovine
Tonight, Flash Lightnin' rocks The Bovine! Yes, this badass trio, made up of guitarist and vocalist Darren Glover, Darcy Yates on bass, and drummer Chris Henry, carry on with their Monday night residency at this much loved Queen Street watering hole. These guys came into their own as a band by playing a regular Wednesday night gig at The Dakota many moons ago, and word quickly spread amongst TO musicians and scenesters alike that these guys had to be seen to be believed. If you like stripped down no-nonsense hard rock, you should check them out for yourself, tonight!
Bovine Sex Club (542 Queen Street West)

COMEDY | The Comedy Cabaret
An awesome night of comedy is exactly what you need - especially on a Monday! Laughter is every bit as important as eating right, getting exercise, and sleeping properly, so start your week right! The Comedy Cabaret has whipped up a great lineup that will hit the spot: Ian Sirota, Rob Bebenek, Jeffrey Danson, Chris MacLean, JP Hodgkinson, Anto Chan, and Joel West. Tonight's host is Robin Crossman, and there are some surprise guests in store, too. Should be good!
Charlotte Room (19 Charlotte Street) 8PM PWYC

MUSIC | "A Spring in Your Step", East York Concert Band's annual Spring Concert
The East York Concert Band's annual Spring Concert takes place tonight at On The Park (formerly Inn On The Park). This musical group is a part of TO history, having been at it (in various configurations and with different members) since 1948, and was originally called The East York Citizens Band. Tonight's concert will feature a lively program of dance music and seasonal favourites, under the direction of Emily Summers.
On The Park, Centennial Ballroom (1095 Leslie Street) 7:30PM $15 / children under 12 free

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

• Spacing's CREATIVE MAPPING CONTEST
• Early Bird Registration - HOPE's 24th Annual Charity Volleyball Bash

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 crank667 in the blogTO Flickr pool