SATURDAY, JANUARY 29TH

MUSIC | C for Cure Fundraiser
The Music Gallery hosts a double-event of music for a worthy cause this afternoon and this evening. At the end of last year, Neil Haverty of Bruce Peninsula was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Many in the Toronto music community who know Haverty and his band want to help him and his family offset some of the financial impact that comes with such a disease, and, toward this end, a matinee and evening show have been put together featuring friends and colleagues such as Timbre Timbre, Austra, Lake Vernon Drowning, Steven McKay of Bruce Peninsula, and more. All proceeds go to the Haverty family. Check the event link for complete deets on the lineups for both shows.
Music Gallery (197 John Street), 3PM & 7PM (Matinee $10) $20

MUSIC | Paul Van Dyk
Paul Van Dyk is the only DJ to remain in the worlds Top 10 for over 10 years straight. In a musical zone that is so ruled by fashion, technology, and trends, this is a very impressive feat! This could be largely due to the fact that Van Dyk has evolved since coming onto the scene, eschewing the "trance" pigeonhole in favour of the less restrictive "electronic dance music" descriptor. Catch him spinning tonight at The Guvernment, joined by Mark Oliver, and Manzone and Strong.
The Guvernment (132 Queens Quay East), 10PM $30

MUSIC | The Besnard Lakes
Montreal's Besnard Lakes take Lee's Palace by storm tonight! This band, nominated several times for the Polaris Music Prize delivers a strong wall of sound, but with atmospheric touches, and compelling vocals. Getting this "roaring night" started will be Quebec's SUUNS, and Valleys.
Lee's Palace (529 Bloor Street West), 9PM $15

CLUBS | Skratch Bastid/P Plus/J-Class
Juno nominee and Buck 65 collaborator, Skratch Bastid, teams up with J-Class, and Flow 93.5's P Plus, to deliver the 2nd edition of Midnight Mix, an event celebrating musical diversity. DJs are encouraged to mash things up, spin, and juxtapose a variety of styles. Mix it up!
Revival (783 College Street), 10PM $10-15

CULTURE | Dragon Ball 2011
Dragon Ball is one of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in North America. This event also serves as an important fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Yee Hong Wellness Foundation, which runs several nursing homes and communities for seniors. There will be raffles, prizes, and great food. If you have the means, this pricey but blinged-out event will be a great night out!
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street West) 7PM

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR SATURDAY RADAR

• Punk Rock Vinyl Night
• Tiki Funk January
• How To Dress Well
• Angela Sande, Dive Sparrow, Orchards & Westaway

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30TH

MUSIC | The River
The Esprit Orchestra's first concert of 2011 happens this evening. A diverse selection of works make up this evening's program, from Ligeti's "Lux Aeterna" to Canadian composer Douglas Schmdt's "Discouraged Passion". Featured guests and soloists will include the Elmer Isler Singers, and violist Teng Li.
Royal Conservatory of Music - Koerner Hall (273 Bloor Street West), 7:15PM $15-$43

MUSIC | Sicilian Jazz Project
The Sicilian Jazz Project has been described by enthusiasts as "a masterpiece in cultural fusion", using the sounds and culture of Sicily in the early 1950s as an aesthetic benchmark and musical direction. The project was nominated for Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year at the 2009 Junos, and is made up of TO's finest jazz players. This is a musical offer you can't refuse....
Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas Street West), 8PM $15

ART | ORCHESTRA
Today is the final day to catch this unique multi-media exhibit/performance. With the "roaring '20s" as a theme, this collaborative art show incorporates art, music, drama and dance. You are encouraged to "dress up" and celebrate - this will be a far cry from your average gallery happening.
Ben Navaee Gallery (1111 Queen Street East), 1PM FREE

LECTURE | Shrinking Laboratories, Expanding Horizons
How has technology enhanced scientific research, and affected productivity in the laboratory? Dr. Eugenia Kumacheva will discuss these issues, and the modern "lab-on-a-chip" innovation in lab technology, ergonomics and how this bodes for the future of biological research and medical diagnostics.
MacLeod Auditorium, MedSci Building, U of T (1 King's College Circle), 3PM FREE

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR SUNDAY RADAR

Sunday Social w/ lightsweetcrude + Hay/Segger/Sexton/Ward
"Songs for Mezz" CD release party
Kick Butt Self-Defence Class

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 sjgardiner in the blogTO Flickr pool.