ART | Art Battle Cage Matches
There are "painting competitions", and "live painting"... but this is something completely different - it's "full-contact live competitive painting"! This is no uptight stroll through a museum wearing latex gloves, but rather a free for all cut throat battle between two artists at a time, where anything can happen, and things get very messy. After 10 minutes of tussling, tossing, wrestling, struggling, and even some painting, a winning work is declared by the audience. This is definitely a chance to catch a unique event, where high art meets street fighting, and it will be interesting to see what kind of 'street fighting' artists are capable of, especially considering they will be worried about doing any damage to their hands. Some of the paintings produced in these "Cage Matches" will be auctioned off at tonight's event.
The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West) 7:30PM $15 / $10 OCAD students

THEATRE | American Idiot
"American Idiot", the musical based on the 2004 Green Day album of the same name, opens tonight, here in TO. This is one of those musicals that are referred to as "thorough sung", meaning that this show is all music, and almost no dialogue. That could be a good thing, really, as you are likely a fan of Green Day and musical theatre if you are considering checking this out. You should be aware, however, that no member of the band actually appears in this show.... just putting that out there. "American Idiot" won two Tony Awards last year and a Grammy this year for Best Musical Show Album, and runs here in Toronto until January 15th.
Toronto Centre For The Arts (5000 Yonge Street) 8PM $28 - $180

MUSIC | PWYC Weds w/ Alex Sheriff, Philip James, and Coppleganger
The very last Rancho Relaxo PWYC Wednesday is tonight! This showcase has delivered some great up and coming talent over during 2011 to an eager audience at whatever price you can afford. Tonight's headliner is Coppleganger, a solo project of Mike Copely, better known as a member of the local five-piece, Sky Of Sound. This setting finds Copely delivering interestingly crafted lyrics accompanied by very clear and articulated guitar work. "Guitar, vocals and poetry" does indeed sum it up. Also the bill are Philip James, a solo performer with a dreamy, atmospheric sound, and Alex Sheriff, a hip hop artist whose backing tracks are cut live by a full band. Should be a good one!
Rancho Relaxo (300 College Street) 9PM pwyc

MUSIC | What's In The Box Night 3 w/ Hooded Fang, Kids & Explosions + more
The Drake's "What's In The Box" series continues tonight. This a great series of eclectic bills that goes on for five nights between Xmas day and New Year's Eve, featuring some stellar talent with a very affordable cover charge! Tonight you can catch headliner Kids & Explosions dropping their set at 1am, but do arrive early for the whole show which includes My Friends, Paradise Animals, Rouge, and Hooded Fang. These shows usually sell out, so get there early to avoid disappointment!
Drake Underground (1150 Queen Street West) 9PM $5

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

Day 3: Boxing Day Special: Festival & Food Drive
Last show of 2011! Ben Veneer & The Jessica Stuart Few @ The Painted Lady
SHAKEDOWN STREET

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Photo by Michael Mitchener in the blogTO Flickr pool