SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH

MUSIC | Wayne Shorter Quartet @ Massey Hall
Wayne Shorter needs little introduction to any music fan. The legendary saxophonist rose to fame in the '60s as part of one of Miles Davis' legendary quintets alongside Herbie Hancock. His contributions to the groundbreaking fusion group Weather Report further consolidated his status as musical icon and innovator. Tonight at Massey Hall, he is joined by some of the greatest players in jazz today: Brian Blade (frequent Daniel Lanois collaborator) on drums, John Pattitucci on bass, and pianist Danilo Perez.
Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street) 8PM $49.50 - $79.50

MUSIC | Matthew Barber + Peirson Ross
Join Matthew Barber and Peirson Ross tonight at the Drake for a wonderful and early double-bill with two great singer-songwriters. Barber, whose performing career began in Kingston while attending Queen's, has risen to prominence as a Canadian singer-songwriter with a Juno nomination, extensive touring, and a major Canadian hit with his single "Soft One". Peirson Ross opens the show, with his experimental and genre defying folk sounds and bold musical direction. This show is slated to wrap up by 11PM, so do arrive early!
The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West) 8PM $15

MUSIC | Music Gallery & Images Festival present New York's NOW Ensemble
As part of The Music Gallery's Post-Classical series, and the Images Festival, the Now Ensemble from NYC takes the stage tonight. This young and modern chamber ensemble has captured the attention of the New Yorker, and features the mezzo soprano of acclaimed singer Abigail Fischer. Works by Greenstein and Mazzoli make up the programme. If you are looking for something edgy and fresh from the world of chamber music, this is the ticket for you.
The Music Gallery (197 John Street) 7PM $25

FUNDRAISER | B-day Breast Fest
The Elmo's got great music for a great cause tonight, with all proceeds and food donations going to help those with cancer, and in those in need of food. There will be breast cancer examination demos conducted by Nurse Steph, and a big list of musical guests, including Young Architects, Jhyve, and Sky Terminal.
El Mocambo (464 Spadina Avenue) 8PM $10 with food donation/$15 without

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR SATURDAY RADAR

• Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque & Boylesque T.O present BE MEIN VALENTINE!
• Valentines FETISH BALLThe Twelves @ Wrongbar - February 12
• Bonjay live all-ages in-store at Soundscapes
• Goth Drag V2

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH

MUSIC | Hellogoodbye/Gold Motel/You Me and Everyone We Know/NNEC
Hopefully the cold TO weather won't be a shock to California power-poppers Hellogoodbye. Their earnest, party anthems will certainly warm things up for those in attendance tonight at the Tattoo Rock Parlour. Also on the bill is Gold Motel, a band from Chicago who also have a 'Cali streak', via founder and lead singer Greta Morgan, whose songwriting was inspired by her immersion in the So-Cal music scene during an extended visit there. You can also catch You, Me, and Everyone We Know from the DC area, and Now, Now, Every Children (NNEC) from Minneapolis.
Tattoo Rock Parlour (567 Queen Street West ) 6:30PM $16.50

CULTURE | The Beat Goes On
This event is part of Then And Now, a TD sponsored series commemorating Black History Month in Toronto. Join Andrew Moodie, Mahlikah Awe:ri, and Donna Michelle St. Bernard, as they combine drama, music and spoken word to deliver new combinations, styles, and works, while exploring history and its implications for the present. A discussion moderated by the CBC's Garvia Bailey will follow.
The Music Gallery (197 John Street) 2:30PM FREE

CULTURE | Eat for Tibet Food Festival
A great afternoon in TO's Parkdale 'hood this aft, for those who have been meaning to check out Tibetan cuisine and culture, and for those who sympathize with the region's political struggles. The festival promises "cultural performances", raffles, and six different Tibetan restaurants will be displaying their culinary delights for you along the strip of Queen Street known as "Little Tibet".
Various locations on Queen West (see link) 11AM to 5PM

MUSIC | The Thing Is @ The Rex
The Thing Is, a project helmed by vocalist and composer Tova Kardonne, plays a much anticipated gig at the Rex Hotel this eve. This eight-piece ensemble draws influences from a number of different cultures and styles such as the music of Eastern Europe, jazz, Afro-funk, and more. There are some heavy players in this band, including pianist David Restivo. Definitely a must see/hear!
The Rex Hotel (194 Queen Street West) 9:30PM

OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

• The Monkey Brunch
• Freak Nasty: Erotic Poetry

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 Scott Snider in the blogTO Flickr pool.