SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27th

MUSIC | Los Van Van
Cuba's top drawer songo-squad is in town tonight, and ready to "go," as their name implies. Possibly the biggest live music act in Cuba, leader Juan Formell founded Los Van Van 35 years ago, and since then they have scooped up a Grammy, and seen some of Cuba's top talent call the band home over the years.
The Sound Academy (11 Polson St.), 8:30pm, $50

CULTURE | Cavalcade Of Lights
There is no denying that the holiday season is here! The 44th annual Cavalcade of Lights seals the deal tonight at Nathan Phillips Square. The official T-dot Xmas tree will be lit up, and there will be performances by Sarah Slean, Shawn Desman, and Divine Brown, plus fireworks and a skating party hosted by DJ Tony Sutherland.
Nathan Phillips Square (Queen and Bay Street), 7pm, FREE

MUSIC | Felix Cartal (Dim Mak) w/ Gingy & Poupon @ The Social
The Social's Faktory Saturdays brings another Dim Mak artist to this hip Queen St. location, this time Vancouver-based techno maestro Felix Cartal, who hits Europe next month. Supporting tonight's bill are two local and sympatico talents, Gingy, and Poupon.
The Social (1100 Queen Street W), 10pm, $10

LITERATURE | Julie Kirkpatrick - The Camino Letters
Tonight's reading at Trinity-St. Paul's will find author Julie Kirkpatrick fusing literature and music in an unusual way, in what is being described as a "reading/performance" of her new work, The Camino Letters: 26 Tasks on the Way to Finistrerre. She will be joined by local tabla guru Ravi Naimpally and jazz-fusion ensemble Besharah.
Trinity-St. Paul's United Church (427 Bloor Street W), 7:30pm, $20/PWYC

MUSIC | The Henrys
Toronto's very own "nearly instrumental" band has played at festivals all over the globe, but plays an intimate gig tonight just for us. Different 'guest' vocalists have collaborated with The Henrys over the years, including Mary-Margaret O'Hara and Martina Sobara. Tonight they are joined by emerging vocalist/keyboardist Michelle Willis, a graduate of Humber College's Jazz program, who also leads her own group.
The Sixth (1642 Queen St W), 9pm, $10

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

MUSIC | Midnight Juggernauts @ Wrongbar
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Midnight Juggernauts' sound is difficult to classify. Spin called the trio "dance music's indie rock crossover", but there seem to be many other mysterious influences at work here. Still spreading the good word about their latest release The Crystal Axis, a good blast of Down Under energy is imminent.
Wrongbar (1279 Queen Street West), 8pm, $15

MUSIC | Nick Drake Tribute Night in Toronto
English songsmith and cult-figure Nick Drake died far too young, at the age of 26. He suffered from depression, and its related effects, and eventually passed on due to an overdose of his medication. Fittingly, tonight's tribute to Drake also serves as a benefit for the Centre For Addiction and Mental Health. An eight-piece string section will be present, as strings are almost inseparable from the sound of Drake's music. In addition to a "surprise guest", performers will include Emm Gryner, Tom Wilson, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Kurt Swinghammer, and more.
Trinity-St. Paul's United Church (427 Bloor Street W), 7pm, $35

FILM | The Shining - Great Cinematography in Revue
"Here's Johnny!" The Revue Cinema hosts a must-see for film buffs, and Kubrick-o-philes alike. Not only is it a treat to see this epic thriller on the big screen, but the film will be followed by a discussion with Garrett Brown (via Skype), who worked on the film, and also invented the Steadycam, a vital tool in the art of cinematography.
Revue Cinema (400 Roncesvalles Ave), 3pm, $10

MUSIC | Baby, It's Warm Inside - Christmas Show & Fundraiser
The holiday season definitely brings out the spirit of "giving", and there are many events around the city with a charitable twist. Tonight's musical fundraiser at The Piston promises some great music for a great cause. The Canadian Women's Foundation will be the lucky beneficiary of all proceeds, with Xmas tinged performances by locals Candice Chantrell, Kristina Bergeron, Andrea De Boer, and others.
The Piston (937 Bloor Street West), 8pm, $5

ART | SINCERO
Lula Lounge hosts a great event for immersing oneself in art for all ages, with authentic Mexican music provided by CafĂŠ Con Pan. If you've been meaning to expand your 'artistic' horizons, or are looking for a great family event to do the same, this is the place to be this aft!
Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas Street W), 4pm, $10/under 12 FREE

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Photo by monkeyseemonkeypoo in the blogTO Flickr pool.