This weekend, I propose you spend some time perusing some classic books, taking in some local theatre, and of course indulge in live music. Toronto never disappoints in its offering of arts and cultural events.
2015 Toronto Antiquarian Book Fair
November 6 – 8, Art Gallery of Ontario
Free with AGO Admission.
General Admission: $19.50, Free for AGO members
This year, the fair will be officially opened by the internationally distinguished author and scholar Alberto Manguel. Manguel, born in Argentina in 1948, is an anthologist, translator, essayist, novelist and editor. He is the author of numerous non-fiction books such as The Dictionary of Imaginary Places (co-written with Gianni Guadalupi in 1980), The Library at Night (2007) and Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey: A Biography (2008); and novels such as News From a Foreign Country Came (1991).
Go for the arts and stay for the books! Be sure to visit my pals from Sellers & Newel, who will have a booth at the fair. They are purveyors of some very rare books but also some very well-known classics. Peter Sellers will be at the fair to show off their older editions of some very great books, including some of my favourites like Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Sellers and the other exhibitors will have plenty from you to choose from!
Day Of The Dead
Harbourfront Centre
November 7 – 8, FREE
This Saturday and Sunday you can explore the ancient and contemporary traditions of Mexico and Latin America’s oldest cultural celebration of life, heritage and family histories.
This year’s celebration includes great food, as well as great music by Mariachi Los Gallos & others. There will also be a performance by Ballet Folklorico Puro Mexico entitled Calaveras y Colores, celebrating the life of loved ones that have passed. There will also be crafts, ofrendas, vendors, and more. Check the website for full details.
Caminos 2015
Aluna Theatre in Partnership with Native Earth Performing Arts
Aki Studio, Daniel’s Spectrum
Tickets: $5-$20; PWYC Sunday
Ends Sunday, November 8
This festival of new works by 60 Panamerican and Indigenous Artists invites you to re-imagine las Américas. The festival features performances, cabaret evenings, and more for the rest of this weekend. I highly recommend seeing the theatre piece Ayelen, which premiered at SummerWorks this past summer.
On Saturday night, Martha Chaves Comedy and Carmen Aguirre’s Broken Tailbone are my personal recommendations. Shout out to DJ El Machetero for providing the beats that night. Dance lessons, anyone?
2015 Rendezvous With Madness Film Festival
November 6 – 14, Various Venues
$12 General Admission
$15 Opening Night / $35 VIP Reception
Some PWYC tickets at door for persons on fixed income
One of the very important film festivals in Toronto, in my opinion, RWM investigates the facts and mythologies surrounding mental illness and addiction as seen by both Canadian and international filmmakers, as well as by visual and media-based artists.
This year’s line up looks very strong. I am quite interested in the Madness in Motion: The Dance of Disorder program, screening on Sunday, November 4, 4pm. Also on my festival picks are, Juanicas (Nov 8, 8pm); An Autobiography of Michelle Maren (Nov 10, 6:30pm) ; My Skinny Sister (Nov 13, 7pm). For full festival listings, box office and schedule info, visit its website.
