The history of Michael Hollingsworth's "epic play-cycle" The History of the Village of the Small Huts is almost as storied (and confusing) as the events they represent. Many are familiar with the plays only since 2000, when VideoCabaret's residency began in the back room at the Cameron House. Since then, they have produced a new Hollingsworth play every year (with the exception of 2004), making the currently-running Laurier the eighth play in the cycle.......

They’ve got Hank’s seal of approval, so you know they’re at least half-way decent. Since receiving some "big-ups" on Henry Rollins’ show on L.A.’s Indie 103.1, The Harold Wartooth’s grunge-y star has been rising, with support coming in from the likes of CBC’s seminal Definitely Not the Opera and UK-based Catacomb Records. With a solitary self-titled EP under their belts, the band have demonstrated a propensity for writing Fun House-era Stooges-style riffs and burying them......

Developers RioCan bought the parking lot at the corner of Queen Street West and Portland back in 2005. Immediately, rumours started to circulate that a big box store, like Home Depot, was going to be built at the site. At the time, The Globe and Mail reported that RioCan planned to start building in 2007. Which is now. So what's happening with the project? In August 2006, Spacing Wire reported that activists had met......

They were built in 1856 in the Georgian style and were Toronto's last standing townhouses from the 19th century, but now Walnut Hall is no more. The historically-designated property began collapsing yesterday at about 4 p.m. and is now almost entirely rubble [CityTV video]. Shuter Street was closed from Jarvis east to Pembroke Street until late this afternoon. The property was notorious for its decrepit state. Once owned by the RCMP along with the......

Songwriting may be new to single-named performer Rayna, but she has taken to it very well. Writing her first song only three years ago, her first CD, Empty Room, showcases a performer that is anything but inexperienced. The strength of this album has garnered a lot of attention on the Internet through her MySpace page, IndieCan Radio and several loyal podcasters. XM Radio and local broadcasters are starting to catch the buzz as well.......

Tonight marks the first installment of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School at the Cameron House. The event provides a night of drawing from the live model with a series of cheeky twists. Firstly, the model is not some random naked person, but rather a cabaret star dressed in appropriately Vaudevillian costume. And at this life drawing session, the art-making is accompanied by alcoholic beverages and groovy tunes, not to mention kooky contests (best incorporation of a......

The year is winding down and so is the music, which is kind of nice, actually, because there seem to be a lot of tours already gearing up for 2007. Hopefully Alexisonfire isn't one of them...we have no idea how they can manage to go onstage and scream for 7 solid days (they have a few more shows this week). Insanity. Best bets for this week include Royal Wood tonight at the Cameron House......

It seems to be the week of Alexisonfire, who are playing just about every venue in the city over the next 7 days, starting on Thursday. We predict a few bruised ribs and black eyes just in time for Christmas...so kids, if you're going to the show(s), be a little gentler to each other knowing that your parents will be pissed if you're posing for the holiday photos with a shiner. This public service......

Everyone must be getting ready to hibernate for the winter...not as many shows this week and nothing of great interest announced recently. However, the live acts that are playing this week are pretty damn good, if we may say so. Royal Wood is at the Cameron House every Monday evening, and is the perfect choice if you're looking to chill out with a good friend and a glass of wine. Tuesday night, head to......

Here's an event for those who aren't inclined to watch the Grey Cup and are still searching for something to do tonight. That venerable Toronto small-press Coach House is holding a book launch alongside Montreal's Conundrum Press. The event celebrates the launch of three books: The Coward Files by Ryan Arnold, Gilded Lillies by Jillian Tamaki, and the marvellous King, by Tanya Chapman (watch for a review and interview with Ms. Chapman this week).......

Another busy week in the city. Ridiculously busy. Once again, there's something decent to check out every night. We'll be hitting The Decemberists, Imogen Heap, Shout Out Out Out Out (out out out), and possibly a few more. Perhaps even Skid Row (minus Bach). What?! As if you don't miss those power ballads of the 80s! Oh, and it looks like Justin Timberlake is bringing 'sexy back' to Toronto in January. The price? Up......

There seems to be something for everyone this week, but let's just call it the 'week of The Hip' and be done with it, since they've taken up residence at The Phoenix for four sold out shows. We're curious to know if anyone actually paid $60 + TM charges per ticket to attend all of them? 'Fess up! If that's not your thing, you can always get spewed on by Gwar tonight at the......

Torontoist has long felt that Canadian history, our most dreaded subject all through secondary school, is always better left to the theatre artists. The talented folks over at Video Cabaret persist in proving us right with the latest installment of Michael Hollingworth's 15-play cycle The History of the Village of the Small Huts. The Canadian Pacific Scandal is play number six in a series that chronicles the history of our nation from New France to......

The biggest event going on this week, obviously, is NxNE. While not as epic in scope as the Austin-based music fest from which it gets its name, NxNE usually offers up a broad musical buffet for local punters to pick from. This year's lineup seems to be a little bit lighter on the big name acts than year's past, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything worth your attention. Here's some Torontoist-approved picks for the......