WEDNESDAY

7 pm “Kinship” Opening Reception @ Steam Whistle Brewery, 255 Bremner Blvd. “’Kinship’ is an exhibition from 13 Toronto artists that explores the symbolic nature of family and the imagery that portraits use to represent togetherness, regardless of any blood relation between subjects. Through drawing, painting and illustration, each artist looks beyond the careful posing and immaculate coifs of tradition in order to present their own interpretation of the family unit. Some are fantastic and curious. Some are dignified and respectable. Some wear matching sweaters.” Until 11 pm. Exhibition runs for the entire month of February.

10 pm Heart & Strokes @ Monarch Tavern (upstairs), 12 Clinton St. From Heart to The Strokes. Time to get your dance on, every Wednesday until Armageddon! Photobooth, AC/DC pinball, and pool tables.

10 pm Sha Na Na @ The Red Light, 1185 Dundas St. W. DJ Brittney (one half of the Bangs & Blush duo) plays jukebox hits and makeout songs all night long.

THURSDAY

7 pm “The Sex Show” Opening Reception @ Gallery 1313, 1313 Queen St. W. “An annual curated exhibition that includes a variety of interpretations of what different artists view as sexual. The definition of sex and sexuality has and always will be open to interpretation. Each individual has his/her own definition of what is considered sexual. What factors are recognized in the process defining something as ‘sexual’ or ‘erotic’? The Sex Show attempts to push the boundaries of the definition of sex. It approaches the topic of sex from all angles, exhibiting works that vary on a broad scale, from art that is more explicit to art that is more elusive in content.” Until 10 pm. Exhibition runs until February 17.

7 pm The Humourless Feminists Comedy Night @ The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W. Because humour can exist without rape jokes and some of Toronto’s best comedic talent is going to prove it! Hosted by Natalie Norman and starring Ben Beauchemin, Derek Forgie, Christina Walkinshaw, Steph Tolev, Bobby Knauf, Amanada Brooke Perrin, Darryl Orr, and more. This will be like any other comedy night, but with proceeds going to the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape, and with no rape jokes, or other cheap-shot oppressive humour. PWYC ($10 suggested donation).

7 pm Deen Daze Vol. 2 Launch @ Milk Glass Co., 1247 Dundas St. W. The launch of the second volume of Deze Daze, featuring photography by Kelsey Stasiak, Drew Lint, and Marishka Anne. This colourful edition is 12 pages, 4 colours, tabloid size, and tape bound. Work will be displayed with prints and zines are available for purchase. Until 11 pm.

7 pm “Everyday Is The 14th” Launch @ Miracle Thieves, 249 Crawford Ave. This event is more than a pop-up-shop but a celebration of LOVE through the crafts and art of 14 creative women. This 1 week retail experience is for women who want to treat themselves to something nice and for men who want to treat the women in their life. Participating artists include Robin Lacambra (necklaces and homeware), Natasha Singh (cards and bracelets by Singhnature), Desireee Girlato (jewelry by Armed), Rajni Perera (prints – run of 10), Natalie Mancini (handmade soy candles by La Vela Bella), Julie Clark (essential oils by Province Apothecary), Lorena Agolli (slippers and shoe accessories), Vanessa Warrack (lingerie by Bully Boy), Anda Untila (homeware and accessories), Ilona Fiddy (candle holders and homeware), Mika Sato (Japanese-inspired orchid plants), Alessandra Cardarelli (homeware), and Tiffany Love (accessories, toques, and sculptures). All pieces made for this event will be in exclusive runs of 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20.

9:30 pm For The D: Celebrating The Music Of J Dilla @ Wrongbar, 1279 Queen St. W. The 5 year anniversary of For The D, a night that started in earnest to celebrate the life and times of what some have argued as the greatest producer to have lived or at the very least, amongst the best: J Dilla a.k.a. Jay Dee a.k.a. James Dewitt Yancey. With Taktiks and special guest Re:Verse (live band). $7 limited advance tickets available online, $10 otherwise.

10 pm Blahzay Florplay @ Mr. Pong’s Bar, 1576 Dundas St. W. Blahzay Dilla Day in celebration of one of the greatest musical minds of our generation: James Yancey, a.k.a. Jay Dee, J Dilla, and Dilla Dawg among others (Feb. 7, 1973 – Feb. 10, 2006). Music by the BlahzayBoys (DJs NaNa and Pangea Delphi).

10 pm A Room With A View @ Footwork, 425 Adelaide St. W. (room/ro͞om/ Noun: Space that can be occupied or where something can be done, esp. viewed in terms of whether there is enough. view/vyo͞o/ Noun: The ability to see something or to be seen from a particular place.) DJ sets from Pariah and HDIMYF (Toronto) with support from locals David Patterson, Michael Krochak, and Kevin McPhee. $10 advance tickets available online. For $10 guestlist, email guestlist@wearemansion.ca.

10 pm The Quiet Storm @ The Red Light, 1185 Dundas St. W. DJ Andycapp plays four hours of melodically soulful music that provides an intimate, laid-back mood tailor-made for late-night listening and a welcome end to the stresses of the workday.

10 pm Neighbourhood Watch @ The Shop under Parts & Labour, 1566 Queen St. W. A community focused on local talent whether that be established artists or those coming up. These parties are an opportunity to hear producers’ new tunes and their works in progress, to hear live music and collaborations, and to (mostly) have fun. Come introduce yourself to the neighbourhood. With DJs Rashad (Lit City, Teklife, Chicago), Thugli, ϟ†Nϟ, Nacho Lovers, Sylvermayne, and Bounty Man. PWYC (suggested $5), with proceeds going to future parties/releases.

10 pm #StopCrying @ Crawford, 718 College St. “Thursday is the new Friday.” The Bass6 crew play hip-hop, reggae, dance, and trap tunes to turn that frown upside down. $5.

10 pm Turnt Up @ Uniq Lifestyle @ 606 King St. W. With A$AP MOB and A$AP Rocky’s official DJ A$AP SNACKS (a.k.a. J.Scott) + opening DJ set by kungfucandy and James Redi. First come, first serve, pay at the door, so arrive early!

11 pm Wack Slack’s 90’s Dance Party @ The Beaver, 1192 Queen St. W. Lovefool Edition! Don’t say I love you in 90 different ways, say I love you in a 90’s way. DJs Kris Kadas and Robin Sharp play the best 90’s jams + a working SNES hooked up to a projector for you to play. The 90’s are alive in our hearts. Always.

FRIDAY

9 pm Dilla Day Party @ The May, 876 Dundas St. W. A party in celebration of the music, life, and legacy of James Dewitt Yancey, better known to most as J Dilla (Feb. 7, 1973 – Feb. 10, 2006). Droppin’ Dilla tunes all night with special performances by: Elaquent, Daark & Blaark, SUP∆83, Jaztoh, The Most High / Shhadeh n’ Jaz, more TBA. Free donuts all night! $5.

10 pm SoulSkank @ Handlebar, 159 Augusta Ave. Funk, soul, reggae, ska, and dancehall in its most raw form! A vinyl-only dance party with DJs Double K and Gramera on the decks and Dennis P on the saxophone. PWYC ($5 suggested).

10 pm 90s Party: Couples/Duos Edition @ The Annex WreckRoom, 794 Bathurst St. Good Kids and She Does the City are excited to bring you the couples/duos edition of 90s Party! Come in your best couples wear (Zack/Slater, Zach/Kelly, Urkel/Laura, Will/Carleton, Kurt/Courtney, etc.) for a chance to win $200 in cash, or dress up like it’s 1990-1999. $1 vodka jello shots ALL NIGHT LONG. DJs Caff and Fawn BC play all your favourite alternative rock, pop, and hip-hop tunes from the decade. $5 before midnight, $10 after.

10 pm Party & Bull$hit @ The Shop under Parts & Labour, 1566 Queen St. W. DJs FBomb and Ry-Fi play the bangers you know and love. Only the best in hip-hop, R&B, pop, and trap. Bring your neckbraces! Free before 11 pm, $5 after.

10 pm (ALT)Night: Wax @ Margret, 2952 Dundas St. W. (ALT)Night is back with stax of audio delights on wax! DJ Dislexia kicks the laptop to the curb and digs through his collection to keep your ears happy and your toes tappy! Lock and loaded funk/scream and shout punk/lock groove house/gangster love/guilty pleasures for the guilty at heart/weirdness dolla bin gems/soulful party jams. Drink specials until midnight.

10 pm Fuck It @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. A sweaty, dirty, guilty-pleasure-filled evening where the Bangs & Blush ladies play whatever the fuck they want! 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s… all the music you know and secretly love. $5.

10 pm Lady Starlight’s Official “Born This Way Ball” Afterparty @ The Drake Underground. Lady Starlight – the classic rock/metal DJ and performer who tours with Lady Gaga – presents her official Born This Way Ball afterparty! She’ll be performing alongside The Dirty Pearls. $10.

10 pm Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) DJ Set @ The Hoxton, 69 Bathurst St. DJ set by Joe Goddard of Hot Chip with support from Natural Animal. $15 advance tickets available online.

10 pm That Time Of The Month @ The Henhouse, 1532 Dundas St. W. DJs Alex Molotkow and Chandler Levack bring you the most righteous soul, disco, and R&B by the women that understand.

10 pm Da Da Da: A Psychedelic Dance Party @ The Boat, 158 Augusta Ave. An all-night free love psychedelic midnight ball! DJs Brad Casey and Wilderness Creature play psychedelic music from The Beach Boys to Beach House, The Kinks to Caribou, The Byrds to Black Moth Super Rainbow, etc. $5.

10 pm City Love / She’s So Thirsty @ Crawford, 718 College St. Upstairs, Crawford’s sweethearts Lacey & Tammy blast out hot hip-hop and RnB tunes! Downstairs, DJ Grouch plays reggae and trap all night long. $5 before 11:30 pm, more after.

10 pm Tiger Tears @ Tiger Bar (basement of Crown & Tiger), 414 College St. A soundtrack to get steamy with your lover on the tiger skin rug of your darkest fantasies. DJs Emma Danger and Kittyflip play sublime R&B, slow jams, big mama vocals, and earth quaking, bone shaking house. BYO fancy dress and nasty nature.

10 pm Slowed @ Wrongbar, 1279 Queen St. W. Slo-mo tunes (115 BPM or less) from special guest DJ Etc!Etc! with support from Damnkids, and Lucie Tic. $10 advance tickets available at Rotate This, Soundscapes, and online. For reduced guestlist, email events@ledewit.com.

10 pm The Get By @ The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave. DJ Mantis and Hajah Bug spin hip-hop, funk, soul, and reggae vibes on two turntables with very special guests. All jams all night.

10 pm The Reflex: 80’s Retro Night @ The Midpoint, 1180 Queen St. W. DJs Corey Dawkins and John Jay present a new retro 80’s dance night! Expect to hear music from the Fine Young Cannibals, Terence Trent D’arby, Duran Duran, The Pointer Sisters, UB40, Bonnie Tyler, Pat Benatar, and more.

10:30 pm Her @ La Perla, 783 Queen St. W. Puck-HER-Up Edition! DJs Phil V, Cozmic Cat, and Kevin Ritchie spin V-day beats for singles and lovHERs. $2.50 drink special before 11:30 pm + $5 Palomas all night. For line bypass, email set.her.free@gmail.com. $5.

11 pm BB @ Bambi’s, 1265 Dundas St. W. DJs Stephanie Muller and Lauren Burns Coady control the musics.

SATURDAY

10 am Fuzz Wax Bar 1 Year Anniversary @ Fuzz Wax Bar, 701 Queen St. W. To thank their friends, patrons, and neighbours for an incredible first year, Fuzz Wax Bar will be serving free hot chocolate and raffling off giveaways galore (including free waxing for a year). Festivities will run until 8 pm and are open to everyone.

12 pm 7th Annual Toronto Erotic Arts & Crafts Fair @ The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W. A one-of-a-kind sexy fair that brings together artists and crafters just in time for Valentine’s Day! Knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers, and artists of all types create inspired and inspiring erotic objects for thisone-day celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture. Presented by Come As You Are. Until 8 pm.

8 pm LunarSkate @ The Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queen’s Quay W. Celebrate the Lunar New Year as DJ Serious spins a fresh, eclectic mix of hip-hop, soul, funk, and classics. In partnership with LunarFest. Until 11 pm.

9 pm The Red Party @ The May, 876 Dundas St. W. Join House of Dust in celebrating the Chinese New Lunar Year of the sssssssnake! Free vegan treats and yerba mate tea, red attire, give or get a red gift, meet awesome people, dance your ass off to mutiple electronic music genres, have a (red) drink, Burning Man-inspired art. Upon entry, you will be presented with a red envelope and a blank note in it. Take the note, write a wish, a spell, or something funny, then put in back in the envelope and they’ll be mixed up… what will you give? What will you get? With DJs Red Lion, Hadiman, and K-Dust. $5 before 11 pm, $10 after.

10 pm Strictly Business @ The Red Light, 1185 Dundas St. W. DJs Serious and Numeric present another classic hip-hop schooling session! Golden era super jams from A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Black Moon, Mobb Deep, Notorious B.I.G., MC Lyte, Cypress Hill, Funkdoobiest, Gang Starr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and much more!

10 pm Baby & Johnny: Shake, Rattle & Roll’s Valentine’s Day Hop @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. Bangs & Blush have a crush! Love is in the air this and they want you to come party hard in your best couples costumes. Prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place couples costumes, so dress to impress! $5.

10 pm Beam Me Up Disco @ The Piston, 937 Bloor St. W. February’s edition is a trip back in time, soundtracked by a smorgasbord of funky and soulful disco, disco-rap, boogie, and other aural oddities primed to make you groove. With A Digital Needle DJs and guest Cyclist. $5 before 11 pm, $10 after.

10 pm Lucky Bitches @ The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave. Two ice stallions serve it up hot with a glamour positive party for anyone who knows what it’s like to be a lucky bitch. The guiltiest of pleasures all night: hitz that span the ages, 90’s hip-hop, contemporary hitz, 80’s velvet jamz, forgotten gemz.

10 pm Breakfast @ The Shop under Parts & Labour, 1566 Queen St. W. DJs Stupa and Mac plate an eclectic mix of music, mashing hip-hop, electro/house, rock, R&B, funk, and soul. Free before 11 pm, $5 after.

10 pm Business Woman’s Special @ Augusta House, 152-A Augusta Ave. There is no excuse to not come to the BWS February edition: it’s the month of love. Lady Gaga’s concert will be over. Drag Queen Lady GayGay will be there performing. DJs Sammy and Alessandro are spinning. There will be a tribute to Whitney! Kimon will capture the moment you meet your future spouse. $5.

10 pm Sherman + KP Regina @ The Fountain, 1261 Dundas St. W. Total awesomeness. Sweat pants. Prepare to dance. Only good music and good people allowed.

10 pm Ignition / Return of the Double Dragons @ Crawford, 718 College St. Upstairs, DJs Caff, Rei Von, and special guest The Dirty Frenchman (Walmer Convenience) play bumpin’ n’ grindin’ RnB, hip-hop, reggae, and club musics (and more than enough R. Kelly classics). Downstairs, DJs Freeza Chin and Shai (a.k.a. the Double Dragons) play the best in reggae, dancehall, and soca + a touch of hip-hop and old school. $5 before 11:30 pm, more after.

10 pm Girls Dem Sugah #3: Hot Sexy Punkie @ Souz Dal, 612 College St. The fiercest fucking duo Sarah Miles and Paul Aguirre-Livingston play the chillest tunes for your sexy pleasure. R&B, electro-whatevs, anthems, old school, thrillest shit.

10 pm Switchcraft @ Kitsch, 229 Geary Ave. DJs Marshall Drägun and Ricky Bionix dig deep into the black wax to harness the rhythm conjured by circular motion: techno, electro, house, downtempo, and of course, a dash of the unknown. Mythically great food for snacking or dining will be cooking in the cauldron.

10 pm Leant @ Johnny Jackson, 587 College St. A night of debauchery and fun scored to the soundtrack of your favourite club rap classics, southern fried flavas, trap, west coast bangers, booty poppin’ anthems, and ratchet ballads! With DJs Big Jacks and Royale. $5 on guestlist before 11:30 pm, 
more after. For guestlist, email GetLeant@gmail.com.

10 pm Untitled (How Does It Feel) @ Kanji Sushi & Sake Bar, 1346 Queen St. W. Japanese-inspired cocktails alongside Japanese and North American beers. DJs Kid MK and Benjamin play classic hip-hop and R&B. To reserve a table, email info@electriCITYevents.com.

10 pm Funk Off @ The Boat, 158 Augusta Ave. Get down to music of the funk variety! TNT on the tunes. $5.

10 pm Joy Orbison @ Wrongbar, 1279 Queen St. W. DJ set by Joy Orbison with support from some special guests. $20 advance tickets available online. For guestlist, email guestlist@wrongbar.com.

10 pm Audien @ The Hoxton, 69 Bathurst St. DJ set by Audien with support from Matt Zanardo. $ advance tickets available at Rotate This, Soundscapes, Play De Record, and online. For guestlist, email steven@thehoxton.ca.

11 pm Shake A Tail @ Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College St. A night of dancing to 60’s pop, rock, soul, funk, garage, ska, ANYTHING! Always humid. $5.

11 pm Diggy The DJ @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Diggy from Down With Webster hits the decks and plays all your favourite hip-hop bangers. $10.

SUNDAY

10 am The Junction Flea @ The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W. A mix of select independent vendors selling antiques, handmade craft+design, food, vintage clothing, records, and more! Check out their blog for vendor profiles. Until 5 pm. $5.

7 pm Poetry Slam @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Local wordsmiths and performers provide an evening of spoken word, lyrical mastery and friendly competition before an always packed house. $75 goes to the best performance of the night – sign-up starts at 7:30 pm. $5.

~ Caitlyn Holroyd

For event submissions, email caitlyn_holroyd@hotmail.com