Ent & the City — March 9-15, 2012

This city has something different to do every night. Here are some picks to help navigate the social jungle that is Toronto.

Film
March 9-10
Toronto Irish Film Festival
TIFF Lightbox Theatre, 350 King St. W.

Is there a better way to learn about a different culture than through film? Some may argue food but in the case of Irish people I personally want a bigger window into their world. Enter the Toronto Irish Film Festival. Though it is only two days long, the variety of content being showcased is interesting and rarely seen on the screen in Toronto. This year’s festival includes an opening night gala, a music program, short film showcase, and an emerging filmmaker spotlight in addition to premiere feature films. Sounds promising, tweet me film reviews @mohitsmovies.

Cost: $15 to $20
More: www.torontoirishfilmfest.com

Live theatre/comedy
Sunday, March 11 at 9 p.m.
Sunday Night Live featuring the Sketchersons
Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W.

The changing city means an evolving comedy scene but one that still nurtures clever and creative types. The Sketchersons have also changed with our times and the cast now is poised to continue tradition that has now been held here for over three decades.

Let’s assume you are looking for a laugh on a Sunday (and maybe you passed out on the couch at 8 p.m. Saturday). This show is modelled after Saturday Night Live, and each week features all brand new sketches, a guest host, a musical guest and weekly news segment.

Cost: $10
More: www.comedybar.ca

Music
Tuesday, March 13
Hedley with special guests: Classified, Anjulie and My name is Kay
Air Canada Centre
40 Bay St.

This is one of those concerts that could either be a brave experiment in mixing good music or an attempt to define Canadian pop music. Either way, there is not only potentially wicked set lists by all artists involved but there is a guaranteed amount of hijinks that will be mixed into this show. I’ve linked to some of the best work by all the artists on the bill so you can decide which flavour intrigues your palate. #GoCancon.

Cost: $34.50-$49.50
More: theaircanadacentre.com

Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.
The Black Keys
Air Canada Centre
40 Bay St.

I can’t say that I understand the monster hype around this duo but I can say that there are millions of fans who believe it’s much more than being about the ”hype” for them. With their new album El Camino receiving critical and commercial success you can expect a crowd of hipsters and reformed new wavers toe tapping in the seat at the ACC.

Cost: $59.95 and up
More: www.ticketmaster.ca   

Etc.
Wednesday, March 14 at noon
Space Chums
Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen St. W.

Dear Parents, I know what it is like to have certain kids shows on repeat in a household and I also know that many overpriced children’s shows require both a healthy budget and an exercise in patience. So when I heard about the Space Chums, I knew that it was going to be another trial-and-error situation. The reasons this event sticks out for me are a) it is a chance for parents to get out midweek during March Break and let loose and b) lunch is included in the price.

Cost: $10 per family (includes lunch)
More: www.gladstonehotel.com

March 12-17
World MasterCard Fashion Week
David Pecaut Square
55 John St.

Fashion Week in Toronto has been given a makeover (at least by way of the name). The former LG Fashion week now boasts the name World MasterCard Fashion Week but the jury is out whether any other significant changes that the fashion circle in this city will see. What’s certain is that designers from all walks of life have started to rate Toronto’s shows as being on par with many of the off-season fashion shows. It is not for everyone, but it is more those who have an apt recitation for fashion and those who just want to be seen.

Cost: $100 weeklong pass
More: www.worldmastercardfashionweek.com