Toronto Festival of Clowns participants Rebecca Black, Jeff Kearns, Dave McKay, Allan Turner and Adam Bailey are pictured in Dundas Square, Toronto.
The Toronto Festival of Clowns
Last summer, Adam Lazarus finished his 10-year run as the artistic director of the Toronto Festival of Clowns, leaving big shoes to fill. Indeed, two co-directors were hired to program this year's affair of cabaret, physical theatre and adventures in face paint. The talent includes a diverse bunch, from the SNAFU Dance Theatre to Cirque du Soleil alumni Courtenay Stevens, and from Colombia's Catalina Del Castillo to the miming maestro Paul Wildbaum.
June 8 to 12. $15 to $20. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St., 416-504-9971 or torontofestivalofclowns.com.
Field Trip
While bigger Canadian music festivals struggle with the weakened loonie, Field Trip organizers hum along fine, its boutique scope allowing for international headliners that include The National and Robyn. Representing the truly northern artists are Jason Collett, July Talk, Jazz Cartier, Basia Bulat and the wicked Scott Thompson.
June 4 and 5, 1 p.m. $75 to $125 (one-day) and $125 to $200 (two-day). Fort York and Garrison Common, 250 Fort York Blvd., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Every Song I've Ever Written Between 1985 and 2004
With a mixed-tape heart and a Spotify soul, the bedroom singer-songwriter Jacob Wren will perform his entire catalogue of 58 songs in chronological order. His five-hour show offers autobiographical reflections alongside ideas on cultural shifts and music consumption in a digital age.
June 9, 6 p.m. Free. The Power Plant, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000 or harbourfrontcentre.com.
Human Rights Panel: Bathhouse Raids
On Feb. 5, 1981, a large force of police officers raided Toronto's gay bathhouses. In a landmark response, the gay community rioted instead of running for the shadows. The event is a big part of Nick Green's play Body Politic at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, and, on Tuesday, pastor Brent Hawkes and others, including author Margaret Atwood, gather to discuss the impact of the happening.
June 7, 7 p.m., Free. The 519, 519 Church St., pridetoronto.com.
Douglas Kirkland: A Life in Pictures
"We need a bed and we need white silk sheets," Marilyn Monroe said. "And Frank Sinatra records and Dom Pérignon champagne." Those were the movie star's instructions to a young photographer. Douglas Kirkland's sensual shoot with Monroe is just one of the highlights of a portfolio he packed with photos of A-listers from the golden-age day.
To June 30. Free. Izzy Gallery, 106 Yorkville Ave., 416-922-1666 or izzygallery.com.