MUSIC | The Paint Movement Returns
The boys of The Paint Movement will be returning for two nights only to the intimate setting of The Dakota Tavern. Tonight is night #1 and If you haven't experienced the magical music of this band, it is highly suggested you make the trek west. Show-goers will have the unique opportunity to hear a smattering of what's to come on their much-anticipated album dropping this spring. This is alternative rock the way it is meant to be heard.
The Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington Avenue), 9pm PWYC

ART | ART BATTLE 10
Tonight marks the very first Art Battle of the year; if this is something you haven't experienced before, add it to the list for 2011. Here's how it goes: 36 painter tickets, of which 8 painters are selected, 2 will win by way of voting and be eligible to with the purse of $500. This is competitive painting taken to the extreme and showcasing some undeniably raw talent. Check it out tonight!
The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West), 7:30pm $15

COMEDY | The Mix-Up
An impressive lineup of stand-up comedians will be performing for your funny bone's pleasure at The Central, as part of The Mix-Up. The event kicks off with Jon Schablas hosting the open mic portion of the evening, just what the doctor ordered to rev things up for the main event. The Mix-Up includes some big names in comedy such as Arthur Simeon, Bob Kerr, Christophe Davidson and Punch Drysdale. We all love to laugh until we snort, no?
The Central (603 Markham Street), 7pm Free

LITERARY | The New York Poets
Ever had a desire to channel your inner wordsmith? Or perhaps you've always remembered your teenage affinity to poetry? If either scenario sounds like you, consider signing up for Victor Coleman's five-week course educating on the life and times of famed poets such as Frank O'Hara John Ashbery and more. Intriguing conversation will ensue, we promise.
Toronto New School of Writing (283 College Street), 6-8pm, $150 for the whole program

MUSIC | Hauschka at The Music Gallery
With two well-received records under his belt, Hauschka otherwise known as Volker Bertelmann will be performing and promoting his latest album, Foreign Landscapes tonight at The Music Gallery. He is known around the world primarily for being a piano protĂŠgĂŠ but with his latest project, "he boldly extends his repertoire, resetting his music within a rich orchestral score." His work is exploratory, inspiring and enlightening; it's like nothing you've heard before.
The Music Gallery (197 John Street), 7pm $30 + S/C

MORE EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• Spy vs. Spy - Jeff Eager and Paige Armstrong Final Show
• Esteban Puchalski residency at the Wilson 96

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 asianz in the blogTO Flickr pool.