CULTURE | Dear Jack: A Celebration
Today marks a full year, to the day, of the passing of Jack Layton. For many this is a day to celebrate, remember, and find inspiration. Together with the Broadbent Institute, the Layton family is hosting a special celebration in honour of the late politician at Nathan Phillips Square, and some highlights from the "Dear Jack initiative" will be shared. Some musical guests will also take part in celebrating Layton's memory, including Lorraine Segato, Jason Collett, Ron Sexsmith, Raffi, Richard Underhill, and others.
Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen Street West) 6PM

LECTURE | WWTA#8: PARENTS
"What We Talk About" is a new casual lecture series that takes place every month at the Drake Hotel. A variety of speakers from different disciplines get together to deliver informal lectures, and then discuss the evening's topic in a "roundtable" format. Tonight's multi-pronged discussion menu, "Hamlet / God in the Old Testament and Jim Walsh in 90210 / Le Fils / Parentless Superheroes," resides nicely under the broad 'umbrella topic' of "Parents." An audience Q&A segment will make up part of the event.
Drake Underground (1150 Queen Street West) 7:30PM $5

MUSIC | Bassmentality Presents: I ♥ BASS MUSIC with BWANA, RYAN HEMSWORTH and VLSONN
Tonight the Bassmentality stage welcomes Bwana, Ryan Hemsworth and Vlsonn for an evening of music with rhythm and bottom-heavy energy. Bwana is a TO-born talent who is now UK-based, and word is spreading about his production talents and live skills. Halifax-based producer, Ryan Hemsworth has a sound that features classic 808 samples with a hip-hop vibe, and this sonic calling card has been finding its way onto remixes for Frank Ocean, Grimes, and others. Finally, a TO underground talent will round out this bill nicely: Vlsonn's low frequency energy, morphed soul sounds, and analog synth flavours lend this artist an identity that the bass music establishment is giving two thumbs up.
Wrongbar (1279 Queen Street West) 10PM $10

CLUBS | The Rochester's First Cocktail & Cabaret! Drinks, Food and Burlesque!
New venue on the block The Rochester is taking things up a notch on College Street. Tonight is The Rochester's first Cocktail and Cabaret night, and things are going to get hot as special themed drinks and great eats set the stage for an evening of burlesque entertainment. Coco Framboise, Mina LaFleur, Red Herring, Australia's Melody Merlot, and other burlesque talents will rock your world, and send you home with a smile.
The Rochester (423 College Street) Show starts at 8PM $15 ($10 cocktails start at 5PM)

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

Don Menza + San Noto
Brotherly Love at The Dakota Tavern - with The Cameron Brothers, The Crooked Brothers and Graham Ni
Fresh Wednesdays

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Photo by Marcin Moka in the blogTO Flickr pool