February 2025 The Bloor St. Culture Corridor

Tafelmusik presents Triple Espresso: Bach, Handel & Fasch, February 21-23, 2025.

Alfredo Bernardini will leave you buzzing like three espressos with this high-energy program that unleashes the exponential power of the oboe.

Oboe lovers, rejoice! The “sublime” (Gramophone) Italian oboist Alfredo Bernardini returns with a high-octane program of Bach and his contemporaries. This hand-picked selection features three works with striking orchestral textures: Tafelmusik’s premiere of Telemann’s Concerto in B-flat Major for three violins and three oboes, the playfully inventive Suite in G Minor for three oboes by Fasch, and Bach’s celebrated Suite in D Major. Listen for Bernardini’s “sparkling, communicative approach … the perfect synthesis of splendour and dance-like charisma” (Gramophone) in Handel’s Oboe Concerto in G Minor.

Triple Espresso is our own lively, potent blend—bound to perk up your ears! Tickets available here.

This February, the Women’s Art Association of Canada offers an engaging series of exhibitions celebrating the creativity and diversity of its members. Explore Black & White, a member group exhibition at the Dignam Gallery, from February 6–22. Experience the introspective world of Beatriz Simas in A Woman of Many Faces, a solo exhibition running from February 5–15 at the Ruth Upjohn Gallery. From February 19–22, discover Forgotten Traditions by Karen Pe’er, also at the Ruth Upjohn Gallery, followed by Marching for Women’s Rights, a solo exhibition by artist Yafang Shi from February 26–March 8. The WAAC Library is open to the public on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month, offering a treasure trove of resources for art lovers. Visit them at 23 Prince Arthur Ave., Toronto, ON, M5R 1B2, open Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm. For more information, please visit their website.

Celebrate Black History Month with a series of events at Toronto Reference Library and branches across the city, and explore new reading lists for all ages that honour Black voices, heritage and culture. On February 11, Toronto music legends Saukrates, Keysha Freshh and Solitair discuss Toronto’s hip-hop “sound” with hosts Del F. Cowie and DJ Agile for the popular annual Before the 6ix program. And award-winning authors Suzette Mayr, Sheila Murray and Kai Thomas discuss Black historical fiction writing with host Sarah Raughley on February 18. Discover a wide range of events during Black History Month in February and all year round, and learn more about TPL’s Black History series at tpl.ca/blackhistory.

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, JFT will host a series of events featuring Japanese romance novelist SHIMAMOTO Rio. Events include a hybrid book club on February 8 to discuss First Love, an award-winning mystery novel exploring the darkness and light of love; a screening of the film adaptation of The Nighthawk’s First Love on February 11; and an online talk event with the author on February 12. Help the Book Tree bloom by commenting on 5 or more borrowed items from JFT Library from January 20 – March 29 and win an exciting prize! On February 20, join an in-person lecture with Dr. Alice Covatta to discuss how architecture may help mitigate social isolation and loneliness in cities. The CINEMA KABUKI is coming back on Sunday, February 23rd this year. Don’t miss your chance to experience the incredible, immersive Kabuki. For information about upcoming events and other programming please visit their website.

The Royal Conservatory’s February concerts start with a musical celebration of the celebrated French chanteuse Édith Piaf, starring Nathalie Lermitte on February 1. Acclaimed French-Canadian pianist Louis Lortie pays tribute to Maurice Ravel on February 9 in celebration of the composer’s 150th birthday. Renowned vocalist Michael Feinstein pays tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett on February 13 with the Carnegie Hall Ensemble. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with New Orleans’ Grammy Award-winning The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and accordionist Nathan Williams and his Zydeco Cha Chas. Additional concerts this month include Cuban artists Harold López-Nussa with harmonica player Grégoire Maret and pianist Hilario Durán with his big band, the Takács Quartet performing Beethoven and Brahms with pianist Sir Stephen Hough, a tribute to the “Barefoot Diva” by the Cesária Évora Orchestra, a piano recital by Pierre-Laurent Aimard, and more. Head to their website to learn more.

Get your 80s groove on by joining their popular 80s aerobics dance class led by Melissa Bartem on February 2. Join them on February 5 to test your knowledge of iconic 80s movies, music videos, and chart-topping hits as we show clips, stills, and play the most iconic songs from the decade. Learn how to create your own luxurious foot scrub using a selection of natural ingredients with Catherine Chambers of Let’s Make It on February 8. They’ll be open on Family Day for crafts and activities for kids. Get creative with their Art/Wear Paint Night on February 25 for a unique shoe-themed paint night with artist and Bata Shoe Museum graphic designer Gus Aguirre. Learn more about all the exciting events and workshops on their website.

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema kicks off February with an exciting lineup of premieres, special events, author talks and more. Highlights include 7 Beats Per Minute, Yuqi Kang’s powerful documentary about freediving champion Jessea Lu confronting trauma to rediscover connection, and a special Black History Month screening of Love & Basketball, hosted by Hey Black Girl!. On March 3, Author Talks welcomes New York Times bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld to discuss her latest short story collection Show Don’t Tell with Chatelaine editor Maureen Halushak. New series debut this month! A Year of Austen honours Jane Austen’s 250^th birthday with Sense and Sensibility, Art of Anime celebrates Japanese classics with Whisper of the Heart, and Truth and Dare screens bold docs like Dig! XX. Don’t miss Family Screenings’ Akeelah and the Bee on February 9 and a Mamma Mia! Valentine’s Sing-Along on February 14. Visit the Hot Docs website for details!

Celebrate Family Day at the Gardiner Museum! The Gardiner is hosting two clay workshops for families on February 16 and 17. In this informal 2-hour clay class, families can work together using hand-building techniques to create decorative sculptures, guided by an experienced artist instructor in a professional ceramics studio. Register now! Also on February 16 and 17, drop in to the special exhibition Test Kitchen: A Museum Project between 11 am – 3 pm for a clay tile making activity, included with admission. No registration necessary. Visitors 18 and under always get free Museum admission, so plan your Family Day long weekend at the Gardiner today at their website!

Two new installations for the price of general admission! Bring in Lunar New Year with new pieces in their Chinese Zodiac Case. Delve into a set of twelve porcelain zodiac figures, each with its own unique story before focusing on objects for the year of the snake. Not far away, travel back over 300 years to Iran with our new installation, Picnics and Pastimes. ROM highlights the intricate objects that offer a window into the pleasures and artistic heritage of Iran during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736). The centrepiece of this installation is a reassembled arch featuring live music, poetic recitations, and eating and drinking creating a multi-sensory ambience. Don’t forget to “bundle up” and upgrade your tickets to Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.; Nature in Brilliant Colour; and Wildlife Photographer of the Year – all on view this February. Learn more at their website.

On the occasion of Italian Design Day 2025, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto is delighted to present two exceptional events celebrating Italian creativity and innovation. The first is the exhibition Carissimo Pinocchio. Curated by Giulio Iacchetti, with exhibition design by Matteo Vercelloni and graphic design by Federica Marziale Iadevaia, this showcase reimagines Carlo Collodi’s iconic puppet through the eyes of contemporary Italian designers and graphic artists, commemorating the 140th anniversary of The Adventures of Pinocchio. The second event is a presentation and panel discussion with Italian architect Maite García Sanchis, focusing on this year’s Design Day theme, Inequalities: Design for a Better Life. More details will be announced soon. For information on these and other events, check out their website.

VEMU’s popular “Keelekohvik” Estonian Language Café, will continue on February 5 and 19 at 7pm. Suitable for beginners, you can practice your Estonian in a casual, friendly environment! On February 12, the new exhibit, “Memories from Altai Krai” by Estonian painter and illustrator Liisa Kruusmägi will be on view at Tartu College. The exhibit explores the story of the artist’s ancestors, who migrated to Siberia at the end of the 19th century. The dream of a better life took them on a long and tiring journey to Altai Krai in Central Asia. See the exhibit at Tartu College until March 23. VEMU will also be hosting an Estonian to English translation competition beginning in February. Keep an eye on VEMU’s website for more details on how to participate. More information can be found at their website.

In February, at the Miles Nadal JCC, they celebrate Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month. Holey Wholly Holy: Visualizing Jewish Disability Justice is a series of paintings by Sharoni Sibony that explore how chronic illness affects our relationships to community and belonging and how Jewish spaces can promote recursive healing and interdependence. The opening reception will be held on February 4 in the Gallery at the J. Their movie lecture series, Bringing Five Jewish Directors into Focus – Part II, continues until February 10 with popular film critic Adam Nayman. Spend Family Day at the J! They’re offering fun activities for the whole family, including Jungle Gym, face painting, dance, music, sports and games, recreational swimming and more! Explore at their website.

Cheers from 918 Bathurst! They wish everyone a wonderful start to the New Year. Their season is already packed with exciting events! The Music Gallery is presenting its third annual Residency Program, taking over the building to provide space for incubating new creative projects and ideas. The residency will culminate in a captivating performance later this month. As always, the Annex Chess Club hosts weekly Monday night tournaments. 918’s calendar is quickly filling up with both private and public events. If you’re planning an event for the spring or summer months, now is the time to book! For more information, head to their website.