1. Cuban-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Alex Cuba has been honing the craft of integrating Latin sounds into smooth, soulful slow jams since he released his first solo album, Humo de Tobaco, back in 2004. Now, the two-time Juno winner and Nelly Furtado collaborator wants to prove he can make Spanish-language pop music that connects with fans who span a broad (read: non-Spanish-speaking) demographic with his self-titled third release, a collection of upbeat, engaging tunes that combine smart Latin accents — funky horns, reggaeton rhythms, clever Cuban guitar riffs — with a prevailing pop sensibility. Cuba opens for Bebel Gilberto tonight at Sound Academy (11 Polson). $32.50 from Rotate This, Ticketmaster. For more, read Sarah Liss' interview with Cuba.

2. Argentinian auteur Lisandro Alonso was only 26 years old when he made La Libertad, a patient, observational account of a rural woodcutter, which he achieved through close collaboration with the “star,” Misael Saavedra.  Despite its quite conscious play with duration, to slander La Libertad as minimalism would be to ignore Alonso’s exquisite eye — and ear — for natural textures. And while it’s easy enough to classify the film as a hymn to routine — a lot of wood gets chopped, in real time — its key feature is Alonso’s humble willingness to subordinate rhythmic control to his subject. The film screens tonight at 8:45pm as part of the TIFF Cinematheque's Argentinian-themed "Film Now" series. Jackman Hall, Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas W.

3. Matisyahu — still the world's only star Hassidic reggae MC — will likely draw enough worshippers to make minyun tonight at the Phoenix (410 Sherbourne). Soja opens. $29.50 from Rotate This, Soundscapes, Play de Record, Ticketmaster.