In celebration of Black History Month, MINT Film Festival's February event features musical performances by Canadian jazz legend Jackie Richardson, vocalist Sterling Jarvis, pianist Steve Hunter and a screening of the award-winning documentary PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI. 

Director Paul Saltzman, who had been imprisoned for his work in the U.S. civil rights movement, will be in attendance. The film follows Oscar winning actor Morgan Freeman and a group of students on their journey planning and undertaking their first integrated school prom.

A special award will also be given to the producers of the environmental media project GREENHEROES, and their short film on the late Dr. Wangari Maathai will be screened. 

Now in its 10th year, Toronto's annual winter folk and blues festival is back, and has moved to a new location, the Delta Chelsea Hotel (33 Gerrard St. W.). The festival showcases both established and developing roots artists. This year's performers include David Essig, Lynn Miles, Jory Nash, Laura Fernandez, Tony Quarrington, Mr. Rick & the Biscuits, Danny Marks, Jaron Freeman Fox & the Opposite of Everything, The Lemon Bucket Orkestra and the Wanted. Most events are pay what you can, and people of all ages are welcome.

http://www.abetterworld.ca/?page_id=4936

https://www.facebook.com/events/130235373764860/

Words by Design: An Evening with Bruce Mau and the awarding of the PEN Canada One Humanity Award.

Designer and innovation guru Bruce Mau, known and celebrated around the world for his inspirational, transformative ideas that have reinterpreted contemporary culture, reveals himself and his work in images and conversation.

The PEN Canada One Humanity Award honours someone whose work has transcended the boundaries of national divides and inspired connections across cultures. The writings of the individual reflect honesty, good judgement, and a courageous belief in the peaceful expression of ideas through any medium.

This $5,000 award is made possible by the gracious generosity of PEN Canada supporter, Florence Minz.

Tickets: $50, $20 (students)

Monday August 8

"What Do Queer Neighbourhoods do for Cities?" - A Queer Urban Space UnConference - Guest Presenters: Professor Catherine J. Nash, Brock University, Michael Went, Co-author of Community Advisory Panel recommendations to Pride Toronto. Michael Erickson, is a high school teacher, community organizer, photographer and sometimes politician. Rebecka Sheffield, a volunteer with Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives Final event of three part series on Queer Neighbourhoods in Toronto. 220 Cowan Avenue at West Queen West. Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre 6: 30 PM FREE

Wednesday August 10

Twestival, or Twitter Festival, is a unique initiative that attempts to unite digital life with that of the real. On this day, thousands of individuals from online Twitter communities unite offline to raise money and awareness for a choice cause.

Essentially, Twestival works by using the platform of pre-existing social media -- primarily through Twitter but also via Facebook -- to raise awareness for social causes. Twestival’s aim, according to the event’s organizers, is to harness the power of social media for social good.

 In September 2008, the groundwork for Twestival was established.

http://www.twestival.com/

TaiwanFest returns to Vancouver Downtown during the Labour Day weekend.

Highlights are great fusion concerts, funky Techno Prince dance, Taiwanese Aboriginal artisans, inspiring documentaries, fabulous culinary shows, brand new games for all ages, world's best beef noodle and the first-ever street banquet that celebrates Vancouver 125.

This festival is about to change you how you see Taiwanese culture! Admission Free!

The Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council proudly presents the 41st edition of "It's Your Festival" celebrating Canada's 144th birthday in the beautiful and historic Gage Park. Hope to see everyone there from 1-101 years of age.

Some of the features of this year's festival are: 26 foods of the world, over 100 arts and crafts booths, and 7 big stages of entertainment including the famous West Coast Lumberjack Show.

We will have local artists exhibiting their work, displays of all description, a vast amount of entertainment for children such a Shrek and the famed Canada Bubbles, where you can walk on water. All the fun a child can handle at any age.

The 23rd Toronto Fringe Festival will run July 6-17, 2011. The Festival features 150 theatre companies performing at 30 venues across downtown Toronto's west side. The Festival includes a Fringe Club at Bathurst and Bloor with free nightly programming, a beer tent and food service by local restaurants. FringeKids! hosts special programming for children and young families.

Check out http://www.fringetoronto.com for useful information about the Toronto Fringe, The Next Stage Festival, The Fringe Evolution Fund, and information on our subsidized online ticketing system "OTICS". The Toronto Fringe produces two annual festivals -- The Toronto Fringe Festival & The Next Stage Festival -- and runs a variety of community outreach programs throughout the year.

The TD IRIE Music Festival is a multi-day, family-friendly festival taking place Friday, July 29th to Monday, August 1st. Join the celebration of music - from reggae to salsa, gospel and soul to African; dance from the African Diaspora, spoken word/literature, a visual arts exhibition, film, international food and refreshing drinks.