Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of June 14-16

Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of June 14-16

Luminato 2013
(Image: Luminato)

In this edition of The Weekender, Luminato opens, R. Kelly is trapped in a closet at TIFF and three more things to do in Toronto.

MUSIC
The National (FREE!)
The beloved Brooklyn-based indie band is headlining a free concert at Yonge-Dundas Square on Friday night as part of the North By Northeast music festival. Montreal’s CTZNSHP opens the show followed by Toronto singer-songwriter Hayden. The National is scheduled to take the stage shortly after 9 p.m. June 14. Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas St. E., 416-863-6963. nxne.com

PERFORMANCE ART
The Life and Death of Marina Abramović
The hardcore Serbian performance artist stars in a biopera dramatizing her Belgrade childhood under the strict supervision of her communist parents. Experimental stage director Robert Wilson, whose Einstein on the Beach opened Luminato last year, is the mastermind behind the grandiose production in which Abramović plays at least nine different people. $55-125. June 14-17. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front St. E., 416-368-3100, luminatofestival.com

FILM
R. Kelly’s Trapped in the Closet Sing-Along
In a move equal parts surprising and awesomely hilarious, the Lightbox is showing the first 22 chapters of R&B singer R. Kelly’s epic 33-part hip-hop opera on Saturday. The songs, released on Kelly’s albums from 2005 to 2012, tell the story of a one-night stand that escalates into violence, adultery and lies. Lyrics will be displayed on the screen to encourage the audience to sing along, and Kelly’s melodramatic acting is not to be missed. $12. June 15. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., 416-599-8433, tiff.net

MUSIC
Serena Ryder (FREE!)
The folk singer and three-time Juno winner is achieving true stardom with the single “Stompa” off her latest album. Ryder is playing the opening night of Luminato at David Pecaut Square, following a set from k-os at the same open-air venue. Check out this dark, sexy and deeply bluesy rendition of her folk hit “Weak in the Knees” to get a taste of the revamped Ryder. June 14. David Pecaut Square, King St. and John St., 416-368-3100, luminatofestival.com

MARKET
The Leslieville Flea (FREE!)
The first instalment of the east end’s answer to the popular Junction Flea takes place on Sunday in the space behind the Duke on Queen Street East at Leslie. Vendors at the market are selling vintage home goods and clothing, crafts and art, including terrariums from Crown Flora Studio, jewellery and pottery from Scandimania, quilts and baby wear from Broody Hen Designs and vintage finds from Bragg and Bee. June 16. Queen St. E. and Leslie St., leslievilleflea.blogspot.ca