Events in Toronto – May 15 – 17, 2015

1. Counting Crows

Known as one of the most dynamic live bands performing today, they will be performing songs from the 2014 Top 10 album, which critics have been claiming as the “band’s best,” as well as their extensive catalog. with Twin Forks.

2. Schubert Unfinished Symphony

Why Schubert didn’t finish his Symphony in B Minor remains one of classical music’s most thought-provoking mysteries. Music expert Rob Kapilow delves into the music and the background of this haunting masterpiece.

3. James Ehnes
& Andrew Armstrong

Hailed as “the Jascha Heifetz of our day,” Grammy Award winner James Ehnes is one of the world’s most acclaimed violin soloists, founder of the Ehnes Quartet, and Artistic Director of the Seattle Chamber Music Society. He performs on the “Marsick” Stradivarius of 1715.

4. Elgar’s Cello Concerto

Join Maestro Kristian Alexander as he leads the Kindred Spirits Orchestra through a spirited journey of musical bliss. Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture’s tender tones paint a breathtaking portrait of the sea. Cellist Jun Kyu Park performs Elgar’s Cello Concerto, known to many as Elgar’s ultimate compositional work. Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 breaks with tradition in a delightful romp that celebrates the composer’s joy and happiness.

5. Na Ying

Chinese pop singer

6. Fiddles at the Fort

Join us as players of bowed string instruments from several traditions teach and perform leading up to our community “Around-the-World Jam” where violin, viola, cello and bass players of all levels play their way through 40 tunes from 25 countries.

7. Alan Hobbins in Concert

Maestro Music presents Alan Hobbins in Concert: A Benefit for Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. He is joined by guest artist Colin Yip, Tenor.

8. Electric Island

Tuskegee (Seth Troxler & The Martinez Brothers going head to head!), the legendary Steve Lawler, un-paralleled tech duo Pan Pot, party magician Lee Burridge & the Toronto debut of Tom Trago!. 19+

9. Sufi Qawali Night

Sufi Qawali night is an evening of Sufi Music. Sufi is a poetry that is related to the intellectual thoughts of Sufism. Qawali is the style in which this poetry will be expressed. The main performer is renowned Qawali singer Amjad Sabri by Universal promotions. Details

10. Jewish Music Week

Jewish Music Week in Toronto is an exciting week of concerts, recitals and musical events throughout the GTA. 2015 marks the fifth year of this festival that celebrates Jewish music, as well as the Jewish contribution to genres of music not generally thought of as Jewish.

1. Performing Arts Events

Performing Arts & Theatre in May

Events this weekend include

After Class – Parents Night and The Bigger Issue – A George F. Walker Double Bill @ Theatre Passe Muraille’s Mainspace

Sweeney Todd @ Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC

Hooked @ Theatre Passe Muraille

American Idiot The Musical @Lower Ossington Theatre

Bluebeard’s Castle/ Erwartung @ Four Seasons Centre

9 to 5: The Musical @ Scarborough Village Theatre

How to Kill a Comedian @ The Second City Theatre

Maggie’s Getting Married @ The Village Playhouse

Bedroom Farce & Of Human Bondage @ Young Centre for the Performing Arts

God & the Indian @ Aki Studio

Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play @ Historic Aztec Theatre

Mahmoud & Paolozzapedia @ The Theatre Centre

The Dybbuk, Between Two Worlds @ Young Centre for the Performing Arts

2. Contact Photography Festival

With well over 1500 Canadian and international artists and photographers exhibiting at more than 175 venues throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

3. ICFF Junior

The Italian Contemporary Film festival will be screening a variety of new and diverse films, from home grown Canadian films to the latest Italian films freshly brought to Canada. Geared toward students, the films will inspire and educate students and expose them to exciting new cinema they could not see anywhere else. All non-English films will be subtitled.

4. An Evening With David Sedaris

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humour writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. His latest book, entitled Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, was just released in paperback in June 2014. David Sedaris will appear for one night only, featuring all-new readings of his work and a book signing.

5. RAD Dance Challenge

The RAD Dance Challenge is a two-day competition for young classical ballet dancers that culminates in a showcase of solo performances.

6. Odysseo

The unique theatrical production is first and foremost a grandiose three dimensional show where spectators are taken to a live Hollywood-style movie set while the touching interactions between human and horse are at the heart of the action. Layers of mesmerizing decors combined with gravity-defying acrobatic and areal stunts and the staggering effects created by state-of-the-art scenery makes this humongous stage a real 3-D feast for the eyes! Cavalia

1. Toronto Blue Jays

vs. Los Angeles Angels

2. Bubble Ball Fest | Toronto

Bubble Ball Fest 2015 is coming to Toronto! More fun than soccer, safer than football, cheaper than hockey, and bouncier than basketball. It’s soccer, it’s bumper cars, it’s mad inflated fun. Basically, you play soccer while wearing a giant inflatable bubble; its squishy sphere is meant to encourage crashes and smashes. Bubble Fest.

3. Runs & Walks

UJA’s RUN with Israel

6 km Run – Monday, May 18, 2015 | 09:50 AM @ Coronation Park, 711 Lake Shore Boulevard West

1. Enthusiast Gaming Live

Join the rest of the GTA gaming community, and visit the bustling Marketplace and Indie Corner. Celebrate gaming with cosplayer and musical performances! Watch international pro players flying in from out of town, and be there when two of the world’s most popular Speedrunners attempt to beat world records for time played. Also, LAN Party. EG Live gives competitors and spectators hours of competitive adrenalin and gaming entertainment over a two day convention. Each event is larger-than-life, projected and magnified onto big, theater like screens and sound systems.