Toronto events on January 31, 2013

ART | Andy Kittmer: Bad Blood
Tattoo and skate inspired images by St. Mary's artist Andy Kittmer travels to Toronto to open Bad Blood at #Hashtag Gallery. Examining stigmas against those with unconventional beliefs, looks, opinions and those suffering addictions and mental illness, this showcase delves into the uncomfortable, the powerful, the emotional and the bad through bright colour and intricate details. The opening reception takes place tonight; the show runs until February 17th.
#Hashtag Gallery (801 Dundas Street West) 7PM Free

DIGITAL MEDIA | Euphoria & Dystopia: Book Launch, Symposium and Student Workshop
The digital concerns of the '90s are explored in OCAD University's Euphoria & Dystopia symposium, which begins tonight with a book launch and keynote address. The book focuses on the work of the Banff New Media Institute in the '90s, when it was ahead of the digital game, predicting technological, cultural, industrial and social trends in media. Preceding the book launch and reception will be a keynote presentation by the book's editors Sarah Cook and Dr. Sara Diamond, who is also OCAD's current President, as well as the former director of the BNMI, Susan Kennard. The event is free for all but requires registration.
OCAD University (100 McCaul Street) 6PM Free

POLITICS | Casino in Downtown Toronto? WTF?
Toronto pundits gather at the Tranzac to discuss the values and pitfalls of a downtown casino. These knowledgeable leaders will explain a lot of what the general public might be missing out on--including alternative options that are still available--while discussing the rationale and issues that come along with building a casino in the city. Urban planner Ken Greenberg, city councilor Adam Vaughan and Unite Here President Lis Pimentel make up the panel that will lead the discussion before groups will breakout into smaller discussions. Registration required through topoli02.eventbrite.com.
Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Avenue) 6PM Free

ART | Keita Morimoto: Into the Wild
OCAD graduate Keita Morimoto opens her first solo show, Into the Wild, at The Gladstone Hotel 3rd floor gallery this evening with a series of 20 paintings that place an emphasis on wide, deer-like eyes on human faces. In portraits that could be mistaken for enhanced photographs, Morimoto's talent for creating life-like subjects is reminiscent of the works of Evan Penny, if Penny had a flattened canvas. A sweetly mesmerizing exhibit, Morimoto's talent is something that needs to be seen with your own eyes to believe. The opening reception is free and the works will remain displayed until March 3rd.
The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West) 7PM Free

MUSIC | Arrington De Dionyso + Rebecca Fin (Sook-Yin Lee, Val Uher, Brandon Valdivia) + Odradek
Double Double Land gets a triple hit of local music tonight with three strong performances by upcoming bands and some recognizable faces. Arrington De Dionyso, an upcoming sax and clarinet musician whose music sounds like electronic manipulations, plays alongside multi-instrumentalist Andrew Timar before Rebecca Fin hits the stage with her band (which consists of notable names like Sook-Yin Lee, Val Uher and, Brandon Valdivia). Avant-garde instrumentalists Odradek will also be around to get playful with some new compositions while Arrington De Dionyso auctions off some artwork from Tuesday's 24-hour drawing performance. Doors are down the back alley of 209 Augusta and they open at 9PM.
Double Double Land (209 Augusta Avenue) 9PM $8

ALSO OF NOTE:

• Lisa Michelle Live at The Gladstone Hotel

MORE EVENTS THIS WEEK

For more Toronto event suggestions, check out these posts:

• This week in food
• This week in film
• This week in fashion
• This week in theatre
• This week in comedy
• Hot Ticket

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Photo by asianz in the blogTO Flickr pool