Toronto events on July 8th, 2013

COMMUNITY | Mad Pride Toronto: A Celebration of Madness
Mad Pride is a week-long "celebration of madness," showcasing the art, heritage and culture of Canadians suffering from mental illness, and raising awareness of both the issue, and the discrimination that many suffer. Today's events include the official Mad Pride "launch" at noon, followed by the first of several "Think Tank" sessions that will run throughout this festival, today's focusing on psychiatric treatment and the disabled. Shortly thereafter, a lecture/discussion delivered by the Leadership Project, entitled, Now We're All Crazy - What's Next?. At six o'clock, things shift into a different mode, with a two hour screening of the film, Mars Project, the story of a Khari Stewart, a Canadian rapper suffering from mental illness, whose story is intended to reveal shortcomings in the Canadian health care system where mental health is concerned. Mad Pride runs until the 14th.
Ryerson University, ENG103 (245 Church Street) film at 6pm

FUNDRAISER | The Calgary Stamp-AID Fundraiser
Tonight, a special fundraiser at The Gladstone Hotel to assist the victims of the recent flooding in Alberta. A great lineup of TO comedic talent is ready to add levity to the situation, including Gavin Crawford, Ryan Belleville, Jenn Robertson, and Ron James, with The Rumoli Brothers hosting. There will also be magic by Baldini, and videos featuring Sean Cullen, Colin Mochrie, and others. Music will be provided by Terra Hazelton and Jay McCarrol. There will also be a silent auction to raise a few extra dollars, and send people home with cool stuff. Payment is by donation, and all funds will go directly to the Red Cross' Alberta Flood Relief Fund.
The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West) 9PM pwyc ($20 suggested)

CULTURE | Trampoline Hall - Mark Reale Curates
Trampoline Hall returns to The Garrison tonight! This very popular mini-symposium of sorts rounds up a new selection of interesting and intellectual speakers each time, and each deliver a talk on a subject deliberately chosen to be outside of their area of expertise. The result are often hilarious and... slightly bizarre. Tonight's lineup has been curated by Mark Reale, and Collin Gribbons will discuss Street Golf: The Beautiful Game, Zemina Meghji will speak about "humans and robots", and Adil Dhalla give his take on "sleepovers at the office". Trampoline Hall is hosted by Misha Glouberman, and usually sells out, so do arrive early or get tickets in advance.
The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West) 7:30PM $6

THEATRE | The Adventures of a Professional Corpse
The Toronto Fringe Festival carries on today with a number of productions to choose from, including one this afternoon if you're enjoying a 'staycation' or just looking to escape from the heat and enjoy some Canadian theatre. Alexandra Rambusch's The Adventures Of A Professional Corpse is a comedy-drama inspired by mystery and pulp fiction magazines of the 1930's and '40s, but with a comedic element in place. The protagonist, James, a young man who has left school to work at the family business, discovers a special potion that can simulate death, and then the adventure begins. It turns out there could be a career in 'dying'. In addition to this afternoon, there are several other performances of The Adventures Of A Professional Corpse during the Fringe Festival, which concludes July 14th.
Tarragon Theatre (30 Bridgeman Avenue) $10

Also Of Note

• Nite Comfort: Chanteclair, Dirty Inputs + Well @ Handlebar
• Elvis Monday
• Anime Fandom and Otaku Culture: A Talk by Dr. Sandra Annett
• Cocktails for Calgary

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

Photo from Adventures of a Professional Corpse