Toronto events on the Radar for the weekend of MARCH 14th + 15th, 2009
...lovingly handpicked from blogTO's events calendar

FILM | CMW Film Festival: The Story of Anvil
For struggling artists, musicians, and those who believe in dreams, The Story of Anvil follows a local cult metal band who shoulda made it but didn't. The trailer above really says it all, but just as an aside, I saw this in Los Angeles among a hardened group of film industry types, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
NFB Cinema, National Film Board of Canada, 150 John Street.
3pm / $10, FREE with CMW wristband

BENEFIT | Cuttin' It For Cancer Benefit Gala
A multi-genre benefit with a silent auction, art exhibit, and Second City alumni induced laughter. Lots of groove and dancing, too, with funk band Cool Man Cool and an end-of-night dance party featuring DJ Ghalleon.
Comedy Bar, 945B Bloor Street W.
6pm / $25

FASHION | Spring Designer Clothing Fashion Sale
40-80% all men's and women's spring designer samples. Rock and Republic, True Religion, JBRAND, Sinful, Ed Hardy, Lacoste, and more.
Sheraton Hotel, 600 Highway 7 E, Richmond Hill. (416) 805-7930.
11-9pm / FREE

MUSIC | Playdead Cult Presents Independence Day
Playdead Cult puts on a free day show to celebrate Toronto indie music, with Machetes, A Primitive Evolution, Latefallen, and Purrr, finishing just in time for you to catch your first 8 o'clock band at CMW.
Playdead Mansion, 1233 Queen Street W. (416) 921-6662.
3-8pm / FREE

MUSIC | Canadian Music Week: Bloc Party with Holy Fuck
The not-so-Canadian Bloc Party play their second of two shows at Koolhaus, with the very Canadian Holy Fuck opening.
Koolhaus, 132 Queens Quay E. (416) 869-0045.
8pm doors / $35, FREE with wristband or badge (limited)

STAGE | High School Musical 2: On Stage
It's March Break: officially time to start planning events for the kid or musical theatre junkie in your life. The adaptation of the film is set at a country club talent show, with all the same songs, so you can practise at home, singing along with clenched fist and eyes closed.
Toronto Centre For The Arts - Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge Street. (416) 870-8000.
see website for times / $22

WORDS | Balfour Books Annual 50% Off Sale
Half-off books at Balfour, the Little Italy bookshop that brings the pitter-patter to my heart. Perfect time to grab those fine classics and art history books you've been holding back from buying.
Balfour Books, 601 College Street. (416) 531-9911.
12-11pm / FREE entrance

SUNDAY, MARCH 15th
ART | Carey Young: Speechcraft
Artist Carey Young incorporates public speaking club Toastmasters into her performance exhibition, by asking members to produce speeches on artistically inspiring studio pieces. Previously commissioned in 2007 by Modern Art Oxford and performed in 2008 with New York's Creative Time.
Brigantine Room, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
4pm / FREE

COMMUNITY | 22nd Annual Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade
A day when imbibing and wearing dollar-store "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" crowns is mildly tolerated. Don your green and celebrate, even if you don't hail from the land of U2. After all, as the recent sign on Zanzibar says, "You don't have to be Irish to get lucky."
see map for parade route
12 noon / FREE

FILM | Contemporary Voices: 3 Short Israeli Films
Toronto Jewish Film Society presents screenings of The Red Toy, The 74th, and Out For Love, Be Back Shortly. Featuring speaker Shlomo Schwartzberg.
Al Green Theatre, MNJCC. 750 Spadina Avenue, (416) 924-6211.
4pm, 730pm / $15 general admission, $10 for people 18-29 (for 730pm screening)

OTHER | Craft Swap Party
Swapping fever takes over Freedom Clothing, as it partners up with Swap-Don't Shop for the 1st Craft Swap Party. Bring all craft-related supplies and finished/half-finished projects and spread the joy. Workshops take place over the afternoon, giving you more ideas for future projects. Unclaimed items will be donated to the Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre.
Freedom Clothing, 939 Bloor Street W. clothing_swap@hotmail.com
4-8pm

For full listings, head on over to our events calendar.

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