The world in your town

The printed program of events for AIDS Conference delegates lands with a thump — a lot is packed into six days.

Xtra went through the itinerary looking for happenings that were intriguing and open to the public. Here are a few.

The Global Village, the hub of the conference, is located deep inside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St W). We have given addresses for events held elsewhere. They’re all free unless otherwise stated.

Looking for entertainment?

On Sat, Aug 12, the director?s cut of the film 3 Needles screens, with director Thom Fitzgerald on hand to answer questions. At the Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park) at 7:30pm.

On Mon, Aug 14, the Soul Of Africa concert features Soul Influence, and singers Donné Roberts and Thomas Mapfumo. At Harbourfront Centre’s concert stage (235 Queens Quay W) starting at 7:30pm.

On Tue, Aug 15, the Casey House fundraiser DQ presents a 30-minute version of its Lucky Lady Show at the Global Village main stage from 1:45pm to 2:15pm. The full show runs from Tue, Aug 15 to Thu, Aug 17 at Hart House Theatre (7 Hart House Circle, University Of Toronto). Show start at 8pm. Tickets are $40 from Uofttix.ca.

On Tue, Aug 15, various sex workers from around the globe will put on a show that, states the program, “will surely leave everyone talking.” On the Global Village main stage from 5:45pm to 6:15pm.

On Wed, Aug 16, Plan C, a jazz/funk/soul/ hip-hop/electronica band, takes to the stage. In Yonge-Dundas Square from 8pm to 9pm.

On Thu, Aug 17, the Young People In Control: Doing It Safe sex comedy show features all kinds of numbers written and performed by young people. In the Global Village youth pavilion from 7pm to 8pm.

On Thu, Aug 17, LIVING Words present authors from around the world. Features Canada’s own Stephen Lewis and US-based writer and filmmaker Anne-Christine d’Adesky. At Harbourfront’s concert stage (235 Queens Quay W) from 8pm to 10pm.

On Thu, Aug 17, three-time Juno award winner Billy Newton-Davis performs. At Workman Theatre (1001 Queen St W) from 9:30pm to 10:30pm.

Looking for inspiration?

From Fri, Aug 11 to Sat, Aug 26, the photo exhibit AIDS: Picture Change shines a spotlight on the battle against HIV/AIDS in Kenya, Mozambique, Ethiopia, India, Cambodia and Canada. In the Allen Lambert Galleria in BCE Place (181 Bay St) from 7am to midnight daily.

From Sun, Aug 13 to Fri, Aug 18, AIDS memorial quilts from 20 countries will be on display. In the CBC Broadcast Centre atrium (205 Wellington St W) from 6am to 1am daily.

On Tue, Aug 15, a program of short films from South Africa, the UK, Brazil, the US and Canada focusses on gay men, lesbians and HIV. At Olympic Spirit (35 Dundas St E) starting at 7:30pm.

On Wed, Aug 16, Emmanuel Mabe uses hip-hop music to address the current challenges facing youth, including gun violence and HIV/AIDS. In Yonge-Dundas Square from 6:45 to 7:45pm.

On Thu, Aug 17, an international AIDS vigil will feature speakers and performers from around the world remembering, honouring, celebrating and grieving those who have been lost. In Yonge-Dundas Square from 9pm to 10pm.

Looking to mix and mingle?

On Sat, Aug 12, AsianXpress and Asian Community AIDS Services host a dance party aimed at both locals and conference delegates, especially from Asian Pacific regions. Free for delegates before 11pm; $5 otherwise. At 5ive Nightclub (5 St Joseph St) starting at 10pm.

On Sun, Aug 13, there’s the launch of the youth pavilion, located in the Global Village. From 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

On Wed, Aug 16, the women’s informal networking event allows women from around the world to compare notes. In the Global Village community dialogue space from 5:45pm to 7:45pm.

On Fri, Aug 18, the T-Party: Welcoming The World event invites trans and sex worker delegates to “dance ourselves silly.” At 5ive Nightclub (5 St Joseph St) starting at 8pm. No cover before 11:30pm.

Looking to activate your activism?

On Sun, Aug 13, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation hosts the AIDS Treatment Now March, to bring attention to those who need medication worldwide. Starting with a rally at Grange Park (Grange Rd and McCaul St) from 4pm to 5:30pm.

On Wed, Aug 16, the session 25 Years Of Community Response To HIV/AIDS: Where Do We Go From Here looks at how to make progress against the epidemic, the role for radical activism and the dangers of burnout. On the Global Village main stage from 4:15pm to 5:45pm.

On Thu, Aug 17, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders Canada launches an educational exhibit designed to allow Canadians to experience a mission. All day in the big trailer in Yonge-Dundas Square.

On Thu, Aug 17, there’s a screening of Pills, Profits, Protest: Chronicle Of The Global AIDS Crisis, a film directed by Anne-Christine D’Adesky and Ann T Rossetti. At the Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen?s Park) from 7:30pm to 10:30pm.