BOOKS & LIT | AUTHORS: Heather Birrell, John Boyne, Yejide Kilanko
Tonight, another great set of readings presented as part of the ongoing Authors at Harbourfront series. Toronto author Heather Birell, who has received the Journey Prize for short ction, will read from her short story collection, "Mad Hope". Irish novelist, John Boyne, will share some of his latest novel, "The Absolutist", which was launched almost a year ago in the UK and has already been 'serialized' on BBC Radio. To complete this evening's lineup, Nigerian-born author Yejide Kilanko (now residing in Chatham) will read from her latest, "Daughters Who Walk This Path". Catherine Bush is this evening's host.
Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West) 7:30PM $10

MUSIC | Howlin' Rain + Little Foot Long Foot
Howlin' Rain hits The Garrison tonight! These guys are based out of San Francisco, and have been together almost a decade. They are currently signed to mega-producer Rick Rubin's American Recordings imprint. Their latest release, "The Russian Wilds," was released back in February, and they are currently touring it. Their sound could be described as raw, blues-influenced psychedelia. Locals Little Foot Long Foot will get the evening started.
The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West) 9PM $10.50

FUNDRAISER | Laughs For Scott
The Rivoli hosts a fundraiser that promises to provide plenty of laughs for a very worthy cause! The Schizophrenia Society of Canada has put together "Laughs For Scott", a comedy event in memory of Scott Way, a much admired and loved victim of schizophrenia. Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada will be pressing palms at this event and a great lineup of comedic talent awaits you: Kevin MacDonald, Winston Spear, Ron Sparks, Scott McCrickard, Darren Frost, Judy Croon, Rob Ross, and Carolyn Bennett. They say that laughter is the "best medicine," and tonight's laughter will go a long way towards providing some help for others.
The Rivoli (332 Queen Street West) 8:30PM PWYC ($20 suggested)

MUSIC | Swing Night with Combo Royale
The Gladstone Hotel has a new event night on the go for everyone who wants to throw their worries about the economy, global warming, and other greatly depressing issues out the window and... swing! On the second Wednesday of every month, you have "Swing Night" to look forward to, complete with a live band, Combo Royale, who are adept at all styles of music that make your feet happy: Ska, Blugrass, and of course, Swing! Starting with dinner this could be a great all around night out, but if you're just in it for dancing and drinks, things get going at 9pm, and there's no cover!
Melody Bar - Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West) 9PM

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

• Momentum Dance Toronto Presents Projections
• C Magazine 2012 Art Auction

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

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Photo by bukharov in the blogTO Flickr pool