Left cold by the myriad of events officially programmed by the City of Toronto for this Saturday? Feeling bitten and shy because of disappointing or tedious past experiences? OK then, here’s our unsanctioned guide to the backstreets of Nuit Blanche — all the daring, stimulating and avant-garde fun that you won’t find in your guidebook.
Unless otherwise listed, events run from 7pm-7am and are free.
ALT GALLERIES
Lens Factory
Being on the road is tough — just ask Jack Kerouac. Find your way home with a cup of apple cider at the Lens Factory (1040 Queen St. W., 416-988-0929), and don’t forget to check out the art. Gallery owner and photographer Leonard van Bruggen IV will be presenting an array of photos from his own collection. Also on tap: an eclectic-ethnic blend of live music.
Dvyneart
For those who miss Bob Ross’ dulcet tones and step-1-2-and-3 approach, witness art in the making with Dion Fitzgerald, who sets up shop at the front window of the Parkdale Drink (1292 Queen St. W., 416-778-8822) for an all-night painting marathon beginning at 9pm.
Bicycle Nuit Blanche
Since a burgeoning bike culture is inextricably linked to the independent art scene, Janet Bike Girl has teamed up with CineCycle (401 Richmond St. W., Basement Studios S-26 & S-27) to teach you all about the lifestyle. Check out the bike-themed stencil art, photography and films. Awesome proto-music-video Scopitones — 1960s jukebox films — will be screened in the courtyard.
INTERACTIVE ART
Train-made Penny Souvenir
This is for all the times our parents told us not to play on the train tracks. Alex Snukal has arranged special access to the tracks at the Dufferin Bridge (southeast side of Dufferin Bridge, Queen St. W. & Gladstone Ave.). Give him a coin and he’ll safely set it up for the train to press it. Niagara Falls has a souvenir penny; so should Nuit Blanche.
Coupe Bizzarre
In what may prove to be a (cough) hairy situation, Coupe Bizzarre (704 Queen St. W., 416-504-0783) offers “No Say, No Pay” free haircuts from 8pm-1am, complete with mirrors covered. Brave “clients” can display their new coifs a few stores down at the 710 Queen W. location and take a peak at an installation by the Toronto School of Art.
Keyhole Life Drawing sessions
Pull out your inner artist and leave your inhibitions at home: the ladies of Keyhole are bringing their weekly sessions to the masses at Lower Ossington Theatre (100A Ossington Ave., 8pm-2am, www.thekeyholesessions.com, 18+) with eight models and two Shibari rope-tiers. Models will be posing in flirty, erotic poses and performing simulated sex scenes. Paper and pencils will be supplied.
PARTIES
Stop Die Resuscitate and Dirty Inputs Concert
He’s shared the stage with the likes of Holy Fuck but Aaron Dawson will steal the spotlight tonight as Dirty Inputs. With the help of Stop Die Resuscitate — riding the growing acclaim of their new album The Gloom — the electro/hip-hop vibe will get your energy levels high for the long night ahead. Alcohol served. (Method, 148 Augusta Ave., $5. Show: 9-11pm)
Nuit Noir
For the partier who still wants to artsy it up, this is a one-stop shop for the night. It promises upbeat live performances every hour on the hour, film screenings and the “We Made a Deal with the Devil” art exhibit, just in from an east-coast tour. (Project 165, 165 Augusta Ave.)
Renegade Parade
Nothing breeds chaos like a crowd of fire spinners, stilt walkers, drummers, aerial acrobats, zombies and you, munching on a free cupcake. With a subway party still on the DL, this promises to be a big bash — just ask last year’s participants seen partying it up at Trinity Bellwoods Park (the finish line). (Avenue Rd. & Bloor St. W., 416-823-5780, meet at 9:45pm.)