SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH

MUSIC | Lucas Silveira with Dave Bidini & Lenni Jabour
Lucas Silveira, singer/guitarist from The Cliks, is a Canadian musician who has received much publicity and attention from the media over the last few years for being one of the most visible transgender musicians out there. While the old saying that "there's no such thing as bad publicity" is often hard to dispute, it can overshadow the substance behind what Ben Rayner referred to as, the "hook". Anyone with ears who has followed Silveira's evolution as a singer/songwriter will easily become much more fascinated with the 'substance'. That's what makes this eve's show at the Drake such a treat: solo acoustic sets tend to cut quickly through to the music, and leave all else behind, and this is the type of show Silveira is poised to deliver tonight. Supporting this great talent are openers Dave Bidini (of Rheostatics fame), and Lenni Jabour.
The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West) 7:30PM $10

MUSIC | Nero + Skrillex
Recently given the nod by BBC's Sound of 2011 poll, the UK duo, Nero will be churning out their special blend of dubstep and drum 'n' bass vibes at The Phoenix tonight. It's a loaded bill, shared with LA's Skrillex, who also likes his dubstep, but with some breakbeat and edgier sounds thrown in the mix. Also pumping it out are Huoratron, The Killabits, and Hydee.
The Phoenix (410 Sherbourne Steet) 10PM $23.50

LITERATURE | Book Signing with Joseph Gilland
Joseph Gilland is a veteran animator whose 32-year career has found him contributing to Walt Disney Features, Nelvana Productions, and work with the National Film Board Of Canada. His latest book, "Elemental Magic: The Classical Art of Hand Drawn Special Effects Animation", clearly explains various special effects techniques with step-by-step instructions, detailed explanations, and many amazing illustrations. He will be at The Labyrinth this afternoon for a book-signing, and meet-and-greet. This is a great opportunity for up and coming animators and graphic designers to meet a true master.
The Labyrinth (386 Bloor Street West) 3PM FREE

MUSIC | The Guru Tribute Show
Guru, MC and member of Gang Starr, died last April from cancer, and the hip hop community is looking to pay tribute to this influential musician and producer. Featured performer, Jeru The Damaja, went to high school with the Gang Starr crew, and worked with them extensively over the years. Word first spread of his rhyming talents when he was featured on Gang Starr's album "Daily Operation" (1992). Also paying tribute are the amazing talents of two other NY-area acts: Canibus and R.A. The Rugged Man. Respect.
The Opera House (735 Queen Street East) 9PM $35

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR SATURDAY RADAR

• Wavelength Studio Sessions #1 with Woodhands, Not The Wind, Not The Flag
• The Toronto Jazz Orchestra Live @ The Rex
• Courthouse Saturdays with DJ Blind Method

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH

MUSIC | Akron/Family
A much anticipated show tonight by the psychedelic and experimental Akron/Family. This is a very original band whose core influences seem to center around folk music and associated trappings, such as three-part harmonies, but their sound allows other styles, sonics and influences - including improvisation and electronics - to expand the possibilities of the music in an experimental and refreshing way. The band has undergone a relatively recent lineup change with the departure of Ryan Vanderhoof, and is known to frequently collab with tour mates to create an 'expanded band' onstage, but is currently holding steady as a three-piece.
The Horseshoe (370 Queen Street West) 8PM $12

LECTURE | Wavelength Speaker Series #1 with Liz Worth & Stuart Berman
An awesome bit of Toronto music history this afternoon! Join Liz Worth, author of "Treat Me Like Dirt: An Oral History of Punk in Toronto and Beyond", as she recounts long lost venues, personalities, and the vibrant TO punk scene from 1977-81 that set the stage for many of today's edgy sounds and aesthetic, now considered far less controversial, and almost... [gasp!]... mainstream. Stuart Berman, associate editor of Eye Weekly, and contributor to Pitchfork, will be discussing the '90s indie rock scene in Toronto. Forgotten bands, publications, and local luminaries will all be brought to light, as well as some shared insight into the struggles and musical 'climate' of the scene itself. This is a great opportunity for many to learn about these crucial moments in this city's great musical history. Or, for some of us... an opportunity to remember them....
The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West) 4PM PWYC

MUSIC | Elite Force UK: Family Dayr
Elite Force's original 'tech funk' style fills Wrongbar tonight. This seasoned DJ/producer has been at it all over the globe, moving bodies at top festivals from Hungary to India to Italy and beyond! His tracks have also been used in many films, television programmes, and several Playstation games.
Wrongbar (1279 Queen Street West) 9PM $15

CLUBS | Vinyl Only!
If you like your tunes with that warm, sweet, tight sound that holds the bottom end together like nothing else, you should check out Vinyl Only! And all-star DJ cast will be working hard to move bodies: Robb G, Peter "The Greek" Ivals, Big League Chu, and Mickey D will be in the house.
Andy Poolhall (489 College Street) 10PM $5 before midnight / $10 after

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR SUNDAY RADAR

• Wavelength 11th Anniversary Festival - "Closing Night"
• Family Day @ The Guvernment

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 Alton Yeung in the blogTO Flickr pool.