Here is a quick rundown of some of the things you can do and see on this opening weekend of Luminato.
For full information and updates, visit www.luminato.com.
StreetScape
Parts of the city are transformed into outdoor galleries with the help of street artists, wall-painters and multimedia creators. The first area to be “redecorated” is Sam Pollock Square at Brookfield Place (181 Bay St.); it’s open 24 hours from June 6-15. The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W.) gets involved with ReSurface, featuring live graffiti art, break dancing and music in the alley. Tomorrow from noon-7 p.m. (free events).
Green flag song
Check out an exhibit of singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell’s mixed-media canvases. Mitchell’s images, described as narratives on the history of war and revolution, were captured from the screen of a dying TV then transformed into Mitchell’s own vision of our world. On display today and tomorrow, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.; continues to Jun. 15 (free event). CTV Queen St. (277 Queen St. W.).
Luminato first night
Here’s where things really light up. Yonge-Dundas Square is the place to be with an opening night concert featuring the Count Basie Orchestra and 14-year-old jazz singer Nikki Yanofsky. Today from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. (free event).
Black watch
The National Theatre of Scotland presents this work based on playwright Gregory Burke’s interviews with former soldiers. It takes the audience from a pub in Scotland to the desert south of Baghdad. Today at 7:30 p.m., continues to June 15 ($46 at 416-872-1111). Varsity Arena (275 Bloor St. W.).
Mozart dances
Mark Morris Dance Group offers an evening-long program of dance with pieces inspired by three of Mozart’s works for piano and orchestra. Today at 7:30 p.m., tomorrow at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. ($50-$70 at 416-872-1111). MacMillan Theatre (80 Queen’s Park).
Sanctuary song
Blending opera, dance and theatre together, the piece, based on a true story, follows an elephant on her way to a sanctuary in the hills of Tennessee. Today at 7 p.m., continues to June 14 ($25/$15 at 416-872-1111). Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St.
BLiNK
Soulpepper Academy’s collective work was inspired by the real life accounts of photojournalists covering wars abroad and the turmoil that follows them back home. Today at 8:30 p.m., continues to June 15 ($25 at 416-872-1111). Young Centre for the Performing Arts (55 Mill St., Bldg. 49).
Queen Street celebration
Last year Luminato looked at Yorkville’s Summer Of Love; this year the focus is on Queen West of the mid-’80s. Listen to live music from Johnny & the G-Rays, The “B” Girls, The Parachute Club and others. There’s also a display of period artefacts and photos. Tomorrow from noon-10 p.m. at Ontario College of Art (100 McCaul St.) and from 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m. at Grange Park (free event).
One on One: Luminato Funk Festival
Get funky with an all day program featuring music from James Brown’s Soul Generals and Morris Day and the Time. Tomorrow from 1 p.m.-11 p.m. (free event). Nathan Phillips Square, Queen & Bay Sts.
Scottish music festival
Things get Celtic with performances from the Barra MacNeils, Ashley MacIsaac, Stuart Cameron, LAU and Sierra Noble. You can also take part in a Scottish square dance. Today from 1:30 p.m.-11 p.m. (free event). Yonge-Dundas Square.
The Ecstasy of Rita Joe
George Ryga’s landmark drama — one of the first in Canada to tackle issues facing Native peoples — celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special staged reading. Sunday at 2 p.m. ($25 at 416-872-1111). Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst St.).
A celebration of Isaac Bashevis Singer
Authors David Bezmozgis and Dara Horn pay tribute to the Nobel Prize-winning author and his literary legacy. Sunday at 3 p.m. ($10 at T.O. TIX in Yonge-Dundas Square). Miles Nadal JCC’s Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave.
