The Weekender: LG Fashion Week, Jane Goodall and six other events on our to-do list

The Weekender: LG Fashion Week, Jane Goodall and six other events on our to-do list

Denis Gagnon F/W 2011 at Fashion week, Nelson Takkiruq sculpture and Dr. Jane Goodall

1. INUIT MODERN
This brand new exhibit draws from a huge collection of Inuit art acquired by real estate developer Samuel Sarick and his wife, Esther, featuring 175 contemporary works by artists like David Ruben Piqtoukun, Kenojuak Ashevak, Karoo Ashevak and Lucy Tasseor. Budget-friendly bonus: if you’re under 25, this is the last weekend to take advantage of the AGO’s Maharaja exhibition offer, which gets you into the entire gallery for free. April 2 to August 21. $19.50. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648, ago.net.

2. LG FASHION WEEK
It’s enough to exhaust even the most dedicated fashionista: the past couple days have been a flurry of fashion shows, after parties and boldface name–laden events, and the week before that was much the same (Rogue Fashion Week included off-site shows by Mark Fast, Greta Constantine and Ezra Constantine and the much-anticipated return of Arthur Mendonça). It all winds down this weekend, but before the city’s couture kids head home for some much-needed rest, they’ll be hitting the last of the shows (including Diepo and Line Knitwear) and hoping to score some advice from Jeanne Beker, who’s signing copies of Strutting It!, her behind-the-scenes guide to making it in the biz, on Friday. To April 2. $40–50 per show, day pass $200. Heritage Court, Exhibition Place, 105 Princes’ Blvd., lgfashionweek.ca.

3. AN EVENING WITH DR. JANE GOODALL
A primatologist, environmentalist and UN Messenger of Peace, Jane Goodall is no slouch when it comes to getting things done. Arguably the most famous scientist in the world (and the only one with an elementary school following), the acclaimed Dr. Goodall shares stories about her fieldwork and conservation efforts at the ROM this weekend. April 2. $65. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-5797, rom.on.ca.

4. ROD STEWART AND STEVIE NICKS: THE HEART AND SOUL TOUR
Chart-topping rockers of yore Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks team up on this North American tour, which stops by Toronto this weekend. We’re not entirely sure what to expect—both musicians have decades-long careers and have done their fair share of experimenting with style and genre. Some previous shows have included a couple duets, and we can guarantee that there will be lots of crazy hair happening. April 2. $69.50–149.50. Air Canada Centre, 50 Bay St., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

5. THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
We like to think we’d have seen right through Orson Welles’s notorious radio broadcast of H.G. Wells’s classic tale of alien invasion. But for our more credulous fellow Torontonians, know that this weekend’s presentation of the story is just a re-enactment. Don McKellar, Nicholas Campbell and Marc Bendavid provide the dramatic reading, with the Art of Time Ensemble performing the score. Don’t worry, friends; an alien invasion probably won’t happen this weekend, so just enjoy the show. March 31 to April 3. $25–$59. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

6. ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW AND SALE
With sub-zero mornings and snow still taking up valuable sidewalk space, it’s easy to forget that it’s actually spring. But since it’s OOAK time again, it must be true. Cute gardening accessories and outdoor decor, not to mention clothes, jewellery and art by local artisans and designers, are on offer at the show, which wraps up this Sunday. To April 3. $12. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., oneofakindshow.com.

7. IMAGES FESTIVAL
This 24-year-old fest features the best of local, national and international, well, images that move. A paean to “experimental and independent moving image culture,” the lineup is a who’s who of standouts in the contemporary media art scene. Check out the North American premiere of Luo Li’s Rivers and My Father, a beautiful film about family, memory and the Yangtze River. Also, Fucked Up accompany a 1928 silent film and the Art Gallery of York University and the Music Gallery offer up installation art. March 31 to April 9. Up to $15. Various locations, 416-971-8405, imagesfestival.com.

8. CINÉFRANCO FESTIVAL
Francophiles, wannabe Parisians (or Montrealers!) and film buffs collide at this annual film fest, which presents the best of francophone cinema from around the world. We love the healthy selection of comedies this year, especially Isabelle Mergault’s latest offering, Donnant, Donnant (Fair is Fair), which features a mother/daughter/ex-con love triangle. $12, 10-film pass $99. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., and NFB Toronto Mediatheque, 150 John St., 416-599-8433, cinefranco.com.

(Images: Gagnon by Jenna-Marie Wakani; Takkiruq, Art Gallery of Ontario; Goodall, Nick Step)